Chicago ComicCon August 2010

Shirley and I setting out on our road trip. Two wild ladies.

Shirley lives in Springfield, MO and was driving to Rosemont, IL where the Convention was taking place so we arranged for her to pick me up on Thursday and I rode with her sharing gas expense. We had a great time gossiping on the way. Only problem was the AC would run for awhile then shut off. By the time we got really hot it would come back on, so no dying from the heat. We made good time until we hit construction and rush hour traffic, but still arrived at the hotel around 6 or so. We were sharing that night and the next night Charity would arrive and the three of us would share. In any case, Shirley and I decided to go to the restaurant in front of the hotel for dinner and had a really good meal.

Me with Michael Biehn

I must tell you that a ComicCon is a mad house. There are lots of TV-Movie actors, Wrestlers, Comic Book writers, stands selling Memorabilia, T-Shirts, Action Figures and many various items. There is hardly any room to walk between booths and displays. But it is total fun. They have Question & Answer sessions and forums. Some of the bigger stars have separate Photo Ops that they sell. The others sell their autograph that includes a picture of them that they sign a personalized autograph on and their assistant will take a picture of you with them on your own camera.

Richard Roundtree (Shaft) and me and he doesn't look his age.

Me and Lorenzo Lamas

John Schnieder (still yummy after all these years).

I had a list of those I wanted as I didn’t have enough money for everyone I would have liked. I only did an autograph with James – his photo op is separate – and at the autograph table we get time to give him a gift and talk to him for a minute or two. I got to meet and get an autograph and picture with Michael Beihn(Teminator), Lorenzo Lamas(son of Fernando Lamas and Arline Dahl, plus he has done lots of acting work), Richard Roundtree(Shaft), Claire Kramer(Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and John Schnieder(Starky & Hutch and Smallville). I got an autograph from Brent Spinner(Data from Star Trek) but could not afford to buy a photo op from him. It was fun getting a few minutes to talk to these people and I got to see many others.

Picture of Spike and Glory that I had autographed by James and Claire Kramer. She is the sweetest person

Meet Bret Spinner finally. He only had one photo of him, not in character. I wanted a picture of him not Data.

 

Waiting for James' Q and A session.

Freddy and me.

Talking to James at the auto table. Don't have a clue what we were talking about.

Rosie, Amy Sue's mom and a worn out Jacque, sitting for awhile.

Food at the Convention Center is insanely high priced, Hotdog, tiny bag of chips and bottle of water $8.00. I spent 2 days at the Convention so would find a place to sit and rest whenever I could. Of course I went to James’ Q and A, which was very crowded as he is very popular. I also saw William Shatner’s(Star Trek, Boston Legal and now Crap My Dad Says) and Brent Spinner, who is very funny by the way. Michael Beihn and Linda Hamilton(both from Terminator) were asked such incredible dumb question that I had to leave as I was embarrassed for them.

My private minute with James and again can't remember what we talked about. I should be like Rosie and take notes, but too busy enjoying the moment.
 
Saturday was James’ birthday party, he turned 48 on Aug 20th. I had chipped in on his birthday cake which looked exactly like his concert guitar. He was very surprised and I think pleased. He was supposed to do a concert but since he had broken his hand while filming, he could not play. So Steve said that we would each get to spend time with him while getting our autograph to make up for a lack of concert. That was nice, I think I liked that better. The food was really good at this place, Beef Wellington, which I had never had before and wish I had taken more of, and lots of other really good finger foods and veggies. We had a Q&A with James and one with his manager Steve too, while James went to the rest room. It was really great except for the blonde fat skank that was coming on to James (as if). James would not be interested in her even if he was not engaged. She also said some very insulting and inappropriate things to Steve. In general she was very annoying and obnoxious.

Party photo op. No time for a real hug.

Shirley and I at Nick's party

On Friday evening Nick Brendon had a Pizza party that Shirley had bought me a ticket for. Got to talk to him, get an autograph and photo with him. I must say that I don’t care for Chicago Pizza, too much crust, I like thin crust. But there was lots of other finger foods and plenty of soda. Had a great time.

Me at Nick's party

A Nick hug is almost as good as a James' hug. Nick is great fun to talk to.

Shirley with Nick

Here I am with Nick getting an autographed picture.

Sunday, I was worn out and since I had all the pictures and autographs that I wanted (well could afford anyway) I did not go with the others to the Con. I did ask that they get pictures of the Bat Mobile which I had not gotten pictures of yet. They did, and bonus, John Schnieder was looking at it and sitting in it at the time.

I waited too long to report on my trips and my fuzzy old brain has forgotten a lot of detail, but I do remember having a really good time and meeting and spending time with some wonderful people.

Monday, Shirley and I headed back home. We missed the highway that we had taken to Chicago near St. Louis, but another bonus we came in by the Gateway Arch which Shirley had not seen before, so she was happy about that.