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FC un-meme.
General | Posted 14 years agoSorry, but not going to Further Confusion this year (and for the known future). Actual life pretty much forbids doing such for now.
On the other hand, my dealer table for Anthrocon was recently confirmed.
On the other hand, my dealer table for Anthrocon was recently confirmed.
The big Fore-Eaux
General | Posted 14 years agoThought I would mention it's the seventh birthday of Fur After Dark (dot com), and there's a nice 'Cyber Monday' coupon code for my Printfection merch strore (check my previous Thanksgiving journal for codes and links). Now with that out of the way...
As of Sunday, I hit the 40 year mark on my life - no big deal, as they say. My father and I went out to dinner and to see "The Muppets" (some less-than-satisfying parts, but enjoyable, especially to old-skool Muppet fans.) My present (to myself) was a week or so ago, scoring a door-buster deal on a new computer monitor for cheap. As it stands (and most other people in the same place will tell you) I don't really feel any different at 40. I still like toys and cartoons and that crap. I've had my 'grow the fuck up' moments regardless, not the least of which is the loss of that perception of invincibility youth gives you. I've worked over the last few years to improve my health, or at least slow the decline and avoid the worst down the road. Hopefully there's plenty more years to come. I ain't going anywhere, at least not anytime soon.
As of Sunday, I hit the 40 year mark on my life - no big deal, as they say. My father and I went out to dinner and to see "The Muppets" (some less-than-satisfying parts, but enjoyable, especially to old-skool Muppet fans.) My present (to myself) was a week or so ago, scoring a door-buster deal on a new computer monitor for cheap. As it stands (and most other people in the same place will tell you) I don't really feel any different at 40. I still like toys and cartoons and that crap. I've had my 'grow the fuck up' moments regardless, not the least of which is the loss of that perception of invincibility youth gives you. I've worked over the last few years to improve my health, or at least slow the decline and avoid the worst down the road. Hopefully there's plenty more years to come. I ain't going anywhere, at least not anytime soon.
A range of Thanksgiving things
General | Posted 14 years agoupdate: Tacking on a 'cyber monday' coupon code for my printfection store (linked below)
Coupon Code: CyberMon11
Discount: 40% off the base price
Minimum: $50+ subtotal
Dates: Monday November 28
(back to the original journal)
It was our usual Thanksgiving celebration. My father and I and
shoulung gathered together, I cooked dinner (featuring turkey breast, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole with walnuts and marshmallows, stuffing, croissant, along with pumpkin pie and baklava for dessert) Aside from attempting to grab a hot pan with my bare hand and a totally inoperable can of spray whip cream, it was a fine, uneventful, and informal dinner, followed by the watching of various family movies and animated holiday shows.
In the spirit of Black Friday (remember when advertisers AVOIDED using that term?) I have a couple Black Friday coupons for my Printfection shop ( http://www.printfection.com/esproductions ) We have some ornaments and Xmas merch now.
Coupon Code: $5Holiday - Discount: $5 off all orders over $30+
Coupon Code: $10Holiday - Discount: $10 off all orders over $50+
Dates: Nov 24 & 25th
Finally, and I apologize for ending this on a sad note, Ditto the cat (seen previously here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/456790/ ) passed away. It appears she wandered out the back door unnoticed sometime today or last night and was found tonight dead on the back porch. It's a blessing in a way, as the poor girl was somewhere between 19 and 20 years old, and getting more frail and sickly over time. Send your best wishes to her at that big farm upstate where kitties go.
Coupon Code: CyberMon11
Discount: 40% off the base price
Minimum: $50+ subtotal
Dates: Monday November 28
(back to the original journal)
It was our usual Thanksgiving celebration. My father and I and
shoulung gathered together, I cooked dinner (featuring turkey breast, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole with walnuts and marshmallows, stuffing, croissant, along with pumpkin pie and baklava for dessert) Aside from attempting to grab a hot pan with my bare hand and a totally inoperable can of spray whip cream, it was a fine, uneventful, and informal dinner, followed by the watching of various family movies and animated holiday shows.In the spirit of Black Friday (remember when advertisers AVOIDED using that term?) I have a couple Black Friday coupons for my Printfection shop ( http://www.printfection.com/esproductions ) We have some ornaments and Xmas merch now.
Coupon Code: $5Holiday - Discount: $5 off all orders over $30+
Coupon Code: $10Holiday - Discount: $10 off all orders over $50+
Dates: Nov 24 & 25th
Finally, and I apologize for ending this on a sad note, Ditto the cat (seen previously here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/456790/ ) passed away. It appears she wandered out the back door unnoticed sometime today or last night and was found tonight dead on the back porch. It's a blessing in a way, as the poor girl was somewhere between 19 and 20 years old, and getting more frail and sickly over time. Send your best wishes to her at that big farm upstate where kitties go.
Slag-a-con
General | Posted 14 years agohttp://www.slagacon.com/
shoulung and I went to this small Transformers convention in Indiana yesterday (the 15th). I like the small cons for a more relaxed experience. There were a few disappointments, such as not arriving early enough for a panel I wanted to attend, and the art show/contest being cancelled for low turnout (Last year I won as the only entry in my category,so it's understandable), but overall a nice, if tiring time. I got to speak briefly with actor Garry Chalk, well known as the voice of Optimus Primal from the Beast Wars and Beast Machines television shows, as well as a handful of anime Optimus Prime incarnations. I was tempted to buy some expensive items, but I ended up spending relatively little, taking home a handful of small toys and a few books instead, including the convention comic.
