The Ramblings of MA in PA

Game X Con this past weekend

2009-10-26T23:50:57Z

Last weekend, Dan and I attended Game X Con at the Greater Philadelphia Expo center. Dan was covering the con for Geekadelphia, and due to other things going on - we only attended on Friday. Dan got in on a press pass, and I was his guest.

I have to say the con staff treated us very nicely, taking time out to ask us if we were having fun, and making sure I had a badge. And I had fun during the day. We had been to GameCoreCon a couple of weeks before, so I knew what to expect for a gaming con - though I this one was much larger, and much more industry-based.

There were celebrities, - three of the Guild cast were there, and were they friendly - at their panel, they actually had us go around and introduce ourselves - and that was where I got the nickname MA for 'mature audiences'. We also saw the Escapist panel, and I now have a ton of video content that I need to look up and subscribe to. Dan was able to interview Yahtzee - a video blogger who does game reviews that make us both cry with laughter on a regular basis.

The game booths were interesting - they had one for Dante's Inferno - which looked amazing, and I can neither confirm nor deny that I know anything about the time a couple of the monitors went off with no warning. There was one for a new game called Bayonetta - which looks to be right up Dan's alley. It features a girl that fights in a suit made of her own hair - which of course comes off while she's fighting. The booth I was really interested in was Warhammer Online - every since Ace of Cakes did a cake for them, I've been intrigued by the game. And I found out it comes out for Mac tomorrow - I'll definitely have to check it out. And there was one for another MMO called Global Agenda, that advertised that there were no elves in the game. There were some other industry booths - and one for Bawls - that featured an SnoBawls - the blue flavor in icee form. Truly epic.

The swag was pretty good too. I came home for with three tshirts, two reusable shopping bags, and tons of coupons for Dave and Busters. And codes for goodies in some of the MMO's. The one thing that seemed a bit lacking was the shopping. There were a couple of booths with art, and some with used games, but I guess I expected a bit more - given that was what most of GameCoreCon was about. Some of the vendors were also at GameX, but surprisingly, I didn't spend any money - except on the funnel cake that called me. Called me I say. But I had been hoping to find some good deals on used games, but didn't. There was a vintage section, and a t-shirt vendor with some truly epic t-shirts, but nothing that made me want to part with my money.

We also got to hang out with the PA Jedi, a group that Dan covered for Geekadelphia a couple months back. They were doing demonstrations and we spent a good deal of time chatting with them. I think we are going to have to take the kid to one of their practice sessions.

But it was a great day, though we didn't feel like we needed to come back the next day. But getting to meet the Guild cast members, and getting to play the new games was awesome, and I'm glad that took the day to attend.

Floods - oh joy

2009-08-03T16:50:22Z

For those of you that have been following us on Twitter and Facebook - yes our basement flooded yesterday. No - insurance won't cover it at all. I've done the estimated work ups of stuff that was lost, and it totals up to over $1,300 in stuff, though most of it is collectible stuff that Dan got that you really can't put a value on.

On the positive side - cleaning up allowed me to go through stuff - and repackage stuff that should have been packed properly. Right now I have two boxes of books to donate, six bags of clothes and bedding to donate, and we got rid of probably about 100 pounds of cardboard. And our basement is now organized, and the stored stuff is all in Rubbermaid tubs. Which should make moving easier when we do.

All in all there are about 6 garbage bags to be disposed of - and that doesn't include the stuff we are letting dry before we bag it up.

Now we are just waiting for the plumber to come, because our tub is broken. Oh joy. I hope we can afford to move soon. I used to love this place, but after this weekend - I'm done.

Wizard World Philadelphia

2009-06-21T01:11:30Z

Just got back from my second day at Wizard World Philly. My first Wizard World, but I think I'm going to go next year. For the most part - I was pleased with how the whole thing went. I got to see a bunch of stars - but not talk to any. Sat in on a bunch of panels, and wandered the dealers room without spending too much cash.

Yesterday - the Kid and I were able to take in Lou Ferrigno's panel, which was a bit sad - very few people, and hardly any questions. This is what happens when you take steroids, kids. Though I have to say - he looks a lot younger than he is - probably due to botox. He was walking with a cane because he just had a hip replaced.

