Dragon*Con 2010: My Dream Schedule August 31, 2010

If you’ve been to Dragon*Con before, you know that trying to cram everything you want to see and do into 3 1/2 days is near on impossible. However, every year, thousands upon thousands of us make attempt the impossible. While I know it is improbable, I have developed my dream schedule to optimize my Geek Out session for Dragon*Con 2010.

FRIDAY

10 am – True Blood with Actors

11:30 am – Warehouse 13

1 pm – Buffy/Angel

2:30 pm – Eureka

5:30 pm – Simon & Kaylee

7 pm – Buffy & Dr. Horrible

8:30 pm – Violent Video Games

10 pm & on – Stargate Party

SATURDAY

10 am – 21 Days to a Novel

11:30 am – Legend of the Seeker

2:30pm – Farscape

4 pm – Firefly

7 pm – Browncoats: Redemption Screening

10 pm – Browncoat Shindig

11:30 pm – Bedlam Bards Live

SUNDAY

10 am – Buffy/Angel

11:30 am – Scapecast Podcast

2:30 pm – Data from Data

4 pm – Farscape

5:30 pm – The Signal Podcast

7 pm – To V or Not to V (Back-up Panel: Being Human)

10 pm – BSG/Caprica

MONDAY

10 am – Whedonverse

11:30 am – BSG

1 pm – Red Dwarf

4 pm – Eureka

I realize there are some panels I have listed on multiple days. This is just a contingency plan. The one constant at fan conventions is lines. I am prepared to stand in lines for up to 2 hours for the big panels I must see. If I miss a panel the first time around, here’s hoping I see it another day. Of course I will not make it to all these panels. In addition to the geekery, I have friends to see, more friends to make and at some point a gal has to eat. Nonetheless, if I had my way and if the Con Gods are on my side, maybe, just maybe I’ll get my wish.

PAX East 2010: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 400 Series April 4, 2010

As I waited patiently in the queue line for the NVIDIA Presents panel at PAX East 2010, staff came around to pass out 3D glasses. If nothing else, I knew this panel would be interesting. Drew Henry, GeForce General Manager at NVIDIA, took the stage to introduce the newest GPU series for PC gaming. The GeForce GTX 400 series graphics cards offer 3D Vision to provide a fully immersive gaming, photo and film experience. The improved technology and processing power provides smooth, realistic effects and the interactive ray tracing really amps up the photo-realism.

The crowning achievement in the GTX 400 series is the GTX 480, which boasts as many transistors as 4 Intel Quad-core i7 processors and 2x the performance of the previous GTX 200 series graphics cards. Game releases that will be optimized for 3D Vision include Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Need for Speed Shift, Metro 2033, Mafia 2 and Just Cause 2. The folks at NVIDIA are proud of this latest improvement and are happy to make gaming for the PC more enjoyable for gamers who like to blow things up. With such a large presence at PAX East, they coined this year’s motto: CRANK THAT S#!T UP!

To prove they are more than hype, NVIDIA shared game demos for Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Metro 2033 and Need for Speed, as well as World of Warcraft, to show off the 3D Vision technology. The GPUs will also ship with two built-in games to allow consumers to see what the graphics processor is capable of. Supersonic Sled allows players to set up and destroy a train test track. Zoom in and out of the landscape; create obstacles or shoot things with chickens; players can even view the track construct in a blueprint mode. Also shipping with the GPU is Design Garage, which allows players to create custom cars. Design Garage will show off the astounding detail and accuracy the GTX 400 series cards provide. The GeForce GTX 400 series GPUs will be available for purchase in mid-April 2010. Visit the NVIDIA website for more information about the GeForce GTX 400 series GPU.

PAX East 2010: Game-play from the Show Floor

Last weekend I was one of the lucky 50,000+ gamers to attend the first PAX East event. Held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, PAX East created a community, no, a home for like-minded geeks who like to play games. PAX East is a gaming convention, so the biggest draw was the game-play.

