Pictures to the Autograph

Below is a list of most of people I did get a autograph from at the 2007 ComicCon, with a picture link to the larger picture.

Stars

• Gigi Edgley, David Franklin, Lani Tupu and Virginia Hay from Farscape.
  
  
  
• Claudia Christian from Babylon 5
  
  
  
• Patricia Tallman from Babylon 5
  
  
  
• J. Michael Strsczynski from Babylon 5
  
  
  
• Garrett Wang from Star Trek: Voyager
  
  
  
• Teryl Rothery from Stargate: SG-1
  
  
  
• Sanctuary Cast - Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood, Robin Dunne and Damian Kindler
  
  
  
  
• Stargate: SG-1 Cast - Ben Browder (Cameron Mitchell), Christopher Judge (Teal'c), Robert Cooper (executive producer/writer) and Martin Wood (Director/Supervising Producer)
  
  
  
• Stargate: Atlantis Cast - Martin Wood (Director/Supervising Producer), Amanda Tapping (Samantha Carter), Joe Flanigan (John Sheppard), David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay) and Jewel Staite (Dr. Jennifer Keller)
  
  

Artists

• Brian Denham, artist from Iron Man: Hypervelocity
  
  
  
• David Finch, artist from Marvel Heroclix: Avengers, box art
  
  

A weird text message I got.

Yesterday durring work, I got this weird text:

How many other ppl call you baby?

WTF. The number is local (for me) and the number is not in my cell's contacts. Who could this be?

I got a answer to my t-shirt.

I wore my "My Other Shirt Is Elven Chain +5" shirt from Dragons Landing podcast to get some groceries, I went to check out and cashier told me he has a chainmail shirt.

My Birthday List

With my birthday coming up on the 19th, our family normaly sends each out a wish list. This is what I have come up with. I have noted the title, where it can be found localy and a web address where it can be found.

Dungeons & Dragons Tactics (PSP Game)
Local: Video Game Store
http://www.amazon.com/Atari-Dungeons-Dragons-Tactics/dp/B000K9WNIS/ref=sr_1_1/002-5668266-5258439?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1188164668&sr=1-1

Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics brings the excitement of fantasy battle and role-playing to the PSP system for the very first time. All of the core races and classes will be available to the player, including two Psionic classes, the Psion and the Psychic Warrior. Players will be able to customise their characters and store as many as their memory stick can handle. Faithfully utilizing the Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 rule-set, Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics allows players to take a party of six adventurers into a wide variety of dangerous environments to experience deep and exciting turn-based action. All core races and classes are available, plus the addition of Psionics Deep and exciting turn-based gameplay using the D&D 3.5 rule-set.

Doctor Who - Survival (Episode 159) DVD
Local: Bestbuy
http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Survival-Episode-159/dp/B000QGE8I8

The final serial in Doctor Who's original run on the BBC (before it was revived in 2005), this three-episode story stars Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor, who brings his companion Ace (Sophie Aldred) back to Earth, only to discover that a race of feline aliens have turned the planet into their private hunting ground. The aliens, called Cheetah People, are traveling between their dying planet and Earth to kidnap humans for food--and lurking behind the whole scheme is none other than the Doctor's arch enemy, the Master (Anthony Ainsley in his final TV performance as the character). Despite the relative lack of quality of its video cinematography, Survival is a sold serial from the McCoy era, with some genuine suspense and an affectionate (if temporary) send-off for the venerable sci-fi hero.

Savage Worlds Explorers Edition (Perfect Paperback) (RPG Book, Game Book)
Local: Maybe a game store, if in stock
http://www.amazon.com/Savage-Worlds-Explorers-S2P10010-Staff/dp/0979245567

Animusic 1 (Special Edition DVD)
Local: Toll Free 866-692-6468
http://animusic.com/dvd-info-clips-1.html

Class Dis-Mythed (Myth Adventures) (Paperback) Book
by Robert Asprin (Author), Jody Lynn Nye (Author)
Local: bookstore
http://www.amazon.com/Class-Dis-Mythed-Adventures-Robert-Asprin/dp/044101531X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5668266-5258439?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188160936&sr=1-1

Myth-Gotten Gains (Myth Adventures) (Paperback) Book
by Robert Asprin (Author), Jody Lynn Nye (Author)
Local: bookstore
http://www.amazon.com/Myth-Gotten-Gains-Adventures-Robert-Asprin/dp/159222105X/ref=pd_bbs_3/002-5668266-5258439?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188160936&sr=1-3

Stargate SG-1: The Ultimate Visual Guide (Hardcover) Book
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0756623618/bonhoeffscell

An essential addition to any fan's collection of Stargate SG-1 memorabilia, this is the ultimate companion to the long-running sci-fi television series.

Features over 600 full-color images and 3 specially commissioned artworks

Details all characters, planets, technology, stories and cultures

Produced in full collaboration with MGM

Includes a bonus DVD

The new software for my DVR.

After my TiVo died, I went with a DVR from my local cable company of Comcast. This last week the software on my DVR was update to some better improvements.

1. There is better response when you fast forward. It stop at the spot were you push play, not 5 past the spot.
2. The Instant Replay works a lot better. It was 7 seconds, not sure what is now. 7 seconds was not enough time. My guess would be some where around 15 seconds.
3. The guide now shows if the show is New or Repeat.
4. The software in general is more responsive and does not have the slight delay it had before.
5. There is a few more options to view your recorded show, but did loose the folder option when you a few of the same show.
6. With the other software, it crashed the DVR more than a few times. As of yet it has had not crashed (knock on wood).
7. One odd thing with the new software, is when you delete a show that shows as upcoming, it does not delete it from the list. It puts a cancel icon on it and leave the show name. It would be good to have it clear off the list if it is not going to be recorded.

That my 2 cents at this point.

Sanctuary Autograph

Just uploaded the pictures of the people from the Sanctuary cast that was at the 2007 ComicCon. I was at a booth that had star photoson Friday. I picking up a few photos to get sighned in the autograph area and asked if I know who Amanda Tapping was. I said yes, of course and was given a ticket for Saturday. I showed up for the 2pm time . The booth closed down and had some sheet thown over the boxs and photos. They had a table set up ready for the cast when they show up. The line was set part way around the booth and picked on the other side of the booth. When I got there Gary Jones (Walter Harriman from Stargate) was there and left shortly after the group showed up. Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood, Robin Dunne and Damian Kindler (I think).


Check out the full set of pictures at Flickr.

My reply to ComicCon

Got a email from my brother about the ComicCon and if it was worth the trip. Here is what I replied. Thought it gave a good over all run down of the trip, so I posted it here on the blog.

Totally worth the trip.

