A Lot About Nothing – Wordpress

Category: Events

  • Fan Expo Canada 2012

    This summer seems to be one of firsts for me. I got a chance to finally head down to Fan Expo Canada at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and I was not disappointed.

    I was always a fan of all things geek: sci-fi, comics, gaming. So it surprised me that I’ve never been to one of these ‘conventions’ before this past weekend. Then I realized that not many of my friends share my love of sci-fi, and they weren’t taking the bait when I was trying to bribe them to tag along.

    I promised myself that I wouldn’t let another opportunity pass me by. I stepped out of my comfort zone, took the plunge and headed downtown on the last day of Fan Expo. The line-up was long and winding down the underground parking garage, but it moved fairly quickly and I managed to purchase my $35 ticket in about 20 minutes.

    Time passed by quicker as I people-watched all the eager fans dressed up in costume. I was put at ease a bit more as I noticed other solo-goers in line. When it comes down to it, everyone is there to have fun and even make new friends. I actually bumped into a couple people I knew (including  Toronto Batman)!

    Entering the MTCC was like entering a different world. There is so much going on: eye-catching posters, giant screens, interactive displays, and people everywhere! I felt like a kid in a candy store… I didn’t know where to start. Unfortunately I knew I only had 1.5 hours to kill, as I promised my friends that I would meet them at the CNE later that afternoon.

    So I hightailed it through the majority of the aisle. Saw some old school Star Trek action figures (I should really try to find my old ones), loads of comic books, video game demos, and graphic t-shirts. I was going to purchase one with the face of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s “Carlton Banks” on it, and another one with ‘Sheldon Cooper’s’ game of Rock, Scissors, Paper, Lizard, Spock, but there was a 2.5 hour wait for custom printed shirts. I’ll just get it online.

    I headed over to where the celebrity panels were. I didn’t have (or see the necessity) of forking over $40-50 to get an actor to sign a poster or take a photo with me, so I pulled out my 300mm lens and started snapping my own photos of these sci-fi stars. This in itself was worth the admission price! I got to see Norman Reedus (The Boondocks Saints), Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager), LeVar Burton (Star Trek: TNG), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), director John Carpenter, Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Nana Visitor (Star Trek: DS9), and Tony Todd (Candyman).

    The guest I was most excited to see was legendary Marvel Comics creator, Stan Lee! I didn’t get a photo of him (due to the volunteers “no photos please” sign, plus he was hidden in a private corner), but I did get a glimpse of him! It’s too bad that Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: TNG) postponed his appearance… now that I would pay money for (gotta love Picard).

    One of the most innovative and intricate exhibits was the one for Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie (an upcoming remake of his 1984 short film). I’m grateful to have gotten the chance to see it because the presentation is the only Canadian stop on the exhibition’s world tour. Seeing all the puppets, glassed-in scenes, diagrams, sketches, and other stop-motion items was impressive.

    There’s so much to see and do at Fan Expo, which is why it’s a good idea to purchase a multi-day pass. A couple of hours were definitely not enough for me to venture through each exhibitor, and I doubt a day is going to suffice hardcore geeks between all the panels, celebrity photo ops, gaming demos, autograph signings, merchandise sales and other events.

    What I really enjoyed seeing was people dressed up in costume. It’s so nice to see fans get into it, especially when they use to much creativity in their outfits.

    Fan Expo Canada was quite the experience. Perhaps next year I’ll wear a costume (or at least a geeky t-shirt).

    [album id=1 template=extend]

  • To all you Mothers out there…

    This day did creep up on me, but I managed to bake my mother a nice batch of banana-nut muffins and take her to her choice of restaurant for dinner (Swiss Chalet’s Spring-themed quarter chicken meal with garlic-butter shrimp and a rice pilaf is delish by the way).

    Here’s a couple videos to commemorate the day as we honour our wonderful mothers who do so much for us.

    Happy Mother’s Day!

    I admit, I used to be a tad like this as a young lass.

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNkp4QF3we8[/youtube]

     

    An ode to mothers courtesy of JibJab:

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYM81CLk5yI[/youtube]

    And my personal fav:

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0DeIqJm4vM[/youtube]

     

     

  • The Annual Toronto Bachata Festival is here!

