Video Friday! 7/8/11

Here are some great videos floating around that little 'verse we call the interwebz.

This is just too great! Shopping while you wait? Sign me up!

(via Geeks Are Sexy)

This is a gorgeous rendition of The Game of Thrones theme, which I found via Ms. Felicia Day on Google+. It's moments like these I wish I still played an instrument. Jason Yang is simply wonderful.

It's about time someone had some fun with the NFL lockout.

Field of Dreams 2: NFL Lockout with Taylor Lautner from Taylor Lautner

This just became one of my favorite True Blood parodies. Bill and Sookie's accents are spot on. Thank you Geek Girl Diva for posting this.

Nathan Fillion wants to help you combat a terrible problem afflicting gamers.

(via Break)

Have a great weekend everyone! Next week, it's all about Harry Potter!

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Review: Karate-Robo Zaborgar @ NYAFF

We live in an era where beloved franchises are given new life through reboots and remakes.  So often we see a new film or series trying to recapture the hearts and minds of today's youth using the very same characters and stories that captured our own.  For the most part all of these attempts turn out to be complete and utter crap.  Now imagine a director who pays homage to yesterday's characters with the loving humor and crass vulgarity of a Friar's Club Roast... can you see it?  Did you envision a sweets-obsessed special agent and his transforming robot/motorcycle best-friend?  If so, you are either a complete weirdo or grew up in 1970's Japan, because what you see before you is Karate-Robo Zaborgar!

This past weekend we had the pleasure of experiencing this cinematic roasting first-hand, thanks to our great friends at Midtown Comics and the New York Asian Film Festival.  The NYAFF, as it will be referred to from here-on out, is a celebration of film from the Far East.  You can see some of everything here: classic Kung-fu from Hong Kong (Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain - 1983), Family Comedies from Japan (Ninja Kids!!! - 2011), your favorite Manga brought to life (Gantz & Gantz: Perfect Answer - 2011) and even Rock & Roll Zen Buddhist Monks (Abraxas - 2010).  These are just some of the over 40 titles screening at the NYAFF, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.  You can check it out now through July 14th at the Walter Reade Theater in Lincoln Center. Subway Cinema & the Film Society Lincoln Center have joined to bring a fantastic selection of movies that will capture the imagination of all movie-goers.

Back to this crazy-ass robot-kung-fu-cyborg-monster-mash that is Karate-Robo Zaborgar.  The concept in and of itself is pretty insane.  Would you ask a director who's got more "adult videos" on his wikipedia profile credited to him than anything else touch your childhood memories?  (Insert pedophile and/or cheesy porn title joke here.)  Despite what outsiders may consider a shady history, director Noboru Iguchi, who is apparently best known for crude jokes and ultra-violence, pulls together a wild but family-friendly adventure.  My first impression was "what if Quentin Tarantino was tasked with creating a PG remake of the Power Rangers."  Are you scared?  Rightfully so.  Excited? You are my people.

If you don't like it they will Triple Dragon-Kick your face in.

I need to say that I have no idea what the original series, Denjin Zaborgar, was like.  I also have no intention of finding out.  You can't judge me, you weren't going to check either.  The plot plays out like any family adventure, our Hero teams with a fantastical robot, Zaborgar, to fight the mad plans of an evil organization, Sigma.  If you look back at any of your old favorite TV shows you begin to notice all of the gapping plot-holes that are covered up with action and silly jokes.  In Zaborgar, these holes are not just left as is, instead it feels like Trey Parker & Matt Stone played mad-libs with the original plot.  The main character had a twin brother who died of (blank - noun)... "How about male breast milk?"  Did I make that up as a joke for this post or is it really in the movie?  You'll get the answer at the end of this post.  These funny moments come completely out of left-field and keep the adult viewers from getting bored with the sillier main plot.

Zaborgar Versus Diarrhea Robot
I wish I was making it up...

All in all it was a fun experience that makes me want to check out the rest of the lineup at NYAFF. Even if this movie isn't for you, there's plenty to see, so check them out at subwaycinema.com.  If you do check them out this weekend you just might run into a member of IGH.  I hear Wilderowens is totally going to see Horny House of Horror.

Btw, the answer is yes.

O tanoshimi kudasai!


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Torchwood Miracle Day NYC Premiere

Crazy line before
the Torchwood premiere!

