AlmaCon: Epic-tastic

So, some time ago, I attended a local anime and gaming convention, AlmaCon. Granted, local in this case is a two hour drive, but it was well worth it. Only $5 to get in for the whole weekend, you can't beat that. The Motor City Comic Con charges about $25 PER DAY. And that's just to get in, not meet any special guests. I'm looking at YOU, Stan Lee.

So what was at AlmaCon? Well, the short list is:
Doug Walker, AKA The Nostalgia Critic
Chris Niosi, AKA Kirbopher.
Martin Billany, AKA LittleKuriboh
As well as several fine voice actors from things like DBZ, FMA, and other great artists.

I got to meet Doug first thing, with Bahamute. He complimented me on my home made Harley Quinn mallet. He congratulated Bahamute and I on our upcoming nuptials. "You (me) must be busy, and you (Bahamute) must be terrified." We got a pic, and scuttled off with a couple of signed DVDs. A great experience!

Next, there were a few fun panels. How to make a Manga Character (hilarious and informative), Kirbopher's Flashstravaganza, (lots of info about animating and how not to be in it for the wrong reasons), an acting workshop with the voice of Shou Tucker where Bahamute got to do a fun acting exercise. Lunch at the Braveheart Pub, and back to the Con for Doug's panel about movies that you love/hate and every disagrees with you on. Then, on to the FMA panel with Shou Tucker, Scar (Brotherhood) and Jean Havok. Those three are a FREAKING HOOT, and told a LOT of fun stories when they weren't tossing around water bottles.

Then back to the merch room to buy one more character coin from LittleKuriboh. He was nice enough to call Grizz as Seto Kaiba. I was crying, it was so funny. And LOOOONG. Like at least 5 minutes.

Then, I was a creep.

I overheard the volunteer mention that Doug and the other Talent were going to the Braveheart Pub for food and drinks. So, I muttered to Bahamute "Wanna go back to the to Braveheart?"

 "That's where they're all going, isn't it?" He knew.

"Yeeaah, but I'm not gonna ambush 'em or anything."

"...Sure. I could use a drink." He agreed. So, we were creepers together.

On the way, I confessed a small fantasy: That the bar would be nearly empty, and Doug would recognize us and call us over to sit with him and the others, to just talk and hang out. Stupid. It was a college town on a Saturday night. No way would the bar be empty. No way would they want to hang with some weird fans.

Well, when we parked and got out. I wasted a few minutes throwing on a shirt over my leather bodic (borrowed from my RenFest outfit). As I closed the door, Doug Walker walked past with a small group. Holy Crap! Was my fantasy about to come true???

I fell into step a few paces behind, and we all entered the pub. The very, very full pub. Doug and the others headed for the back. Bahamute and I grabbed a table a few seats away. My heart sunk. No fantasy becoming reality today. We ordered our drinks and got ready to head out. I went to the restroom, nearly slipping on the wooden floor behind Doug.

'Perfect. Fall and break your leg in front of The Nostalgia Critic and LittleKuriboh. That'd be a really shitty end to the day.' I made it to the bathroom, admittedly a little buzzed, and headed out a few minutes later. Passing back by Doug, my mind flashed to a scene in Hannibal where Lecter is on a Merry-Go-Round behind Starling. He reaches out and barely brushes her hair. She turns, but he's already gone, and she's not sure he was even there.

'You could do that.' A devilish little voice whispered as I saw Dough's thinning, short hair.

Then, the voice of reason perked up 'Okay, you just crossed the line from fan to stalker. TIME TO GO.'

And go I did, leaving Doug Walker unmolested, and not landing myself in jail. All in all, a good day.

The (Job) Hunter Games: The first Day is Nigh

Monday I officially start my new job at a local funeral home. Extremely local. Literally 2 minutes from my home (unless I'm at one of the other two locations). And not a bit two soon. My greenback stack is getting kinda slack, to borrow a Flanders-ism.

Wise words.

So, what does this mean for the future? Well, my free time will be back to pre-unemployment levels, and I'm okay with that. Just the prospect of getting a job got me working on my manuscripts and Wedding stuff. So actually having less time will make me more motivated. Or so the past has shown.

