bworiginals

10:49 am: December 1 - only 3+ weeks to Christmas
Now it is serious time to get all the Christmas shopping completed - I have all but 1 gift bought for my wife and I actually picked up 1 gift for our 5yr old as well (Webkinz were on sale at Carlton Cards for $5.99 - this will keep him happy).

Up in Halton where we live we actually had a couple of centimetres of snow overnight and made for some slippery driving this morning! I guess winter is really coming and time to break out the scarves, mitts and hats!

We got our Dragon*Con 2010 passes in the mail so now we have our passes, hotel room booked, flights booked and I guess that means we are totally committed to go to Atlanta on Labour Day Weekend in 2010. Now it gives us months to save up some spending money for the trip. We are going down to Atlanta Thursday afternoon and flying home (through Buffalo, NY) on Monday around 11:00am EDT.

Here at work, yesterday (November 30/09) was the biggest 1 day order total we have had in the 10 year history of the company - Cyber Monday was good for us as online shopping was totally crazy and it looks like Canadians like good deals from US retailers like Crate and Barrel, eBags, Eddie Bauer, Sephora, Miles Kimball, etc

12:26 pm: Sometimes Public Transit can be frustrating
This morning I headed to the Georgetown GO Station just like most mornings and got on and was cruising down the line when we get just past Weston when they tell us of a "problem" where the train struck a car on the tracks and we will be delayed (ended up being over a 1 hour delay) and finally I got to work just over 1 hr and 15 minutes late. Most frustrating part was they make little/no announcements so you have no idea what is going on. Luckily the passengers (including me have friends on other trains so we find out by calling them - not like GO Transit could keep us informed!!??)

I guess on the "good front" - today is Friday and another weekend is almost upon us! I will be taking our 5yr old to his indoor soccer game tomorrow am and that should be good. Jax has ner friend, her husband and 2 kids spending todayat our place and they are spending the night and leaving tomorrow -
I can manage 1 night of disruption I guess.

I am still thinking I really enjoyed myself at the Creation Serenity/Firefly convention last weekend and depending on schedule/price/guests announced I (we) may make a trip there on November 6-7, 2010 for the Creation Firefly/Serenity Convention in Los Angeles. They are holding 3 conventions at the hotel the same weekend: Firefly, FarScape and StarGate Atlantis. Maybe get a cross-over guest like Robert Picardo or Connor Trinneer so a photo op could be had (personally I am not a fan of StarGate at all and not much interest in FarScape but cross-over guests that were in shows I like work!)
I really want to see Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Jonathan Woodward so depending on who they have/announce will make that decision easier/harder for me. Still hoping some of those I listed show up at Dragon*Con this year and then that saves me another trip to the USA (and some $$'s)!!

Can't believe Christmas is just 4 weeks away! Have picked up quite a few presents already so I won't be panicked in December (much)!

Hopefully the snow continues to stay away as long as possible - really enjoying this mild weather and loving the fact no snow right up to December!!

10:28 am: Back From L.A. - Review of Creation Firefly/Serenity Con
I am back from the sunny L.A., California (arrived last night around 4:15pm EDT).

Let me start by reviewing the convention:
1) Registering was a painless process (not quite as good as Polaris/Toronto Trek - I think Polaris now has this down to almost an artform) but I was in line maybe 15 minutes and they had my tickets there.
2) Fixing stuff: As there had been 2 guest cancellations/changes I had some tickets I needed to exchange and they handled that with ease and made me quite happy (and I did not have to line-up again).
3) Attendance - about 300 people attended this convention in total. There were 6 Rows of 24 people in GOLD Section (each paid $379 USD), 6 Rows of 24 people in SILVER Section - where I was (each paid $179 USD) and then some people in General Admission.
4) If you want a convention with the focus being "guest driven" (Autographs, Photo Ops and Guest talks) this convention is for you - Creation has this down to a science! I got 6 of 7 photo ops, got autographs from all 7 guests and heard 6 of 7 guest talks.
5) Autograph lines - Creation has a policy where it is non-rushed and called by Row (Gold first, Silver next and then G.A.) It took about 2.5 - 3 hours to get through everyone but you did not have to stand as you could stay seated or you could go pick up your photo ops or go to dealers room or even go eat if you were way back. This system works well and "Gold has its privileges!
NOTE: It was expalined that the last Supernatural convention it took 6 hours to complete the autograph session and apparently the photo ops are sold out months in advance for Jared and Jenesen.
6) Photo Ops were very smoothly run and they have an amazing photographer (Chris) who makes sure you get a good shot! I have 6 great photo ops and good memories!
7) As for the guests: Alan Tudyk is simply amazing and so fan-friendly it is not funny! He had the audineces in stitches and even asked trivia questions back and handed out prizes too! Some were real sweet (Serenity Crew/Cast gifts, autographed scripts, etc). Adam Baldwin is very nice (very family oriented as he talked lots about his kids) but to quote him he is a little boring in public speaking. Morena Baccarin is simply gorgeous and spoke well, she is extremely excited about her new show "V". Jewel's talk I missed most of (been there done that before) but she was awesome in photo ops and autograph sessions and chatted with everyone. The "Feldman Twins" were simply hilarious on their talk - a little "dirty" in points but their stand-up background showed through and I am thrilled I went to their talk! Mark sheppard was awesome and loved his time on Firefly and said that BSG was the best SciFi show ever written - he told a great story on being in Ron Moore's house when his agent was trying to tell him he got the job as Romo Lampkin (Mark actually really wanted the role of Cavill but could not get out of a filming schedule for it).
8) The Dealers Room was ok - only about 15-16 dealers but they had some great stuff. Helps that the dealers go to San Diego CC and all the California convnetions as they have different stuff.
9) If you are looking for exclusive time with guests you can pay an additional $300 for a wine and cheese hour with 1 guest (they max out at 10 people at each one - I passed on these things myself - too much money).
10) If you are looking for programming it is limited so this is not your type of convention.

