Anthrocon and the media
So I have been thinking hard about whether I wanted to write this up or not.  I've gone ahead and done so, but I want to put the disclaimer out there.  What I'm about to talk about reflects ONLY my interactions with the press related to Anthrocon.  It's not an attempt to try and say "This is Furry.  Here is what the press needs to say about the fandom."
  
This year, as in many years past, I was tasked with touring some members of the press and other media outlets (podcasters) at AC and letting them see what the convention was all about.  I stayed away from the network cameras this year (even though I toured one of their film crews through the dealer room and registration area).  I talked briefly with the man (I am reluctant to say gentleman) from Associated Press.  All in all, this year was pretty good from a press standpoint.  But some things happened that were truly remarkable, and I want to share them.

I toured a group from WTAE who were initially only staying in the hotel lobby for their quick video soundbytes.  I offered a rather innocent "You know, none of the other networks have been to where the convention really is.  Do you want to see it?"  The crew talked among themselves, and after I mentioned that there were far more people down in registration than were in the lobby...they quickly asked to go there.  I took them to reg, and they found more fursuiters and a rather impressive, but fast moving registration line.  They filmed their piece, stated that we brought in over $4 million to the Pittsburgh economy, and went on their merry way.  I also toured a podcast group who mostly deal with Halloween Haunted Houses, and liked the crossover of werewolves with Furry.  With them, joined a reporter from the Pittsburgh Trib Review.  Together, I showed them the Zoo, the main ballroom, the headless zone, the dealer room, art show, registration, and other panel rooms.  

As we walked out together, I introduced these folks to random friends and people throughout the convention.  They met our director of AV.  The met the charity director.  They also talked with Wyoon, who has a Lance Pope werewolf costume.  They met Tobias who is a fursuit dance competitor.  They talked with Shortwave who does charity pulls.  They talked with a lot of folks, and did a number of interviews.  At the end of the day, the podcasters were asking a lot of different questions than they were before.  They wanted to ask not what the attraction was to "furry", but more about the history, why the dance hall was rotated, how the various programming tracks worked, and so on.  It wasn't about trying to understand Anthrocon as a "furry thing" anymore, it was about trying to understand why we operated the way we did, and to learn about the people as individuals.  What kinds of music did Tobias like to dance to?  What was the heaviest vehicle Shortwave has pulled?  How did Wyoon get involved with haunted houses?  Somehow, the people I was touring had moved past "What is furry?" and gone on to "What makes this interesting for each person?"...and they started getting answers.

At the end of the convention, I spoke with Jim Martin...who is friends with the Trib Review reporter.  He relayed a message to me.  She said ,"Tell KP, I think I finally get it.  Anthrocon isn't about animal costumes, and it isn't about artwork, or performance, or any of the other things that we were looking at.  That's kind of like the wrapping paper and the bows and bells around the present inside.  Anthrocon, at heart is really about one thing.  It's about friendship.  It's about all these friends who like the same thing, getting together and sharing that in one big weekend of extended friendship.  Now, I get it."

My friends...at long last...a reporter...finally understands Anthrocon.  We didn't have to explain it to her, she just took the time to see it for herself.  Yes, there is hope.  Because someone from the press, really did get it.   :)

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Anthrocon 2012 Redux and thanks

So once again, Anthrocon has come and gone.  Honestly, this one flew by.  It seems like it was only yesterday that I was being driven through the Fort Pitt Tunnel into downtown Pittsburgh.  The convention was so busy and had so much going on, that I didn't have time to realize just how fast things were going.  I have some amazing memories and made some remarkable new friends...as well as rekindled old friendships.

First, a true highlight for me was being able to see my roommate Shay again.  It has been several years since I have been to Europe to see him, and it was a true joy to be able to see him and talk to him every day for almost a week.  Shay, this convention would not have been the same without you, and thank you for being such a great friend and an awesome roommate.  You are the BEST!  I hope we can see each other again very soon.

Next, I met some truly wonderful new friends throughout the convention.  While I can't really name everyone...and I feel bad that I can't, I would like to give a huge shoutout to my new friend Doryuu.  Doryuu, your smile and energy is absolutely contagious!  I couldn't help but feel happy and energized every single time I talked to you, and am super grateful that we could hang out and chat on Friday.