Other than that...Well, I don't know yet. I'll know more after Monday; how things work, what I'm expected to do daily, all that good stuff. I'm super excited.

In other news, I'm in day five of the week long separation from my fiancee, AKA his Florida vacation. In coming years when my employment situation is solid, I'll be able to join him. For now, just slogging through the last few cold days. At least I've been busy addressing invitation. Super fun.

Well, gotta go: I'm heading out for a brief visit with an apparently adorable bulldog. :D PUPPY!

Just a quickie

As I'm getting ready to go fill in paperwork for my new job, this blog will just be a quickie. But here are some things I'll cover in the future (and soon, Job, weather, and writing permitting):

Tumblr: I'm hooked. More on the story as it develops.

Sherlock Series 3: Waiting for the apparently trauma-inducing 'His Last Vow' to air before writing this.

Insidious 2: I don't own it yet, but I will soon. Review to follow.

Life and death and money: once I've worked a shift or two at the funeral homes, I'll have more info.

Teaching acting: Gonna propose this as a side job to a local theater owner I have an in with. Much discussion of business plans and models and tax codes and curriculum to follow. If I can make it interesting.

And about a thousand other things. Lately, my creative side has bounced back big-time. Guess I need the pressure of knowing I have a job and structured times where I can or cannot write and be creative. But until then, I'm sorry for the lack of real blogs and updates.

Well, gotta go put my face on and edit another manuscript chapter. Ahh, manic stages. Eases the pain.

The (Job) Hunger Games: the odds were in my favor.

I'm employed.

Next week I'll be working part-time two days a week, and on call for 6, at three local funeral homes.

If you read my last blog, you'll already know my feelings on working at a funeral home. 

I'm so happy to be employed again, even if it is part time. Essentially, it depends on how many people need their services. So, here's hoping for booming business!

Not that I want more people to die.

Practically, it means a few life-style changes. No more going to sleep at 2am. Not as much time to mess around Tumblr and Tickled. I won't be able to cook and clean like I (mostly) have been.

But I think this is just what I need to get writing again. I'd always feel the drive to write when I was at work, ideas flying into my head. Then, I'd go home and sort them out. This might just get me motivated again.

And if not, at least I'll have some money coming in. Even part-time is better than nothing.

So, next week, it starts. Thank you to everyone who helped me, and wished me luck over the last month and a half. And don't expect these blogs to stop: it's only part time, after all.

For now.

My Christmas Wish was Granted

The power came back on. They're coming. :D Enjoy these fun Gifs and pics.

Thank you God, for answering my prayer, and giving the greatest gift since...well....

The reason for the season.

Geek Grub: Innkeeper's meat and potatoes

Get a real inn-style meal without spending the gold pieces!

You want HOW much for trail rations?!

You'll need:
1 cup of milk
 4 7/8 ounces instant potato mix
1/2 lb ground beef
2 cups shredded or sliced cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
1/4 cup butter
1 tsb Garlic
Dash of salt
Dash of pepper

1. Salt and Pepper beef. Cook in non-stick pan on stove top until brown, then drain off the fat.

2. Make mashed potatoes according to package. Add milk, garlic, and mozzarella if you're using it, and stir until creamy.

3. Layer time! In a baking dish make the following layers: one inch potatoes, all the beef, half the cheddar, the rest of the potatoes, and lastly, the rest of cheese.

Tasty, tasty murder.

4. Bake at 350 until the cheese melts and the potatoes start to turn golden brown. usually between 10-20 minutes.

5. Let sit for five minutes and eat.

6. Defeat the orks.

He looks hungry!

Geek Grub: Easy cheesy chicken pizza

Another family favorite, easy to make, even easier to eat one handed.

YOU'LL NEED
2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Garlic
Pepper
1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
Olive Oil
Shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic on chicken breasts and bake at 350 for 25 minutes until cooked through. ALTERNATIVE SPICES: Lemon pepper. Lemon Juice. Lime Juice. Poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning. This really works with almost any spice.

Except this. Do not do this.

2. Pre-bake dough, if the can instructs you to. Otherwise, unroll dough on baking sheet, and smear a bit of olive oil all over the surface, and sprinkle some garlic on it too.