Good times, I'd go again.
shoulung and I went to this small Transformers convention in Indiana yesterday (the 15th). I like the small cons for a more relaxed experience. There were a few disappointments, such as not arriving early enough for a panel I wanted to attend, and the art show/contest being cancelled for low turnout (Last year I won as the only entry in my category,so it's understandable), but overall a nice, if tiring time. I got to speak briefly with actor Garry Chalk, well known as the voice of Optimus Primal from the Beast Wars and Beast Machines television shows, as well as a handful of anime Optimus Prime incarnations. I was tempted to buy some expensive items, but I ended up spending relatively little, taking home a handful of small toys and a few books instead, including the convention comic.Good times, I'd go again.
I don't always follow memes, but when I do...
General | Posted 14 years ago... they get deleted for not having proper user-created content.
not surprising, as my 'influence map' is more a collage than anything, but I had some fun making it and put more work in than it deserved, so, here'tis off-site. Take 2:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....luencemap.png/
There's a bunch of others that I glossed over or just forgot until now. (tack Berke Breathed in there somewhere ), but if I put everything, it would take forever to make, and possibly read.
not surprising, as my 'influence map' is more a collage than anything, but I had some fun making it and put more work in than it deserved, so, here'tis off-site. Take 2:
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-image.....luencemap.png/
There's a bunch of others that I glossed over or just forgot until now. (tack Berke Breathed in there somewhere ), but if I put everything, it would take forever to make, and possibly read.
Sooo... hats (and more Printfection coupons)
General | Posted 14 years agoNope, not talking about Team Fortress add-ons.
Printfection recently added cotton ball caps to their product arsenal, so now I have several of my designs avaiable in hat form.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Also, on the off chance you decide to order something (not just the hats) and wish to save a little money:
Promotion Info and Discounts
Dates: September 23 - Wednesday, September 28
Coupon Code: OhYeahHat
Discount: Save $3 off an order with a subtotal of $14.99+
OR
Coupon Code: StevetheMachine
Discount: Free Shipping on Super Saver, Standard, Canadian or International orders with a subtotal of $75+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code OhYeahHat OR StevetheMachine before completing checkout. Minimums are based on the subtotal of products and does not include taxes or additional charges. This offer may not be combined with other offers. If enough people share this promo some orders may be delayed a little beyond normal ship times. Coupons valid from 9/23/2011 to 09/28/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
Printfection recently added cotton ball caps to their product arsenal, so now I have several of my designs avaiable in hat form.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Also, on the off chance you decide to order something (not just the hats) and wish to save a little money:
Promotion Info and Discounts
Dates: September 23 - Wednesday, September 28
Coupon Code: OhYeahHat
Discount: Save $3 off an order with a subtotal of $14.99+
OR
Coupon Code: StevetheMachine
Discount: Free Shipping on Super Saver, Standard, Canadian or International orders with a subtotal of $75+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code OhYeahHat OR StevetheMachine before completing checkout. Minimums are based on the subtotal of products and does not include taxes or additional charges. This offer may not be combined with other offers. If enough people share this promo some orders may be delayed a little beyond normal ship times. Coupons valid from 9/23/2011 to 09/28/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
rrRROOOBOT HOOUUUUSSSSE!!
General | Posted 14 years agoSo... check it
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6437791
While I prefer my robots more playful than pornographic, I am nonetheless a contributor to book #2, putting me square in Hasbro's gun sight. So go ahead and order a copy or five from Jason. He'd appreciate it.
In non-robot news, there's this:
http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/2011.....something.html
From John Kricfalusi, ever the master of subtle social satire, and never one to take a cheap shot, no sir.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6437791
While I prefer my robots more playful than pornographic, I am nonetheless a contributor to book #2, putting me square in Hasbro's gun sight. So go ahead and order a copy or five from Jason. He'd appreciate it.
In non-robot news, there's this:
http://johnkstuff.blogspot.com/2011.....something.html
From John Kricfalusi, ever the master of subtle social satire, and never one to take a cheap shot, no sir.
One of those "where were you when..." things
General | Posted 14 years agoI'm usually a nite owl/late sleeper, have been ever since college, nurtured by being self-employed and dial-up internet that I waited until night to use so I wouldn't tie up the phone. Anyway, I slept through most of the events of 9-11-2001 morning as they were unfolding. I woke up with a phone call from 
xzadfor, which went kinda something like this:
"Hey, did you see what's going on?"
"What?"
"A passenger jet flew into the World Trade Center!"
"Really? That's terrible!" (assuming an accident)
"And then another plane hit the other tower, and a third one hit the Pentagon! Looks like we're at war, man."
Knowing he was not above the occasional joke in poor taste, my first groggy instincts were "Yeah, right. Suuuuurre they did.", but turning on the television, and seeing what was on every channel snapped me out of that delusion quick. Like much of the country, and some of the world, I spent the rest of the day doing little but watching the news, trying to grasp the exact nature of the situation. I believe I began observing after the towers were hit, but before they fell.
Ten years later, there's not much I can say that hasn't been expressed more eloquently by someone else, save for expressing my deep condolences to those who lost someone close in the attacks, or the military actions that followed. In some ways it's strange to think that it all went down a decade ago. It doesn't seem that long, even though a lot has happened between then and now on examination. I think about all that has changed in the world in ten years, and what hasn't, as well as all that has changed in daily life, along with what hasn't.
The best to you all.
xzadfor, which went kinda something like this:"Hey, did you see what's going on?"
"What?"
"A passenger jet flew into the World Trade Center!"