This convention had, what I feel, was the best event list and programming that I've ever seen at Anthrocon.  Thanks to Dev Madan and Mike Kazaleh for being awesome guests of honor!  If you saw Sardyuon's performances, and would get nervous watching him climb that tower of chairs....just imagine how I felt backstage watching it up close!  He's an amazing performer and we were super glad he could attend.  Jim Martin also brought the new Gary Gnu puppet to Anthrocon, and he appeared in the Masquerade this year!  Speaking of which, I need to really thank the Masquerade staff this year.  I was required to be in several places while the audition and rehearsals were happening, and I relied heavily on them to help put the show together.  Thanks JR, Digby, Danruk, Stahi, and EVERYONE else (including the absolutely fantastic AV crew)...for letting us get the show together.  I think people really enjoyed it this year.  And Stahi,,,I know that you were dealing with a really difficult personal situation during the show....and know that every one of us is there for you.  We're a big family, and you did a fantastic job throughout everything you were going through.

It goes without saying that our programming could not happen without AC's programming staff.  I will say this, and I hope that it does not come across poorly.  I firmly believe that Anthrocon's programming staff has absolutely the best overall crew of any event staff for any furry convention in the world.  After travelling to many conventions, I've seen many events, and had a ton of experiences with event programming.  Guys, I don't know how we could have had a better programming list this year.  With 5000+ attendees, we had a monumental task to try and organize events for such a diverse and large group of attendees....and it happened!  Every single AC programming staffer worked hard this year, and I appreciate all of your efforts.  Thanks to my assistant directors North and Kodi, to Osee my GoH Liason.  Thanks to the track leads:  Protocollie, Panda, Sharky, Yappyfox, Nonsanity, Ashe, Swift, Silaria, Arrow, Kiric and Turtyl.  Thanks to Jbadger for his work at the Info Desk.  I hope that I haven't forgotten anyone.  If so, let me know...because all of you deserve big super mad props for your efforts this year.

There really was something for everyone.  I've also never seen the main ballroom have as many people filling it as many times as we did this year.  We had folks counting attendees....and quite a large number of events had well over 1000 people in the main ballroom.  That's no small feat!   I want to thank the many talented performers and panelists who gave their time to make our concerts, dances and stage shows be the amazing success that they were.

I want to give a special thank you to every friend that I saw this weekend who helped me, talked to me, and helped keep me in a great state of mind.  A few special folks that I want to name personally:  Lav and Der...you guys mean more to me than I think you'll ever know.  Wyoon, it was great seeing you bouncing around the halls as giddy as a kid in a candy store.  Jace Shepherd, was amazing getting to hang out with you.  Kinney Coyote, I'm glad we finally did get a little time to hang out...even if very briefly.  I look forward to more.  Tony Ringtail, thank you for helping me when I pulled something in my back on Saturday...I really appreciate you checking on me and making sure I was safe.  Thrashbear, thank you for getting me to and from the airport and for chatting with me.  It really means a lot that you took that time to help me out.  Jim Martin, I feel like I have a friend for life with you and Crystal.  Thanks so much for everything and all the kind words.  You really have inspired me a lot this past weekend.  I wish I could name every one of the hundreds, if not thousands, of people I was able to talk with and rekindle friendships with.  I feel like the luckiest pup in the world to know so many kind and creative people.

I have one final thank you, and that is to the Anthrocon Board of Directors.  These hard working people give up so much time to make this event work.  I did my very best to get you to enjoy some of the performances, and for those who could not get away...I tried really hard to bring a bit of it to you this year.  Please accept that as a "thank you" for allowing me to continue to be a part of the Anthrocon organization...and to give back to the furry fandom...something that means so much to me,,,and I love with all my heart.  Thank you  Kage, Giza, Chiaroscuro, Petercat, Tigerwolf, Rigel, Xydexx, Kytten, and Gen Talon.  I am always humbled and honored to count you as friends and colleagues.  

Yes, I have a little PCD right now...and I think it's deserved.  I don't remember the last time I felt so energized by a convention.  I am worn out, but I want more.  I feel like I'm about to cry while I'm typing this up.  My heart feels...young again.  At AC2012....I found a piece of the magic that initially brought me to the furry fandom.  It's back...and I never want to let it go again.

Thanks everyone for making this a convention I will never forget.

*love and hugs*

KP

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A perfect rose
Had to post this.

I've never grown a cherry red rose before.  This is coming out just so beautifully...I had to document and share it.

