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Three Weeks Until Otakon
2004-07-10 00:52:21
I originally wanted to post this last night, but considering how I don't use my journal to talk about my agnst (something which I had a lot of last night), I decided to wait until tonight to do it.
-On Sunday, I found out that my local cable provider won't be providing PPV on analog cable anymore. Considering how I usually order the four main WWE "PPV's" each year, that finally gave me a reason to upgrade to digital cable. So far, I'm definitely gotten into some of the extra channels (i.e. VH1 Classic, the audio channels) and I'm interested in checking out Video on Demand (especially since the Anime Network is part of the VOD line-up).
-My current status of my computer: My father has cleared most of the viruses that were on the computer and has made the CD Burner workable again. Unfortunately, there's still one problem: I CAN'T PLAY ANY MPG OR AVI FILES. My dad is currently working on fixing my computer so that I can play those files again.
-Money wise, I now have over $210 saved up for Otakon. This weekend will be a slow weekend for me though since some plans on Sunday morning will prevent me from working at the local farm stand that day. However, with me doing some of the farm stand work at home to today, along with a few auctions on eBay, I'm making sure I do get some more money saved up this week.
-This weekend will be a busy one, as tomorrow is the Hallmark Ornament Premiere (an event that my mother and I attend every year) and Sunday will be the day a certain sale officially starts (I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about). -
Four Weeks Until Otakon
2004-07-02 01:42:01
With Otakon coming at the end of the month, it's almost "crunch time for me". Here's my current situation at the moment:
-My regular computer has been having problems recently (with this journal entry being written on another computer). My father is currently spending his evenings trying to fix my computer (Wednesday night, he finally got it so that the monitor turns on). However, while I'm sure my father can get things working (i.e. get the CD-RW working so that I can return to storing AMV's on CD), I personally feel that I need a new computer (as my current system is 4 1/2 years old, is having problems with both CD drives, and is full of infections).
-Back to Otakon. Since I have yet to hear back from Otakon concerning my pre-reg that I did at Katsucon, I decided to basically pre-reg again, this time online (which automatically gives you a receipt of your pre-reg). As for the hotel, while I don't want to go into details, let's just say I definitely have a place to stay in Baltimore during the convention.
-When it comes to money for Otakon, I've been saving up for it by rolling coins since Katsucon (coins: one of my main sources for dealers' room money) and, since last month, saving up half of the pay I make each week for working at a local farm stand (where I weigh candy and stock sodas). Currently, I have over $170 saved up, and considering how things are going at the stand, I'm sure to have at least another $30 added to that by the time Otakon arrives. -
A Busy Day
2004-05-18 22:22:20
Today was an interesting day for me:
-At my local mall, I pre-ordered the second and third volumes of the Azumanga Daioh DVD's (want to be sure I get my fill of Chiyo-chan). With that, the only thing on my "pre-Otakon buy list" that I haven't reserved yet is the final Angelic Layer DVD.
-Also at the mall, I finally found another video game t-shirt that's my size (this time, it's a Mega Man II t-shirt). Being the person that I am, I definitely picked it up.
-In something that was a pleasant surprise, I received my Walt Disney Treasures DVD from amazon.com. I was expecting my order to actuall come either tomorrow or Thursday. However, with the DVD's coming today, it gave me something to do. BTW, I wonder if Tom the Fish was able to get the new DVD's as well.
-Finally, in something that I've actually done two days ago, I split my anime collection in order to make room for my downstairs bookshelf. I moved my artboxes (complete and incomplete) and bricks upstairs, while the rest of my collection remain downstairs. Considering I'm definitely getting some more discs in the coming months, that is definitely a smart idea IMO. -
"Three Months Until Otakon" Post
2004-04-27 22:21:50
A lot has happened since I've lasted written a journal entry. Here's what' been going on in my life recently:
-After keeping this quiet for some time now, it's time for this to come out. Last month, my grandfather passed away. Like most people, the passing of a family was a very rough time for my family, especially for my grandmother. As a result, she's been living with my family for the past month. While there's a few changes in life with her around, everything's somewhat back to normal for the moment.
