J. Michael Straczynski: the Julius Schwartz Lecture Series

[Jan]

Yes, it sure would have been nice it they had done this earlier.

Thanks for posting the links, Dan. I was posting on a break yesterday and didn't realize how ungracious that post sounded. I'd also still like to give a shout to the customer service from Hub Comics and Comicopia who stepped up and offered help to an out-of-towner in getting tickets before the MIT program did. I'm glad that MIT did find a way to offer them online.

I picked up the Neil Gaiman tape of last year's speach and it was fun. From what Neil said, the auditorium seats about 1,200 people. There are large screens that do ensure a good view, just as the site says - two large, one on each side and one huge in the middle.

I'm looking forward to it. Thanks again, Dan.

Jan

[WorkerCaste]

My wife and I have tickets and a hotel reservation.

Woohoo!

I picked up the Neil Gaiman tape of last year's speach...

What is this "tape" you speak of?

[Jan]

So the Julius Schwartz lecture is fast approaching. I'm still going to be there. WorkerCaste & Sonor80, are you still coming? Anybody else?

Jan

[WorkerCaste]

We're still good to go! Really looking forward to it since we'ev never heard JMS speak in person before.

[Jan]

We're still good to go! Really looking forward to it since we'ev never heard JMS speak in person before.

I think you'll enjoy it, though I haven't heard him give many speeches, mainly Q&A sessions. He's funny, self-deprecating, talks really fast and drops into dialogue when he's telling stories. Once in a while he gets extra passionate about what he's saying and that's a real treat.

If you're interested in saying 'Hi' in person, I'm short and round with more-salt-than-pepper hair and I'll be carrying a 'Scripts Team' tote bag. I'll probably be there pretty early since I'm picky about where I sit 'cause I'll be recording unless told not to.

Jan

[WorkerCaste]

If you're interested in saying 'Hi' in person, I'm short and round with more-salt-than-pepper hair and I'll be carrying a 'Scripts Team' tote bag. I'll probably be there pretty early since I'm picky about where I sit 'cause I'll be recording unless told not to.

But of course! Looking forward to that as well. For my part, 6 foot, heavy set, with a beard and moustache that hasn't fit the salt and pepper description for a number of years. We're planning on getting there relatively early, too.

[Jan]

I gather that the doors open at 6:00. There's at least on lady from the moderated newsgroup going to be coming, too. We should have some time to visit before the speech. One thing you can always count on is that JMS is prompt.

Jan

[Jan]

Here I am in sunny Boston! Tsk, tsk...the minute I turn my back the spammers come in. Sheesh!

I'll probably go out and wander around later on but for now I need a nap!

Jan

[glindros]

Here I am in sunny Boston! Tsk, tsk...the minute I turn my back the spammers come in. Sheesh!

I'll probably go out and wander around later on but for now I need a nap!

Jan

It's almost like they timed it.
Enjoy the sun, nothing but rain in Florida today.

[Jan]

I'm back! To the hotel after the lecture, that is. Had a *great* time! JMS was in great form. His talk was about doing what scares you and not being afraid of failure. After his talk there was a Q&A with Mr. Jenkins and afer that there was a Q&A with the audience. There were funny stories, and touching stories that he told and that people told him.

I was happy to meet Renata and Scott Lerman from the moderated newsgroup and WorkerCaste from JMSnews.com. It was really great to meet you all and thanks to Renata for the ride back to the hotel.

More later, I'm sure but it was a great evening.

Jan

[sftv]

Jan,

Sounds like it was a good talk for those who could be there. Looking forward to your full report.

In the meantime, I did find this LJ entry about it:

http://jducoeur.livejournal.com/517679.html

Lee Whiteside

[Jan]

Here's another that's interesting

http://danielcfox.blogspot.com/2009/05/j-michael-straczynski.html

JMS has always advised people unhappy with their situations to *do something* about it, to leave their comfort zone and it looks like last night's talk helped somebody in the process of doing just that to know that what he was doing was the right thing. A JMS-style synchronicity.

There were at least two people who are writers now thanks in part to JMS. One gave him a copy of her first novel.

There were some new stories last night and one story I'd heard somebody else tell about him (it was posted here or a link to is was, as I recall) but not heard from him about buying food when a dinner at I-Con ran way late.

Jan

[glindros]

Jan - We're you able to record, and/or did they give any info about a DVD of the event being made available?

[glindros]

Here was another fun blog about the lecture

http://sagawizard.livejournal.com/191333.html

I met JMS!!!!
Squee time. And yes, boys can squee, too.

JMS himself, creator of Babylon 5, told me "f*ck you!" tonight. Something I shall carry with me till the day I die.

EDIT: <snipped> so as to not violate the blogger's copyright --Jan

[Jan]

Jan - We're you able to record, and/or did they give any info about a DVD of the event being made available?

They had signs not to record but they didn't mention not recording in the auditorium...so I did. <g> I think it turned out okay but I haven't listened to the entire **almost 3 hours** of it yet.

Yes, they made a point that they were filming it for a DVD that will be sold to help finance the future lectures.

Jan
just got home...