    Toronto Bachata FestivalThis is going to be one bachata-filled weekend as the 3rd Annual Toronto Bachata Festival officially begins tonight. Bachata has been a passion of mine ever since I took up Latin dancing several years ago, and I’m glad to have a chance to attend this festival once again.

    Organized by Go Dance Mambo‘s Stephanie Gurnon, this weekend will be filled with workshops, shows, dance competitions and parties in bachata, zouk and salsa dance. International instructors and performers will be in town, none that I’m more looking forward to seeing than Jorjet Alcocer and Troy Anthony. I’ve been watching Jorjet’s amazing footwork in Dominican-style bachata on YouTube, and she’s definitely something to watch! She and Troy will be instructing several workshops over the weekend. I can’t wait to learn some pachanga (there’s only so much you can pick up from repeating YouTube videos), and try to improve my bachata technique. I’m also kind of interested in finally learning some zouk this year as well.

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbn7lYVgYxs[/youtube]

    If you’re new to the Latin dancing scene, there will be some beginner workshops in both bachata and zouk taking place at the Estonian House (near Broadview station). Passes are available at the door.

    Yours Truly will also be performing a bachata routine with Steps Dance Studio at the kick-off party tonight at Acrobat Lounge. Thank goodness Monday’s a holiday, because I’m going to definitely need some R&R after all the dancing I’m going to be doing this weekend!

  • Valentine’s Day Special: The Sweetest Proposal

    I’m not too big on Valentine’s Day (mainly because I believe most men suck and I’d rather wait for the discount chocolates I’ll be buying myself tomorrow), but I’ve been waiting to post this love-themed post for months now ever since I first saw the YouTube video of my sister’s good friend, as he proposed to his long-term girlfriend.

    There are countless of proposal videos online, but never have I seen one that looked like it was so thought out and organized. “Mr. Proposal”, as I’ll call him during the following interview, went all out to pop the question to his lucky girlfriend. All the best to you both for your upcoming nuptials!

    Part 1:

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a77jVCKxRhw[/youtube]

    Part 2:

    [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdKn4pjp1cQ[/youtube]

    A.L.A.N.: Where did your idea come from?

    Mr. Proposal: She had been showing me all these different proposals on youtube that were pretty cool, but I wasn’t entirely impressed. Some were amazing but others were just great ideas, with no hot sauce! What ever I was going to do would need a lot of flavour, and a lot of hot sauce. I noticed that the ones I liked the most were the ones where the guy was presenting himself. I didn’t matter how extravagant it was, but if he was genuine to himself in his approach it was immensely touching. So I decided I would be me, and present the best me I could.

    A.L.A.N.: How long did it take to plan?

    Mr. Proposal: It took approximately 6 or 7 months to create, plan, and ensure proper execution. I had to figure out where and how it was going to happen. What music to use, each song had a specific connection to our life together. I had to write my lyrics to a number of songs, then edit and record my tracks.

    I had to work on and create the “Show” rehearsing with the dancers, and practicing my performance. I had to secretly coordinate 50 or so friends and family to be there and know all the cues for their involvement. I had to engrave the bench she was sitting on (where we had our first kiss), it was engraved with the date of our first kiss “The Kiss” and also engraved with the date of the proposal, entitled “The Question”. I had to secure the camera crew, and photographer. I was creating the ring from ideas in my mind, not buying a existing ring in the store. So many things listed above I feel like I am just listing endless elements, but it is an indication of the insanity of those 6-7 months.

    The above is just the creation of the show, and not even touching on the logistics and execution. Where were we going to get power in the middle of the street? What if the police show up? What if it’s raining…. which it was. ALLLLLL OF THIS, and not letting my woman (who I live with) know a single thing. Que deep breath!

    Truly though there is no way I could have done these things alone. Each element had a fantastic and forever special friend involved in it supporting me all the way along. To these friends I owe them more then I could ever repay!

    A.L.A.N.: Worst possible thing to go wrong?

