#seriously I can cosplay Chris :D

[christas-museum]

The feeling when your body shape is like your top favourite famous person's 🥰

[spncontips]

A HANDY DANDY CONVENTION CHECKLIST!

Prepping for a convention? Here’s a check list to help you get organised for your trip!

TICKETS Make sure you remember to print out all your tickets! That’s your PDFs/receipts for your convention ticket, photo ops and autographs, plus meet and greet invoice if you’re doing one. Hotels have printers of course, but it’s easier to have them ready to go, rather than trying to find somewhere to print them out while at the convention – because you’ll be busy!

EXTRA TIP FOR HARD TICKETS - CREATION SPECIFIC Some people put the hard tickets (bought at the con, or via PDF ticket exchange) in the back of their lanyard - they can fall out! Be aware of them at all times, or find a safter place for them! You can jot your name and seat number on the back, so if you do drop them and someone finds them, they can find you, or turn them into Creation who can find you. (Fingers crossed if you lose a ticket, someone honest finds them!)

ELECTRONICS Camera – with spare batteries and memory card and associated cords. Phone Laptop/iPad/iPod All your chargers! All your charger cables!

It’s also great to bring an extra battery pack for your phone, because there usually isn’t anywhere to quickly charge your phone without going back to your room, so if you have a pre-charged battery backup with you that can help keep in touch!

If you do forget something, you always have fan backup – someone will lend you that charging cable that mysteriously got left behind!

PENS A pen – for filling out reupping forms – and for writing down your email or twitter for new friends! Highlighter pens – for highlighting the schedule Coloured Sharpie – if you don’t want black or silver for your auto, bring your own coloured Sharpie pen!

PAPER Always bring some kind of notebook – just in case you want to jot down notes from a panel, or something someone told you, names, emails, twitter handles (as Jensen calls them) etc!

SOMETHING TO PUT YOUR PHOTO OPS IN You need something to put your photo ops in so they don’t bend and get ruined! You can buy great hard sleeves in the vendor’s room, but I find that sometimes the photos can get stuck in them! So be careful of that! A document display folder with plastic inserts, or a ring-binder with plastic inserts is great. Or just a hard plastic document envelope. The photos printed out at the con are 10x8, so anything that fits A4 or larger works.

WHATEVER YOU’RE GOING TO GET AUTOGRAPHED If you have something specific that you’re getting signed, don’t forget to pack it! The Vendors room has photos and books and some other items that can be used for autos if you don’t have something specific.

SNACKS AND WATER Soooooo important! Many of the convention hotels/convention centres don’t have much (or any) food available, or you have to go out to get food (and did I mention how busy you’ll be?), or it’s super expensive. So pack your own. If you’re travelling and can’t pack a sandwich or anything, even if it’s just some fruit or nibblies to take into the convention auditorium, that will help to keep your energy up.

The days are long, you might not get much sleep, you might be drinking more alcohol than usual, the hotels and convention centres are heavily air-conditioned, so it’s also super important to stay hydrated. If you can pickup a bulk pack of water at Target or a supermarket or something, that’s going to save you money and you’ll have water in your room and to take to panels! Seriously, snacks and water. Get on that!

*CREATION CON SPECIFIC - There is also a large water dispenser with cups inside the auditorium. You can use that water throughout the day, and you can also fill up your own water bottle from the supplied water dispensers to save more money. 

HANDOUTS - Twitter/Tumblr/email Print out your Twitter @  or/Tumblr/email addy on little pieces of paper that you can hand out to your new fandom friends who want to be able to follow or contact you. You can make them simple, or into cool little business cards!

EXTRA MONEY – BUT BUDGET! Um. Cons are expensive. Outside of the costs of hotel accommodation and all your tickets that you’ve already paid for, you’ll also have to buy food and drinks (unless you packed them as per the awesome tip above!) The Vendor’s room or vendor’s areas at a con has cool stuff, t-shirts, books, stickers, mugs, glasses, posters, standees, all sorts of jewellery, and various other goodies that you might want. There may even be a guest that you didn’t get an op with, but when you see their panel, you feel you absolutely must hug the living hell out of them, (oh believe me, it happens!), so you just have to get another op! So take a little extra money, just in case. But budget…because it’s real easy to get swept up into the con craziness and want all the things and all the ops (speaking from experience), so make sure you set yourself a budget!

Make sure you have ID on you too, in case that is needed for credit card purchases!

YOUR OUTFITS Okay, I know, d’uh, you’re going to pack clothes! But if you’ve decided on a specific outfit, whether something pretty or something cosplay, make sure you have all the necessary bits! I always plan what I’m wearing for each day ahead of time. That way I don’t have to pack loads of options and I don’t have to think about it at the con. Some days (especially Saturday and Sunday) can start quite early, and the last thing you’re going to want to do is be trying on outfits like crazy. 1. You won’t have time. 2. You don’t want to increase your stress! So pre-plan your outfits and pack all the elements you decide on to make them perfect.

And bring something warm to take into the panels - it can be chilly in the auditorium!

CREATION SPECIFIC - CASH FOR CHRIS – the Creation photographer If you are buying JPEGS of your photo-ops you will need $US to give to Chris the photographer. Each photo op you have, comes with 1 10x8 print – but only 1. You can purchase JPEGS of each photo for $10 per JPEG. There is a number on the photo – you give that number to Chris or his offsiders. Each photo’s JPEG you purchase costs $10 and you must have cash for that. So when you know what photo-ops you’re getting, figure out before hand which you may need (if there’s more than one of you in the photo) or want a JPEG of and ensure you have enough $US on you. If you are at a Canadian con – you can use Canadian dollars but as Chris is from the US, US dollars are better for him. The JPEGS are super high quality, large files, which can be printed to LARGE canvas size if you want (speaking from experience).