The 1-1/2 hour line to play the demo, clearly made Red Dead Redemption the most anticipated game of PAX East. The third person western shooter from Rockstar Games looks to redeem the disappointment players felt with Red Dead Revolver. Immediately players will be drawn in by complete and expansive landscapes. The beautiful landscapes come fully inhabited with wildlife such as coyotes, rabbits, horses and bears, all of which you can hunt, but be warned, they can hunt you too. One of the new features is Deadeye, letting the player slow time and mark targets to improve accuracy and create adrenaline-pumping shoot-outs. Look for Red Dead Redemption to be released May 18, 2010 for Xbox 360 and PS3.

Another game with a large presence was Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands from Ubisoft. I know what you are thinking . . . another video game/film tie-in. No need for concern, the game has no ties to the upcoming movie release. The third person adventure is reminiscent of the original Prince of Persia game and combines aspects from original game players will appreciate, such as acrobatics and classic wall-run movement, with a more powerful gaming engine and the ability to control nature for some interesting game-play. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is scheduled for release May 18, 2010 on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

Perhaps war games are more your speed. Atomic Games has you in mind. With roots in creating military simulations, the company looks to put you into the action with Breach. A first person, multi-player shooter where you play as an elite member of a CIA field team – the kind the government sends in when no one can know. This game uses real world tactics. One of the most exciting features is that just about anything you can use for cover in the game, you can destroy. Shoot through brick to create the perfect sniper position, punch through ceilings to get the drop on enemies, Breach will have you looking at FPS action in a whole new way. Breach will be available exclusively for download on Xbox Live Arcade beginning July 1, 2010.

One of the things the Penny Arcade crew feels is important is giving independent game developers a voice. One way they help is by sponsoring the Indie Showcase. Indie game developers get space on the exhibit floor to demo their games as a way to get their games in your hands. With enough people talking about their games, the hope is the interest and the demand will grow.

One such game is Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley from Twisted Pixels. Have you ever wanted to play the superhero in a comic book? Here’s your chance. Accompanied by your snarky costume and your lovely sidekick, you will fight and shoot villains as they threaten the peace of your city. Wreak havoc on hordes of ladies as you make your way to face off against your arch-nemesis, Brad. Comic Jumper brings back a bit of nostalgia, is funny and fun to play.

Shank is another indie game that everyone, including myself, is excited for. Developed by Klei Entertainment, this is a no-holds barred, 2D, side-scrolling bloodbath. Parents, I do not recommend this game for children. If you like a hack-and-slash game, this is for you. There is not a whole lot of information out there about the lead character, but here is what you need to know. He has a score to settle, there are a lot of guys he has to kill and he is very good at killing. As far as the weaponry goes, he has pistols, a chainsaw and knives. Truly, you do not need any more, you can create more than enough damage to quench your blood thirst. The game-play is gory and fantastic. The art is simple, yet gorgeous. Shank proves you do not need over the top graphics to make a good game. Unfortunately, I did not get a released date, but keep your eyes out for Shank to be released for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC.

There were, of course, many more games that graced the exhibit hall. This article is only a quick overview of the games I got to experience hands-on. One thing is sure, no matter what kind of gamer you are, there is a game being developed for you. So far, 2010 has me excited to spark up my console and upgrade my gaming PC.

PAX East 2010 Keynote: “Welcome Home” March 31, 2010

Players along the east coast, descended upon Boston last weekend for PAX East 2010. In the largest event of gaming solidarity to hit the east coast, gamers came together to share a common bond, frag one another in game-play, get a hands-on feel for some of the latest technology and experience for themselves soon to be released titles.

Who better to open the inaugural PAX East event than a man recognized throughout the gaming community as an Ambassador of Geekdom, Wil Wheaton. Best known to mainstream audiences as an actor and writer, Wheaton has been a gamer most of his life. As he began his speech, he recounted some of the gross misrepresentations faced when politicians and the media demonized games and the gaming industry. He also highlighted the industry’s triumph as gamers refused to sit and be silent.

In his keynote, Wheaton helmed a trip down memory lane, detailing the many faces of  games as they have evolved over the years. Sharing his own love affair with games, he emphasized the importance gaming plays beyond entertainment.

“Game are important. Games matter. PAX is where we come together to celebrate that.”

