My Chinese Dragon's namesake has passed away at age 93..

I always remember Christopher Lee playing the part of Sax Rohmer's Asian evil genius with that distinctive mustache.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000489/....._=nm_ov_bio_sm

Nooo, I'm not parting with one of mine.
I have a furriend who is..
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16778566/

I figured I'd better let the furs east of the Mississippi know about BLFC.
For being it's third year, it has grown rapidly with nearly 2,500 attendees, and close to 700 fursuiters in the parade.. WOW! I do recommend this convention!!

It's held on the lower floor of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV. Lot's of food available on site, and a Walmart right across the street, you can't beat the venue. The only rule you cannot break is no fursuit heads in the casino itself. Because it is a casino, there is a strong security presence. There was one incident that was rapidly taken care of, and no sign of the "homeless pilfering" seen at big city conventions.

The con is held in two large rooms connected by a wide hall with various food and shopping emporiums. One room contained the dealers den around the perimeter and all kinds of activities in the open middle space. The other large space had the main stage, an open area with tables, a separate marketplace/artist ally space with the panel rooms around the perimeter. There were two fursuit lounges with water, Gatorade, fans and head dryers. They even had sanitary wipes to clean the head dryers, too! It is a very well thought out convention, and everything well contained with two main points of access..
There were a lot of decorations in keeping with the theme of the con. Really cool! Also, nylon bar code collars were given if you performed a simple task.
If you want swag, go for sponsor. Current year swag is not sold at the con, so if you want the shirt and other goodies, spend the extra bucks when registering.

The hotel itself is very comfortable, my room was huge, probably twice the size of any other hotel room, and I've never had a shower that envelopes your entire body with water like this on does. Wi Fi is free, as are the water bottles in the room. A coffee maker is provided with wimpy coffee, but there is no fridge or microwave.
I had no problem waiting on an elevator. They're well divided between floors. There is not a complimentary breakfast, so you're stuck with Starbucks or the all you can eat buffet. There are various restaurants in the building ranging from subs and pizza to steak and seafood..
Check in was busy, as was check out. In both cases I had to wait in line. There is a shuttle to the airport every 30 minutes.

Reno airport is like any other airport, although I found security was quick and efficient compared to other airports. Check in was a bit of a nightmare, as the airline was scrambling to place passengers from a cancelled flight. Baggage claim was fairly rapid.
As for transporting Fu Manchu, I carried his head in a drawstring laundry bag, unstuffed his tail, and put the rest of him in my carry on. The tail stuffing I put in a vacuum bag and packed it in my checked bag.

So, that's the facts. Now on to the fun stuff.

The fursuit parade is held in the evening at 6, with minimum wait to get the group photo first. It works, but you do need to keep an eye on the time..
I ran into a few furs I all ready know from cons I've previously attended, made a lot of new friends, and in general had a lot of fun! There was a lot of public interaction in the big hallway, so lots of photos with humans were made.
Fu Manchu got to meet his maker, . I am happy to say, she has approved of the modifications made to him since she put him in my care. It was awesome to participate in her group photo, being surrounded by many of her incredible creations. So much talent there!!

The only negative I have to voice is having to fly, deal with airlines, airports and the additional cost, or drive for three days to get there from where I live. A common predicament for any convention on the other side of the country.
Would I go again? Most definitely!

So yeah.. Sitting at DFW waiting for them to fix something on the plane to Reno..
Some kind of security thingy not working right..
I'll bet its a sensor to keep you from flushing the toilet while you're sitting on it.. Eeeew, nasty blue water..

As I sit at the gate at GSP, Fu Manchu has made it through security with no issues. My fears are steadily being alleviated.. Next step, getting him on the plane.. I just spoke with a flight attendant, and yup, there should be no issues there either.. Sooo, next stop is DFW, and then on to Reno..
As a side note, I got about an hours worth of sleep, even though I went to bed at 9:30. If you see a plane flying overhead and you hear a lot of snoring, it's probably mine...

And I'm not so worried anymore..

My big adventure to BLFC starts with a 3 am alarm clock..
I don't know if I'll have access to the interwebs while I'm there, but if I do, I'll be checking in with all my furriends here..