NOTE - Chris supplies the JPEGS via an email link to Google Drive. Expect to get them within about a week or two after the con depending upon Chris’ other con and family commitments. Be patient - he will get them to you!

If you don’t have the cash at hand to buy the JPEGS at the convention, you can still buy them after the con. Go to the Creation website and follow the link and you’ll be able to contact Chris via there. See info below!

TISSUES/VITAMINS/PAIN KILLERS ETC. There’s lots of aircon in the hotels/convention areas and you may get a running nose – you don’t want to be snuffly or snotty – pack tissues. Eyedrops – for the same reason, the aircon may dry your eyes out and make them sore and red. It’s also not a bad idea to pack some Vitamin B or C to keep your energy up and immune system working. Pack some Paracetamol or/and Ibuprfen in case of headache or backache or hangover! I always take hay fever medication with me – I never know if something is going to affect me in a place I’m not used to (Vancon for example, gives me hives…WHY I DO NOT KNOW!). I also bring cough/cold medication. I have got super sick at cons! It sounds like a lot, but seriously, I have got sooo sick and having stuff on hand has been a life saver. I also always travel with Bepanthen because I get tatts when I travel :D Also don’t forget extra contact lenses if you need them, and pack band aids (especially if you have new shoes.)

And remember, you are going to be somewhere where you can buy things, so don’t overpack. If you forget toiletries or need something, you will be able to buy at the con. Most cons are held in a hotel, all of which have some form of shop for emergencies - fangirls are also a great back up. 

BREATHMINTS/GUM You’re going to want to pop a mint before you go into a photo op! You’re about to get up close and personal with Jensen Ackles, and you don’t want to breathe coffee breath all over him! Pack mints.

PERFUME/MINI DEODERANT For the same reason as the mints. You’re about to hug the crap outta Misha Collins – you don’t want “been sitting for 6 hours in the same shirt” smell as you squish into him!

LITTLE PURSE MIRROR Perfect for checking your lippy, hair, making sure you don’t have kale in your teeth – as you wait in line for your photo op. Don’t worry, EVERYONE is doing it!

HAND SANITISER. OMG YESSSS! Con crud is a thing. Protect yourself at all costs! Santitise like your health depends on it! IT DOES!

BAGS I get asked about bags a lot - what bag can you take to a convention. For Creation, at this stage there is no restriction on the bag you bring into a panel, however the bag must easily fit under your chair or the chair in front of you. You can not keep bags in aisles or anywhere they may be an obstruction or a saftey issue. 

For Karaoke - it is requested that you do not bring a bag of any kind. So only bring a bag if it is vital - ie if you require a bag for medication, ensure you let the people manning the door know.

If you have a camera, and do not need that bag - bring it without. 

For the Saturday Night Special Concert - once again, avoid bringing a bag. If you do bring a bag for the concert, it must be small purse size, or a camera bag.

Note: there is security and all bags will be checked so DO NOT BRING A BAG to Karaoke or the concert.

ALCOHOL Creation do not allow alcohol at their events, there is no alcohol permitted at Karaoke or the Saturday night concert, or in panels. (There wasn’t even alcohol allowed at the Hawai’i con luau dinner! Seriously.)

That’s it for now! But I’ll keep adding more as more tips come up!

-sweetondean

[chaoticclaire]

RESIDENT EVIL WEEK

Day 4: Alternate Choice - Free Day

~ ~ ~

Okay, this is a longer and personal post…

For the Free Day I chose my favorite and/or most memorable scenes. To be honest, I could have chosen so many more, but I limited it to two per main game. Resident Evil is a big part of my life for over 20 years now - the games, characters, story, music, EVERYTHING, mean so much to me ♥

~ ~ ~

RE ZERO: Billy playing the piano (I let Rebecca play first because I knew from RE1 that she could play… who would have thought that Billy can play so well! I really love the little song he plays) /// “Thank you, Rebecca” … this thumbs up, so cute! I can’t help it, Billy is one of my favorites ♥ Why wasn’t he referenced in Vendetta, why?! ;_;

RE1: Okay, so the first zombie scared the shit out of me but what REALLY destroyed my childhood were the dogs jumping through the window! Bye, bye innocent childhood! My parents and I also knew from that moment on that this game was something different, something new – and we just couldn’t stop playing from thereon! /// Chris and Jill holding hands in the helicopter… the moment my OTP was born!

RE2: The intro just blew me away and Claire and Leon meeting for the first time was just great! From “Don’t shoot!” to the conversation in the car, I love every second of it. And of course seeing Claire for the first time… who would have thought that THAT would influence my life so much ♥ /// Claire and Leon in the S.T.A.R.S. office. I felt so sorry for Claire that Chris wasn’t there… and the music, so sad yet beautiful :’)

RE The Umbrella Chronicles: “The Death cannot die!” HUNK barely making it out of the RPD. I really hope he gets a more fleshed-out scenario in the RE2 Remake, he’s one of the best villains! /// Wesker returns! RE hasn’t been the same since he’s gone… I miss him :’( (and, to be fair, Ada’s escape level was also nice – we finally got some answers on how she survived)

RE3: The first encounter with Nemesis… I was so scared, I didn’t even notice the option selection at first XD That guy is so iconic for a reason! /// The ending, especially the news report. Raccoon City’s fate is so sad… (love the ending song, it’s one of the best RE songs ever!)

