Michael Lee's Train of Thought

I'm happy to see that the LASFS Clubhouse interview we asked the LASFS for has shown up on our League of Wonders site. One of the reasons why is it is nice to see how it has been done in other areas!

And video is always nice to add to a site...

Labels: community center, fandom, geek, minnesota

Really, this changes nothing. But at the same time, it changes everything.

Not the official word (that went out to the voting members earlier this week) -- but my official word. At our last board meeting of the Minnesota Society for Interest in Science Fiction and Fantasy we decided 12-0 (and the incoming 2 directors agreed as well) to spin off CONvergence from MISFITS, with the details to be worked out by January 1, 2010. Revenue donation will continue at current levels at least through the 2011 convention cycle. And we expect an active partnership between CONvergence and MISFITS for many years in the future.

I was in favor of this for a variety of reasons -- I've been actively involved with both CONvergence and MISFITS from very early on. (I don't quite get to be called a founder, but I was an early adopter.) I care passionately about both organizations, and am very proud of what we have done together. I've seen both organizations grow, mature, struggle, develop, and work together for many years. And I want them both to continue to do so as partners for many years in as successful a manner as possible.

I expect and will work to see that to continue -- and I am personally committed to an ambitious direction for the future as part of this process. The idea here is to build on our successes, support each other -- but then also get out of each other's way and not micromanage either. And let us all be the fantastic, imaginative, exciting community that I know that we are and will be.

There are a lot of details to work out. Lots of details. We'll have FAQs, meetings, discussions, arguments, decisions and paperwork to do.

But it is going to be exciting.

Labels: convergence, fandom, geek, minnesota, misfits, scifi

One of my fellow CONvergence directors, Jon Olsen made the following post today:

=-=-=-=-

Please consider joining our conversation about the next possibilities for our diverse community. This touches the participants in CONvergence, Anime Detour, MISFITS, Marscon, Minicon, Gaylaxicon, Mn-Stf, Omegacon, and more and more. . .

http://leagueofwonders.wordpress.com

We began talking about big inter-community projects this year. There have been conversations at MN Society for Interest in Science Fiction and Fantasy open meetings. There have been conversations at closed meetings too. There was a wonderfully interesting panel at CONvergence last week on the subject of a "geek community center." That panel will likely make an appearance at other conventions.

Well we also want to have a public conversation with the members of the communities in which we are active. About joint efforts, about structure, about autonomy and interdependence, and about where we go from here. About what we could do if we start dreaming out loud.

That conversation lives here for now: http://leagueofwonders.wordpress.com and I invite you to take part. Share this info with others and get in on the action. Today!

=-=-=-=-

This is a conversation that I'm actively engaged in as well, and I encourage everyone interested in what we can do as a community in the future to participate.

Labels: fandom, geek, minnesota

I think he's really losing control of some of his supporters. Sad to see something like this in Minnesota though.



I suspect that when McCain loses -- and I hope and expect that he will -- that the knives will really be out in the Republican party. It's too early to say that, perhaps, and the few weeks that remain are several lifetimes in politics....but we'll see what happens.

Labels: minnesota, mnpolitics, politics

Labels: minnesota, mnpolitics, politics

I'm astonished that CONvergence was chosen by City Pages as Best of the Twin Cities. Not because we were picked -- but that the category was even created this year.

It is a great compliment to the hundreds of people that have been involved in putting the event on, especially since the publicity was not searched for.

True, they had a typo and changed Marv Wolfman's gender (to Mary) -- but otherwise it was a very nice description and something I'm happy to point to.

Labels: convergence, geek, minnesota, scifi

One of the things that I've been tempted to do is go to all of the pizza restaurants in the Twin Cities area and review them all.

One of the better pizza restaurants I've been to in the Twin Cities is Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant in Coon Rapids. It's one of the best pizza crusts that I've ever had, nice and crispy. And they've had good, unique kinds -- I've had Taco pizzas before, but they also had an excellent Gyro pizza.

Very very tasty.

Pizza is one of those things that has a lot of the delivery chains that have become really common -- and some of those chains are even pretty decent -- but the best pizza isn't the big chains, but the unique ones.

Labels: food, minnesota, pizza

I was quoted in an article that just went up in the Star Tribune about my frustrations about my caucus experience.

I've been thinking about it some more today. I don't really want to reject all of the advantages of the caucus system. I like that we had the chance to get some face to face interaction with our local political leaders, and it was very hands-on democracy.

I know that a lot of people were frustrated that they couldn't really participate in what candidate the DFL will endorse for Senate this year. It's not just me -- I've overheard other people that felt frustrated that they weren't really able to be a part of that decision.

What I think might work is something that has both -- a primary for the state wide races like President, Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor. The caucus works as a chance to meet your neighbors, discuss the issues, and feed resolutions to the party at a grassroots level.

I don't really know the best solution -- and as you'd expect from a newspaper article you've got one main sentence pulled out of a couple of minute conversation that supported the story that he wanted to write, but I certainly think there is a better way.

