Number four is on it's way in May 2011 and it looks like it’s rounding up some familiar faces. Keith Richards will be returning as Jack’s dad, and Penelope Cruz will play Blackbeard’s daughter. Geoffrey Rush will be reprising his role and Ian McShane will play Blackbeard.
The story is loosely based upon the novel, ‘On Stranger Tides’, by Tim Powers. I tried tracking down a copy of it, but seems that when word of a movie goes out, prices on such things skyrocket. So, I’m still looking. If his book is half as good as his ‘Anubis Gate’ then it should be a pretty good read!
December 15, 2010
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
December 11, 2010
Thor–May 6, 2011
Marvel has just released the trailer to Thor and I think I may have wet myself. This looks to be a great movie and I can't wait for May. Chris Hemsworth has definitely beefed up for the part and you get a glimpse of some hammer-fu! Sir Anthony Hopkins plays Odin and Natalie Portman will be the love interest, though I'd be happy without it. Truly looks great but then I've been told I'm easy, so take a look and tell me what you think!
There is a five minute version from San Diego Comic Con but Paramount has been pulling them. There is still one here at BigFanBoy.com
November 17, 2010
Cowboys And Aliens Teaser Trailer is up!
I didn’t realize that Daniel Craig would be playing the lead on this, and I don’t think that I will be disappointed! Production and screenplay read like an A-list while Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell and Olivia Wilde top the cast. Anything thing make your stomach all butterflies about this movie or are you kind of “Meh” about it?
November 16, 2010
Green Lantern Trailer is Live! I Know! Right?
Finally, it’s here and it looks awesome! Ryan Reynolds is Hal Jordan and he’s got the ring. It hits theaters June 17, 2011.
November 9, 2010
Sucker Punch March 2011
This is another with amazing visuals that I can’t wait to see on the big screen. The story line seems pretty good and the eye-candy is everywhere!
November 7, 2010
Skyline the Movie
How many kinds of awesome is this? I know it just looks like a little more grittier updated ‘War of the Worlds’ but that doesn’t make it look any less cool!
October 27, 2010
April Slaughter to sign ‘Ghosthunting Texas’
With the success of shows like ‘Ghosthunters’ on Syfy and the rest of their ilk, even if your not a believer, you can’t help but be a little curious about what’s going on. Especially in our neck of the woods. That’s where April Slaughter comes in. April has been investigating the paranormal for most of her life and is currently the senior staff writer for TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) magazine. Being a local, she didn’t have to go far to research her book, ‘Ghosthunting Texas’, to come up with all the cool places that spirits could be found.
She will be signing copies of her book, ‘Ghosthunting Texas’, at the Lewisville Borders on Halloween at 1:00 p.m. Come out and meet her, pick up a copy of the book, and while your at it, grab a copy of the latest issue of TAPS Magazine. Those of us that work there will be in costume, so feel free to join us in costume also.
Here are some extra links to keep you occupied!
Paranormal Source (she’s a co-founder)
October 24, 2010
Star Trek Fan Days: The Aftermath
I accepted my role and while the wife slept in drug-induced slumber, the child and I dozed throughout the day in my recliner. She didn’t want to sleep in her bed, so I gave in and held her most of the day. Except for about an hour and a half in the evening when my wife was up and coherent enough to watch the kid, I cooked. Aside from that time, the kid and I were in that chair from 7:30 a.m. until about midnight.
And all during the day, I wondered what I was missing. I had planned everything that I would say to William Shatner and Christopher Lloyd. I wanted to tell Shatner how Star Trek was the bonding that my Dad and I shared. Granted, my Dad and I watched a lot of old TV shows, but Star Trek is the one that we watched regardless of whether we had seen it before or not. Even if we had seen it before, that just seemed to make it better. Then, we could have conversations and make jokes without missing anything.
I wanted to tell Christopher Lloyd how much I loved his character Reverend Jim from Taxi, and how, regardless of who he played, I found something that I truly loved in each one of them. Rev. Jim was like the crazy guy on the corner that you avoided when you walked past, but you found fascinating from a distance. Uncle Fester was really the creepy uncle that all the kids loved but the parents were smiling sideways at but checking the sexual predator lists to see if he was on it. Doc Brown was the grandfather that always had a present when he came around and it wasn’t any ordinary present. It was always something unique and hard to find anywhere else. And of course, Kruge, well, he was the bad guy that you loved to hate!
So, I consoled myself with the Back to the Future reruns and the photos that my friend Christy kept posting on Facebook. Yes, I got a little teary-eyed watching the video below and seeing the wonderful time that I missed. But, I do not regret the fact that I stayed home and took care of my family. That trumps all the cons that I’ll ever visit.
Next time, the kid will be old enough to go as a tribble.
