Roll the dice

Sounds like I've been gambling. Nope just gaming (just a little) at Dragon Con this past Labor Day weekend. This is the second year for me at Dragon Con and for all the frustrations there were, long lines, moved panels, cancelling celebs, smelly fanboys, I still think of it as money and time well spent. I saw friends I don't usually get to (Bob, Dave, Andrew, "Onion") make new ones (Will, Harry, Kent, Sarah, and so many others), and of course hang with the usual suspects (Jim, Anna, Allison, Jon, Chris and Maria). I saw celebs (Kari and Eric were looking good) and missed others (Claudia and Vanessa), went to panels on one of my fan faves "The Venture Brothers" where Doc Hammer (one of the creators) talked about the past episodes and discussed some of the upcoming subjects (yes there will be a third season, and we do meet Dr. Orpheus' wife he says) and in the second panel he did a live commentary on one of the episodes and then answered even more questions. Probably the biggest disappointment was that the flash on my camera wasn't working and this in turned caused most of my photos to be just out of focus.

That was last weekend and this one is the TVA&I Fair. I know some people don't like it but I love the people watching aspect. I also find an odd window in to part of American culture that I don't usually see, the agricultural and animal husbandry that are so removed even in this so-called "back water" part of the country. I think it's cool that people still compete in the food contests, the 4H events, the knitting and sewing, it's not my thing but that's what interests me about it. Here's an example, how do you judge hay bailing? Think about it seriously for a minute, what are the properties, or aspects, or whatever you look for when you judge hay in squares? Somehow I think I like not knowing and keeping it a riddle to ponder. Maybe I'm a rube or a simpleton but I do really enjoy going. Check out the first batch of pictures, and yes it's just the first batch, I'm going at least two more times. Next time I'll get to the food that only lives at the Fair.