Gender-bending costumes kick all the ass!

X-Men’s Gambit!

Star Wars’ Imperial Officer

Freddy Krueger!

Cobra Soldier!

To the creative ladies of Dragon*Con… THANK YOU!

Jon and Leigh sit down together again to interview another of DragonCon’s directors.

For this interview it is our pleasure to welcome Jennifer, Director of the Wheel Of Time track.

As usual we try to get to know Jennifer a bit, as well as learn how something so specific as Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time has it’s very own track – Spoiler Alert: Jennifer has no one to blame but herself.  Plus, just to tick off the folks in the Tolkien track, we insult Elven Poetry (please don’t hate us).

Besides DragonCon Track Site, Jennifer (and more Wheel of Time goodness) can be found here:
Dragonmount.com: http://www.dragonmount.com/main.php
JordanCon: www.jordancon.com
Twitter: DragonMount

Let us know what YOU think by leaving comments, emailing, or even calling the comment line/Skype.

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

Comment Line: 813-321-0TUG (813-321-0884)

Skype: theuniquegeek

Subscribe via iTunes OR via Some Sort Of Other Feed Thingie

The cast members in this issue can also be found here:

Jon - Twitter

Leigh - Twitter

Log 001 2010

What has Changed

We at The Unique Geek and Need Coffee are doing our planning for Dragon Con 2010 and I am back to help you navigate your way through an even bigger Con.

First let me start off by saying this:  even though I wrote last year’s survival guide, I seem to have neglected a few of my own notes. One morning I found myself over sleeping from our long night of the Gonzo Film fest, then running to see my good friend interview the fabulous Leonard Nemoy on Sunday morning.  Needless to say, I skipped breakfast, and thus setting myself up for a day of feeling like I was running behind. I did manage to grab a salad at Starbucks (of all places).  To make matters worse, I forgot my mini snack as well as my water.  At least I did not get the dreaded headache.

New Official Hotel

Dragon Con will be adding yet another host hotel this year. It is the Westin. 210 Peachtree Street, which is down the street from the Hyatt. Alternative History and Whedonverse will be in that hotel.

Last year, we attendees enjoyed the opening of the Habitrail from the Hilton to the Marriott. This allows a quick stroll between the hotels. This means you will only have to be out in the day-ball to get to the Sheraton and the Westin.

Tip: If you are in the parade (you must have a ribbon) a quick way of avoiding people traffic is the head into the Marriott, then up one flight to the Habitrail that leads to the Hilton.

Thursday is the New Friday!

Even though the con panels start on Friday, Thursday is a great day to kick off your con experience. Registration opens up at 4 p.m and last year it seems that it opened up a wee bit earlier. Get there early.

Thursday is also a great day to meet up with friends you see only at the con. I have been tellng people I know how great Thursday is. You can use the day to go to the High Museum, CocaCola World, and the fabulous Georgia Aquarium. It is a great day to venture up to Altanta’s cool Little Five Point’s. There is an Indian Restaurant that makes a great Mango lassi drink. See last year’s note about Marta on directions to get there.

Be sure to use the hotel’s amenities on Thursday. The Hyatt pool gets covered on Thursday, so call your friends if they are in any of the other hotels to get into their pools. It is the day I use the Marriott jacuzzi.  I like to hit the spa at the Marriott; it is fantastic. The prices run about the same as any other spa. Check with Marriott for their services and prices.

Don’t forget to have dinner and drinks with your friends on Thursday, because, as you know that over the course of the con days texting and squeezing in face time with your friends can be difficult. I have made many new friends on Thursday.

The Hacky Sack circle starts Thursday night. I played several card games in the bar in the Hyatt. If this is your first time and you are in Atlanta on Thursday, it is a great time to familiarize yourself with the layouts of the hotels. The Hyatt’s lower levels can get a bit confusing.

See you at Dragon Con.

Rox can be found on Twitter, at her blog, and campaigning to be Hobo Queen 2011.

Even Cobra Commander enjoys an ice-cold Colt 45 from time to time.

Colt 45 and the Baroness – It works every time.

Jon and Leigh sit down together as we kick off our series of DragonCon director’s chats.