Many players are met with confusion and ridicule when outed to friends and family members that do not play, particularly those of us over the age of 25. Those that do not play games, do not understand the appeal. They do not see how the imagination is sparked, how critical thinking skills can be honed and emotional bonds can be formed simply by sitting in front of a gaming table, or console, or PC. We become the Freaks, the Geeks and the Outcasts to the “normal” people.

Wheaton’s keynote was a call to arms, a call to be inspired. His words fostered pride in our identity as gamers and strengthened the bond that players attending PAX events will share always.

“When you create something together, you are building bonds with your fellow gamers that could last you entire lives.”

Never have I heard the passion felt by gamers and the virtues of games so well extolled. For that, I thank you Wil Wheaton.

With reports coming in of attendance in excess of 50,000 gamers, not all of us could squeeze into the Main Theater for the keynote. Thanks to YouTube user Cheshyr, everyone can watch Wil Wheaton’s keynote (10 minutes at a time).

For more information about PAX East, check out the website.

If you do not currently read Wil Wheaton’s blog, do yourself a favor and go!

SultryMinxZoe’s 2010 Convention Schedule February 15, 2010

If you’re looking for me this year, I’ll be geeking out at the conventions listed below. If you happen to see me in a panel or wandering around the exhibitor’s hall, be sure to stop and say “hello.”

TempleCon ~ February 5-7
PAX East ~ March 26-28
Anime Boston ~ April 2-4
Boston Comic Con ~ April 10-11
ConnectiCon ~ July 9-11

and, of course

Dragon*Con ~ September 3-6

I hope to see you there!

Bringing Gamers Out To Play: TempleCon 2010 February 10, 2010

Courtesy of TempleCon

TempleCon kicked off the 2010 New England gaming convention schedule this past weekend. Taking over the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, Rhode Island, 2010 celebrated the event’s fifth year, bringing players together from all forms of gaming. Billed as an event experience unlike any gaming convention, TempleCon paid particular attention to gamers and what we like – extending beyond gameplay. Here you were likely to see belly dancers, musicians, and filmmakers, mixed among the gaming and panels. Arr, there be pirates too! This is Rhode Island after all.

Board Games, Collectible Card Games, Role-Playing Games and Video Games were all represented. There was something for everyone. Without a doubt, some of the biggest draws at TempleCon were the Miniature War Games. This was clear as soon as you registered for the event. All pre-registered attendees received custom imprinted Dog Tags to commemorate the event. Even if you aren’t into War Gaming, Dog Tags just make you feel bad-ass.

Privateer Press, one of the major sponsors, maintained a dedicated presence in the main ballroom with plenty of space for miniature gaming. Among the games and demos running all weekend were WARMACHINES, HORDES and MONSTERPOCALYPSE, including championship gameplay with prizes to boot. Sharing the space was another sponsor, The Warstore. The Warstore packed lots of product for popular games and ran Malifaux demos throughout the weekend.

So miniature gaming isn’t your thing. Don’t worry, there were lots of other gaming opportunities. From tabletop Role-playing games such as Unhallowed Metropolis to Collectible Card Games like Vampire: the Eternal Struggle, or casual games like Apples to Apples, gamers of all skill levels found themselves at home. PC and Video Gamers like myself, could lose ourselves in the LAN Lounge day or night. Even better, if you brought your Xbox 360 or PC, all you had to do was plug and play. Still not what your into? How about some good old-fashioned Arcade games? Neo-Geo games were on hand with Samarai Shodown & Kings of Fighters tournaments.

TempleCon began as a small regional convention. Over the past few years, it has drawn more attendees from an international audience, growing so much, the event had to change venues for 2010. With all the gameplay, it’s no wonder. Gamers are the target audience, but TempleCon is not just for gamers. Like most conventions, there are attendees that come to show off their costuming skills. With its retro-futurism theme, TempleCon openly embraces cosplay.

We all know it just is not a convention with some Star Wars cosplay.

What better way to show off costuming skills than with a costume contest? Saturday night, that is just what we got. The Penny Dreadfuls scoured the crowd at the Deco, Dance & Design event to find some of the most creative costumes.

Half the reason for attending conventions is all the great performances and after hours fun. Friday night’s Diesel, Deco & Dance event was all about music, featuring The Dirge Carolers, Sasquatch & the Rock-a-billys, Emperor Norton’s Standing Marching Band and DJ Delicti.