    Mr. Proposal: The worst possible thing that could of gone wrong, essentially did. During the entire evening of the proposal, it was pouring rain, POURING RAIN!!! We were out at a dinner and my Best Man, aka “The Captain” was messaging me with the concern of what we should do if it continues to rain. Friends and family were instructed to be at the scene an hour before to do a “dry run” and now it would be taking place in the rain.

    The decision was that if it continues to rain and nobody would wait in it, and if it was still raining when the plan of a dog walk would be initiated, that we would move forward as planned. I knew if it was pouring rain and I had to ask my Lady to walk with me, she would say “Yes” no matter what. I would perform just for her, or with no power, or no dancers or with no audience, it was going down!! This is not to mention I had to break into my mothers house to get my dog, because a friend of mine had used my keys that day. I was LOCKED OUT and I needed the dog to go on the ruse of our dog walk. No B+E charge that night though :). I also forgot to read my speech I wrote months before and had to wing it. The speech that came out was better then I could have ever written, it flowed so naturally :)

    As you can see in the video it stopped raining for about the 30 minute period between when we left the house for the dog walk and the end of the proposal. If you look at the ground it literally dries as the video plays and at the end you can hear me say “and now it starts to rain!”.

    A.L.A.N.: Was your proposal perfect?

    Mr. Proposal: I can honestly say that my proposal went to perfection! I had created this idea in my mind but obviously never truly knew how it would work out in reality. I was experiencing it all for the first time as well. I was able to break into my mom’s house successfully to retrieve my dog, the rain parted with eerily perfect timing , everyone made it out, I landed my back tuck!!!

    But most importantly she said “YES” and loved every minute of it. So yes, I would say it was perfect, but perfect for us. I think when you propose to your woman it should be about you two. You have to know your woman, know yourself and create the appropriate idea. For example some women like being proposed to at a baseball game, and some don’t…. well most don’t, but some might. :)

    The only thing I may have wished to see a change was, when I spoke with videographers about how they saw the event being capture, I choose the guy who said he would dedicate one camera to being on her the entire time. The video that came out doesn’t really capture too much of her reaction. Maybe the video could of had a small square in the corner that was of her the entire time. However I am ok with the memory of her reaction being secluded to my mind and memory alone. Her eyes that night are truly something I will never forget, video or not.

     

  • 10 Boxing Day Shopping Tips

    Sometimes it feels as if you really do need a pair of boxing gloves when you’re out tackling the crowds on Boxing Day: a shopper’s dream holiday in many of the major cities here in Canada.

    I’ve taken on the annual Boxing Day shopping tradition for years now, even before it became legal in Toronto for stores to open their doors on this official statuatory holiday. Over the years my shopping decisions have been honed, and I have come up with some strategies that have made Boxing Day shopping a lot less stressful for me.