Star Trek Fan Days
Dallas Comic Con
Dallas Comic Con Fan Page
October 23, 2010
Rockets & Ray Guns costume party October 23rd
Check out the link below. Kind of found out last minute, but hey, there's alot going on this weekend. The site has cool photos from past gigs! If anyone goes, send me photos or links.
The CAC Dallas Halloween Costume Party
Dude! It's a retro sci-fi costume party. All your favorite Martians will be there.
Halloween
will be here sooner than you think, and what better way to pass
the evening than to become someone or something else. In a complete break
from the normal Halloween fare, the folks of the Creative Art Center present
the the Dallas Costume Art Ball!This years costume theme will be "Retro Sci-Fi" (science
fiction of yesteryear). The party, held on Saturday,
October 23rd from 8 p.m. until Midnight, at the Creative
Arts Center of Dallas, any and all creatives minds are welcome.
There will be food, drinks, music, games and a costume competition.
More importantly, there will be like-minded creative folks decorating
the night. The theme this year covers a wide range of science
fiction, from steampunk to the 60's bubble helmet and ray gun
look.
October 21, 2010
Dusk Launch Party with David Doub
Local aspiring comic book writer, David Doub, will be releasing his anxiously awaited second volume of ‘Dusk’. He touts it as a Halloween/Launch party and will be having a costume contest with a $50 first prize. There’s even a limited edition Dusk one-shot to be had. According to the invite on Facebook, you can also enjoy crafts? and gaming, and he might even wrangle up a band. The event is to be had at Hastings in Denton from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Assorted Links:
Two Interviews – Vampires.com
P.S. He’s a pretty cool game master, too!
Star Trek Fan Days October 23rd and 24th
Yes, that’s right. You can meet this man. . .no, man is too ordinary. Yet, I hesitate to call him a god for he does have faults. But, they are so trivial as to beg the question, “Why did I even bring it up?” This “CAPTAIN’ will be available for your fawning and adoration Saturday the 23rd in Plano. Lay your admiration at his feet and treat him as he so richly deserves!
Sorry, I couldn’t help it. I mean, how many of us will get the chance to see this man again in person? I know, it’s not like he’s not on TV with his new show, ” _____ My Dad Says” or still making commercials. You never know if he’s gonna make an appearance in our area any time in the future. So run with it and “squeeeee” all the way home with your cool photo and autograph.
This weekend is gonna be great because it’s not just him. Christopher Lloyd will be there. This is really cool because of all the hoopla around the 25th anniversary of ‘Back to the Future’ plus the release of the trilogy on Blue Ray. I loved his character Reverend Jim on Taxi and probably his greatest role as Doc Brown!
And that’s not all. Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Tia Carrere, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Tracy Scoggins, Bobby Clark (Gorn from “The Arena”), Herb Jefferson (the “original” Boomer), and many more. It takes place at the Plano Center and doors open at 11:00 AM on Saturday. It’s $10 at the door but at last look there were still some VIP and Priority Passes available.
Star Trek Fan Days
October 17, 2010
Reel Big Movies with The Popcorn List
Studio Movie Grill is not just about first-run movies but has plenty of alternatives. Check out the website for more shows, because right now, I’m excited about their once-a-month Wednesday night showings of classics hosted by Rainy Flynn and Devin Pike of The Popcorn List. Reel Big Movies is a new event of classic movie screenings presented by SMG with a Twist. 11/10 they will be showing ‘Back to the Future’ in celebration of it’s 25 anniversary and you’ll only see it at the SMG Lewisville at 7:30 pm.
The “Horror Halloween Remix'” is a night of several movies shown one after the other and it doesn’t cost a thing to get in, you just pay for your food. Of course, I don’t know how much food they’ll sell at a horror show. See it at the Dallas/Royal location only, 10/20 at 10 pm.
Featuring Night of the Demons (1988), Hack-O-Lantern (1988),
plus Hollowgate, Primal Rage, Midnight Hour. Hauntedween,
Trick or Treat, Flesheater, Campfire Tales, Cemetery of Terror, Vacaiones de Terror 2, and Your Puppet MCs, Cheesecake & Thunderclap.
Here’s a little something for the kiddies!
OCTOBER KIDTOONS:
SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN
EVERY WEEKEND @ 11:00AM YEAR ROUND
In a world where "The only good pumpkins are round pumpkins!", Spookley is shunned by the other pumpkins until a mighty storm threatens to destroy the entire patch.
October 15, 2010
25th Anniversary of Back to the Future
Can you believe that it’s been 25 years since this movie hit the screen? The blu-ray release of the trilogy takes places on October 19th. To celebrate, AMC Theaters will be showing the movie on October 23rd and 25th and giving away some awesome prizes. You may want to get your tickets early because these dates are all there are, get online and make sure you don’t miss out. Here’s the link to a bigger article on it.
