Lazy Monday, Post-Book Fest Stories, Sightings and Anecdotes Thread
Decatur Metro | September 2, 2013 | 10:44 am
At Scott’s request. Your guess is as good as mine why he didn’t just post it himself!
At Scott’s request. Your guess is as good as mine why he didn’t just post it himself!
fbenario
Hola
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Decatur Metro
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Sharron
Steve
Ethan Davidson
Sharron
Steve
Scott
Chris Billingsley
AJC Attempts to Explain the “e” in Clairemont Avenue
I forgot I had the power. More than anything, I just wanted to offer props to Mr. Wang et. al for a great year, for whatever voodoo/black magic was employed to keep the weather mostly tolerable, and for a terrific line-up.
I enjoyed every session but Rob Sheffield’s karaoke musings were particularly delightful. Harness that energy and we could take Decatur off the grid.
Not directly about the book fest, but I thought I’d share anyway. Circumstances arose that required us to go from the book fest to DragonCon on Saturday and MARTA was not a good option. So we decided to try the car service Uber, as I’d noticed they were advertising $20 off rides if you entered the promo code DBF this weekend (they were a book fest sponsor).
Unfortunately, the cheaper option they offer–small, hybrid vehicles–wasn’t available, so they sent a Lincoln Town car to pick us up. Overall, the experience was a pretty good one, except that the driver initially arrived at the wrong side of the square. I like that you don’t have to transact any business (you sign up online and link your account to a credit card, tipping is not expected) in the car or even give much in the way of direction. I’d use it again if the need arose, though I’d estimate it’s about 15- 20 percent more expensive than a cab without the promotional discount.
Re the no tipping- there is a big class action suit by the Uber town car-ish drivers, saying that they are not getting their tip passed through. Will be interesting to see how that works out.
Interesting. Why only the town car drivers?
I think the contract structure is different- and/or maybe the no tipping policy is more meant for the other type car, but not made clear on the website. I saw the story on sfgate dot com if you want to check it out.
I had started to feel a bit jaded about the DBF, the initial novelty and excitement of the first two or three wearing off. I almost made plans to travel instead. But I had a great time as usual, especially Sunday. There’s people from my past that I run into ONLY at the DBF. DBF has heart as well as great programming and organization.
But I did miss the Little Library auction….. I guess there’s only so many little libraries that one little town can absorb. I hear that someone is writing a book about Little Libraries. We should invite her to DBF.
Spotted Richard Blanco strolling around the street fair. Also found Waldo.
We had the best time. Felt so much heart and effort that went into all of the great programming.
Particularly loved the panel on Newberry winners. 4 amazing Newberry wining authors on stage at the new Rec Center.
We’re spending the day reading……
Sorry but I missed it all. However, inspired by the Decatur Book Festival, I’m happy to report that over the holiday weekend, I read a book, Jeff Shaara’s “A Blaze Of Glory”. Great Stuff!
Did anybody happen to catch either of the appearances by Lev Grossman? Didn’t realize until too late that he would be here. Loved meeting him at the festival a couple years ago.
And if you haven’t read the “The Magicians” and “The Magician King,” you owe it to yourself to check them out!
Didn’t see him speak, but he was at Leon’s on Saturday afternoon at about 6 pm. I know him from student days.
My kids continue to enjoy Tom Angleberger immensely. He still has loads of pep and excitement even after signing 200 books (so appreciated when you’re at the back of the line). His books are so much fun (Origami Yoda, The Fortune Wookiee, Jabba the Puppett, et. al.), my kids are all different ages but love the books!
My husband and son ran into Tom later at Little Shop and he was shopping with his little son. He was interested in the robot mood ring that my son was buying. Giving and getting…thanks Tom!
What a great festival! Particularly enjoyed the science track.
Only rain-related problem: couldn’t finish the crossword puzzles because the markers got wet.
Just like the real newspaper, can’t do it in the rain!
I did not attend DBF (I was at DragonCon all weekend). BUT … I must say … the lineup for the science track was simply awesome. It caused me great angst about where to spend my time this weekend … kudos to whomever lined it all up.
The two sessions that I attended in the science track were excellent. Mark Merlin and others did a great job.
Both of the science track events I tried to attend were full by the time I got there. I always forget how popular these are and fail to arrive early enough. Also, a small complaint: One of the large Marriott event rooms (the one on the left when facing the doors) apparently had no air conditioning Saturday afternoon and was miserably hot.
Otherwise, the festival keeps getting better. Good to see that the high school auditorium was back in use this year and that the remodeled rec center was added to the venue mix.
I’ve got a copy of March (Book One) signed by the artist and the co-authors, one of whom is my congressman and one of the biggest heroes of 20th Century American History. For that alone, it was a great Decatur Book Festival, but there were lots of other things that made it a wonderful weekend.
I got a laugh out of this Facebook status update by John Kessler yesterday:
Please join my Facebook group called “Please Buy Daren Wang a Drink Because He Brings the Awesome.”
+1
This was only the second keynote I’ve attended and I’m really glad I did. Couldn’t stick around for the signing, but I did get Nate Powell to sign my copy after his event on Saturday. His other work looks pretty interesting as well.
My top favorites were in no particular order:
-Tommie Depaola
-the soul food guy (his book sold out)
-Rob Sheffield (his book sold out too)
Other enjoyable events:
-Newbery winners
-astronaut wives club
I had a great time.