It has been a busy couple of days here at work with the late arrival of shipments, Orders being do and other monthly issues. It will be much like this for the next few weeks until the Holidays are over with due to all the issues.

I have decided to make my first convention of 2010 Magfest. I usually skip Magfest because I want to keep the New Years weekend as quiet as possible. I am going as an attendee and to work T-MODE's table only, not volunteering at it. I could, but I want a break from conrunning only. It is a gaming and music festival down in the DC area. I will be there Friday until Sunday of the convention. www.magfest.org for more information. It will be a little strange for me not to be a staffer or volunteer and that it is not in a core fandom (Gaming convention).

I need to start hard on getting some of the Katsucon costs down. I am in a room by myself at the moment at the Gaylord. I also have an extra free badge for the con. I need to get the person's name for the badge by Next Friday (for Katsucon's purposes). The cost for Friday and Saturday nights would be $75-100 depending on the number of people in the room. I will also thrown in this free membership for the first person who answers it. If I don't hear from anyone by Tuesday, I will just send an e-mail and whoever wants the badge gets it. Leave a comment or e-mail me at the LJ address.

I know I have some costumers and costuming fans on this list. T-MODE is doing a Harajuku Fashion show on January 10th at the Textile Museum. The Textile Museum is offering an exhibit on Contemporary Japanese Fashion from one of the foremost domestic collectors of it (Mary Baskett). As part of that exhibit, they are doing a Harajuku Fashion Show that day. For more information on how to participate, go to tmode.org/t-mode-seeking-cosplayers-models-for-harajuku-fashion-show.

I was hoping for a relaxing weekend, but it turned out the exact opposite for me. Saturday was spent between Weight Watchers, Haircut and Christmas Shopping (for the Family Christmas and for the Angel Tree at work). I also watched the first couple of episodes of D. Gray man. It is an okay series dubbed. I may try it subbed in a few weeks. I am going to try to get to Urusei Yatsura Movie 2 this weekend. Sunday was spent doing laundry, starting on the holiday decorations and running some things to the local Goodwill store (we drop things there every few weeks).

I saw something I wanted to let fans of Science Fiction literature know about. The Trans Atlantic Fan Fund is raising money for the next trip (from America to Britain in Spring 2010) by offering up Tuckerizations (you becoming a character in an author's upcoming novel) for auction. community.livejournal.com/taff2009/36939.html is where you can read more about the Tuckerizations and get the link to Ebay for them. Charles Stross, Cory Doctorow (who I would love to Tuckerize me, but is over $250 so far) and David Brin are among the authors doing the Tuckerizations.

I also try to do something for me over the holidays. One thing I hope to give myself is a four day weekend over New Years. Is anybody doing a nice New Year's Eve Party or something like that? I honestly would like to do something that isn't so fannish over that long weekend. Magfest is an option, though. I usually don't get a chance to get to party (except at home with mom) due to working New Year's Eve. Let me know through e-mail, Facebook or Twitter (at least a week or two before), if you are doing something New Year's Eve.

www.examiner.com/x-30402-Philadelphia-Comic-Book-Examiner~y2009m11d23-Is-Philcon-Dying--The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Being-the-Countrys-Oldest-SciFi-Convention
is the link to a non-traditional fans view point on Philcon. I had been meaning to talk about this a week or so ago, but have been too busy to do so. I work that other convention that conflicts with it (Anime USA). I hope they do a little better next year on attendance because we should be before them (November 12-14). Another attendance factor is that fall is the big convention time in Philadelphia. Zenkaikon, Gamex and Philcon are within a month of each other. I think that any con has to be focused on it's mission to be viable (Anime USA's is East Asian Culture and we do a good job on that).

I think the fact is that literary focused Science Fiction cons have to invite authors who bring in younger fans (like Neil Gaiman and Sherilynn Kenyon) to be viable. All fandom cons do a bad job of explaining the basics of fandom to their attendees. I think there should be a basics of fandom panel that is part of any con's programming on a Saturday afternoon (when you have the most new fans). Everybody must know where things are. Most staff (some staff like Dealers Room Security needs to be Ninja) should be visible. Anime USA has Han-tens we wear (I proudly) as a public staff member. It makes all of the staff more visible. Even Anime USA has a problem with getting people to wear them.

I am probably missing somethings to the article and I will talk more about it as I re-read it in the next day or two.

It is the day after Thanksgiving and I am at work. I expect it to be fairly slow today, but who knows what will happen depending on how busy retailers are today. Yesterday was a very nice day for me spending it with my Aunt Mary and Mom at Friendly Farm Restaurant for an early dinner. The meal was traditional and very good. We couldn't bring home any leftovers (too busy for boxes, etc). Then, I had desert and conversation with them at Aunt Mary's house.

We came back home around 3 PM and then I watched a T-MODE AMV Coordinator's possibilty reel. After a frozen dinner (was surprisingly hungry at 6PM), I watched the first four episodes of Sgt. Frog (subtitled) and laughed some (most comedy fails me as entertaining). I look forward to watching more of it this weekend along with some Ursei Yatsura. I got to bed at a normal time, so I can do the normal things for today.

A couple of things that surprised me from Anime USA that I want to talk about. The first was Otakon actually actively looking for Staff at their table. This is the first time I have ever heard Otakon actively looking for staff. I put my name in, but I doubt anything will come from it. The tradition is that you have to get two recommendations from current staffers (the easy part), but you can be rejected for any reason by anybody on the con committee (in my humble understanding). There is still an incident from several years ago that will probably stop me from being invited.

Katuscon is going to be very interesting and that is all I will say about it. I have heard everything that it will be a total fannish disaster to just an issue filled mess. I do wonder if I should avoid that con(even though I am a Registration staffer). If Ohayocon got someone cool (Japanese creator or even Yoko Kanno), I could be swayed quickly to go (depending on airfare). It may be that I remove myself from staff and find crash space at the hotel. I think I will need to decide in the next two weeks or so and that is something I hate to do.

It was a good weekend for me at Anime USA. I am going to keep this to the good and the not so well. This is going to be a relatively short report because some things that I heard about at con would go better into a separate post in a day or two.

( What went well )



I will be back in some position with the con. I am not sure where it will be whether with Programming (Rob would like me to be a Game Shows Coordinator) or as the Events B Coordinator. I also have something that I want to take to the Board (not Tom Con), but to bring one of the traveling conventions to DC. It won't have any World in the name of it (Sorry, Eva), but should be an absolute blast for a major group of our fans. That is all I would say for now. bovil , Would you please contact me in the next few days on this?

I am going to check out soon. I wanted to say that Anime USA had more good things than bad. I had a great weekend. I will have plenty more to say in a day or two.

It has been a good beginning of the week for me so far (work and fannish wise). Anime USA preps are going well and are done except for the packing. Funimation (who helps with guests and is a sponsor of the con) is offering freebies with purchase. One of these freebies is Dragonaut (an anime about a relationship between a guy and girl who can transform into Mecha) booty shorts. If you don't believe me, http://blog.funimation.com/2009/11/animeusa-once-more-with-feeling/ for linkage. I think I will take the D'Grey Man T-shirt with my Sgt. Frog Season 1 Part 1 and EVA 1.0 purchases (for my fannish sake, if nothing else).

The fun for me of this con is always the time spent with friends at Dead Dog and making the con happen (in the tiny way I do). It usually ends up to be a good con on that front (except for 2007), so I expect another good weekend on that front. We will also be doing a Charity Auction and it is my hope that we do well on this. I would love to do somewhere around Katuscon's Charity Auction because the charity is very relevant to young adults.

Hopeline is a national suicide prevention organization. I could give statistics, but will not because you probably know them and could retell them to me. Suicide is one of the biggest causes of death in this country in 15-24 year olds. Why I care about this is because I have a cousin I never knew due to Suicide. He was only 16 years old (and died about three years before I was born.) I have heard the tales about him being the only Eagle Scout in the family and about the good things he did before he killed himself. If you are going to be there, please come to Events B at 1 PM on Sunday for the Charity Auction.

One other fannish thing to close today's post, I will be going to Star Wars in Concert tonight. It is a national touring show celebrating all of the music from the Star Wars films. I am looking forward to it. I wish I could take pictures, but due to arena policy I can't. I can't even take my rolling bag that is my traveling brain during the work week. I will try to give as good of a report as possible through LJ tomorrow, but will make no guarantees. On to a great fannish week ahead.

The weekend was fine. Saturday was a very busy working day (Laundry, Groceries, etc) for me. I did get to Weight Watchers and found that I had lost 3.4 pounds. I have now lost 138.8 lbs and I hope to keep it the same through Christmas time. That is my goal for this holiday season (knows my weight loss rate is slowing from last year).

Sunday was the Anime USA Crash meeting. It went well except we had to figure out where Cosplay Green room was before the official start of the Masquerade. We got that resolved and a couple of other things resolved. At this point, it is basically packing for me and printing hotel reservations and other things.

Don't expect much posting wise for the next week (maybe a goodbye post). It is going to be just too busy between now and Next Monday to say much. The best bet is my Facebook for what is going on with me. I am starting to get excited towards con and I hope to see some friends there.

This is from xale_d and was neat, so I am doing this.

1. What event, that you have never been to, would you like to attend in the future?

It isn't what many people think. I have always wanted to see the Super Bowl in person (even if the Steelers were in it). If I wasn't into Anime/Science Fiction/Comics so much, I would have Ravens season tickets. I am willing to watch NFL Network on Sundays pre-game at 10 AM.

The Super Bowl is an event where the game is only a quarter of the fun. I would love to meet the retired pros who come there and hang out at the parties around the city. To see a game have so much around it, it would be one of those times where sleep would be for the week. This is the party to be at and only the high rollers (or most extreme fans) get to experience this event. If I ever won the lottery, which segways into the next question.

2. You hit the lotto for $4M, what do you with the cash?

First of all, I would pay my own debts and my mom's major debts (like the home off). Financial Freedom is what gives you the ability to live in true Freedom.

Secondly, I would grow my money in a variety of ways. I want to retire at 50-55 and not out live my money. I want to have money for the third part.

Thirdly, Become one of fandom's great philanthropists. Fandom is self sustaining as a venture. Non-Profit Fandom doesn't live on grants and lives on the income it brings in. Why can't someone be the person who supports Fandom? They can risk bringing in a Japanese Creator or a newer Science Fiction writer who is doing avent garde work.

3. You discover a magic packing peanut that offers you one wish, what do you ask for?

Peace on this earth is the one thing I would wish. WIth Peace, we can focus on Freedom, the Environment and all the other issues of the world that are important. How can the world fix it's other issues if peace isn't obtained?

4. What was your first con like?

Otakon 2004 was a lively experience. I gofered at that con because I knew nobody in fandom. It is how I planted the seeds of becoming a veteran con runner. It is where I saw a Dealers Room that you can land a 747 in, lots of anime, met people like Connie Lewis and so much more. It is where I discovered my place in the world of post 9/11 and I haven't looked back since.

5. What's your favorite Anime to date?

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex is my favorite anime to date (both seasons). It has a great mix of action, drama and thinking for any anime fan. It is one of those shows that I would use as a Gateway drug for any anime fan. It is about the exploits of Major Motoko Kusanagi, Batou, Togusa and the rest of Section 9 as they deal with Cyber Crime in a near futuristic Japan.

Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."
• I'll respond by asking you three to five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity.
• Update your journal with the answers to the questions.
• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions

There are times when I do a focused single topic post instead of my usual randomness.  This isn't one of those post.  Some of what is on my mind is fannish and other things are not.  Here it goes:

-Am I the only person who is surprised that Taylor Swift won the CMA's Entertainer of the year award last night?  The reason isn't that she is a woman. It is because she is 19 years old.  It makes this 31 year old wonder: What have I done with my life or even fandom so far?  The sad answer is not even a tenth of what one young lady has done.  Putting country on places like the Pop Stations and on VH1, selling out Verizon Center in 25 minutes for her June 2010 show.  I thought it would be about three or four years until she won the award, but what do I know about Country Music?

-This weekend is possibly a double meeting,  but will be an Anime USA meeting on Sunday (the Crash Meeting, so that means a must attend.  There is also a Katsucon meeting down in Baltimore on Saturday.  I really should go to Weight Watchers because I don't want to miss three weeks of meetings. I also want to at least spend a quiet dinner with Mom before she sees me go to another convention.  I hate meetings on back to back days of a weekend because it means I have no real weekend.  

-Something I noticed through the tweet stream is Anime News Network wondering what is going on with SPJA (Anime Expo's) Parent Organization.  Many fans may not know this, but the CEO of SPJA (a Trade Organization which means this isn't a traditional non-profit) is being accused of doing things such as going Business Class instead of Coach on a recent trip to Japan and not paying the Charity for the proceeds from Charity Auction.  Full Information is here: http://conventionfans.today.com/2009/10/28/the-spja-who-run-anime-expo-have-board-of-directors-woes/ Until there is more information, I am not commenting.  ANN must see something possibly to run with as a story.  I think this may be a story to keep an eye on.

I had a good time (despite some rough patches) at Zenkaikon. It was too short of a weekend, but all fun fannish weekends are too short. I think I have had only a couple of cons that were too long in my entire fannish life. I am going this in the Good and the Bad. There was an Ugly moment, but was resolved and doesn't need to be talked about.

( What was fun )
( What was an issue. )

Overall, I want to come back to this convention in 2010.  It all depends on when it falls in the convention year for me (prefers an October Con over November).   You have a great hotel room rate and a great location. I hope I can make Zenakikon next year and make it part of my regular fannish convention schedule.

It is the start of a busy weekend for me.  I will be going to Zenkaikon starting late tomorrow evening for the first time.  It should be a good and interesting experience.  Zenakikon is about a 1,500 person convention in Valley Forge, PA (Metro Philly).  It is one of the few events in anime and science fiction fandom that runs only two days.  They will also probably sell out one of the days of the convention (Saturday). It says alot about fandom in that area.  I really think this has become a convention where the DC/Baltimore cons should be at (Otakon, Anime USA, Katsucon, T-MODE).  I will be bringing flyers for at least two conventions (Hopefully T-MODE also) with me along with Costume Con flyers.  

I also have some surprises for the volunteers and staff from me.  I also will be busy as a few hour volunteer (six hours or so) along with just relaxing (my last chance to do so until Thanksgiving).  Guests include Johnny Yong Bosch, Robert Axelrod and Geek Comedy Tour.  They also do a couple of things that are different such as a very small dealers room and artist alley and a raffle.  You have to pay for tickets for the raffle, but they include prizes such as DVD's, Gift Cards to Borders and Manga.   I will be doing a report on the convention along with getting actual pictures.  I may put some pictures up live on the LJ and Facebook over the weekend.  The hotel does have free Wi-FI and that helps on that front.

I also have some talk about another con I am involved (not Anime USA or T-MODE) that I would rather talk about as FL post.  I will try to put something on my facebook when that is up (hopefully today or tomorrow).
 

The weekend was good for me.  I got to spend some time with mom by playing Bingo, which I won't see much of her over the next three weeks until Thanksgiving.  I also got some surprises for the Staff and Gofers of Zenkaikon next week (will have to be at Zenkaikon and helping to find out what they are.)  Anime USA and T-MODE planning seem to be going well. I have Anime USA and (should have) T-MODE flyers for this weekend and there is no direct drama I know of. 

The main reason I am writing this post is about some of what came out news wise World Fantasy Con this weekend. The most interesting thing out of the weekend was an announcement of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Translation awards starting in 2011. The awards are to be given out  for Science Fiction and Fantasy translated works.  http://www.sfftawards.org/ is the link with more information.  I think this is long over due for translated works.  Works like Brave Story have a chance to get wider attention inside the Science Fiction/Fantasy world.

 The world of manga/light novels/etc have many good translators (Carl Horn first comes to mind) who don't get any recognition for their works. SPJA's Industry awards don't offer any Manga categories. I hope places like Dark Horse and Viz actively participate (via submissions).  It seems like Viz is in the know because several Viz people were there this weekend.  If you can support this effort with money (the awards are monetary awards instead of flying the creators over type of awards), please do so.  I hope to do so in the near future.

As you may know, I haven't really celebrated Halloween in almost 20 years.  I don't think I have ever really made the reasons known.  Originally,  it was because I was too old.  I grew up when Halloween was something 13 years old and younger did. I enjoyed it as a kid and have thought about trying to do Halloween costume again.   