Last night was filled with awesomeness because I got to attend an early screening of the first episode of the new Torchwood season.  Now let me tell you what I think. ;) This was a great event held at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema and sponsored by Starz Entertainment. Big thanks to Landmark and Starz for hosting such a fantastic event. They were so great and I even got my very own tiny Torchwood squishy world to take home!

But first, just in case you haven't watched Torchwood, here is a really quick recap. It is about a clandestine agency that protects the British realm from alien forces. In the past seasons, the Torchwood team has run into a lot of problems, leaving only two survivors, Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper. Now they are hiding out from anyone that comes looking, except then a miracle happens and "Torchwood" is the key.  The miracle is that no one dies anywhere. This sends Mekhi Phifer's CIA agent Rex Matheson on search to discover why he and the world are surviving.  FYI, this is actually the fourth season of Torchwood but the first that is being co-produced by Starz and BBC. Unfortunately, I can't give away too much without spoiling everything, so I'm gonna be vague. Sorry but it's for the best since it is premiering a week later in the UK.

Now I know what some of you are thinking, "I didn't watch Torchwood before this, will I understand what's going on?" Well, you have two options. One, go on Netflix and catch up. There aren't many episodes so you can totally call out sick and make it through the series before the premiere. Two, the first ep gives enough backstory to catch you up pretty quickly. You may not catch all of the little jokes but you won't be lost by the story.

For fans of the show, this definitely has a more "American" feel to the show. There is a noticeable difference in how the story unfolds, everything seems a bit more rushed. However, don't worry. Russell T. Davies is still at the helm and you still get warm, naughty fuzzies when Capt. Jack takes the screen.  Yeah, I went there.

The cast is superb all around. John Barrowman and Eve Myles bring their characters back to life with ease, like they never left.  It was also great to see Kai Owen back as Gwen's other half, Rhys.  He looks so comfortable with the baby!   Bringing up the old cast is Tom Price as Andy, Gwen's former partner and he is as sturdy as ever.  For the newbies, we have Alexa Havins as Esther Drummond, the CIA agent that uncovers Torchwood.  She needs to have a bigger role because it felt at times as if she was being overshadowed but it feels like this actress can do more.  Mekhi Phifer brings his strong character to life and brings out his comedic chops at all the right moments.  Bill Pullman is kinda weird and dry, but I believe that there is a bigger purpose to that.  He does play a pedophile/murderer, so I think he supposed to creep me out. Good job Bill. My one disappointment was no Dichen Lachman in this episode. After the trailers, I was dying to see her. We got to see a sneak at the end and it looks like she makes her entrance in ep 2.

To recap, cancel all of your plans for this Friday so you can hangout with Torchwood as they save the world from humanity.


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Happy Fourth of July!!!

All of us at [insertgeekhere] wish you a Happy Independence Day!  We urge you to take a moment to think of our soliders who are abroad, our veterans who have served, and the ones who gave their lives, in every war, for our freedoms.  Also, please remember that booze and fireworks don't mix but if they do, film it for Youtube.

Now for your enjoyment, take a look at some true patriots! 

Have a fantastic 4th!

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Sunday Links for July 3

Another fun and exciting week in the Geek Universe...

In DC reboot news, it turns out that some fans are upset about the upcoming changes. Who would've thunk it? Well they are taking the fight public with a protest at San Diego Comic Con. In other related news, Bleeding Cool's Rich Johnston points out how pointless this protest is and starts a protest of their protest. In the end, the change is happening no matter what, so we all need to deal with it.

(via Robot 6, Bleeding Cool)

Google+ debuted this week with a little fanfare. Wysefyre managed to get in but can't send out invites yet. For a fun look at birth of a network, check out XKCD and Mashable.

(via XKCD, Mashable)

We are getting closer and closer to the final premiere of the final Harry Potter film....EVER!  *sad face*  To get you in the mood, go check out this Parseltongue translator.  It is kinda creepy, especially if you forget how loud your speakers are...

(via Parseltongue Translator)

MTV Geek found out that there are still plans for a Masters of the Universe movie.  This is more terrifying than the Parseltongue translator.  I fear for my childhood.

(via MTV Geek)

Have a Happy and Fun Independence Day!!!

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Video Friday!!! 4th of July Edition

Ah, Independence Day! This is the time we celebrate with BBQs, fireworks and most importantly, remembering and honoring the soldiers who have served our country and the ones who serve today. This is for all of you!