Then we stayed around for Tom Kane's Voice Acting panel. He voices Yoda in Clone Wars, and does a whole lot of other voices as well, including all the Pixar stuff for the ads, and he's been in every Lucasfilm game ever made. He was really interesting.

Other than that - we wandered the dealers room, where I walked by the interview tables a bunch. Edward James Olmos and Michael Hogan were side by side, and they seemed very approachable. I didn't have enough cash for an autograph, nor Dan's kick ass camera, so I didn't feel right approaching. Emma Caufield was there as well, as well as Nicki Clyne and Luciana so and so from BSG. But the really person I got all fangirly about - Ted Raimi. And I didn't think I would - but there you go. If I go back tomorrow - I just might bring one of my Xena box sets to be signed. I know BIG nerd. Marina Sirts was there today, and what impressed me is that she stayed around to the fan's side of the table every time I saw her.

The highlight of yesterday was Dan going up to Max Brooks to get a copy of World War Z signed, and then getting an interview with him. It was great to watch him put his press creditionals to good use.

Today was mostly panels. You know - hearing stories from this con - people were telling me the panels weren't worth it - that everyone just goes for the dealer room, but those people must not have sat in on the panels. We saw the 501st, Ray Park, Emma Caufield, and the BSG Q&A's. We had kick ass seats for Emma's panel and BSG's. But I thought they more than were worth the price of admission.

The BSG panel was awesome - and surprise surprise - Nicky Clyne - who played Callie - was surprisingly articulate. Olmos at the end did one of his Adama rants at the end, and Michael Hogan kept cracking me up. We recorded it - so you can bet that will be making it's way up on one of our sites.

The dealers room today was populated with more costumes - some good, some scary. Dan got an awesome stormtrooper decal for his EEEPC, and I got three prints of colored pencil sketches of Muppets. We kept the spending to a minimum, but I'm so pleased with my art.

Tomorrow I'll only be there for like an hour to run through the dealers room again - I may actually spring for a picture with someone tomorrow.

So - long time since I posted, I've been writing some other stuff for a podcast project I'm starting.

My Wedding...Live!!!

2008-10-31T15:18:41Z

Yes - today at 3:30pm Eastern time, Dan and I are going to be getting married. Through the wonder of the internet, and one of our groomsmen, we are going to be streaming the wedding live through Justin.TV

The link for the feed will be : http://www.justin.tv/otakugeneration

You will need to register for Justin.tv, but will be able to chat before the feed goes up.

Off to the hotel to go get ready!

Love,
MA

mainpa @ 2008-08-25T10:05:00

2008-08-25T15:11:26Z

I feel like my job is sucking my soul today. But if you haven't purchased Mur's Playing For Keeps, you will feel the same way.

There are reasons why I shouldn't nap

2008-08-25T05:48:33Z

It's been quite the weekend - we got 'new to us' furniture, and with that, we had to move my old stuff out - it was quite an undertaking. And then we hosted a dinner with our wedding party, and I have to say - we have an awesome group of people standing up with us for the wedding. But of course, doing all of this in one day left me tired. Very tired.

And with a new, comfy couch, I found that taking a nap (or two or three), during the course of the day has left me up at this hour, which I realize for some podcasters is not late, but for little old me, it's the dead middle of the night.

And when I can't sleep, that's when all the things I'm letting fall by the wayside, all the things I'm worried about come out to haunt me. One of those is Better Late Than Never - I haven't been giving it the attention I should, and I've felt guilty at my lack of sticking to a release schedule, or even getting new content in the format I had set up for it.

And looking at my life, and how it's changed, I know now that for the time being, I need to put BL8TN on hiatus, if not just end it completely. I hate that I just can't seem to get it all done, but I'm approaching burn out. I need a week of vacation really badly - I didn't take one this year, and the week I am taking off is the week of the wedding - THAT's not going to be a vacation.