It’s also that time of year for the Scream Awards on Spike TV. Tuesday October 19th is the date and here is a cool promo for the show.
And if that’s not cool enough, check out this video of Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly. That’s right, he was cast first but then was deemed not right for the part. This is only a smidge of the footage that is out there.
And last but not least, Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd, will be at Star Trek Fan Days in Plano October 23rd and 24th. I’ll post later about this event.
October 7, 2010
September 24, 2010
M. B. Weston signs books from her series, 'The Elysian Chronicles'
If you've been to the Lewisville Borders Books in the last 3 months then you've probably met Michelle Weston. I can't remember how I came across her name but I do remember that I was following her on Twitter. One evening, she tweeted that she needed one more fan to hit 1,000. I jumped on it and tweeted back, jokingly of course, "What do I win?" Even though I declined, she sent me a book anyway and well, we've been friends ever since. Borders Books brought her in to do a six-week writers workshop which turned out very well. So well, that she came back and did a one-shot for fantasy writers and now she's back in to sign books from her series, 'The Elysian Chronicles'. I have to admit that I didn't read the first book until about a month ago, but I was very impressed. I'll write an actual review later. Suffice it to say, that it's a wonderful read and you should come in and get a copy! You won't be dissappointed!
She will be signing books from 2pm til 4pm at the Lewisville Borders at the corner of Round Grove and I-35. Click here for a map and more events.
September 14, 2010
Joe Eisma at Boomerang Comics
Joe Eisma will be signing his latest title, 'Morning Glories #2' at Boomerang Comics on Wednesday, September 15th. Neal, the owner of Boomerang, says that they sold out of #1, but should be getting more copies in this week. I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing what the fuss is all about! Has anyone checked the first issue out, and if so, did you like it or not? Let me know!
September 13, 2010
Kevin McCarthy dies at 96; actor starred in 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'
Granted it wasn't a hit right away, this movie eventually became a cult hit. To me, it's better than the remake which had Jeff Goldblum. But then, I always think the classics are better. I do have to admit though, the scene in the remake with the human-headed dog still freaks me out to this day!
Kevin McCarthy dies at 96
- Sent using Google Toolbar
Kevin McCarthy dies at 96
- Sent using Google Toolbar
September 12, 2010
September 1, 2010
AnimeFest in Dallas on Labor Day Weekend
I was looking for some info on how long this event has been going on, but didn’t see anything on the website. If you have any history for AnimeFest, send me some info. In the meantime, it takes place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd through the 6th, and costs $30 a day to get in. I’ll have to pass on this one because I’m not that into Anime and the price is a little steep for me. Not judging, mind you, but I hope you get some bang for your buck! Send me photo links and let me know if you enjoyed it.
August 30, 2010
Resident Evil: Afterlife Zombie Bowl
Looks like a fun evening to be had on Monday night at the bowling alley! September 6, at 300 (that’s the name of the alley), 3805 Beltline Road in Addison, you can dress like your favorite zombie, or not, and bowl a frame to try and win some cool swag. They pay for the frame, you provide the entertainment. They start registering at 7pm and the bowling starts at 7:30pm. I wonder how many times they’ll have to shut down the lanes to retrieve errant body parts?
August 26, 2010
Dallas Comic Con 2010
The man is in town this weekend! Saturday and Sunday Dallas Comic Con will be in full swing and Edward James Olmos is heading the list of guests. I’ve got the weekend off and will be there with the wife and kid taking photos and getting autographs! Hope to see some of you there and if you take photos or video, please send me links so that I can let others know.
See you there!
August 20, 2010
Asking for a little help
You probably haven’t heard but over the last few months my wife has been dealing with some medical issues. They had to remove a category 4 brain tumor from her left temporal lobe and the surgery was a success. Chemo was started during surgery and through the work of many doctors and some new wonder drugs, my wife is going through radiation treatment five days a week and daily oral chemo, but is in good spirits and great shape and dealing with it day by day.
While visiting the chemo office, I noticed a sign for Fink’s Fighters. Dr. Fink is the doctor who is supervising my wife’s chemo treatments and she has a team set up for the Dallas-Ft. Worth Brain Tumor Walk on November 6, 2010. I’ve decided to do the walk and am asking everyone I know to help out in any way they can. On my page you can see how much I’ve raised so far and also gives info on how to help out. Anything is appreciated, be it time, money (no matter how little) or just thoughts and prayers.
You never know how much it really means until something bad happens to one you love. Again, all I’m asking is a little help to try and raise awareness for this cause. Even if you can’t donate time or money, at least send this to someone who might be able to do the same.