The Mad Hatter served as the Master of Ceremonies for Saturday’s Deco, Dance & Design event. The show opened with a Godzilla-inspired interpretive dance performed by Ameena. Following her performance was Neylan with a Firefly inspired belly dance routine and Paloma showing off her skills in a gothic number. Additional dance performances included Happy Hour Burlesque, Samara, Troupe Moirea, Tempest and Ela Rogers. All these lovely ladies certainly know how to put on a show. Rounding out the performances was a bit puppetry from Rick Sardinha with his creations Terrance Redbone & The Great Grimpen Mire.

Happy Hour Burlesque featuring Eddie Paradise, Margarita de Ville & Tommie Gunn

Samara, Tempest & Ela Rogers

Terrance Redbone & The Great Grimpen Mire

Watch out the videos below to see performances from Ameena, Neylan and Paloma.

Being a fan of video games, and being blessed to have friends who game, this event was right up my alley. As soon as I heard about TempleCon, I knew I had to attend and I am glad I had the chance. At the end of the weekend I found myself curious about other types of gaming and intrigued by retro-futurism culture. There may be belly dance lessons in my future and I will definitely be calling on my new found friends to introduce me to some other games.

The best part of the weekend, by far, was the people. I got to spend some time with Nicole Wakelin of Nashua, NH (visit her blog at TotalFanGirl.com), to get her thoughts on Templecon. Attending the convention with her husband for the second year, it was board games that caught her interest. Though she confessed, one of the main reason she attends is also because of the people. As a very social person, TempleCon affords Nicole the chance to meet up with friends throughout New England she does not get to see often. She has been to larger conventions like Atlanta’s Dragon*Con, as well as smaller events such as Carnage Con in Vermont. As Nicole explained, each convention is its own event – large conventions can be somewhat overwhelming, and the smaller events have the benefit of seeing the same people each year. TempleCon seems to be the best of both worlds. The event is full of fun people and events. With its location within New England, it is a convenient event, making it easier for fellow gamers to come together.

So, if you find yourself in New England around this time next year, be sure to make time to hang with the gamers at TempleCon. Better yet, break out your calendar now and plan to see me there!

For more information on TempleCon, visit their website at www.templecon.org. Please be sure to check out the websites for some of the sponsors and performers below.

Sponsors:

Privateer Press

Warstore

Diesel, Deco & Dance Performers:

Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band

The Dirge Carolers

Sasquatch & The Sick-a-billys

DJ Delicti

Deco, Dance & Design Performers:

Ameena

Neylan

Paloma

Happy Hour Burlesque (featuring Eddie Paradise, Margarita de Ville & Tommie Gunn)

Samara

Troupe Moirae

Rick Sardinha (Terrance Redbone & The Great Grimpen Mire)

Tempest

Ela Rogers

The Penny Dreadfuls

Mark your calendar: 2010 New England Gaming Cons January 20, 2010

New England is typically thought of as the land of thick accents and snow plows. However, with three gaming conventions in the first quarter, 2010 is out to prove it is good to be a gamer in New England. Today, I’m highlighting TempleCon, TotalCon and PAX East happening in my own backyard.

 

Kicking off the this year’s gaming convention schedule is TempleCon being held February 5th – 7th in Warwick, RI. TempleCon welcomes gamers from all walks of life with a retro-futuristic theme. Its emphasis is on the gamers, offering a fully immersing social experience. Sure gamers come to lay down cards, throw dice, wage war with miniatures, engage in some LARP action or logon in the LAN lounge to compete in video game competitions, but that is where the fun begins. TempleCon pays as much attention to special events, guests and parties as they do to gaming. Showing they are serious in their love for gamers, TempleCon has made it their standard to charge only a registration fee. Registrants attend all events and performances without paying additional fees.

 

Pre-registration is closed, but you can get your steampunk on with day passes starting at $15.00 and full weekend passes at $50.00. Military and students are eligible for discounted weekend memberships at $35.00. All tickets are available on-site. For more information and event schedules, visit the TempleCon website at www.templecon.org.

