LeakyCon 2013 ~ A Not-So-Very Potter Review

Harry Potter is 15 years old (16 if you're in the UK). It's touched millions of people, created millions of fans, and will probably go down in history as one of the biggest pieces of pop culture (and/or literature) from the beginning of the third millennium. And, much like the Trekkies and Ringers from previous generations, Harry Potter fans have sought brotherhood among their own kind in gatherings and conventions.

Most notable among these conventions in the US is LeakyCon, organized by founders of The-Leaky-Cauldron website. The site has been one of the biggest HP news sites ever since its start in 2000, and has since held interviews with J.K. Rowling, published predictive books, and hosted the renowned PotterCast podcast. They are considered one of the premiere sources of HP knowledge, resources, crafts, etc. on the web.

It only follows that attending one of their conventions would be a once in a lifetime experience, right?

Obscure Reference? Since When?!

Sunday was my grandfather's 76th birthday (yay!) and in celebration we decided to take him out for lunch. I'd never been to Applebee's, and he was in the mood, so we decided to try it out.

(Note, this is not a rant against Applebee's. It just so happens to be the setting.)

Now, my grandpa is a retired minister, which means (at least) two things: he's extremely outgoing, and he's capable of being very loud. His hearing isn't what it used to be, so he generally enunciates everything very pointedly and projects his voice louder than what it might need to be. Since we were in a noisy restaurant with talking and music going, this trait came in especially handy: we had no trouble hearing or understanding him throughout the meal.

Our server was probably around my age (early twenties), maybe a little younger. I don't know if he was having a bad day or if his personality was generally stiff, but he didn't reciprocate much of the jolliness that my grandpa tried to include him in.

When ordering, my grandpa made a joke that he wanted a candle in his shrimp dish. The server chuckled confusedly and asked what he was talking about. "What do you mean a kindle?" All three of us said simultaneously, "CANDLE," which he still looked awfully confused about. Grandpa finally explained that it was his birthday and he was just joking. "Oh, well, I don't think we have any candles, but save some room for dessert." Oh well, indeed.

Later, after we'd started in on our entrees, he came over to check on us again. And again, Grandpa tried to engage him: "Say, is there any way to get your music in here to play Seventy-Six Trombones?"

Server looks extra confused this time. He glances around the room as he says, "Uh, I'm not sure-"

Grandpa cuts in to explain more of the joke. "It's my 76th birthday, you see, and I thought that song would be fitting," he says with a big grin and a chuckle.

"Actually, I've never heard of it. Is it some sort of classical-"

"IT'S FROM THE MUSIC MAN!" my mom and I practically yell. "You know, the musical?" my mom adds.

"Oh... Nope, I've never heard of that."

If I don't look it on the outside, I definitely feel disgusted on the inside. Grandpa, meanwhile, dismisses the server from our awkward conversation again. "I was just kidding about the music. Thanks for checking in."

Since when is The Music Man
an obscure reference?!?!

And so, to prevent such atrocities from happening in the future, I share with you the following videos. Mind that these are all from the original 1962 movie staring Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett and an adorable young Ron Howard. Of course, if any of these great songs interest you, be sure to check out the full movie!

Okay, not from the movie, but all I could find was the finale version
- and who want's to give away the ending?
Ya Got Trouble
Pick-A-Little / Goodnight Ladies
Madame Librarian

That's right, Shipoopi was originally from The Music Man
Thank you Seth MacFarlane

There Is No Plan, Plus 5 More Career Secrets

~The Adventures of Johnny Bunko~
The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need
By Daniel H. Pink & Rob Ten Pas
Amazon ~ Powell's

The 6 career secrets no one ever told you.

Meet Johnny Bunko. He's probably a lot like you. He did what everybody—parents, teachers, counselors—told him to do. But now, stuck at a dead-end job, he's begun to suspect that what he thought he knew is just plain wrong. One bizarre night, Johnny meets Diana, the unlikeliest career advisor he's ever seen. Part Cameron Diaz, part Barbara Eden, she reveals to Johnny the six essential lessons for thriving in the world of work.

The Adventures of Johnny Bunko is America's first business book in the Japanese comic format known as manga. Packed with smart, life-changing advice you won't find anywhere else, it's the last career guide you'll ever need.


My dad picked this up as he was perusing the bookshelves at Goodwill. I was pretty surprised when I saw it since he primarily reads only non-fiction, and definitely not picture books. But he said he'd heard good things about it, and had read the author before. So I shrugged and didn't think any more of it.

L is for Lifetime Learner

My dad, Kevin, has graciously offered to guest blog today and offer me a little time to regather my thoughts. So, if you'll kindly lend your attention to him today...


In a few weeks, I turn 53. That's older than dirt according to my two daughters, one of which you all are regular blog readers (well, until now—maybe not after my post). And I'm guessing that while Vicki has a wide range of ages that read her blog, most are probably near her age.

I am an avid reader, but I mostly read non-fiction. What I read just makes Vicki fall asleep, but I can't help it. To me, reading some new management technique (like how to recruit and hire technical people), information about a computer security exploit, or something new about open source software is exciting. I get jazzed learning new things—especially new things that I can put into practice.

While I read non-fiction to learn, I realize that people who read fiction are also learning. They are learning about historical events, events that could happen with enough imagination and determination, or about whole new worlds.

Most of us ended our formal education, or did we? Nearly at age 53, I can assure you that you never stop learning something new. Whether what you learn is some new computer algorithm or how to cast a spell, you still learn. Never give up on that.

If you aren't learning something new each and every day, you are either dead, or should wish that you are. Read! Enjoy what you are reading. Show real passion for whatever you do, but never stop learning. Trust me, life is way too short.

Now, what did you learn today?

Some L Books I've Read:

A Lovely L Group:

The L Font: