The Fall Approaches

Current Tunes: Bruce Springsteen – The Rising

Such a worthless slacker I am! The lazy-break between quarters of class has devolved me into a creature with uncanny resemblance to sloths and sun-bathing cats of any species, save lions I might say...

How utterly indescribable Dragon*Con was. Another weekend’s worth of unbelievable memories logged and registered. I would say that I wished Dragon*Con happened every month, or every week, because its so much fun. But that would take away from what they’ve all meant up to this point. It wouldn’t be a special is what I’m trying to say.

First day was absolutely amazing. Getting to the Con at 7 AM was totally worth watching Leonard Nimoy & William Shatner banter back and forth like old friends at a bar enjoying a drink and reminiscing about old times. Though, between the two, the more enjoyable and more intelligent was definitely Leonard Nimoy, who impressed me greatly. Had a chance to see him at a 2nd panel, and I think I made a mistake in passing on that. Patrick Stewart’s panel was well-worth the +1 hour wait as well. Another incredibly well-spoken and intelligent overflowing with grace and good stories; what more could a fan-boy like me ask for? I’m curious to see what this new Shakespearean production he’s involved with will be; I’m anticipating “King Lear,” but I could be wrong.

The first day as well, I went to a panel featuring the man himself, Terry Gilliam, and he was gracious enough to show us a wealth of footage from “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” and I was utterly enthralled with what we saw. What I liked best about the panel was when he talked about Heath Ledger, who he talked about not as if some sort of Herculean demi-god had left the earth, but mentioned his passing as what it most realistically was: a horrible passing that can’t be dwelled upon, but can be remembered through tribute and reverence. My devotion to the master (Gilliam) paid off too; on Saturday, at his panel with Neil Innes discussing “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” I was rewarded for my diligence and time spent waiting in lines. The two men were privy to presenting two lucky individuals from the audience with a signed box set of “Monty Python” DVDs, and Mr. Gilliam’s criteria for deciding his recipient was bent on who could first tell him how many syllables were in the title of his new film (the answer was 13, sound it out…). Anyway, standing from the 3rd row from the front, Mr. Gilliam spotted my mildly-insane ass standing up from my chair waiving my hands in the air screaming “13!!!!’ as loud as I could, eventually motioning with my hands a distinguishable “one” then “three” in finger form until he appreciatively nodded his head yes and motioned for me to approach…

I excitedly made my way through the seats to the front of the stage and received my prize, trying to shout to him how I had my skills as an English major allowed me to so quickly count up the number of syllables in the title, but alas, he misunderstood or misheard me and made some mention about me “being English” to the crowd. Oh well, I had won my prize, and now I gaze upon it lovingly and happily.

Sunday was a memorable day as well. The Felicia Day/Dollhouse panel was compelling, and the associated “experts” on the show related some interesting and thoughtful commentary and theory about the show, and only further enhanced my desire for the premiere to approach even more quickly. Sunday evening was spent largely in the basement of the Hilton, gaming in many different aspects and arenas. I was given my first introduction to “Are You a Werewolf?” and I’d be amiss to tell you the experience left me dazed and scarred in the most profound ways. Over the weekend I was deeply exposed to the intense and marvelous experience that is “Dominion” and I have to say I’m completely hooked on the game.

Other highlights included an educational panel for ‘newbs’ like myself on “World of Warcraft” and the always entertaining “Lost” panel, which featured some exclusively interesting theories that included a second… YES, I said SECOND, smoke monster?!?! I missed the parade again, I didn’t see many musical performances. Those were important goals that were skimmed over, in the name of being in line early for important panels. So sacrifices had to be made. The good news is I think I have that out of my system now; next year, I don’t believe I’ll be so completely focused on panels that feature major celebrities/actors like I have been in past years. For example, Trek Trak can really only seduce me with Armin Shimerman and/or Rene Auberjonois from here on out. I mean really, how do you top William Shatner after this?!?! I've seen everyone from "Next Generation" pretty much now, after having seen Mr. Stewart. Admittedly though, my deep affection for "Star Trek" may draw me back to those huge panels if they bring in someone big and important next year, no matter what I say now.

Next year, I’m going to spend much more of my time on gaming and smaller panels that concentrate on giving out actual information and discussion instead major hero-worship. The major plus to this will be far less time spent waiting in lines. I think I’ll also avoid the dealers/exhibitors halls next year as much as possible; I don’t need to worry myself with buying pointless trinkets and junk, right?

Well on another completely different angle, school starts back next week which means the switch back to responsibility and work will have to be immediate. I’m going to have a lot on my plate between school, job searching, thesis-writing, and just general living. This break has gone by way too fast, but that’s mostly my fault. I’ve let it slip away from me; I could have been semi-productive, but I haven’t been, unfortunately. I can change that next week, once class becomes that kick-start that punches be back into responsibility mode. Even more helpful will be the change in weather; I need a nice cold day. I need that damned hoodie-wearing-weather.