Word came down today that "Zapcon", my favorite retro gaming convention won't be held this year (and you can probably guess why ;/). I am disappointed of course. I can play all the arcade games and video games i want from the safety and comfort of my own rumpus room from my multitude of consoles both portable and home but honestly there's nothing like playing games in a real world, social setting. The racket given off by a roomful of arcade games being played is music to this 80s Arcade Rat's ears, plus there's the thrill and challenge of going against another person's skills and intellect on the "Zapcon" game grid. The cherry on the sundae is of course the "dealer's den" where one can shop for new game software and arcade games for one's home game room in addition to getting some interesting game related trinkets (like pint glasses and t-shirts). I'll survive not going to "Zapcon" for another year of course (and of course it's not as if I'm missing out on anything-the bloody thing's not even being held) but i'd be lying if i said I wasn't going to miss it,.