Now, the real reason I don't do Halloween is because of fandom strangely enough.  When you get to see costumes by the likes of bovil , Yaya han www.angelicstar.net and Marty Gear, how does some store bought costume compare to the likes of those on Halloween.  I am so used to seeing great costumes five or six times a year (about the number of conventions I do) that I can't fathom myself in a costume.  There is this side of me that wants to be the Dark lord of Anime, Alucard.  Some year when I make Otakon my big convention again (instead of the place where I get work try (and fail) to get on Otakon staff) I will try to be Alucard.  I guess that is one of those reasons why I may make Otakon my big convention in 2010 (to see if I can make Otakon fun again without gofering).  
 

I may go see some Burlesque tomorrow night in Baltimore (even if I have to get the 4 AM train home) just to see what I am facing in three weeks at Anime USA.  I wish there some nice fannish parties around Baltimore/DC to get me wanting to celebrate Halloween.  Knowing me (and not wanting to be a wreck for Anime USA), I will probably sit home and watch the World Series game. 

I had a pretty busy weekend this weekend.  I did my usual Sunday things without football and that I am proud of.  I did watch the new free episode of Book of Bantorra and the NASCAR race instead (which I will not be able to catch much of over the next few weeks). I also had a quiet dinner at Red Lobster with mom (Terriyaki Grilled Shrimp for me and a Seafood trio for mom).  An hour's worth of dinner with mom is worth it.  

The big thing was the T-MODE meeting on Saturday.  I had a fun time getting there. Instead of taking an direct train from Aberdeen and having four hours to kill, I spent an hour at Penn Station in Baltimore and took the Acela Express (in First Class) to Washington.  It was a very nice trip and I had a very nice breakfast of Crepe's with eggs, ham and cheese along with Cantalope on the way to Washington.  I took some pictures that I will put on Facebook and link to this weekend.  It is a very civilized way to go to Washington, New York or Boston.  It is well worth the money spent.  

I still got there about two hours before the meeting, so I went to Alexandria and saw the Masonic memorial.  It is a good climb to the front door of the place (over a 100 steps on a big hill).  I didn't get winded or exhausted after climbing all those stairs.  The old me wouldn't have done  that at all. I wish I had gotten there in time to make it to the observation tour, but I was about 20 minutes too late.   Some very beautiful views of DC from the base of the monument (like the other Washington monument and the Capitol dome).  

Got back to the hotel for the meeting and ready for break.  We had about half of the 10 staff there (yes, it is a small con).  I had some very good conversations on what is going on with Katuscon with Nick (none of which I can talk about).  T-MODE seems to be on the right track.  We expect about 400 people (with hard work and guts is doable).  Due to limitations in the venue, we are doing one video room, Main Events, Video Gaming, Table Top Gaming and Chibi Events (panel room).  A lot of different programming and video ideas were batted around over the meeting.  Staff is hoping to meet again in December.  

Enough about T-MODE for the moment and now on to Worldcon, Mike Resnick has caused a big stink in the Worldcon community by talking about the lack of growth in Worldcon.  Kevin Standlee has talked about it, but this post by Crotchety Old Fan (Steve Davidson) http://www.rimworlds.com/thecrotchetyoldfan/?p=5498 says it about as well as I can.  Something I noticed with SDCC was that it was a one way communication  at San Diego and many other comic cons, this means that the exhibitors and guests do the talking while the fans just listen.  When there are questions, they can really be stupid (the type of questions like Briefs or Boxers).  They don't challenge and they don't offer a Two way communication form.

Something I have noticed at Anime and Science Fiction cons, Is that the communication is two ways?  The Industry gets challenged and asked lots of good thoughtful questions at these cons.  There is a DIY spirit to these conventions.  Where Science Fiction's DIY comes from Fanzines, Anime's come from homemade costumes and Anime Music Videos.  There are nuances to the DIY spirit that make them unique fannish experiences, but both share a DIY spirit to them.  That is what makes it different from some cons where the people are there to be entertained (like Comic Con and maybe Dragon Con).   I could be misunderstanding Mr Davidson's view when applying the DIY spirit to Anime fandom, but it is hard not to notice that 40% of anime fans are in costume at an anime con.

