Archive for January, 2005
January 24th, 2005 | 
Author: So… now that I’m a bit removed (but still bouncy)… I’ve added my very small group of photos to my website’s nifty new photobucket. Most of the photos aren’t from Arisia, but from the snow this weekend. I sadly missed getting shots of the Stormtroopers in the hallways. But Kimee was kind enough to post some of the Arisia photos FROM the Stormtroopers’ website, so I’ll link them as well. Erich and I were in the room with them when the portal shots were taken.
So… my Arisia recap…
Highlight of Arisia? Should be obvious. If not, see my last entry. 
Low point of Arisia? Nothing really horrible, but a few “eh” things.
Overall, it’s my least favorite attendance of Arisia so far (’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’05). Not a lot of programming that thrilled me. But the company was good, and that’s what made the con in the end.
The scheduled panels and program as a whole seemed very limited and… bare. In years past, I’ve had to debate what I’d have to skip panel-wise to fit everything into my schedule. This year? I honestly had trouble finding things to fit into my weekend to fill it. The panels were few and far between, and limited in scope. While there was a panel on copyright and issues with women writing particular fiction, there weren’t any discussions of story crafting like years past. Sci-fi panels were abundant, but fantasy was virtually ignored. I was very disappointed in the topic selection this year. I’ll attribute part of that disappointment to being spoiled by WorldCon back in September. But it seemed like there were only five or six panels during any given hour– which seemed small for Arisia. And unless you were into comics, polyamory, or costuming, your choices were extremely limited. I’ll have to look at past years to really determine how skewed WorldCon has made me on that, though.
Something that had improved? The dance was very good, from the brief time we were there before Erich collapsed. It was a much wider range of music. I approved. Lots of people there. And it actually started virtually on time. I’m very impressed there. Great job– especially over what happened two years ago where we finally just gave up and didn’t try to attend the dance.
I didn’t really go into the gaming room this year. With the two panels I was scheduled for, I didn’t expect to have the time to game. From what I did see in the gaming room though, it appeared to be fairly exclusive. I’m not a LARP person, personally, although I’ve heard some good things about the LARP this year.
I can’t comment on the Masq. I was out in the snow getting engaged at the time.
Drum Circle comments? I made them two entries ago. I’m not sure what the deal is with the politics surrounding the drum circle– but the staff members who came downstairs were so incredibly condescending that not only did they give a bad representation of Arisia staff, but also of their outside organization. Needless to say, I do intend on drafting a proposal for next year’s circle… and hope to be the one to host it so the power ego “the circle must run this way” bullshit that took over will be less of a factor this year. Very elitist or unfriendly staff people that I came across is one of the things that really struck me about the con this year. It’s a shame. I understand they’re overworked and frustrated, but if you need to vent, please do so to your friends or your other staff members in a more private setting. It’s still somewhat of a professional thing, and PR is the way that the popularity of the con is grown. Particularly as costs increase for the con.
Speaking of which– it seemed VERY sparsely attended to me for some reason. I’m sure weather was a huge factor as time went on in the con. But even on Friday night, we managed to get every elevator on the first try– with a nearly bare elevator.
My first experiences with being a panelist were good ones. I was nervous as hell and probably quieter than I should have been, but it’s interesting to see it from the other side. I need some time to really wrap up my thoughts specifically on my two panels and will probably post each as a separate entry later. I do intend on offering to sit on panels again in the future, and now that I’ve seen what’s going on, I’ll know how to prepare a bit better. I did get ideas down on paper beforehand so I wouldn’t be dead in the water, but at the same time, I think it still is a bit of a learning curve.
Dealers Room and Dealer’s Row– again, seemed sparser than usual. But again, weather probably had something to do with that. Even still, it seemed like there were a lot less vendors. Particularly up on Dealer’s Row. (and since our room was ON that floor, I spent a lot of time on Dealer’s Row). That being said, Arisia still remains unique in the Dealer’s Row aspect, and I’m glad that they have that. The 10-6 hours of the Dealer’s Room is just weird. It never seems to work with my schedule when I’m at a con. I’m amazed those in the room make much money.