Thank you.
Help get the word out about CSTS Dallas
Please help get the word out by posting on the net or handing out flyers where necessary. Don’t forget to be mindful of posting them where they don’t belong or are not wanted. Hope they have a great turnout!
August 19, 2010
Suck at Select Studio Movie Grills in Dallas
Studio Movie Grill Dallas/Royal and CityCentre will be showing the movie ‘Suck’ on September 2, 2010 at 7:30pm. I’m not into horror movies, but if you throw in enough comedy, I’ll budge. Plus, look at the line-up. It’s got some rock pioneers there! Are you going? Why or why not?
August 16, 2010
Can’t Stop the Serenity 2010 – Dallas
Saturday August 21st will find the fans of Firefly and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog all in one spot. The Studio Movie Grill – Royal Lane will be hosting both movies in order to raise money for Equality Now, an international women’s rights advocacy group. Online ticket sales will end Thursday evening August 19th at 6:00 pm but you can still get them at the theater. The venue change was due to the Addison SMG closing it’s doors. We’re sorry to see that happen, but very happy that Royal Lane stepped up and helped out.
If you go, please take lots of photos and send me some for posting. Here are some that I got last year.
August 14, 2010
Video Review of ‘The Expendables’ and ‘Scott Pilgrim’
My first attempt at a video post. Let me know what you think!
August 6, 2010
QUAKECON 2010
Billed as the largest LAN party in North America (maybe the world), over 7,000 people attended in 2009. Rumored to cause blackouts from the sheer power use, it calls to all gamers in the area. Strictly BYOC (bring your own computer, for those not in the know), the “Woodstock of Gaming” brings gamers together for a celebration of the games and the joy of playing. And the greatest thing of all is that it is so awesomely and totally free. Wait, that wasn’t right. IT’S FREE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! There. As the creators say, “Love, Peace, and Rockets!”
July 31, 2010
M. B. Weston at Borders Books in Lewisville
Come meet M. B. Weston at Borders in Lewisville on August 21st between 1pm and 3pm and get her to sign one of her books from the Elysian Chronicles series.
Also, join her Wednesday evenings at 7pm for a writers workshop. The last one will be August 25th, so plenty of time to catch her and get some tips on writing.
***********UPDATE***********
Michelle's book sigining has been cancelled. I will post a new date as soon as I have one.
Also, join her Wednesday evenings at 7pm for a writers workshop. The last one will be August 25th, so plenty of time to catch her and get some tips on writing.
July 26, 2010
Congratulations to Zeus Comics
I’m sending a big congratulations out to Richard and the crew at Zeus Comics for winning ‘D Magazine’s Best Comic Book Store’ and the ‘Readers’ Pick for Best Comic Book Store’. Send your own well-wishes on Twitter @zeuscomics or on Facebook at Zeus Comics and Collectibles and visit their website. And if that weren’t enough, visit The Variants website for the latest episodes.
July 23, 2010
New ‘Tron: Legacy’ Trailer
I’ve been scouring the Half-Price Book stores for the original Tron and have been coming up short. I must see it before this comes out so that I can refresh my memory! This looks amazing!
July 20, 2010
Photos from Boomerang Comics Midnight Release of Scott Pilgrim Vol. 6
Snook over to Boomerang Comics about 10:30pm and a crowd had already gathered. Before I could even get out of the Explorer, I heard a song drifting across the parking lot. A small group was gathered around someone’s car and they were singing along to the Dr. Horrible soundtrack on the stereo. I mean, it is a sing-a-long, right?
Neal threw open the doors and people quickly moved inside. I struck up a conversation with someone (I can’t remember your name but just shoot me an email and I’ll fix it) about creativity and gaming. Especially how to create maps using everything from darts to paint-dripping animals. Don’t ask. In the middle of the store they were playing Street Fighter IV before switching to Rock Band and in the back was a mean game of Munchkin Cthulhu.
There was a Scott Pilgrim character look-alike contest and some cool swag to be won. I couldn’t stick around too long, but I know that there were other raffles for door prizes, so there wasn’t any going home empty-handed.
If you went and got pictures or video, send me a link to them.
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July 14, 2010
Writers Workshop at Borders in Lewisville
Disclaimer: Yes, I work for Borders Books. No, I don’t speak for them. ‘Nuff said.
Borders Books in Lewisville, Texas, will be presenting a series of six free workshops led by M. B. Weston. Whether you are an aspiring author, a dabbler, or a full-fledged author looking to hone your game, everyone will be able to walk away from here with great ideas.