Even Nathan Filion called in while Alan tudyk was doing his talk and it went over very well!!

All in all a great weekend - I will add more later on!

08:51 am: Argghhhh...not all bad but arrgggghhh
Of course Nathan Filion had to cancel his appearance at the Creation LA Convention for Firefly/Serenity I am attending this weekend - typical my luck!

They did add Jewel Staite "Kaylee" which is ok but still it is not Captain Mal Reynolds!! I would have hoped they would have added Summer Glau or Sean Maher instead as I have never met either one of those people before - but I will go and have a good time anyways.

I know Jax is thrilled that Dragon*Con has announced that Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz have been added to the guest list for Septyember 2010! She is such a fan of Twilight!

I have to say Jax and I enjoyed Glee last night - for some reason this show is "growing" on me and for now I am entertained (wish it was not a FOX show - when I like a show on that station it does not seem to last. See Firefly, Terminator:TSCC and Dollhouse for 3 shows). Unless it is The Simpsons, NFL Football or American Idol do not get attached to FOX shows!

I am 3/4 packed for my trip tomorrow - have all my US cash and will put the rest together tonight for my 12:1-pm flight to LA tomorrow.

Be good everyone!!

04:08 pm: Convention thoughts...my own personal thoughts
Well there has been lots of chatter, both at my own house as well as with many many friends/acquaintances who attend Sci Fi Conventions/Expos/Gatherings and here are some thoughts.

First off - let me say I appreciate and think very highly of people who decide to get involved with doing this - both as Fan-Run volunteers and professionals (Toronto Trek/Polaris, Motor City, Creation, SFX, Ad Astra, Dragon*Con, Vulkon, etc). this is definitely a passion for a whole host of people. Yes there are some people in it for "fandom" and some strictly in it for "profit" but in both cases they are giving the fans/attendees what they want!

I (and Jax) have been taking some "minor heat" about some comments about Toronto Conventions (and our perceptions). Let me start with I DO NOT compare conventions/expos (how they are run, who works for them etc), I (we) attend for sheer entertainment (both to socialize with friends, meet a few guests, have a drink or 10, enjoy some nightly entertainment and get a few autographs/photo ops).

To me (us) it is a case of VALUE for our hard-earned dollars, now that there are 6-7 conventions in the Toronto area (Ad Astra, Anime North, Wizard World, Twicon, Creation Twilight, Polaris, SFX) not to mention ones close (Motor City, Chiller, Shore-Leave) this means there are choices and this is great for attendees. All these conventions/expos offer different programming/guests/entertainment and what it comes down to is value and what I can tell you is in this economy there is only so many dollars to go around for this kind of entertainment.

I have issues with conventions who do not update their website on a regular basis (Ad Astra, Motor City) - this is your conduit to fans/attendees and having previous year data and outdated information is just not acceptable in my book (Fan Run or for-profit this is basic business/common sense). I have issues with conventions who are wholly/largely guest driven that do not announce/sign guests until close to their date (Polaris, Motor City) - hate to break it folks, people need to plan dollars, vacation time, etc and when it gets too long then you get passed over (I know of a lot of people who passed on Motor City last year for this reason and we have done it 2 years in a row), we almost skipped polaris for the same reason last year.

Pricing is now a big issue (Creation, SFX) - when admission, autographs for a few guests and a couple of photo ops are getting up to 1 months rent/mortgage you will have problems (now I know guests/their agents drive a lot of this and they will eventually cook their own "golden goose"). Why anyone would pay Patrick Stewart $200 USD for a photo op with him just makes me shake my head and say WTF!!??