RE Code Veronica: “Remember your promise” Chris and Claire, finally reunited and they don’t want to lose each other again :’) I love their sibling relationship, they are the best! /// “Hey, I always keep my promises” Chris, my favorite big bro ♥ ♥ ♥

RE The Darkside Chronicles: My Claire being so strong :’) I love how she is one of the more emotional characters, it makes her more human. Alyson also nailed her performance in this game ♥ /// Leon and Krauser as comrades… why did it have to go downhill from thereon :’( I like Krauser on both, the good and the bad side, but still… I’m glad their past got fleshed-out in TDC, he deserved it!

RE4: The beginning of the game. Seriously, I have played the village part so many times, it always cheers me up when I’m in a bad mood or sad. RE4 is not necessarily a good RE game in my opinion but damn, it’s one hell of a game! AND SAVE THE DOG! ALWAYS! /// Leon and Krauser – now as enemies. The knife fight was so intense. I remember my friends and I playing it over and over again because we had so much fun.

RE Revelations: Quint and Keith, I love those two dorks! RE isn’t RE without its cheesiness and that duo delivered that perfectly! I want them back, even if it’s just a BSAA behind-the-scenes cutscene :D /// Parker “dies” :’( What an emotional moment, I really liked Parker, he’s a good and honest guy! So glad he survived in the end!

RE5: My OTP reunites!!! Fighting Jill was difficult, both gameplay and emotional wise. Not shooting her but TALKING to her was well done and it really gave me the feels. I don’t care if they are just partners or a couple in RE canon, I was just glad they reunited again ♥ /// Chris in the ending, his “Yeah, it’s worth it” line always makes me smile. He’s my RE hero, I can’t help it :’)

RE Revelations 2: “That IS Wesker, Alex Wesker!” I mean, we all more or less knew it, but still,… I hope she returns, we need a constant villain again and her being a Wesker is even better. /// Claire saves the day! Claire is always amazing but that cutscene blew me away so much! She finally kicked some real ass again and although her ponytail is iconic I really love that she cut her hair. It kinda marks an end/new beginning part of her life I guess. Also, don’t you ever fuck with a Redfield and their family or friends. You. Just. Don’t.! That ending has everything a RE ending needs: a helicopter flying into the sunset, a cheesy one-liner, a rocket launcher to the face, a slow-motion bullet… THAT is RE guys, THAT is RE :D I don’t care if it has been done a thousand times before, I enjoyed the whole ending so much :D ♥ (”I HAVE THIS!”)

RE6: Chris “papa bear” Redfield and his soldiers. From being a rebellious young soldier that got kicked out of the Air Force to a leader figure with his team looking up to him – my boy has come a long way ♥ /// Sherry sharing her past with Jake. I was glad Sherry was back and her “His research killed him” line got me by surprise… so glad Claire and Leon have been there for her after Raccoon City ♥

~ ~ ~

Like I said, I could have chosen so much more…

I kept the pictures dark for a reason and only highlighted the most important part(s) to emphasize what’s important to me :)

Thank you Resident Evil for so many good memories. I really wish I could thank the person who introduced me to the games, but he passed away before I could, unfortunately :’( I met so many friends offline and online because of the games, I started with cosplay, improved my drawing skills, etc. It’s a huge part of my life and will be forever ♥ I’m so glad I got my Made in Heaven tattoo as a tribute ♥

Also thanks a lot to everyone who read this to the end, it really means a lot to me :’) ♥  ~ChaoticClaire

[terrordave1]

10:20 am – We’re back in the main convention hall of the Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) at McCormick Place. My daughter, Leia, and her friend, Rachel, take off on their own while my other daughter, Jade, heads over to Cosplay Central with me. This zone, designated for cosplayers, has space for their elaborate costumes, photo backdrops, and even panels on this topic throughout the weekend. The first thing that caught our attention was a tall monster that looks like a composite of Sil from Species, Giger’s ALIEN, and the Balrog from Lord of the Rings! I have no idea how someone even begins to create something like this let alone moves around in it! If you have any doubts about cosplaying being a legit artform, then I strongly urge you to come to C2E2 for some clarification.

10:30 – 11 am – Having found the perfect spot, we stay at Cosplay Central an additional 30 minutes taking pictures. If your primary goal for C2E2 is photographing costumes, pack a lunch and just spend your weekend here. Trust me, your memory card will be full without you even having to walk more than fifty feet.

Different looks for Dr. Strange

X-Force’s “Stryfe” comic book perfect!

These Wakandan Warriors take their jobs very seriously!

11 am – Jade and I go back out to the vendors to do a little shopping and seek out the ones who caught my interest the day before. Unfortunately, the place is so huge we spend most of it running around in circles. Finally, I spot one of them – artist Billy Ludwig’s Thirteenth Floor. This guy does some incredible things combining vintage photographs with modern popular culture. I particularly loved his UFO-related stuff (being the kind of guy I am) and his STAR WARS/World War II mash-ups.

He was offering C2E2 guests a great “Buy Two/Get Two Free” deal which we couldn’t pass up. Jade loved some of his creepier “Vaudville Phantoms” creations while I (naturally) gravitated towards the flying saucers. Between the two of us and Ludwig’s killer bargain, we walked away with several prints for our new place (and I got myself a new UFO T-shirt too).

11:27 am – I receive a text from Svengoolie’s assistant, Jim Roche, letting me know they’ve arrived. At the same time, Jade and I bump into Leia and Rachel. The three girls go off together while I head to the autograph area awaiting the Sven crew.