Weston is the author of The Elysian Chronicles, her fantasy series about guardian angel warfare and treason. Weston is known as a gifted orator and often speaks at writers conference workshops and panels, classrooms, and science fiction & fantasy conventions about the craft of writing and the process of getting published. Weston is also a radio talk show host for The Final Cut in Movies, the show that puts science fiction and fantasy movies center stage, with Ad Astra Radio, an internet science fiction and fantasy talk radio station. The Final Cut in Movies can also be downloaded as a podcast at M. B. Weston's Podcasts site or on iTunes.
(Provided by Weston’s Website, www.mbweston.com)
The one-hour workshop will start Wednesday, July 21st, at 7pm and continue each Wednesday night at the same time until August 25th.
The main reason I posted here is that M. B. thinks that the workshop would be of benefit to DMs and GMs who want to add a little spice to their games. From detailing campaigns, adventures, and worlds to adding that simple something to a character’s background, gamers can get some great tips here.
See you there.
July 9, 2010
July 8, 2010
Boomerang Comics’ Summer Cookout and Sale
Be sure and check out Boomerang Comics this weekend, July 10th, for food & fun.
This Saturday July 10th, we will be having a summer celebration cookout from 12 - 2pm! We will be cooking hotdogs and hamburgers outside in the parking lot, a sidewalk sale featuring tons of 50 cent and $1 books and lots of clearance items, and a cool announcement (or should I say unveiling)! So come out and join us for some free food, great deals and be the first to see our cool surprise!
They will also hosting a midnight release party for Scott Pilgrim Vol. 6. Monday night, July 19th be sure and line up to get your paws on the last in the series.
It's finally here... six years and almost one thousand pages have all led to this epic finale! With six of Ramona's seven evil exes dispatched, it should be time for Scott Pilgrim to face Gideon Graves, the biggest and baddest of her former beaus. But didn't Ramona take off at the end of Book 5? Shouldn't that let Scott off the hook? Maybe it should, maybe it shouldn't, but one thing is for certain -- all of this has been building to Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour! (thanks to the Scott Pilgrim Website)
June 30, 2010
Mythcon 41 in Dallas weekend of July 9th - 11th
Be sure and check out Mythcon this weekend at the Crown Plaza Suites in Dallas. The theme to this years meet is “Their main guests-of-honor will be Tim Powers and Janet Brennan Croft.
Mythcon is usually held in different locales from year to year and is a production of the Mythopoeic Society.
The Mythopoeic Society is an international literary and educationalThis year’s theme is “War in Heaven” and will center around topics dealing with such and also falls on the 80th anniversary of the publication of Charles Williams’ book, ‘War in Heaven.’
organization devoted to the study, discussion, and enjoyment of the works of
J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and mythopoeic literature. We
believe the study of these writers can lead to greater understanding and
appreciation of the literary, philosophical, and spiritual traditions which
underlie their works, and can engender an interest in the study of myth,
legend, and the genre of fantasy. Find out about the Society’s activities at:
www.mythsoc.org.
As for the folks that will be guests, I’ve read Tim Powers’ novel, The Anubis Gates, and loved it. I was also excited to find that the new ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie will be an adaptation of his ‘On Stranger Tides.’ Mrs. Croft I’m not familiar with but may have to search out some of her articles. Their is also a list of others attending, one of which is local A. Lee Martinez. His novel, ‘Gil’s All-Fright Diner is in works with Dreamworks. Author Michelle Weston and Denise Roper will be there also speaking on panels and signing books.
If you get a chance to go (I’m working) let me know what you thought about it.
Mythcon 41
Tim Powers
Janet Brennan Croft
A. Lee Martinez
Michelle Weston
Denise Roper
June 21, 2010
“Twilight Night” June 26th in Dallas
To celebrate the release of Eclipse on June 30th, Summit Entertainment and MovieFone.com are getting together and hosting a “Twilight Night” on the evening of June 26th which just happens to be the same night as a real lunar eclipse. Unfortunately, it will only be a partial eclipse to us and it won’t happen until about 3am, but hey, what marketing! Right?!
Found this out through Red Carpet Crash, so check out the post here.
Event is to be held at:
AT&T Plaza at the American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Avenue
June 10, 2010
Denton Graphic Novel Book Club
Got the info below from David Doub, author of Dusk. Check out his links at the end of the post.
Do you enjoy a good Graphic Novel? Then come out and have a lively discussion about your favorite books.
The Club will meet every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 4pm at Madness Comics.
The upcoming meetings are -
June 12th -- DC Elseworlds
DC's Elseworld takes existing heroes and stories and twist them through all sort of possibilities. Imagine if Batman was involved in the original Dracula story. What would happen if Superman crashed landed in the USSR instead of the US?
June 26th - Jonah Hex
Jonah Hex is a cynical scarred cowboy that has been published by DC since the 70's. Hex has been everything from a post-apocalyptic warrior to a master of the supernatural. And now there's a major motion picture based on Jonah Hex.
