WindyCon and Zombie Steakpunk Dinner

[dr_phil_physics]

WindyCon 39: Zombies
November 9-11, 2012
Lombard Westin

This coming weekend, WindyCon 39 opens at the Lombard IL Westin. Weather looks to be in the 50-60s in Chicago. Barring any last minute emergencies, I should be there from Friday night to Sunday afternoon.

I have five panels -- moderating two -- plus a reading:

Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon: Choosing the Right Technology for You
Lilac C
Every few months, the newest, best, and shiniest new gadget is introduced to the market, but how do you determine which is right for you? Is it better to have the latest bells and whistles or a simpler device that does just what you need it to do? How do you separate the hype from the chaff?
P. Kaldon (M), F. Salvatini, R. Martinek

Saturday, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Living in the Post Scientific Era
Lilac D
Polls show that increasing numbers of Americans are scientifically illiterate. What does this mean for the future? For science fiction?
J. Helfers, P. Kaldon, J. Plaxco, D. Burkhard, K. Strait

Saturday, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.: What Everybody Knows Is Wrong
Lilac A
We all have preconceived ideas about science, but often what we know is wrong. Not just on the big things, but on the little things too. Sometimes this is caused by oversimplifications presented to the laity, and other times it is because knowledge has changed since we learned it.
P. Kaldon, J. Nikitow (M), R. Martinek, R. Garfinkle

Saturday, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m: Reading
Walnut Room
Dr. Phil will be reading from his zombie murder mystery police procedural short story that's been making the rounds. I just got the nicest rejection letter for this particular story over the weekend. (grin) This will be followed by the Zombie Steakpunk Dinner at 7:30 at Harry Caray's Steakhouse in the Westin Hotel.

Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon: Is the Internet Making Us Dumber?
Lilac C
As more knowledge and information are available online, are we thinking less? Some studies indicate that the Internet may be shrinking our attention span, and our ability to create and follow complicated logical thoughts. Is this true? Or is it developing different parts of our brain that we didn't use 100 years ago?
K. Hughes, N. Rest (M), P. Kaldon, R. Martinek

Sunday, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Why Is Your Protagonist a Straight White Male?
Lilac C
Writers, fans, and readers have so often bought into a common default that they don't even realize there is a question to ask.
P. Kaldon (M), M. Ryan, D. Burkhard, R. Martinek, E. Hull

Zombie Steakpunk

So back in 2009, I arranged Steakpunk at the Westin's Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse (DW), following my Saturday reading.

I have to say, the steaks I've had at Harry Caray's have been some of the best I've had anywhere -- and the kitchen can accommodate a wide range of dietary issues if you ask.

I plan on getting a 7:30pm dinner reservation for this Saturday night -- if you're at WindyCon, or even just in Chicago, and want to join me, let me know.

Dr. Phil