"Really? That's terrible!" (assuming an accident)
"And then another plane hit the other tower, and a third one hit the Pentagon! Looks like we're at war, man."
Knowing he was not above the occasional joke in poor taste, my first groggy instincts were "Yeah, right. Suuuuurre they did.", but turning on the television, and seeing what was on every channel snapped me out of that delusion quick. Like much of the country, and some of the world, I spent the rest of the day doing little but watching the news, trying to grasp the exact nature of the situation. I believe I began observing after the towers were hit, but before they fell.
Ten years later, there's not much I can say that hasn't been expressed more eloquently by someone else, save for expressing my deep condolences to those who lost someone close in the attacks, or the military actions that followed. In some ways it's strange to think that it all went down a decade ago. It doesn't seem that long, even though a lot has happened between then and now on examination. I think about all that has changed in the world in ten years, and what hasn't, as well as all that has changed in daily life, along with what hasn't.
The best to you all.
More advertising
General | Posted 14 years agoOnce again plugging the swag shop with more coupon codes. The number of products keeps growing, so check it out even if you don't go on a spending spree.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Who: You and everyone you share it with.
When: Starting today, all the way until August 21.
What:
Coupon Code: What$5
Discount: $5 of any order!
Coupon Code: Save$10When
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: Whosaved$35
Discount: $35 off subtotal of $100+
Where: Anywhere you want!
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code What$5 or Save$10When or Whosaved$35 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Orders under this promotion may be delayed beyond normal. Coupons valid from 8/15/2011 to 8/21/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
So this journal isn't totally self-promotion, here's a small link. Tired memes can take on new life on 1977 hardware (not really, but check it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE4uSsH-3RI&feature=player_embedded
...and linking the demo itself:
http://pouet.net/prod.php?which=57530
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Who: You and everyone you share it with.
When: Starting today, all the way until August 21.
What:
Coupon Code: What$5
Discount: $5 of any order!
Coupon Code: Save$10When
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: Whosaved$35
Discount: $35 off subtotal of $100+
Where: Anywhere you want!
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code What$5 or Save$10When or Whosaved$35 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Orders under this promotion may be delayed beyond normal. Coupons valid from 8/15/2011 to 8/21/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
So this journal isn't totally self-promotion, here's a small link. Tired memes can take on new life on 1977 hardware (not really, but check it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE4uSsH-3RI&feature=player_embedded
...and linking the demo itself:
http://pouet.net/prod.php?which=57530
A summer mix of stuff
General | Posted 14 years agoFirst off, It's been a tropically humid 90 degrees (32 C) around here the last couple days, punctuated by a nasty storm with plenty of wind and thunder. It knocked a few smaller branches off the trees, but nothing serious, unlike the next street over, where a tree was toppled over, crushing a car and half a house. Lost power too for 4-5 hours last night. (according to the news, power was down for up to 75,000 people last night)
Not too bad - the only casualties around here being temporary darkness and boredom, and one melted ice cream sandwich.
Anyway, to counteract, here's a little gag video from the Transformers: Prime cartoon (that's one of the non-pony cartoons on the Hub channel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oGpkDAKT6A&feature=player_embedded
And finally - a few more Printfection coupons, in case anyone felt like buying stuff:
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Important Big Coupon Savings Info:
Coupon Code: GoBig50
Discount: 30% off subotal of $50
Coupon Code: GoBig100
Discount: 40% off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code GoBig50 or GoBig100 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Orders under this promotion may be delayed beyond normal. Coupons valid from 7/12/2011 to 7/15/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
Not too bad - the only casualties around here being temporary darkness and boredom, and one melted ice cream sandwich.
Anyway, to counteract, here's a little gag video from the Transformers: Prime cartoon (that's one of the non-pony cartoons on the Hub channel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oGpkDAKT6A&feature=player_embedded
And finally - a few more Printfection coupons, in case anyone felt like buying stuff:
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Important Big Coupon Savings Info:
Coupon Code: GoBig50
Discount: 30% off subotal of $50
Coupon Code: GoBig100
Discount: 40% off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code GoBig50 or GoBig100 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Orders under this promotion may be delayed beyond normal. Coupons valid from 7/12/2011 to 7/15/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
Transformers: Attack of the Robo-Spock (Spoilery)
General | Posted 14 years agoTook a while to organize a trip to the theater with friends, but I finally got around to seeing this movie. (glad it wasn't right before AC like previous TF films, so I didn't have to field repeated "did you see it yet?" convention questions.)
Anyway, "Dark of the Moon" is in a lot of ways what "Revenge of the Fallen" probably should have been, Expanding the movie universe with a story that (more or less) makes sense, and dialing back about 20 or 30 percent on the unadulterated stupid. It's still your standard big, loud, mindless, over-the-top spectacle that Michael Bay has raised to an art form. I saw it in 3D, which was decent, though I rarely find my enjoyment of a movie actually enhanced by the 3D, and this is no exception. Notes and spoilers follow:
As implied by the subject, the big new baddie (actually surprise baddie if you avoided getting spoiled) of this film is Sentinel Prime, voiced by Leonard Nimoy. He even gets in a couple Spock-isms over the course of the film. He's portrayed as a misguided good guy, trying to help his race at all costs, though he gets in the occasional bit of villain-style ranting.
Very little robo-potty-humor in this film. Pretty good amount of robo-saliva though.