Thank you to all the men and women in our armed forces!

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

It's Shindig Time!: Can't Stop the Serenity 2011

It is my favorite time of the year because it is time for all the Browncoats to come out and get together!  That's right, because it is Can't Stop the Serenity 2011!  I went to the Browncoats of NYC event this past Saturday and had a blast.  

So, in case you don't know, Can't Stop The Serenity is a fan-run event started in 2006.  It is a chance for fans to get together and re-watch Serenity, the little movie that could.  This event began so fans could thank Joss Whedon for all he has done by raising money for his charity, Equality Now.  

Equality Now is an international women's rights advocacy group that was started by a student of Joss’s mother, so he grew up with this cause.  EN works towards the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. Working with national human rights organizations and individual activists, EN documents violence and discrimination against women and mobilizes international action to support their efforts to stop these human rights abuses.  Since 2006, the Browncoats have contributed over $557,000 to the cause and that number just keeps climbing!

As I said, I attended the NYC event this weekend.  The Browncoats of NYC are such a great group of people, and I had been looking forward to this for weeks!   At each event, the custom is to re-watch Serenity but there is so much more!  Plenty of people come in costume, with music, dancing, crazy food, amazing auctions and Jayne hats as far as the eye can see!  I was pretty lucky to walk into the music of Ramblin Andy and the See Ya Laters.  I said hi to some friends, then I hit the auctions and raffles and my bank account is still crying.  Then as we got ready for the movie, we got a surprise video message from the man himself.

So, next year is a biggie.  Next year, Equality Now will celebrate its 20th Anniversary and Joss is excited.  He sent a video message to every event saying that 2012 is going to make some serious noise and he is leading the charge.  While he doesn't give much detail yet, he is excited and it makes me excited.  *You can kinda hear this video if you watch the streaming feed of California Browncoats event.  

If you are not excited yet, I have no idea what will make a difference.  Go find your local event and show your support for this great cause.  If you don't have a local event, find your local Browncoats and start one for next year!  Just remember, you can make a difference.  People, fans just like you and me, built this event and helped change lives.  If each of us makes the choice for equality, we can spread it like wildfire.

"No Power In The 'Verse Can Stop Us" - Firefly

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Sunday Links for June 26

The big news of the week was the unveiling of Pottermore, the newest addition to the Harry Potter universe.  It seems to be an expansion pack to the books, with additional backstory and an interactive element.  Even with the small amount of info given in the press release, this still seems like a shaky concept.  However, time will tell, so go and sign up for opening day.

(via Bleeding Cool, Pottermore)

We are wishing a Happy 10th Anniversary to American Gods, that released a bigger and better Anniversary edition this week. 
(via NerdBastards)

Image Comics announced that they are mimicing DC Comics' rating system due to customer requests.  With two large publishers following this system, will more follow?

(via Newsarama)

This week, it was announced that David Goyer will be bringing 100 Bullets to the small screen.  Showtime has jumped on the graphic novel bandwagon and I am glad they are bringing a comic veteran to work on this project.  

(via HyperGeek)

Torchwood: Miracle Day is fast approaching and this time it comes with a fun side story.  They are releasing a motion comic to watch along with the show, starring Eliza Dushku.  The only downside is that you have to pay to watch and play along, with the entire comic costing $2.99 on iTunes.

(via Geek to Me)

In the awesome column this week, check out this Lego rendition of Rapture from Bioshock.  This is a crazy amount of detail, which is just mind-boggling!

(via Geekologie)

Now go and get ready for tonight's True Blood premiere and I will see you next week!

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Video Friday! 6/24/11

Hello everyone! I have returned from my adventures. I can't remember the last time I was so unplugged from the world. It was nice, but now I'm playing catch up, and it looks like I've missed a lot. Here's some of what's been going on.

(via cinemablend)

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn't seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.

(via Geeks Are Sexy)

(via The Mary Sue)

(via Babelgum Film)

(via youtube)

For this last one, I kinda nearly fell over watching this. It's almost my most geeky dream come true - Wolverine and Barney Stinson singing and dancing! All I need is for Mal Reynolds to join and I would've died with happiness. If someone want to make that happen, I'll gladly support it. 

Have a great weekend!

What Makes a Great Volunteer?