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Steampunk Convention...and comments about Furry
Had a blast yesterday at a new Steampunk event in Daytona.  I put together a little outfit with some things that I already had...nothing elaborate, and certainly not anything expensive...created a character that was, for lack of a better idea, a dirigible attendant.  White shirt, black vest with my silver pocketwatch, khaki slacks, and black shoes with a fire red necktie.  Perhaps I wasn't the most in depth character, but it was fun.  I'll look forward to more steampunk events int he future.

While there, I attended a few shows, including a Burlesque show, a magic show, costume panel, and a few other things.  I couldn't afford the extra ticket for the high tea, but did get to go to the Abney Park concert.  Also, I passed out a few Megaplex fliers, and talked to folks about it.  There were a few smirks, as expected, but on the whole...people seemed curious, interested, and downright friendly about it.  Ended talking with a few people about perceptions and things while there...and commentary from conversations last night.  It was pretty insightful

First thing, many people don't actually have a problem with "furry" per se.  It's not the costumes, and it's not the art, or even the events that people have issue with.  It's certain people's behavior.  Now before anyone goes..."Yup, I could have told you that!"...let me tell you it's not the kind of behavior you'd think people would comment about.  While I was there, I talked with several people...and when the subject of furry conventions came up (and that there was one going on in Detroit right now)...there was a comment that really summed it all up.  "Let me guess..they only go to see their friends...right?"  That took me back, because I've heard it many times.  But it's really something that people outside of the furry fandom have heard furries say.  Yes, that is a stereotype of furries - socially awkward because they want to lock themselves in up small groups away from the convention space.  While I was in the main event room at this convention..it seemed like almost everyone was there, either for the concert or to socialize.  The alcohol from the bar was flowing freely, and people were mixing and talking all over the place.  From another conversation that happened last night, it was remarked that furries don't attend other kinds of alternate fandom/costuming events.  People at this event easily talked about pirates, steampunk, renaissance festivals,sci-fi conventions and a host of other kinds of events...but people didn't seem to ever see many furries about.  Not that they expect to see fursuits around everyplace...but they just have the impression that furries can't interact with people outside the furry fandom.  What the big point seemed to be was...people at these events go to the shows and panels to socialize and meet new people en masse.  They very easily walk around and talk to new folks and make new friends.  I found myself doing the same thing last night.  But these folk think furries are just not capable of doing that.  Ask yourself how many times you've heard people say "I'm going to a party in X's room...and you can see that it's really not an inaccurate portrayal of the way things go down at furry conventions.

Second thing that came up, it's been very noticed that there are people within the furry fandom, that like to put other furries down a LOT.  People commented that they hear the term "Oh Furries!" and "Furries Ruin Everything" from people within the fandom itself.  It was actually a running joke that the people that are the most "furry" aren't the fursuiters...it's the furries that insult other furries (she called the "Furies..as in furious at themselves for being part of the fandom).  That was because, as this lady told me, people who do all the insulting are, in their eyes, the most socially inept people there.  If they are there, but can't fit in...they dog it (no pun intended). I had to admit....this surprised me, because I do see a lot of folks I think of as friends exhibiting this behavior.  But from the outside looking in...I see where this lady was coming from.  It really does look like the school bully...someone who's embarrassed about being there..just being insulting so he can feel better about himself.  If it's done in jest between friends, I can see it as an inside joke.  But when done publicly around those who aren't in the know, well, hate to break it to you, but these folks think YOU are a big furry stereotype.  The lady I was talking to actually did attend a furry convention in Atlanta (I'm presuming FWA) and was invited to a private party in an upstairs room.  She said she heard the host making fun of people downstairs, and thought he was ridiculous, because (in her eyes) he's exactly the same as those folks...so she left.  

There were a lot of comments and thoughts that were given to me last night.  I must be truthful, they really hit the nail right on the head on almost every single observation.  Some of it was insightful, some was rather disappointing.  All in all, there were not a lot of bad comments about furry fandom.  Really people seemed to see it as something fun and interesting...if not always something for them.  The one lady that squealed "Oooh..I love the fuzzies!" showed how open minded a lot of other fandoms are with furry. I don't know that there is a way to internally change things...since it's become so entrenched in a lot of people's behavior.  Just think about what you see, hear, and do at conventions.   People running off to private rooms to get drunk, people only hanging out with the small same groups that they always do, people claiming that they don't need to go into the convention space since they are only there for their friends, and people thinking they are above others and knocking them down to attain some type of social status.  Ask yourself how many times you've done this at conventions.  Because if you have, congratulate yourself for being what other fandoms see as the furry stereotype.

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Writer's Block: ONTD Games Giveaway
whatever character in that icon in the question is....that little Megaman/animal icon looks all happy and ready to blow bad guys up!