So besides the engagement highlight, my highlights would include catching up with three friends who I don’t get to see that often due to our schedules– I hadn’t seen Tony and Rachel in two years (since my last attendance at Arisia) and hadn’t seen Kimee since the summertime. It’s nice to catch up with them, and at least know that if our schedules are that crazy all year, I can touch base with them there.
Anyway, overall it was a good weekend. I know that Arisia is in many ways a weekend to just enjoy being a geek and spending time with friends who are geeks. And in that sense, it was a good con. In the organized con sense, eh… not so much.
But we’ll see what happens next year…
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It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, either. I just keep having Oh my God, I’m ENGAGED! going through my head today.
Erich and I went to Fire + Ice on St. James Street last night. It’s the restaurant that we went to on our first date, but because we aren’t in the city that often these days together, we haven’t gone since… probably the last time we were at Arisia! Anyway… the snow was swirling, but since it was early in the storm, walking over wasn’t bad at all. We had a nice, relaxed dinner… during which the snow increased outside quickly.
After dinner, Erich commented that he really wanted to see how the snow was plastering itself against his old office (the older John Hancock building… with the weather light). I raised an eyebrow, considering that said building is in the windiest vortex of the city. But it was only a block away, I kinda shrugged and followed him over.
And oh, the wind was swirling. It sounded like wind racing through the trees in the Rockies down that corridor. But we went over there and turned the corner onto Clarendon Street. The snow hadn’t really begun to stick to the building, but I immediately reasoned that with the wind there, it probably wasn’t going to. We walked to the front steps of the building (which were covered in beautiful drifts of snow already). Amid the swirling snow in the air and the ground, he got down on one knee, saying that it’s not *quite* where we first met (we were about 50 feet off at most.. but said spot was in the core of the vortex on the other side of the street), but that it was as close as he could get. He asked me to marry him and presented the ring in the picture above. I immediately said yes (of course!) and we gave each other a quick kiss. Although it was brutally windy and the snow was piling up quickly, I was bouncing inside the two blocks back to the hotel. The rest of the evening was spent cuddling up either in the hotel room, the bar, or at the Arisia dance.
I gave Erich the rose gold claddaugh ring that I’ve worn for the past two years. Originally we had matching ones, but his broke a while back. It seemed fitting for him to wear mine now.
Since the picture above isn’t that great (we tried a few times, but indoor lighting was not our friend). It’s a white-gold ring. The center diamond is square cut. On either side are two small square-cut sapphires. And then in the band on the outside of each sapphire are two tiny diamonds.
So much for struggling to make a highlight of Arisia entry, eh?
It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, either. I just keep having Oh my God, I’m ENGAGED! going through my head today.
Arisia first night thoughts…
Despite the very late addition, the drum circle was well-attended. It started off very strong and comfortable. Lots of dancing. Lots of energy. Everyone was enjoying the rhythms that were being created. It started off well—and I was quite happy, considering that as of Monday, no circle was even on the schedule. We had fifteen to twenty people dancing. The energy that was building was fantastic.
Arisia first night thoughts…
Despite the very late addition, the drum circle was well-attended. It started off very strong and comfortable. Lots of dancing. Lots of energy. Everyone was enjoying the rhythms that were being created. It started off well—and I was quite happy, considering that as of Monday, no circle was even on the schedule. We had fifteen to twenty people dancing. The energy that was building was fantastic.
And then a woman named Sarah (who had a staff button) arrived. At first, she jumped in with everyone else. But as the song died, she quickly took control of the circle, making comments to someone else about how she’d been to many other drum circles—REAL drum circles, she said. Apparently she and a couple others were regulars at the Cambridge Drum Circle—one I’ve wanted to attend, but never really have had the chance to go to. Based on their behavior tonight, I don’t want to attend it—ever. Because this “real” drum circle ended up being a power play. Not a community of rhythms.
