Silent Bob
07-17-2005, 11:15 PM
Toronto Trek 19 Review , or: The Ramblings of a Old Centari….
I was there…. I was there at the dawn of the third age of fandom. It began in the Earth year 2005 with the 19th of the Toronto Trek Celebrations located deep in suburban Toronto. It was a port of call for refugees, smugglers, businessmen, diplomats, and travelers from a hundred worlds. It could be a crazy place, but we accepted the risk because Toronto Trek 19 was our last, best hope for a fun sci-fi con in Toronto this year. Under the leadership of its Con Com, Toronto Trek 19 was a dream given form. A dream of a convention without problems, where fans could party side-by-side in mutual respect. A dream that was endangered as never before by it's core fan base growing old at the tooth and changing demographics. Toronto Trek 19 was the more recent of the Toronto Trek Celebrations. This is my review.....
Friday:
Drive to convention is uneventful. After a slightly delayed start, we headed out. Our transportation device was piloted by Datu Tim, and manning the rear compartment was the lovely Susan. My aging ample self was riding shotgun. Upon reaching our destination we had a relatively smooth and flawless check in to our hotel rooms. Prereg was a breeze, though there was a very minor issue, quickly and painlessly resolved with my registration. We unloaded the car, found out rooms, and headed into the fray. Finding information I inquired as to where a fanclub checks in, was pointed at the dealers room, and quickly had our table setup for the weekend. (Note: Information desk admitted to having winning lottery numbers…but wouldn’t share. Must remember to have better bribes next year)
Art room setup was our next destination. Again, check in and setup went perfectly. We then hung out a little bit before I headed out to assist the Datu with the 1st of 4 well received workshops on Fantasy fighting. I had the pleasure of working with many wonderful people at our sessions this year, and look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Next stop: KAG General Assembly. Having never been to one before, I must admit that I was disappointed to see the low turn out. I remember years past seeing Klingons everywhere. Sadly, the decline of Trek and the aging of the fanbase has decreased out numbers. I hope to see them grow and someday soon surpass their old levels. The Empire cannot die! I strongly encourage all past and future warriors to attend next year, so that the halls will echo with our howls!
We skipped Klingon Karaoke, instead choosing to hang out for a bit with Sid in 10 Forward, then crashed. Saturday would be a busy day.
Saturday:
Waking early (surprisingly for me) we headed to the dining area where we had our worse moment at the con. The food and service were awful. It took 20 minutes for me to simply pay my bill. Unforgivable.
We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon mingling, hanging out at our table meeting fans, and bidding on art and browsing the dealers room. We paused to grab a bite to eat at the wonderful sushi place across the street. Best sushi I’ve had in ages I must say. It was then time to head back to the con for I had a back to back session at the workshops. Afterwards, it was the silent auction, which was very peaceful and efficiently done. A quick run to the room to freshen up, and it was time for the masquerade.
The lineup, entry, seating all went very smoothly. There were a few delays in getting things started, understandable given the change in venue for the dance this year. (The old location was under renovation and unavailable). The opening saw a wonderful and tearful tribute to all of the wonderful people who were such a part of the costuming community that are sadly no longer with us.
There were a couple nice children’s entries, and then, the main event. 30 some adult entries. There were several entries that in my opinion, stole the show. The 1st, “The Unwilling Recruit” saw the fallout of Lord Vader’s employee the M&M guys in Imperial service. I loved it. Other highlights included the wonderful Derwin Mak, doing Harry Potter as only he can do it A phenomenal magic act. Closed out the event. I want to send a special thank you out to all the anime and gaming costumers. Toronto Treks anime community is sadly small at the moment. Please, keep coming back and bring your friends. I think out of all the acts, with a few exceptions, they were the folks who got the loudest applause this year. It has been said many many times, it takes guts to get up there, and everyone on that stage had guts. Sadly, too many lacked “it”. The skits drug on, the costumes were little more than slapped together street clothes, and they just, well, didn’t work. Next year, please, do yourselves a favor and start a little earlier and work out some more kinks. You have the guts, you have the potential, ya just have to work it out a bit more to get it over I think. I’d personally love to see everyone back next year, and then some.
Afterwards was time for the dance, which I skipped this year, deciding to spend some quality time, taking photos of 3 lovely ladies, Amy, Diana and Susan. One of my entries in the art show this year featured Amy in a photoshopped scene consisting of 14 separate images. Some may recall my earlier piece featuring her by a waterfall which was originally shot at the Regal back at TT15 or 16. This year, I was truly blessed by the gods to have 3 lovely models, to whom I must thank loudly for granting me the privilege of working with.
Susan and I then headed back to our room, changed, grabbed more sushi n crasher.
Sunday:
Sunday was a blur. Wake up, check the club table, pick up our winnings from the art show, where I got all but 1 piece that I had bid on, back to the table, pass through the dealers room, then more photoshoots with my 3 lovely models. I said a sad goodbye to them, raced back to the art room to pick up the unsold artwork (I sold 6 of my 14 pieces, yay), raced to the room, packed it up, hauled it all out to the car, checked out, then raced to the last sword workshop. Phew.