Trust me I (we) love attending conventions but even we who usually attend 5-6 per year are cutting back a bit due to the economy (family trip to Disney in April) and we are not the select few either. We expect to attend 3-4 this year (with Dragon*Con and Jax going to Creation Twilight in toronto) as the only locked-in ones.

I understand the "issues" with Fan-Run cons where people have other jobs/commitments - i hear you folks but it is just like committing to anything. "You commit you have to live up to that commitment", do not bite off more than you can chew. Same as volunteering to coach kid's sports team (you have to be there, be prepared for every event!) - you do not get a break - you choose commitments and what comes with them.

I close with - I appreciate what people do but please do not slam attendees that choose to attend other events because it provides what we want/need and does not mean we do not appreciate what you do for your event (just means that there was more "value" to us in where we spent our money). Means if enough people choose other wevents you may have to look at what you are offering (if you care!).

03:48 pm: Update to the JumpCon fiasco
Thought for anyone still interested in this - here is the latest from the JumpCon - Shane Senter fiasco!!

NASHUA - A Milford man owes nearly $8 million to various creditors, but will avoid any jail time on theft charges stemming from a series of science fiction conventions that he purported to have organized, court records show.

Shane Senter, 37, of 96 Powers St., unit 187, Milford, had been scheduled to stand trial this week in Hillsborough County Superior Court on felony theft charges, and four misdemeanor counts of unfair or deceptive business practices.

Earlier this month, however, Judge William Groff approved a plea bargain that Senter's lawyer, Adam Bernstein, struck with Senior Assistant Attorney General Constance Stratton. The deal calls for Senter to be sentenced to five years on probation, with four consecutive 12-month jail sentences to remain suspended on condition of good behavior.

Senter is scheduled to plead guilty and be sentenced Nov. 23, court records show.

Senter filed for bankruptcy after his arrest last year, and his case lists debts totaling just short of $8 million, and not quite $1,200 in assets, federal bankruptcy court records show. His debts are scheduled to be discharged later this year, court records show.

Senter has remained free on personal recognizance bail since his indictment last spring. Prosecutors reported that they received scores of complaints from people who had sent Senter deposits for lodging and tickets to one of his conventions. Prosecutors have declined to comment on why they filed just six charges, involving four different victims.

Senter is accused of defrauding four different persons who had paid for tickets and other "related services" for conventions he claimed to have organized in Boston and Stamford, Conn.

Stratton said Monday she could not discuss the case while it remains pending, saying of the plea deal, "Until that actually happens I can't talk about it."

Senter was the owner of JumpCon, which he registered as a limited liability corporation in May of last year. He had purported to organize a series of science fiction conventions that would move from one city to another and feature celebrity guests, including actors who had appeared in various Star Trek television series. The two biggest stars of "Battlestar Galactica," Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonell, were to headline some of the first shows, Senter claimed.

The charges allege simply that he took money for deposits, and failed to refund it after abruptly cancelling the conventions.

Olmos, who played Admiral Adama in the Sci-Fi Channel series, publicly slammed Senter during a panel interview at last year's DragonCon convention in Atlanta and vowed to work with the New Hampshire attorney general's office "to bring this bastard down."

New Hampshire officials later said neither Olmos nor anyone representing him was involved in the investigation, however. Olmos is listed among Senter's creditors in bankruptcy court, owed a $60,000 cancelation fee.

Filings with the New Hampshire secretary of state's office show Senter had a history of other short-lived business ventures, and the terms of his plea deal would prohibit him from managing any sort of business that takes money up front for goods or services.

Senter has been involved in at least two previous business ventures, according to records in the secretary of state's office.


Senter incorporated a company he called QLI Enterprises, of Plaistow, in 2002, but the company was dissolved after he failed to file any further reports. It is not clear, from the documents filed, what line of business he intended.


In 2003, Senter and a group of others filed paperwork to create a nonprofit corporation, "The Benefits for Humanity International."


In 2004, the group ran afoul of state Charitable Trust authorities when it began soliciting Manchester business owners for donations without having registered as a charity, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported at the time.


Senter claimed to be producing a board game featuring local businesses and landmarks, to raise money to buy computers for city school children. School officials said they had never spoken with anyone from the group, however.

Andrew Wolfe can be reached at 594-6410 or awolfe@nashuatelegraph.com

10:35 am: Mad at Dollhouse being cancelled
With so much crap on TV...and FOX cancels Dollhouse!! I am really pissed at this, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and liked the different kind of writing Dollhouse had as opposed to the total junk that is on TV nowadays.

FOX TV drives me crazy (first Firefly then Terminator: TSCC and now Dollhouse). I wish these shows were on SciFi channel, WB or some other network and not FOX.

Other than "V" and it is new and no idea if it will last or not - there is really no good SciFi TV for me left (I am no fan of StarGate or any of its spin-off shows and I am personally not a fan of Supernatural so it leaves me little to watch in that genre).

