What a week...

If you want to go celeb spotting at the most expensive parties a game developer's allowed into, go to SIGGRAPH: those movie guys know how to have a good time.  Ugh.  I'm still barely alive enough to write, but let me side by side two parties for you.

First off the Soft Image (pronounced im-maj) ICE party:

I know you guys were rolling out your ICE platform, but Vanilla Ice?  Really?   I mean it was probably short notice and it might have sounded good on paper -probably there weren't many people left to get -but the big V?   He hasn't been cool since...when?  Ever?  Like if you're going to hire washed up B-listers, couldn't you at least get Rick Astly?

Oh, and one more thing Soft: if you're going to have porn stars trolling your party, don't make them Ron Jeremy.  I mean the man's actually a troll.  I know you guys spent a lot on the party and I'd like to say it was great, but you know, I just don't think it really projected the image (im-maj?) you were looking for.  I mean nothing screams class like Vanilla Ice and Ron Jeremy.

That all said, I've heard ICE the product is pretty incredible.  If you're doing visual effects it's at least worth a look.

 Next, the Blur party:

I can't help but feel as though it's unfair even to compare these two.  The Blur party, located at the historic Henry Fonda theater  (perhaps better known now as The Music Box), in the shadow of the Capitol Records building in downtown Hollywood was probably one of the best parties I've ever been to (ok, that might be a bit of an overstatement, but it certainly wins "best party ever thrown at a highly technical conference" in my book).  

The place was surround in red velvet with a line around the block (except for those of us graced with a VIP badge...thanks Jen).  The building itself was a palace.  It's an old style music hall with an incredible open air patio, a breath taking rooftop terrace overlooking Hollywood and a world class stage (each with its own bar).  But enough about  the layout, let me tell you what makes it THE BEST PARTY EVAR!

Here's the scene.  I'm wandering around the dance floor, dancing with a beautiful Indian girl to this just amazingly killer beat.  I look up...and the DJ is Crystal Method.   That's right Crystal freakin' Method.  And you know what?  Carmen Electra was one of the go-go dancers*.

I don't think I can go to a normal  club again.  Blur party, you've ruined me.  You're just too good.

GDC?

CCP, I'm looking to you to hold up our end and throw and even more debaucherous and star studded party at this year's GDC...because clearly that is our only route to our acceptance as a legitimate member of the entertainment industry.

* I later confirmed this.  Carmen apparently heard about the Blur party and volunteered to come down and join the paid dancer s onstage.

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Images From the Blur Party