Wrapup: Austin Blood Drive Tweetup

In case you missed it, Michelle posted a great report on the success of the inaugural Austin Blood Drive Tweetup. What a great opportunity to meet up with Twitter friends in person, and support such an important cause!

My experience as a first time blood donor to go as well as could be expected - turns out you should be well-hydrated and avoid caffeine to avoid issues. However, all the wonderful people that I encountered, including the Blood Center of Central Texas staff and Twitter friends who made it a memorable experience.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated! An extra special thank you goes to the businesses that donated raffle items, including Hammock, 302 designs, the Alamo Drafthouse, Austin Film Society, and Black Star Co-op Brewpub and Brewery.

The Twitter friends who facilitated the donations - @SummerH, @Aavarnum, and @davidhwalker.

Tweetup Blood Drive

I had an interesting ideological discussion with Michelle Greer at DimSumday last weekend. A lot of talk about how much actions speak louder than words. I sheepishly realized that I had misunderstood her "recycled computers for Burmese Refugees" project, which contributes towards Elaine Allen's efforts. She is working directly with political refugees who are now living in our own community. Note to self: be a better listener!

Michelle told me about a special event that she was organizing along with David Neff of American Cancer Society's SharingHopeTV and Austin Social Media Club. A Tweetup Blood Drive will be held Thursday, July 1, from 10 am until 4 pm. Information on how to sign up are available at Facebook.

Don't forget to tweet while you donate! Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the day, including:

• movie tickets courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse


• pint glasses from Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery


• "Take Care of Texas" tote bag from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality


• a Austin Film Society membership

The Dangers of Microblogging

I have been a bad blogger. I've had several blogworthy topics brewing in my head for sometime, but not posted. My livejournal has suffered as well, and I've barely looked at my MeatSpace in awhile. So where have I been?

Mostly on Twitter, along with quite a few other folks. I'd mentioned that Glenda Sims had turned me onto this site back in May 2007. Little did I know the impact it would have on how I communicate. Not only have I cut back on blogging and journaling - public vs filtered - but I find myself even keeping my SMS phone texts to 140 characters or less!

What I have gotten out of Twitter is a lot of like-minded individuals, who are active in the technological sector, especially social media. And amazingly enough, I finally met several of my online Tweeps during SXSWi this year.

I could go on, but I'm well over my 140 characters, and my attention span is lagging. More later!

Influences of the Queen(s) of Re-inventing

In an attempt to expand beyond my "accidental webmaster" role in my current job, and as I get more involved in social media I've decided to attend the first annual "Got Social Media? Conference in Houston. Meeting Erica and the other gals at the AccessU Conference, socializing at the GeekAustin meetups, and meeting new people through Twitter has really created the desire to pursue an online presence. I will also be attending the panels at SXSW Interactive Festival and working with Silona and Erica on the League of Technical Voters fundraiser.

I'm not necessarily interested in being just another blogger, but feel there's some niche I can fill. I love my current job working for the state, but figure I can convert all my extracurricular hours on the internet into supplemental income. One of the reasons I'd miss my current job if I were to move on is the environmental and science aspect of it. Perhaps I could use my experiences with the now defunct EEANT Nature Scientists and Sierra Cubs Camp with the Texas Environmental Education Partnership and Texas Master Naturalists to create an online project.

*puts on thinking cap*

My Bookshelf: Part II

It's really interesting to see what's important when you start packing. I figure it would be easiest to go through my books first, and get rid of the ones I don't really need. What was packed first? Starting with the highest priority:

• Science fiction/fantasy/horror - Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Clive Barker, Stephen King, Lovecraft
• Classics - Margaret Atwood, Umberto Eco, Irving, Vonnegut, and Antoine St. Exupery
• Miscellaneous Favorites - Sam Shepard's "Cruising Paradise Tales" and Olivia Judson's "Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice To All Creation"
• Nature and Naturalists - Geyata Ajilvsgi's "Wildflowers of Texas", Pete Dunne "Tales of A Low-Rent Birder", and "Messages from the Wild" by Frederick Gehlbach

What's really cool is finding old receipts inside the books, and being reminded of when and where I was when I bought the book. I remember reading "Paradise Tales" in a small darkened theater, while I was working at the Intel booth during the American Smithsonian Tour in San Jose, California. I bought Dr. Tatiana's book from Elliot Bay Book Company in Seattle, while I was visiting some good friends - we visited Elliot Bay THREE times while I was there! And the hardcover Lovecraft collection I picked up at a bookshop in Haight Ashbury.

My Bookshelf

I have always been an avid book reader, and remember vividly weekly trips to our local library as a kid, and anxiously awaiting my Scholastic Books orders. My first fundraiser was a read-a-thon in fifth grade for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. My sponsors had to dig deep in their pockets for that one!

