July 23, 2009

Good to go!

Well, I've booked my flight to Montreal for Balisage, but it was more costly than I'd hoped for. I guess dem's da breaks when you book less than 2 weeks in advance. Still, I'm really excited about visiting Montreal and attending this highly intellectual XML conference with so many thought-provoking topics. I'll be highlighting topics that interest me over the next 10 days.

July 21, 2009

Passport arrived on time

No more concern about my passport renewal since I collected it today from the post office. In typical government efficiency, I received my "automated" response to my status inquiry after actually getting the passport. Time to book a flight.

July 18, 2009

Balisage 2009, here I come!

I managed to get the conference rate for the hotel 17 days late. Sure hope they honor my confirmation number. Registered for the Balisage 2009 conference, arriving Sat., Aug. 8 and leaving Fri. the 14th. Next, to book the flight. But I am a little worried about whether that passport renewal will get here in time. I sent it in prior to deciding about the conference and didn't think there was an immediate need for it, but now there is.

July 16, 2009

How do you say "Markup" in French?

Answer: Balisage (root: balise - beacon, buoy, sign). I'm strongly considering going to the 2009 Balisage: The Markup Conference in Montreal in August 11-14. For many years, this was known as "Extreme Markup", an XML geekfest (and I mean that in the nicest way) held yearly in Canada. This is an event the draws the greatest minds of the XML world to wax theoretical and practical. The lineup for 2009 is quite impressive. And how can you not want to visit historic, scenic Montreal? (List time I was there I was 10 years old and I have the pictures to prove it.) Now if only my passport renewal arrives in time....