I recently shared a few ways to help my fellow geeks afford comic cons.  One of my moolah-saving suggestions was volunteering at events.  Personally, I have volunteered and managed volunteers at a lot of different events over the past few years.  In that time, I have worked with some really dedicated, caring people that believe in the event they are working.  If you want to volunteer, make sure that you are committing fully because the effort will be worth it. 

Despite my experience, I went to someone that works with geek volunteers for a living to tell you how to be the best con volunteer possible. I got to email the person with all of the answers, Kristin Heise, the Community Manager of ReedPOP.  She manages all of the volunteers for some of the biggest geek gatherings in the country, including New York Comic Con.

What are the driving factors for someone to volunteer?

I am sure the factor(s) vary by person, but below are a couple reasons I have heard more than once from a volunteer use as their primary motivation:

 ·To give back to the community they love. The positive energy at any well-run show is infectious, and we usually attract individuals who want to contribute and promote that sort of atmosphere at New York Comic Con. Ironically, by gathering a group of passionate individuals together to support a common goal, they in-turn create their OWN niche community of fellow crew and staff members—a welcome bonus to hard work!

· The volunteer program lets fans 'peek behind the curtain'. It's a great way for recent graduates and professionals alike to gain more experience while they observe key aspects of event planning and execution.

Do volunteers need to have any specials 
skills?

Besides impeccable hygiene and never-ending enthusiasm? Nope! (Author's note: Impeccable hygiene is also a must for every attendee.)

However, we do ask volunteer applicants to tell us about their skills and interests so we can assign them to an area in which they feel comfortable and excited to help.

What are the top characteristics you want in a volunteer?

The typical laundry list that makes any person awesome: proactive, resourceful, patient, friendly, understanding, engaging and, above all else, willing to help.

What are some of the things that volunteers never expect to do, good or bad?

ReedPOP staff members always balance working hard with having fun. Likewise, we encourage volunteers to not only enjoy the convention on down-time, but to OWN their role. In other words: Laggards need not apply!  (Author's note: I totally agree!  Nothing is worse than having to cover for another volunteer!)

How early should someone try to volunteer to make sure that they get in?

We released the application mid-May and will begin accepting volunteers on a rolling admissions basis beginning the end of June through September 16. However, we may fill up slots before September, so the best rule of thumb is to submit an application as early as possible.

A final note is the time WHEN one signs up matters less than WHAT they can bring to the table as a potential volunteer. We aim to recruit helpful, great people to run a fantastic event for our fans—if that sounds like you, give the program a shot!

If volunteering still sounds like a fun idea to you (it really is), then start applying now!

  
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Review: Bella A Novel by Steve Piacente

Wilderowens scored herself entrance to Book Expo America and came away with tons of books to read, several of which were autographed by the authors (she is the swag queen. Seriously. If you want to learn how to score the most free stuff at a con, become her padawan.) We all took a few books to read, as you’ll find out over the next few months. For me, the first book I finished was Bella, A Novel by Steve Piacente.

Bella is the story of a young widow whose husband was killed in Afghanistan and the reporter, Danny Patragno, she enlists to prove the military lied about how he died. The story follows them as they come up against various obstacles in their search for the truth. It is a story about betrayal, justice and love.

The opening pages of the story I found to be awkward, and it bothered me a lot. I was not sure where the author was going and even considered stopping. Luckily, I rarely give up on a book that quickly. If I had, I would have missed out on a wonderful story.

The story itself is a little formulaic. If you read books or watch tv shows about coverups and getting justice for the little man, then you have a basic idea about where the story is heading, but what makes it so interesting is not the part about getting justice for the dead soldier and his widow; it is the story of Danny Patragno and how his life is affected by Bella walking into it.

I would not say Danny is going through a midlife crisis during this but there are some significant events happening when he meets Bella, and I believe that is partly why he makes certain decisions. He is constantly in a state of conflict, whether is it about the story or his personal life. What I like about Mr. Piacente’s portrayal is how believable he is. Danny is a fully fleshed out character. He is someone you or I know.

Bella, on the other hand, is a little harder to digest because of how she treats Danny, but at the same time, while we never truly find out what is going on inside her mind, we do believe her pain and how the death of her husband has affected her. Danny describes her “damaged, wounded and dangerous.” I think that is the best way to sum her up, but it is important to remember, she is not the villain of this story. Some of her actions can be described as callous or hurtful, but that is a direct result of her husband’s death.