Everything is packed and ready to go.
And I'm feeling better about carrying Fu Manchu after some feedback I've gotten from others who have done the same..
Thank you to those who have offered reassurance.

In two days I board one of 2 planes to go to BLFC in Reno.. And I have 2 flights on the way home.
I've flown in planes ever since I was 2 years old, and it's always been an adventure.
Lately I've gotten to where I don't enjoy flying as much. You feel like cattle instead of a customer.
The real concern I'm having is this is the first time flying with a fursuit, and after hearing the horror stories of lost fursuits, I'm taking it in my carry on bag.
Except Fu Manchu's head doesn't fit. I plan on carrying that as my personal item in a drawstring laundry bag.
The thing is, the head is so big it may not fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, and it doesn't squish like a foam head.
I guess I'll just wear it if it doesn't fit in the storage available..

Any feedback from anyone who has flown before and carried their fursuit head?
How receptive is TSA security and the flight attendants?

Follow up: I did some investigating, and his head will fit under the seat or in the overhead bin..

Yup.. I guess it's time to do it..

Where are you staying?
The con hotel

What day are you getting there and what day are you leaving?
Thursday - Sunday morning (darn airline schedules)

How are you getting there?
Big screaming metal flying bird..
And yeah, I'm nervous about getting Fu Manchu there and back safely..

Who will you be with?
Fu Manchu

Who will you hang out with during the convention?
Whoever wants to put up with me..

Anyone you're looking to meet up with?
and get some photos together.

Where/how can I find you?
The best I can suggest is just keep your eyes open for a big yellow Chinese dragon

If you have a significant other, will that person be there?
No significant other. Y'all know the story..

How old are you?
I definitely qualify as greymuzzle..

How tall are you?
5'-7"

What is your gender/preferred pronouns?
I am male.
It all depends on who I am at the time.. You may call me Eddie, or Fu Manchu.

What do you look like?
As Fu Manchu would say.. It's an ancient Chinese secret..
I have been known to wear full Scottish attire when I'm not suiting. Look for the MacGregor tartan.

What do you prefer to be called?
I answer to Eddie when out of suit.

Will you have any fursuits?
Fu Manchu http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14009122/
(sorry, only have room for one in my luggage)

Can I touch you?
Hugs are always welcome :) Just dont glomp me from behind or gender check me - unless you're female and want a similar response..

Can I talk to you?
Can you speak Chinese?

Can I take pictures of you?
I'm a camera slut

Can I visit your room?
It depends..

Can I stalk you?
Really? Seriously? Why?

Can I buy you drinks?
I hope you can afford the drinks I like..

Can I hug or snuggle you?
Hugs are always welcome. Snuggles... I'm very gender specific on that..

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
I would enjoy having someone to talk to over dinner. However, I am not buying your dinner

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
I don't carry a sketchbook..

Do you do requests/free art?
I don't do art. I build and repair fursuits.

Do you do trades?
Not usually

Do you do commissions?
Sure thing although I don't have a table.

Do you have an artist table?
No

Do you do prints?
Noseprints.. Usually on mirrors, windows and camera lenses..

Do you have art in the art show?
Umm, no..

Is there anything you don't do?
Skydiving. I don't see any reason to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

Do you go to parties?
Maybe. Depends on the party.

What should I not do around you?
Don't be mean or disrespectful to my friends or me. I'm a drama free zone.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Get in front of me if I am in suit before trying to get my attention. Introduce yourself, and where you know me from. I'm a greymuzzle, my memory is not good..

What is/are your goal(s) for this convention?
To have fun, meet new people, see old friends and get some cool swag from the artists and dealers.
Fu Manchu wants his photo taken with , the all great and powerful builder!
I would like a video made of Fu Manchu doing his Tai Chi.. Anyone have a video camera?

The ultimate accessories for your fursuit!
I just got a beautiful lanyard from her..
And she's in rough times right now, so go commission one from her..