This weekend was a blast. I caught up with many many of our longtime friends, and made numerous new ones. Anyone I didn’t mention, please forgive me. The ride home, well…wasn’t fun.
Going home, or Gee Canadian Health Care is so much better than the US system.
About 10-15 minutes out from the hotel, we had the distinct lack of pleasure to be rear-ended on the QEW. The roads were slick, and traffic was in that peculiar pause-race mode. The vehicles in front of us made rapid slow-downs, which caused us to have to hit the breaks. We avoided hitting the car in front of us by a almost nothing. Unfortunately, the van speeding behind us didn’t stop in time. The impact did some damage to the rear of out vehicle, but thankfully none of the contents were damaged. Both myself and Tim escaped anything more than a little serious than a little stiffness, but Susan ended up taking the special ride to a local hospital to be checked out. I have to say, the speed, efficiency and friendliness of all we met there was a pleasant change from what I myself went through in NY a few years back where they just didn’t care. She was examined, and let out in under 2 hours, and we then headed out to get some food and try n make it home without any more excitement, which we did. For those concerned, she appears fine, but we’ll be getting a second opinion tomorrow from our regular doc.
So, whats the verdict on TT19? The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.
First, the Ugly – The accident, and the food, neither of which were TT’s fault.
The Bad – A very minor (very very very! Minor) issue with reg, and…well, a couple of not-great acts in the masquerade.
The Good – Everything else. Seriously. I had a club table, I had 3 ads in the program book, and I was an assistant in one of the featured events. I had a blast, and will most likely, gods willing, be back for #20.
Toronto Trek Con-Com: Some of you know me. We’ve had words. We’re argued, we’ve not seen eye to eye. I want every one of you to know that from my critic’s view point, you did good. No, strike that. You did great. I found that every facet of my dealings this year with the mechanism of TT went smoothly, smoother than I have ever seen, anywhere. Lines went well, the layout, especially of the fan tables was most excellent! The art show, the model show, the dealers room, the video rooms, everything that I personally interacted with, was excellent. I realize that we folks in the audience, often times can’t see what is behind the curtain. We know there are problems, issues, situations. The unfortunate issue with Katee for example, that you overcame wonderfully for example. But, I honestly never saw or heard of them. This year was a big year for me. I was all over the place. And I had a blast. I know that I’ve been very critical of things in the past. I still am. But, I want you all to know, that this opinionated, critical customer, things you all put on the best convention I have attended in 25 years of attending conventions. Please, let me repeat that: TT19 - Best Convention I’ve attended in 25 Years! The applause you hear, is mine, and the bow I offer to you all, is from the heart. Well done, and thank you –very- much.
I was there…. I was there at the dawn of the third age of fandom. It began in the Earth year 2005 with the 19th of the Toronto Trek Celebrations located deep in suburban Toronto. It was a port of call for refugees, smugglers, businessmen, diplomats, and travelers from a hundred worlds. It could be a crazy place, but we accepted the risk because Toronto Trek 19 was our last, best hope for a fun sci-fi con in Toronto this year. Under the leadership of its Con Com, Toronto Trek 19 was a dream given form. A dream of a convention without problems, where fans could party side-by-side in mutual respect. A dream that was endangered as never before by it's core fan base growing old at the tooth and changing demographics. Toronto Trek 19 was the more recent of the Toronto Trek Celebrations. This is my review.....
Friday:
Drive to convention is uneventful. After a slightly delayed start, we headed out. Our transportation device was piloted by Datu Tim, and manning the rear compartment was the lovely Susan. My aging ample self was riding shotgun. Upon reaching our destination we had a relatively smooth and flawless check in to our hotel rooms. Prereg was a breeze, though there was a very minor issue, quickly and painlessly resolved with my registration. We unloaded the car, found out rooms, and headed into the fray. Finding information I inquired as to where a fanclub checks in, was pointed at the dealers room, and quickly had our table setup for the weekend. (Note: Information desk admitted to having winning lottery numbers…but wouldn’t share. Must remember to have better bribes next year)
Art room setup was our next destination. Again, check in and setup went perfectly. We then hung out a little bit before I headed out to assist the Datu with the 1st of 4 well received workshops on Fantasy fighting. I had the pleasure of working with many wonderful people at our sessions this year, and look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Next stop: KAG General Assembly. Having never been to one before, I must admit that I was disappointed to see the low turn out. I remember years past seeing Klingons everywhere. Sadly, the decline of Trek and the aging of the fanbase has decreased out numbers. I hope to see them grow and someday soon surpass their old levels. The Empire cannot die! I strongly encourage all past and future warriors to attend next year, so that the halls will echo with our howls!
We skipped Klingon Karaoke, instead choosing to hang out for a bit with Sid in 10 Forward, then crashed. Saturday would be a busy day.
Saturday:
Waking early (surprisingly for me) we headed to the dining area where we had our worse moment at the con. The food and service were awful. It took 20 minutes for me to simply pay my bill. Unforgivable.