ALL-TIME FAVORITES:
"The Little Prince" by Antoine St. Exupery*
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury
"A Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold*
"Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut*
"Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tsu*
"The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco
"Walking a Literary Labyrinth: A Spirituality of Reading" by Nancy M. Malone

* books I've bought multiple copies and gave away to friends!

Fantastic Fest 2007

So much fun I don't know where to begin, but check out the Fantastic Fest website for details. Most recent blogpost features a video I took of Joe Lynch and Tim League performing a "sabrage"!

Reviews and recaps to come.

Coffee and Cigarettes at the Alamo

I've had many wonderful and entertaining experiences throughout the last ten years at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, but one event in particular stands out. In addition to being a traditional moviegoer, I've had the good fortune to work the front lines at major South by Southwest premieres over the last several years. As a member and crew chief of the Special Venues crew, we are responsible for crowd control and line management at major music venues and special premieres. My ultimate experience was at a TBA screening in March 2004, which turned out to be Jim Jarmusch's "Coffee and Cigarettes".

I arrived at the Alamo Downtown with some of our volunteers to help Wayne, the SXSW theater manager for the night. Wayne had the lines going, people seating, and was waiting to get the last VIPs into their reserved seating. The theater was near capacity, and the screening was about to start.

That's when John Stamos showed up, with an entourage of over a dozen people that he wanted to bring in. He was graciously turned away, as there was no way they'd be able to get the whole party in. (John *may* have made it in with only his date, I can't recall). As Wayne delivered the news, Louis Black, SXSW founder, walked up with a gentleman and said, "Debbie, I'd like you to meet my friend, Jonathan Demme".

I was caught off-guard so much that I lost my reserve as I shook his hand and said, "I'm a BIG fan of yours!"

To which Mr. Demme replied:
"Thank you - I'm a big fan of YOURS as well!"

Once the screening started, I sat down and enjoyed the show. The crowd reaction was great, as each of the vignettes played out with familiar faces. As the show ended, Wayne asked if I would help - it seemed that Jim and some of his guests had dinner reservations, and he wanted to make a smooth exit. Rick Linklater had been smart and exited the employees door. Jim chatted with a few of the fans before being escorted out. As I patiently waited next to him, I heard someone call my name - It was a fellow SXSW crew chief, John Koller, who had his camera. "Let me get your picture with Jim", he said. I was reluctant as part of my responsibilities involves not infringing on filmmakers and actors and assist with making their experience as stress-free as possible. However, with John standing twenty feet away I wasn't quite able to refuse, so he took my first "on-duty" pic of me with a filmmaker.

I thought that was the icing on the cake. Not so - Jim turned to me and said, "Debbie? Could you help Crispin down through the crowd so he can join us for dinner?" I looked up to see Crispin Glover dressed in a three piece suit, politely trying to make his way through the crowd. I took his outstretched hand and pulled him through the last few steps and out of the theater. Quite a surreal moment.

What struck me most about that night was how pleasant and humble everyone was, but I really shouldn't have been surprised. Throughout the decade filmmakers such as Rick Linklater and Quentin Tarentino have been known to treat the Alamo Downtown like their own screening room. I can't help but think this is due to the hospitable, relaxed atmosphere that fills the Original Alamo Downtown, and adds to the magic and legend.

P.S. This photo has even more sentimental value for me now, as John Koller passed away April 30, 2007, as a result of a brain tumor. John was a beloved friend and devoted volunteer, and will be deeply missed.

Hostel Part II: The High Cost of Piracy

You see, just a few weeks ago, Eli Roth's biggest concern was Pirates 3. Now his biggest concern is straight up pirates. Someone stole an early workprint of the film and dumped it online.



read more | digg story

YouTube as an Educational Tool

I stumbled across some treasures on YouTube this long weekend, ranging from entertaining to educational. I especially applaud the University of Texas Environmental Science Institute for using YouTube as a place to post some great educational videos. Here's one I found of particular interest as I had read about the studies in UT Austin's journal, "Focus on Science" - "Global Warming" with Dr. Camille Parmesan.

Three Reasons Microsoft Shareholders Need Open Source

Redmond is spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt through the media. It's SCO 2.0. Clearly Microsoft's leadership doesn't realize the value of open source alternatives. The only group they're going to hurt is their shareholders. Here's three reasons why stockholders in Microsoft should pressure the company to drop the current onslaught of FUD.



read more | digg story

Family Guy / Quagmire Pilot easter egg on FlightAware

FlightAware has a hilarious Family Guy easter egg when you try to track flight "QUAG1" (Quagmire). I saw this awhile back, and definitely should have shared right away!



read more | digg story

All Things Great and Geeky - and Girly!