Work has been extremely taxing and difficult lately, and while I couldn't do any actual podcasting work, most of my planning, outlines and show notes were written there. I can't do that now, and what I actually have to do work wise is somewhat above my head, and I'm having to enforce policies that I don't agree with. It's very damaging to the soul, when I've done what I can to help programs, that now I can't because someone above my head decided that our program needs to be different. That's all I'll say about it, but my days at work are wearing, and when I come home, there isn't much left to give, and what there is - go to the Quicksilver Kid and Dan. Oh, and there is a wedding in two months that I have to plan and execute.

Just scheduling stuff for BL8TN is tough. I'm down for the count just when most people are becoming available, and there are those that have just been ignoring me, which I can understand, because what I was doing is hardly relevant. But it's mostly on my end - I'm supposed to get with Paul Fischer to figure out what's bringing down the audio quality of Metamor City on my end, and I haven't been able to find time to do it in two weeks. So basically, what that leads me to is that BL8TN is best off going on hiatus. I'll post an audio announcement if I get to it this week.

It makes me sad - I've felt cut off from the Tribe lately - probably because I'm not out there producing content like I used to - and am not around online like I used to be. And have been unable to make it to some of the regional gatherings - which make me sad, because there are people that I muss just so much, and taking part in the Twitter conversation has been hard lately too. I know especially in this corner of new media, where stuff is incredibly disposable, that out of sight means out of mind.

I'm still going to be on Fanboy Hell, so I'm not completely disappearing, but I don't know how many BL8TN listeners headed over there at all. And I'm going to finish my commitment to Making the Cut - and hopefully I can get the audio problems worked out (need to find time to talk with Paul). And if asked, I'll do audio for people, though people haven't been asking, and I don't think they will. I have a feeling I'm just not that good at the voice work thing and the quality of productions have gone up so exponentially, that I can't keep up.

So that's it - and now I'm just going to have a bit of a nebulous rant, because that is part of what has been keeping me up tonight. I'm not going to be going to a certain unconference that's happening in two weeks. I'm not going to name it, because I'd rather not make waves, but how it's been set up has really annoyed me. I really believe that the rules under which this event is supposed to be set up are being ignored, and that if I go - I'll be paying to listen to commercials for the day, for services that I wouldn't need or even want. It's also in an area where I don't feel safe to bring my laptop, and I've had a peek at some of the behind the scenes going on - having already been 'big-timed', and to see the lack of organization - I just don't want to be a part of it this year. And there really aren't going to be any Tribe there. If there were - I'd go just to see them. That alone would be worth the cost of admission.

So, that's about it - I know I'll still be posting here, but probably not more frequently than I have been. If you are subscribed to the feed - keep an eye out for an audio announcement. And maybe some other stuff - I'm not letting go of the libsyn account, so I might just throw randome promos in the feed for people.

Here's where I sign off, and hopefully get back to sleep. So - good luck and good night. May you all sleep better than I am tonight.

mainpa @ 2008-08-17T19:46:00

2008-08-18T00:52:03Z

Poking my head up after taking a bit of a break from online interactions. Not sure if I was burned out or what, but I miss the Tribe.

Reinventing oneself

2008-07-15T00:18:20Z

If anyone has been keeping track, on Wednesday, it will be five weeks since I've posted a podcast. The reasons are a couple - one - the media review that I was using for the next episode has really crappy audio quality because of a recording glitch, and I really don't feel good about putting it out.

But it's also because I don't know what to say when I get behind the mike for my opener and closer. It's not that I don't have things to say - I usually have a list of topics that I could prattle on about, and there are wedding preparations, etc. But then I don't feel like it's current enough, or relavent enough.

I also have really had the chance to do different things with different people out in the real room - and when given the choice of doing something and working on the podcast - I'll choose doing something every time. Even when I'm supposed to have a show out that night.

What struck me this week as I made up the umpteenth page of notes for recording the podcast - I started doing BL8TN on my own last year as a way to get out of my shell - to get out of my room and out into the world. I've done that - with greater success than I ever could have imagined. My life has changed so much in the past year - it's amazing. So - to stay in and do the podcast seems counterintuitive.

