CONvergence 2008 wrap-up

Connie is the official
CONvergence mascot.

Okay - the influx of today’s traffic peeking at the goober-pics from this last weekend need no introduction. But the rest of you might. A “Con” is the term attached to various conventions or gatherings where likeminded people “converge” in one area and geek out to their particular fetish. Dragoncon and Comic-con are a couple of popular examples.

I’ve somehow remained blissfully ignorant of all this and since high-school have more or less abandoned my nerdlike demeanor, (although that might be hard to argue). Regardless, having no other plans for Independence Day, I followed my friend, Geoff’s, advice and attended CONvergence. This year was special because it was the 10 year anniversary of said Con and an extra day was added. So four days of geeking out and swilling alcohol — sounded like a fine time to me! :)

A few friends joined me and our posse hung out for most of the time. I was dually impressed with the level of effort that went behind the various party suites and costumes. It was like a four day Halloween party with the “trick-or-treats” being colorful shots of god knows what. :) :) Here are a few highlights that I enjoyed: read more »

Eye Candy Fashion Show

- click to enlarge -

A couple of years ago, my good friend Henry’s son, Cameron, was diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor in his head. Dubbed “the peach”, Henry and Cameron survived one hell of an ordeal that involved extensive surgery to remove 95% of the tumor and months of chemotherapy to battle the remainder.

Cameron, who recently turned 13, has been quite the trooper. After his surgery, the recovery was a very steep hill that he surmounted and surpassed. Despite his amazing journey, however, Cameron’s tumor has grown back. This time the growth is too extensive for surgery to be an option. Regardless of his diagnosis, Cameron maintains a positive outlook and continues against odds to battle his head’s intruder. He is really a remarkable young man. read more »

Breast Cancer 3-Day

A friend of mine is raising funds for the Breast Cancer 3-Day. Please follow the links at the bottom of Jessica’s message and help with your support.

In addition, there’s a spaghetti dinner and silent auction coming up soon to help raise the funds. Consider yourself invited!

Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction
Friday April 4th, 2008.

Coon Rapids VFW - map
Dinner & Silent auction 6:30-8:30PM
Live Music Featuring Rebel Souls 9-12pm
Cash Bar & Door Prizes.

read more »

SMDC New Year's Eve Party at the DECC in Duluth

DECC Employee Pat (left) of Hermantown
and Event Lab employee Ryan of Minneapolis
load balloons Saturday for the midnight drop
during the SMDC New Year’s Eve party
Monday night.

photo by Clint Austin
excerpt from Duluth News Tribune, Dec 30, 2007

Each year, the Saint Mary’s Duluth Clinic (SMDC) sponsors a large New Year’s Eve Party at the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center (DECC). This year, Event Labs decorated the space for 4 separate parties. My friend Toni works for Event Labs and so many of us often get recruited to help. The Rabbit and I jumped at our chance for free hotel, included meals, and some quick cash. Not to mention free attendance to one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties around.

We arrived in Duluth bright and early Friday morning after a 2 1/2 hour drive. After breakfast we headed to the DECC to start setting things up. Much of the work was in the hockey arena where the ice had been melted and the stage for Boogie Wonderland was being set up. 54 feet above the arena floor, some of us tiptoed around the catwalk hanging 6 foot diameter lanterns from the ceiling and tying up about 150 red balloons. No one left work that day without Nena’s “99 Red Balloons” in their head. That is if their ears had stopped ringing from the cannon boom that resulted from random balloons popping.

Saturday, we spent 4 hours blowing up 1500 little red balloons for the midnight drop. The local paper was there to snap a few photos and take notes (see inserts). There were many tired and raw fingers after that. read more »

Winter is here now, huh?

Here in Minnesota, we’ve been spoiled the last few years. Either no snow until January or such a light dusting that it melts before the plow hit the road. I don’t mind this because it means the morning commute will take as long as usual dealing with the usual retardedness. But when there’s an inch or more drifting snow across the highways, those same people forget that they’ve had years of experience driving in such weather and the traffic mob loses a collective chromosome.

It normally takes 12 to 15 minutes to drive to Hopkins from S. Minneapolis on the cross-town to go to work — even with the upset caused by the exchange construction. Yesterday morning it took just under an hour. Both ways. Oh joy of joys, that’s a great way to start your day. I think Grand Theft Auto would do well to release a morning rush hour version of their game — complete with tanks and cruise missiles.

After spending 2 hours on the road to spend one hour at work, Sid and I braved the slipperiness once more to attend the Pug-A-Dazzle. It started slow as many people were very late trying to drive in through the snow. But eventually the turn out was pretty good. Sid loved it of course. He spent the entire time racing around chasing and being chased by the other pugs (whether they were willing participants or not.) Everyone generally agreed that Sid was very handsome with his longer than typical legs and adorable light face. He sure slept well that night. read more »

2 Days - 2 Fairs

And that equals a whole ton of walking. (Mira wasn’t willing to share her stroller with me, so I had to huff it the whole time.)

Jen had to work, but Mira and I went with Grandma and Grandpa to the State Fair. On arrival, Mira’s biggest concern was eating a corndog. She was quickly distracted by baby animals, however, and deep-fried stick food was waylaid until later. It was important to say hello and goodbye to each and every little barnyard creature in turn. Can’t miss any!

About one hour in, we did start to shovel grease on a stick into our mouths. Rinsed down with all-you-can-drink milk from the dairy booth. Mira made sure to spill some on her shirt to go with the cherry Icee, sprite, and water already there. I had the best damn turkey sandwich in the world, though. Plenty of tabasco and BBQ with pulled turkey on a hoagie bun. Yummy! read more »