Vacation! Blog entering low-power mode now.

While I’ve spent other work vacations claiming to put the blog in low power mode, but still managing to keep blogging at my usual rate, there’s a good possibility that for the next two weeks my blogging activities will be significantly curtailed by all the preparation and socializing that accompanies attending CONvergence.

I am very likely presently in the air on my way to Minnesota right now, assuming nothing untoward has happened (planes delayed, pilots being Raptured away mid-flight, etc). I might have a thing or two to write while I’m in the air, but I also plan to try to finally read the beta copy of Kelly McCullough’s new book so I can tell him in person what I thought of it. Yeah, the harassment fight has been keeping me from other duties. I suspect he wouldn’t mind though, considering the nature of this all-consuming conflagration, and the frequency with which he attends conventions.

I will, as usual, attempt to keep some interesting stuff pumping into my blog, but the chances of hosting a knock-down-drag-out fight over some piece of my personal philosophy is significantly lower as a result of all the time I plan on spending catching up with friends and making new ones.

Once in Minnesota, I understand I have more beers to try. I didn’t quite get through all the beers on offer last time there. I should post my notes on the last set, so I clear my “beers I’ve tried and haven’t yet blogged about” queue. I’ll also probably rely pretty heavily on working my way through some of the blog fodder backlog from links people have been sending me. But all that aside, it’s well possible I may not pay as close attention to the blogosphere as I have recently. If you need me for something, those of you who really matter already know how to get a hold of me.

And if anyone needs to pass along hugs to Stephanie Zvan, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

Yay vacation!!

Vacation! Blog entering low-power mode now.
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Happy anniversary, dear

A day late, but yesterday was spent on cuddles and sushi so I hope you’ll forgive me for posting this today. My wife Jodi and I just celebrated our second wedding anniversary. Video of the ceremony is available, and of course, if you’re interested in the proposal, visit Stephanie’s, where she very much played Cupid, with an assist from that old softie PZ Myers himself.

Stephanie’s husband Ben helped take a picture that we never got on our wedding, of the necklace that the amazing, talented and amazingly talented Bohemian Weasel, Soni Alcorn-Hender, made for her. Considering all of the artistic talent, and the model, of course I feel the need to highlight it here.

Professional photograph of Jodi wearing Soni's necklace
Photo © Ben Zvan Photography, used with permission (for obvious reasons)
Happy anniversary, dear

Happy whatever you celebrate!

My wife and I are hosting my sister for the day, cooking a small ham and playing video games and drinking wine and generally staying off the intertubes. Whatever you have planned for the day, I hope your plans find you and your friends and family in good health, and I hope you enjoy the day.

If you really need something to entertain you today, others around FtB have posted alternative carols, videos of The Muppets, an explanation of the ‘reason for the season’ (what, no axial tilt?), recipes for gingerbread, debunked Virginia’s letter, or talked about Isaac Newton.

I’m going to enjoy my day with my family now, incomplete as that family presence might be. You really should do so too. PZ commanded it last night, I’m commanding it today.

Happy Solstice, Newtonmas, Saturnalia, Festivus, and yes, even Christmas. (Among other festivals that fall on or around this day.)

Happy whatever you celebrate!

An Experiential Comparison of General Anaesthetic and Dental Sedation

Guest post by my wife, Jodi. Taking care of her yesterday and today, combined with Skyrim which we purchased to give her something to do and me something to obsess over (other than her), has lead to a dearth of time for blog commenting; apologies. I’m sure there’s lots of SIWOTI out there to eat up our time, but we have our priorities, you know! For now, enjoy this story from my drug-addled and pained wife.

(For my own recollect mostly, but you never know, maybe some first timers will get something useful out of it.)

When I was seven years old I had my tonsils removed, which required being put under. Ever since then I have found medical sedation to be rather fascinating. I’ve never been afraid of it, instead always feeling a sense of eager curiosity. Yesterday I had my wisdom teeth removed and I had been told that the kind of sedation I would be getting was not at all the same as general anaesthetic where they put you under completely. Having had two day surgeries that used general anaesthetic within one week of each other (and thus cementing the experience in my mind) almost three years ago I thought this would be a great opportunity to compare them.
Continue reading “An Experiential Comparison of General Anaesthetic and Dental Sedation”

An Experiential Comparison of General Anaesthetic and Dental Sedation