3. Chop up the chicken into itty-bitty pieces. I use scissors to make it easier.

Safety first!

4. Put chicken on pizza crust. Cover with shredded cheese. Bake according to can.

5. Let cool and enjoy.

Unless you're this guy.

Geek Grub: Easy Reese's Fudge

This is a chocolaty, peanut buttery delight forged in the fires of Sugar Rush's deepest candy caves.

You'll need
1 package of chocolate chips (12 oz)
1 jar peanut butter
2 sticks of butter
2 cups of powdered sugar
A big ol' nonstick pan
1 of those huge Reese's Peanut Butter Candy Bars. (4oz picture, but use the biggest one you can find)

Manna from heaven!

Break up the bar in squares and put it into a pan. Add the chocolate chips, butter, and and the peanut butter.

Melt over low heat while STIRRING CONSTANTLY. Fullmetal Alchemist will still be on Netflix when you're done. Trust me.

See? He'll hang around.

When it's smooth, turn off the heat and add the powdered sugar. Mix it until everything is smooth and chocolaty. Mm-mm.

Refrigerate until firm (30 mins to an hour). If you wanna put it into a baking dish to serve, that's cool too. Frankly, I just put the pan outside, since I live in Michigan, and fridge shelf space is at a premium. 

Another fine day in the U.P.

Then you cut that chocolaty goodness (with the blunt side of a butter knife so your pan isn't wrecked) AND EAT UNTIL THE DIABEETUS COMES.

You'll know.

Geek Grub: Peanut Butter Crunchies

Another classic create 'n crunch while you mow down Goblins (or Vampires, or space marines, or whatever). They're a bit hit with my friends and family, and SUPER easy and cheap.

YOU NEED:
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of corn syrup
1 cup of sugar
6 cups of Corn Flakes OR Rice Krispies OR Cocoa Krispies. Whatever your cereal preference/availability may be.

Age restrictions may apply.

1. Mix sugar and corn syrup in a pot, and bring to a boil. 

2. While it's heating up, put the cereal into a glass baking dish. 

3. Turn off the heat, and mix in the peanut butter until melted. 

4. CAREFULLY pour mix over cereal and stir in.

5. Clean up spilled cereal. YOU WEREN'T CAREFUL ENOUGH!

6. Once they're hardened, slice and serve. Or eat in warm gobby handfuls, whatever floats your boat. Who am I to judge? They're delicious either way.

The Desolation of Smauglock NO SPOILERS

You know what's not easy? Being  Sherlock fan. Not only is the show utterly heartbreaking, it takes literal YEARS between series, due to how the BBC operates. Here's a handy list of things that have happened before Sherlock Series Three came out:


N'Sync came back.

Agent Coulson came back.

The U.S Government shut down AND came back. 

Harry Potter came back.

Moriarty came out. 

So yeah, it's been an eventful few years in between series, and the fans are getting impatient. I only saw the series about a year ago, but for a viewer used to 3 months at most between seasons, it's hard.

Then there's The Hobbit.

 Not only does it star Martin Freeman as  Bilbo Baggins, AKA Dr. John Watson, Arthur Dent, Oliver Chamberlain, Tim Canterbury, Declan,  and many others, but Benedict Cumberbatch, AKA Very Silly Name Sherlock is Smaug!

"Beachbody Compasstrap!"Also, try the name generator! I got "Butawhiteboy Cantbekhan"

And in Desolation, these two get to talk to each other for a WHILE. Seeing as the book is 75 years old, and most fans have read it, this has led to a rather interesting phenomenon. A phenomenon called SMAUGLOCK. Smashing Sherlock and The Hobbit together has created some rather intresting stuff...

There's less savory NSFW stuff too, but that's true of LITERALLY EVERYTHING on the internet. For the most part, you've got a lot of dragons whining about mysteries and wearing purple scarves. No harm done, right?

Well, the problem is, John and Sherlock are friends, and Bilbo and Smaug are not. Duh. But for fans of both, Desolation is the first time in literally years when their favorite actors are back on screen together. And some are having a wee bit of a hard time processing the fact that not only is Smaug a straight up villain with no redeeming qualities, HE GONNA DIE!