My two trip mates did come sick and felt bad the fist two-ish days (Wed, Thur and some of Friday). Tried to stay well, I got the bug and went back to the room late afternoon on Saturday and some of Sunday. Got to go to half dozen panels of some of my favorite shows. One Thursday, four on Friday and one on Saturday. Fun time. The convention floor was huge, lots of stuff to see, freebies to pick up, pictures taken and autographs signed. Most of the cost was the plane trip and the hotel. The entry was free (due to a friend), breakfast came with the room, lunch was some snacks and dinner was at a local place. Picked up more than a few freebies roaming the large convention floor. For the preview day on Wednesday, it was open for 4 hrs. I only got a taste that day. (I have some pictures of the freebies, autographs and some bought items soon to be uploaded in a few day on my Flickr account)

Sunday was a little crazy. One of the friend I went down with got a message saying the plain was leaving early. We left the convention about a hour early and went to the airport to check in. Found out that our fiend was on a different early flight. That was strange, we all got our tickets with in the same hour and day. That left me and Rich. First plane left and arrived on time (9pm) in Salt Lake City. Due to weather for the plane we were going to use for our trip to Seattle, we did not leave the airport till2pm MST. Normally it would not be too bad, I could read a book or play my PSP. But at this time I was not feeling good at all. I ended up dozing on the ground like a few other people were doing. After dropping Rich off at his place I got home at 4:40am. I am glad I did not have to go to work that day (Monday). I was sick and rest the next two day. Went back to work on Thursday. Fun was had by all.

A great number of photos have been uploaded already and I still have some others I am adjusting and cropping, that will be uploaded soon.

Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathbar/ for the pictures.

I plan to come back next year. How about you, want to join the fun next year?

The 5000th View on Flickr

As of today, I have over 5000 views on my Flickr pictures, thanks to my 2007 Comic Con pictures I have been posting over the last weeks.

Dragonflight 2007

Dragonflight is here and below are the games I played, with some info on what happened.

Danger in the Hollow Earth! Part 1
Fri 7:00PM to 11:30PM (4.5 hrs)
Presented by Eric Aldrich
Hollow Earth Expedition published by Exile Game Studio

Description: This year the Blue Dragons do the pulps! Join us for an action packed 2 sessions of role playing. It’s 1936 and your team needs to beat the opposition to a key artifact in the Hollow Earth. This years Game Masters are Eric Aldrich, Jason Alexander, Mike Brislawn, Tim Brown, Garry Corbin, and Bob Zenger. We are cutting back slightly in the number of players we are running in the hopes of working in more individual “crunchy bits”.

This was my first game of the Dragonflight convention. Bob also signed up for this game and ended up in the same group. We started with some background and picking some characters. This part of the game was a sample game to get a feel for the system. One note on the system, it does use 3 different set of special d8 dice that use a bell curve for dice (d1, d2 and d3). The sample game ended with the group be Rapter food. Next we switched tables and picked more permanent character and customised the characters a little. The proceeded at a good pace and went a little late, but we got to the stopping point for the night.

Atlantis Under the Seas
Sat 9:00AM to 1:30PM(4.5 hrs)
Presented by Sophie Lagace
Seven Leagues published by Malcontent Games

Description: Deep under the waves, the lost Kingdom of Atlantis lives on. But the shadow of Leviathan, Emperor of the Abyss, is stretching over all the undersea kingdoms and his dark minions are at Atlantis' fabled walls. Will you be the ones to save the Kingdom? Play a knight of Atlantis, mermaid, siren, triton or nereid, or any suitable fairytale character of your choice is this very streamlined, story-oriented system.

This system is a story driven game and does use a d12 dice for some out comes in the story. I ended up picking out a cute fish type character and found out out mission for the game was to fine the Queen and find out a way to defeat the main villain. We started out with just 2 players and 3 other people showed up a little later, for good game with the right number of players. The game ended with us saving the Queen and defeating the villain. Also nice was that they had prizes of the game system. I got the print version and a PDF version of the game book.

Danger in the Hollow Earth! Part 2
Sat 2:00PM to 6:30PM(4.5 hrs)
Presented by Eric Aldrich
Hollow Earth Expedition published by Exile Game Studio

Description: (see above) Continued from the game the night before.

We started with out with our group of 5 players at a new table and GM from the game last night. Our group continued on our quest meet a bigwig, that might have killed us, if we did not make a deal to get ride of a ironclad that was being a problem to him. To get rid of the ironclad, we got rid of the crew and then used it to get a submarine. The submarine was near were we need to be for our group objective. As we found out later, it was was the objective area of the other groups. There was a large battle going on. To not wanting to be left out, mine and Bob's character (plus some NPCs) used the cannons from the ironclad to blow some things up. Battle ended, we won (our groups did). Our leaders talked and came to a agreement. At the game end we got to keep the dice give out durring the game and got a limited edition "5 Style Point" poker chip.

Stargate: Mictlan
Sat 7:00PM to 11:30PM(4.5 hrs)
Presented by Tim Brown
Savage Worlds published by Great White Games

Description: Our heroes are still unable to return to Earth, but they are making progress against the goa'uld/wraith in the isolated Mictlan systems. But now the Aztec gods are angry, and the hunt is on!

This was continuing game and picked up from the ConQuest game played 02/18/07. We had a full table with 6 players and 2 alternates for a total of 8 player. The 2 alternates copied two of the character sheets for a full table. I picked my character on the name and ended being the leader for our group. I do some time stray from the main or lead character in a large group game. It did not turn out too bad at all. Most of the time I made suggestions and lead our group. A lower rank goa'uld made a offer to strike a meeting of other goa'ulds. We came up with a few suggestions, one was that use a large cats (a puma) as a gift for the meeting. A joke, I think I came up with, was to rig the pumas to explode. Exploding pumas was running a through out the game. We did not use the rig the pumas, we did rig the two cases. First to open and have the cats get out. Next to trigger the smoke bombs to cause confusion. At that point, guns are grabbed and reinforcements come through the gate and attack the enemy. After the battle we got a notice to meet with the main bad goa'ulds. We made a deal with devil in order to get our SG team home.

Kill Puppies for Satan!!!
Sat Midnight to 2:00AM (2.0 hrs)
Presented by Peter Darley
Kill Puppies for Satan published by Lumpley Games

Description: Let out your foul-mouthed inner cretin and explore how much fun it is to collect minuscule cosmic power by wanton slaughter of big eyed puppies / bunnies / kittens / dolphins / whatever for your dark master!

The presenter was a player in the Atlantis Under the Seas game. I had heard a few thing about the system. This game is a adult themed game with the language and the animal killing. I took it a chance to play different type game. The game started at midnight and there were 4 players. We created our character in a few steps and did a round take to get some history of our character and to get a common character that we were going to a party to. It ended up be a rescue party. Sorry to say that some cats and other animals were harmed durring the the game. A odd game that needed to played late at night with not much sleep.

That it for me, I took Sunday off to get some rest do some other things.

See some pictures here.

The Panels I Got To.

To start out the convention floor was open from 10 am to 7 pm. The early panels I did not get to and the late panels near or after were too late for me. By 7 pm I had been on my feet for the good part of the day.