Strangely enough, Decepticons seem more inclined to take prisoners (however temporarily) than Autobots are. No obvious "Give me your face!" moments, but Optimus is still a pretty brutal guy, and more than willing to execute someone who seems to be done fighting. (though to be fair, said someone did mess old Op up pretty bad a few minutes previously.)
If you're all "geewun" about it, you might enjoy that this film recycles a couple plot elements from the old cartoon, namely the attempt to banish the Autobots from Earth, and the idea of teleporting the planet of Cybertron right next door to Earth. (though in the old cartoon Cybertron looked much less like a wasp nest the size of Saturn.)
Seems there has to be a mostly-pointless action sequence that goes on too long. In Revenge of the Fallen, it was where Sam runs around the desert with a sock full of sand. In this movie it's the "skyscraper tips over" sequence, where the military guys get into the building to take a shot at something they never get a chance to take a shot at.
Seriously, what is with Carly's boss, the 'token human bad guy'? Sure. he's apparently been working with/for the 'cons for a long time, but he really goes full-on into "here's to EEEEvil!" territory as the flim rolls on. It's kinda hard to imagine anyone being so delusional to be gunning for 'employee of the month with bosses that are most likely to just blast, smish, or (best case) enslave you.
The chick pretty much saves the world, or at least saves Optimus Prime - by taunting Megatron, though to be fair to poor ol' Megs he did spend the whole movie with a third of his head missing.
---
All in all, a decent flick by Transformers/Michael Bay standards, and easier to deal with than Revenge of the Fallen. I think I'm starting to tire of this style of film-making though. If it's true that this will be Bay's last Transformers film, and possible future films may reboot the franchise, I'd probably welcome that, especially if more robots get character beyond 'archetype', 'stereotype', or 'scary monster'.
Anyway, "Dark of the Moon" is in a lot of ways what "Revenge of the Fallen" probably should have been, Expanding the movie universe with a story that (more or less) makes sense, and dialing back about 20 or 30 percent on the unadulterated stupid. It's still your standard big, loud, mindless, over-the-top spectacle that Michael Bay has raised to an art form. I saw it in 3D, which was decent, though I rarely find my enjoyment of a movie actually enhanced by the 3D, and this is no exception. Notes and spoilers follow:
As implied by the subject, the big new baddie (actually surprise baddie if you avoided getting spoiled) of this film is Sentinel Prime, voiced by Leonard Nimoy. He even gets in a couple Spock-isms over the course of the film. He's portrayed as a misguided good guy, trying to help his race at all costs, though he gets in the occasional bit of villain-style ranting.
Very little robo-potty-humor in this film. Pretty good amount of robo-saliva though.
Strangely enough, Decepticons seem more inclined to take prisoners (however temporarily) than Autobots are. No obvious "Give me your face!" moments, but Optimus is still a pretty brutal guy, and more than willing to execute someone who seems to be done fighting. (though to be fair, said someone did mess old Op up pretty bad a few minutes previously.)
If you're all "geewun" about it, you might enjoy that this film recycles a couple plot elements from the old cartoon, namely the attempt to banish the Autobots from Earth, and the idea of teleporting the planet of Cybertron right next door to Earth. (though in the old cartoon Cybertron looked much less like a wasp nest the size of Saturn.)
Seems there has to be a mostly-pointless action sequence that goes on too long. In Revenge of the Fallen, it was where Sam runs around the desert with a sock full of sand. In this movie it's the "skyscraper tips over" sequence, where the military guys get into the building to take a shot at something they never get a chance to take a shot at.
Seriously, what is with Carly's boss, the 'token human bad guy'? Sure. he's apparently been working with/for the 'cons for a long time, but he really goes full-on into "here's to EEEEvil!" territory as the flim rolls on. It's kinda hard to imagine anyone being so delusional to be gunning for 'employee of the month with bosses that are most likely to just blast, smish, or (best case) enslave you.
The chick pretty much saves the world, or at least saves Optimus Prime - by taunting Megatron, though to be fair to poor ol' Megs he did spend the whole movie with a third of his head missing.
---
All in all, a decent flick by Transformers/Michael Bay standards, and easier to deal with than Revenge of the Fallen. I think I'm starting to tire of this style of film-making though. If it's true that this will be Bay's last Transformers film, and possible future films may reboot the franchise, I'd probably welcome that, especially if more robots get character beyond 'archetype', 'stereotype', or 'scary monster'.
More Merch Coupon Codes
General | Posted 14 years agoSeems like the small group of mousepads and cups/mugs went over pretty well at Anthrocon. I kinda wish I had brought more, especially of the Sheila Vixen beer mugs. Anyway, anyone who wanted something I couldn't provide at the con I pointed to my online "durable goods" store here:
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
- and once again, here's a few coupons to help any potential buyers save a few bucks:
Coupon Code: StarSavings
Discount: $5 off any order!
Coupon Code: BrightSavings
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: SpangledSavings
Discount: $30 off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code StarSavings, BrightSavings, or SpangledSavings before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 6/29/2011 to 7/5/201111:59 pm Mountain Time.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
- and once again, here's a few coupons to help any potential buyers save a few bucks:
Coupon Code: StarSavings
Discount: $5 off any order!
Coupon Code: BrightSavings
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: SpangledSavings
Discount: $30 off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code StarSavings, BrightSavings, or SpangledSavings before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 6/29/2011 to 7/5/201111:59 pm Mountain Time.