Jax and I will be going back to watching some of our older DVD's I believe! Firefly, Angel, Smallville to start with.

1 week tomorrow and I should be winging my way to L.A. for the Firefly/Serenity Creation Convention (as well as seeing a hockey game live or 2!). I am really hoping there are no more guest changes, I really like the guests they have now!! I am anxious to meet Nathan Filion, Alan Tudyk, Mark Sheppard and seeing Morena Baccarin and Adam Baldwin again!

I did have yesterday off work (for Remembrance Day) and that was nice BUT it was not nice having to sink $700 to get my car fixed ("U" joints needed replacing, oil/lube job, tires needed balancing, had a burnt out light, gas filter needed replacing and labour and taxes = broke!).

Off to a meeting I go...

12:44 pm: Almost Halloween
Well it is Friday again and just 1 day until Halloween!

I am leaving work a touch early today and heading home - I have had a jam packed week at work and just need to relax a bit!

I am taking our 5yr old to his indoor soccer game tomorrow at 8:30am and that means getting up by 7:30am at the latest. Jax is taking our 5yr old around trick-or-treatin' tomorrow night and I am on candy give out duty! We usually get between 100-125 kids on Halloween at our door.

I am heading to L.A. 3 weeks today for the Firefly/Serenity Convention - originally Gina Torres was one of the guests (and I really wanted to see her) but she canceled and was replaced by Nathan Fillion (woo hoo - I really wanted to see him too so this works for me!!). Hopefully no more cancellations!

I have been watching the Wizard World Toronto convention and their guests announced changes daily - They no longer have Bruce Boxleitner, Adam West and Julie Newmar but instead have Ernie Hudson, Luciana Carro - I will not be pre-buying admission tickets as it seems they have "issues" at this con. I am hoping it comes to pass as I really want to see Eliza Dushku but been fooled before (JumpCon, FedCon USA) so we will wait and see if it comes off.

Very surprised to see the Ad Astra website in the condition it is in - no updates in months, no pre-reg capability (forms are 2009), has 2009 stuff all over it - one word for me is "disappointing". For a convention only supposed to be 6 months away I am really surprised at the condition. Facebook updates are fine but you need a proper and up-to-date site.

I see Shore-Leave announced their 2 big guests: Kevin Sorbo and Katee Sackhoff for their July convention, hopefully Polaris/TT 24 will also be announcing sooner than last year. Especially with all the competition in the Toronto convention space for 2010 (Ad Astra, Anime North, TwiCon, Creation Twilight, Polaris/TT, Wizard World, SFX).

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!!

Boo!!!!!!!!! Were you all scared??!!! ;)

04:33 pm: Wizard World Toronto Con - March 2010
Well there is another convention in Toronto in 2010 - Wizard World ComicCon has officially announced their dates and the first 6 guest announcements for March 26-28, 2010 at the DTE Centre on the Exhibition Grounds!!

First 6 guests announced are: ELIZA DUSHKU from Dollhouse/Buffy TVS, BRUCE BOXLEITNER from Babylon 5/Scarecrow and Mrs. King, MARGOT KIDDER from Superman, CHRISTIAN SERRATOS from Twilight, ADAM WEST from Batman and JULIE NEWMAR from Batman. They are off to an amazing start and weekend passes are about $50 CDN.

Wizard World just adds more competition to SFX/Hobbystar and Toronto Trek/Polaris and the fight for guests and the attendees dollars! Hopefully this will make all the conventions stronger, I am just worried about saturation in the Toronto market. I can tell you we willbe at Wizard World (gotta see Eliza Dushku and Bruce Boxleitner and Jax will want to see Christian for sure!).

12:04 pm: Dragon Con - WOW
So I get a Facebook message about the Marriott putting hotel rooms up for Dragon Con in September 2010 so go ahead and book starting at 8am. Can you believe they are all SOLD OUT by 9:00am. A year in advance!!?? Holy Crap!!

Now Jax and I have our room booked at the Sheraton already for next year but now ALL 4 Main Host Hotels are SOLD OUT!! (I was able to get a hold of my buddy TJ and he was able to get a room at the Hilton just in time!!). Conventions must kill for this kind of response!!

I have done what I thought I would never do - I AM SKIPPING THE JIMMY BUFFETT CONCERT IN TORONTO IN NOVEMBER!! Never thought I would type those words but I have seen the concert in May, Tickets for a pair are $291 CDN and I leave for LA the next day. I did go on Ticketmaster and YES I could have got decent tickets but decided to use some restraint and not spend more money. Now if this show was in September (as it was supposed to be) and at the Molson Amphitheatre outside (as it was supposed to have been) I would have been there for sure!!

Tonight is Friday Night - Gotta watch Dollhouse tonight! Need my Eliza Dushku fix!!

