Another Year, Another Con

[hsapiens]

It seems that waiting for breakfast becomes my LJ update time. I'm packed and ready to head back to Texas. Next year's con moves to Cherry Hill and I can't say that I'll be sorry to never again stay at this hotel. On the plus side, the elevators worked this time. I have a nice view of the Manhattan skyline and it is particularly convenient to get into the City but Secaucus is not my idea of a great vacation spot.

Random con thoughts:

1. The shortest route between Point A and Point B in Secaucus involves an extended tour of industrial parks and at least one turn into a scary-looking garage.

2. Michael Shanks was early to the breakfast and spent a long time at every table. He wore black leather and black denim. I'm not so clear on what's up with the hair but it was obvious that whatever it was, it was on purpose. I might not be down with it but I was so ridiculously thrilled that he wasn't wearing a baseball cap that I was willing to forgive and forget.

3. Michael Shanks gave us a deliciously evil laugh when we were discussing his casting as Lucifer in the upcoming Rage of Angels. He remains optimistic that the project will be produced.

4. Do not ever get between Jay Acavone and his $150 jar of facial cream.

5. Tony Amendola reads Shakespeare beautifully. The fact that he followed it with a theatrical reading of doggerel and bad internet jokes only proved I'd happily listen to him read anything.

6. Kate Hewlett is an excellent playwright. This was a wonderful discovery last night. She's also a fun guest and clearly enjoyed being onstage.

7. Cliff Simon? He is still incendiary hot. They tailor his wardrobe on the show and it's all real leather. Oh yeah, and since he's "ripped" (his words), they made a decision to remove the sleeves from most of his wardrobe in the forthcoming movie. The guys (MS and RDA?) made sport of him for this while filming.

8. A third movie script is being written. I have no idea if that means we'll *see* a third, but Brad is penning one.

9. Alexis Cruz is still a thoughtful kind of guy but the cabaret act is not one you'd expect from a guy who was on the schmaltzy, Christian-fest Touched by an Angel.

10. Paul McGillion's Scottish accent reasserts itself in direct proportion to the hotness of the woman standing in front of him. :)

11. I'm still sorry that Steve Bacic couldn't make it.

12. Cons are still all about the friends. No surprise that I had fun with the usual suspects (selmak, janiekins, triciabyrne1978) but also with niamaea, who turns out to be exactly as cool and nice and pretty as I suspected. I got to know a lot of people from Gateworld this time around. I would be willing to wade into the abyss in order to keep up with Dave and Marla, who were just plain wonderful.

13. Meeting triciabyrne1978's family was...interesting. It's good to know that she comes by her smut gene naturally.

14. The hotel bartender didn't get to us often but he "made up for it" by forgetting to include the mixers. However, a glass of tequila really isn't an improvement over the margarita I ordered. Not that that stopped me from drinking it.

15. Creation Cons are MUCH MUCH MUCH more enjoyable when they're run by a really nice, laid-back guy. With the exception of a few incidences, it was easy to forget that we were at a Creation Con. It was the (mostly) pleasant event that I suspected a con could be. I almost don't feel overcharged. ;)

Comments

[shutthef-up.livejournal.com]

Oh God, what'd Shanks do with his hair?

From pictures I've seen of late, he's already got the crazy sideburns going on. But yeah, he had a ballcap on in those photos.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

It's...perky. All over his head, his layers kind of flip up at the ends so that his hair profile has its own shape. It's...different. He's still WAY hot but it's definitely not my favorite look for him.

[mcroft.livejournal.com]

Cherry Hill::Philadelphia as Secaucus::NYC

Cherry Hill

[samtastic01.livejournal.com]

Camden: : Philadelphia as Secaucus :: NYC
Cherry Hill:: Philadelphia as Woodbridge ::NYC

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Hey you! This is what I've been told all weekend so I'm nor looking forward to getting into Philly for a go-round with U of Penn Archaeology Museum and more time in the Independence Hall area. :) I'm told, however, that Cherry Hill offers more in the way of amenities than Secaucus so I'm hopeful that the experience will only continue to improve.

It's ALL good.