Anthrocon sum-up
General | Posted 14 years agoI've had some time to relax after AC (and sleep), so here's a few notables from Anthrocon 2011:
* Shou Lung and I stayed in the Omni William Penn hotel again this year. Walking between there and the Westin/convention center gave me some much-needed excercise, though aging and/or wrecked joints gave both Shou and I trouble on the trek. Still, I love the Omni. The rooms are spacious to a near-luxury level. They also had a turn-down service in the evening which we usually declined, though on nights where I came back to the room late, it happened anyway. Apparently the service involves turning down the bed covers (duh), and turning the TV on to the "relaxing images and music" channel. My only complaint in the past was that the low-flow toilets have usually been really easy to clog up, but that wasn't a problem this year. I'm not sure if they have improved, or I've just discovered the trick to flushing the thing properly.
* The whole dealer registration and setup thing went pretty smoothly. It seems the common report from most I spoke to in the dealers room was that sales of goods were best on Friday, Saturday was more about sketchbooks and commissions, and Sunday was for mopping up the stuff that wasn't finished on Saturday. I kinda miss the old days when sketchbook commissions weren't such a huge part of furry con economics, as I see how hard it makes the artists work. I was able to do about 18 paid commission over the course of AC, along with 5 or 6 more as trades or gifts, which was pretty good for me. I was amazed to hear how some artists had done thirty or more. I'm not sure if they were fast or just half-assed, but I was impressed all the same. Sometimes I'm tempted to do the 'big name' thing and see if I can get away with selling quick sketches of faces for big bucks.
* I probably should apologise to
kensingshow . We trade toys and such (US-exclusive stuff to him, Japan-exclusive stuff to me) but money, opportunity, and general procrastination had me not mailing anything for a while, then dumping months worth of stuff on him at the con. Sorry if I overloaded your luggage for the eventual flight back!
* Near my car in the con center parking garage was an impressive specimen - a Kia covered in painted flowers and plastic skulls, with a gem-covered dashboard. Anyone here want to lay claim to that one?
* I'll take this opportunity to thank everyone who I got to hang out with, draw with, stopped by the table, or even just said hello. I avoid naming names as I know I would inevitably forget someone, and wouldn't want them to feel slighted, so instead I'll slight EVERYONE (lawl.)
* I planned out my wardrobe (Sabrina Online, Fur After Dark, and Transformer-parody T-shirts, available in my Printfection store. go NOW! ) and my table toys more than normally this year. Probably not surprisingly, the best reactions came interacting my Grimlock Dinobot toy with some My Little Pony figurines. I also had a little netbook playing my music collection. It was barely audible above the room noise, but I think it helped keep me focused through the more tedious stretches.
* Maybe it's just me, but I think some of the mainstay nearby eating spots, Cory's across the street and Pizza & Panini in the Westin) kinda phoned it in this year. I did discover a new delivery Pizza-n-more place called Ephesus. They're pretty good, though the Greek pizza made kind of a mess, dropping olives and nubs of feta cheese everywhere.
* I brought a few bits of merchandise (cups, mugs, and mouse pads) which sold pretty well. I wish I had brought more of the Sheila Vixen beer mugs, as they sold out quick, but they're always available online
* As usual, sleep is a a precious commodity at these cons, what with the staying up late to hang with friends combined with the need to wake up early enough to man a table. I was hoping to catch up on sleep debt before my drive home, but that didn't quite work out as I woke up earlier than planned, and couldn't nod off again. Anyway, for the drive home I was chugging these coffee/energy drink combos. Surprisingly effective, as I never drink either coffee nor energy drinks normally.
* After the con I like to explore the area a bit on Monday, once it opens up. I checked out the old-timey-looking S.W. Randall toy store, and finally got to eat at the famous Primanti Bros. sandwich place. I'm not a convert to the "fries ON the sandwich" concept, but still some tasty eats.
* All in all, a fine experience, but now it's back to the world of dads, dogs, yardwork, bills, and mundane "first life". I fortunately seem to have avoided 'con crud', despite all the handshaking, occasional hugs, and one person who visited my table for no apparent reason other than to cough several times, then leave.
* Shou Lung and I stayed in the Omni William Penn hotel again this year. Walking between there and the Westin/convention center gave me some much-needed excercise, though aging and/or wrecked joints gave both Shou and I trouble on the trek. Still, I love the Omni. The rooms are spacious to a near-luxury level. They also had a turn-down service in the evening which we usually declined, though on nights where I came back to the room late, it happened anyway. Apparently the service involves turning down the bed covers (duh), and turning the TV on to the "relaxing images and music" channel. My only complaint in the past was that the low-flow toilets have usually been really easy to clog up, but that wasn't a problem this year. I'm not sure if they have improved, or I've just discovered the trick to flushing the thing properly.
* The whole dealer registration and setup thing went pretty smoothly. It seems the common report from most I spoke to in the dealers room was that sales of goods were best on Friday, Saturday was more about sketchbooks and commissions, and Sunday was for mopping up the stuff that wasn't finished on Saturday. I kinda miss the old days when sketchbook commissions weren't such a huge part of furry con economics, as I see how hard it makes the artists work. I was able to do about 18 paid commission over the course of AC, along with 5 or 6 more as trades or gifts, which was pretty good for me. I was amazed to hear how some artists had done thirty or more. I'm not sure if they were fast or just half-assed, but I was impressed all the same. Sometimes I'm tempted to do the 'big name' thing and see if I can get away with selling quick sketches of faces for big bucks.
* I probably should apologise to
kensingshow . We trade toys and such (US-exclusive stuff to him, Japan-exclusive stuff to me) but money, opportunity, and general procrastination had me not mailing anything for a while, then dumping months worth of stuff on him at the con. Sorry if I overloaded your luggage for the eventual flight back!* Near my car in the con center parking garage was an impressive specimen - a Kia covered in painted flowers and plastic skulls, with a gem-covered dashboard. Anyone here want to lay claim to that one?
