Happy Hogswatch

Susan: I don't remember them asking for anything that makes a noise.
Death: Oh, there has to be something in the stocking that makes a noise. Otherwise, what is 4:30AM for? 

Happy Hogswatch to all here

Dj

Art: Hogswatch image by Paul Kidby

Links: You can follow the celebrations in Wincanton hosted by the Discworld Emporium at the Hogswatch Facebook page.   

I received a hogswatch stocking as a surprise gift last week. It now hangs in a place of pride in my office. (Let 'em wonder) - Thanks, Hon!

PJSM Prints has lovely Hogswatch cards by Paul Kidby. 

The Discworld Emporium writes:

This year the Discworld Emporium celebrates it’s tenth year, and with that in mind it’s carnival/mardis gras time! So rummage in the dressing up box and go Gogol with a Genuan get up, or don your most mysterious mask for an elegant Brindisian flavour. Think sequins, feathers, pox doctors and voodoo!

Those of a theatrical persuasion can take to the stage for the traditional maskerade, with appropriate party pieces to entertain, mesmerize, bewitch or confound. All manner of fevered lunacy accepted.

The traditional Sausage Supper will be served from the cauldrons of various hostelries around town on Saturday evening - NOW FULLY SUBSCRIBED SUBJECT TO CANCELLATIONS

There’ll be talks, entertainments, cake, games room, dealers room and of course the Grand Charity auction in aid of Alzheimer’s research on Sunday. The Emporium will be open all weekend for moral support and retail therapy.

Here is the full Program. 

Have fun, folks! I wish I could be there with you.

Pratchett Documentary - Choosing To Die - Wins at Scottish BAFTAs

This just in from @TerryandRob.

The documentary, Choosing To Die, has just won the BAFTA Award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Scotland.

Some photos from the event are here. 

Choosing To Die was shown at a special screening in the U.S. for attendees of NADWCon 2011. It was followed by a talk with Terry and Rob.

If you have not seen this moving film, you can find watch it in full here.

In Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die, He explores the realities of medically assisted death. Having been diagnosed with a rare form of early onset Alzheimer's disease in 2008, Terry considers how he might choose to end his life as his condition progresses. In a moving documentary he meets those who, like him, would like to control the way they die including a men suffering from degenerative conditions and he is with a British motor neurone sufferer as he carries out an assisted death at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.

I was privileged to introduce this film at the NADWCon. As a rule, I prefer to work behind the scenes at events. This premier was the only con event (besides the Black Ribboner meetings) that I insisted on doing myself.  I also made sure our attendees had somewhere to go and someone to talk to after it was over  because it is not an easy film to watch.  I felt both saddened and inspired by the deep love and bravery shown by the two men who choose to end their lives and their loved ones.  That night in Madison 600+  attendees saw Choosing To Die and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  It is a beautiful and well made film about a very important  and universal subject. It deserves recognition and I'm glad it got some. 

Here's to all the good people out there faced with this terrible choice.  May you find the ending that is right for you.

My thoughts tonight are with Terry and Rob and the families we meet in the film.

dj

NADWCon 2013 on Facebook

To all our friends on Facebook:

We put up a NADWCon 2013 Facebook page a while back and it now has a poll up on the wall that lets you root for your favorite city to win the bid to host the next Discworld convention in North America.

Should it be Baltimore or Boston? We look forward to hearing your views.

Dj