She began starting every drum with a chant. Which is fine. However, she had a very poor voice and dragged the chant on far too long, not allowing the drummers to start blending into the rhythm as their hearts desired. She seemed focused on specific drumming patterns as if she was teaching a class, trying to “educate” people on drumming. Even stopping when people didn’t immediately bond onto the pattern that she supposedly was starting (but didn’t). It was a very quick turn off. The magic of the circle died.
As the amount of dancers diminished, the quality of the circle diminished as well. These “real circle” drummers may have an effective circle for the type of drumming they do in Cambridge. But with an actual altar set up on the floor, the power play was disgusting.
Oh, and did I mention that these people insisted on drumming in a V shape, rather than a circle? It’s supposed to be a circle, folks. Connecting one another together. In a V shape, you cannot see the other drummers. You are not side by side. Some are left behind, taken out of the binding circle of rhythm.
The fact that almost every single drum rhythm was forced into a frenzy of fast drumming was also annoying—it left anyone who was unfamiliar with the rhythm out, or in a desperate attempt to catch up. It also was virtually undanceable. While the drummers stayed, the dancers (save a couple) left. Because how were they supposed to dance to such a blur of drum thumps. There was no heartbeat to the melodies, simply because few people could keep up. More than once, I just stopped. On one set, started in a stupidly fast pace, I just didn’t even drum.
Sorry—but from my education, drum circles are to speak to the human heartbeat. The heart doesn’t always beat at 160 clicks per minute. Sometimes it’s good to keep a very low, steady rhythm. Something basic. Allowing even the most unskilled drummer to participate happily, easily. Something welcoming. Something slow and mesmerizing. A couple fast songs? Sure. But not every one should speed up. That shows no control (or soul, for that matter).
On my way back upstairs, friends of mine as well as a few strangers commented on how horrible it turned once these people power played the circle. They commented on the kick ass circle of two years ago—which was amazing. The energy raised that night was unforgettable. Yet these people had the gall to call their way the “real” circle. I doubt they’ve been to one. Or perhaps have never been moved by one, and missed the point.
Next year? Hopefully things will change. I will be contacting the organizers of Arisia in late May once they really start thinking about next year, and will offer to host the drum circle. And we’ll return it to the spiritual, welcoming place that it was for years, welcoming everyone and expecting egos to be left at the door.
Just a heartbeat. One heartbeat. Full of many fingered voices.
It needs to return next year.
At 11 p.m. where it belongs. And without these bullshit egos.
Apparently the room we originally wanted was completely sold out, so the hotel upgraded us FOR FREE to a friggin suite!
Anyone– you must come down and hang out. Seriously dude.
Park Plaza Hotel.
Room 797.
be there.
(I’ve always wanted to do one of these at a con)
But I’m still pretty damn nerdy…
My only saving grace? I’ve lost my stabbity-death pencil compass and protractor from eons ago in geometry class.
If I still had that?
Yeah…
If you’re in Boston and want to meet up with Erich and I while we’re at Arisia at some point, please keep an eye on my journal.
Erich will call me tomorrow in the mid-afternoon to give me our room number at the Park Plaza Hotel. (Arlington T stop, for those of you over on BU campus *wink wink, nudge nudge*).
We’ll also post a note on the message boards on the mezzanine of the hotel.
Whee! Geek weekend!
In his inaugural speech, President Bush didn’t say a SINGLE WORD about Iraq.
Not. One. Word.
Disgraceful, isn’t it? Over a thousand citizens killed. Several thousand wounded. A nation is in complete crisis, and it’s worsening each day.
Afghanistan’s long past– it doesn’t matter any more, despite the fact that Bin Laden is still at large. Iraq is now becoming history, now that the ruse has been blown. Bush needs a new place to conquer, lest those of us who see reality become louder than his supportrs.