We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon mingling, hanging out at our table meeting fans, and bidding on art and browsing the dealers room. We paused to grab a bite to eat at the wonderful sushi place across the street. Best sushi I’ve had in ages I must say. It was then time to head back to the con for I had a back to back session at the workshops. Afterwards, it was the silent auction, which was very peaceful and efficiently done. A quick run to the room to freshen up, and it was time for the masquerade.
The lineup, entry, seating all went very smoothly. There were a few delays in getting things started, understandable given the change in venue for the dance this year. (The old location was under renovation and unavailable). The opening saw a wonderful and tearful tribute to all of the wonderful people who were such a part of the costuming community that are sadly no longer with us.
There were a couple nice children’s entries, and then, the main event. 30 some adult entries. There were several entries that in my opinion, stole the show. The 1st, “The Unwilling Recruit” saw the fallout of Lord Vader’s employee the M&M guys in Imperial service. I loved it. Other highlights included the wonderful Derwin Mak, doing Harry Potter as only he can do it A phenomenal magic act. Closed out the event. I want to send a special thank you out to all the anime and gaming costumers. Toronto Treks anime community is sadly small at the moment. Please, keep coming back and bring your friends. I think out of all the acts, with a few exceptions, they were the folks who got the loudest applause this year. It has been said many many times, it takes guts to get up there, and everyone on that stage had guts. Sadly, too many lacked “it”. The skits drug on, the costumes were little more than slapped together street clothes, and they just, well, didn’t work. Next year, please, do yourselves a favor and start a little earlier and work out some more kinks. You have the guts, you have the potential, ya just have to work it out a bit more to get it over I think. I’d personally love to see everyone back next year, and then some.
Afterwards was time for the dance, which I skipped this year, deciding to spend some quality time, taking photos of 3 lovely ladies, Amy, Diana and Susan. One of my entries in the art show this year featured Amy in a photoshopped scene consisting of 14 separate images. Some may recall my earlier piece featuring her by a waterfall which was originally shot at the Regal back at TT15 or 16. This year, I was truly blessed by the gods to have 3 lovely models, to whom I must thank loudly for granting me the privilege of working with.
Susan and I then headed back to our room, changed, grabbed more sushi n crasher.
Sunday:
Sunday was a blur. Wake up, check the club table, pick up our winnings from the art show, where I got all but 1 piece that I had bid on, back to the table, pass through the dealers room, then more photoshoots with my 3 lovely models. I said a sad goodbye to them, raced back to the art room to pick up the unsold artwork (I sold 6 of my 14 pieces, yay), raced to the room, packed it up, hauled it all out to the car, checked out, then raced to the last sword workshop. Phew.
This weekend was a blast. I caught up with many many of our longtime friends, and made numerous new ones. Anyone I didn’t mention, please forgive me. The ride home, well…wasn’t fun.
Going home, or Gee Canadian Health Care is so much better than the US system.
About 10-15 minutes out from the hotel, we had the distinct lack of pleasure to be rear-ended on the QEW. The roads were slick, and traffic was in that peculiar pause-race mode. The vehicles in front of us made rapid slow-downs, which caused us to have to hit the breaks. We avoided hitting the car in front of us by a almost nothing. Unfortunately, the van speeding behind us didn’t stop in time. The impact did some damage to the rear of out vehicle, but thankfully none of the contents were damaged. Both myself and Tim escaped anything more than a little serious than a little stiffness, but Susan ended up taking the special ride to a local hospital to be checked out. I have to say, the speed, efficiency and friendliness of all we met there was a pleasant change from what I myself went through in NY a few years back where they just didn’t care. She was examined, and let out in under 2 hours, and we then headed out to get some food and try n make it home without any more excitement, which we did. For those concerned, she appears fine, but we’ll be getting a second opinion tomorrow from our regular doc.
So, whats the verdict on TT19? The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.
First, the Ugly – The accident, and the food, neither of which were TT’s fault.
The Bad – A very minor (very very very! Minor) issue with reg, and…well, a couple of not-great acts in the masquerade.
The Good – Everything else. Seriously. I had a club table, I had 3 ads in the program book, and I was an assistant in one of the featured events. I had a blast, and will most likely, gods willing, be back for #20.
Toronto Trek Con-Com: Some of you know me. We’ve had words. We’re argued, we’ve not seen eye to eye. I want every one of you to know that from my critic’s view point, you did good. No, strike that. You did great. I found that every facet of my dealings this year with the mechanism of TT went smoothly, smoother than I have ever seen, anywhere. Lines went well, the layout, especially of the fan tables was most excellent! The art show, the model show, the dealers room, the video rooms, everything that I personally interacted with, was excellent. I realize that we folks in the audience, often times can’t see what is behind the curtain. We know there are problems, issues, situations. The unfortunate issue with Katee for example, that you overcame wonderfully for example. But, I honestly never saw or heard of them. This year was a big year for me. I was all over the place. And I had a blast. I know that I’ve been very critical of things in the past. I still am. But, I want you all to know, that this opinionated, critical customer, things you all put on the best convention I have attended in 25 years of attending conventions. Please, let me repeat that: TT19 - Best Convention I’ve attended in 25 Years! The applause you hear, is mine, and the bow I offer to you all, is from the heart. Well done, and thank you –very- much.