"Burst in flaaaaaames..."

[alexr_rwx]

So on Friday afternoon, I was in Mountain View, and it just so happened that Randall Munroe (of xkcd fame) was giving a talk. You know you've made it as a web-comic artist when you're introduced by Peter Norvig, and it's clear that Guido van Rossum and Don Knuth (yes, it's really pronounced "k'nooth") read your comic -- because they're referencing particular strips when they ask you questions. It was pretty awesome; he's funny in person too, and all the googlers in attendance seemed to be having a really good time.

Also, I met Peter Norvig! He was going to have lunch (with Knuth), and I stopped him by the lunch room to say hi. He's very friendly, it turns out. "Oh, hi! Who are you?" he said, wearing a bright-green hawaiian-style shirt with a Cat in the Hat print.

Today, I went to Nophest, particularly for the Poodleface poodleface and Blanca Noche performances. Rob, Bill billings, Paul and Randy did some pretty intense rockings as Blanca Noche. Also, there were other bands and films and hip cats and fluffy canines. And Rob and Yuna unya went with me to get groceries, apparently because they like going to grocery stores. And that is the story of my day.

Comments

[scottique.livejournal.com]

I found out yesterday that Neil Gaiman's boy works for The Goog. How cool! Not to go all silly about the relatives of authors or anything, but--any chance you'll ever end up on a team with him?

Maaaan, I have a gigantic crush on Randall Munroe, and only 85% of it is because of xkcd. Is he as completely sexy adorable in person as my other 15% would believe from pics? :-D

[poodleface.livejournal.com]

[oniugnip.livejournal.com]

Sweet jebus. There are few things quite as bizarre as video of oneself.

(is my voice really that soft?)

[lindseykuper]

Your voice is soft.

[kel-e-o.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure that it's illegal to film inside a grocery store, but this is hi-larious.

[billings.livejournal.com]

It's illegal to be real

[zip4096.livejournal.com]

Wow!!! Haha! Yay!

Alex, you are famous! A video star! :D

[zip4096.livejournal.com]

Oh! I am curious, what was this shot with?

[poodleface.livejournal.com]

A Sanyo Xacti HD700. It is an absurdly small camera capable of shooting at 720p, though unless the light is extremely favorable (and your hand is extremely steady) it might give you a headache.

They were retailing for $500 but Amazon has been selling them for $300 for the past week or so.

[oniugnip.livejournal.com]

Aw, sorry :-\ Very little downtime -- the conference went until late most nights!

I'll get you on the next trip!