For this discussion it is our pleasure to welcome Regina, Senior Director of Programming.

We discuss all things programming, including how the decisions are made as to which guests are approved, what her responsibilities are, and why last year was so great for her.

Let us know what YOU think by leaving comments, emailing, or even calling the comment line/Skype.

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

Comment Line: 813-321-0TUG (813-321-0884)

Skype: theuniquegeek

Subscribe via iTunes OR via Some Sort Of Other Feed Thingie

The cast members in this  issue can also be found here:

Jon - Twitter

Leigh - Twitter

Hello gentle reader.

I have been going to Dragon*Con in Atlanta GA now for quite a few years and one of the things that I have really grown to love is the attendance by celebrities and pseudo-celebrities. As a member of The Unique Geek, I have agreed to do a weekly highlight on one (possibly more than one) of the Con attendees that qualifies for ‘celebrity’ status.

This week, I will feature someone who in my opinion is THE BIGGEST celebrity to attend Dragon*Con 2010: Stan Lee.

Stan Lee (with partners Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, & Steve Ditko) created the most well known Marvel comics heroes like Spider-Man, the X-Men, The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, and Daredevil. Mr Lee is well known for his ‘catch phrase’ EXCELSIOR!

Stan The Man, to me, is the biggest ‘get’ at Dragon*Con since he has not been to this Con in ages and the popularity of his character creations seems to be at a zenith. Each and every character mentioned above has had their own major motion picture. More of his creations will be appearing on the silver screen soon (Thor, re-booting Spider-Man) which will continue to build the love for Stan Lee’s genius.

I have personal reasons as to why I am so excited that Stan Lee will be at Dragon*con 2010 as well. When I began to read comic books at age 11 or 12, Marvel comics were my books of choice. The hours and hours of entertainment that those books provided, along with the ability to give my young imagination the spark and focus it needed was priceless. My favorite Marvel heroes, The X-Men, hooked me from the first issue I read. Comic books provide kids, who would not be considered strong readers, a launching platform from which they can gain a foothold into reading.  At the same time, providing other young readers an escape through great stories. It is my sincerest hope that these young readers develop a lifelong love of reading.

I have not read a Marvel comic in more than a decade, but Stan Lee gave me a gift. He built my love for reading and stories, both simple and complex. He gave me the ability to imagine the great and unexpected. He gave a kid who needed ‘something different’ to do a fantastic forum to read and image great things. Most importantly to me, he gave me a common ground to build friendships that have and will last my entire life, my brothers and sisters here at The Unique Geek.

Thanks Stan Lee!

Jon, Serv, Rox, Ron, Scott, and Michael get together to record the kick-off of 40 Days Of DrangonCon. We discuss our first times and other experiences at DragonCon.  For added entertainment, at various points, Jon almost dies.

Let us know what YOU think by leaving comments, emailing, or even calling the comment line/Skype.

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

Comment Line: 813-321-0TUG (813-321-0884)

Skype: theuniquegeek

Subscribe via iTunes OR via Some Sort Of Other Feed Thingie

The cast members in this  issue can also be found here:

Jon - Twitter

Rox - Spazhouse – Twitter

Michael Baily – Fortress Of Baileytude – Twitter

Scott C – Need Coffee – Twitter

Hey gang!

As you may have heard, several of The Unique Geeks were in Atlanta this past weekend for Dragon Con. Well, original Unique Geek and (apparently) official photographer, Shag (Once Upon A Geek) has posted some 600+ photos up in our gallery.

Just click on that photo gallery tab above (or if you are too lazy click here) and enjoy the goodness that was D*C 2009.

Dragon Con Survival Tips by Rox of Spazhouse

Log Entry 007: Restaurants

There are plenty of places to sit down for a good meal around the Peachtree Center area.  I have compiled a short list of popular restaurants in the area. This is not all inclusive and, for some, you may have to venture a bit of a ways.

Note: If you have experiences with any of these restaurants (or have a favorite spot that isn’t listed) and wish to share, please leave a comment.

Helpful Tip: For iPhone and iTouch users download the Urban Spoon or Eat A Rama Applications. The Wifi will get your location and help you find restaurants around you.