Silly anawer for a silly question :)

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Donations to help save a sweet dog
 Hi all,

For those that know TiGWolf, he's a really sweet guy, and has a wonderful dog companion, Merlin.

Was told that Merlin went into emergency surgery this morning for a twisted intestine.  Several thousand dollars was fronted to try to save his life.  If anyone wants to help Tig with a small donation, you can do so by sending a PayPal donation to :  dbachtler@gmail.com

I know times are tough.  But anyone who's ever had a pet knows how painful this can be not only for the dog, but for the TiG as well.  If you can spare just a bit of cash to help, I know he'd appreciate it.

KP

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Mid month update
So by my scale, I'm down 10 pounds since Jan 1. 240 pounds. The scale at FPS reads heavier, but I was wearing warm clothes and jeans..so it may be off due to that.

Wondering how long it'll take to get down to 230 pounds.

Have been good on the food intake. Not skipping meals, and trying really hard to eat better. More veggies, more good proteins, fewer bready carbs, and fruit snacks where I can.

Have a new dance DVD, going to start trying to learn the routine....should be some decent exercise.

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Writer's Block: Trivia Day


I seem to recall at one time there were 182. But I know there have been some breakaways and such since then. If I had to venture a blind guess, I'd say around 194-ish? Plus or minus 5.

Yah....answer is as specific as a nebulous answer can get. :P

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Thoughts after Christmas 2011
The house is quiet, and dishes are being washed. I am still basking in the happiness I feel from today. So many good friends came by...and w did simple things. I cooked homemade chicken and dumplings, we made cookies, played card and board games and watched movies. My mom sent me a few things I can use like a cutting board and placemats. I did get some wonderful gifts from friends...but the most important gift was just their friendship and companionship. Perhaps it is just that I could not afford much this year. I am still making gifts for folks, because theillimination and calligraphy process takes a lot of time. Yet this year,I feel like I know what is really important in my life. Without my friends, my life would be very different.

Perhaps that is the thing I got most from this holiday. It really isn't about gifts, or travelling to some exotic place, or even having the fanciest of meals. It never has been about expensive gifts, or trying to impress. No, the real magic of this holiday was seeing my friends and neighbors smile. It was talking to my mother, and appreciating that she is still a part of my life. It was petting my dog and enjoying his company. It was about visiting the little boy next door, and making him smile by having some suiters visit him while he has a cold. It was about all the little things we take for granted every day...and being grateful that those little things are there.

I hope that each of you took a moment to remember the things that are most important in your own live. I know how important each and every friend is. I am grateful for each and every one of you....and in the words of Tiny Tim...."God bless us...every one."

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Christmas Cards
It's that time again,

If folks are interested in receiving a Christmas card from me, I need to get your mailing address.

(I apologize for having to ask year over year....but through moving and other things....my card list of addresses is needing to be redone.)

reply with your mailing addy, including country.  All replies are screened.

KP

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Furloween 13
Just got back from Furloween 13.  Man, what a fun party.  I am sore from dancing, and general party activities.  Hard to believe that Mach as been running the party for so long, and it's always awesome.  Everyone in Orlando seems to just come together for it.  Didn't know of any drama, and it ran smoothly.  Did part of the decorations as always, and glad that folks seem to enjoy them.  Got the columns, gargoyles, cauldrons, candelabras, tombstones, and other things all packed away already for next year.  I just need to load them out from the car.

Party was just really fun....and I found I can't stop dancing if I hear the Party Rock Anthem...among other songs.  :D

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RIP Findra
I was told tonight about the passing of Findra.  For those that don't know, he was a contributor to the Funday Pawpet Show, and staffed FC for many years.  Over the years, Findra and I talked about this and that.  

Findra was a good guy.  He leaves behind a lot of good memories and friendships.

You'll be missed my friend.  You will be missed.

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Looking for roommate
Hi all,

Had a potential roommate situation fizzle out, so am on the lookout for one, or possibly two roommates in the UCF/Waterford Lakes area. I have a house that is furnished downstairs, and am looking to rent out one or two of the upstairs bedrooms. I have a golden retreiver, so you'd need to like having a dog around, and it's a no-smoking household. Would be willing to do either a flat rental amount per month with all utilities included, or a smaller rental amount plus 1/3 of monthly household utilities. I'm also a fursuiter, so hopefully that would not be an issue for you.