This book is both tragic as well as hopeful. A horrible incident happens, certain people do bad things, and others fight to fix them. As I said, it’s a story we have all heard before, though there are a few really great twists, but Mr. Piacente has a way with words and makes the story feel fresh. If you are like me and think the opening is a little odd, hang in for the next chapter because the book really takes off from there. It is well-paced and sucks you in. You won’t even notice time has flown because you're so absorbed in reading it.

Another reason you should pick up this book is Mr. Piacente self-published it. He chronicles his adventures on his blog while also offering advice on how to successfully get your work out there. It is a great way to get an inside look at how the internet helped change how books are published and marketed to today's audience.


If you like stories involving government coverups and the people determined to bring them to light, then you will like this. If you don't believe me, take a look at the official Bella trailer and judge for yourself. Then go get the book.





You can learn more about Bella at http://www.getbella.com/


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Sunday Links for June 19th

Happy Sunday! Here are a few fun links between drinks at my cousin's wedding!

We were told that Uncanny X-Men was canceled but that was a Marvel trick. Instead, it is coming back as two separate series after the schism event.

(via Comics Beat) 

With all of the changes at DC, have you been wondering who is being left out in the cold? Check out this look at some of the comic creators just relaxing.

(via iFanboy) 

Mark Millar decided to leave Marvel for creator-owned work. Does this mean I will finally get more Kick-Ass and Superior issues?

(via Comics Alliance) 

In just plain awesome news, the man who always dies on screen seems to be invincible in real life. Sean Bean was stabbed outside of a bar defending his date, then just patched himself up and kept drinking. Awesome.

(via Cinema Blend) 

In stupid but fun news, NASA found a glowing green light right before the Green Lantern came out. Hmmm.....

(via iFanboy)  

In happy, celebratory news, DC comics co-publisher and comics superstar Jim Lee announced that he and his wife will be adding a new member to their family. Congratulations Jim and Carla Lee!
(via Twitter)

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Video Friday! 6/17/11

For the last week of website highlighting, I want to feature one of my all time favorite sites, The Awesomer. Getsuyobi introduced me to it and once he did, it became one of my go-to spots. Everyday, The Awesomer finds the funniest, most interesting, disgusting, crazy and amazing stuff the web has to offer. Here is a taste.













Next week, I'll be back and bringing you even better stuff. Have a great weekend!


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Geek-filled Weekend Coming Up!

There are two big things happening for geeks this weekend, and no, I am not talking about Green Lantern.  Here are some June 18th events you need to know about!

This Saturday is Free RPG Day!  Like FCBD, Free RPG Day is designed to encourage players new and old to try a role playing game.   This is happening all over the country, so make sure to call your local gaming store to ask if they are taking part.  If not, get some friends together and play anyway!  It is a great time to be had by all!  

If you are looking for a RPG to try, check out Mistrunner, one of the IGH-supported kickstarter projects.

This Saturday is also the worldwide meet-up for the League of Extraordinary Ladies!  The League of Extraordinary Ladies (LXL) is a group of women and men (yes, men) that want to bring geeks together.  All of us at IGH are proud to be part of LXL and want you to join up too!  This is the first meet-up, with plans happening in LA, NYC, Ontario, England and Ireland.  There are still talks about other locations, so if you are looking for some geeks to meet, just head over to the LXL website or facebook and let everyone know!  You can also learn more about this event with this great interview on Nerds in Babeland.

Enjoy your geektastic weekend!

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Who Wouldn't Want to Follow Tom Lenk Around?

That is his new project, a documentary following his journey to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Lenk, who you must know from Buffy, has been performing his live show, "Nerdgasm," around the country, and he is now taking it abroad.  His friend and film partner, Andrew Putschoegl, will be there to document his journey in all of its nerdy glory.  The only problem is that they need your help.   Check out this fantastic video they put up on Kickstarter:

Both Andrew and Tom have been working together for a while, and even won some awards.  If helping for the sake of helping isn't good enough for you, just check out the goodies for each pledge level.  I am seriously bummed I don't have $10,000 though.  It would be totally worth it to have Tom Lenk in lederhosen washing my car.  Mmmmmm......lederhosen.

This looks like a fantastic journey for Tom, Andrew and all of their fans about the Nerdgasm experience.  Go support them now!