11:40 – 4pm – I’m with the Svengoolie and crew and will post a separate, detailed blog on that experience this Saturday 4/21/2018!

11:40 am – Leia, Jade, and Rachel visit the STAR WARS area of C2E2. This spot is hosted by the 501 Garrison – a group of STAR WARS costume-makers who help raise money for charity while sharing their fan fervor. It was a family-friendly place with crafts offered for kids, actual Astromech droids moving & whistling about, and free photo opportunities. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like sitting on the Emperor’s throne from Return of the Jedi, look no further!

12 – 1:30 pm – Girls are out on the floor shopping and snapping photos of Cosplay. 

  1:30 pm – Girls attend a performance of the Acrobatica Infiniti Circus! This is a first-of-its-kind group of performers who perform their death-defying stunts in cosplay! If you’ve ever fantasized about seeing Spider-Man jump fifteen feet before your eyes or watch Wonder Woman workin’ the pole, then this is your show!

Squirrel Girl makes the crowd go “nuts!”

2:20 pm – Later, outside the convention hall, some other cosplayers were putting on shows of their own!

3 pm – Girls photograph even more cosplay!

4 pm  – I say “Goodbye” to Svengoolie and check in with the girls. Leia and Rachel are watching a D&D-related show while Jade is upstairs attending R.L. Stine’s Panel. With an hour to spend on my own, I visit Artist Alley.

4:15 pm – Somebody, pinch me! Sitting in a booth with hardly anyone in his line is Comic Book god, Chris Claremont! Claremont performed comic book CPR on the X-Men back in 1975 when he introduced the “new” team which included Nightcrawler, Storm, Wolverine, Thunderbird, and Colossus. His deft writing and strong female characters took a team that was withering on the vine and helped make them the sensation they remain today. Claremont would stay with the book an additional 16 years – the longest run of any X-Men writer. 

Best of all, he was only charging $5 for an autograph! I end up purchasing a print of the cover of Uncanny X-Men #136 with Dark Phoenix on the cover – my all-time favorite comic book story that I’m pretty certain FOX is going to ruin a second time later this year. Claremont spends a LOT of time with his fans and was enamored by a Captain Britain omnibus (hardcover collections of vintage comics) that the fan in front of me brought him to sign. Claremont slowly looked through the entire book while quizzing the young fan to make sure he’d actually read it. He’d say, “Ah…here’s Betsy (Psylocke) before she ended going West and…” and then he’d stop to allow the kid to finish the sentence.

“…joined the X-Men!” the kid proudly answered correctly. After Claremont finished looking the book over he said, ‘Gee, it sure would have been nice if they’d sent ME a copy of this!” He then looked up at the ceiling and sighed, “Ah…Marvel.”

4:20 pm – Back out roaming the convention hall when I spot another item I had my heart set on – a beautiful print of a flying saucer pulling up an RV. I figure once I get it framed it will be just perfect in my new kitchen! One of its artists (this was a collaboration between two friends) is working the table and sees me admiring it. In addition to the saucer, he’s also got a great print of Vampira and the 2017 Pennywise.

He told me the print was one of 35 and that it debuted at Flashback Weekend a couple years back. Apparently, the first two were sold to celebrity guests, Traci Lords and Hellraiser’s 1st female Cenobite, Grace Kirby. The story goes that Lords was signing in a booth nearby and every time she passed it, she’d point and say, “That one is mine!” Later Kirby came over and said she wanted one, too. Thankfully, the artists (one based in Chicago and another in Colorado) made more than one so both celebs could purchase one. These guys also do a horror podcast with a British pal called “Chewing the Scenery.”

5:15 pm – My legs and feet have had it! I go back to the car alone and wait for the girls.  Two days down and one more to go! And this particular Sunday at C2E2 would be all about Netflix’s Daredevil himself, Charlie Cox!

Dave~

  C2E2 Saturday or: How much can I fit in a single Blog? 10:20 am - We’re back in the main convention hall of the Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

[pilferingapples]

FINAL EUROVISION LIVEBLOG

--There's a whoooole lot of Intro and News Commentary from SVT; most of it I'm skipping because I don't understand it, but fans are singing adorably now, awwww. 

--OMG DANIEL DIGES IN THE PREVIEW SEGMENT I AM WELL REWARDED FOR MY MINOR AMOUNT OF PATIENCE wow he's beautiful 

--...now the channel's like...gone to cut screen but they don't have their wiring worked out?

--NOW

--..okay the bead thing sort of explains the Artistic Theme happening, to the extent I think anything about Eurovision can or should be explained

-this host looks like he should be in a Marvel movie and should be named Chris

-I genuinely love the Walk of Glory intro of all the main performers!

-...Oh here come the people who are too cool to have to compete in the semifinals! I don't know them.

-EXCEPT MANEL HI MANEL 

-Buglaria is a precious child and I hope he has fun

-..literally I am old enough to be his mother it's terrible ANYWAY

-The Host Dudes are Very Sparkly now , and again I am grateful for the SVT commenters talking over them in a language I cannot understand , save me from the Bantr(tm)

-omg awkward junior high pics 

-Gonna say at the start here,  DISCO RAP YODELING TEAM has my heart, but there are a LOT of acts here I love.

-....and a lot of ballads. Why did so many ballads get in. Who voted for the ballads. 

-...how does voting for this work?

