(urth) chicago event

[Gerry Quinn]

At least you both probably feel better today than I do after celebrating our National Saint’s day in the traditional fashion...

- Gerry Quinn


From: Craig Brewer 
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 2:07 PM
To: The Urth Mailing List 
Subject: Re: (urth) chicago event

Wonderful, Marc. I'm still terribly jealous. Chasing a 3 year old around a wedding reception while my wife enjoyed her friends was poor compensation. How we suffer for those we love...



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From: Marc Aramini <marcaramini at yahoo.com>
To: The Urth Mailing List <urth at lists.urth.net> 
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 7:13 AM
Subject: (urth) chicago event


I am at the hotel in Chicago now getting everything ready for my flight back to Vegas, and I noticed a little computer in the lobby (my phone is low tech - for calling) so I figured I would give a brief summary of events.  I will expand more later after I arrive home.

AWESOME event.  Valya and the coordinators did a wonderful job getting together a very interesting and entertaining evening.  The atmosphere and weather were wonderful, and the estate was amazing, with the highlight (of the facility) being an 8000 pipe organ that was masterfully played by their organist, from coin operated boy to Star Wars.  The Toy Theater story adaptation was perfect for the setting, and as James Wynn commented, the estate was a steampunk's dream come true, probably the best way to describe it.

I got to meet James Wynn, Michael Andre-Druissi, Nick Lee and his date, and Jensen and his wife from the list (if they don't all post actively, they have at least frequented it).  I have probably mispelled the even names.  I have to admit that a priori in my mind I harbored the idea that we must be somewhat nerdy, but we are actually a pretty sharp bunch even when it comes to appearance.  I had never gone to a con or anything before, and this was well worth it. It was a much more handsome and dignified group than I expected from the Urth list, both women and men.  I enjoyed speaking with all of them.

Craig, I didn't see your email before I drove up to Vegas and have not had access to a computer until now, I apologize.  The personal stories related by Neil Gaiman and Lawrence (was it Sarrantonio?) the guy who adapted the Toy Theater were profound and touching.  Michael Swanwick had some great things to say as well, as did David Hartwell.  Patrick O'Leary and his wife were sitting at my dinner table with James Wynn, and they were also great.

I will try to get some photos online Monday; I still have to fly back.

Gene's acceptance speech was hilarious and touching.  It went into the reason for his style (four kids and a wife hollering if he wanted bacon while he was trying to write in a small place), his reasons for writing (easier than repairing stuff around the house), and said he wanted to make sure to personally insult every friend who came.  He is a wonderful speaker, and there is a sharpness and energy to him that makes the years fade when he starts to talk.

I will post more later, but it was a truly great evening and one of the highlights of my life.  Gene has always been a kind and brilliant man, and he still is.  I really enjoyed getting the chance to meet everyone there.  I will post more later.  Some pics to come!

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