You’ve sat through parts 1-3. This is it! The official Otakon 2010 Convention Report, through my old tired eyes.

Otakon was a big deal for me this year. Even if it was my very last Otakon, it was still the first time I got a real chance to be around people (aside from work) and enjoy what was my first anime convention and rave on a good leg. After the whole getting shot thing, it was really hard to say whether or not I’d ever return to the world I love. (Eventually however, that didn‘t turn out to be the case, thanks to Anime Matsuri & the fact that I couldn‘t go to the rave anyway.)

Thursday was fraught with hobos and asshats. Even though the line had started the Wednesday prior(!), there was a couple of last-minute line waiting directives that weren’t delivered until, well, the last minute. There was a lot of last minute stuff at the con, like the artists, panelist, and dealers who got pulled in last second, or the events that got postponed or canceled. Pre-reg Thursday’s usually a good indicator of what the weekend attendance is going to look like, and when the hobos are saying that the line looks slim, perhaps it’s not your best year of attendance.

*It should be noted that Pre-reg Thursday (the Thursday before the event actually starts in which attendees grab their passes for said event) is not an exact predictor for how attendance plays out, the crowd did feel slimmer this year & there were a lot less cosplayers floating around, and while [at time of writing] there was an estimated 30,000 in attendance, Otakon was offering replacement badges for anyone that lost their original; so unless there’s some way to distinguish the replacement badges vs. original sold, Otakon could very easily inflate their final numbers.*

Thursday marched on with little excitement until 12 noon. Maryland has been suffering a pretty wicked heat wave all summer and while most of the attendees hadn’t bothered to check the local weather, the little Dark Angel that could managed to snag a look the night before. In fact the whole week building up to Ota, every weatherman had been proclaiming rain for that Thursday, with child-like giddy. So while I was happy I’d packed an umbrella, it was still not less of a surprise when the rain came. In the span of 20 mins Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was terra-formed from a desert into monsoon wetland. And it was cool too (everyone played in the rain), until the winds picked up. It evolved like a Pokemon in the span of minutes. Light rain, to thunderstorm, to heavy storm surge. Anything that wasn’t attached to your body or bolted to the ground, went flying away like a kite. And if you didn’t have an umbrella, you might as well have been naked in the shower. Logically, the staff let us in. The good news was, we now had shelter (most of us), the bad news was, the BCC (Baltimore Convention Center) has a convention practically every weekend, so the A/C never stops running; essentially it’s the coolest place in Baltimore all Summer. A couple hundred soaking wet anime fans, crammed into arguably the coldest building in the city, does not make for an awesome beach party. Though that didn’t stop some fans from stripping down to the bare essentials. We weren’t soaked, we were “if I squeeze my shirt, I have 2 buckets of water now“ drenched. Once pre-reg started, everyone was accommodated briskly. And that kids, was the day the ‘Hurricane of Otakon 2010’ took place. That was also the day IT came, the arrival of the Buttscratcher.

If Otakon was my anniversary con, it was certainly a throwback. This was the first year in a long time that I couldn’t stick around over night for a convention. I missed all the parties, all the raves, all the crazy that went down as soon as the sun did. If I had to break my 2010 experience into themes, Thursday would have been water (clearly), and Friday, regret. It felt terrible, because no matter how many people I got to see [again], how many things I got to do, how much fun it was to be back on the scene (and not walk around after hurting my legs), the experience never felt complete. Regret also sprang from the loss of my camera, which was stolen earlier this year. I’d had that thing for so long, I’d forgotten what it was like to not have one; I felt so naked. You could tell the Buttscratchers were multiplying by mid-Friday.

