Icon - Day 1

Well, this we know - the people LOVE OSC.

From the moment I got to the con, around noon, people tried to get some hold of Card - where is he (Kineret), when can I interview him (later), can he look at my computer game/story/picture. This report will be shorter than yesterday, as most of the day was a blur.

Card himself arrived a short time before the Con's opening ceremony, and spoke very movingly about his longtime love and affection for Israel. And then, after several speeches, and the gorgeous RoTK trailer (OSC is looking forward to that film as much as we are), there was a brief time until OSC's lecture about leadership. In this time, he was mugged by the crowds. People, as I said, love the man. They wanted to talk to him, shake his hand, get an autograph. Despite repeated requests NOT to ask for autographs, as he'll be doing an autograph session tomorrow, lots and lots and lots of people asked for one. We (the OSC escorts) shielded him from a lot of that, but not all.

Then came his speech, a terrific speech about good leaders and bad, and leadership in everyday life. It wasn't exactly what most were expecting, but it was a great speech. Then some Q&A, and off out to the press of the masses. We DID get to introduce OSC to Ron Yaniv, publisher of Halomot Be'Aspamia, and Card went on to plug the magazine heavily for channel 3 cameras. What a mench. More of the people/press rush followed. All of which was handled by our guest with great patience and charm.

Then it was off to another dinner, with members of the icon staff and other dignitaries. Much food was had by all, over an extended period of time.

As I figure to get more than my share of "Card Time", I sat on the farthest corner from him, and spent the meal with Uri Aviv and Rani at my sides, and Volunteer supreme Hagit, as well as mistresses of all volunteers, Nomi and Tamar. An amusing time was had by all.

Then it was off to the Hotel to drop OSC off, and home, to write this entry and go to SLEEP. Tomorrow - Card panel with yours truly. Check-check-check it out.