 

 

 

Total Confusion enters its 24th year, hosting the 2010 convention February 18th – 21st in Mansfield, MA. Touting itself as New England’s largest gaming convention, TotalCon indulges gamers of all kinds and is looking to break their attendance record once again. Highlights of the convention include events targeted to young players, workshops and underground indie film screenings. Some events and scheduled games may require event-specific registration at an additional cost.

 

Pre-registration continues through February 12th, 2010 with day passes at $10.00 and 4-day weekend passes at $30.00 (children ages 6-16: $5.00 per day or $25.00 for weekend passes). Pre-registration is available by mail or online with Paypal processing. Registration will also be available on-site with adult tickets costing $15.00 per day or $40.00 for weekend passes

(children ages 6-16: $7.50 per day or $20.00 for weekend passes). TotalCon registration includes admission to the Exhibit Hall, Awards Ceremony, Amphitheater, and general open board & video gaming areas.  For more information and a schedule of events, visit the website at www.totalcon.com.

 

 

Gamers are already familiar with the Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle, WA. In 2010, PAX expands the festivities with PAX East to be held March 26th – 28th in Boston, MA. Transforming the Hynes Convention Center into a gaming mecca, PAX East is already on target to sell out. This 3-day event provides plenty of gaming opportunities, panel discussions, concerts and an expansive exhibitor hall highlighting game developers. Event schedules and sponsors have yet to be announced, but it’s sure to be an event to remember.

 

Registration is now available online with day passes at $30.00 per day or $50.00 for 3-day weekend passes. Provided the event does not sell out, on-site registration will also be available with day passes priced at $35.00 or weekend passes for $55.00. For more information and event updates, visit the website at www.paxsite.com/paxeast.

 

 

No matter what kind of gamer you are, New England is sure to offer a gaming convention to suit your style. Pack your bags, bring your laptop or consoles and I’ll see you at a con.

Super Megafest 2009 November 23, 2009

Super Megafest 2009 – Framingham, MA

If you found yourself at the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Framingham, MA last weekend (November 21-22), chances are you were at Super Megafest. Super Megafest touts itself as New England’s largest Multimedia Fanfest. The convention indulges fans of all varieties and includes celebrity Q & A sessions, photo and autograph opportunities, and concerts.

The biggest draw of this year’s convention was, without a doubt, the celebrity guests. Among this year’s celebrities were:

Photo courtesy of JamesMarsters.com

James Marsters (Spike from the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel, Brainiac of the television series Smallville, Captain John Hart of the television series Torchwood, John in the movie P.S. I Love You). Visit the official James Marsters website.

Photo courtesy of Myspace.com/RealBrentSpiner

Brent Spiner (Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation the television series and movies, Dr. Brackish Okun in the movie Independence Day, Dr. Nigel Fenway of the television series Threshold). Visit the official Brent Spiner website.

Photo courtesy of RayPark.com

Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Edgar of the television series Heroes, Toad in the X-men movie, Snake Eyes in the movie G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra). Visit the official Ray Park website.

Photos courtesy of LindsayWagner.com, Bionik.com & JaniceWhitby.com

Lindsay Wagner, Richard Anderson & Janice Whitby from the classic television series The Bionic Woman

Photos courtesy of Myspace.com/theofficialmickydolenzpage & PeterTork.com

Micky Dolenz & Peter Tork from The Monkees

Still not interested? Perhaps comics, collectibles or movies are more your thing. You can visit the dealers hall, boasting approximately 100 vendors, to pick up vintage comics, autographed photos, weaponry, custom fangs, collectibles for every fandom, and movies to round out your collection.

But wait, there’s more! Celebrity events like this year’s James Marsters & Peter Tork concerts, or the special dinner with Peter Tork made this year’s convention a fan highlight of 2009. Let’s not forget about the costumes, this is a fan convention after all. Super Megafest may be a small regional convention, but the fans are hardcore. Turn the corner and you will find yourself face to face with Batman from the television series, alongside Slave Lea and Saber Tooth.

Vader’s 501st New England Garrison was also in full force with a photo booth, accepting donations on behalf of Toys for Tots & The Jimmy Fund.

