Austin musician Sam Beam will be performing at home soon with his creation, Iron & Wine.  The Paramount Theater will host Iron & Wine with special guests on July 29th , 2010.  Proceeds benefit the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) & the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

I’m very excited about this show.  I’ve loved Iron & Wine ever since “Such Great Heights” was featured in an M&M commercial.  I didn’t find out who it was until browsing the Garden State soundtrack on iTunes.  After hearing “Boy With a Coin” I knew this band was something special. Sam’s vocals are a delicate counterpoint to his poetic and sometimes dark lyrics, backed by rolling acoustic guitars and ethereal harmonies.  Iron & Wine’s sound varies in texture depending on lineup,  collaborators and instrumentation but the core remains an Austin folk/world earthiness tinged with sweet sensuality.  Trumpet, concertina, steel guitar and violin are just a few of the fun surprises that so beautifully enhance the catalog of Iron & Wine. Listen today!

Don’t miss this very special Austin show. Tickets are on sale now.

It’s not too late! Register today to learn about what other organizations in Austin are doing to get young people excited and involved with technology! Topics include creative professions and computer refurbishment plus networking activities (with prizes!)

For a full agenda and to purchase tickets visit:
http://austinconnectsyouth.eventbrite.com

A little something I’m working on with my friends at Austin Free-Net and  Skillpoint Alliance:

Community leaders to promote digital inclusion at symposium

The City of Austin Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Office will co-host Austin Connects’ Community Technology Symposium Jan. 12 to address how best to serve Austin’s technologically underserved.

Keynote speaker will be David Keyes, the City of Seattle’s Community Technology Manager, who will discuss “Defining Community Technology.” Other presentations will include topics ranging from workforce development in the digital age to technology barriers to health care to technology in schools.

The symposium will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Microsoft Building, 9606 North Mopac Expressway, Suite 200.  Limited seating is available. Cost is $25.  Tickets may be purchased at www.austinconnects.net.

Austin Connects is a partnership between the City of Austin, Austin Free-Net and Skillpoint Alliance. Its mission is “to leverage mutual resources that will allow all Austin citizens to participate in the ever-changing digital age.”

City Council Member Laura Morrison will provide the welcome for the symposium.

Photographers Worldwide Shooting To Give Back To The Community

A movement called Help-Portrait has mobilized photographers internationally to give family and individual portraits to underserved communities ranging from battered women to poor school kids.

They’ll be snapping free photos on Saturday December 12th as part of a charity effort that has spread to 58 countries and counting.

The idea started with pro shutterbug Jeremy Cowart, 32. He provided free photos for families last holiday season in Nashville. Soon after, the idea was spread via the Internet by social networking, blogs and twitter.

The Austin event has registered at least 100 families in need so far from local charities Any Baby Can, ARC Capital Area, Caritas, Meals on Wheels, and Safe Place. Over 25 volunteers have signed up to participate including professional photographers, photography enthusiasts and community members.

Sheena Harden, one of the volunteers involved in the project hopes that the community will benefit by documenting the lives of families who otherwise might not have the means for professional portraits.

“I think that this is an amazing gift the photographers are providing. It’s a valuable service they are donating which will be meaningful to all the families for many years to come,” she said.

Event Chair, Jeff Cicolani added, “We are all very excited about this opportunity to give back to our community and Austin is a great place to make it happen. I have been overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and volunteers in bringing Help Portrait together in the little time we had. None of this would have been possible without the support of photographic and creative community here in Austin.”

Together with Caritas of Austin, Safe Place, Meals on Wheels, and ARC of the Capitol Area, I am working on a one-day event happening internationally on December 12th called “Help Portrait.”  Help Portrait is a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment and expertise to give back to those who are less fortunate this holiday season by providing free family portraits.  The downtown Sheraton Austin is donating space for the event.

Here is a wish list of items we’re collecting to make this event happen:

• extension cords
• power strips
• small dry erase boards
• dry-erase markers
• tissues
• alcohol
• face wash/makeup remover wipes
• moisturizer
• q tips
• cotton rounds
• masking tape
• lysol wipes
• purell
• makeup sponges
• water spray bottle
• bobby pins (any color)
• hairspray
• baby wipes
• double stick tape
• safety pins
• clothes pins
• lint rollers
• drop cloths

After the event the items will be turned over to Safe Place for distribution among the participating charities.

If you would like to donate any of the above items or are interested in volunteering your time please let me know. Items must be available for pick up no later than December 11th.