On Thursday I made it to my first panel at 11 am for DVD Sneak Peak 2007, which had some good info. Next was Stan Lee: True Believer at 1:45 pm which showed some clips of his upcoming DVD. I left before the end of the panel to head over the the BBC America: Torchwood panel. People were already in the room and there was a long line. I went to the end of the line. It moved slowly. It got to the point were the room was maxed out. So I left sadly, to roam the convention floor.

On Friday my first panel was at 12:15 pm for Stargate SG-1: The Movie, which was fun. I got a good seat around the middle of the room. The next panel was 1:30 pm in the same room, so I stayed put for the Stargate Atlantis with some new cast members. After the two panels the cast was signing posters, which I got (yea!). My next panel was Eureka at 4:45 pm which had most of the cast. Next was the Babylon 5: The lost Tales panel at 6 pm in the same room. They game out some free B5 swag. This was a full day. I went back to the room after the panel for some needed rest.

On Saturday my first panel of the day was the Simpsons panel at 10:45 pm, which I went with Rich. I had planed to go to the Heroes and the Futurama panel, but they filled up fast. I did not get a seat. So I went to roam the convention floor. I headed back to the room early, due to not feeling too good. My two hotel roommates I came down with had a cold (or something). Saturday is a big day for the con and next year I need to plan ahead for any major panels on this day.

On Sunday I did not go to any panels, I just went around the convention floor.

This is what I did for the panels. The convention floor was huge. I sent a lot of time there. Looking around, getting free stuff, taking pictures and purchased a few items. I also spend some time in the autograph area, getting a autograph (see prev post for what I got) or in line for a drawing for autographs (ie Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis).

My Comic Con pictures.

I am at about the half way mark of going thru my con pictures and posting them on my Flickr account. Be sure to check back for more picture posting.

The autographs I got.

During this first year of Comic Con I got a number of autographs I planed on and a few I had not planed on.

At the For Stan Lee there was limited signing. On the day of (Thursday), I stood in line six time (luckily the line was not that long) till I got a winning ticket. The appointed time came, I went up to the Sails Pavilion and looked for the line. I found that the signing was canceled. I later found out for some reason, Stan Lee's handlers canceled the signing for some reason. I was bumbed and a little pissed off.

Below are a list of people I did get a autograph from and some info.

Stars

• Gigi Edgley, David Franklin, Lani Tupu and Virginia Hay from Farscape.
• Claudia Christian from Babylon 5
• Patricia Tallman from Babylon 5
• J. Michael Strsczynski from Babylon 5
• Garrett Wang from Star Trek: Voyager (was at the Lightspeed booth for a cost)
• Teryl Rothery from Stargate: SG-1 (was at the Lightspeed booth for a cost)
  
• Sanctuary Cast - Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood, Robin Dunne and Damian Kindler (I think) // I was next to the Lightspeed both getting a few cast pictures, was given a pass for a Sanctuary Cast signing on Saturday. All you had to do was show up, they supplied the picture and the autographs (all free of charge).
  
• Stargate: SG-1 Cast - Ben Browder (Cameron Mitchell), Christopher Judge (Teal'c), Robert Cooper (executive producer/writer) and Martin Wood (Director/Supervising Producer) // Stood in line with some friends to get tickets. The cast ended up signing posters they had (for no cost at all).
  
• Stargate: Atlantis Cast - Martin Wood (Director/Supervising Producer), Amanda Tapping (Samantha Carter), Joe Flanigan (John Sheppard), David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay) and Jewel Staite (Dr. Jennifer Keller) // Stood in line with some friends to get tickets. The cast ended up signing posters they had (for no cost at all).

Artists

• Brian Denham, artist from Iron Man: Hypervelocity (on print of comic cover)
• Lim Ri Kai, artist from the DC VS System (on autograph card)
• Kendrick Lim, artist from Marvel VS System (on autograph card)
• Alex Horley Orlandelli, artist from World of Warcraft TCG (on autograph on CCG box insert)
• Zoltan & Gabor, artists from World of Warcraft TCG (on autograph on CCG box insert)
• David Finch, artist from Marvel Heroclix: Avengers, box art (print, 401 of 500)

I will add some links to the picture(s) once I have them posted on my Flickr account.

The Stargate SG-1 Panel

Bit by bit, I have been able to go thru the 500 plus pictures I have taken. They have been sorted and bit by bit the pictures are being uploaded to Flickr. I found a YouTube video of Christopher Judge trying to call Michael Shanks on a cell. Below is the YouTube video is below along with some pictures of the same Stargate SG-1 Panel.



Shanks Phone Call-Comic Con 2007



Link to the San Diego Comic Con 2007 Pictures.

The flight back home.

Before I comment on the Comic-Con (on another post), I going to post what happened on Sunday. We took our time in the morning, hit the con floor for our final rounds and plan to meet up at 2:30 pm at the bus to head back to the hotel. With over a hour left I get a call from Rich about our trip back has been moved up. We rush out of there and get to the airport to find it was JP's schedule that has been changed and not mine or Rich. We have some waiting to do. Our first trip to Salt Lake City goes fine, we get there at about 9:00 pm MST. Its the second trip to Seattle that has been delayed and pushed back. After some changes, it gets pushed back to 1:40 am MST. It would not be so back, with a book to read or my PSP to play. But I had picked up a bug from Rich or JP and I felt like crap and did not feel like doing anything. The plane left some time after 2:00 am MST and got to Seattle 3:00 am PST. My dad picked me and Rick up, droped him off at his house, then drove Rich home and then got myself home at about 4:40 am PST. Droped everything on the ground and crashed out till past noon time. That day mostly sucked.

The autographs I hope to get. (Update)

The listing for the Autographs just came up the other day for the 2007 San Diego Comic Con. I am listing the autographs I am (if possable) trying to get.

Updated the prev post and added a few other items.

Limited Signings

Stan Lee
Drawing for a line ticket at 10:00 AM Thursday
Thursday AA2 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Stargate: Atlantis
Depending on availability - Robert Cooper; David Hewlett; Joe Mallozzi; Amanda Tapping; Marin Wood
Drawing for line tickets at 9:00 AM Friday
Friday AA6 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

* I have a photo I took (6 x 8) of Amanda Tapping at a Sci-Fi Con back in 2004 I am hoping to get signed.
* I have a cast picture of Atlantis, I hope to get (in the mail soon) and have David Hewlett (Rodney McKay) sign it.

Stargate: SG1
Depending on availability - Ben Browder; Robert Cooper; Chris Judge; Joe Mallozzi; Michael Shanks; Amanda Tapping; Martin Wood
Drawing for line tickets at 9:00 AM Friday
Friday AA6 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

* I have a old cast photo (~2001) of the Stargate SG1 cast with a autographs already, will try to get it signed by Chris Judge and Michael Shanks.
* I have a photo I took (6 x 8) of Amanda Tapping at a Sci-Fi Con back in 2004 I am hoping to get signed.
* I have a Farscape picture of Ben Browder that I will try to get signed.