Only about 4 more hours and then heading home for the weekend!!

10:18 am: Just Another Day
I forgot to post that Jax and I took our 5yr old to the Toy and Action Figure Expo on Saturday out in Mississauga. He had lots of fun and was thoroughly impressed with all the Star Wars and other toys/figures.

We brought $6 of his own money and he thought this was great being able to get a $5 Star Wars Action Figure and a $1 Wolverine Action Figure - all by himself.

Jax and I also picked up an Action Figure for his brother as well as a bag of Gargoyle Action Figure for the both of them! I also picked up a Star Wars "Queen Amidala" action figure for myself.

It was great seeing David Ross and Twinks there at the show - always fun to get my "Twinks Hug" and I know Jax had fun yakking to David (all that costuming chatter).

I have to say Thank Goodness I decided we did not have to get there until 10:00am and not pay the extra $10 admission fee (would not have been worth that!). Have to say I was a little "stunned" at Anthony Forrest (Star Wars guest they had - Stormtrooper that has 1 line "these are not the droids you are looking for") charging $25 for an autograph (we were there 2 hours and saw exactly 1 person get an autograph from him). Buddy you were at SFX the past 2 years and you can't charge $25 (you are not big enough star for that!)
That is an amount that Michael Hogan, Michelle Forbes, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Sean Astin charges - maybe he learned a lesson!

Next week Jax and I will be buying our Dragon*Con passes for 2010 - Hotel is booked, will have passes booked and all is left is to find affordable flights to Atlanta for September 2010.

I saw that Polaris picked July 16-18, 2010 for their convention - we will have to see what we will do with this one. We do not have babysitting for that weekend (mum is out of town) and we may decide to do strictly Saturday only if there is a guest or two we want to see. With plans to go to SFX and Dragon*Con this year we will be watching our spending. Also Jax is going to Creation Twilight in Toronto in July so that adds to the budget.

Need a long weekend - keep telling myself only 2+ weeks to Thanksgiving and a 3-day weekend - need it!

Back to work I go...

09:52 am: Monday Morning Back At Work...
So another week has kicked off at work - I am having a quiet Monday (busy Tuesday ahead tomorrow so I will enjoy the quiet of today).

Jackie and I decided already that we are going to go to Dragon*Con 2010 (it will be my first time going to D*Con), she enjoyed it so much I want to experience it next year. We already have our room booked at the Sheraton from Thursday to Monday Labour Day Weekend (we will deal with flights later on).

I had a busy weekend doing chores (especially on Sunday) but still had the chance to watch 1 NFL game though (Minnesota vs Cleveland) - nice game by the Vikes!!

Looks like for 2010 Jackie and I will attend the following conventions (subject to change mind you):

1) Ad Astra (April 9-11, 2010)
2) Motor City ComicCon (May 14-16, 2010)
3) Polaris/TT 24 (July 2010)
4) Creation Twilight - Jackie only (July 30-Aug 1, 2010)
5) SFX/Hobbystar (August 27-29, 2010)
6) Dragon*Con (September 3-6, 2010)

I guess back to doing some work...

06:09 pm: I am already jealous of my wife at Dragon*Con..me bad!!
So my wife has been at Dragon*Con all of a few hours here on Friday and I am already "mucho" jealous of here, she has texted me to let me know that she has already met/got autogrpahs from: Ron Glass - Firefly, James Marsters - Buffy, Michael Trucco - BSG, Justin Chon - Twilight, Gareth David-Lloyd - Torchwood and she got a pic with Michael Trucco. I know she will be in 7th heaven when she gets to meet Peter Facinelli - Twilight and Tom Felton - Harry Potter!! And she has 2 full days more to go!!

I had decided that today (Friday since I was off) was "chore day" so I got the grass cut, edged it, weeded a bit, cleaned the car, threw out all the garbage and did the dishes (ok ran the dishwasher then emptied out the clean dishes).

Tomorrow (Saturday) is run-around and shop/out chores (our 5yr old will be with me of course!), I have to go to the bank, go to the Dry Cleaners, Go to the mall (also promised our 5yr old a toy), Register the kids for Indoor Fall Soccer, pick up a picture frame and possibly buy a newspaper - that will be enough for the day.

Sunday I think I will take our 5yr old to the Toronto Zoo - I think that would be a good father-son day out and if we get there around 9am we can be out of there in early afternoon.

Monday will be stay-around-the-house day and make sure Jackie gets to Buffalo on time and if not I will have to pick up the step-son in Kitchener in the afternoon and take our 5yr old with me.

I am happy wife is having a good time at Dragon*Con - I really am!! I did smile when she said checking in to get her pass was a long wait - no I did not mean that - really I did not!! :

08:52 am: Heading into Labour Day Weekend....
Just have to get through today and then I am off for a 4-day Labour day Weekend! Sounds like the weather here in toronto should be good for the weekend.