[ireth-e.livejournal.com]

Aw, you saw Michael! :)
And that's a really good news- that Brad is writing the third movie, let's hope it'll make it to the... DVDs :)

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Indeed I did. Definitely a highlight of yesterday. He seemed in good spirits and unlike back when the cons occurred in the middle of their filming schedule, he was well rested. It was nice to see him looking so healthy (excepting the funky hair thing) and comfortable.

I really hope the third movie turns out to be a go. That could only make me a happy fangirl.

[nialla]

Michael Shanks gave us a deliciously evil laugh when we were discussing his casting as Lucifer in the upcoming Rage of Angels. He remains optimistic that the project will be produced.

I have to wonder if the current writer's strike and the possible actor's strike next year will have any effect on whether or not it's produced. If it's a wholly Canadian production, they might get produced simply because the networks will be starved for new shows.

Do not ever get between Jay Acavone and his $150 jar of facial cream.

o.0

Kate Hewlett is an excellent playwright. This was a wonderful discovery last night. She's also a fun guest and clearly enjoyed being onstage.

Have you seen her in A Dog's Breakfast? She was great in that one. I'd love to see her and David work together again, maybe with a co-writing gig. Though according to their mother in the DVD commentary, it would probably involve a lot of the two of them smacking each other upside the head. ;)

Cliff Simon? He is still incendiary hot. They tailor his wardrobe on the show and it's all real leather. Oh yeah, and since he's "ripped" (his words), they made a decision to remove the sleeves from most of his wardrobe in the forthcoming movie. The guys (MS and RDA?) made sport of him for this while filming.

Nggh.

A third movie script is being written. I have no idea if that means we'll *see* a third, but Brad is penning one.

There was mention of this at the previous con. I think they're planning on it, but MGM won't be giving the official OK until they see how sales of the first (and maybe second) DVD go.

Paul McGillion's Scottish accent reasserts itself in direct proportion to the hotness of the woman standing in front of him. :)

::snerk:: He knows he has a secret weapon.

Creation Cons are MUCH MUCH MUCH more enjoyable when they're run by a really nice, laid-back guy.

A lot of the good vs. bad con experiences depend on the staff. If you get someone on a power trip, even if they're not in charge of anything beyond making sure people are in line, it can ruin the con.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

I have to wonder if the current writer's strike and the possible actor's strike next year will have any effect on whether or not it's produced. If it's a wholly Canadian production, they might get produced simply because the networks will be starved for new shows.

I'll take that silver lining. :) :)

Have you seen her in A Dog's Breakfast?

I haven't but I plan to now. She's a witty and intelligent woman. She not only acts and writes plays, she also composes music. Last year at the con, a lot of people got up to ask the SGA actors questions and prefaced it with, "I don't watch Atlantis but..." which is really quite rude. It made me think, though, of getting up and saying, "I haven't ever seen anything you've ever done before, but..." Luckily, my internal editor stops me from being stupid on that level. Especially since what little I've seen of her - the appearance and the play - left me damned impressed.

A lot of the good vs. bad con experiences depend on the staff.

Absolutely. The staff was largely the same but I think a laid-back, confident of his own abilities kind of leader set the tone. Staff knew they wouldn't be called on the carpet, I guess, and so were themselves generally less obnoxious. Not that there weren't a few power trips** but there were lots fewer.

**What's up with that? We're talking about volunteering at a *con* folks, not the deciding vote in the Senate on whether to go to war.

[msjudi.livejournal.com]

Have a safe trip home!! :D

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :) I made it, despite being so exhausted that I missed the 45 exit (I have only made this drive since I was 16 so I have no idea how I managed that) and ended up in some awful traffic on 610 because they're doing something on 59 and shut down the ramp. :| :|

It's good to be home. I think.

[tejas.livejournal.com]

Ah, the hair thing. As someone who has been known to walk into my cutter's shop and tell her to whack off my below shoulder length hair ("Just leave it a couple of inches or so long all over." "I don't 'whack' hair, I *cut* hair." "Whatever." :-) I really can't say anything. I just hope the sideburns turn out to be a passing thing. It's likely a regional issue, but given my location, they just *SCREAM* redneck.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

The sideburns, alas, were still present. I really don't know what it is with actors and their hair. Maybe being forced to wear it a certain way for so long gives rise to irrational exuberance once they're cut loose? Anyhow, it isn't the best look for the man but his eyes are still blue and he still fills out the jeans *very* nicely.