Madness Comics is located at -
111 E. University Dr. Suite 112
Denton, Texas 76209
phone 940.591.9771
e-mail madnesscomics@gmail.com
June 7, 2010
A-Kon 21 Photos from around the Net
Nicholas Pluim sent me these links to his facebook page where he has uploaded photos from the first two days at A-Kon. Thanks, Nicholas!
Nicholas Pluim at A-Kon 21 Day 1
Nicholas Pluim at A-Kon 21 Day 2
The A-Kon site as also been nice enough to post links to galleries from attendees. As I browsed I was amazed at the creativity that these folks showed and made me hate the fact that I missed out on such a cool showing. Not as much skin at this one as I’ve seen at others, though there were a few costumes that made me wonder how they got by their parents!
Offer is still open if you’ve got pics that you would like to let everyone know about.
Some favorites:
UPDATE:
June 10, 2010
Got these links from David Doub. They are from the local Dallas paper, Dallas Observer.
Dallas Observer links to A-Kon Photos Pt. 1
Dallas Observer links to A-Kon Photos Pt. 2
Nicholas Pluim at A-Kon 21 Day 1
Nicholas Pluim at A-Kon 21 Day 2
The A-Kon site as also been nice enough to post links to galleries from attendees. As I browsed I was amazed at the creativity that these folks showed and made me hate the fact that I missed out on such a cool showing. Not as much skin at this one as I’ve seen at others, though there were a few costumes that made me wonder how they got by their parents!
Offer is still open if you’ve got pics that you would like to let everyone know about.
Some favorites:
 Photos by Ed Martinez |  Dahlia by Ashley Johnson |
 Sesame Street Creatures by Brendan Patrick Burns |  Trixie and Speed Racer – Photo by Ed Martinez |
UPDATE:
June 10, 2010
Got these links from David Doub. They are from the local Dallas paper, Dallas Observer.
Dallas Observer links to A-Kon Photos Pt. 1
Dallas Observer links to A-Kon Photos Pt. 2
June 4, 2010
A-Kon and Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Busy weekend out there for a lot of folks and neither event is a youngster!
A-Kon is legally able to drink now and I have a feeling it’s gonna tie one on this time around. If I were going, I would have to say that I would be looking forward to the costumes. I’m not much of an anime guy, though I loved Robotech back in the day. Of course, Robotech is celebrating 25 years this year so it’s still out there and going strong. I’ve always liked watching how people really get into their characters and take fandom to that next level. If you get any good photos, shoot me links or send me a few and I’ll post here.
I would also like to see Abney Park on Saturday night. I love the steampunk genre and love their music. They’ve been to Dallas before so I may just have to make plans to catch them on their next tour.
It was brought to my attention that local artist James Valle and Annette Vu will have a table showcasing some of their artwork. Check out his link below and tell them hi!
Another great event this week is the Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Got a chance to go last year and enjoyed it very much. Lots of vendors and if you’re old enough they have a really cool whiskey tasting. I’m not big into whiskeys, but found a few that were palatable (big word for taste good).
So, there isn’t any reason to not get out and have a good time this weekend, if you can stand the heat.
May 21, 2010
Empire by Orson Scott card
I've just finished reading Empire by Orson Scott Card. Even though it’s found in the sci-fi section at your local bookstore, it reads more like a techno-thriller. But don’t let that turn you away. It tells the tale of a soldier's soldier tasked by the Pentagon to come up with the ultimate terrorist plot, but finding too late that his plan will be used against him and his government.I enjoyed the story immensely and was very impressed with the way Card foretells a possible future. Empire was written in 2005 and yet he describes today's political terrain as if he were writing it as we speak. The idea of a new civil war has been batted around before by authors but never with such insight in detail as the way Card has portrayed it. At the end of the book, Card gives a few pages to even more details of his view on how the political parties view each other and how each side demonizes the other without seeing their own faults.
The closest to sci-fi that this story comes is the machinery that the enemy uses against the United States government. Two-legged mechanical walkers and hover bikes combined with the vast underground complex where the enemy hides out is reminiscent of a James Bond novel. Complex plot twists and fun dialogue make this a great read. But don't take my word for it, grab a copy and see for yourself.
If you've read this book before, let me know what you think about it.
Orson Scott Card website
Empire wiki
May 20, 2010
TexiCon and ReaperCon this weekend
ReaperCon has already started and Texicon starts today so there is no reason not to find something to do this weekend. ReaperCon is a fun little get-together for miniatures enthusiasts and is billed as “Four glorious days of paint, games, and classes featuring your favorite industry artists and Reaper Peeps!”