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16498971/

One more week to go before the Relay for Life for the American Cancer society.
It's the same amount of time my wife spent in the hospital before cancer took her from me, her children and everyone else who knew and loved her. I would have given everything and anything to have her cured, and still have her with me now. I would have even exchanged places with her.
What would you give to live?
Think about it.. Then click the link.. It's a lot less painful than watching that last breath.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?f.....mp;px=31074245

Signal boost for an awesome fursuit maker.

She's dropped the price from $800
The head is machine washable!
Realistic hyena head, will deliver to FWA.

http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16177584/

THANK YOU!! To everyone who has generously donated to my Relay for Life campaign for the American Cancer Society!! I love you all!!
Thanks to your generosity, you've helped me exceed my goal, and exceed what I raised last year! For those that haven't donated yet, help me set a higher standard for next year! We're down to less than 30 days before the deadline..
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/R.....mp;fr_id=64670

If you'd like to get involved and join in the fun on April 24th, sign up now, it's not too late!
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?t.....70&pg=team

The world lost a renaissance man today. My dad has gone to be with my sister and my wife.. He succumbed to ALS early this afternoon at age 82.

Yup.. I didn't want to post anything until it was officially confirmed, although it's been in the works for the last week. I have a new job starting March 30 that I'm very much looking forward to. It will be nice working in a stress and drama free environment.

A meme about us grey-muzzle types. It has some stuff most of you out there likely don't know about. (or care) Stolen from

This is all just for fun, of course.


1. How many jobs have you had, and which was your favorite?
More than I care to admit. Favorite.. No job is a favorite, but the two I can think of, one was being a theme park character (which got me here) and the one where I designed radio control airplanes.

2. When did you first connect to other people via computers?
In the mid to late 90's, when the internet really started to catch on.

3. We're/are you on AOL? Compuserve? LJ? Dreamwidth? A Listserv? Other?
I was on EarthLink. My home page was Yahoo.

4. If you went to college, does your major match your career/current job?
Yup.

5. Have you had a mammogram? Colonoscopy?
Nope.. Just had my first prostrate exam..

6. When did you get your first cell phone? What was it like? (Did it have a screen? Could you text? Was it a brick or flip?)
1995. It was a brick. Made by Motorola and holy cow, was it rugged.

7. When did your family first acquire a color TV?
1970 when I lived in England.

8. When did your family acquire a second TV?
My parents always had one TV. I didn't get a second one until I got married to Donna. Now I have one in every room. And I hardly ever watch them..

9. Did you ever own "designer jeans"?
I think I had a pair back in the late 70's.

10. Have you ever been to a disco?
Never been to a proper Disco, just clubs that played disco music..

11. How many places (towns, states, countries) have you lived in?
9.. Ohio, France (twice), Italy, Germany (twice), Belgium, England, and South Carolina.

12. Have any of you contemporary friends died? (I.e., people more or less you age.)
Yes, including my wife from Cancer.

13. Are you parents still living?
Yes, although my Dad is slipping fast thanks to ALS.

14. Do you have any gray hairs?
Yeah.. I blame it on the job I just had...

15. Did you or your family own a Betamax?
Yes, I still have it, and it was still working last time I used it. Also have a Betacam that doesn't work.

16. How did you spend New Year's Eve 1999/2000?
Running to Walmart to get candles for my wedding the next day.

17. What's the oldest article of clothing you still wear?
I have several pairs of bell bottoms, and a Canadian Air force great coat.
I have a down jacket my mom made for me when we lived in England, but it doesn't fit me anymore.

18. Name one or two historic events you've seen. (directly or on media)
Apollo 11 Landing on the moon, Nixon resigning, Challenger explosion, Berlin wall coming down, 9/11.

19. Do you eat your vegetables?
When I cook them. Mostly I eat a salad.

20. Are the privileges of adulthood worth the responsibilities?
Privileges?? What's so privileged about being an adult? I have more responsibilities.. >_<

21. Do you feel like an adult?
I hang out with younger people. I visit with people "my own age". See the difference?

22. Is youth wasted on the young?
It depends what is done with that youth..
I'm always full of helpful advice for the younger generations.. Its a nostalgic way of digging up the past, dusting it off, and passing it off as something shiny.

