Cory and Randall "XKCD" Munroe at 3PiCon in Springfield, MA, Aug 22-24

I'm one of the guests of honor at this summer's Pi Con, the annual science fiction convention held Aug 22-24 in West Springfield, MA, appearing alongside of Randall Munroe, the creator of the brilliant geek webcomic XKCD. I'm really looking forward to this -- I've never met Randall and I'm an ardent admirer of his work. Discount registration is open until May 31.

This year Pi-Con, the convention located in the belly button of the universe (or more specifically, The Pioneer Valley) is lucky enough to have both Cory Doctorow and Randall Munroe as guests of honor.

Pi-Con has a lot to offer. We have a gaming (both table top and electronic), panels of all types (including virtual and pool panels) and flavors (from hard science to gaming, web comics to polyamory, and quite possibly everything in between), and vendors to fit all your geeky needs.

Link

[#1 posted by Brian Damage , March 27, 2008 8:22 AM]

I hope you and Randall enjoy the polyamory panels. Can we expect your lovechild to be stick men writing about Google's privacy policies?

[#2 posted by rstevens , March 27, 2008 9:04 AM]

I am so there. Prepare for toasted coconut and Boston Creme from Donut Dip!

[#3 posted by cayton , March 27, 2008 9:23 AM]

I can only hope that you have the good sense to wear goggles and a red cape.

[#4 posted by kip w , March 27, 2008 4:46 PM]

Oh yeah, we move away from West Springfield, and Cory comes to our con. Well, listen:

From the hotel, make your way north on 5 (Riverdale Rd). After you pass under 91, watch the right side for Oishi Sushi. Give my regards to Mr. Dong. Try the dragon roll!

[#5 posted by kaosdevice , March 27, 2008 5:50 PM]

#3 Curses! I wanted to make that joke!

I'd love to go to that con, it looks fascinating.

[#6 posted by boyhowdy , March 27, 2008 6:02 PM]

Oh Em Gee! Finally, a Cory sighting-to-be in my neighborhood! If you need a genuine home w/wireless to stay in nearby and don't mind two small blonde children underfoot, just say the word.

The Pioneer Valley really is the bellybutton of the universe. But if it helps, it's a pierced one, as Northampton is just up the river a spell. Talk about a place safe for polyamory :-)

[#7 posted by Bloo , March 27, 2008 8:30 PM]

Dang it.. I just moved, 41 years ago, from the Pioneer Valley, and now two of my favorite creators show up!

If you have time, and you don't mind giving Six Flags some money: Six Flags New England, across the river in Agawam (my home town) still has one of the best of the old wooden-frame roller coasters around.

If you're really up for cruisin' around, the Berkshires would be a pretty sight; watch for Alice's Restaurant in Stockbridge and/or Arlo Guthrie. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge is pretty nice too, as is the Red Lion Inn (ancient coach inn but a lonnng wait for lunch!)

Springfield is also the home of Dr. Seuss - who could be considered a science fiction author due to the fact that he invented a few never-heard-of species and peoples in his books along with incredibly advanced cleaning technology (The Cat In The Hat's "Voom")

[#8 posted by Cory Doctorow , March 28, 2008 6:38 AM]

Thanks for the tip on the woody, Bloo! I've got a soft spot for those old rattletraps!