Jackie is heading off to Dragon*Con tomorrow morning (driving to Buffalo and then flying direct to Atlanta, GA) - I can tell you I am extremely jealous but I am on "parenting" duty this weekend and we can do "guy stuff" this weekend!! I told Jackie to have FUN (but not too much fun!! LOL!)

Work is really ramping up and I am really looking forward to this 4-day weekend - got some chores to get accomplished this weekend (cut the grass, weeding, wash the car, go to bank) but nothing too major.

Still recovering from that crazy-arse weekend called SFX/Hobbystar - I guess I am niot as "good" in huge crowds anymore as I used to be. I found Saturday at SFX to be a tad overwhelming and this is the first time in almost 100 conventions that lines/people got to me a bit. Makes me appreciate Ad Astra, Motor City and Toronto Trek/Polaris even more!! I have to admit I am still glad we went to SFX - Emma Caulfield, Leonard Nimoy, Linda Hamilton, J Michael Straczynski and Walter Koenig made it a worthwhile adventure.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy long weekend!!

Kids back to school next week - BIG YEAH!!

10:57 am: Review of SFX/Hobbystar 2009

Let me start with HOLY CRAP was it crowded and lines, lines, lines…….

This EXPO just keeps getting bigger and bigger and the crowds for the “Horror Section”/Rue Morgue just keep expanding! The lines for Bruce Campbell autographs and photos were simply crazy.

Jax and I decided we were going Friday and Saturday and decided “we would see about Sunday”.

It opened at 2pm EDT for people that bought Deluxe or Weekend passes on Friday (we had Deluxe Passes) and we arrived there about 12:45pm EDT and got our passes in about 5 minutes (all good there), if you were getting VIP passes it took about 30 minutes longer as that line was much longer. We then headed for the big line to get into the show at 2pm EDT.

We got in around 2:15pm (again not bad all things considered) and headed for autograph alley. Emma Caulfield “Anya from Buffy TVS” was already there so we dutifully joined the line and in about 30 minutes we had our Action Figure autographed and had a nice quick chat with her – ALL GOOD here! Cost was $30 CDN for autograph.

We then decided to get into Walter Koenig’s line “Chekov from Star Trek TOS” and it was quite long and very slow – after waiting 10-15 minutes I noticed Mary McDonnell “President Roslin from BSG” walked in and we bee-lined it to her line and were only about 20 people back and in about 20 minutes we had her signing our Cast Photo!! We had a pleasant chat and Jax told her she would see her at Dragon*Con next weekend! Cost was $40 for autograph.

We then headed back to Walter’s line and in about 30 minutes had him sign our Babylon 5 Cast Photo. All was pretty smooth here. Cost was $30 CDN for autograph.

Jax and I decided that we wanted to do 2 Photo Ops only at SFX (Linda Hamilton and Emma Caulfield so we bout tickets for that). $40 for photo with Emma Caulfield and $30 for Linda Hamilton. Both were Friday night (6pm and 8 pm respectively).

We then decided to walk the floor – dealer’s area, horror booths, promo areas, etc. You could really see the crowds starting to pour in as at 4pm EDT was general admission and the place was crowding in! We found where J Michael Straczynski “Writer/Producer for Babylon 5” was signing on Saturday so we scoped that our and planned accordingly.

We got our photo ops taken Friday night and headed for home. All in all a good Friday at Fan Expo/SFX.

Now we come to what I call “Crazy Arse Saturday” at Fan Expo/SFX.

Jax and I arrived around 10:15am (it opened at 10:00am) and as we approached the escalators down the lines to get in were UNBELIEVABLY LONG, I never do this but thought no way I am standing in this crazy arse line so we headed for VIP entrance found a staff member I knew and we got in right away (I know not fair but I was not waiting 1 hour more just to get in).

We headed over to Leonard Nimoy autograph line and I stood there, got there about 10:30am EDT and figured I was about 45 minutes to get an autograph. Leonard had a talk at 11:30am for 1 hour and then a photo op for 1 hour after that so he would not be back to autographing till 2:00pm EDT so I was wanting to get it now and not have a 2.5 hour wait. Me, my buddy and this 3^rd guy were together and we were getting to the front and all of a sudden I noticed it was 11:15am and it was getting tight and there had to be 300+ people in line behind us. “SFX bald-headed lackies” were saying cut the line but nothing ever was done/organized. At 11:25am the 3 of us were at the front and they say line is cut and you all have to wait until 2:30pm for Leonard to come back, I asked why as it is not 1:30am yet. Leonard’s agent said he will take 3 more and then no more till 2pm, me, my buddy and the 3^rd guy went to the table (I was first), the “bald-headed lackies” said get back no more and I told them the agent just said yes so I turned to Mr. Nimoy and said “what do you think Mr. Nimoy”? and he said come get your autograph and I did just that on my Star Trek XI movie poster, the 3^rd guy got his autograph (he later hugged me and thanked me profusely for this and he slipped me $10 for all the efforts to get his autograph) and my buddy was told NO, I turned and Leonard said quickly and he signed for him and then Leonard was off to his talk – I told the “SFX bald-headed lackies” that if they had any skills they need to tell the now 400+ people in line they have a 2.5 hour wait and they go and make some volunteer guy have to do it. Typical SFX poor organizational skills. Cost for Autograph was $60 CDN.