I've spent the last two days at Access U, and it's been a royal geekout! I've had a great time getting to know some inspirational women who are leaders in the web accessibility realm. Just to name a few:

Glenda Sims
UT Austin's self-proclaimed Accessibility Goddess, and one of the founders of AIR-Interactive and Access U. This amazing and fun woman - also known as Glenda the Good - has an infectious energy, and by the end of the day I'll make another technological leap, from my disappointing little Samsung phone to a Blackberry Pearl in red and internet connectivity. I'm resisting the Second Life, that's instant crack. Twitter, anyone?

Kathy Keller
This woman is legendary. It's said that Kathy told her web developers to get their pages compliant with web accessibility standards by September 1, 2006. Any pages that weren't ready would not be loaded on the new server, not only meeting but EXCEEDING the requirements. This meant that Texas Parks and Wildlife was the first state agency to address and meet compliance, leaving everyone else in the dust. A wonderful role model, due to her proactive approach and determination.

Sharron Rush
As co-founder and Executive Director of Knowbility, Sharron brings together great minds to teach web developers current technology. She is committed to using the power of technology to support the independence of people with disabilities , and the value of collaboration in building stronger, dynamic communities.

Teenya Franklin (Knowbility)
Does this gal ever sleep? She keeps things movin' and groovin' through Access U. Playing devil's advocate at dinner last night, she managed to provoke some very interesting intellectual and philosophical debates on the role of technology in our lives, and whether it's affected our physical communities.

Erica O'Grady
The world gets even smaller - after a bit of conversation, I realized that I had met Erica of Reinventing Erica at the last Dim Sumday through Linear, but that she is also good friend of whurley.

Andrea Hill
A young woman I'd seen about, but didn't realize until today that she is the mystery blogger - she is live blogging about Access U, so if she's fine with it I'll be linking to her blog.

The Laws of Robotics seem a little reversed

This is an interesting article, "Soldiers Bond with Bots, Take Them Fishing". What next, hunting?

Oh, wait, they are already doing that.

Pan's Labryinth coming to Austin (FINALLY!)

Once in a great while, I've been fortunate to experience an artistic event so visually stunning and emotionally captivating that it bears a lasting impression. At the top of that list is Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam", which I saw live in San Jose years ago. The performances were wonderful, but the story and music was also impressive. Now another event has taken the #1 spot. I was fortunate enough to see Pan's Labryinth as a special screening at the Fantastic Fest.

Visually stunning and emotionally captivating, this fairy tale for adults is not to be missed! Definitely the top movie I saw in 2006, and I am excited that it is opening in Austin on January 12th. The Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar presents Pan's Labyrinth, and opening weekend will feature Spanish tapas and a Spanish wine flight. I'm getting together some friends to see it opening night, because I'd like to see it again on the big screen. Plus I want to see what effect it will have on others. More on the movie -

"Beautiful and Exhilarating, a fairy tale for Grown-ups" - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"The year's True Masterpiece, the best movie of the year" - The New York Post



PAN'S LABYRINTH is a fanciful and chilling story set against the backdrop of a fascist regime in 1944 rural Spain. It's Alice in Wonderland for grown-ups, with the horrors of both reality and fantasy blended together into an extraordinary, spellbinding fable. The film centers on Ofelia, a lonely and dreamy child living with her mother and adoptive father; a military officer tasked with ridding the area of rebels. In her loneliness, Ofelia creates a world filled with fantastical creatures and secret destinies. With post-war repression at its height, Ofelia must come to terms with her world through a fable of her own creation.

Geeking out about Food

Okay, I'll admit it - I'm a foodie! I love all types of cuisines, and can hold a lengthy conversation regarding the best pancakes/migas/shrimp stuffed jalapenos. So imagine my excitement to hear a friend decided to start a website dedicated to finding favorite dishes! It's starting in Austin, but members/critics can submit dishes from anywhere - which is great, as a large number of our mutual friends travel internationally for work. And NO, I don't get a kickback or paid, just a cool site to share. More details from a press release:

"When an obsessive craving strikes, where do you find your hunger's holy grail? Suddenly, you can't quit thinking about a juicy bacon cheeseburger, plump pillows of gnocchi, a crispy samosa or an insanely moist slab of chocolate cake. Your average restaurant guide will point you to a cuisine, but it won't necessarily help you find exactly what you want to eat. Enter the Dishola..."

