Blue Cross Knows My Age

Got a piece of junk mail yesterday which I found vaguely disquieting. Blue Cross helpfully offered me health insurance (and if I made more money on a consistent basis and wasn't covered by the Spouse's plan it would be a fairly reasonable rate they offer). The letter not only knew that I was self-employed and lived in San Francisco, but knew my age (thus the quote). I haven't been a Blue Cross subscriber per se for well over two decades, and that was in another state. This data is out there, I know. It's just a little weird to have it come rocketing back at me.

In other news: It's James Marster's birthday. Happy birthday, Spike.

How to Go to a Worldcon

Relax. Take a deep breath. If you've never been to a Worldcon before and are going to this weekend's LA Con, think of it as a reunion for a large, fitfully quarrelsome, frequently entertaining family most of whom you've never met before. Have fun. Remember to eat, sleep, and bathe (if it sounds astonishing that this has to be said, you've never been to a Worldcon before. It's like an immersion in Disneyland, and for some people all the rules seem not to apply. But they do, boy howdy, they do).

Beyond that, check out Making Light's "Worldcongoing" post; sartorias's "Is this your first Con?", for writers; and (if you're going to your first Worldcon and throwing a party--or just want some insight into how it's done) "How to throw a large room party at a science fiction convention", also on Making Light.

Talk to people. Listen. Buy books (hey, buy my books). Say hi if we meet (but remember I'm a little shy when not on stage). Enjoy.