We decided to take a mini-vacation of sorts (about a week and a half) that took us up the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and finally to the great city of Vancouver B.C. in Canada! I know the kids will not remember these travels and that some people would consider bringing them along more trouble than what it's worth, but not for us because we'll remember the trip for them and we also have photos and videos of the two visiting several extraordinary locales. So we have 100% pure magic to show for it and such sweet memories that we will not soon forget.
When not gorging on delicious foods or visiting tourist and non-tourist hot-spots, I took the time to pay attention and be present to soak it all in. In searching for inspiration and references for upcoming novels and short stories, I found plenty to make note of. There was no shortage of inspiration, that's for sure.
We were back by the 2nd of August and DEF CON 24 was soon enough to begin. I'd like to once again thank the good people of DARPA, DEF CON staff and attendees, and Dark Tangent in particular for listing The Kaleidoscope among other great books in the HW assignments reference to promote the theme of, "Rise of the Machines" and "Spiritual Machines".
We are in an era of true discovery and it was a privilege to be a part of this year's assigned reading for DEF CON 24's convention theme. It is the hacker that will bridge the gap between man and machine; for it is the hacker that connects the ether of the zeitgeist.