-GOOD FOR YOU ISRAEL THAT WAS FUN 

- omg audience member has the star hat cosplay 

- ...oh gad was this a ballad one 

-oh gad it was  -Poland I love and support you as a nation but WHY A BALLAD

-...doves are flying out of her armpits though so points for that

-SHE'S A GOOD SINGER I just cannot muster up caring about this song

-SPACE DOLPHIN for REASONS 

-...Freedom?

- BELARUS I LOVE YOU BOTH 

-THEY'RE ON A BOAT -I want this song as MP3, it's just so happy!

-WOAH  GET A ROOM 

(no I'm happy for them)

-OMG ADORABLE CHILD INTRO SEGMENT  -Austria! Is like the theme to an 80s/early 90s slice of life show 

- Plus: happy song, not really a ballad , Cons: nothing is on fire,minimal discoing

-ARMENIAAAA  continues to be dressed like a TOS Klingon and I love it  -the Netherlands trio reminds me hardcore of Wilson Phillips, because I am Old. That's fine! I liked WP. But it's very a Thing  It doesn't help that W-P had an album called Light and Shadow either, I mean it'-s not a Super Unique name but >_<

-THEIR FANS HAVE SHIRTS <3

-HI MAXIMILIEN, FAN FROM AUSTRIA 

-...Volare was a Eurovision song? 

-OMG IMPROMPTU KICKITY DANCE  - I am briefly overwhelmed by Emotion about all these people from all these countries coming together for Music and Fun?? TEAR BREAK -OKAY I'M OKAY AND IT'S TIME FOR MOLDOVA WHICH HAS A  GREAT ACT 

-SUNSTROKE PROJECT:D 

-I like this stage act much more than the video for this , really 

HMMM I think the Army Of Thems works okay here, though it's not my favorite visuals 

- THE DRESSES THOUGH :D 

-XYLOPHONE JACKET HUNGARY 

-I don't know how to describe what he's doing with his voice but I love it 

DISCO MILKJUG CONTINUES  and I Approve ,

- in any other setting I would question the dancing girl, but it's Eurovision, so I only question why she's not wearing more glitter

-I really love the folk art motifs in the background, and also the JETS OF FIRE

-ITALY  ...have we seen Italy? Did I forget Italy or is this a "we weren't in the semifinals"thing?

-GORILLA I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT GORILLA

-..okay the song is slightly boring pop but AT LEAST IT'S NOT A BALLAD and I like the background visuals

- And I am again wondering how the backgrounds are chosen! Who gets to decide? Do the singers get a say? 

-...did the Italy fans have a cow

-BLONDE WOMAN SINGLE SINGER  SIGNS OF THE BALLADOCALYPSE 

DENMARRRRK ...is exactly what I thought, yeah okay 

-drinks time

-PORTUGAL HI

- it's a sweet sounding song and he does the Awkward Cute very very well but there is a tragic lack of general fabness 

-oh god host banter nooooo

-AZERBAIJAN YESSSS

-HORSEHEAD LADDER BOYFRIEND -BADBOY  -EXTREME SKELETON  - this isn't really my Kind of song but I admire the Extraness of the performance and setup , like there  is no need for this horsehead guy at ALL but also he is ESSENTIAL THANK YOU

-Croatia! I never thought I'd actually hear someone do Agnes Nitt's trick of singing duets with herself, but here we are. 

- AUSTRALIA is a Child! I am very uncomfortable about this. 

-Wait is this the first for Belarus?  

- THE FIRST ROMA FOR HUNGARY YAAAY

-GREECE oh no it's a Single Singing Woman this Bodes Ballads  - GREECE I TAKE IT BACK AND I LOVE YOU ​​​​​​​

-OH RIGHT THIS IS HER  WITH THE WATER FEATURE AND THE NAKED GUYS DANCING AT HER FEET  - SHIRTLESS BUT WHATEVER 

-...are the guys the couple the song is about?? if so AWESOME 

- HI MANEL , YOU'RE A FACECAST FOR A WEIRD FANDOM 

-good grief he's pretty , I have Hair Envy

-OOOF voice crack 

-okay not the most amazing song but AT LEAST IT WASN'T  A FRIGGING BALLAD

-NORWAY ! With the..mask..thing!

-KILL THAT VOICE IN MY HEAD ! I REMEMBER YOU. 

-...oh god there's more Bantr. An extended Host Bantr segment, noooo

-LUCY JONES I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE DOING  DON'T BE A BALLAD UK 

-...damn it, UK. 

-...will you dance through this storm to this song? Because I don't see how. 

DRINK BREAK 

-CYPRUS  SAVE ME FROM THE BALLADS 

-...threatening to be Gravity at me is the worst come on possible though

-RO  -MA

-NIA !!!

ROMANIA ROMANIA ROMANIA 

YODEL PARTY  I LOVE YOU BOTH  OWN THIS JOINT 

LOOK AT THE WOODEN SOLDIER MARCH  SING IT HE SAYS  AND THEY LEAD THE CROWD IN A YODEL 

DISCO LIGHT CANNON THIS IS THE BEST THING 

-Germany!

..oh no it's a blonde woman alone DOES A BALLAD LOOM

- why do people show up to Eurovision in Nice Neutral Clothing , why would anyone waste this opportunity to be more glam than otherwise humanly possible

-...pop ballad. SIGH. 

UKRAINE I HAVE HOPES FOR YOU  QUARTET?? QUARTET  ...oh. It's the giant head band!  -this is so hilariously different from the other acts, good for you, Germany! 