* I'll take this opportunity to thank everyone who I got to hang out with, draw with, stopped by the table, or even just said hello. I avoid naming names as I know I would inevitably forget someone, and wouldn't want them to feel slighted, so instead I'll slight EVERYONE (lawl.)
* I planned out my wardrobe (Sabrina Online, Fur After Dark, and Transformer-parody T-shirts, available in my Printfection store. go NOW! ) and my table toys more than normally this year. Probably not surprisingly, the best reactions came interacting my Grimlock Dinobot toy with some My Little Pony figurines. I also had a little netbook playing my music collection. It was barely audible above the room noise, but I think it helped keep me focused through the more tedious stretches.
* Maybe it's just me, but I think some of the mainstay nearby eating spots, Cory's across the street and Pizza & Panini in the Westin) kinda phoned it in this year. I did discover a new delivery Pizza-n-more place called Ephesus. They're pretty good, though the Greek pizza made kind of a mess, dropping olives and nubs of feta cheese everywhere.
* I brought a few bits of merchandise (cups, mugs, and mouse pads) which sold pretty well. I wish I had brought more of the Sheila Vixen beer mugs, as they sold out quick, but they're always available online
* As usual, sleep is a a precious commodity at these cons, what with the staying up late to hang with friends combined with the need to wake up early enough to man a table. I was hoping to catch up on sleep debt before my drive home, but that didn't quite work out as I woke up earlier than planned, and couldn't nod off again. Anyway, for the drive home I was chugging these coffee/energy drink combos. Surprisingly effective, as I never drink either coffee nor energy drinks normally.
* After the con I like to explore the area a bit on Monday, once it opens up. I checked out the old-timey-looking S.W. Randall toy store, and finally got to eat at the famous Primanti Bros. sandwich place. I'm not a convert to the "fries ON the sandwich" concept, but still some tasty eats.
* All in all, a fine experience, but now it's back to the world of dads, dogs, yardwork, bills, and mundane "first life". I fortunately seem to have avoided 'con crud', despite all the handshaking, occasional hugs, and one person who visited my table for no apparent reason other than to cough several times, then leave.
Anthroconning
General | Posted 14 years agoAfter a few hours of driving and a mistake or two (My excuse is that the rain messed up my visibility and caused me to miss the highway exit - yeah, that's the ticket) I made it to Pittsburgh and Anthrocon. Local news is already going "Hey lookit all the goofy furries swarming over downtown!"
Anyway, I'll be found in the Dealers' room starting Friday (near the restrooms - not sure if that's a plus or a minus yet). My Table can be identified by a Sabrina Online and Fur After Dark banner in front, and some sort of toy robot vignette.
Eric S.
Anyway, I'll be found in the Dealers' room starting Friday (near the restrooms - not sure if that's a plus or a minus yet). My Table can be identified by a Sabrina Online and Fur After Dark banner in front, and some sort of toy robot vignette.
Eric S.
A brief moment of "Holy crap!"
General | Posted 14 years agoEarlier this afternoon, my dad and I were sitting around watching TV when we heard a loud bang on the window next to where we were sitting. Snapping around to look, I saw a good-sized deer staggering back from the window then bolting off in another direction, leaving behind a busted out pane of glass and a splatter of deer slobber on the pane next to it. This was quite the surprise, as I've never seen any deer in the local area in the near-forty years I've been around. The last major encounter with a deer came in 2007, when one jumped in front of my father on the highway and wrecked his car (He was okay, except for some scratches - the deer wasn't). This time, the window that was half battered-down was right behind my dad's head.
I think the deer are trying to kill my father.
I think the deer are trying to kill my father.
Anthrocon and coupon codes
General | Posted 14 years agoSince everyone else seems to be doing so, I'll announce that I'm going to Anthrocon 2011 (at least the plans are in place for it) and have a table in the Dealers' room. This year in addition to the usual comics, CDs, and prints, I'll have a few select items from my Printfection store (mainly drinkware and mousepads. I'll post more detailed info later)
If you're not going to AC, or if you'd rather not wait around and save a little money at the same time, I've got another set of coupon codes for the shop.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Coupon Code: DogDays
Discount: $5 off any order!
Coupon Code: Summertime
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: HotSeason
Discount: $35 off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code DogDays or Summertime or HotSeason before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price subtotal and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offerst. Coupons valid from 6/3/2011 to 6/6/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
If you're not going to AC, or if you'd rather not wait around and save a little money at the same time, I've got another set of coupon codes for the shop.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
Coupon Code: DogDays
Discount: $5 off any order!
Coupon Code: Summertime
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: HotSeason
Discount: $35 off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code DogDays or Summertime or HotSeason before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price subtotal and does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. Email us if you have questions. This offer may not be combined with other offerst. Coupons valid from 6/3/2011 to 6/6/2011 11:59 pm Mountain Time.
Me an' my Skil saw.
General | Posted 14 years agoAfter the hail storm damage mentioned in my last journal, I've spent time the last few days wandering the back yard using an electric saw to hack up downed tree limbs into chunks small enough to carry, and tossing the chunks into a single (now gigantic) pile.