After another day and a half of work, I will have a weekend to myself.  This weekend starts a four out of five weekend stretch where I will be away from the house for at least one day (next weekend is the only weekend where I will be home for the full weekend).  I do hope to be able to talk about some things after these meetings, but will not be sure until after those meetings. This is all due in the following order to:

-This weekend-Saturday only T-MODE Staff meeting. May do Weight Watchers on Sunday to have some support in my Weight loss efforts.
-Next Weekend-Totally free and thankful for that.
-Weekend of  November 7th and 8th-Zenkaikon for the full weekend (may get an earlier train home on Sunday).  See how my energy is.
-Weekend of November 14th and 15th-All Katsucon Staff meeting on Saturday (everyone) and all Anime USA Staff meeting on Sunday. I will consider myself lucky to get laundry done that weekend. 
-Weekend of November 20th-23rd-Anime USA (will be in Events B) that weekend.  

I will be ready for Thanksgiving at Friendly Farm with mom and Aunt Mary.  I am half thinking about taking the Friday of that week off, but don't want a two day week.  I also have a 5% chance that I go to SMOFCon this year (probably less) due to applying for that scholarship and you see that I have an insanely busy fall ahead of me. 

Enough of my talking about how busy I am right now.  I have been thinking about the big 2010 summer convention because I start planning for it in February 2010.  There are three schools of thought that I have right now with the convention.  I want to see what my friends think about this also.

1. Do a non-fannish vacation. This would mean I would do Otakon as a commuting con.  I have always wanted to see Minor League Ballparks (I accept that I am a seamhead).  I haven't had a non-fannish vacation in a decade or more.  I have longed for that to keep me grounded and take on a new challenge.

2. Make Otakon my biggest con of the year.  I haven't made Otakon my biggest con of the year, since 2006.  Most of my fannish friends go to Otakon.  I already have a reservation at a very good price at the Sheraton City Center for Thursday-Sunday.  They usually have good guests and are always worth the money spent to see friends that I usually don't see and get fannish business done. 

3.  Go to Dragon Con, Anime Expo or New York Comic Con instead.  Most likely would be Dragon Con because it is in summer, but not too close to Anime USA.  Least likely would be NYCC, which is a month and a half before Anime USA.  It means that I may get to see one convention that I haven't seen yet or go back to some that I want to come back to.  This would affect Otakon the same way as option one.  

I am strangely enough leaning towards Option 2, but there is still so much until con break that I haven't thought that far ahead. I do know I need to and usually have a game plan by the end of the year, but I think I will be mulling it over until well after 1/1/2010.  

This weekend was fairly quiet for me.  I did the Grocery shopping, Weight Watchers and Clothes shopping on Saturday and not much else.  I found a good Breakfast tea at all places Ross for $4.  I have enjoyed my first couple of cups of it, but should steep it longer to get the best flavor. 

I had a chance to watch the first two episodes of Book of Bantorra on Crunchyroll.  Book of Bantorra is an anime about when people die their souls become books.   The armed Librarians protect these books.  It has intrigue, action and a great story after two episodes.   I am amazed at the animation and the voice acting in the series.  http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/The_Book_of_Bantorra is the link to the stream of the series.  This is one of those series that made me an anime fan in the first place and I hope the rest of the series only gets better.  Also, If somebody knows how to reach Crunchyroll, please let me know. I want to show this at T-MODE. 

In an interesting piece of news, Big Apple Comic Con (run by Wizard Magazine) is going to be October 7-10 next year (the same weekend as New York Comic Con and Anime Festival run by Reed Exhibitions).  http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2009/10/17/con-wars-heat-up-at-big-apple/ for the information.  I will not say anything publicly because my employer (Diamond Comics Distributors) has exhibited at NYCC and NYAF and sells Wizard Magazine.  I think you know my thoughts about this (if you don't, PM me and I will give you my thoughts). What do the comic fans among my group think?    

It has been a fairly busy week for me. I have worked on a mock video room schedule for T-MODE. I got alot of feedback on it, but want some ideas of some lesser known anime that have been released on DVD  or fansub in the last year or so.  I would prefer having DVD's for the Video room because it is tech that any volunteer can operate with minimal instruction.  Many volunteers aren't traditional hardcore fans (in my experience). This is their first or second time at a con and they want to make friends, so they give some time to help out. That is why I want simple tech for them.  