If anyone is interested, let me know. :)

KP

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Good Ghali!
Look what it was possible to create....without special changes or anything.  This was straight from a web site generator.

Has Ghali always been a brony and I didn't know it?

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Party redux
Had a nice little get together last night with some friends.  Spent a good part of the afternoon baking brownies, cupcakes (chocolate and butter pecan), and kolaches. (House smelled amazing yesterday afternoon.)   And made a sausage stir fry with onion, bell pepper, and red wine for folks.  Snacks and such went over well.

Also ended up playing a fun game of Imaginiff....and we made up our own rules at the end....just choosing the answer and giving the reason why in a comedic way.  Was a lot of fun. :)  

I have a few cupcakes left over, will be taking those down the street to one of the neighbors.  No brownies left.....will need to make more of those in the future. :)

Was all in all really fun, and great hanging out with people. :)

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Butterfly garden....updated roster of visitors
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More clearing of stuff
Still working on clearing out tons of stuff.  It's been about 9 months since I moved into the house, and really the only boxes of "stuff" left are a few in the garage, and a few in the downstairs closet.  Everything else has been gone through and put away. or at least unboxed.  

In going through that, tonight I found some interesting momentos of things.  My program from "Lion King on Broadway", my MFM2001 con badge, some hand held battery powered games, and ticket stub from a Weird Al concert.  The things we put away and keep to look at later!

Anyhow, I am working on some wall art stuffs.  Zeke only hung one of 3 mirrors from his bedroom so I think I am going to put the other 2 in the guest room.  He said he would not use them, and that will get them out of the way, and also probably make the room look a tad larger. Also have a bunch of framed artwork that I have not yet hung...will be looking at putting those up finally.  Some will go on the walls of my bedroom closet, just because I think that they will look good there.  (Yes the closet is big and has wall space to hang stuff.)

We have a storage unit that is holding a lot of the Megaplex stuff I was keeping in the house.  (Fursuit games stuff, stage decor, and the like.)  So those are out of the house now too.

I will need to go through my DVD's and inventory them when I get to the downstairs closet.  I really just want to get most of the garage done so there isn't much stuff left in there.  Once that is done...the rest is gonna be cake.

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Condolences for QMick
Sending condolences and good thoughts out to qmick 

His brother passed away in his sleep last night, and he's in need of all the good thoughts and support he can get.

If you have a moment, stop and have a nice thought for a grieving friend.

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Back from Anthrocon
The title says it all.  Am back home, and exhausted.  I think it went well overall.  A lot of people are happy with things and the convention seemed to really go over well.

Only now am I starting to see all the media and news clips that went out.  One of my favorites was from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazaette.  Even had I not appeared in it, I think I really love the tone and the way they looked at things from the convention perspective.  If you'd like to see....here's the link      http://www.post-gazette.com/multimedia/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5986856

And trying to embed the video.....here



Anyhow....learning more every year, and making new friends.  Can't say enough thanks to my fellow board member, Gen Talon, who really helped keep me centered most of the weekend.  And also (in no special order), to Tobias, J.R., LavShep, DerShep, Kodi, Big Blue Fox, Perro, Kameron, Skroy, Panda, Zeke, Enic, KaneHusky, Stahi, Colin, and all the other friends who took time to talk and keep me sane.  Thanks to all my friends....you are the ones that really keep me feeling like we're doing something special!

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Is the whole furry world here at AC?
Cause it sure feels like it.  Wednesday night the lobby was jammed with people on the lobby, 2nd, and 3rd floors.  The con doesn't start until Friday!  But I saw someone with badge number 3455 running around tonight.  Can that mean that there really are at least 3400 registered people already???

Had to give press tours today and toured Pittsburgh Channel 11 through most of the facility.  They were surprised that there were dedicated writing, art, and puppetry rooms, in addition to the game rooms and regular panel rooms.  Guess that they are figuring out that there is more to furry than thee fursuits.  Also greeted the guests of honor.  Andy Runton is such a nice fellow, and he brought his fiancee and his mother with him to the convention.  They seem to be having a great time, and Peter Beagle is really one of the most eloquent and soft spoken people I've ever met.  He's really just amazing.

Got to be ready for everything to start tomorrow.  Opening ceremonies will be interesting, and I personally cannot wait to see the dances.  The laser team really outdid themselves this year, and I wanna see all of it in full working mode!

Anyhow...is looking to be an amazing year.  I've got my stamp for the scavenger hunt, and the performance stuff seems all set.

Here's to what is shaping up to be a great convention!

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