$10 day pass or $30 for the weekend which isn’t much of a deal if you missed yesterday. One of the bonuses, is that if you have a badge from ReaperCon, you can get in free over at TexiCon in Ft. Worth.
TexiCon, started as an idea by brothers, Kevin and Karl Pajak, promotes role-playing, miniatures, and board-gaming. The premise was to have a true gaming convention where gamers could come together as a community and talk shop and, of course, game. As with ReaperCon, if you bring your ReaperCon badge, you can get into TexiCon for free. For those of you without, the price is $25 at the door or $40 for the weekend.
May 6, 2010
Jonah Hex Trailer is live
Anyone interested in this one? It almost looks like “Wild Wild West” without the comedy. Twin Gatlings on a horse? I’ll probably still see it, but it doesn’t look like it’s gonna follow the comic book that close. But then again, I’m not that familiar with the comic book. Anyone out there read the comic book? What do you think about it?
May 4, 2010
Iron Man 2 Screenings
As I learn how to utilize search with twitter and other social media, I get better and better at finding things. Sometimes too late, though. As in, I missed the pre-launch screenings of Iron Man 2 that happened tonight at AMC North Park and Cinemark 17. I do know that passes were limited, but I would have liked to give you guys and gals a fighting chance. Oh, well, we still have two screening parties that are sure to please.
The first is being put on by Lone Star Comics in Plano. They will have a midnight showing Thursday night at the Plano Studio Movie Grill. Tickets are available at all Lone Star Comics for $10. You can follow them on Facebook for more info.
In Lewisville, the show will be Friday night sponsored by Boomerang Comics. Their tickets are $9.50 and it takes place at the Lewisville Studio Movie Grill. As far as I know, they still have tickets also. Here is the link to their Facebook page.
The family and I will be out of town, so if you happen to take photos be sure and send me links.
***PLUS*** Dr. Pepper is rolling out these collectible cans for Iron Man 2. Fourteen in all. Has anyone seen these in stores yet?
May 3, 2010
Photos and Videos from Texas Frightmare Weekend 2010
(All photos or video link back to the original owner)
My buddy Tom and the man, Lance Henrikson! 
I put this photo specifically because James and Lorna are the fine folks that came by the New Moon DVD party at Borders in Lewisville. Great photo!
The most famous 1958 Plymouth Fury ever made!
Lucky Kid!
And various other links around the Metroplex! If you have any that you would like to share, feel free to send the links to me and I’ll post them.
Pegasus News Videos and Photos and More
Jarod Warren from the Moviepool
The Observer: Zombie Walk at Texas Frightmare Weekend
Anything Horror: Stories and Photos
Texas Frightmare Weekend
Texas Frightmare Weekend Facebook Page
April 29, 2010
Free Comic Book Day in the DFW area
It’s everybody’s favorite time of year (I’m taking a guess) and it’s this Saturday at a Comic Book Shop near you!
The countdown continues! Just FOUR MORE DAYS until THE YEAR'S BIGGEST DAY FOR COMICS! The 9TH ANNUAL FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2010, celebrating the writers, artists, and -- most importantly -- the FANS of this groundbreaking and crucial medium, is THIS SATURDAY, MAY 1! OVER 30 COMIC BOOK TITLES WILL BE AVAILABLE... EACH ONE... OF THEM *FREE*! Dive into "Archie Summer Splash #1"! Celebrate the rise of "Fearless Dawn"! Fall into "Fractured Fables"! Blast off with "Iron Man: Supernova"! Get swept up in "Love and Capes #13"! Take off on a whirlwind adventure with "Shrek & The Penguins"! Grab hold of "The Tick #1"! And, finally, wage the "War of the Supermen #0"! PLUS: MORE... MUCH, MUCH MORE! Enjoy COMIC BOOK MOVIES PLAYING IN-STORE ALL DAY LONG! Learn how to play HEROCLIX (SUPERHERO TABLETOP MINIATURES GAMING) during our FREE ALL DAY DEMO! Treat yourself to FREE FACE PAINTING! Kids can exercise their minds with FREE COLORING PAGES, GAMES AND PUZZLES! Help yourself to FREE BEVERAGES AND SUPER-SNACKS! (And, oh, in case we didn't mention it: ALL THIS IS ***FREE***!!!) Plus: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL! The school with THE MOST STUDENTS who come by LONE STAR COMICS & GAMES will receive a FREE DONATION OF $250 WORTH OF GRAPHIC NOVELS TO THEIR SCHOOL'S LIBRARY! Don't forget! Come by LONE STAR COMICS & GAMES - PLANO THIS SATURDAY, MAY 1 for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2010! Open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.! See you SATURDAY!!!
(courtesy of Lone Star Comics Plano Facebook page)
More Lone Star Comics locations can be found here!