I think I also need to market myself differently. I'm not the geeky single mom anymore - I'm not single anymore, and I know there have been some listeners that don't like that - and they've let me know. (and creeped me out in the process)

So I need to change. Something about the podcast - maybe the format - I know I want to dump the music, and get something of better quailty and different. I think I want to change the format as well - the media review format of the old BL8TN seems tired to me now - and it's frustrating to have meetings scheduled with people, and have something turn it upside down - that's caused more delays. Or to have crappy quality ruin it. And I've discovering that I HATE editing. And I'm very bad at directing how the reviews will go. Sigh.

So I'm thinking of a change - I still want to chronicle what's going on in my life - but I need a theme of some sort. As for reviews - I almost want to keep them solo for the time being - and having a theme to them - like picking one of my series on DVDs and talking about each episode in order. Or maybe reviving my minute movie review idea that I had a couple of years ago. Though a reviewer on my favorite movie review podcast is doing that.

But I find myself without direction. Do I want to put the show on hiatus (though I think Dan will not be happy with that - he wants me to keep doing something that's all mine)? Or at least change the release schedule for the time being until things calm down with the wedding? Sigh - I don't know.

mainpa @ 2008-07-02T05:19:00

2008-07-02T10:35:20Z

The Quicksilver Kid and I are heading to the Pittsburgh area this weekend. If anyone wants to meet up - let me know.

mainpa @ 2008-06-27T09:33:00

2008-06-27T14:48:48Z

Is it lunchtime yet?

mainpa @ 2008-06-24T09:05:00

2008-06-24T14:19:48Z

Interesting fa you'd from work: 75% of homes in the US are 10 miles or less from a Home Depot.

Mario Kart and other things

2008-06-23T22:45:07Z

Well hello there.

I've been posting through Ping.fm, but I'm actually going to write a post tonight because as I said in my last entry - I am full of epic fail for missing my friend who was supposed to come over tonight - and she was bringing dinner. I feel horrible, because she was waiting outside and I was up here cleaning and didn't hear a knock on the outside door - and because I was really looking forward to seeing her. Pooh.

But I have been meaning to post - because there has been a lot of geekiness going on. I've gotten back into the videogames in a big way. And here is where I usually talk about them. And I'm all comfy in my new chair Dan and I got from Ikea, so it seems the perfect time to post before I think about what I should have for dinner.

I don't know what sparked the reinterest in video games, except that my living room finally looks like a living room again after Dan has moved in. Finally - we have all the boxes put away, and really the only thing left to do is trade in the duplicate DVD's and hang a couple more pictures. This takes one HUGE thing off of my to do list, and makes me want to hang out in the living room more. And that's where all the video gaming systems are. And given that TV this summer SUCKS - I seem to have more free time, though there is a ton of stuff that I need to watch (but I usually want to wait till Dan's around)

So I'm back to the gaming. I've picked up Final Fantasy X again, and am always wowed by the pretty. The graphics are just stunning, and it reaffirms to me that when it comes to RPG's - turn based is the way to go. The next in line - I need to get back to playing Rock Band - we got it a couple months ago - and we really need to play some more. So that's the PS2.

My DS is still getting the workout - I've been to various special events to get rare Pokemon from Toys R Us and Game Stop, though I still need to climb the mountain and get Dialga. But for a long while I was obsessed with Mario Kart DS - something about kart games gives me a shot of endorphins, and it's almost addicting. Then I got Phantom Hourglass from Gamefly, and I have to say - it's my favorite Zelda yet. Though I do wish I didn't have to use the stylus all the time, the puzzles are fun, and I'm looking forward to see how far in the game I actually can get.

And then there was the hunt for Mario Kart Wii. I'd heard good things about it - and once we decided that we could get it - of course there were no copies to be found anywhere. But I managed to snag one online, and it arrived last week.

OK - now I've been a big fan of Mario Kart since the N64. In fact - I have that game for the virtual console. As with the DS games there is just something about this game which gives me a shot of the adrenaline. So, I've been playing the Wii version a bit and I've come to the conclusion - I don't like the Wii Wheel. Yes - pretending to drive is all well and good, and I'd like that if I had a gas pedal instead of having to hold down the 1 button. So I tried it with the Wiimote and nunchuck. That was it - I'd found my favored way of controlling. Played for two hours straight after I tried that.