Adding insult to annoyance, on Saturday night around 1AM, My dog Dash went nuts barking at something, and I saw lights moving around in the back yard. Oddly enough, I'm uncomfortable with unannounced workmen in my back yard at 1 at night, so I checked it out. Turns out it was a power company crew, trimming compromised tree limbs away from the power lines. Checking again the next day, I saw they half-assed it nearly to the point of quarter-assing it, not clearing away any of the limbs they cut down, or even leaving them dropped in the middle of the shrubs. I'm guessing they saw my monster limb pile and thought "Awesome, free dumping ground!"
Today I took a break from the hack-n-haul to catch up on some long-neglected lawn mowing (since that part of the lawn was finally free of branches), and made friends with a stray toad along the way. (or at least I moved it from the back yard to the front so the dogs wouldn't try to eat 'im.)
thus ends my 'stuff I did' journal.
Adding insult to annoyance, on Saturday night around 1AM, My dog Dash went nuts barking at something, and I saw lights moving around in the back yard. Oddly enough, I'm uncomfortable with unannounced workmen in my back yard at 1 at night, so I checked it out. Turns out it was a power company crew, trimming compromised tree limbs away from the power lines. Checking again the next day, I saw they half-assed it nearly to the point of quarter-assing it, not clearing away any of the limbs they cut down, or even leaving them dropped in the middle of the shrubs. I'm guessing they saw my monster limb pile and thought "Awesome, free dumping ground!"
Today I took a break from the hack-n-haul to catch up on some long-neglected lawn mowing (since that part of the lawn was finally free of branches), and made friends with a stray toad along the way. (or at least I moved it from the back yard to the front so the dogs wouldn't try to eat 'im.)
thus ends my 'stuff I did' journal.
Lucked out, but not really.
General | Posted 14 years agoMere minutes after I posted my "#200th" picture here, a group of terrible storms blew through the area, with much hail and potential for tornadoes, knocking out the power for a couple hours. The "lucked out" part comes in because there was no major damage to the house or cars (the cars took on a few minor hail-dings, but subtle enough you have to look hard to see them. I'll say if gives them character). The "not really" rears up when I see the wind and hail beat the absolute SNOT out of the trees here, so there's a lot of debris to pick up and a fence to repair.
Could be a lot worse, all things considered, and has been far worse in other parts of the country.
local news on this stuff: http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/on_your_sid.....cking-this-way
Could be a lot worse, all things considered, and has been far worse in other parts of the country.
local news on this stuff: http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/on_your_sid.....cking-this-way
Morphicon "report"
General | Posted 14 years agoI'm winding down for the night before heading home in the morning (perhaps stopping by a few stores along the way to see if there's any Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys I want.) Here's a few notes and such about my Morphicon experience:
* I always like Morphicon as a fun and reasonably relaxing way to visit friends without the relentless drive of commerce (or equally relentless fanboys) of a big convention like Anthrocon. I got to spend some hang-out time with folks like
ebonyleopard, shoulung, 
cmdrkitsune, 
roxikat, 
maxblackrabbit, and more.
* Landscapers were out in force spreading fresh mulch around the hotel, giving a festive manure smell to all outdoors, as well as near any ground floor doors. This was one of a very few furry cons where a crowd of con-goers was a debatably preferable odor to that of outside.
* Morphicon has one of the best con suites I've seen, especially for a smaller convention. Figures I would fix a hot dog seconds before the cart with the real sandwich fixins rolls in the door.
* Sort of an over-abundance of food in general this weekend, Between the "are you sure that's the individual-size meal?" Chinese take-out, and the butt-load of rigatoni at Buca di Beppo (the kitchen got bogged down and our meal was delayed. Our waiter was as apologetic as humanly possible, if not more), I'm glad I kept it light the rest of the time. Still have a half-buttload of tiramisu in the motel minifridge.
* Thanks to all who made Morphicon a good time.
* I always like Morphicon as a fun and reasonably relaxing way to visit friends without the relentless drive of commerce (or equally relentless fanboys) of a big convention like Anthrocon. I got to spend some hang-out time with folks like
ebonyleopard, shoulung, 
cmdrkitsune, 
roxikat, 
maxblackrabbit, and more.* Landscapers were out in force spreading fresh mulch around the hotel, giving a festive manure smell to all outdoors, as well as near any ground floor doors. This was one of a very few furry cons where a crowd of con-goers was a debatably preferable odor to that of outside.
* Morphicon has one of the best con suites I've seen, especially for a smaller convention. Figures I would fix a hot dog seconds before the cart with the real sandwich fixins rolls in the door.
* Sort of an over-abundance of food in general this weekend, Between the "are you sure that's the individual-size meal?" Chinese take-out, and the butt-load of rigatoni at Buca di Beppo (the kitchen got bogged down and our meal was delayed. Our waiter was as apologetic as humanly possible, if not more), I'm glad I kept it light the rest of the time. Still have a half-buttload of tiramisu in the motel minifridge.
* Thanks to all who made Morphicon a good time.
Morphicon and such
General | Posted 14 years agoI'll be going - http://morphicon.org/
This is more a fun & friends kinda convention for me, so I probably won't be slinging commissions around by the dozens. Still, I might be seen in the artist alley from time to time.
Seeya!
Eric Schwartz
This is more a fun & friends kinda convention for me, so I probably won't be slinging commissions around by the dozens. Still, I might be seen in the artist alley from time to time.
Seeya!
Eric Schwartz
Further attacks of capitalism.