For more information, please visit http://helpportraitaustin.com/ and
http://help-portrait.com/

Yesterday I gave my annual Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) Pre-Application Meeting and Grant Seminar.  The first half covers the grant program I manage for the City of Austin.  The second is on grant writing basics.  We had a great turn out (over 40 people registered and 34 showed up!) and City Council Chambers worked out pretty well for a venue.

Wanna see what I did?  Download the slides from my powerpoint presentation.

My last day at D*C was a little bit of a blur.  A big highlight for me was getting a front row seat to hear S.M. Sterling talk about his Emberverse series and getting a signed copy of the latest installment.

Emberverse begins with Dies the Fire, a stunning novel set the late 1990s.  The story starts with a typical day in our modern world.  Folk singer Juniper is having a concert at her favorite watering hole when all at once the lights go out, planes fall from the sky, guns and cars quit working.  The world is immediately and irrevocably shoved into pre-industrial anarchy.   Confused and scared rioters armed with clubs fill the streets with chaos while Juniper and friends try to find transportation out of the city to her family farm.  Will they make it? Who will survive in this new/old world and how?  You might be surprised!

The other highlight of my last day was “Kilts vs. Leaf Blowers,” a fun little event that is exactly like it sounds.

Our hostess, Jennie Breeden of the comic The Devil’s Panties chased around men in kilts with a leaf blower à la Mariln Monroe and the steam vent.  Fun was being had by all until the local sheriff showed up.  Evidently he was very concerned about indecent exposure by our kilted contestants (despite the fact that some of the women at D*C were wearing little more than electrical tape and a prayer).  Jennie was a sport and changed the game a bit so that we still got a show but the men were controlling how much of a peek we got instead of actually doing battle against the leaf blower.  Everyone had a great time.

I hope I get to go again next year.  It’s like a pilgramage to the Geek homeland.

A few things to remember for next time:

• bring bobby pins and scissors
• pack extra shirts for when you inevitably spill something
• bring an extra suitcase for all the stuff you will buy (even though you say you won’t buy anything THIS year)
• study up on trivia to win prizes at panels
• if authors are going to be doing book signings remember to actually pack your book so you don’t have to buy another copy at the vendor booth
• carry plenty of healthy snacks so you are not tempted by the mini pizza devil

Sheena with Felicia Day

Saturday morning was when I got autographs! I completely forgot. I had Felicia Day, Charisma Carpenter, Julie Benz, James Marsters and Ron Glass sign my “ship’s papers” prop from Serenity and had Gareth David-Lloyd sign a Torchwood badge.

Felicia was extremely nice and generous with her time. She liked that I was wearing a guild shirt and that I had cut the neck out. I did it for comfort but she said it was very fashionable. Who knew? Charisma was enchanted by the ship’s papers. James was warm and friendly and shook my hand twice!  Ron mentioned that he has a friend in Austin.  Julie and I talked about the upcoming season of Dexter.  The “Walk of Fame” is just too fun.  It’s worth it to peek into even if you don’t want to pay for autographs or pictures.

Dragon*Con 2009
Day 3 (Saturday, September 5th)

My first panel of the day was on Steampunk Costuming. After seeing some of the amazing creations at the Time Traveler’s Ball the night before I was ready to get pointers on how to improve my own outfit.

I came away with information on how best to plan a costume, what materials to use and how much is too much to include in a single look. One speaker said that the best place to start when planning an outfit is with your profession. This will give you an idea of the overall look and items you might need. He said after you’ve chosen that you can select an era such as post-modern, Victorian or 1920’s.

Another speaker suggested that starting with a silhouette from a particular time, type of outfit or character. He said that what makes a costume recognizable is the outline. Viewing a slide with two photos of Darth Vader it was easy to see what he meant. One was the “traditional” Star Wars Vader, the other a Steampunk version. (The image to the side is not what was used in the presentation, I put that together for the blog.) What makes the Steampunk Vader recognizable is the silhouette – the helmet, cape, boots, solid chest, etc.

Both speakers suggested that we draw our costume first to have a clear picture of it and then find components that fit the vision. I can’t draw and didn’t think of doing a mock-up of any kind first. I can see the value in having a clear vision from the beginning.

Sheena's Steampunk Costume

My costume is a monster hunter equipped with a Steampunk “tricorder” to take readings, potions to subdue monsters for capture and a zap gun for total incapacitation or termination, if necessary. The character is much like the “bag and tag” agents from “Warehouse 13″ or “Sanctuary”. She holds a doctorate in Cryptozoology and is interested in documenting, studying, and preserving (not killing) the rare preternatural creatures of the world. After this panel I can see how I may need to rethink certain components of my costume.  I may an incomplete silhouette or just too much stuff going on.

