FenCon!

FenCon was a great experience. Last year was my first time and I had so much fun I had to go back even though it meant riding airplanes all over the western US to get from Salt Lake to Dallas (That's another blog post all by itself). I wasn't disappointed. The only bad things about the trip were the obnoxious internet policy at the hotel and my time spent in the police state otherwise known as airports. I met wonderful people, old friends and new. I saw fun costumes, mostly steampunk. I ate chocolate and treats and collected bling at the room parties. I didn't even mind having my room next door to several room parties. FenCon is a friendly, fun science fiction/fantasy convention.

I even took pictures. Sort of. I'm really not much of a camera person. I sold books, too. I came home with less than I took, a first for me. I'm still suffering from con-brain syndrome, though, so I'm a bit scattered.

Steampunk! Everyone can have fun.

Steampunk dresses. The one on the left is purple, really. My camera is so off.

Even Stargate was there! Nice Barbies.

A most agreeable witch with a possessed flying monkey on her shoulder. Now if only I can figure out how to rotate pictures...

Convention Etiquette for Mad Scientists

I spent the weekend in Dallas TX at FenCon. I had a marvelous time- lots of friendly people, lots of fun, lots of men in kilts *giggle*, and lots of other stuff. The theme was mad science, so here's some rules for you mad scientists out there.

1. If you are an evil mad scientist and plan to take over the world, do not announce this in a room full of heroes. Keep your evil plans secret until your minions are in place. That way you can destroy all the heroes at the same time, before they have a chance to stop you.

2. Mad scientists can work for the good side without a loss of too much dignity. Life expectancy is much higher if you work for a hero creating gadgets because you rarely have to leave your secret lab.

3. Mad scientists are required to have crazy hair or be completely bald. Hair gel or cheap wigs can be used to great effect, just watch out for that bunsen burner. Burning hair is quite entertaining--on someone else.

4. If you are a scientist but not mad yet, you can either work at a daycare center until you go crazy or you can get involved in local politics, depending on which definition of mad you are trying to achieve.

5. Wear a white labcoat if you want everyone to know you are a scientist. With the hair from #4, no one will be able to mistake you for any other occupation. If you really want to make sure, add funky protective goggles and gloves to your ensemble, then cackle madly.

6. You must practice your evil laugh. Everyone knows mad scientists must use their evil laugh at every opportunity. It can range from a demented chuckle to a bass "Mwuhahahahaha!" Rubbing your hands is also compulsory.

7. Mad scientists must have an entire lab full of strange bubbling beakers and colorful liquids. Things such as assorted body parts, strange electrical devices, rats, and hunchback assistants only add to the general atmosphere. Most can be acquired from your local supermart for a decent price. They tend to be on clearance in the spring.

8. Don't bother getting a science degree. Universities tend to focus more on real science and less on aesthetics. Everyone knows that mad scientists don't actually do any science. See the above 7 rules if you have questions.

Good luck on your mad science projects!

Convention Etiquette for Barbarian Warriors

I just returned from another SF/F con (SpoCon in Spokane - great fun and great people!), so to continue my theme of etiquette posts after each convention, here's one for the barbarian heroes out there.

1. It is unnecessary to enter rooms by kicking in doors with weapons drawn. Most people at a con are very friendly. However, entering rooms in such a dramatic manner may get you applause. It may also get you evicted. Choose your entry manner wisely.

2. The wearing of real animal skins is no longer politically acceptable. Substituting stuffed animal skins is perfectly fine. The soft fuzziness is also much more comfortable. But DO NOT, under any circumstances, hunt and kill stuffed animals present at the con. Try hunting at your local thrift store beforehand.

3. Building fires and roasting freshly caught game are time-honored barbarian customs. Please don't do it in your hotel room or in convention spaces, unless such spaces are pre-approved for barbecue usage. And the game you just caught? If it meows or answers to a name like "Fluffy," it may be time to leave before the cute little old lady with the 50 pound purse finds out.

Have fun at your next convention. I know I will - FenCon in September. Will Texas survive a visit from me? Tune in next month to find out.