-Young Jotunheim invades Asgard's Got Talent 

- Belgium, I'm sure you're lovely , but I KNOW this is a ballad, so it's another Drink Break 

-SWEDEN who is...I guess? someone famous?  I DO remember this song at least, it's not Yet Another Ballad 

-BULGARIA CHILD

-FRANCE  -I am sure I haven't seen France! 

-oh no not another ballad  -...yes another ballad THERE'S STILL HOPE IT COULD ENERGIZE IN THE CHORUS??

-YES THANK YOU

-...is the background High Speed Paris Cityscape??

-...wait that was the last one?? wow 

-VERKA OMG   - I feel Honored to see this 

LIGHT IT UP, EUROPE 

I still love Romania and Belarus acts most I think but man I seriously love Hungary's voice and act and everything too 

aagh there are too many I actually like a lot! 

GET TO THE VOTES DARN IT 

THIS ACT IS GREAT BUT AAAH 

PRECIOUS BABY EUROVISION GIRL

HER DRESS IS A FLOWER I LOVE HER PLEASE PROTECT HER

oh god another ballad  

...WAIT WAS THAT AN ILLICIT MOON  IS THAT TRADITIONAL FOR THIS I DON'T EVEN KNOW NOW

OKAY VOTING 

...oh this is gonna take a while isn't it

...wow Portugal is cleaning up??

...I don't understand this voting? There are two many countermanding numbers on this display 

ALSO I HATE THIS TENSION I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHO WON I HATE COMPETITIONS 

..Okay so Portugal's gonna crush it, right? I'm told it's not about the music, but Very Complicated Politics, but I think Portugal was  pretty good though

...Wait MORE points? WHAT IS HAPPENING HOW MANY LAYERS OF VOTING ARE THERE Eurovision I'm sorry but this is baffling and thus boring 

...GEEZUS HOW LONG DOES THIS GO ON THIS IS MINDNUMBING 

...has it been an HOUR?

SORRY EUROVISION I FAST FORWARDED THROUGH A LOT OF THE VOTING 

WHOOO PORTUGAL GOOD FOR YOU  ANYWAY THAT WAS CERTAINLY GLITTERY 

Needs More Yodelrap and Fewer Ballads 

GOOD FOR YOU PORTUGAL  I'm glad I saw it but next time I'll just let Tumblr tell me who won !

THANK YOU SVT 

[dicecast]

Idea i would do if I ever had a Patreon

I’d do a historical lets play of the history of Western RPGs, starting with Ultima IV and going unto the current age, looking at Ultima VII affected Baldur’s Gate I, the changes between BG I and II, how Planescape Torment changed up the formula, the different branch of the family tree that was the first two Fallout Games, how Arcanum was in many ways the last gasp of the old era, how Neverwinter Knights and Vampire:Bloodlines both brought about the modern RPG, how Jade Empire is this underappreciated middle ground between old bioware and new, and of course how Mass Effect, Dragon Age, New Vegas, The Witcher Trilogy and Pillars of Eternity/Tyranny all represent different aspects of the original promise of Baldur’s Gate now divided, and hyper specialized, with the Troika branch sadly forgotten.   How Mask of the Betrayer and Knights of the Old Republic II form a Trilogy with Planescape Torment that is kinda entirely different from what everybody else is doing. Meanwhile Ultima VIII and Ultima IX crashed and burned for very different reasons.  

I’m really interested in the “losers” of the RPGS, what didn’t really influence the others, Arcanum, Vampire, and Jade Empire, who are all doing interesting things but didn’t really effect those around them.  

 And of course how WRPGs I feel fall into three families, First there are those descended from Ultima listed above.  Then there is the great alternative approach, the Elder Scrolls series, an entirely different philosophy to roleplaying which is in many ways diametrically opposed to that of the Ultima School, and you can look at each Elder Scrolls game as a response to the prevalent RPGs of its time, currently we are in the Skyrim age.  Just look at Fallout III vs. New Vegas.  And of course between these two forces are the centrists (seriously look at their game themes) of the Deus Ex School, which in my mind is the first Deus Ex Game, the System Shock Games, and the First two Thief Games for an entirely different view of roleplaying, a attempted third way which....died and is no longer present.  

  Then we talk about its intersection with Japanese Roleplaying games, where they mix and clash and break, and in particular the Souls series, which seems to look at Western RPGs and offer a different approach, combining it with Zelda of all things.   Or how the choice decisions of Silent Hill 2 likely influence the design of Dark Souls in terms of roleplaying, and in the next few years expect more Dark Sousl style roleplaying to seep over to WRPGS 

Over the course of it I would want to look at the sort of challenges and narrative choices facing the genre, how storytelling and characterization different from era to era, how choice and gameplay change and intertwine over the course of time, how Pillars of Eternity actually owes more to Dragon Age than Baldur’s Gate, how the earliest games were designed as D&D computer Games while the latter are computer RPGs from the ground up, how the changing culture of the audience has changed the games, how politics have always been part of these games from the start and noticing how they different (Seriously look at the 8 virtues and tell me that isn’t political) and if there are any common themes or ideas some or all of these games are interested in?  The Avellone Trilogy (KOTOR 2, PT, Mask) all are interested in the nature of the protagonist as an entity, KOTOR 1 and BG are interested in the nature of a chosen one, Fallout and Arcanum are interested in a Ebs and Flows reading of history, Dragon Age is about applying modern sensibilities to a medieval world, while Mass Effect is about consequences.  Meanwhile the Elder Scrolls are about player agency, the Witcher is about telling the story of a single character, and Deus Ex and New Vegas are about the breakdown of American society. 