Benihana
229 Peachtree St. N.E. • 404-522-9629 • Moderate

Avanzare
265 Peachtree Street NE
Lower level of the Hyatt.  The lamb is excellent

Trader Vic’s
255 Courtland St. N.E. • 404-221-6339 • Expensive (Make reservations)
(Lower level of the Hilton Hotel. Need to take the Special Elevator to reach the restaurant)

Sun Dial Restaurant
210 Peachtree St. N.W. •  404-589-7506 • Expensive

Sear
265 Peachtree Center Avenue • 404-586-6134 • Expensive
(Upper Level of the Marriott Marquis)

Max Lager’s American Grill & Brewery
320 Peachtree Street • 404-525-4400

Nikolai’s Roof
255 Courtland St. N.E. • 404-221-6362 • Expensive
(In the Hilton Hotel and Towers)

Moe’s Southwest Grill
70 Peachtree St. NE • Inexpensive

Pittypat’s Porch
25 International Blvd.

Ted’s Montana Grill
133 Luckie St. NW

Atlanta Grill
181 Peachtree St • 404 659-0400

Morton’s of Chicago
303 Peachtree Center Ave  • 404 577-4366 • Expensive
(Call the restaurant to make reservations)

Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles
529 Peachtree St. NE (Closer to Midtown) • 404.874.9393 • Moderate

Dania’s
26 Peachtree Road • 404-588-0069 • Inexpensive
(Across from Woodruff Park)

Django
495 Peachtree Street • 404-347-8648 • Moderate

Ginger Bay Cafe
182 Courtland Street • 404-521-0061 • Moderate
(Caribbean Food – Near the Sheraton)

Olympia Prime
133 Peachtree St. N.E. (Located near the Georgia-Pacific Center) • 404-593-2588 • Expensive

Paschal’s Restaurant
180-B Northside Drive • 404-525-2023 • Moderate

Haveli Indian Cuisine
225 Spring St NW • 522-4545 • Mainly Buffet • Moderate

Atlanta Downtown Hooters
209 Peachtree St NE • (404) 522-9464 • (404) 688-5369
(You know what you get here)

Dragon Con Survival Tips by Rox of Spazhouse

Survival Tip 006: Getting Around

MARTA (itsmarta.com)

Marta gets you to the places you need to go. I like MARTA. MARTA welcomes cyclists on the train and buses have BOB or Bike on Board racks on the outside of the buses. If you are flying in from the Airport, it is easy to find the MARTA station. It is up a set of escalators on the outside of the terminal.

You can take either North Springs train or Dunwoody train. Both cruise into Peachtree Station. Once you you head into the Five Points Station, Peachtree is your next stop.

Train Frequency

Weekday Peak Service (6:00AM – 9:30AM / 3:00PM – 7:30PM): Every 10 minutes

Weekday Off-Peak Service: Every 15 minutes

Saturday All Day: Every 20 minutes

Sunday All Day ( and Holidays [Monday]): Every 20 minutes

From Five Points Station the trip to the airport is about 16 minutes.

A single fare is $1.75

Visitor multi-Day pass runs (1-4 Days) $8.00 – $12.00

This is an unlimited ride pass and can be purchased at the Airport Station.

On returning to the Airport the MARTA station deposits you right into a Delta terminal. You can check in easily there.

NOTE: For those attendees who are in hotels in out lying areas the last trains heading to the North East Station is at 1 a.m. from the Airport. Last train from Peachtree is 1:19. You may need to make arrangements if you plan on staying at some of the very late programming.

Buses

At many of the stations you can catch different buses to different parts of the city, such as at the North Avenue Station you can catch the Route 2 Ponce DeLeon bus to venture to Little Five Points, the cool, hip place with the shops and restaurants. If you do this you need to get off at Moreland Ave. and either walk down to Little Five Points a few minute walk or catch the Route 6 – Emory

Many of the schedules you can find online and can download handy pdfs.

Buses seem to run every 45 minutes on Saturday.

As part of our 40 Days countdown we will be interviewing various directors (and some panelists) of the DragonCon Fan Tracks.

In this issue we feature panelists and moderators extraordinaire: Widgett Walls (NeedCoffee) and Ken Plume (QuickStopEntertainment).

