Dragoncon 2011, part the fourth
Woke up earlier than expected after getting to bed around 4. Enjoyed the breakfast at the hotel and beat the parade crowds before heading to the filmmaker's meet-and-greet.
It was much like the meet-and-greet last year, with a mostly new cast. Chairs in a circle, track director kicking it off, everyone giving their AA-style intro. Some commentary about how best to network kicked in before we used the last couple minuites to do some rapid-fire business card trading and head out.
Got back to the hotel and changed into the Thracian gladiator armor. Some added leather and metal plus much less clothing added to cooler experience in Atlanta heat all around.
I attempted a new idea with the Armory track this year. As I'd more or less lived in the Track last year, I was going to try and take the "Part 2" versions of his main lectures. I forgot how much fun the man is to listen to. Trying to get into "Boom part II" found the room full of everyone who had listened to boom part I.
Eschewed further panels to hang out with friends. Posed for bad romance novel covers in the Marriott. Then bounced between three. "Weapons of the street" in the Armory was full. "Libertarians in space" was missing John Ringo (the only reason I wanted to see it. Still want to get a picture with the man, as I've been accused of using him as a pen name.). Finally wound up in low-budget filmmaking, which was entertaining and informative.
Went down to the silk road expo to see a selection of bellydancers perform. Good show all around, though I occasionally wanted to hit the peanut gallery with my helmet. Headed back to the hotel to change out of the armor and into civvies.
A late night of kittelsol-fueled people-watching and meeting ensued. Wandered into the drum circle, which at that hour had turned into more of a what-the-fuck ellipse. Wandered back to the hotel to wander straight into Russell and Ashley's room. Alcoholic shop talk ensued until impending unconsciousness sent me back to my own room.