Labels: minnesota, mnpolitics, politics

Twin Cities geeks would find an article about local game company Fantasy Flight very interesting -- it's good to see how much success they've had, and it looks like they've got some interesting new game licenses, including Battlestar Galactica.

Labels: games, minnesota

I was looking at the end of Shinders a while ago, and so it's interesting to see that a new store is starting up called Beyond Shinders. I think there's definitely a hole around malls where Shinders used to be -- so I'm glad to see some stores opening up that fill that sort of role.

Labels: comics, minnesota

I was at Famous Dave's this afternoon, so I was interested to read about how Calhoun Square is on the move at the Star Tribune. While I certainly think that the mall needs a refresh -- especially after the disappointing departure of Border's -- I'll also be very sad to see ZRS Fossils to leave if they do as reported in this article, as I always found the mix of artifacts to be one of the more unique things there. I haven't ever purchased anything there -- it's the type of store that you visit a whole lot more than you buy someting from -- but it is always interesting to visit.

In a lot of ways, I'm the type of person that Calhoun Square should try to pull in, I would think -- I live close enough that it's a reasonable place for me to stop by, and I drive by it at least once a week. But the mix of stores have really meant that I only go inside two or three times a year.

So I hope that any changes are for the better -- because the departure of ZRS Fossils removes the only store that I would have made a point of going into when at Calhoun Square.

Labels: minnesota

I had dinner at Mongos Grill tonight up in Maple Grove -- and I'm exceptionally happy with it. It's a Mongolian BBQ with a great variety of flavors and ingredients -- I went for multiple bowls, and each time it had a very different flavor and style; with some a spicy bbq mix, to a wrap, to a breakfast-style ham, cheese, and egg mix. We went with a rather large group, and they handled us with efficiency.

I'll certainly be back -- and I'd be thrilled if they added a location in the Bloomington-to-Eden Prairie area, as I'm not up in Maple Grove all that often -- but I'll make a trek for it, and I certainly hope they are around for a while.

Labels: food, minnesota

I'm stunned and paying a lot of attention to the I-35W bridge collapse -- this is a bridge that I've literally crossed hundreds of times -- even at that specific time.

While I haven't heard any bad news yet from friends or family, and many of my friends have checked in, it is still one of those things where until everyone I know has checked in, it'll be something to have some worry about.

Labels: minnesota

I had noticed that the Eden Prairie Shinders had suddenly closed a couple of weeks ago, and now I know why. And in retrospect, I had noticed that the quality of the store had been declining over the last couple of months.

It's more that it complicates my comic-buying schedule on busy weeks -- the Eden Prairie Shinders was convenient on my current commute home, and while Dreamhaven isn't that far for me, it's really a whole additional drive.

Labels: books, comics, minnesota

I don't think this is a surprise to anyone, but Al Franken is in for the Senate. He grew up in the same town that I live in, so he's as home town as you get, really -- despite his previous entertainment career.

We're a state that elected Jesse Ventura and Paul Wellstone -- so of course Al has a chance. And at the very least, it'll make for a much more interesting campaign.

Labels: minnesota, mnpolitics, politics

Neil Gaiman reported some alarming news about one of my favorite stores, Dreamhaven. They suffered a break-in, and it has been rough for their business.

The small bookstore is a very rough business, especially in our internet and big box bookstore age -- but one of the nice things about stores like Dreamhaven or Uncle Hugos is that they provide a center of gravity for our local fandom. They are the heart of our community. When out of town visitors that are science fiction fans come into town, I've always made sure that they visit these stores.

Labels: comics, fandom, minnesota, scifi

I figure that if Al Franken is giving up his talk radio gig he's going to go for the US Senate here in Minnesota. He wouldn't be the strangest possible candidate for state wide office -- after all, we did elect an ex-wrestler and actor as Governor long before California brought in Arnold.

I figure it'll make for a very interesting campaign, at least. I saw Al Franken do a book reading a little over a year ago and I noticed then that despite his jokes, he was much more like someone who was looking at politics than as a comedian.

Labels: minnesota, mnpolitics, politics

There's been more than a share of silly controversy about my soon-to-be Representative Keith Ellison's plan to use the Koran as part of his personal swearing-in ceremony. And he found a great copy to use. Thomas Jefferson's.

Totally classy.

Labels: minnesota, politics

We're coming to the end of 2006, and the Scrimshaw Brothers productions are mutating again. I've been a regular at their shows for several years, and have already made plans to go to the New Years Eve show -- and if previous experience is any indication, it'll certainly sell out.

One of the exciting things to see is that Joe's show Adventures in Mating is being produced in several locations around the world. It's being relaunched as a weekly production here in Minneapolis, but is also being produced in New York City and the United Kingdom. So if you find yourself in one of those locations...you have the chance to see it.