How interesting that within days of the cancellation of the search for WMD’s, a new target… Iran (who has a strong military, FYI)… was announced.
One country after another. Bush will keep invading nations, claiming it’s out of the quest to rid the world of tyrany (he apparently hasn’t looked at his own administration recently) and to bring democracy to the world (while he rids his homeland of it, of course).
It’s worked twice– the majority of the American public has gone along with it. Third time’s a charm? Does it really matter, now that he doesn’t have to worry about re-election?
*sigh*
In his inaugural speech, President Bush didn’t say a SINGLE WORD about Iraq.
Not. One. Word.
Disgraceful, isn’t it? Over a thousand citizens killed. Several thousand wounded. A nation is in complete crisis, and it’s worsening each day.
Afghanistan’s long past– it doesn’t matter any more, despite the fact that Bin Laden is still at large. Iraq is now becoming history, now that the ruse has been blown. Bush needs a new place to conquer, lest those of us who see reality become louder than his supportrs.
How interesting that within days of the cancellation of the search for WMD’s, a new target… Iran (who has a strong military, FYI)… was announced.
One country after another. Bush will keep invading nations, claiming it’s out of the quest to rid the world of tyrany (he apparently hasn’t looked at his own administration recently) and to bring democracy to the world (while he rids his homeland of it, of course).
It’s worked twice– the majority of the American public has gone along with it. Third time’s a charm? Does it really matter, now that he doesn’t have to worry about re-election?
*sigh*
From the Drudge Report (and supplimented by Boston Channel 5)…
The FBI is searching for a possible “dirty bomb” in Boston.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has been placed on standby, and public safety officials are meeting at the bunker, officials said Wednesday.
There have been reports that the FBI office in Boston received a call from an FBI office in California warning officials about a suspicious person that may be in the area. There have been no specific threats made, but FBI agents in Boston have been put on alert, and officials started to gather at MEMA at about 1:30 p.m.
I seriously hope this is a false alarm…
From the Drudge Report (and supplimented by Boston Channel 5)…
The FBI is searching for a possible “dirty bomb” in Boston.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has been placed on standby, and public safety officials are meeting at the bunker, officials said Wednesday.
There have been reports that the FBI office in Boston received a call from an FBI office in California warning officials about a suspicious person that may be in the area. There have been no specific threats made, but FBI agents in Boston have been put on alert, and officials started to gather at MEMA at about 1:30 p.m.
I seriously hope this is a false alarm…
Who the hell put on the insanity switch in this office today?
By 10 am, I had 15 of my 43 people complaining to me about stuff they needed done last week (but of course never told me). So of course it all has to get done TODAY.
AT THE SAME TIME.
And I know I really don’t have the time to vent, but I need to so I can get it out of my system before I start plowing through a shitload of notes and paper.
Shoot me.
Who the hell put on the insanity switch in this office today?
By 10 am, I had 15 of my 43 people complaining to me about stuff they needed done last week (but of course never told me). So of course it all has to get done TODAY.
AT THE SAME TIME.
And I know I really don’t have the time to vent, but I need to so I can get it out of my system before I start plowing through a shitload of notes and paper.
Shoot me.
I have a growing collection of books that need to be read, and honestly need to start catching up with the stack. The problem is that, like all bookworms, I keep buying books and then putting them on shelves, forgetting about them until I come across them one day. And I remark that I really need to read that.
And then of course leave it on said shelf and forget about it again.
Compound this problem with an additional TWO bookworms in the apartment at the moment, albeit Jason’s not quite as bad since he’s been focused on getting his finances in order. We have a bunch of high bookshelves. They’re pretty full.
It’s time for me to read some of these, and then maybe attempt using Book Crossing to allow someone else to enjoy them. I have to accept that apart from some that I really, really want to keep, most of the novels I read won’t be read again and should find their way to the hands of someone else who wants to read them.
long list o’ books