I then headed to Billy Dee Williams “Lando from Star Wars’ to get his autograph and it was moving fine (very crowded) until some dude brings up 40+ posters to get signed and this tood almost 15 minutes alone – by the time I got there Billy Dee was looking “out of it” and his handshake is as limp as can be and I got my movie poster signed and headed off slightly under-whelmed. Cost was $40 CDN for his autograph.

By now the Convention Centre was beyond packed!! Can you believe it was a 40 minute wait if you wanted just a drink (bottled water, juice, etc), there were thousands and thousands of people everywhere and just moving around was near impossible – lines everywhere!! Jax went to the “free autograph line” and got Thomas Dekker “John Connor from Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles” to sign our DVD from Season 1. Now I was really feeling a little “claustrophobic” and usually I have no issue on that. I get a call from a friend who tells me they have “capped admittance” to the SFX as it is full – unbelievable!! Some people in line were taking 2 hours just to get in (they were the last to get in). I decided at 3:30pm to get in the line (far corner of building) for J Michael Strazynski to autograph my Babylon 5 Cast Photo (Cost was FREE for autograph) – little more room and by 3:50pm EDT they capped his autograph line too! (get the picture that all lines were mobbed!!). At 4:30pm I had my signature and headed for a seat at a booth I know a sweetheart lady (Sharon – aka Rockgoddes) where I got a chair for a bit while my wife and friend got the rest of what they wanted.

I saw the Promoters of this Expo and I can tell you that the “Head dude” was seeing Dollar Signs and did not seem to care at the total congestion/lack of some needed customer service/organization that he should have. This convention is growing so why listen to me (he really needs to take over the North Side of the Conventuion Centre too and spread things out and he can even get more people in this way!).

We decided no way in heck we were going back Sunday to fight line-ups (and especially knowing the Jonas Brothers were playing next Door at Skydome and attracting 40,000+ screaming female teenagers on top!)

We picked up our Photo Ops before leaving on Saturday (therse were both awesome shots!!), paid our $15 parking fee and headed home). Now we did get everything we wanted to but I felt like I had to “earn it all”! Friday was very enjoyable and Saturday was strictly a “war” with crowds!

Let me say BIG TIME thanks to Sharon (Rockgoddes), can I say what a delight it always is to spend time with you and you are the best conversation I can have!! Nice to see my good friends: John (primetime21) I call him Mr Patience and a good friend, T.J. (as good a  friend/convention friend you can have), Stephan, Sami, Andrew, Mo, Victoria, Ken, Alana, April, Joanne, Fran, Dawn and if I forgot someone I apologize (my brain is still feeling crowded).  

Of course my wife Jax makes all conventions we attend a joy – could not do it without her!!

Hope I have not bored anyone with my recap!!

02:52 pm: Thursday Thoughts
Well we had the service for my maternal Grandfather on Tuesday at 1pm EDT and to my pleasant surprise there were about 75 attendees (exceeded my expectations!). My mum made a wonderful and touching speech and I could not have been more proud of her - she honoured her dad (without breaking down too!) and spoke well for the family.

I see that Creation Entertainment got a write-up in the Toronto Sun (press release) announcing their partnership with the producing company of Twilight Movies and are now "The Official Twilight Convention" and they have now put their tickets on sale for their Toronto Twilight Convention in July 2010. They have 2 guests announced already (Kellan Lutz and Bronson Pelletier) with many more to be added. My wife and her friend have already purchased 2 Gold Weekend Passes and have their hotel room booked at the Westin Harbour Castle!!
This should really add to the "crowded" convention scene in Toronto!

Man, I wish I could go to Dragon*Con this year - 4 STAR TREK CAPTAINS are there!! Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew, Avery Brooks and now William Shatner has been added!! Along with 8 Battlestar Galactica Guests, 5 Babylon5 guests, 3 Buffy/Angel guests and many others!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous of all you attending!! I am looking forward to the Firefly/Serenity one in L.A. in November, I am sure I will have a great time but DC looks so amazing!! My wife is going to be "in heaven there at DC" along with all the costuming she will see/be wearing!!

Our 5yr old son yesterday scored another 4 goals in his soccer game - brings his total up to 24 goals in 12 games - not too shabby at all! He is really improving and seems to be having lots of fun! Next week is ice cream after the game - all the kids are going to "the ice cream store" and the coach is buying!! Yummy!

