By the way, I am giving another talk at Treadwell's, not this coming Monday but the Monday after, the 23rd. If this is the sort of thing you like, you might like this sort of thing. Scroll down to see my event description.

So, there has been a problem.

Some of you may have heard me, in the past, expressing anxiety about my complicated immigration status in the US. It turns out I was right. In essence, I can't go back to the US as a permanent resident because my re-entry permit is expired, and I can't just go as an Irish citizen because I'm still a permanent resident. In order to go, I need to renounce my permanent residency, which is fine, but will take X days, and as you know I was supposed to be flying on Monday.

It now appears likely that I am going to miss some or all of my trip to the United States for Christmas. I may just be late going out, or I may not be able to go at all. I hope it's the former, but you never know. This is entirely my fault. I should have sorted out my immigration status months ago -- then I would have been able to travel with no difficulty. So this is all my fault.

I apologise to everyone I'll be missing or letting down through my mistake. If I *am* stuck here over the holidays, I might be a bit grumpy and I apologise for that.

I discovered today (having had my head in the sand, apparently) that there is now a version of King of Dragon Pass for iOS. A somewhat improved version with new scenes and stuff!

I am not fickle or wealthy enough to be swayed by this fact, but I thought I would mention it for people like whollyrandom who might be interested.

EDIT: New date! October 30th, so's not to clash with Southwark!

Hello, everyone.

As you may recall, I mentioned earlier that I proposed to celebrate my birthday by having another craft day like the one Fran Dale hosted -- painting, making things, people playing board games, maybe some minis gaming, food, and just generally hanging out with friends.

I have now confirmed a venue: this will be on Sunday, October 30th at the Golden Hind on Milton Road, the venue we use for Cambridge games. It has big tables and plenty of light. Presents are not at all necessary, although if you could see your way clear to dropping a coin in the tin for the venue hire, that would be great.

I hope to see you all there!

In case you have been wondering whether or not to play in "Secrets of Sedgwick House" at Consternation II, I am helping thelorax42 run it.

OK, so in moving I'm being ruthless.

I have a bunch of spare parts for various board games. I got them ... I don't even remember. Off freecycle. I've definitely got two HeroQuest boards, and a lot of the rest, I think, is Space Hulk, Dungeonquest, maybe some Warhammer Quest, I dunno. But I am getting rid of it. If you are sitting around thinking 'man, I'd love to play some 1st ed. Space Hulk, but I'm missing a crucial board piece', let me know, because otherwise it's all going in the bin.

This seems weird -- it's more to overcome my ingrained hatred of throwing away manufactured products, especially ones they're not making any more.

EDIT: Taken -- that was quick!

OK, I have books to give away! I actually already owe @juliethood@googlemail.com one from last time. However, there are some conditions. First: if you want them, you actually have to take them, since my primary interest is getting them out of the house. Second, for the roleplaying stuff, it is a condition of my deal with the original owner that the games must go to "a good home", ie someone likely to play or otherwise use them.

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