Vader's 501st New England Garrison

For this fan, Super Megafest 2009 was a great experience. I got a chance to make great new friends, meet some of my favorite celebrities, listen to good music and purchase some DVDs to add to my own collection. I am glad I stumbled upon this convention. Which brings up a point. I spoke to many attendees and did not find a single one that had been to the event before. We all happened upon Super Megafest by accident, or because we knew someone who was already aware of it. Though the event is in my backyard, this was the first I heard of the convention. Even friends who attend many fan events each year had no idea this convention existed. Why? A lack of marketing, guerilla or otherwise. In this sense, Super Megafest is their own worst enemy and that truly is a shame.

I applaud the effort to bring suburban fans together with the celebrities and artists they love. I sincerely hope more of these fan conventions pop up in smaller cities around the country. Admission tickets for the Super Megafest weekend range in price from $20 to $100. For more information on Super Megafest, visit the event website.

Dragon*Con 2009 – Day 1 September 26, 2009

For more pics from Dragon*Con 2009, visit my Flickr Photostream and Galleries!

Let me preface this post by stating I had never been to a sci-fi convention, or any other fan convention before. Dragon*Con was my very first fan convention and boy did it start off strong.

My friend Shannon, and her husband William, were kind enough to let me stay with them. Shannon accompanied me to Dragon*Con and was a great sport . . . going to see all the panels I wanted to see, even if she had little interest in the panels I had to see.

So, we hopped on the Marta (Georgia’s subway system) friday and made our way to the Sheraton to pick up our badges. While a great many people had already descended upon Atlanta to indulge their inner geek, I was amazed by the lack of people at the hotels. As we approached the Sheraton, Mary McDonnell was standing outside with a couple of staffers. It was all I could do not squee out of sheer geek fandom, but we kept on as if she were any stranger on the street.

As we entered the ballroom assigned for pre-registration badge pickup, tightly gripping our hot pink postcards, we passed the typed sheet of paper which promised a 30 minute wait if we were at the back of the line and the line filled the entire ballroom. We were pleasantly surprised to see the line filled only half of the room. Having received twitter reports of insane wait times and registration closing early from people who attempted to pick up their badges on Thursday, it seemed the gods were smiling on us and we would enjoy a fairly quick process.

And so we started our Dragon*Con journey with what I refer to as the “mad hamster death march.” Back and forth, we weaved through the stantions to find our place at the end of the line. Slowly the line eeked forward. About 20 minutes in, one of the staffers made an announcement that people whose pre-registrations were processed through Ticketmaster were in the wrong room. Seriously? 20 minutes and now they make an announcement? I would love to say this was my only frustration with the on-site logistics. Alas, it was only the beginning. Let’s just say if your last name begins with a letter between P and S, you will be in for an extended wait. Bring a book/magazine/portable gaming device/phone with web access. Enough about that for now.

Buffy/Angel Panel
We began our fangirl experience with the Buffy/Angel panel. The celebrity guests were Kristy Swanson, Felicia Day, Charisma Carpenter & Julie Benz. All of the women were gorgeous of course.

While we Felicia Day fans were definitely in attendance and the panel did become a bit Felicia-centered, it was a great panel. I was most amazed that Kristy Swanson really hadn’t seen the television series, I will always love her as a Buffy.

Oddly enough, the panel was the first time the women, with the exception of Charisma Carpenter & Julie Benz, had met. They all have a great sense of humor and shared wonderfully funny stories.

Posted on Twitter – Missing soulpatches, spider bites, 6″ heels, frankenpussy and @kelleyclark! #Buffy / #Angel panel=best first panel ever! #Dragoncon

If you’re looking for more Felicia Day, check out Season 3 of The Guild. Look for Charisma Carpenter to make a guest appearance on The Legend of the Seeker. You can catch up with Julie Benz on the new season of Dexter and see her on the big screen in Boondock Saints 2.

By the power of twitter, I met Kelley Clark! If you aren’t already following her on twitter (@kelleyclark), you really should. She is a kewl chick and super nice!

Firefly Panel
Continuing the Whedon fandom, we managed to get into the Firefly panel. Ron Glass was the only guest, but that man could hold my attention for years! Like a championship athlete, he entered the ballroom giving high-fives as he ran down the aisles.