As a point of contrast we could also look at the divnity series and how every game seems to be doing something completely different, and you can measure the trends in RPGS based on what crazy idea Divinity is doing now.  

Equally important are the mechanical themes of freedom and choice, Arcanum gives you this vastly complicated ruleset to make a totally unique character and most players won’t use any of it, while Fallout tries to make each perk has usefulness.  What really are the benefits of a Dialogue Wheel vs. the Tree?  How are Mass Effect’s Choices different from Planescapes?  And when you divide Mechanics and story rigidly as games like the Witcher, Dragon Age, and Pillars do, what do you gain and what do you lose vs. integrating them as Baldur’s Gate does?  

   Then how each game approaches settings, characters, alignment, and worldbuilding, looking at the standard Europeon fantasy setting and see how that plays out across games, how different BG, PT, KOTOR and Vampire are for being set in established worlds while Pillars, Dragon Age and Mass Effect must introduce their world.  How the threadbare worldbuilding of the Witcher and Jade Empire compares to the detailed work of the Elder Scrolls, and how the world changes in Ultima vs. that of Fallout.  

   The eventual goal of this problem would be to determine what is an Western RPG, can that label even exist, and what make all of the games I mentioned feel connected and how do they work.  I’d been looking at their different approached to the main character, how they can be complete ciphers like in Fallout or the Elder Scrolls, to semi personalities like Mass Effect or Deus Ex, organically created characters like Dragon Age II, or fully realized characters like the Witcher or Planescape torment. Above all though is the question of choices, what makes a choice significant, what is a role and how can you play it, and finally how can you craft a story using those two as elements.  Also seeing how these games respond to each other is fascinating, like how Knights of the Old Republican II is a deconstruction of the first one, or how New Vegas challenges the assumptions of Fallout as a whole (Chris Avellone likes this evidently).   Speaking of CA, he once said that when you insert options in a game for the player, you need to give them an opportunity to use them, otherwise you are just leaving them feeling frustrated and resentful.  Is this true, and what other rules can you learn by looking at all of these games as one.  Does character appearance matter and how has it changed.  And how valuable is it to have different play experiences depending on my character, Vampire being one extreme with Bioshock being another.  

Sometimes I post things I wish I could do in the vain home that A) Some millionaire with free time see this and feels randomly compelled to fund me as part of a “Horatio Alger” cosplay” B) a massively talented person sees this idea and makes it for me so I can enjoy it C) I remember it for later in case I ever somehow get money in my life.  But hey, if you would be interested in this idea let me know, maybe i could get a loan to do this.  

[gjgriff736]

What can I say about Day 3 of New York Comic Con?  Well, so much.  But I’m tired and hungry and need to get through the last day AND work a 12-hour shift at my regular job later so I’m gonna (try) to give you a somewhat abbreviated version.  I did say try.

Panels, Panels and More Panels

Day 3 was my day to attend some really great panels.  The first was for the Amazon Prime adaptation of Good Omens.  The panel, at the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden, was full of lovers of all things Neil Gaiman, but specifically Good Omens.  I listened to the full-cast audio version on Audible and absolutely LOVED it.  Amazon has turned this lovely, fun, and all-around awesome book into a six-part show starring David Tennant (Crowley), Michael Sheehan (Aziraphale), Miranda Richardson (Madame Tracy) and Jon Hamm (Gabriel).  Moderated by Whoopi Goldberg and joined by Neil Gaiman himself and Director Douglas MacKinnon, the panel was a lively discussion about the book, the show and what it was like to film such a beloved story.  When asked how this adaptation came about, Neil said that Terry Prachett, who co-authored the book, asked that Neil find a way to get it made as his last wish (Prachett died in 2015).  And it looks phenomenal.  Fans were treated to two exclusive clips of the show as well as the official teaser trailer.  I’m ecstatic to see this show and you will be too.  See the trailer below:

After having a late breakfast, I was on my way to the Javits Center when I was stopped by a staff member near the Hammerstein Ballroom.  Another panel was about to take place for a show called Happy! on SyFy.  Now, I’ve never heard of that show but the staff member was so cool, I said “why not?” and went in.  REMEMBER THIS.

When the panel started, the moderator (Michael Ausiello) stated that he called Happy! “repulsive, offensive, amoral” and a few other things and he absolutely loved the show.  What the hell was I getting myself in to?  As he announced the panel, I INSTANTLY perked up when I heard Christopher Meloni’s name.  If you don’t know Chris from Oz or Law & Order: SUV and most recently Pose, well the hell have you been??  Anywho, the panel included writer Patrick Macmanus, creators Grant Morrison and Brian Taylor, Medina Senghore (Amanda Hansen), Christopher Meloni (Nick Sax), Lili Mirojnick (Det. Meredith McCarthy), Patrick Fischler (Smoothie), Ritchie Coster (Francisco Scaramucci) and new series regular Christopher Fitzgerald (Sonny Shine).  Okay, so what I can tell about the show is that Nick Sax is befriended by an imaginary blue unicorn named Happy.  Each season is a different holiday theme (Season 1 was Christmas-themed) and there’s lots and lots of chaos, sex, blood, violence and laughs.  I’m sure I’m not giving the show its proper credit because I’ve never seen it.  I did see a clip and I was horrified and intrigued at the same time.  Happy! is one of those shows that makes you think about the kind of person you really are inside.  Because this show is sick, and I want to watch the hell out of it.  It definitely has a loyal fan base and they don’t care of you are horrified.  THEY love the show and I have a feeling I will, as well.