Group Signings

Farscape
Gigi Edgley, David Franklin, Lani Tupu, Virginia Hey
Friday AA7 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday AA11 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

* I have some single pictures I am looking to get signed.

Who Wants To Be a Superhero
Matthew Atherton (Feedback), Alison Wilson (Fat Momma), Chris Watters (Major Victory)
Thursday AA8 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday AA10 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday AA8 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday AA4 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

(If I have some time, I will get the Feedback comic I have, signed.)

Individual Signings

Katey Sagal, actor (Futurama, Married With Children)
Friday AA8 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday AA10 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

* I have a Futurama Comic #1 that I am looking to get signed.

J. Michael Straczynski, writer/creator (Babylon 5, Amazing Spider-Man)
Thursday AA5 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Sunday AA5 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

* I have a mini Babylon 5 art poster from Lightspeed, I am hoping to get signed.

Patricia Tallman, actor/stuntwoman (American Scary, Babylon 5)
Thursday AA24 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday AA16 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday AA16 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

* Lyta Alexander on Babylon 5

* I have a mini Babylon 5 art poster from Lightspeed, I am hoping to get signed.

Claudia Christian, actor (Babylon 5, Highlander)
Saturday AA19 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

* Susan Ivanova on Babylon 5

* I have a photo I took (6 x 8) of Claudia at a Sci-Fi Con back in 1998 I am hoping to get signed.

Lightspeed (booth 3745)
Not sure that the below actors are signing autographs at the booth, the web page did not make it clear. I plan on bring my pictures, just in case.

Garrett Wang (Star Trek: Voyager as Ensign Harry Kim)
Sunday, July 29th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

* I have a old cast photo (~2001) of the Voyager cast with a few autographs already, will try to get it signed.

Levar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation as Geordi La Forge)
Friday, July 27th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 28th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

* I have a old cast photo (~1993) of the The Next Generation cast, will try to get it signed.

Cirroc Lofton (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Jake Sisko)
Sunday, July 29th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

* I have a old cast photo (~1992) of the DS9 cast with a few autographs already, will try to get it signed.

Teryl Rothery (Stargate SG-1 as Dr. Janet Fraiser)
Friday, July 27th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 28th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 29th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

* I have a old cast photo (~2001) of the Stargate SG1 cast with a autographs already, will try to get it signed.

Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation as Deanna Troi)
Thursday, July 26th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday, July 27th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, July 28th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

* I have a old cast photo (~1993) of the The Next Generation cast, will try to get it signed.

San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives

With a search I found a check list for the San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives.

It lists toys and other items only available at the Comic-Con.

To get the new Harry Potter book.

I registered a few weeks ago. Tonight at about 8:30 pm I went over to the book to get a number. I was in the D group, which was not too bad. Each group had 50 people to it. I would be between 151 to 200. I got something to eat and went back home. I got back to the bookstore about 11:40 pm to get lined up. They called for the D group some time around 12:10 am. The line round about half way around the store. the wait was not bad at all (had my PSP with me). I had the book in hand and paid for at 12:35 am.

Now to read it.

What should I go to? (Part 2)

The schedule is online for the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. Below are some of the events I plan on going to. Today I will review Saturday and Sunday for what looks good and will mark the ones in red I will try not miss. I plan on taking a good number of pictures and will post them to my Flickr account.

Saturday

10:00-11:15 Bionic Woman: Exclusive Pilot Screening and Q&A—Be one of the first to see this special version of the Bionic Woman pilot and participate in a Q&A panel session with series star and newcomer Michelle Ryan (EastEnders); executive producers David EickBattlestar Galactica), Glen Morgan (The X-Files), and Jason Smilovic (Lucky Number Slevin); co-stars Miguel Ferrer (Crossing Jordan) and Will Yun Lee (Witchblade); as well as a special guest appearance by Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), who portrays Sarah Corvis, and more. When a devastating car accident leaves Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan) at death's door, her only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence and a debt to repay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. It's Jaime's journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman. Ballroom 20

(might miss some of the below event)

10:45-12:00 The Simpsons–Having just aired its 400th episode, The Simpsons has now released its first feature film. Join members of the team responsible for both and find out how they did it, including Matt Groening (creator and executive producer), Al Jean (executive producer/head writer), David Mirkin (former executive producer), Matt Selman (executive producer), Michael Price (co-executive producer), David Silverman (director of The Simpsons Movie), Matt Warburton (supervising producer), Don Payne (consulting producer), and Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson). Moderated by Bill Morrison. Hall H

12:45-2:00 Heroes: Exclusive Volume II Clip and Q&A—Heroes chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. Be the first to see an exclusive clip from Volume II and learn more about the DVD Heroes 360 and more. Participate in a Q&A session moderated by co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb, with creator Tim Kring, comic book artist Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween), and the entire cast—Jack Coleman (H.R.G.), Noah Gray-Cabey (Micah Sanders), Greg GrunbergAli Larter (Niki Sanders), James Kyson Lee (Ando), Masi Oka (HiroNakamura), Hayden Panettiere (Claire Bennet), Adrian Pasdar (Nathan Petrelli), Zachary Quinto (Sylar), Sendhil Ramamurthy (Mohinder Suresh), Dania RamirezMilo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli), and more. Ballroom 20

(The below event overlaps with the above, will try to catch most of Family Guy event, if possable.)

1:30-2:30 Family Guy—Back by popular demand, join creator/star Seth MacFarlane, showrunner/executive producer David A. Goodman and the creative team behind Fox’s number-one comedy Family Guy for an uproarious and uncensored hour of laughs and Q&A. Rumor has it they’ll even preview what is destined to become a Family Guy classic—this year’s season premiere episode, which retells the Star Wars story with the Griffins and their fellow residents of Quahog, Rhode Island, cast in the iconic roles of the legendary film. Stewie as Darth Vader? Victory shall be his! Room 6CDEF

(again, the below event overlaps with the above a little)

2:15-4:00 Disney—Disney and Disney•Pixar showcase two upcoming films with this exclusive Comic-Con presentation!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian—Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present never-before-seen footage and a Q&A panel with the filmmakers of the second installment of the epic fantasy adventure series! Be sure to collect the exclusive Prince Caspian Comic-Con poster, designed by fans on Narnia.com, and selected by director Andrew Adamson!

WALL•E—From Academy Award–winning director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), WALL•EAndrew Stanton and sound designer Ben Burtt (Star Wars) as they present a first look at Disney·Pixar’s next animated adventure! Hall H is the story of one robot's comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy. Meet director

(Again some overlaping, will try to catch the Futurama event below in full, will leave the above early.)