As someone so correctly pointed out, Ron’s laugh is infectious. There is something truly amazing about him that I just cannot describe. One immediately gets the sense he is an unbelievably kind and thoughtful person. He is humble and self-deprecating, qualities that make Ron all the more loveable.

Ron was extremely candid and shared with us what an emotional experience it was when Firefly was cancelled, telling us it was the closest to heartbroken he had been with regard to any theatrical event.

He is incredibly interesting and one of my dreams in life is to sit and have a conversation with him. Though I have no idea what we would talk about, I get the impression he would be captivating no matter the topic.

A fun fact that still blows me away is that Ron Glass does not have a computer. In all, Ron has a distinct way of touching your heart and he makes me so proud to be a loyal Browncoat!

Stargate SG-1 Colin Cunningham, Gary Jones & Ben Browder were on hand to entertain Stargate SG-1 fans and entertain they did. Watching these three interacting was like seeing live sketch comedy. All three are hilarious and friendly.

There were plenty of funny stories shared and we learned about multiple name changes and sweater vests, a theory on why Major Davis was never promoted in his 10 years of service and how Ben Browder felt about replacing Richard Dean Anderson.

All three of these actors have a place in my heart and I cannot wait to see them again! Colin will be appearing in the new season of Sanctuary. Ben has a multiple projects pending and Gary

Battlestar Galactica
Edward James Olmos canceled his appearance late the week before Dragon*Con. However, the Battlestar Galactica panel was chock full of guests including Alessandro Juliani, Kandyse McClure, Michael Trucco, Michael Hogan, Kate Vernon, Luciana Carro & Kevin R. Grazier. There were even a couple of additional guests who joined us via cell phone – Kate Vernon’s daughter and Edward James Olmos!

Though he was 3,000 miles away, a cell phone call proved Edward James Olmos will forever be Admiral Adama with dedicated fans more than willing to follow him in the next war against the Cylons. This panel provided the most intense experience of Dragon*Con. If you have not experienced 2,000 passionate BSG fans united in “So say we all,” you are missing out.

With stories of prosthetic limbs, tubs of goo and the science behind destroying a base ship, the BSG panel provided a little bit of everything, even 6,000 calorie cookies (don not ask)!

If you are like me and you yearn for more Battlestar Battlestar “>Galactica, do not forget to pick up a copy of Battlestar Galactica: The Plan on dvd October 27, 2009.

TrueBlood: Southern Discomfort
Rounding out our first day at Dragon*Con, we attended a discussion panel. The panel was hosted by fans of the HBO series TrueBlood and the books written by Charlene Harris, upon which the series is based. Among my fellow fans in attendance, we found ourselves seated by Kelley Clark again. I told you she was kewl.

The panel was an opportunity for open conversation about the books versus the tv series, a chance to share opinions on the series so far and the best statement made at Dragon*Con.

@kelleyclark Posted on Twitter – Overheard: “GLBT? That sounds like a sandwich!” #TrueBlood panel at #dragoncon.

When Shannon and I finally made it back to her house, we were exhausted. Admittedly, we probably did way too much on the first day. In hindsight, it actually worked to our advantage. Our bodies were aching, but it was a great way to start a convention and we had a truly FANtastic day!

#FollowFriday for Dragon*Con Attendees August 14, 2009

I am pleased to announce that I will attending Dragon*Con 2009! Dragon*Con will be my very first fan convention and I cannot express how excited I am. In my mind the best part will be all the wonderful people I’ll get the chance to meet. I am not just talking about actors, writers or vendors here – I am talking about fellow fans!

For my fellow attendees, or my followers that want to live vicariously through us lucky fans, here’s a list of people on Twitter to follow for your Dragon*Con 2009 fix!

• @shannycakes77
• @trainerr
• @browncoatsmovie
• @tiredeyes
• @actionchick
• @klinqueen
• @timeofthefaerie
• @kelleyclark
• @Dre297
• @Medhbh
• @einaphets
• @BethDolgner
• @SurlyAmy
• @guildlaunch

I am very sorry if I missed anyone. If you missed the list this week, just send me a tweet and I will be happy to add you.

🙂