Seen here in this strangely leaked footage.

There's a LOT of talk about how 'sad' it is, and how they're 'rooting for 'Smaug'. The only sad part for me is that the fans can't separate two great actors who just HAPPEN to be working together again without making it mash with another fandom. I'm glad the filmmakers didn't put in any little nods or winks: the word 'Deduction' is NOT mentioned by either party during Smaug and Bilbo's meeting. It's exactly as it should be. AWESOME.

It's not wrong to enjoy Smauglock silliness (if it is, I don't want to be right). But don't let fanon get in the way of someone telling a story properly. Take both for what they are: amazing works with the same actors. Nothing more, nothing less.

A wild source of income has appeared! Rebecca uses CONTRACT! It's super effective!

Yes, true believers, I have a new source of income. I'll be recording audio books for Novel Publicity. So far I have 3 upcoming contracts. "Walk Away with Me" by Darby Davenport is the first, and as for the other two...well, those will be a surprise. Suffice to say, I'm excited to be a part of the voice-acting industry after long having been an aficionado.

Wish me luck!

The Star Trek Into Darkness Midnight Express

Since I was as the midnight release last night, I understand that virtually NOBODY will have seen the movie yet. As such, I 'll post a mini-review of the midnight experience for now, and a more spoileriffic one later.

After grabbing a quick bite and some snacks from the local Kroger, Bahamute and our friend Millie headed to the MJR Theater. We were there by 10:50 for the 12:05 showing. So, we picked our seats (middle of the last row), and waited. And waited. And nattered. And waited. And it was fun, as it always it.

Hooray meatspace interaction!

To my disappointment, the theater didn't have many patrons. Maybe it was because a 3D showing was playing at 12:01. Maybe it was because the release had moved to Wednesday night for unknown reasons. But there were only about 20 people, making it a strangely intimate experience.

Another small annoyance was the trailers: there were only three, and only one was new. Granted the new one was a Hangover Expy starring Robert Di Niro, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Douglas. Totally awesome!

So, how was this in comparison with the Iron Man 3 midnight showing? QUIETER. But no less epic. In fact, I liked STID more than Iron Man 3. Ahh, that felt good.

Now I'm off to sleepwalk my way through my shift. Totally worth it. Wish me luck.

ABC: GLORIOUS DAY!

I  don't give a rats ass about reality TV. Usually. But for Amy's Baking Company, I'll make an exception.

If you're not in the know, ABC is a company featured in the season finale of Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares: a show where Chef Ramsey tries to help struggling restaurants make something of themselves. After hearing that the owners of the show were going crazy on Facebook, Reddit, and Yelp, I had to take a look.

SWEET. JESUS.

To sum up: These people are pants crapping INSANE. I thought I had it bad at the now defunct Il Posto. Johnny has nothing on Samy (though the two look alike, down to the bags, silver hair, accent, and gold chains. My Dad woulda laughed his ass off at this guy). Amy is God's gift to the world, and if you're a hater, you're obviously know nothing about food. She told Chef Ramsey that he was wrong about his under cooked pizza.

But the fun doesn't stop there. There are several facebook pages (periodically on and offline) where the couple just won't stop talking about the FBI, haters, and how they are beautiful, sane people. Take a look:

This is lovley. 

You call yourself a Christian?

But the most amazing thing comes from the  "I support Amy's Baking Company Bakery Boutique & Bistro 100 percent" page.

You read right. They are comparing people complaining about their food to TERRORISM and MASS MURDER. And they just will not stop. Constant posts, replies, threats of bringing down the FBI on the "hackers" who posted on their pages. They do not understand about feeding the trolls. It's amazing that people could be this oblivious.

Even Amy's "three little boys trapped in cat bodies" have gotten online to defend their Meowma.

I think this sums it up best:

Welcome to the internet, Samy and Amy. Can't wait to see what batshit stuff you come up with while defending your frozen ravioli and defaming Gordon Ramsey's midget porn double's death by badger. Sadly, they took this down before I could get a screencap.

RIP Percy Foster. Too soon.

Here's two more sites with their screen capped insanity. Enjoy the rants that make Westboro look almost reasonable.