Some of the items of my gear are plastic, painted with metallic paint. One of the speakers said he prefers to use real brass for his costuming because it is more authentic and very easy to find cheaply. He showed us an amazing brass arm piece that cost less than $25 in materials. He went on to tell us just how easy it is to learn to work with a blow torch, saying it is “like super gluing with metal.” Um… no? First, I don’t have metal cutting tools or own a blow torch. Second, even if I did I don’t think it would be the best idea for me to play with fire. I have a hard enough time keeping glue off my hands and paint out of my hair. His creations were magnificent but to replicate the techniques would require learning a whole new set of skills and purchasing new tools (and fire insurance). I’ll stick with metallic paint, for now.

The other topic of discussion was how much is too much. There are many, many items out there for sale on ebay and etsy and that dexterous individuals may craft at home. Just because you have two guns, six key rings, a hat, goggles, an arm piece, and a fancy cane does not mean that you should wear them ALL at the same time. The speaker showed us side by side comparisons of two outfits. On the left was someone with at least 6 different Steampunk components including armor, goggles, weapons etc. The person on the right had an arm piece and an eye piece over relatively plain Victorian era shirt and trousers. What he wanted us to notice in this comparison was how the outfit on the left becomes a texture as you look at it. All the layers combine to create something the eye interprets as a whole, rather than individual pieces. By simplifying the look and including only two really nice components, the man on the right had a more successful costume that drew the eye to what made it Steampunk.

After the costuming session I was off in search of food and then to the live taping of The Signal podcast. The Signal is a podcast dedicated to Joss Whedon’s “Firefly”, a short lived but well-loved SciFi/Western television show, and the follow up movie “Serenity.” Always a fun event, the live taping includes audience participation, prizes and a live musical performance. Perhaps the most significant revelation to come out of this year’s Signal live was the gorgeous, fully-lit and partially motorized model of Serenity herself, the beloved ship from the television series and movie.

Serenity

The model is being produced by QMX (Quantum Mechanix), the premier maker of prop replicas for SciFi movies and television shows such as “Stargate” and “Battlestar Galactica.” For this project they worked with professionals who have created such movie-ready models as Star Trek’s Enterprise and ships for Star Wars. Initially they were put off by Serenity’s lack of “shine.” They were used to working with ships that gleam, coated with gloss, not bare-bones metal. QMX founder Adam Levermore-Rich asked the guys to sit with the blue prints, watch the television show and the movie and become familiar with the vessel.

Naturally, Serenity is now their favorite ship.

As much as I’d like to own one of these amazing models they are only creating 1000 of them. They already have over 1300 names on a waiting list. They would not discuss pricing at the Con, but Adam did say that they were making layaway arrangements with an on-line banking site which says to me it’s going to be VERY expensive. The model comes in a professionally packed movie set crate complete with pre-cut foam for absolute safety. The electrical components light up the ship, mimicking the engine rotation and back-lighting a tiny crew on the deck. There is even a red button remote control that allows you to set off a “flash,” simulating the ship’s hard burn. How cool is that?

This particular model may never be in my budget but Adam said the same builders will be coming out with subsequent versions in different sizes and with other options such as landing gear. One thing they said they will NEVER do is a reaver version of Serenity. Why? They don’t want to make her ugly! Awwwwwww.

Also taped during The Signal Live were musical performances by Marc Gunn and stories from the makers of the full-length film Browncoats: Redemption, benefiting charities selected by cast members from Serenity. If you happen to listen to the podcast, I’m the girl signing the Fruity Oaty bar song to win a poster and also the one who told the Han Solo story.

After the podcast taping I intended to go to the Alternate History Track panel “Farby Fashion and Misguided History: History Goes to the Movies. An exploration of the erroneous ways that filmmakers and actors have brought history to life, and possibly, discussion of some who’ve got it right!” Unfortunately, the panel was full so I did some shopping in the dealer area and then went back to my room.

I had intended to see a panel on The Guild but fell asleep instead. Oops! I did promise myself that I would rest when I needed rest so I’m not going to beat myself up over missing anything. There is always more to see and do but I can’t enjoy any of it if I’m tired or sick.

That night I had dinner with friends at upscale “Sear” in the Marriott (next to several famous actors, no less) and then hit the D*C Rainbow Party. The DJ was hit and miss. When he was hit he was amazing (try The Prodigy vs. The Killers!) but when he was miss – well, his turn table artistry did not extend to scratchin’ and I think his bpm meter was off a little. Much dancing was had regardless. The drinks were strong, the company excellent and the scenery lovely. Don’t ever let someone tell you gay nerds don’t know how to party!