The show is interactive -- much like the Choose Your Own Adventure books of your youth. And as such is really never the same show twice. It could be sweet romantic tale or a cynical disaster -- and you know that really, there are times where either path could be the right one.

I'm looking forward to a chance to see it again.

Labels: comedy, minnesota, scrimshaw, theater

Don't forget to vote tomorrow (if you are a USA person....)

Labels: minnesota, politics

I think this will be a good site to track the most interesting races in Minnesota on Tuesday.

Labels: minnesota, politics

Are you searching for information about clubs, conventions, stores, or whatever in Minnesota for Science Fiction and Fantasy? What follows is a tailored google search engine. It's still early days, and if you've got a suggestion for a site that is appropriate for Minnesota area science fiction fans to have weighted a little higher, let me know.

The Minnesota Science Fiction and Fantasy Search Engine

Labels: minnesota, scifi, search

A month or so ago I posted my thoughts before the primary, and at that time I didn't have the website for Minnesota Senate seat 44 Democratic candidate Ron Latz. Now I do.

Labels: minnesota, politics

I haven't, as yet, followed all of the ins and outs of the Transportation Constitutional Amendment in question, but here is an interesting poll for the Worst Road in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has more information about the amendment as well. So that may be a good place to get some more information so you can make up your mind about the amendment over the next two months.

Labels: minnesota, politics

StarTribune.com has election results.

Biggest news is certainly that Keith Ellison gets the House of Representatives nomination.

Now on to November...

Labels: minnesota, politics

One of the things that is especially nice before an election is to check out all of the races that will be on the ballot -- and the Star Tribune Politics page does a good job of listing them all.

I've already seen the candidates in my DFL primary, and while I'm still undecided on the fifth congressional district I've worked out the others.

Labels: minnesota, politics

I'm reading City Pages article on Keith Ellison. I'm still undecided on this race -- and I may well not decide until I vote -- so I'm reading through all of the information I have.

It does do a good job about getting to some of the facts concerning some of the less-pleasant attacks against Ellison. I'm sure he'll be a popular Republican target state wide if he wins, but that isn't necessarily a negative. So was Wellstone, after all...

Labels: minnesota, politics

It's almost primary time here in Minnesota. I'm generally a Democratic voter, and actually, there are a few races where the primary is probably more important than the general election, so that'll be the primary that I vote in.

I thought it might be convienient to put together some links together for it, especially as I think about who I'm likely going to vote for. I'm not including everyone -- just the ones that I'm considering...

Minnesota House 44A: Steve Simon

Minnesota Senate 44: Ron Latz is running. I don't see a website for him yet -- perhaps because this was a bit more sudden with Steve Kelley running for Attorney General. There's a page for at the house for his current position as State Representative in 44B.

Hennepin County Sheriff: This is one that I'm not yet decided on. A couple with websites: Tom Fitzhenry, Juan Lopez, Rich Stanek. Based on endorsements alone, it counts against Rich Stanek, as he's got a lot of Republicans, including ones that I really don't like.

US House District 5: My impression is that there are three top candidates for the race. Keith Ellison, Mike Erlandson, and Ember Reichgott Junge. This is one that I haven't come to any real conclusion on; it might be one that I make when I walk in the voting booth door. Right now it is likely between Ellison or Erlandson for me. This is the big race, and why it is important to vote in the primary here. It's one to take seriously.

State Auditor: Rebecca Otto

Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie

Attorney General: Steve Kelley has been our state senator for several years. He's been good there. I'm sure either Bill Luther or Lori Swanson would be ok, but I think the home town plus endorsements all count in Kelley's favor.

Governor & Lt Governor: Mike Hatch & Judi Dutcher are the endorsed candidates. Mike Hatch is the current Attorney General. Dutcher was a Republican, but she's they type of Republican that doesn't exist much anymore, as they stop being a party of fiscal responsibility and move to the extremes -- and why I don't consider them very often as candidates. Becky Lourey is a bit of an outside choice.

Senate: Amy Klobuchar.

Labels: minnesota, politics

From the local file: I went to Midtown Global Market at Chicago and Lake in South Minneapolis this afternoon, and I was immediately pleased with the varieties of resturants, food items, and gifts that this place offered. I could have had gyros, burritos, or pizza, shopped for middle eastern, Mexican, and Asian food supplies.

After splitting a gyro and getting an excellent cappuccino, as it wasn't quite time for a full meal, as the scope of the place took me by surprise, I crossed over and visited Uncle Hugo's and picked up Cory Doctorow's Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town and Paul Cornell's novel British Summertime, which I've never even seen on a shelf before.

I've been going to Uncle Hugo's for decades, but it's always been a bit sad to see the giant disused Sears building -- and the construction had made it particularly painful. But the addition of the Midtown Global Market makes both spots particularly appealing, and makes it a good destination for some food and some science fiction reading.

Labels: minnesota

The Minnesota Daily has an article about the Scrimshaw Brothers

Labels: comedy, minnesota, scrimshaw