General | Posted 14 years agoI've been slowly but surely increasing the number and variety of products at my little Printfection merch store:
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
And I'm sharing another new coupon code as well:
Coupon Code: ShipmeforFREE
Discount: Free Super Saver, Canadian or International Airmail on orders with a subtotal of $30+
Dates: Friday, April 29 to Tuesday, May 3
(I'll try not to bug you folks with advertising TOO much. )
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions
And I'm sharing another new coupon code as well:
Coupon Code: ShipmeforFREE
Discount: Free Super Saver, Canadian or International Airmail on orders with a subtotal of $30+
Dates: Friday, April 29 to Tuesday, May 3
(I'll try not to bug you folks with advertising TOO much. )
Time for some healthy rampant consumerism!
General | Posted 14 years agoBy that, I mean I recently opened up an online shop with Printfection, in an attempt to resurrect my old T-shirt business.
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions/
So far there's merch for Sabrina Online, Fur After Dark, and some Amiga computer-related stuff as well, with the promise of more stuff to come. If that's not enough to drive you into a spending frenzy (heh), I have a few coupon codes to take a hunk off the prices. (good to April 25th)
Coupon Code: AprilSweet
Discount: $5 off No Minimum!
Coupon Code: AprilSugar
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: AprilCandy
Discount: $35 off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code AprilSweet or AprilSugar or AprilCandy
before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price subtotal and
does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. This offer may not be
combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 4/21/2011 to 4/25/2011 11:59 pm
Mountain Time.
Thanks for reading,
Eric Schwartz
http://www.printfection.com/esproductions/
So far there's merch for Sabrina Online, Fur After Dark, and some Amiga computer-related stuff as well, with the promise of more stuff to come. If that's not enough to drive you into a spending frenzy (heh), I have a few coupon codes to take a hunk off the prices. (good to April 25th)
Coupon Code: AprilSweet
Discount: $5 off No Minimum!
Coupon Code: AprilSugar
Discount: $10 off subtotal of $50+
Coupon Code: AprilCandy
Discount: $35 off subtotal of $100+
Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code AprilSweet or AprilSugar or AprilCandy
before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price subtotal and
does not include shipping, taxes, or additional charges. This offer may not be
combined with other offers. Coupons valid from 4/21/2011 to 4/25/2011 11:59 pm
Mountain Time.
Thanks for reading,
Eric Schwartz
'Flyover states' get passed over
General | Posted 14 years agohttp://www.wdtn.com/dpp/on_your_sid.....land-in-dayton
The coastal-ish areas always could use some extra tourist dollars.
Oh well, at least the Air Force museum gets some chunks!
The coastal-ish areas always could use some extra tourist dollars.
Oh well, at least the Air Force museum gets some chunks!
Oldie but goodie
General | Posted 15 years agoRecently I was looking through some old VHS tapes to find out what the hell was on the unmarked ones. I ran across an old segment from the Daily Show, and after a little searching, re-found the same online.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/t.....-to-boldly-gay
The most disturbing revelation I take away from this is that people like Kevin Duane and Roochak have spoken with Steve Carell.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/t.....-to-boldly-gay
The most disturbing revelation I take away from this is that people like Kevin Duane and Roochak have spoken with Steve Carell.
Ohayocon and Columbus
General | Posted 15 years agoSaturday I took a day trip to Columbus, Ohio to check out Ohayocon, a fast-growing anime convention ( http://www.ohayocon.org ). I went last year, and if I go again I'll have to pre-register, as the standard reg line stretched for miles. It moved briskly, but it still took over an hour to get through (compared to about twenty minutes last year). I'm not that much of an anime fan, so I mostly go to shop for various Japanese merchandise, and observe all the cosplayers of differing levels of attractiveness wearing the revealing and/or form-fitting garb of their characters (half of which I don't recognize, but look impressive anyway). I managed to all but totally wreck an ankle after hours of standing and walking the area, and left after some time sitting down.
I went to college in Columbus, so this year I decided to explore and revisit my past a little. I drove around my old school, the Columbus College of Art and Design. There used to be a lot of distance between CCAD and the nearby Columbus State community college, but both schools have grown a lot since I went there, and are now butted up against each other. The CCAD campus has more buildings now, and the ones that were there before have different names. I also tracked down the old apartment building where I stayed for three years during college. It looked almost exactly the same, though the nearby area now sports a library and hospital that weren't there before. For an earlyish dinner, I went to Columbus' German village (saw Schmidt's Sausage Haus, as seen on the TV show "Man Vs. Food") and ate at an old favorite, Katzingers deli (http://www.katzingers.com - free pickles!). It's a real city delicatessen, as opposed to a sandwich shop calling itself a deli, which is something I don't see much as a suburban boy. I was glad to re-connect with a few bits of my past, and a tiny bit frightened to think that it's been over fifteen years since I last visited a few of these places.
I went to college in Columbus, so this year I decided to explore and revisit my past a little. I drove around my old school, the Columbus College of Art and Design. There used to be a lot of distance between CCAD and the nearby Columbus State community college, but both schools have grown a lot since I went there, and are now butted up against each other. The CCAD campus has more buildings now, and the ones that were there before have different names. I also tracked down the old apartment building where I stayed for three years during college. It looked almost exactly the same, though the nearby area now sports a library and hospital that weren't there before. For an earlyish dinner, I went to Columbus' German village (saw Schmidt's Sausage Haus, as seen on the TV show "Man Vs. Food") and ate at an old favorite, Katzingers deli (http://www.katzingers.com - free pickles!). It's a real city delicatessen, as opposed to a sandwich shop calling itself a deli, which is something I don't see much as a suburban boy. I was glad to re-connect with a few bits of my past, and a tiny bit frightened to think that it's been over fifteen years since I last visited a few of these places.