Coming soon – Dragon*Con Day 4, the final installment for 2009

Dragon*Con 2009

Day 2 (Friday, September 4th)

After a good and restful sleep I was awake early and ready to hit the streets.  Latte in hand I went in search of my first panel – Torchwood with James Marsters and Gareth David-Lloyd.  James is perhaps best known for his role as “Spike” on Joss Whedon’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” television series.  On Torchwood (a similarly campy but slightly more adult spinoff of Doctor Who) he played Captain John Hart, a sexy dangerous ex-time agent playing opposite John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness.  Gareth played the lovable, loyal Ianto Jones, Torchwood’s coffee boy, agent and Capt. Jack’s lover.

James Marsters

Both James and Gareth had the opportunity to lock lips with the infamous Barrowman on the show.  In panel, Gareth said that the most annoying question he ever gets is “what’s it like to kiss John Barrowman?”  He said it in a whiny girly voice which got quite a laugh from the audience.   Both (straight) actors said that John (very gay) made their kissing scenes comfortable and easy.  James’s girlfriend was on set for one particularly steamy moment when John and James fight and then kiss.  They looked to her for guidance as to how the scene played.  Evidently she was not at all unhappy to watch the two men in action and gave them the thumbs up after each take.

A good deal of the panel was spent discussing Gareth’s role as Ianto.

**SPOILER ALERT***

***************************************

During the “Children of Earth” miniseries, Ianto is killed by an alien attack.  His loss was a gut wrenching disappointment to fans.  I personally cried quite a bit after watching his death scene.  An audience member posed the question of how Gareth prepared.  He responded that he did not prepare much at all because he didn’t want to over dramatize it.  He wanted it to seem as pointless and surprising to the audience as it would have been for his character.

The question was asked whether Gareth thought he might return to Torchwood somehow.  He said that with (creator) Russell T. Davies all things are possible.  This answer was met with a soaring round of applause.

****************************************

***END SPOILERS***

James was asked about his music.  He said that he has CDs for sale at the Con but a lot of what he is doing now is with his son.  He told a charming story about buying his son’s first guitar and how what started as an $8000 expense eventually became a more satisfying and cheaper $1800 purchase of a Les Paul Standard.

The next panel I planned to attend was on Steampunk, “as revealed in film, literature, fashion, and props, along with what online resources that can help bring your visions to life.”  Unfortunately the room was full and they were turning people away.  I had planned to attend a Buffy and Angel panel later in the weekend but remembered one was just about to start.  Hoofing it as fast as I could I slipped in and managed to get a really great seat!

This “Buffy and Angel” group and included Kristy Swanson (Buffy in the original movie), Julie Benz (Darla), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia), and Felicia Day (Vi).  Questions included topics such as Felicia’s work on “The Guild“, Julie’s role on “Dexter” and Kristy’s portrayal of the first Buffy.

Charisma Carpenter

The most memorable moment for me was when Charisma discussed her relationship with show creator Joss Whedon.  Cordelia’s character left “Buffy” after season three to join the spinoff series “Angel.”  Her character was eventually eliminated, making only one last appearance for the 100th episode in the fifth and final season.

Rumors had it that Carpenter and Whedon were feuding over character development which resulted in Cordelia’s removal.  Charisma explained during the panel that it was more about her personal life conflicting with Joss’s vision for the show.  She was planning a family and eventually gave birth to her son Donavan in 2007.  Her character’s elimination was sad for her but her family was more important at that time in her life.  What made her most upset was the fact that she did not find out about her character’s fate from Joss or any of the show’s producers.  She found out from a reporter.  This was very hurtful and it made an already strained work environment more difficult.

She thought she would never return.  As the 100^th episode approached an opportunity arose for her to return briefly and provide closure for her character.  She felt she owed it to the fans and proceeded with negotiations.

**SPOILER ALERT***

****************************************

Part of her compromise in agreeing to return to the show was that she did not want Cordelia to be killed.  The show agreed and she signed the contract.  It was not until after she was committed to filming that she found out that Cordelia was in fact slated to die.  She approached the show’s creators and asked for more information.  She had not received a script and wanted to know how the story would be told.  “It was really good,” she said at panel and agreed that it was exactly the kind of conclusion that was needed for the story.

****************************************

***END SPOILERS***

After filming she and Joss had a moment alone and were able to talk about what had happened with their relationship and the show.  They agreed that they would be happy to work together again and both left much happier and with their friendship intact.