Saturday, July 31st, 2010. A day that will not be forgotten anytime soon. A day that will go down in Otakon’s chronicles as it’s greatest day of infamy. This was the day the fire alarm got pulled. But before all those crazy shenanigans, it seemed like a perfectly normal day at Otakon. Costumed characters walking rampant through Baltimore’s streets. Lines for everything longer than the DMV. People from all over the world celebrating anime. I spent today getting things done. I went to panels, I (pardon the 90s) got my game on, I got to meet many influential artist like Mookie & Garth. I met up & hung out with friends; it felt great, and yet so alien. Ever since the big Recession, I hadn’t really gotten a chance to relax and be me, I’d just been so busy working, and dealing with regulars, and making sure my bosses were happy, and it never felt like I was ever taking a minute to just chill; so it was weird doing so now. I somehow wound up working at one of the booths in the Dealer’s Room – Anime Pavilion. That was a different experience to say the least; it was nice to add the experience to my con scene resume. 1/2way through my 1st shift the fire alarm goes off, and at first, everyone ignores it. Then the Fire Marshall starts clearing us out. Everyone! Fans, staff, guests, etc. Fire drills were never like this in high school, and the amount of people was sheer MASSIVE. If the 30,000 estimate is to be believed, then there were at least 18,000 cleared out of the convention center. All of them seemingly packed onto Pratt Street, in Baltimore‘s Inner Harbor. It was like watching an epidemic break out, or the makings of a zombie apocalypse. So many people….and at first no one was moving, everyone just kinda congregated in the same area. Just this massive outbreak of anime fans. After this little stunt, I think it’s safe to say that Anime Expo will never have ANYTHING that will ever come close to that exciting; and it’s amazing to have been part of it. Now rumor has it that the culprit(s) range from a faulty stove to Rastafarians to 4chan. Course I’m inclined to agree with those who think it was Charmander. Or maybe Vic Mignogna actually picked up some tricks from all those recordings of FMA & Brotherhood. Fortunately (or unfortunately) however, according to the big cheese running the show, there was no actual fire.. The evacuation was definitive testament to the staff’s organization, because if there was actually something wrong, then they did a great job of getting us out of danger. Once the commotion died down, I went back to roaming with old friends, got back to work, and made some new friends. It still sucked that I couldn’t stay, but it was overall, a pretty good day. And you realize at this point that the viral buttscratrer meme has simply multiplied out of hand. It started as a rave, but within the first few days it had grown to something I think no one could control. I had a friend suggest that vuvuzelas (which had been preemptively banned this year) be allowed to combat the septic beast; however I countered in that his solution would be tantamount to trying to use the Aliens to fight the Predators; everyone loses as the problem gets worse. What amazed me the most was not the stamina in which this idea virus spread, but rather the various strains that derived from the original bug, seemingly all in one weekend, in the same building. You had opt-in buttscratcher, passing buttscratcher, Vendor buttscratcher, Buttscratcher cosplay, and even a couple of [people literally] running buttscratchers. Notably the Dealer’s Room was packed as always, and they weren‘t selling 3-month old merch (for the most part, and as far as I could tell). A lot of the vendors really seemed pressed to try to bring up the bottom line with some outstanding lineups, but even in a recession I think most have discovered they are still losing to the Internet. I think there’s got to be a new business model if those guys are going to survive.

In all the years I’ve spent going to cons, researching cons, and working (at) cons I’d never seen anything like Otakon 2010 to date. Hurricanes, no parties, fire alarms; it was starting to pre-qualify for free range pandemonium. It only felt slightly normal because it was all happening in Baltimore. So even though I shouldn’t have been, I was really surprised at what went down Sunday. See it was bad enough not being able to stay for any of the overnight chaos, but on top of that I had to run back to town to work (about an hour away) with no car, which essentially made my commute about 2.5 hours (because we all know how reliable public transportation is). So imagine my unnecessary surprise when I got to the train stop Sunday only to find out that they were all running about hour late. Bad enough it’d take an hour to get into the city, but an hr late for these things to boot, would mean I probably wouldn’t get there until noon; just as everyone started going home. Pissed as usual, I randomly relayed the bad news to a small group of cosplayers. A chance encounter really, because they then offered to take me to the show. Hitchiking to Otakon, what a way to travel! I made it in around 10, got a chance to say goodbye to some old friends, new friends, do a little last minute networking. And as the last of the festivities began to wind down I got a chance to go to my 1st anime convention wedding. The couple are friends of mine who you may remember from Otakon 2009. The groom proposed to his bride in the middle of the rave last year. This ceremony was more a recap than the actual ceremony , but it was still cool. Nowhere near as cool as my wedding will be, but awesome nonetheless.

So that was my Otakon 2010. Nothing at all like I was expecting, but hey, is it ever? But it’s the end of the ride for this old cowboy, no more Otakons. To quote myself, “I, Dark Angel, will never, ever again, as of the end of Otakon 2010, attend the Otakon convention ever again.” What’s next for the future? I’m the wrong person to ask, but I’m sure it’s gonna be crazy.

Parts 1, 2, 3

No matter how wrong, awkward, or crazy things may get at Ota[con], it’s always nice to be at Ota[con], if only to see old friends. There’s seemingly always this overwhelming sensation of welcome back, like a family reunion. People, vendors, cosplayers, friends you may not have seen in years will never be far behind and it tends to feel like yesterday since you last saw each other.

I knew leaving Ota would be significant in the eyes of those that mattered the most, even if they didn’t say it. But apparently I wasn’t the only one in this year’s “graduating class”. I met with a bevy of others who’d decided it was time for them to depart as well. My reasons are my own, but time seems to be a common denominator in the varied decisions.

A lot of katz I ran into had no idea I was (literally) still alive, let alone back in Maryland. Many thought I’d moved out of country, and some even considered I‘d been spending the last 12 months blowing them off altogether. My reunion one-liner?