[avidrosette.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the great report! Sounds like a really good time.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

It was! I'll try to give more detail -- as well as post my hundreds of pics -- soon-ish. I have an out of town funeral tomorrow and then I'll have to tackle my desk at work but hopefully this weekend will give me a chance to

[majorsamfan.livejournal.com]

We had BOTH Gary and Adam in Burbank at the Farscape con...

Next time WE get Brian! LOL

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Poor you! That had to be awful. Brian is a lovely, laid back kind of guy. He and Monica bent over backwards to make this con a pleasant one and it really showed. There were few of the normal con aggravations and I really, really appreciated it.

BHF

[janiekins.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to let you know, that Selmak and I spent hours "finger-squishing" your big ole head(not) so we could make the con an even more enjoyable experience for all (G)...

how was the trip home?

j

Re: BHF

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

:) You know that I'm going to have to dream up some scheme to make my head even bigger because the woman behind me loves me so much. ;) I'm thinking perm AND a big ole rainbow afro wig.

The trip home was long. I slept about 2 hours last night -- and about 2 hours waiting to board the plane and about another hour on the plane. I've never fallen asleep in the terminal before. Guess it was one too many days of insufficient sleep and inadequate nutrition. I'm home and have to do quick turn around tonight so that I can drive to Corpus tomorrow for the funeral. But first, I'm going to sleep in my own damned bed tonight. Bliss!

[jalabert.livejournal.com]

Hey you! You're supposed to be awake, online and talking to me! :P

As for the rest of you "Usual Suspects" I hope to see you at next year's con in Cherry Hill!

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

I know, I know. I'm taking a break from bringing in luggage, unpacking, and repacking. I'm also strongly considering a nap because I'm beyond exhausted.

I'm still miffed at your absence from the con but it really was for a good reason. No, not because of work but because everyone should have the chance to see Denver. ;)

[moonshayde.livejournal.com]

Aw, sounds like I missed a cool one. it sounds a lot more relaxed and fun.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

It was! I'm sorry you weren't there with us. :( Brian is at least a dozen times better at setting a friendly, relaxed tone. I think you would have enjoyed it.

[riverfox.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the summary, LOL. Much enjoyed. Sorry Steve wasn't there, too. Maybe next time. :) Glad you had a swell time, hun.

I hope the next con I go to won't be as lame as my first. :)

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

I hope so, too! Cons don't have to be lame but sometimes the attitudes of those running them make for very unpleasant experiences.

Steve would have been perfection. Well, Steve and Teryl. No matter how many times I've seen her, I never find her ho-hum.

[bleekabyebye.livejournal.com]

Have a safe trip home! It was nice seeing you again!

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

I did, thank you. :) I'm bummed we didn't get to spend more time together -- that last day didn't have enough down time. The other two days were laid back but any day with three guests (and a play in town) offers too many activities for any real down time.

[memento1.livejournal.com]

Oh, geez, feeling jealous. Must contain myself. MS in all black? GUH. And I would love to see Cliff Simon in person.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Cliff is devastatingly handsome -- and he knows it. Michael is also gorgeous but he isn't trying to charm the women. Cliff is. He looks at you and you just totally melt. We had a couple of con virgins with us. One was very cool with each person who came to the table. No star-struck puddles of goo. Until Cliff. He *looked* at her and she just smiled and blushed. The other con virgin had ridden in the elevator with him and pronounced herself unaffected. When Cliff came to the table, he made eye contact and turned on the charm. She melted.

Cliff looks good and smells good. He knows exactly what he's doing, the scamp. His wife is one lucky (and secure) woman.

[betacandy.livejournal.com]

OMG:

Paul McGillion's Scottish accent reasserts itself in direct proportion to the hotness of the woman standing in front of him. :)

That kills me! I'm so borrowing that for characterization in a novel!!!

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

He does! By now, these guys have had a chance to work out what succeeds with the crowds of adoring women. They know how to work it. As Mr. McGillion is fond of pointing out, he's single. He was most definitely courting and enjoying the female attention.

[roundrockronin.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday, Misty!