Virtual Dreams V: Inner Space

I find it oddly relaxing to spend time in the Mission: ISS virtual reality program, just floating around the International Space Station - I wonder if Chris Hadfield ever does this just for old time's sake?

- Sid

Resolve.

I'm both pleased and disappointed to announce that I'm rolling over the book cataloguing project as my New Year's resolution for yet another year.

As with so many resolutions, compliance has been a challenge.  I've managed to keep up in terms of logging the replacement copies that I've found to date, so that I'm keeping what I have gotten done current, but I haven't made a lot of progress in completing the balance of the book logging.

In my defense, it hasn't helped that I've had to pack (and unpack) all my books twice in the last two years, which has not helped to move the project along - not to mention causing some concerns that something is going to slip through the cracks.

That being said, the book catalogue has been incredibly useful, even as a work in progress. The original project may not be complete, but the ancillary task of replacing the more battered selections in my library has been a complete success.

It's given me definite direction for book shopping, both in terms of providing guidance for purchasing replacement copies for those unfortunate texts that were more than ready for retirement, but also letting me know what I already have on my shelves and thereby letting me pick out used books that I don't already own.

It's also made me a far more aware shopper in terms of general used book inventory.  I've found some replacement copies that were in surprisingly good condition, but I've also seen some books for sale that I can't imagine a used book seller accepting in the first place.  Apparently my standards for book quality are higher than the current industry requirements - either that, or the supply of used books is limited to such an extent that beggars can't be choosers when it comes to accepting what comes through the door.

Fingers crossed that I get some more traction on the catalogue in 2022, but if not, well, it's a hobby, not a job - and it's not a bad thing to have something in my life where I have the freedom to just ignore the deadline if I feel like it.

- Sid

And be wearing running shoes.

 A recent addition to the Storm Crow Alehouse Going Out of Business Sale:

Based on my wife's complete terror and disgust regarding anything to do with spiders, if she came home and found that thing perched in a dimly lit living room, I would be wise to have a bag packed and a fast car waiting outside, it would not go well for me.

- Sid

Wait a minute - did that say "fully functional"?!?

As the Storm Crow Alehouse counts down its final days, items both large and small from the bar's distinctive decor are being both auctioned off as a final fundraiser for the staff, and sold at a flat rate.  A few of the smaller items have been a bit tempting (I wish I'd seen the "BEWARE OF - WELL...JUST BEWARE" sign before someone nabbed it, although I'm willing to bet I could find one online somewhere) but for real temptation, what Doctor Who fan doesn't want their own TARDIS?*

Can you imagine?  Fortunately, $5,000 is well** over the arbitrary line that I've drawn for unnecessary fanboy indulgences, and even if some well-meaning benefactor bought it on my behalf, to be honest I'm not sure where I'd put the damn thing, other than in storage for right now.  And besides, I think that if you're serious about it, you really should build your own.

- Sid 

* Based on observation, apparently school bus shelters for children are a popular choice.

** Well well well WELL over.

Casualties II: "We did our best."

Today, the Storm Crow Alehouse posted the following on their Facebook™ page:

This isn’t the letter we wanted to write to ring in the new year.

2021 has been hard for everyone, but it was exceptionally brutal for restaurants.

We did our best to weather Covid, lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, staff shortages, the Skytrain construction on Broadway, and now Omicron.

But it wasn’t enough. With great sorrow we must announce that the Storm Crow Alehouse will close its doors permanently in January.

It’s been nearly 10 years since the Storm Crow Tavern first opened in Vancouver on Commercial Drive, and we want to thank everyone who patronized the Tavern and later the Alehouse. The Storm Crow has always been more than just a bar to us, and we hope that it’s been special in your lives as well.

It’s not all doom and gloom… across the country, the Storm Crow Manor survives to carry on the nerd-bar torch in Toronto! Be sure to visit when you can. (And our online store remains open for all your geek merch needs.)

We will be open for a few days in January, public health orders allowing, for fans to have one last drink and say farewell. We've also created a silent auction at shop.stormcrow.com of some of our favourite memorabilia from the Alehouse, with the proceeds going to our staff.

Thank you, Vancouver, for an awesome decade, and thank you to all Crow employees past and present. They’ve seen things, things you people wouldn’t believe. And who knows? Like a different mythical bird, perhaps one day we will rise from the ashes in a new form, more powerful than ever before!

With love,
The Storm Crow team

Sad news for West Coast gamers and geeks - it's only been eight months since the original Storm Crow location announced that it was closing, and now this.  I can't say that I was a frequent flyer at the Storm Crow (no pun intended) but as a science fiction geek, I considered myself to be a part of its membership: a place where I recognized the jokes on the menu, knew what they were playing on the TVs, and felt a need to defend it from people who mocked people like me.  As I've said before, it felt like home, and I'm sorry that it wasn't able to survive the current circumstances.  

To paraphrase Douglas Adams, so long, Storm Crow, and thanks for all the fish.  And, as you said, who knows what the future may hold?

- Sid

Introverts of the World, Stay Home!

And a LARGE accreditation to Sarah's Scribbles - https://sarahcandersen.com/

Happy Introverts Day, everyone! On behalf of my fellow introverts, I think this really does say it all about what it can be like some days.

- Sid