Tag: Geek

Steamposium

We’re currently putting together the show for Steamposium 2015, one of the largest, most amazing Steampunk events on the planet. Like our amazing show last year, be prepared for luminaries and sky pirates from across the steampunk world.

GeekGirlCon

Come celebrate the legacy of women and their contributions to science and technology, as well as the surrounding culture of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime games and game play.

Star Wars and Bruce Lee

Carl Setzer1 Comment

There’ve been two local exhibits that have been compelling me: EMP’s Star Wars and the Power of Costume and Wing Luke’s Bruce Lee exhibit.  As a long time Star Wars fan, the EMP exhibit is deeply compelling. One of the things I enjoy about the series are the ways George Lucas connected with the mythological constructs of culture.

As a martial artist, Bruce Lee is something of an icon for me. The Wing Luke exhibit connects us to Lee’s history and evolution as a martial artist. That is particularly compelling to me.

Of course, I need to hit these fast. Next week, the Bruce Lee exhibit changes focus, and Star Wars ends it’s run at the EMP. Crunch time!

Hey #Seattle Area #Geeks: This Weekend’s Northwest Tabletop Expo

Carl Setzer

Just found out about this.  If you’re a fan of tabletop gaming, this looks  like lots of fun.

Evergreen Tabletop Expo
Evergreen Tabletop Expo

Unfortunately, advance tickets are sold out. However, there will still be some available at the door.

Everett Community College hosts FREE Japanese Anime Arts Festival May 29-30

Carl Setzer
EvCC Anime Logo

Perhaps, like myself, you’d never considered Everett as a bastion of geek culture. But you’d be wrong! We might not match Seattle yet, but we’re moving in the right direction. First, we have Orcacon next January. And this weekend , Everett Community College will be hosting a Anime Arts Festival (a more detailed schedule is available here).  Looks like a fun event, especially if you’re a fan of anime. And, if you’ve either been on the fence or are just curious about this stuff, what a great chance to check out this part of Japanese culture (free…FREE!!).

I hope to make my way there. Will I see you? Let me know if the comments.

Oh, So Much Northwest Geek Delight This Weekend

Carl Setzer
Norwestcon Logo

Yeah, the Emerald City Comicon is done, but that’s not even close to all the geek delight the region has the offer. There are events throughout the year, and these two are (both) this weekend.

And there are still more. I’ve started a list of all the regions events, which I’ll keep updated as I learn more. Feel free to let me know of any that aren’t on here.

An additional note: I was just informed that the Bellingham Comicon is a go for October 24th. More details on their Facebook page and their website.

Long-Suffering RadioShack, My Geeky Youth Paradise

Carl Setzer
Radioshack Logo

It pains me a bit to see RadioShack suffering so (see No new bidders emerging in RadioShack’s bankruptcy as 2,000 stores face closure over at Geekwire). It doesn’t surprise me, just saddens me. As an electronics enthusiast growing up (back in the 70s and 80s) this was THE place to see stuff, to get your gear. I loved their electronics training kits, for instance.

There was one in Lynnwood right next to Wilcox Park off of 196th street; a rather quick jaunt from home. I would routinely ogle shortwave and HAM radio gear, various electronics kits, then the life-changing TRS 80. I coveted the affectionately titled “Trash 80” for some time. Well, until my father opted for one of the IBM clones on the market, which dwarfed the capabilities of the humble TRS. And my interest started to wane.

RadioShack lost their je ne sais quoi ages ago. I haven’t set foot in one in years. There were (and are) far better places to buy gear, especially computer gear. They failed to pivot at a crucial juncture and just can’t get their legs back under them. I fully expect this brand will die, whether a with a splendid crater or quietly vanishing into a sub-brand of Sprint remains to be seen. But I don’t see how it’s relevant anymore. Perhaps, just maybe, they can snap into the “maker” movement, but it’d need to happen NOW, as they’re behind. Thus, I doubt any such thing will materialize. So, in my heart-of-hearts, I bid this venerable icon adieu. May it rest in peace.

 

Emerald City Comicon Is Underway

Carl Setzer

Oh, dear geek friends, Emerald City Comicon fans, I know some folks felt slighted by this statement from Washington State’s DOT:

It’s easy to feel slighted when one has lived their lives as the butt of myriad jokes. Comicons are fantastic events, bringing together thousands of people who love comics, anime, science fiction and fantasy. They’re glorious and fun events. I’ve been to a couple cons here in Seattle, but it’s been a LONG time. Too long, I’m afraid. I do love these events. Besides simply being surrounded by like-minded people, there are all the amazing speakers, chances to meet writers and artists who’ve inspired you, and (my favorite) cosplay. Cosplay is fun to watch: such amazing displays of creativity and passion.
Sadly, I’ll miss this one myself. However, Cons are definitely on my list of events to add. Looking forward to getting back into this world. But it can be followed via Twitter:

So, let’s assume you’ve missed the Emerald City Comiccon and are now deep in regret. Fret not! There are other options, in Seattle and beyond. Here’s what’s coming up in Seattle. This is more than comicons, but includes other geek culture conferences.
April 2-5: Norwescon (Seatac)
April 3-5: Sakuracon
August 28-31: Pax Prime
Sept. 25-27: Stemposium
Oct. 30 – Nov. 1: Aki Con
This is hardly an all encompassing list. I’m working on that, but here’s a start. Looking the entire Pacific Northwest region. I’ll keep working on it, so make it a point to check back.