"Dishola is a dazzling new user-driven website devoted to the best dishes in top gastronomic destinations across the country. And it's fun. Users can sign on to track down what they're craving (gotta have fish tacos), read smart reviews by Dishola editors, industry professionals (cooks, bartenders, dishwashers), and members—passionate eaters across the country. Then they can add reviews of their favorite dishes, and they can even upload photos of them..."

"Plenty of other cool features abound: Dishola members can create a running list of "future feasts" (discoveries they just gotta try down the road), learn about cool food safaris (amazing dishes that warrant a road trip) and convene with friends or "tablemates" to gab about food and decide where to meet for dinner...The result? You'll arrive at the door of a new restaurant and know just what to order; life is too short to eat an uninspired version of any dish."

Look for my reviews, my profile of course is - snax!

You Just Might be a Sci-Fi Geek If...

• a toaster isn't just a kitchen appliance.
• Firefly isn't just an insect.
• a "seashell" is an audio device.
  
• you refer to the next obvious victim in a movie as "The Red Shirt".
• a tractor pull takes place in space, not mud.
• rather than from Mythology 101, your knowledge of the Egyptian gods comes from SG-1, of the Greek Gods from Hercules Legendary Journeys, and you are an OLD geek if you know about the Muses because of Xanadu.
• you own a spoken word album by William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy. More points if you own both.
• you think the Samsung x475 resembles the spaceship in "Heavy Metal", and you know the song playing as it kidnaps the voluptous redhead is "I Must Be Dreamin'" by Cheap Trick.
• you know who created the word "robotics", the Three Laws of Robotics and the grave significance of Sally and Elvex, and the lesser known Cal.
  
• you know who Ylla and Dr. Susan Calvin are.
  
• you know where the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is located. Bonus points if you have actually been there!
  

B - I - N - G - OW!

I mentioned to Shauna and Fernando that I've been tallying motifs in the Fantastic Fest screenings I've been attending. We came up with the idea of either Fantastic Fest Bingo or Scavenger Hunt, but you have to include obscure items as well to make it more interesting. Here's the tally of what I've seen so far (number in parentheses is film count):

beartraps (4)
chainsaws (4) (sure there are more)
parasites (3) (4 if you count BUG!)
syringes (4)
vomiting men (4)
white rabbits (2)
turkey legs (2)
buildings without exits (2)
cute fluffy poodles meeting nasty deaths (2)

And in conclusion, not recurring but obscure enough to mention -
A rubber chicken and Osama Bin Laden (but not in the same film!). And then there's death by Gnome.

Day 4: What kind of business are you in?

What a loooooong day. Here's a quick synopsis:

Isolation - One of my favorite films of the festival, which brings up the controversy of genetic manipulation. One question, though - If a breeding experiment is supposed to be so secretive, why drive around in a company vehicle that has a picture of a cow on the side and the words "Bovine Genetic Technology"?

Piano Tuner of Earthquakes - As one filmmaker said to me "I'm not SMRT enough to get this movie". Lovely to look at, and the automatons are fascinating - Although I was convinced that either spuds or the creatures from "I Love the Moon" were rowing the boat in one creation. It wasn't until much later that I realized they were severed hands.

Inside - Another favorite, with an interesting twist to a young man with voyeuristic intentions. A rather funny moment occurred when during a crucial scene a character was throwing pottery on the ground. I think most viewers were on the edge of their seat - and a server outside the theatre accidentally dropped a plate! I was one of many who jumped and laughed.

Simon Says - What can I say? The only reason anyone should see this is to see Crispin Glover whacked out. All I could do was laugh, and I don't think I jumped out of my skin even once.

Frostbite - Wicked dark humor, I didn't expect the amount of comedy this movie had but I truly enjoyed it. Best death scene and dying line in this movie. The director was available for the Q & A, and he joked that it had been so cold during the filming, that he decided the sequel would be called "Sunstroke". To be filmed in the Bahamas, sipping pina coladas.

Day 3: In an inescapable house, who does the grocery shopping?

Shinobi: Heart Under Blade - I hesitate to describe this film as "visually stunning" only because recent films such as "House of Flying Daggers" tend to push the upper limits of visual stimulation. With that said, Shinobi is simply beautiful, with much use of mise en scene to pull the viewer into the scene. I love the superpowers of the ninjas, and the special effects are understated enough not to distract from the plot.

Lie Still - one of the two motifs that are my ultimate terror - an inescapable dwelling. My main question though - how does someone who's resigned to live there have a never ending bottle of gin?

The District - Interesting animation, the songs were wickedly humorous. My only complaint was that the subtitles should have been outlined in black. We sat a little too close not to avoid having to look quickly up and down to catch everything. And two things I knew after leaving the theatre - where Osama Bin Hiden and the difference between Budapest and Bucharest!