Work is getting busier - at least it makes the days go faster!

Hope to see many of you at SFX/Hobbystar next weekend!! We will be there Friday and Saturday for sure.

11:02 am: Sounds like Creation Twilight con this weekend is having "issues"
I was chatting to a friend of mine and they referred mt the Creation Twilight Convention happening this weekend in Arizona.

They have had 5 guests announced for months (Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Billy Burke and Michael Welch) and in the past few days 4 of them have had to cancel due to early filming starting on "Eclipse". Sounds like Creation has replaced the 4 cancellations with 7 other guests from Twilight and some people are "griping" - con-goers have to remember that FILMING/WORKING is always going to come first!! I think replacing 4 cancellations with 7 replacements within 3 days is pretty darn good!!

One thing about Creation Entertainment - they have the connections to get replacement guests!!

11:17 am: Ramping up for a short work week
So at least after a long-weekend when you come back to work it is only 4 days and counting...until the next weekend!

This past weekend started off with a busy Saturday - lots of chores done and all my errands/running around were completed by 12:30pm!!

I took a lot of time this weekend and finished reading J.R.R. Tolkien "The Hobbit" - I had read it once before years and I enjoyed it as much this time as in the past!! Who can resist Dwarves, Hobbits and a Dragon!! :)

I know shoppingqnamidala is very excited to be going to her first Dragon*Con in about 4 weeks - I have major jealousy but am thrilled she will finally get to attend this "costume friendly" convention! She is also anxious to see a few of the guests there too! Namely: Bruce Boxleitner, Justin Chon, Patrick Stewart, Tom Felton, Peter Facinellin and a few of the BSG guests!

We have been watching Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5 on DVD (we are down to the final disc - last 3 episodes!). Definitely prefer watching it this way instead of 1/week when it aired!!

Only 3+ weeks until SFX - and to me that is the signal that summer is on the way out! Boo's as it definitely has not been a normal summer here in Southern Ontario!!

Hopefully Polaris/TT24 will announce which weekend the convention will be held in 2010 - unfortunately working for a big Gov't agency is a "pain" as we need to book holidays way early as it goes by Seniority and only certain amounts of people can be off the same time. I am personally still hoping for either July 9-11, 2010 or July 16-18, 2010.

Back to work I trudge....

09:34 am: My wife is going to Dragon*Con - not me.....
So last night we decided that Jackie should (can) go to Dragon*Con - she (we) has wanted to for years but have not been able to. This year we cannot go together but 2 of our freinds T.J. and Victoria are going (they are driving and Jackie is flying out of Buffalo) but they are sharing a hotel room in Atlanta. She is really looking forward to going!!

She booked her flight last night (after her discount her flight cost is about $80) and she booked at the Best Western I believe (one of the overflow hotels with the shuttle that runs to the main hotels), as the cost is $129 per night (they are staying 3 nights) and splitting 3 ways it is very affordable trip.

I guess I will be on "dad duty" for 4 days that weekend! McDonalds for our 5yr old and pizza (and beers) for me all weekend!! LOL!!

I am booked for Creation Los Angeles for the Firefly/Serenity con in November so it evens out - but I have to admit the guest list at Dragon*Con is amazing!! She is looking forward to seeing Patrick Stewart, Bruce Boxleitner, 3 actors from Twilight, Tom Felton from Harry Potter and James Marsters.

Today is crap day at work 5 hour meeting later today (from 1pm to 6pm). I have to take the 6:30pm bus home tonight (1 hour ride to Georgetown from Union Station - no GO trains after 5:45pm for me to Georgetown).

4 weeks to SFX!! Yeah!!

12:24 pm: "Lovely" Summer Weather - geesh! Torchwood Part 5 of 5
It is nice that it is the weekend and no work for the next 2 days but can we get some sort of decent summer weather??!! Another dreary and on the cool side day today and only slightly better tomorrow. July is done in less than a week and it feel like summer has not even begun!

Shoppingqnamidala and I watched Torchwood Season 3 "Children of Earth" Part 5 of 5 last night and all I can say is - I LOVED IT! torchwood is definitely one of my all-time favourite SciFi shows and I love the fact it is not all "warm and fuzzy" and some real drama happens as well as characters get killed off and it is just generally dark! I would love to see Torchwood return for a Season 4 (bring bac/on Martha Jones to add to the team and probably another main character and leave "Rhys" and "PC Andy" as more recurring/guest roles).

You can tell there are kids in my house - what is for lunch today?? McDonalds - yes I am breaking down and having a cheeseburger.

I am starting to look forward to SFX and seeing my friends again and seeing some of the guest stars like Mary McDonnell, Billy Dee Williams, Walter Koenig and Emma Caulfield! Only 5 weeks to wait!