Person: “How Ya Been?!”

Dark: “I got shot.”

Yeah, I’m a total mood killer. Someone told me, “When Dark Angel goes MIA, he only returns stronger.” Between that and the ‘hen + tie’ shirt, I haven’t really had a reason to chuckle all year. What can I say? Recessions make for tough years. But it really has been one of the most, absolute, craziest years for me ever, and if you blinked, you may have missed the following.

Shot & Left Dead In A Graveyard | Almost Avalanched | Stuck In Maryland’s Biggest Blizzard EVER | 3 Jobs & School | Snoverdraft | Paypal/Bank/Direct Deposit/Identity Fail | Paying Off Debt | Book (How To Avoid Hara-Kiri) | New Website! | Moved Again | Laptop Stolen | Facebook, Email, & Phone HACKED at the same time! | Anime Matsuri | Texas Trouble | Trip To See The Treasury Secretary

And for those out of the know, I have just recently relocated to Baltimore on a permanent basis; for the foreseeable 6 months.

In short my year is work and school eating into absolutely all my time, while ill-timed hacks and thefts have cut me off from (or made it hard for me to keep in touch with) people I respect.

Course that’s not even the tip of the iceberg and with all the MASSIVE changes that have happened in my life in these last few months, I guess it’s harder than ever to keep track of me. And to be honest I have a hard time keeping track of me. But I’m not always impossible to find.

Cell – Ask. Has changed several times in last year. Has unlimited texting; since everybody’s been asking me that.
Website – Bookmark & lock into the RSS.
Facebook – Add @ www.facebook.com/drkangl7
Twitter – Follow @Mr_DarkAngel
LinkedIn – Network @ http://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdarkangel. Currently in the LONG process of updating resume/skills/etc.
Skype – Call @ [left empty for a reason]. Ask.
AIM – Chat @ [left empty for a reason]. Ask.

The following won’t give you the tracking prowess of Sherlock Holmes, but it’s a good start if we should decide to keep in touch. The reunion might be finished, and Otakon might be over, but I’m not turning my back on anyone. This isn’t the end, only a new direction.

Parts 1, 3, 4

Something might be wrong with my heart. No, literally.

Last night was probably one of the few times I’ve ever felt, “sick”? My wording’s so particular because I hardly ever get sick. I’ve only once taken a day off from work because I was “sick”, and that was only because the previous day I’d been gagging off of chemicals the manager decided to spray around the work area. So having a cold, or fighting the flu, not really things I’m used to as it were.

So imagine my surprise last night (at 4am) when I was jolted awake by a feeling of extreme nauseous. My body continued to go between chills and hot for the next 5 hours. I had a throbbing headache, congestion in my chest, shoulders, and base of my neck. And everything hurt. I was gonna just sleep it off, but wound up going to the local clinic to get a look over. Which is all the more ironic because I wound up dozing off as I waited for my appointment & felt 10 times better than I did prior to the extra sleep. The docs told me my blood sugar was low; more than likely due to me missing dinner last night. But they also heard some strange heart murmur; perhaps potential for heart damage. They can’t figure out what it is, so I have to go to the big hospital down town to have them look over me to make sure the murmur is just a murmur, and nothing else. Wouldn’t want anything to be wrong with Angel’s heart now.

So what’s wrong? Who knows? But $50 bucks says I’m too stressed for my little old heart to handle.

Update: The condition I have is called “Valvular Regurgitation”. I won’t know why it’s there, how bad it is, or how to fix it until July. Hope it doesn’t kill me before then, lol; not really….

(Photo By Bob.Fornal/flickr)

So my other 2 jobs covered the remaining losses of my once negative account. I’m still getting the direct deposit changed & I’m still stressed. But today was a small victory. As soon as I get all this debt paid off, I might actually go celebrate.

(Photo by elycefeliz/flickr)

(darkpatator/flickr)

And here we go, again….

Since I know most of the people reading this aren’t getting it firsthand from my Twitter, I thought I’d address some of the things quite a few people have tried to ask/bring up (judging my by all my facebook msgs and people trying to email me).

1) I’m working 3 jobs. I’m busy. [Most of] You were busy when I tried calling you 2-3 months ago.

2) @Friends who should know – No, I’m not talking to you, but I’m not ignoring you. You’re on my list, you’re just not priority. If you had time to listen (when I called), you’d know why. You know who you are; and if you don’t, clearly we aren’t friends anymore.

3) I’ve met about 20+ something to 30+ something people in the last 5 days or so who’ve all decided it’d be a good idea to network with yours truly. Regrettably, in my time away at work, I’ve had my email hacked. I’ve seen some of the messages, but that’s why I’ve yet been unable to respond. It’s my fault for not tightening things up. Soon as I get things sorted out, I’ll start replying.