3:30-4:30 Futurama—Matt Groening is proud to announce the long-awaited return of the animated sci-fi comedy classic Futurama! Matt and executive producer David X. Cohen will be on the dais, accompanied by writer Ken Keeler, animation directors Peter Avanzino and Dwayne Carey-Hill, and for the first time together on stage in any universe, actors Billy West (Fry), Katey Sagal (Leela), John DiMaggio (Bender), and Maurice LaMarche (Kif Kroker)! The cast and crew will entertain your questions and present a sneak peek at Bender’s Big Score! in glorious wide-screen format! Moderated by Bill Morrison. Ballroom 20

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski—It’s a big summer for popular writer/producer/director J. Michael Straczynski, as his new direct-to-DVD feature Babylon 5: The Lost Tales debuts and he brings back Thor to his rightful place in the Marvel universe. JMS talks about these projects and more, including his upcoming film Changeling for Imagine Entertainment, which is being produced by Ron Howard, starring Angelina Jolie, and directed by Clint Eastwood. And then there’s World War Z, and Goliath: The Story of David and that Silver Surfer movie, too . . . Room 6B

A possible option . . . . .

9:00-11:30 Buffy the Vampire Slayer 10th Anniversary Screening—Celebrate the 10thBuffy the Vampire Slayer with a screening of two Buffy episodes, including the musical episode, “Once More with Feeling,” presented by Whedonopolis.com. There will be free keepsakes for attendees and a few other surprises! Stop by for some music, singing and "dancin' crazy." Room 5AB anniversary of

Sunday

11:45-12:30 SCI FI Tin Man: Story Time—This December, SCI FI will boldly re-imagine L. Frank Baum’s children’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. A sometimes psychedelic, often twisted and always outrageous take on the book, SCI FI’s Tin Man is the epic tale of DG (Zooey Deschanel), a young woman plucked from her humdrum life and thrust into The Outer Zone (the O.Z.), a fantastical realm rife with wonder, but oppressed by dark magic. In the adventure of a lifetime, DG discovers her true identity, battles evil winged-monkey-bats, and attempts to fulfill her destiny. Celebrate Kid's Day at Comic Con by joining Kathleen Robertson, who plays the evil sorceress Azkadellia, in a reading that pays tribute to L. Frank Baum’s original classic and catch a sneak peak of the upcoming miniseries coming to SCI FI this December. Room 1AB

2:30-3:30 SCI FI: Flash Gordon—Placing a 21st-century spin on a science fiction classic, SCI FI’s contemporized version of Flash Gordon follows the all-new adventures of Flash (Eric Johnson) and his companions, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov. Ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, they find themselves as Earth’s last line of defense against the forces of the merciless dictator Ming. Panelists include Eric Johnson (Flash), Gina HoldenPeter Hume (executive producer), and Mark Stern (executive VP, original programming, SCI FI). (Dale), Room 6CDEF

(Will try to make the above event with getting packed and head to the airport for the trip home.)

What should I go to? (Part 1)

The schedule is online for the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. Below are some of the events I plan on going to. Today I will review Thursday and Friday for what looks good and will mark the ones in red I will try not miss. I plan on taking a good number of pictures and will post them to my Flickr account.

Thursday

10:30-11:00 U.S. Postal Service Marvel Super Hero Stamps—U.S. Postal Service issues Marvel Super Heroes commemorative postage stamps. Please join Mickey D. Barnett,Room 6A

11:00-12:00 DVD Sneak Peak 2007—Bill Hunt and Todd Doogan of The Digital Bits.com, along with DVD producers Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner: The Final Cut; Twin Peaks: The Complete Series), Robert Meyer Burnett (Shoot 'Em Up, Valkyrie), and Javier SotoHellboy 2), offer exclusive sneak peeks of great upcoming DVD and high-def special editions in the works for release later this year. Exclusive footage from Blade Runner and Twin Peaks will be shown. Q&A will follow if time permits. Room 5AB

1:45-2:45 Stan Lee: True Believer—Featuring the new documentary currently being produced that looks at Stan Lee's Marvel-ous life both then and now. The film explores Stan's broad influence on modern pop culture and will try to discover the secret to Stan's youthful energy! Join Stan Lee, Chairman Emeritus Marvel Comics, and Chief Creative Officer/Chairman POW! Ent., along with Paul Levitz, President, DC Comics, Tom DeSanto, producer (X-Men, Transformers), legendary Marvel Comics artist Dick Ayers, and Michael Uslan, executive producer (Batman, The Spirit, The Shadow). Room 6CDEF

(for the above event I will catch a part of it and head to the Torchwood event)

2:15-3:15 BBC America: Torchwood—Writer Russell T Davies has created a spectacular spin-off TV series from Doctor Who with Torchwood, about a rogue team of investigators who use scavenged alien technology to solve present-day crime - both alien and human. Catch a preview of the new series and a panel discussion with lead writer Chris Chibnall; series writer Noel Clarke, who also plays Mickey Smith in Doctor Who; and Matt O'Toole, prosthetics supervisor, Doctor Who/Torchwood (Millennium FX). Moderated by TV Guide’s West Coast Bureau Chief Craig Tomashoff moderates. Room 6A

5:00-6:00 Cartoon Network Sneak Peek—Your first chance to catch a behind-the-scenes look at Cartoon Network’s newest project. Believe me, it’s going to me MASSIVE. Room 3

8:30-10:30 World Premiere! Superman Doomsday—Superman is dead—or is he? All will be revealed at Comic-Con’s world premiere of DC Comics, Warner Bros. Home Video, and Warner Bros. Animation’s Superman Doomsday. It’s the highly anticipated first DC Universe made-for-DVD release presented by Warner Premiere and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Inspired by the best-selling graphic novel of all time, Superman Doomsday is an epic tale of heroism and tragedy, sacrifice and redemption. The film is rated PG-13 for action violence. The voice cast is led by Adam Baldwin (Serenity, Chuck) as Superman, Anne Heche (Men in Trees) as Lois Lane, and James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Lex Luthor. DC Comics’ Gregory Novek will moderate the post-premiere panel that includes executive producer/director/writer Bruce Timm (Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Animated Series), directors Brandon Vietti (Legion of Super Heroes) and Lauren MontgomeryLegion of Super Heroes), writer Duane Capizzi (The Batman), and, quite possibly, members of the voice cast. And stay ’til the end—there might just be a glimpse of future DC Universe films. Ballroom 20

Friday

10:30-11:30 The Art of Adapting Comics to the Screen—As the cinematic renaissance of comic book–based films continues, here's your chance to learn what it takes to adapt these dream projects to the screen. Moderator Jeff Goldsmith (senior editor, Creative Screenwriting magazine) hosts a panel featuring Stan Lee (Fantastic Four), Don PayneFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), Mark Fergus (co-writer, Iron Man), Kevin Feige (president of production, Marvel Studios), and Mark Verheiden (Teen Titans). Room 6A

12:15-1:15 Stargate SG-1: The Movie—It’s been barely a month since television’s longest-running sci-fi series aired its final episode, yet the SG-1 team is already embarking on a perilous new mission—to recover the Ark of Truth with the hopes that the power locked inside the ancient artifact will loosen the grip of the Ori army on our galaxy. Never-before-seen footage from the new direct-to-video movie (from Fox Home Entertainment) will be followed by a Q&A session. Participants include SG-1 stars Ben Browder (as Cameron Mitchell), Amanda Tapping (as Samantha Carter), Michael Shanks (as Daniel Jackson), Christopher JudgeRobert Cooper. Ballroom 20

