CatchCon delivers for Deadliest Catch fans

The Discovery Channel's CatchCon, a one-day Deadliest Catch fan festival, at Pier 66 on Saturday was a spectacle. The free event was top-notch from beginning to end.

I began my visit with a free box lunch where I was inches away from Matt Bradley of the Northwestern. I hadn't worked up the courage yet to say anything to him. Instead, I talked about him to my table-mate. That must be weird for him to hear someone at the next table talking about him -- oh, well!

Then, we had a Q & A with the boat captains: Sig Hansen, Keith Colburn, Phil Harris, and Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand. Later, they signed autographs.

I got a fisherman's cap from Verizon's booth and had all the captains, some of the crew and the show's producers sign it. I am going to donate it to a local youth nonprofit for their upcoming auction.

Outside, a helicopter could be heard and many of us went outside to see it. A Coast Guard helicopter was just off the pier giving us a demonstration of a rescue operation. From there, I toured the Wizard and Northwestern, which were docked alongside the pier.

Once back inside, I listened to a Q & A with the show's producers, including Jeff Conroy, co-executive producer. We heard their first-hand accounts of close calls, awnry crew members and the limb numbing challenges of filming at sea.

Finally, we saw exclusive video of the new season of the Deadliest Catch, which includes the the story of Seattle-based Katmai crew and interviews with its surviving crew members.

SPECIAL OFFER: The CatchCon fans also got an exclusive offer to purchase The Deadliest Catch 1-4 season set for a special price. If you don't tell them I told you (LOL)... and enter this promotional code at check-out: CATCHCON

Google to revolutionize the phone

Google is not only interesting in revolutionizing the web, but even old technology, such as the telephone. 

Google Voice is a service that gives you one number for all your phones, voicemail that is easy as email, and many enhanced calling features like call blocking and screening, voicemail transcripts, call conferencing, international calls, and more.

It is only available to users of GrandCentral at the moment, but Google says it will launch a public beta version soon!

Chris, a Seattlite and one of the fine podcasters from Jupiter Broadcasting, provides an excellent video review of Google Voice.

Your T-mobile suggestions

I lost my T-Mobile Wing. Contacts, appointments, twitter fix... all gone. Now, I need your help choosing the right T-mobile phone. Need the basics: QWERTY keyboard, Internet, and appointment book (Windows synch ideal). Post your recommendations in the comments section or e-mail: SEABlogger@SeattleBlogger.com