Yeah, I was let go from my job of 4 years today.. For various BS reasons. Basically they found someone younger who they could pay less to do somewhat the same job I did.. Tomorrow would have been my 4th anniversary..
And so I go on the job hunt again.. Tomorrow..

We're getting into our final push to recruit furs to have a bunch of fun, and raise money for the American cancer society.. Are you a camera slut, love to fursuit in public, and give hugs?? Then sign up below and come have some fun! Even if you don't have a suit, it's a blast! I know you don't have anything better planned for April 24 & 25th..

Relay For Life is our opportunity to celebrate loved ones who have won their battle against cancer, remember those no longer with us, and fight back against this disease that robs so many of so much.

More than just walking the track, I'm fundraising! Because of the donations I collect, more people in more communities:
•Have the information and tools they need to help reduce their risk of getting cancer or find the disease early, when it's easiest to treat
•Have a place to turn for help 24/7
•Benefit from the progress being made toward finding cancer's causes and cures
•Get access to lifesaving screenings and treatment

Please join us in fighting cancer and consider supporting our fundraising efforts by making a donation. The links at the bottom of this email makes it so simple! Dollars raised bring us one step closer to a world with less cancer and more birthdays, a world where not another life is lost to the disease.

Sign up here:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?f.....eam_id=1684348

If you can't make it, please donate here, even if it's only a few dollars. It adds up!!
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?f.....mp;px=31074245

I just read that Leonard Nimoy passed away today at age 83.. Another icon of my childhood has gone..
I remember watching the original series as a kid while living in England. The tone the series set somewhat set a philosophy for the rest of my life, and Spock was a big part of that.
His passing reinforces my understanding of my own mortality..

As you know, I have multiple fursona disorder...
I've been asked who I will be wearing and when I will be wearing who at FWA. Apparently there's favoritism towards getting photos taken with particular characters I have.
I like to keep things loose, go with my mood as to who I wear when, and as to what is going on at the time.
I also hate to spoil the surprise of who you'll see when. I do change fursonas at least twice a day.

THURSDAY
Eddie Bear and ?

FELINE FRIDAY
SabreKatz & Dan D Lion

SATURDAY
Fu Manchu will be in the fursuit parade in keeping with the theme of FWA.
Later ?

SUNDAY
Shaemus McDuff and ?

So yeah, Facebook considers me to be a fictional character..

https://www.facebook.com/eddie.bear.14

Rock your nails with Jamberry Wraps and support a great cause! 30% of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society for the Onslow County Relay For Life thanks to the team Furries For A Cure!
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/6473803/

Come join in the fun April 24-25!!
Are you a furry that loves to interact with the public, loves hugs, is a camera slut and generally wants to have an awesomely good time??
Come join Furries for a Cure, the Relay for Life team that raises money for the American Cancer Society and have a bunch of fun doing it!! Located in Jacksonville, NC, this is one of the biggest anti cancer parties in the southeast. The dates are April 24-25, 2015. Sign up now!!
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?t.....70&pg=team

If you want to see photos from last year:
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/...../#cid:43243316

DONATE
If you can't make it, and would like to donate, at least help us reach our fundraising goal:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?f.....p;px=31074245#

Yup.. I guess it's time to do it..

Where are you staying?
The Hilton across the street.
I figure a new con hotel is like when the auto makers come out with a new car model. Don't get the first year's model until they work the kinks out.

What day are you getting there and what day are you leaving?
Thursday - Monday

Who will you be with?
My bestie

Who will you hang out with during the convention?


Anyone you're looking to meet up with?
All my furriends, old and new!!
I will be looking for because I want to compare notes on our suits made by and get some photos together.

Where/how can I find you?
The best I can suggest is just keep your eyes open for one of me
Mostly I'll be in suit.

If you have a significant other, will that person be there?
No significant other. Y'all know the story..

How old are you?
I definitely qualify as greymuzzle..

How tall are you?
5'-7"

What is your gender/preferred pronouns?
I am male.
It all depends on who I am at the time.. You may call me Eddie, or Fu, or Dan D, or Shaemus, or Sabre.

What do you look like?
As Fu Manchu would say.. It's an ancient Chinese secret.. I have been known to wear full Scottish attire when I'm not suiting. Look for the MacGregor tartan.