Join Zeus Comics and Collectibles on Saturday, May 1st as they bid farewell to PVPonline cartoonist Scott Kurtz. This is Scott’s final signing before moving to Seattle.
We’ll be joined by James O’Barr, Joe Eisma and David Hopkins, too.
Plus, thousands of FREE comics and the return of the mighty quarter comic sale!
Saturday May 1st from 10 am – 6 pm
Zeus Comics and Collectibles
4411 Lemmon Ave
Dallas, TX 75219
214.219.TOYS (8697)
http://www.zeuscomics.com(courtesy of Free Comic Book Day listing)
More info about this event at this link from the Texas Pages.
The 9th annual Free Comic Book Day is being held this Saturday, May 1 and we're expecting another great turnout. Besides all the free comics being given away we'll have balloons and face painting for the kids (or kids at heart) and appearances by some of the coolest comic book characters (rumor is there will be a Star Wars invasion and the Dark Knight and guests will be invading Lewisville). The greatness of Jimmy Johns (their Round Grove location in Lewisville) will be handing out samples of their awesome sandwiches! We will be running a sale on graphic novels and board games! And of course FREE COMICS!!
Boomerang Comics store hours for the event will be 10am - 6pm so plan your day accordingly. Bring your friends, family and casual acquaintances. We'll see y'all there!
Area 51 Gaming and Collectibles -
• FREE Comic Book Day
Get a FREE Comic Book just for coming by!*
• 10:00am - FREE Donuts and Coffee until 12:00 noon*
• 11:00am - Gamer Swap Meet
(Bring in new and used games to sell for store credit!)
• 11:00am - British Emporium's Candy & Comics Giveaway Begins!
(Get a FREE British Candy when you stop into British Emporium after getting your FREE Comic Book!)*
• 11:00am - Brian Denham Autograph Signing
• 5:30pm - Closing festivities and Charity Raffles!
• *FREE Items are available while supplies last*
Also, check for other locations here.
April 27, 2010
Video of Adam Baldwin Panel at Sci-fi Expo
Here's a video posted by Jakedub4 hosted on youtube. It's just like being in the audience without being in the audience. Yeah. Like that.
He can also be found at twitter.com/TwitTweakerJake
Did any of you get a chance to go? What were you're thoughts on Adam Baldwin? How about the other guests and the show in general? Send me photo links and I'll post them here!
He can also be found at twitter.com/TwitTweakerJake
Did any of you get a chance to go? What were you're thoughts on Adam Baldwin? How about the other guests and the show in general? Send me photo links and I'll post them here!
April 24, 2010
Sci-fi Expo in Richardson Texas was a BLAST!
Packed up the wife and kid and headed to Richardson to meet our hero Jayne Cobb/John Casey, Adam Baldwin. Sat in on the panel and listened to him tell stories of Stanley Kubrick, do his lines from ‘Halo: ODST’, and tell us about having to be friends with “Morgan” on ‘Chuck’. I got to ask him about his political aspirations gleaned from his twitter account and was told in a definite tone that he would not go into politics. His reasoning being that he didn’t like the pay cut. He is a funny and engaging guy and forty-five minutes was too short a time to listen to him.Bruce Boxleitner and Cindy Morgan were the next panel and they were just as entertaining as Baldwin. Both recounted their involvement with Tron, but Cindy added that Disney help get her career back on track after being black-balled for not doing a nude scene in ‘Caddyshack.’ Unfortunately, we had to cut that panel short due to the little one reminding us that she needed a feeding.
We wandered around the floor a little which gave me a chance to say ‘hi’ to Joel Watkins from hijinksensue. Yes, I was wearing my ‘Team Edward’ shirt and yes, many people commented on it. Maybe he’ll start giving me a kickback on all the sales I send his way. I can only dream. Brian Denham was at the table next to him, but he was busy today. He does great work, so that was no surprise. I popped over to Richard Hatch’s table to get an autographed photo and we talked a little about 3D in the movies. I had him sign the photo to my little girl and told him that if I had anything to do with it, she’ll know who he is when she gets older. He is a very gracious man and shook my hand several times. I look forward to meeting him again in the future.
Picked up an awesome Captain America print from Scott Harben. He has got some awesome work and you just have to see it to believe it. Check it out here.
My buddy and co-worker, Tom, met up with us as well as his friend, Dan, who was in from Austin. We all motored over to Twisted Root Burger for some chow and to talk bidness, you know, geek stuff. The kid was well-behaved for a four month-old little girl and mommy and daddy were very proud of her. She’ll be geeking out with daddy at these cons before I know what hit me. I hope it doesn’t happen to fast, though.
Photo Gallery for Sci-fi Expo
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