1:15-2:15 Stargate Atlantis—The Stargate legacy continues to burn bright on SCI FI with the fourth original season of Atlantis. Amanda Tapping, one of the most beloved stars in the Stargate universe, travels to the Pegasus galaxy to join the Atlantis cast by reprising her role as television’s favorite astrophysicist, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter. Taking the torch from SG-1 as television’s most thrilling adventure series, Atlantis promises to up the ante this season by introducing a powerful new race, welcoming new cast members, and mourning the loss of some beloved friends. On hand in addition to Tapping will be David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay), Joe Mallozzi (executive producer/writer), Nora O’Brien (VP, original programming, SCI FI), Charlie Cohen (senior executive VP, MGM Studios), and Robert Cooper, executive producer/writer. Moderated by Gary Jones (Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman, Stargate SG-1). Ballroom 20

3:15-4:45 Warner Bros. Home Video: 300 and Blade Runner Final Cut—First up, 300Frank Miller, director Zack Snyder, stars including Lena Headey and David Wenham, producers Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari, and other special guests are on hand to discuss the groundbreaking film and its highly anticipated July 31 DVD release. Be the first to see a clip not included in the theatrical release! Then it’s the 25th Anniversary Blade Runner "Final Cut.” Director Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Hannibal) has created a new, definitive version of this landmark film, with scenes and special effects that have never been shown before. Catch this first preview of the new version by the legendary director of the final, authoritative. and best presentation of one of the most acclaimed science fiction films of the 20th century. This presentation will feature unseen clips from the new cut as well as a look behind the scenes that will be featured on the upcoming DVD box set. The panel includes Ridley Scott, Sean Young, Joanna Cassidy, Joe Turkel, James Hong, Syd Mead (designer/futurist), Mark Stetson (FX), and DVD producer Charles de Lauzirika. Hall H

4:45-5:45 Eureka—A small town with even bigger big secrets this season, Eureka is a community of geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research. What they've unwittingly created is a place where anything imaginable can happen . . . and does. Eureka started off with a bang and remained a must-see dramedy on SCI FI. The season 1 series premiere holds the distinction of being the highest-rated series telecast in SCI FI Channel history. See what all the buzz is about and get a sneak peak at the season ahead! Panelists include Colin Ferguson (Jack Carter), Salli Richardson (Allison Blake), Ed Quinn (Nathan Stark), Joe Morton (Henry Deacon), Jaime Paglia (co-creator and executive producer), and Tony Optican (VP, original programming, SCI FI). Room 6CDEF

6:00-7:00 Babylon 5: The Lost Tales—Created by J. Michael Straczynski in 1993, Babylon 5 became an sf cult fan favorite and a top rated show. Now in 2007, you are being taken to 2271 A.D. for Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, a made-for-video movie. See footage from the movie, with a panel to follow. Panelists include writer/director/executive producer J. Michael StraczynskiBruce Boxleitner (President John Sheridan), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley), and Peter Woodward (Galen) as well as executive producer Douglas Netter and producer Samm Barnes. Room 6CDEF

7:15-9:00 Doctor Strange World Premiere Screening and Panel—Lionsgate and Marvel Studios present the world premiere of the newest Marvel Animated Feature, Doctor Strange, with a film screening and Q&A panel featuring Marvel’s senior VP of creative development animation Craig Kyle, plus members of the cast and production team. (co-writer, (as Teal’c) and executive producer/director creator and members from the original cast, including Room 6CDEF

A hot day.

As I left work today it was around 100 degrees. I had a dental appointment to redo a filling and patch a spot on a front tooth. I took the back way to make good time into Seattle. I got off the highway and made a right at the light. I checked the rear mirror and saw what looked like my parents car. It was. What are the odds of running into my dad when I had not informed them of my appointment. The dental appointment was not too bad. The temp while in the dental chair climbed as the tooth fix continued. The patch on the front tooth was really sensitive and took 3 shots to numb it down and it still hurt somewhat. The doctor continued and cleaned up the edges and got it done. My front lip was numb for the rest of the day.

The 3000th View on Flickr

It has been close the last few day. I checked my Flickr pictures today and found that they have had over 3000 views.

Peek at the schedule for the Comic Con

A sneek peek of the Comic Con is available at their web site. I will add (below) a few item I plan on going to below (from what they show on the site).

A Peek at Thursday, July 26.

1:30-3:30 Paramount Pictures—Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a bold new vision for the future of adventure. Join us for a one-of-a-kind presentation put together just for the fans at Comic-Con as we look at such highly-anticipated films as Beowulf, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Stardust, Hot Rod, Iron Man, and the next installments of Indiana Jones and Star Trek, plus a few surprises. Appearing in person: JJ Abrams, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Neil Gaiman, Roger Avary and SNL's Andy Samberg. Hall H

Heath: Should be some good info.

2:15-3:15 BBC America: Torchwood—Writer Russell T. Davies (Doctor Who) has created a spectacular spin-off TV series from Doctor Who with Torchwood, about a rogue team of investigators who use scavenged alien technology to solve present day crime—both alien and human. Catch an extended clip of the new series and a panel discussion with actors John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness); Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper); series writer Chris Chibnall; and executive producer Julie Gardner. TV Guide’s West Coast Bureau Chief Craig Tomashoff moderates. Room 6A

Heath: Love Doctor Who. Seen Season 1 to 2 and the 3rd season is out on the Sci-Fi Channel curently. Seen most of the Torchwood shows and would be good to see the show stars and writer.

6:00-7:00 100 Manga Magazines in 60 Minutes—In Japan, manga is published in massive weekly, biweekly and monthly manga magazines, which fit every imaginable category: shojo to shonen, science fiction to horror, moe to yaoi, children's to adult. Join Jason Thompson (Manga: The Complete Guide) on a visual tour of the manga world, its industry secrets and future trends! Room 4

Heath: Should be some good info.

8:30-10:30 World Premiere! Superman Doomsday—Superman is dead? Or is he? All will be revealed at Comic-Con’s world premiere of DC Comics, Warner Bros. Home Video, and Warner Bros. Animation’s Superman Doomsday. It’s the highly anticipated first DC Universe made-for-DVD release presented by Warner Premiere and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Inspired by the best-selling graphic novel of all time, Superman Doomsday is the epic tale of heroism and tragedy, sacrifice and redemption. The film is rated PG-13 for action violence. The film stars Adam Baldwin (Serenity, Chuck) as Superman, Anne Heche (Men in Trees) as Lois Lane, and James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Lex Luthor. DC Comics’ Gregory Novek will moderate the post-premiere panel of executive producer/director/writer Bruce Timm (Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Animated Series); directors Brandon Vietti (Legion of Super Heroes) and Lauren Montgomery (Legion of Super Heroes); writer Duane Capizzi (The Batman) and, quite possibly, members of the voice cast. And stay ‘til the end—there might just be a glimpse of future DC Universe films. Ballroom 20

Heath: Watch the DVD before it is released. Looks to be good.