So - for the time being, I'm back on the video games. Of course, I need to get the podcast together for this week - so that should take precedence (and my reviews sound quality had issues, but oh well - it will be the easiest thing for me to put together). And of course there are other things pulling my focus - a manga called Deathnote has me enthralled right now, and I'm also reading the kid's summer reading books so I can make sure HE'S actually reading them.

So I'm off - I need to have dinner - a lo cal option now that I'm on my own - since I want to make sure I can FIT into my wedding dress.

mainpa @ 2008-06-23T16:59:00

2008-06-23T22:13:56Z

Damn - missed my dinner plans because I didn't hear the knock on the door. Epic fail.

mainpa @ 2008-06-21T11:25:00

2008-06-21T16:39:27Z

Running errands on a sunny Saturday afternoon. ISO: X-box360 controller.

mainpa @ 2008-06-18T13:44:00

2008-06-18T18:58:45Z

Trying very hard not to fall asleep. Send caffiene - quick!

mainpa @ 2008-06-17T08:17:00

2008-06-17T13:31:07Z

MKW. It will be mine. Oh yes it will be mine.

mainpa @ 2008-06-16T16:31:00

2008-06-16T21:44:54Z

Paypal is annoying me tonight. Contemplating my evening - thinking it's time for some Wii (though no Mario Kart :-( )

mainpa @ 2008-06-15T20:52:00

2008-06-16T02:05:46Z

Testing out Ping.fm, while my iPhone rips. The only snafu of upgrading to Leopard.

..and this was how it happened...

2008-03-25T21:18:41Z

For those that missed it on Twitter this morning...

First, go here ----> http://twitter.com/danthefan/statuses/776686263
Then here ----> http://twitter.com/mainpa/statuses/776686502

And because the first rule of the Internet is: "Pics or it didn't happen" -----> http://designerofdoom.tumblr.com/post/29789041

More details on upcoming events to follow. And yes, I'm incredibly happy right now....

Long time no post

2008-02-26T00:34:29Z

Hi All,

Long time since I've posted - but things have been busy in real life. Lots of changes happening at the MAinPA household, and big announcements are coming soon, so stay tuned.

In other news, I love my Wii. Of course this should be no surprise - I love video games, and the Wii has to be one of the best consoles ever. Now while I like me a little bit of Zelda: Twilight Princess, or Wii Sports, what has really caught my fancy is the virtual console. What's awesome about that is that I can get my favorite games from the old NES console. So, we've acquired the three Super Mario Brothers titles, and I just downloaded the first Zelda tonight. Yay for me, because I had never played it before. We've also managed to aquire Mario Kart 64, which is my favorite video game ever. My one disappointment - no Super Smash Brothers. The original. We have Melee for the Game Cube, but nothing really is the same as that original game. So Nintendo - get on the ball - lets see some Smashin action on the Virtual Console.

And for those of you with Wii's - the number for my Wii is: 7874 2539 0387 5614 If you decide to add me as a friend, drop me a line with your Wii number and we can become friends. I'm itching to try out Pokemon Battle Revolution out over the Internet connection.

Speaking of the P word - Pokemon has become a bit of an obsession around here. I've logged about 50 hours in Diamond, and am enjoying it very much.

Again, other big news coming soon, so stay tuned. Oh and if you haven't been listening to my podcast - I bought an iPhone.

Privilege Meme

2008-01-03T19:50:17Z

1. Father went to college
2. Father finished college
3. Mother went to college
4. Mother finished college
5. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor.
6. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers.
7. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home.
8. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home.
9. Were read children's books by a parent.
10. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18
11. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18
12. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively.
13. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18.
14. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs.
15. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs
16. Went to a private high school
17. Went to summer camp
18. Had a private tutor before you turned 18.
19. Family vacations involved staying at hotels.
20. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18.
21. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them.
22. There was original art in your house when you were a child.
23. You and your family lived in a single-family house.
24. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home.
25. You had your own room as a child.
26. You had a phone in your room before you turned 18.
27. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course.
28. Had your own TV in your room in high school.
29. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college.
30. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16.
31. Went on a cruise with your family.
32. Went on more than one cruise with your family.
33. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up.
34. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family.