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Sunday Links for June 12

DC finished announcing all 52 new series, with some very suspiciously missing titles.  C'mon guys, don't take away my Terry McGinnis!  

(via Bleeding Cool)

With all of the announcement from DC this week, the biggest shocker was Barbara Gordon returning as Batgirl.  Jill Pantozzi wrote a very personal and touching argument to the switch from Orcale to Batgirl.  Gail Simone immediately sat down with Jill for a in-depth interview that gave away no details but showed how much Simone cares about this character.

(via Newsarama / Newsarama)

Green Lantern opens next weekend but if you want to get in the spirit, look for your closest Green Lantern party.  They are holding secret events in major markets all over the US tomorrow, with a chance to join the Green Lantern Corps.  Just look for the Green Lantern symbol shining in the sky at dusk.  For all of you NYCers, a clue was released for the location, which leads you to Rockefeller Center.  If you go, try to find me!

(via Bleeding Cool)

Marvel was not going to be outdone this week in the news department, so they announced that they were canceling Uncanny X-Men.  I'm a little upset since I just started reading this series but it should be an interesting read.

(via Newsarama)

This week, the BBFC proved that sometimes a little oversight is a good thing.  They decided to ban Human Centipide II from British theaters. If you had desired to see this, don't worry.  I am sure that it will be streaming on Netflix in no time.

(via Den of Geek)

In the ever-growing amount of reboots, the newest one is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  No word yet on whether this will be live-action or animation.

(via Cinema Blend)

Finally, I am excited to see some of the first images from the second season of The Walking Dead.  While they don't include any main characters, it just looks cool. 

(via The Beat)

Have a great week!

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Video Friday! 6/10/11

This week, we're highlighting the good people over at CubicleBot. I love their stuff because they find videos that range from geeky to nerdy to silly to cute to "what is that?" Their variety it great. Enjoy!














This is my favorite one of the week.

.wav from .wav on Vimeo.


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Cons on a Budget

Do you want to be like the cool kids and go to all of the popular cons? Of course you do, but once you land on the show floor, the $ falls out of your wallet like rain? Or you have to scrap together the cash just to make enough room on your credit card to buy your ticket? If this is you, don't despair. You are not alone.

If you are like me, you keep seeing all of these tweets and posts about the cons people are attending and you are super jealous. I wish I could attend them all but my money tree won't grow! In order to make it to the cons I do attend, I have a few budgeting rules I follow.

1. Do your Research - Your new Golden Rule
Really, this is the only rule you need to follow. Knowing prices well in advance makes all the difference to your wallet. You need to plan your con trips out well in advance, and not just to make sure you can get a ticket. Every booth will have awesome stuff and some will even release a list of con exclusives. Going with an idea of how much you will spend will prevent an extra trip to the atm and those pesky fees. Also, make a point to look for local, inexpensive food. Buying food in the convention is crazy overpriced and it rarely tastes good.

2. Save your change
I know it sounds cheesy, but it really does add up. The change I save goes straight into my separate Con $ account. I save it up for spending cash and my con tickets. It really is pennies a day so you probably won't even notice it.  If you really get into the savings kick, try throwing a few singles in there too.

3. Buy a Water Bottle (or get one for free)
I know this sounds cheesy but buying beverages is the biggest ripoff ever anywhere! Save the $5-30 a day for stuff that lasts. Not a fan of water? Spend a buck on a box of individual drink mixes for flavor. If you are going to reuse one from childhood that looks stupid, take all of those free stickers they hand out and slap them on there. 

4. Make Sacrifices
I know that you want to go to every con, every year. Or you just can't live without getting every season of every TV show you watch on DVD. I get it, really. Sometimes, if you want to get to go to the good stuff, you gotta sacrifice.  Every time you want to buy something, think about if you want it more than a signed graphic novel, a con exclusive figure or a photo with your favorite actor. 

5. Volunteer
I went to MoCCA for free this year because I was willing to spend a few hours a day monitoring panels. In return for my service, I got to see a few packed panels, meet some awesome comic celebs, free food and walked away with a ton of free swag. I know that this wasn't the most expensive event, but I really had a blast volunteering experience. Every con needs volunteers to happen and you get a ton of perks for your service.

Hopefully these tips will help you on your way to your favorite con.   Let me know your favorite tricks to save for cons and how you finance your geek trips!

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