What do you prefer to be called?
I answer to Eddie when out of suit.

Will you have any fursuits?
Eddie Bear http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9719074/
Dan D Lion http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12230670/
Shaemus MacDuff http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10685486/
Fu Manchu http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14009122/
SabreKatz http://www.furaffinity.net/view/14944802/

Can I touch you?
Hugs are always welcome :) Just dont glomp me from behind or gender check me - unless you're female and want a similar response..

Can I talk to you?
Why do you think I have a moveable jaw?

Can I take pictures of you?
I'm a camera slut

Can I visit your room?
Do you really want to walk all the way to the Hilton?
If you have a suit repair that needs doing, yes.

Can I stalk you?
Really? Seriously? Why?

Can I buy you drinks?
I hope you can afford the drinks I like..

Can I hug or snuggle you?
Hugs are always welcome. Snuggles... I'm very gender specific on that..

Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
I would enjoy having someone to talk to over dinner. However, I am not buying your dinner

Can I draw in your sketchbook?
I don't carry a sketchbook..

Do you do requests/free art?
I don't do art. I build and repair fursuits.

Do you do trades?
Not usually

Do you do commissions?
Sure thing although I don't have a table.

Do you have an artist table?
No

Do you do prints?
Noseprints.. Usually on mirrors and windows..

Do you have art in the art show?
Umm, no..

Is there anything you don't do?
Skydiving. I don't see any reason to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

Do you go to parties?
Maybe. Depends on the party.

What should I not do around you?
Don't be mean or disrespectful to my friends or me. I'm a drama free zone.

If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Get in front of me if I am in suit before trying to get my attention. Introduce yourself, and where you know me from. I'm a greymuzzle, my memory is not good..

What is/are your goal(s) for this convention?
To have fun, meet new people, see old friends and get some cool swag from the artists and dealers.
Fu Manchu wants his photo taken with Quicksand.
Would like a video made of Fu Manchu doing his Tai Chi.. Anyone have a video camera?

After the bar fight to get a room at the Courtyard, I ended up getting one at the Westin, (I was on the website holding page for 15 mins) I managed to get one reserved for Thurs - Monday. Except I'm arriving on Wednesday.. So I put in an E-mail to reservations to see if they can push the room for Wednesday. I hope they come through with it, otherwise I'll be driving up most of the way, finding a room someplace for Wednesday night, and arriving on Thursday, hopefully as soon as check in opens..

FOLLOW UP:
I sent an e-mail to the people at VisitPittsburgh as suggested on the Anthrocon website. I just received confirmation that my room at the Westin is now booked from Wednesday thru Sunday night.

With slow attendance and our lease coming up, a sad decision was made today by the board of directors for Miniature World of Trains. We will be closing January 31. We had an option for a bigger location, but it's off the beaten path, and would not have the walk up traffic that the current location has. Not to mention it would take a considerable sum of money to make it happen, which isn't happening..
It's because of Miniature World of Trains that Eddie Bear happened, and I got tied in with this group of crazed animal costume wearers we call the Furry Fandom. For that, I am grateful!!
What does this mean for Eddie Bear as a mascot? No more TV appearances, fundraising events or street festivals.. It's a sad day, as they're always awesome!
On the bright side, I have been talking to local model railroad clubs who would like me to show up at their events..
And Shaemus will continue to still make appearances at the Scottish Highland Games here in Greenville, SC.
Eddie will still make appearances at the Road Warriors Hockey Games for the Teddy Bear Toss.
And I will continue to raise money for the American Cancer Society.. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?f.....p;px=31074245# (Shameless plug) More on that in an upcoming journal!!
I'd also like to tie in with the local Chinese community for Fu Manchu to make appearances for them.
And maybe get something going with the Pickens County Humane Society, either with Dan D Lion or SabreKatz.
And phew, it suddenly frees up a lot of time I didn't have before..
As so recently stated, it takes a big plate off of my crowded table..

Yeah.. For the last 3 days my internet has been up and down like a darn yo yo.. I spend more time looking at a red X on my connected icon than actually online..