    1. Be the Early Bird
      • This is the first and most crucial tip. If you don’t want to be battling for parking spots, stuck in traffic, or feeling like a fish swimming upstream, you need to wake up early in time to get all the benefits. You need to also keep in mind that some stores run out of stock of those door-crasher items fairly quickly. I guarantee you as soon as 10am start to roll around, the line-ups outside the stores start forming to prevent overcrowding in the store. Malls in major Ontario cities usually open by 8am on Boxing Day; big-box stores like Futureshop as early as 6am. So in order to plan your day out right, try to be there at least 30 minutes before store opening.
    2. Make Your List and Check it Twice
      • Check out bargain-hunting websites like RedFlagDeals.com for early flyer leaks. If you’re able to get a gander at a flyer from a store you would like to visit on Boxing Day, go through it and find the things that you need (but most likely just want) to buy. Compare your list with items from other stores so that you’re able to get the best price possible. Then plan out which stores you need to visit based on this list and priority of the item. Try your best to research your purchases beforehand–just because something is cheap, doesn’t mean that it’s worth your money. Think quality and check out reviews on the item, sites like Amazon.com or Epinions.com will be a big help as long as you know the model number of the item you’re planning to buy.
    3. Wear the right clothing.
      • Ladies, I am telling you this for a reason. You do not want to be stuck in a mall for 4+ hours wearing 3″ stiletto heels–wear some comfortable flats or runners. And please don’t dress up to go shopping like you’re going out clubbing, because you’re going to be uncomfortable wearing those jeans that are a size-too-small just so that they can show your “assets”. You need to be comfortable. Wear some thick leggings, a tank top and a light sweater. This will make trying on clothing in the change rooms (or even out of the change rooms) so much easier.
      • And remember: You’re going to be in an area crowded with people. This means lots of body heat. Even though it may be -10 outside, try to leave the jacket in the car, or in the mall’s coat check (it’s going to be heavy carrying 10lbs of down feather around).
    4. Bring Cash and Stay on Budget
      • I know it is so much more easier to swipe that plastic, but having cash means quicker transactions (some stores offer “cash-only” lines for check-out), and you don’t have to wait for people who forget their PINs or could’ve sworn they deposited that cheque last week. Cash will also help you stay on budget, because once you’re out, your’re out. Just make sure you keep it secure among the crowds.
    5. Take Public Transit
      • I know taking the crowded and oh-so-reliable TTC with bags of purchased goods doesn’t seem too appealing, but at least this way you don’t have to worry about drive-stalking people in the Yorkdale parking lot, hoping that they’re headed to their car to leave (only to find out they’re dropping off their bags and ready for round two of shopping). Finding a parking spot (especially at Yorkdale) is a nightmare… not to mention the road range you have to deal with during those moments. Sometimes it’s best to save yourself the hassle.
    6. Don’t go alone
      • Boxing Day shopping with friends is so much more convenient and fun. When you’re out shopping with friends, one can hold a spot for you in that super-long line up while you pick up some last minute things, the other can text you about an unadvertised sale that’s happening in another store on the other end of the mall, another can make sure your staying on budget and not buying more than you can afford, and best of all: you all can relax and unwind for a late lunch after all the shopping is done. If there’s more than two of you going (e.g. an even number like 4), I would say split up and the pairs can meet up at a pre-determined place and time later (you cover more ground this way). And if just the two of you, stick together as much as possible so that you don’t get lost in the crowds.
    7. Watch Your Bag
      • Keeping in mind all the crowds to need to make sure that your valuables are secure. One of the easiest ways to do this (esp. for ladies) is making sure that you’re carrying the right purse: an over-the-shoulder or sling bag will be your best friend. You’re hands will be free to rummage through the racks, and be close at hand from others. Men, be careful how far out that wallet sticks from your back pocket.
    8. Review the Return Policy
      • Most likely you will purchase something on Boxing Day that was more of an impulse buy. When you come to your senses a few days later (and realize you didn’t need that second Slap Chop), make sure that you’re able to return it back to the store of purchase for a full refund. Just ask the cashier as you’re checking out. Most likley returns are processed a few days after the 26th to combat the lineups, so just keep that receipt on hand. One my favourite places to shop for their great return policy is The Bay. They have made such a great turnaround with their marketing and sales in the past few years, that it’s my go-to store on Boxing Day. Their return policy is 90 days with your receipt (tags attached) as long as you made your purchase with their HBC credit card (30 days otherwise).
    9. Shop Online
      • Not only is shopping online a time-saver, you don’t have to worry about carrying all those items around (especially if it’s a 40′ plasma TV), because they’ll be shipped right to your door (usually for free). For the past few years I’ve been buying my electronics and movies online because many big-box stores offer their Boxing Day pricing starting on Christmas Eve online. I managed to scoop up a couple of Blu-rays I really wanted–er, needed, and they should be delivered free to my door within the next few days. This way I don’t have to worry about standing in those long lines at the electronics store and wading through the crowds on Boxing Day. Just make sure you have a good Internet connection.
    10. Take Time to Relax
      • When I go out Boxing Day shopping, it’s usually a 5-6 hour event including wait time, and if I have to venture to a different shopping complex the same day. After all that shopping, grab a cup of coffee, soak those tired feet, snack on those holiday leftovers and revel in all those holiday purchases before your bank statement comes in. You deserve a break.