This weekend should be quiet for me. I am debating about seeing Caroline Rhea tomorrow night, but that involves a Taxi ride one way because mom is going to Bingo and wants the car.  I may just save the money and go see Jewel at the Lyric Opera House on the 27th.   The decent tickets are $54 with the fees. I may go with the $22 before the fees.  It would probably be easier for me to go with the box office.  I will decide this weekend and may get the ticket on Monday.  I may have to leave before the end of the show because of the last train is at 9:57 PM.  It is only two blocks from Penn Station.  

I applied for the SFSFC SMOFCON Scholarship yesterday.  SMOFcon is the convention where Fannish con runners talk to each other.  I don't expect to get the honor because I haven't in the previous three times I have applied.  Yesterday was the last day to apply for this year. I will try to mention it next year well before the deadline. I did put it out on my twitter and facebook .  I would love somebody who is a DC/Baltimore area con runner gets the honor because I let people know about it.   They do look for people from the San Francisco Bay Area first.  

This weekend was a busy weekend for me.  I went to Baltimore Comic Con on Saturday and had a good time.  My feet were tired at the end of the day.  I also need to take more pictures when I am at cons and not working them. I saw a very nice Black Widow costume and tons of great art that I didn't buy.  I will also stop by the SPCA booth next year and get sketches at a great price (donations only).   Saturday was more crowded than Sunday of last year.  I think I will go on Sunday next year instead of Saturday.  I prefer Sundays of a con like Baltimore Comic Con.  

Sunday was an Anime USA meeting.  It was a long meeting due to stuffing packets (which we stuffed over a 100 of) and all the fiddly bits being worked on.  After meeting and getting home, I sent a bunch of e-mails to people about things for Katuscon, T-MODE and Anime USA minutes. It is now starting to get busier and that I am glad of.  I am also glad to be able to sit home and relax some this upcoming weekend including watching anime, but five days of work are at me.  

I have had a busy last couple of days at work and other things, but am looking for to the weekend.  I will be at Baltimore Comic Con tomorrow and then an Anime USA meeting Sunday.  I do hope some point over the weekend to put some Baltimore Comic Con pictures up for people.

I do look forward to Baltimore Comic Con because it is one of the few cons every year that focuses on Creators.  Balticon does it and Worldcon does, but only Otakon, Anime Expo and a couple of others are willing to spend the money to get Anime creators.  Everyone else would rather put the money towards musical acts. I wish I could encourage cons to make creators to be a bigger part of conventions.  It would probably take me creating something like Anime Baltimore, but I am not crazy enough to do that. 

I have had a busy few days, so I thought it was time for a catch up post.  On Saturday, I visited my Aunt Mary and had lunch with her at Friendly Farm (An excellent Family Style Restaurant in Northern Batlimore County). www.friendlyfarm.net is a link to the restaurant.  It was a very nice visit with her, but far too short.  I hope next time to get a walk in along the Ma and Pa trail for a couple of miles of it.  I am probably going there for Thanksgiving Dinner (we got reservations for it while we were there).  

This weekend, T-MODE announced their dates and location.  We are going to be at Hilton Old Town Alexandria tmode.org/t-mode-2010-april-16-18-2010-in-alexandria-virginia on April 16th-18th, 2010. The room rate is $119 a night before 10.25% Hotel Tax (very good for that time of year) and $65 less (with tax) than the Gaylord National will charge Katsucon attendees. It is also close to lots of good dining (will suggest Red, Hot and Blue for the post-con meeting lunch) and across the street from a DC Metro stop.  Really, a great location for the size convention we are planning on (under 500 people and a focus on quality over quantity).  This isn't fannish heaven, but it works well for us.    Hotel reservations and registration should be ready later this month. 

Anime USA Staff had a loss on it's staff last week when Stacy Burger (former head of Hall Costuming) passed due to complications from an illness.  She was a very nice young lady who gave alot to the convention.  We hope to put something in the Program Book for this year (as we hadn't hit our first deadline). It is a reminder of how life happens and can happen suddenly.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.