See for yourself, but for the love of God, don’t let your kids watch this.

And did I mention ANN MARGARET IS A CAST MEMBER???

Once the panel was over, I hurried out so I could try and make the Daredevil panel.  However, my stomach got in the way and it made me stop for mochi ice cream (chocolate and strawberry).  I’ve had mochi ice cream before and wasn’t too keen on it, but what I had at the Hammerstein Ballroom was nothing but pure joy and love.  It was hands down the best mochi ice cream I’ve ever had and I wish I had bought more to console me for MISSING THE DAREDEVIL PANEL!!!  I missed Charlie Cox!  I missed the chance to see the cast, see a sneak peak of the new season, CHARLIE COX!!  Thank God there was mochi ice cream or I would have felt much worse.  So, instead I walked back to the Javits Center, mochi ice cream in hand to see what was what.

Let me tell you guys something:  Saturday at NYCC is MASSIVE.  The crowd was enough to make even the most secure person feel claustraphobic, there were so many people.  See for yourself:

I did get to see a lot, even though there were a ton of people walking around.  Like the past two days, Day 3’s cosplay was no joke.  Here’s just a taste of the cosplay I saw yesterday:

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The level of commitment by these fans is truly awe-inspiring.

After a brief rest, I made my back to the Hulu Theatre for the Outlander panel.  It’s been awhile since Season 3 and we were READY.  The moderator, Lola Ogunnaike, was on the stage doing her thing when out walks Diana Gabaldon herself.  Myself and the rest of the fans went NUTS because this amazing woman has written books that we adore.  It’s hard to describe what Outlander means to me and other fans because it’s tough to put into words.  But to see her was an absolute joy and I was grateful for the invitation to be there.

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After we all (barely) calmed down, Diana surprised us all and announced we would be watching the first episode of Season 4!!  That’s right folks, I’ve already seen it!  Jealous much?  Don’t be because the episode is so worth the wait, trust me.  And no, I’m not telling you ANYTHING.

After watching the episode, some of the cast and crew came to the stage.  Caitriona Balfe (Claire), Sam Heughan (Jamie), Sophie Skelton (Brianna), Richard Rankin (Roger), Executive Producers Maril Davis and Ronald D. Moore and, of course, Diana Gabaldon sat down and gave us all things Outlander.  I have to tell you, I was completely engrossed in what I saw and heard, so much so that I did not write anything down or take a lot of photos (sorry).  I took the time to just be there and enjoy myself.  I will tell you that Outlander is a go for Seasons 5 and 6 (hallelujah!) so that’s something else for us to look forward to.

Since I was lacking in my duties, below is a link to the opening credits of Season 4, courtesy of STARZ.  Surprise!

THE WALKING DEAD PANEL

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During my time at NYCC, my ultimate goal was to attend The Walking Dead panel.  I am a HUGE fan of the show and I wanted nothing more than to attend one of the panels.  And with the announcement that my absolute fave, Andrew Lincoln, was leaving, I had to find a way to get to the panel.  This was my last chance to see this man in the flesh as Rick Grimes, and dammit, I made it.  It helped that Hulu Theatre doesn’t clear the room after each panel so I moved to a seat closer to the stage (not by much, though) and parked myself until the panel began.  The only time I got up was to purchase a cocktail.  (Side note:  the staff at the Hulu Theatre really know how to make a good, strong drink).

Anywho, once the panel began, the moderator turned out to be Chris Hardwick, which I admit, I was initially excited about because I used to listen to The Nerdist religously.  Then I remembered why he had been MIA and felt like utter crap, especially with everything that’s going on.  But I’ll save that discussion for another time.

Then the panel was introduced and I lost my shit.  I was finally going to see Andrew Lincoln.  In person.  On stage.  And when he came out I jumped out of my seat and screamed like I do when I see Bey in concert.  I was overjoyed.  Chris asked the cast what it felt like to not be working with Andy (I can call him that) and they all had different but very lovely things to say.  Normal Reedus (Daryl) said that he and Andy used to have lunch every day in his trailer.  Now he just sits there and he still has the last mug Andy used to drink out of in his trailer.  Awwwwwwww!

Andy talked about his last day on set and he said he wanted to finish with dignity but instead said he “finished like a fool.”  Andrew Lincoln is done playing Rick Grimes.  I am DREADING the episode where Rick leaves us for good.  Will I keep watching after?  Of course I will.

Once the panel was done and the cast left the stage, Chris announced that fans would be treated to the first episode of Season 9.  WHAT???  I get to see another episode of a show I love before you guys???  Seriously, how are you not jealous!!!???  No really, I didn’t think that was going to happen.  But watch it, I did and no I’m not telling you ANYTHING.  Just stay tuned for my recap on Monday.

By the time I got back home I was spent.  I’m still at home but will be leaving for NYCC to see a couple of panels, some more cosplay, the Outlander booth featuring a replica of Claire and Jamie’s house on Fraser’s Ridge (I’ll post pics, of course) and try not to buy another t-shirt.  No promises though.  Stay tuned!

Videos are courtesy of STARZ (Outlander), SyFy (Happy!) and Amazon (Good Omens).

New York Comic Con - Day 3 I'm in the home stretch!! #NYCC #TheWalkingDead #TWD #GoodOmens #Outlander #SeeHappy What can I say about Day 3 of New York Comic Con?  Well, so much.  But I'm tired and hungry and need to get through the last day AND work a 12-hour shift at my regular job later so I'm gonna (try) to give you a somewhat abbreviated version.