A Peek at Friday, July 27.

1:15-2:15 Stargate Atlantis—The Stargate legacy continues to burn bright on SCI FI with the fourth original season of Atlantis. Amanda Tapping, one of the most beloved stars in the Stargate universe, travels to the Pegasus galaxy to join the Atlantis cast by reprising her role as television’s favorite astrophysicist, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter. Taking the torch from SG-1 as television’s most thrilling adventure series, Atlantis promises to up the ante this season by introducing a powerful new race, welcoming new cast members and mourning the loss of some beloved friends. Featuring panelists Amanda Tapping, (Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter); David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay); Joe Mallozzi, executive producer/writer; Nora O’Brien, VP, original programming, SCI FI; Charlie Cohen, senior executive VP, MGM Studios; and Robert Cooper, executive producer/writer. Moderated by Gary Jones (Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman, Stargate SG-1). Ballroom 20

Heath: One of my favorite current Sci-Fi shows.

6:00-7:00 Babylon 5: The Lost Tales—Created by J. Michael Straczynski in 1993, Babylon 5 became an sf cult fan favorite and a top rated show. Now in 2007, you are being taken to 2271 A.D. for Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, a made-for-video movie. See footage from the movie with a panel to follow. Panelists include writer/director/executive producer J. Michael Straczynski, and members from the original cast including Bruce Boxleitner (President John Sheridan), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley) and Peter Woodward (Galen) as well as executive producer Douglas Netter and producer Samm Barnes. Room 6CDEF

Heath: One of my favorite finished Sci-Fi shows.

7:15-9:00 Doctor Strange World Premiere Screening and Panel—Lionsgate and Marvel Studios present the world premiere of the newest Marvel Animated Feature, Doctor Strange with a film screening and Q&A panel featuring Marvel’s senior VP of creative development animation, Craig Kyle, plus members of the cast and production team. Room 6CDEF

Heath: Watch the DVD before it is released. Looks to be good.

A Peek at Saturday, July 28.

10:45-12:00 The Simpsons–Having just aired its 400th episode, The Simpsons has now released its first feature film. Join members of the team responsible for both and find out how they did it, including Matt Groening (creator and executive producer); Al Jean, executive producer/head writer); David Mirkin (former executive producer); Matt Selman (executive producer); Michael Price (co-executive producer); David Silverman (director of The Simpsons Movie); Matt Warburton (supervising producer); Don Payne (consulting producer); and Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson). Moderated by Bill Morrison. Hall H

Heath: Should be some good info.

12:45-2:00 Heroes: Exclusive Volume II Clip and Q&A—Heroes chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. Be the first to see an exclusive clip from Volume II and learn more about the DVD, Heroes 360 and more. Moderated by co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb, participate in a Q&A session with creator Tim Kring; comic book artist Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween); and the entire cast—Jack Coleman (H.R.G.); Noah Gray-Cabey (Micah Sanders); Greg Grunberg (Matt Parkman); Ali Larter (Niki Sanders); James Kyson Lee (Ando); Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura); Hayden Panettiere (Claire Bennet); Adrian Pasdar (Nathan Petrelli); Zachary Quinto (Sylar); Sendhil Ramamurthy (Mohinder Suresh); Dania Ramirez (Maya); Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli); and more. Ballroom 20

Heath: One of my current TV shows.

4:45-5:45 Dark Horse Presents: Joss Whedon—With the hugely successful release of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 for Dark Horse Comics, Joss Whedon (Fray, Astonishing X-Men) talks about picking up where the TV series left off, his other projects as well as future plans and possibly even a few surprises. A sneak peek from the upcoming Serenity—Collector's Edition DVD will be shown. Ballroom 20

Heath: Should be some good info.

A Peek at Sunday, July 29

1:30-3:00 Cover Story: Art of the Cover— They lied. You really can tell a book by its cover, and Mark Evanier is going to talk to some of the best cover artists in the comics biz about it. Join Mark along with fellow Comic-Con special guests Adam Hughes (Catwoman, Wonder Woman); Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn); Joe Jusko (Tomb Raider, Marvel Masterpieces); Rowena (renowned fantasy cover illustrator); Matt Wagner (Grendel, Batman); J. H. Williams (Promethea), and others as they tell their own cover stories. Room 1AB

Heath: Should be some good info.

Flip your text / ʇxǝʇ ɹnoʎ dılɟ

Found on dig, a link to a web page that will flip any text typed into it, like sıɥʇ.

LINK

Simpsons in Seattle

Out of a small number of store, a local 7-Eleven store in my area (Seattle), has been converted into a Kwik-e-Mart.

Pictures: Flickr Search for Seattle area
Story: 7-Elevens transform in 'Simpsons' promotion

Check out (and click on for a larger picture)

Checked out the local 7-11 to see any Simpson changes.
One was the change from Slurpee to Squishee brand.
Tried the special flavor of Blue 'Woo Hoo!' Vanilla. Which was good.

Went to see the Transformer movie the other day and they had
this 3D stand up of the Simpson characters.
This is a picture of me taken by a friend.

Some Comic-Con info I found out.

22 days till the convention.

1. There will be a FedEx or UPS (not sure at this time) in the convention center. Big items or some posters you don't want tote back home. Just send them back home.
2. Pack with one carry on, unpack at the hotel and have a empty bag for the convention.

My new DVR.

Some differences I have noticed with my new DVR built in to my cable box from my old TiVo.

• Search function is about the same.
• The TiVo will store 30 min of live TV and will erase the time from the end, keeping a full 30 min. With the DVR on normal cable, it will keep 15 min. After 15 min it will erase the 15 min and start over again.
• With the TiVo, you can set a search for a name and if it found it a show description, it would record the show automatically.
• The guide on the TiVo would have about 2 - 3 weeks available. The DVR has about 1 week (so far, looks it may still be downloading).
• With the DVR, no phone jack is required. The guide come from the cable.
• With the DVR, when you delete a show, it is gone. With a software update a while back, the TiVo would place the deleted show in a trash folder and when needed delete the show.
• With the DVR it does show the percent of space you have left. (Something I like.)
  

I like my TiVo system, but it bit the dust and stop working (see prev post) and I did not want to spend any more money than I needed for a replacement. The unit I got from my cable company is about $12.00 per month (and no equipment to purchase) and the TiVo had a monthly cost for the guide of about $15.00 per month (and the equipment has to be purchased).

TiVo makes a good system and is included Direct TV systems (I think), which I do not have. I did not want to fork out any more money than a I had. At this point I am saving money.

My TiVo is dead.

This last Tuursday I came home, did a few thing on the computer. I sat down and turned on the tv, it had a black screen. I tried the TiVo remote, nothing happened. So I reset the unit (I unpluged it). It came back with "Welcome. Powering up...".