-I'm currently budgetting my money for a few things that are coming out in the next few months (as in before Otakon). My "buy list" for this period invloves finishing an anime series that I'm currently working on, continuing on a series that I started today (hint: it involves a 10-year old high school student :D ), and picking up a few DVD sets and a video game. However, I'm still going to make sure that I have some money for the convention (i.e. wrapped coins and the possible eBay).
-I'm now downloading some anime off of Bit Torrent. Currently, the only two shows I'm downloading are Naruto and Midori no Hibi. However, I also have plans to download other things as well (i.e. the complete Animix project). -
Katsucon 10 Comments
2004-02-15 21:17:06
While I didn’t go to the con today, I’m posting this now because I was tired and needed some rest. Here’s my comments on the trip to Katsucon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-TheGame Shows. For Randy Productions has finally reached the D.C. area, and after seeing the game shows (and participating in one of their shows, an original project called the G.R.I.D.D.), I’m interested in seeing them come back for Katsucon and possibly for Otakon. Some of the funnier parts that appear in these game shows include the host talking about giving a DVD to a Puchuu (which actually happened) and a Whammy version of the “Yatta” music video (W-H-A-Double M-Y). However, the For Randy Production wasn’t the only one with comical game show bliss, as the Anime Name That Tune Finals included a picture of the host at Shoujocon and one contestant destroying the “buzzer”.
-Music videos. Hey, I can’t talk about the convention without the AMV contest. At this year’s contest, there were some good videos whether it’s from the “Masters” (aka Kusoyaro and VicBond007), a Mentos parody starring Rock Lee from Naruto, or an EVA video (whether it’s a duel between FLCL “Queen” and EVA “Vanilla Ice” or a parody of EVA videos).
-Cosplay. Again, another thing that I need to mention is cosplay. Considering that this is Katsucon, there’s definitely a good supply of great skits. Some of my favorite skits were those that spoof Chicago (William and Mary RULE), Ringu (with a chair replacing Sadako), and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
-The “Sign Line”. For those who don’t know what that is (probably most, as they either didn’t attend the convention or were at either the Dance or AMV overflow instead), around midnight Saturday night, a group of people (including me) spent the hour in a line holding up signs that they’ve made (I had my “Chiyo-chan abuse makes the Domo-kun cry” sign). It definitely was one thing that got some attention from the people passing by.
PROS
-“Now playing” screens. Two of the video rooms had monitors which showed what was playing in each room. This idea was worked well, especially when you consider that a showing of Sailor Moon was cancelled and replaced with the con premiere of ADV’s treatment of Azumanga Daioh. Too bad it wasn’t there last year (especially considering the amount of people who wanted to see Takeshi's Castle).
-Early and late badge pick-up. No need to wait until 9:00 AM to get your badge on a Saturday. Plus, it almost completely got rid of the usual line for badge pick-up.
-Tech crew using the monitors at the Cosplay contest for more than just showing the cosplay. Not only was it useful for the annual “Whose Katsu is It Anyway”, but it also plays an important part in the Ringu parody skit.
CONS
-The fact that the original bags that were given out on Friday weren’t allowed in the Dealers’ Room due to being opaque. One reason why I almost didn’t go to Katsucon in 2002 is because I was worried about the “bag rule” at the Dealers’ Room and how I usually don't have a hotel room when I go to Katsucon. Obviously, not only was this enforced strictly at this year’s Katsucon with the original bags, but also the clear Katsucon bags from the last two cons were almost not even allowed in the room as well.
-The line for cosplay. When it takes about two go-rounds in the basement area just to find the end of the cosplay line (with almost no help from the security), you know that there’s something wrong with the way it is structured. Hopefully, things will be better when the con moves to a new hotel next year.
With Katsucon done, my next convention will either be Animazement or Otakon (which I pre-regged for, as well as bought the limited edition "Katsucon only" t-shirt).
JOURNAL: TnAdct1 (Joseph Klemm)
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