Do come in - we've been expecting you. And, please, call me CRUIZE.

All panels are rated "G" and place strong emphases on Safety.  References to "maturity" below describe the panel itself - not a rating for attendees.  We have presented at:  Comicpalooza, RealmsCon, Space City Con, Twisted Gears, The Difference Engine and Aeolo Expo.

Panel Descriptions:

The Science of Adhesion:  Much more than "use glue xyz to stick this to that."  This lecture explains in lay terms why adhesives and paints do, and sometimes don't, stick where we want them.  This panel has been presented enough times to have matured very nicely and audience response has been excellent.  Looking for scientists (especially away for the Houston area) to help with this and present it on their own when Cruize is not available.

Toy-to-Prop Modification:  This is a "make & take' panel that usually charges $8 - $10 (includes sales tax ~ buying the toy is optional).  Plastic toy guns are prepped and ready for decoration.  A short demonstration is given and, while paid participants decorate their new treasure, Thereyet & Cruize describe the plastic preparation process in detail.  This panel has been presented several times and the quality of the finished props is amazing.  We have a State Sales Tax I.D. only for Texas at this time.

Intro to Ballroom Waltz:  This panel teaches 3 - 4 basic Waltz steps and is designed to have non-dancers holding their own in 3/4 time at the end of the hour.  All equipment can be provided but a PA system eliminates the need to drag an amp around.  Adequate floor space is needed - when preceding a dance or Ball, the dance floor for that event is perfect.  This one has been presented enough times to be considered very mature and it has been quite popular.

Intro to East Coast Swing (Jitterbug):  A dance workshop very much like the waltz above.  Has only been presented once so far and it went quite well.

Intro to Ballroom Foxtrot:  A dance workshop very much like the waltz above.  Has only been presented once so far and it went quite well.

How to Give Successful Panels and Presentations:  Designed to inspire individual growth and encourage higher quality panels at conventions.  This is a mature panel that has been given several times and a team of Panel Panel Panelists is in place to present this in the Houston Area.  It can easily be stretched to 1-1/2 or 2 hours upon request (the last go was 1-1/2 hrs).  A good choice for late Friday or early Sunday.

Intro to Ballroom Rumba:  A dance workshop very much like the waltz above.  Has been presented once so far and it went OK.  Not a first choice for dance panels - Waltz, Swing and Foxtrot should get preference.  Surprisingly, most Rave-style music has a perfect Rumba beat.

Intro to Working with Leather:  A very basic presentation that tells how to get started  with emphasis on tooling/carving the leather (adding designs to vegetable tanned cowhide).  Not a hands-on workshop.  Includes information on start-up costs.  Presented three times so far and has matured nicely.

Steampunk Maker:  Covers most of the basics to get started making props.  Includes many tips and tricks and emphasizes tools and start-up costs.  Steampunk specific content is minimal.  Presented once so far - the room was packed and attendees loved it.  Could be titled "Intro to Prop Making".

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques:  Starts with a brief presentation followed by a generous period of Q & A.  Finishes with an in-depth presentation on backyard metal casting and DYI mold-making.

The Science of Lighter Than Air-Ships:  For Steampunks, Steampunk authors and anyone interested in science.  Starts with a brief history of lighter than air flight.  Covers the basic science and then goes into materials selection for the real deal or RC models.

How Would the World Be if Geeks & Nerds Ran It?:  Originally presented as "Real World Survival Guide for Geeks and Nerds".  Not sure where this panel wants to go, but it seems to need doing.  Very immature panel - need to give it a few more times before it "finds itself".  Currently has lots of audience participation - expect it to stay that way.

Steampunk in Houston:  Designed to give some insight into the local culture.  This has been given three times and is informal & very flexible.  Can easily be done in 1/2 hour.  Always includes Q & A.  One hour version includes a short meet & greet.  A good choice for Sunday afternoon.

Panels "on the drawing board":  These can be "whipped up" with 6 - 8 weeks notice.

~ Zen and the Art of Steampunk (could be titled Steampunk Zengineering)

~ The Life & Literature of:

   ~ H. P. Lovecraft

   ~ H. G. Wellls

   ~ Jules Verne

   - Pioneers of Science Fiction (Verne, Wells, Lovecraft)

~ A Little More Waltz: A brief review of Intro and then focus on the Natural & Reverse Turns

~ Intro to Ballroom Cha-Cha

~ Intro to Ballroom Tango

~ DIY Kilt Making

~ Science & Science Fiction in Superhero Comics

~ Careers is Science, Engineering, Technology & Math

~ Introduction to Steampunk

~ Not on the drawing board, but other Steampunk topics (except gaming & LARP)

Credentials and Ancillary info:

A D Cruize has been involved in Steampunk since late 2010 and participates in about 11 events per year.  He enjoys presenting panels and workshops at conventions and is usually in league with his (real life) brother, Arewe' Thereyet.  Cruize is an industrial physicist with 30+ years of design and development engineering experience.  Thereyet has 30+ years of industrial machining and fabrication experience.  Almost all presentations are designed to run 50 minutes and include a handout with a panel outline and additional resources.  Panel descriptions for Con programs are available upon request.  We are willing to travel outside of Texas but like to facilitate, and strongly encourage, development of local talent.

Cruize is happy to deliver Steampunk and non-Steampunk content that:

   a) serves the community at large, and

   b) promotes personal growth.  

He is not a professional dance instructor - merely an enthusiast who understands that enthusiasm is contagious.  He owns a tuxedo that he loves to wear with his top hat and has served as both a DJ and a Master of Ceremonies.