Yeah, yeah, okay. I know it’s a little uber-late. Here’s a small update of everything that went down before my life started going crazy again. February was supposed to go so well, and then that #$%^ing blizzard of the century hit and @$$#@ed everything up. I am so $$#%ing done with snow, for life! But in all seriousness, it’s a good idea to have a plan in case a natural disaster strikes; you never really know what tomorrow will look like.

(Santa Cor●๋•/flickr)

1. I’ve made effort to thoroughly announce my trip to New Jersey this month, though I still feel there will be those who claim I made no such efforts.
2. I found my camera!
3. I got a surprise check for $125 in the mail
4. I’ve got my schedule & accommodations set for Momocon
5. Even though I didn’t really study, I passed my 1st quiz (in years) with a 70. I’ll get more serious from here on out, but this is a big deal for me after being out of class for so long.
6. For the 1st time ever I’m witnessing a blizzard 1sthand. Stupid snow.
7. Superbowl fun
8. Week of Valentine’s = Jersey/Valentine’s Day/Not Date/Hot Date CANCELED!
9. More snow! FML!
10. I finally got around to taking down F/R/S ver. 1. However, the snow has delayed the next phase of the site.
11. I updated the F.A.Q.
12. I’ve made impressive efforts against my debt.
13. I almost found myself buried alive.
14. I broke my suitcase
15. I did my taxes for free
16. The effects of Snowerdraft incite my Red Lantern Rage

So this is a post strictly for my personal friends, so pay attention if you fall into that category.

My phone broke about a week ago. I had to mail it in & will have a new one sooner than later. In the meantime, I need all the people trying to get in touch with me (and I understand there are quite a few lately) to simply email me; even if only just to say hi. Trusty me, you’ll get a lot farther.

Anyway, stay tuned to the blog & I’ll catch you kids around laterz.

velo_city/flickr

I’m not the biggest fan of scholarships. I’ve spoken/written bout this disdain at length. They simply don’t seem effective. However, since I am of a firm belief that there is very little I cannot do, I decided to challenge myself. I decided to not only get a scholarship, but to find a way to receive $15,000 in scholarship funds this year. All For college…of course…

Why so much? Why not? Little risk, MASSIVE reward. I’d like to think this can work, at least a little bit. and if it does (and I’m pretty sure it will) I’ll definitely be well on my way to bigger better things in regards to my college education.

Edit: I still don’t trust scholarships, but I’m cocky as hell, and I’d like to see where this goes. Because at the end of the day this is a learning experience, and anything I can learn from makes me stronger.

Axel.Foley/flickr

1. Everything that’s going to happen, it’s all part of the plan….
2. I moved from Georgia & have a plethora of travel planned for 2010
3. I’m the world’s greatest travelhack ninja
4. In the 1st 20 days of 2010, I have lived in Atlanta (GA), Baltimore (MD) & Annapolis (MD)
5. I’ve been lucky enough to make some very powerful friends this month
6. I’m psychic…this month anyway….
7.
8. Plan hit a small road bump when we lost the camera.

I’ve got more than a few acquaintances who’ve come to antiquate my recent move with the long-lost myth that I’m FINALLY settling down. Ho, ho, ho! Silly people. Far, far from it. The next little stop in this grand tour will be New Jersey. 2nd week of February; Valentine’s weekend to be more specific.

See you there!

brianwallace/flickr

Okay, so now we’re 2-0 this year (heh, January’s not even over). In addition to losing all my old podcasts, it seems now I’ve gone and lost my camera too. This sucks, but is by no means the end of the world. I was looking for a new camera anyway, but this does kinda hamper a lot of the photo-related efforts I wanted to start launching this month. Come to think of it, this is the 1st real monekywrench in my plans….curses….

beardenb/flickr

All my old podcast. My virtual cache has been wiped clean (and not by choice). Not good, not good at all. And there was a lot of new stuff I never got to post.

Grrr! What am I gonna do?

I’ll be taking a short reprieve from blogging to work on my other pet project, Team XenoPhoenix. Team XP is a group of anime fans who wrote a little known book last year. Since my abrupt return the social scene, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about our group, our book, and our future.

Our book has its critics, and some even think we’re a one-trick pony, dead in the water, hanging on to what little fame we managed to arouse within the 1st few weeks of our release. We’re not gone, we never left. We’ve been growing…evolving, and have many BIG plans for the future. You’ll see what I mean in the coming weeks, trust me.

I’ll be back in a fews days w/EVEN MORE new stuff and truckloads of backlog. Til then, stay golden kids!

Live & Laugh
-Dark Angel