After the Buffy panel I did a little shopping at the vendor area, grabbed some lunch at the hotel, and managed a quick nap.

I met Rita (who saved me a seat, thank you!) for “An Hour With Charlaine Harris” in the evening.  Before it got started we were treated to “Opening Ceremonies” with the founder of Dragon*Con and three authors, there to share wisdom about surviving the Con.  The famous 5-2-1 rule was mentioned: you must get at least 5 hours of sleep, 2 meals and 1 shower per day to stay healthy during Con.  Also mentioned was one of my favorite rules, “no costume is no costume.”  You might be surprised at just how many people run around without much more than a stitch of clothing and some electric tape.  Two newbies were welcomed and awarded prize packs and everyone was given well wishes for a happy convention.

Charlaine Harris

About ten minutes later we were treated to the unassuming southern charm of Ms. Harris herself, creator of the Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire Mysteries) books and inspiration for the HBO series “True Blood”.  She was utterly delightful.  Her accent (very much real as opposed to some actors on True Blood), dress, and manner were that of any gracious church-going lady of the South.  She was funny, witty and sweet to everyone.

Many of the questions from the audience were regarding comparisons of the TV show to the books.  Charlaine explained early on that the show was the vision of series creator Alan Ball (of Six Feet Under fame) and is naturally going to be different.  She loves the show and is very happy about the new readers it has brought to her series.  She reported that she and Alan are in contact frequently by email and that she visits the set about twice a year.  She will in fact be appearing in the season finale for season 2, set to air Sunday September 13^th.  She plays a customer at Merlotte’s bar and has one line.  She was thrilled to be able to eat at Merlotte’s and said that with the exception of the pool table the set is remarkably close to her vision.

She has liked some of the changes including one character who gets to live in the series but was killed in the books.  She refused (cordially) to discuss any points with which she may be less than happy.  She went on to say that while not all the casting choices match her characters physically that she is very happy with who was chosen to play each of them and how Alan has directed them in the roles.

Also discussed was how long the Southern Vampire book series will continue.  She said that she believes there are only a few more installments left before she will want to wrap it up.  She never wants to remain too long in one series for fear of becoming stale.  I raised my hand and asked whether she would consider writing other novels set in the same universe.  She said that she would consider it but it wouldn’t be for some time.  I personally would like to see a shifter or weretiger as the main character in one of her novels.

One audience member asked if Charlaine would give us a hint as to which vampire Sookie will choose, Eric or Bill.  Her answer was, “Who said she was going to end up with a vampire?”  This sparked quite a reaction from the audience!  Anne Rice’s accolades of her work were mentioned and she said that she and Anne are in contact quite frequently by email.  She is a huge fan of Rice’s work and gave her credit for paving the way for her and other authors to get their work published.  There was a nice round of applause for Rice.  Another uplifting moment happened when someone asked about the role of faith in Harris’s work.  She responded that as a Christian she saw no conflict between her religion and writing about vampires.  The response from the audience was a huge round of applause and whistles.

She went on to discuss living in a small southern town and that she was a little afraid as the books became more popular and when the television series premiered that she might get some backlash from her neighbors.  She has had nothing but a positive response from her community.  Some of her church friends even have viewing parties of the series.  During one of the more racy scenes someone turned to her and said, “oh, we know it was that Alan fellow who put in all the dirty bits!”  She grinned sheepishly and said, “of course,” and rolled her eyes at the audience.  We all laughed, knowing she can write quite a mean seduction her own self!

After her hour was up I scurried off in search of sustenance and then prepared for The Time Traveler’s Ball, also known as the Steampunk Ball.  I arrived about 30 minutes before doors were due to open and there was already a line.  They let in about 150 people at opening and kept the rest of us outside.  The first part of the “ball” was evidently some kind of show.  They had round tables set up and a stage.  I got in around a half hour later and watched most of the fashion show.  There were some lovely outfits but frankly it wasn’t run very well.  It could have gone much faster.  I was most impressed with the Steampunk Star Wars group.

I found the crowd to be a bit unfriendly.  I tried to mingle after the fashion show and before the first band but most people were a bit standoffish.  I mentioned this to Rita and she reminded me that we are spoiled by being Browncoats.  We are used to warm, friendly receptions at such events.  Then again, maybe it was just that all the corsets were limiting air supply and no one wanted to waste precious oxygen on small talk.

I stayed for a while but my goggles were a bit uncomfortable so I ended up leaving before the band played.  I knew I had lots more to see the next day and it was already past midnight.  Rather than turn into a pumpkin I returned to our room for a nice hot shower and bed.

Coming soon – D*C day 3!