So yeah - I had it pretty good. But looking at that list - munchkin is missing three that I had (Art, single family house, and owning own place), but has had three that I didn't (500 books in home, tv in room, and flew on commercial airline before 16), so I guess that says that as far a privilege goes, I'm not doing too bad - and I still have a couple of years before he turns 18.

In the meantime, I'm gearing up to throw him a birthday party on Saturday where there will be kids, video games and a turkey. I'm cooking a turkey for the first time, and this should be interesting.

I can haz waffles

2007-12-16T17:11:13Z

The phrase of the day is "I can haz..." Insert almost anything after that. But it has been a GOOD weekend. I have not done anything that was bad for me, but I have done lots of things that were very good for me. I needed this weekend so badly, and it was everything I needed it to be, mostly due to Leann - who as always is awesome. We are always crazy nuts, but in a good way. We are very good for each other. I'm definitely going to have to get my butt out to Arizona at some point.

I do have a metric buttload of editing to do on the recording I did for Psuedopod yesterday, but I can haz wireless mouse to help me do that while I'm on the plane today. And we went to the Waffle House for breakfast. You can't come to Georgia and not go to the Redneck Shogun.

So - things be good. And I'm heading home to see my kiddo, who I miss very much. I'm shutting down now, so I can make sure everything is packed up properly. So, I'll see you on the flip side.

Oh, and for what Leann and I were doing last night - check out her Flickr feed. All I'll say is that she's a very gifted photographer.

An observation of Georgia

2007-12-15T15:29:06Z

There are some really fucking scary stupid people out here. We saw a bunch of them on the way to get food.

And Leann figured something out that we are going to share with you all. If you put the word Anal before the name of any SUV - you have a fantastic porn title.

Try it, we were completely cracking up on the way home.

I am in GA

2007-12-15T05:55:41Z

I am now MAinGA! And due the the fact that my hometown most likely will get snow dumped on it tomorrow - I might be here longer than I thought. And I am going to have a good weekend - no matter what. So - to remember that - we have a couple of mantras:

MA will stop doing things that are bad for her.
MA will not ruin her weekend by doing things that are bad for her.

I've needed this weekend for a long time. And I think I'm going to be able to finally to put some things in a box that needed putting away long before this. And one thing I was definitely not going to do - having to fake being polite. Nope. Not doing that shit this weekend. Why? Because it would have been bad for me.

Instead - we are packing Leann up so she can go to AZ. And we're getting drunk. And we had to have eggs, so we went to IHOP, and amused our waiter.

And we are going to have a blast.

OK, that's IT!

2007-12-09T13:44:20Z

Ok - I need someone with excellent hacking skills.

You see, I have this neighbor who has a talking theft protection system on his truck. It's not even a really fancy truck like an Escalade or anything like that. It's some middle of the road, later model SUV. But this system talks. It says things like "Please step away from the vehicle" or "Intruder alert, Intruder alert someone is trying to enter this car. Call the police, the Viper is in danger." Yeah. This car is no Viper.

Thing is - it goes off all the time. The wind freaking blows and the "Please step away" message goes off. And it wakes me up every time. Yet there was one time I heard drunk people from the bar out on the street, and they were LEANING all over the car (one even puked on it) and the damn system didn't go off.

But I so want to get into that system and change what the system says. I wouldn't mind being woken up if I could hear messages like this:

"Please step away from the vehicle. It's owner is definitely compensating for something."
"Warning! My owner is an asshole! It might be catching, so stay away."
"Intruder Alert! Someone is trying to steal this POS truck! They are too stupid to live."
"Please step away from the car. It's owner loves it more than his dog." (The guy leaves his poor dog outside all day, and all night, because the apartment doesn't allow dogs, but they can have them in the yard.)
"Warning! Drunk people have released various body fluids onto the car. The owner is not responsible for any diseases one might catch if they touch it."

Where's Micah from Heroes when you need him. I bet he could tell the car to say those things.

Humph. I wonder how long it will be till they move away. Anyone have any ideas of what this stupid thing could say?