I gave it some time it did not change. I reset it again and went to bed. I got up and went to work. I checked on it again when I got home. The same screen. It was dead. There was no warning sign for this problem. With what I had save on the TiVo unit were only a few odds and end I was saving for later, which I will try to catch up on later.
Any fix would cost money. So I check up on some info on the Comcast web site on their DVRs. It was not much more than the cost of the TiVo monthly cost and there is no cost for the equipment. It also saved some space, down from 2 unit to 1 combo unit. One thing I will miss is the TiVo remote. It had a great layout.

The name of your boat?

On the way to lunch with the parents this last Sunday I saw a boat being towed on the freeway. The name caught my eye more than any thing else. The was in a nice large font. The name was "Bite Me".
I can hear the conversation. "So you got a new boat. Did you get a chance to name it yet? You did. Whats the name. What? So don't tell me then."

Two dungeon games.

While going thru my copy of Newtype USA, I came across 2 games.
Etrian Odyssey and Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground.

Etrian Odyssey (DS) - "Etrian Odyssey is a turn-based role-playing game like any other, but it sports one heck of a mean streak to elevate it above the crowd." With this game you are respondible for the map of the dungeons with the DS touch screen.

Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground (PSP) - "Design a dungeon so that creatures will inhabit it and you can kill them and steal their treasure. "

Hawaiian Potluck

The first day of Summer and we had a Hawaiian style potluck.
That alot of food. Thats was some good eats.

The Two-Hour Star Wars Holiday Special in only Five Minutes!

The Link: The Two-Hour Star Wars Holiday Special in only Five Minutes!

Our HERO game tangents.

Here are some of the off topics that came up durring on HERO RPG game on 6/15/07:

1. HERO Dice
2. Disney owed properties.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. After the credits ran there was a scene that said "10 Years Later" with a last clip.
4. Dragonflight 2007

Size

The Ghost Rider move came out today on DVD and as a promo Best Buy is give away with the DVD the full mini version of the Ghost Rider Visual Guide from DK. I purchased the full size a while back and is pictured for the size. The promo is the full book in a 6 in by 7.5 in size (just about the size of a DVD) with only a few small changes I can see. The promo has no slip cover, the "Ghost Rider" name is not in gold and Best Buy put their logo in the bottom right corner.

The Classic Cash Register

This was in the back of my mom's business, but due some clean up and some rearranging. I was told to take possession of this item. I got help and loaded it into my car and took it back to my apartment.

From what I have been told, the cash register was used by by great grandparents in the store they had. From the label on it, it is from the National Cash Register Co. It is electric and stills runs and with a few buttons pushed and the crank twisted the cash drawer will open.

It is a side project to clean this up, to look a little better. Some of the paint is a little flaky.

(note: there are some marble pieces that set in place right over the cash drawer that I have, but not pictured).

Top 10 Wettest U.S. Cities

My brother sent me a link about the Top 10 Wettest U.S. Cities.

"Do you think Seattle is the rainiest city in the United States? Well, think again."

Living in the Seattle I had to read on.

"Mobile, Alabama, actually topped a new list of soggiest cities, with more than 5 feet of rainfall annually, according to a study conducted by San Francisco-based WeatherBill, Inc."

Check out the full text of the article with the following link:

Study Reveals Top 10 Wettest U.S. Cities

Stonehenge: An Anthology Board Game™

I ran across this game via a podcast from Pulp Gamer (Inside Track 018: Joshua Frost of Paizo Publishing). The game is called Stonehenge.

This info is from the Pulp Gamer site:

Stonehenge is in one box with one set of pieces but with five unique set of rules designed by five game designers. These include an Arthurian showdown by Richard Borg, a monumental fire sale by James Ernest, a druidic election by Bruno Faidutti, a magical convocation by Richard Garfield, and an alien chariot race by Mike Selinker.

Here is the web site of the game with additional info.

One game board and five ways to play, with expansions on the way and all for $50.00.

Our HERO game tangents.

Here are some of the off topics that came up during on HERO RPG game on 5/18/07:

1. Hot Wing and Pizza at Jet City Pizza
2. Justice League Unlimited (Season Two: "Destroyer")
3. Austin Powers quote (from Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery)

Dr. Evil: You know, I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads! Now evidently my cycloptic colleague informs me that that cannot be done. Ah, would you remind me what I pay you people for, honestly? Throw me a bone here! What do we have?
Number Two: Sea Bass.
Dr. Evil: [pause] Right.
Number Two: They're mutated sea bass.
Dr. Evil: Are they ill tempered?
Number Two: Absolutely.
Dr. Evil: Oh well, that's a start.

4. Movies (Next, The Invisible, Shrek the Third)
5. Veronica Mars
6. Some of our work stores.

I got the car back from my parents, no ride to the game needed.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my mother (pictured above) at Mother's Day lunch.

What is in that?

While getting some groceries, I noticed two girls around 11 or 12 years old commenting what the ingredients were in a Pop Tart and not in a good way.

The couch and the car.

Dad delivered a leather couch that matches my favorite lounge chair that someone did not want. We did some switching around of the current couch and transferred it back to my parents place for their use. It does not recline like the prev one, but I like it a lot better.
In the truck transferring my old couch, dad stated there was a problem with my Volvo (they are still borrowing my car waiting for a part for their car in the shop). Last weekend I drove my car while my parents came over the bridge to have lunch and a move, I noticed that the pick up when I accelerated was a little off. Tuesday the car loss acceleration, luckily it was near their house and a repair station. Also luckily the cost was not too much, from what dad said, I did offer to pay for it. But declined, saying it was borrowing my car was less that getting a rental car.

Our HERO game tangents.

Here are some of the off topics that came up durring on HERO RPG game on 5/04/07:

1. D.E.B.S. movie and Cleopatra 2525 TV Show
2. Monty Python's Spamalot
3. Dungeons & Dragons cartoon

Dad still had the car due to car in the shop waiting for a part. I got a ride from Norm to our game and a ride home from Bob.

At the ComicCon . . .

Fron this line here, I found out the 'Heroes' Season 1 will be released August 28th.

Also found out:

And for those of you going to Comic Con in July, we've heard there will be some great Heroes things going on.

Something else to add to my to do list at the San Diego ComicCon.

Some work notes.

The other day I had someone call in and say they wanted to check on a payment that was made for $160.00. Ok I say. What is the cell number? I don't know it. Ok, what is the account number? I don't know it. i think the girl said she was from accounting, but she does not have any numbers and wanted to find a needle in hay stack filled with needles. The next question I asked, was 'Do you know the tax id of the company?'. She says, 'I have the last four digits of it'. After talking to her supervisor I was able to pull the needed info from her and after a little more time, find the need account and number.

Today i had this training for 3 hours starting at 9am, yea. I got in at 8:15 and got on the phones at 8:30. My morning break was 15 min later at 8:45. The time come around and right before I walk away, I get a email and they cancel the training due to service level. Taken my morning break already, I do not get another one till my lunch at noon. That bad planning. (Venting ending . . . .)