I am stil unsure of what Leigh and I set out to accomplish when interviewing Ken and Widge. I can say I don’t think we accomplished it. Instead, we ended up on going on a journey of funny that was only vaguely related to the topic of DragonCon (so basically like any panel they are on).  However, we do get the added bonus of learning Leigh’s secret power… and now I wish I could un-know it.

If you haven’t ever been subjected to Ken and Widge’s madness be sure to check out: Nuts On The Road, Weekend Justice, The Ken P.D. Snydecast, or follow them on Twitter (@Widgett , @KenPlume) .

(While your at it, follow @JonBoutelle and @LeighBC … just saying)

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

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[Editors Note: Sorry this is late going up - Life got in the way... have a good one.]

As part of our 40 Days countdown we will be interviewing various directors (and some panelists) of the DragonCon Fan Tracks.

In this issue we feature Derek from the Skeptic track.

Leigh joins me in being all sorts of scientific and truthful as we chat with Derek. Join us as we uncover the facts behind the Skeptic track and Derek tries to hide that he is a fortune telling alien ghost hunter.

Be sure to head over to the official Skeptic Track website to get the latest happenings.

Also, be sure to check out Derek and Swoopy’s podcast – Skepticality.

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

Comment Line: 813-321-0TUG (813-321-0884)

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As part of our 40 Days countdown we will be interviewing various directors (and some panelists) of the DragonCon Fan Tracks.

In this issue we feature Bev from the Young Adult Literature track.

Leigh is here again (having not learned her lesson yet, apparently) with me as we discuss YA Lit. Bev educates us on the differences between sparkly vampires and under age wizards.

Be sure to head over to the official YAL site to get the latest happenings.

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

Comment Line: 813-321-0TUG (813-321-0884)

Skype: theuniquegeek

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Dragon Con Survival Tips by Rox of Spazhouse

Log Entry 005: The Art Show

One should always venture to the art show to see what artistic people are creating. Every year a set of guys create a large scale scene diorama. Last year was reminiscent of Dead Wood. The year before was a castle under siege.  Pegboard panels form booths that some artist share with fellow artists. Others have a full bay to themselves.

You should set aside a fair amount of time to go through the show as there are as many varying types of artists (including some professional artist you may already know) as there are time streams in the DC Universe.

The Art Show is a juried show, meaning that people who participate must have had their work judged by a panel of professional artists. So please, keep that in mind when you see a neat image you might like. Most of the time artist in the show would have a print in the digital print shop area. Most artist will have business cards on hand in the event you wish to contact them or would like to see more of their work.

Buying at the Show

So you found something you would like to buy? There are a few ways of going about that.

Below most pieces there will be bidding sheets.  The artist will first list a direct sell price. This is the price you pay if you want to walk out with the piece on demand. Under that line there are lines for bidding where you can place a bid. Once someone has started to bid, the direct sale price is no longer available.

If you see ‘NFS’ in the direct sale price, then the piece is Not For Sale.

If you decide to place a bid keep in mind that, if you place the winning bid, you not be able to pick up your piece until Monday afternoon.

If you do not want to wait until Monday many of the artist will have prints available in the Print Shop of the show. Here you can purchase your items immediately and take them with you.  There is no bidding in the Print Shop.

NOTE: No photography is allowed, this even means cell phone cameras. Please do not take an image from someone who has spent time and effort to create a piece of artwork. Also, for security reasons you may be asked to leave your bag at the show entrance.

As part of our 40 Days countdown we will be interviewing various directors (and some panelists) of the DragonCon Fan Tracks.

In this issue we feature Brian from DragonCon TV.

Leigh joins me for this chat with one of the creative minds behind DragonCon TV. Brian and the rest of the DCTV crew have done an excellent job keeping us informed and entertained while we have waited in line or were recovering from the “festivities” from the night  before. In this podcast we learn about a few new things DCTV has in store for us this year.

Be sure to check our Brian’s podcast What The Cast (WhatTheCast.com) as well as the official DragonCon TV website (DragonConTv.com). You can also stalk ummm… follow Brian on twitter (@WhatTheCast)

Email the geeks at: thegeeks[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

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