September 2, 2010

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Where to See Anglotopia at DragonCon 2010 – Live Panels! Come See Us!

September 2, 2010 By jonathan Leave a Comment

One thing I’m really looking forward to at Dragon*Con 2010 is that I’m going to be on two panels in the Brit Track.

This year there is a panel dedicated to Anglophile Stuff on the web with a focus on Anglotopia – which I’ll be on. There will also be a special panel dedicated to travelling in Britain that I’ll also be on. I’m very much looking forward to both.

Here are the schedule details – if anything changes watch our Twitter and Facebook feeds and I’ll update there.

Brits on the Net – Macon Sheraton
When: Sat, September 4, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where: Macon Sheraton (map)
Description: Brits on the Internet: Anglotopia.net – This broad ranging panel is about the site and all things culturally British that are on the Net, like Angalotopia. net! J Thomas (M); Sat 11:30 am; Macon [S]
England at a low cost – Macon Sheraton
When: Sun, September 5, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Where: Macon Sheraton (map)
Description: How to Get There: England at a low cost Ever want to go to England but worry about the cost? Learn tips, tricks, and advice to travel across the pond. Sun 2:30 pm; Macon [S]
If you plane to attend either panel – feel free to chat me up and say hello. All attendees at both panels will be given the opportunity to get a free copy of our eBook 101 London Travel Tips! We also have some great prizes to the trivia questions asked at the end of every panel. Lots of great Brit DVD’s and books to giveaway!
I’ll also be attending many other panels at Brit Track – especially the Doctor Who panels – but I’m the above panels are the only ones that I’ll have an opportunity to be on. Don’t be afraid to say hello. I don’t bite. See the footer for recent picture of me.
Filed Under: Brittrack, Dragon*Con, Site News

Complete Brit Track DragonCon 2010 Schedule

September 2, 2010 By jonathan Leave a Comment

Here’s the complete, up to date schedule for Brit Track and DragonCon. If you’re going to be at Dragon*Con this weekend – here’s a listing of all of the Anglophile/Brit events you can attend.

As you can see – there’s quite a bit!

Friday, September 3
10:00am

Welcome to the BritTrack- Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where
Macon-Sheraton
Description
Welcome to the BritTrack The New Year brings change as the BT programming expands to include new series and subjects. R. Levy, C McCully (M); Fri 10:00 am; Macon [S]

11:30am

The Golden Years of Letts to Hinchcliffe-Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where
Macon – Sheraton
Description
The Producers: The Golden Years of Letts to Hinchcliffe These two producers of classic Doctor Who drove the series in its Golden Age & left their mark on the new series’ production team. Fri 11:30 am; Macon [S]

1:00pm

Inside the BBC Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Inside the BBC Former BBC employee Lance Buckley speaks on his experiences with the British Television Industry. Fri 1:00 pm; Macon [S]

1:00pm

Torchwood: An hour with Kai Owen-Main Grand Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where
Grand Ballroom A-F Sheraton MAIN
Description
Torchwood: An hour with Kai Owen On screen he’s Rhys from Torchwood. Off screen he’s s a funny, versatile actor. R. Levy, K. Owen; Fri 1:00 pm; Grand Ballroom A-F [S]

2:30pm

Doctor Who: The McCoy Years Macon- Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Where
Macon – Sheraton
Description
Doctor Who: The McCoy Years Sylvester McCoy was the enigmatic 7th Doctor before the classic series was cancelled. Here’s a look back on his tenure on the show. Fri 2:30 pm; Macon [S]

4:00pm

British Science Fiction Literature Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
A deconstruction of British Science- Fiction Literature, including: H. G. Wells, C. S. Lewis, and Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle. Fri 4:00 pm; Macon [S]

4:00pm

Inside the Actor’s Gaffe: Frazier Hines Grand Main Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where
Grand Main Sheraton
Description
Inside the Actor’s Gaffe: Frazier Hines The longest running Doctor Who Companion, talks about his entire career. F. Hines; Fri 4:00 pm; Grand Ballroom A-F [S]

4:30pm

Gay Themes in the Whoniverse-A601-A602 (Marriott) MAIN
When
Fri, September 3, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Where
A601-A602 (Marriott) MAIN
Description
Gay Themes in the Whoniverse Doctor Who has broken traditional walls of SF by acquiring a following in straight and gay communities; here we examine this idea. Fri 10:00 pm; A601-A602 [M]

5:30pm

The Prisoner – Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
The Prisoner: We Want Information! Did you see the reboot of The Prisoner series on AMC? Did you like it? This is the annual gathering to discuss all things Prisoner. Fri 5:30 pm; Macon [S]

7:00pm

Doctor Who: Tennant Vs. Smith – Crystal Ballroom Hilton
When
Fri, September 3, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where
Crystal Ballroom (Hilton) MAIN
Description
Doctor Who Out with the Old in with the New: Tennant Vs. Smith A discussion about the similarities and differences between David Tennant’s and Matt Smith’s portrayal of the iconic Doctor. Fri 7:00 pm; Crystal Ballroom [Hil]

8:30pm

A Guide To UK Panel Shows- Crystal Ballroom Hilton
When
Fri, September 3, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Where
Crystal Ballroom Hilton
Description
NeedCoffee.com Presents A Guide To UK Panel Shows Over the last decade panel shows have become a fixture on UK telly. The crew from NeedCoffee.com explains why. W. Walls; Fri 8:30 pm; Crystal Ballroom [Hil]

8:30pm

The Canon of Doctor Who – Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
The Canon of Doctor Who Experts, such as Lars Pearson from Mad Norwegian Press, talk about the entire canon that makes up Doctor Who. Fri 8:30 pm; Macon [S]

10:00pm

Monty Python – Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 10:00pm – 11:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Monty Python From Flying Circus to The Meaning of Life, a celebration of songs, laughter, and scene re-enactments of all things Python. Fri 10:00 pm; Macon [S]

11:30pm

Brit Night at the Telly I – Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 11:30pm – Sat, September 4, 2:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Night at the Telly 1 We offer to you the best, and possibly worst; of Brit Telly. Tonight’s theme, “Science is Cool!!!” Fri 11:30 pm; Macon [S]

Saturday, September 4
» 2:30am

Brit Night at the Telly I – Macon Sheraton
When
Fri, September 3, 11:30pm – Sat, September 4, 2:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Night at the Telly 1 We offer to you the best, and possibly worst; of Brit Telly. Tonight’s theme, “Science is Cool!!!” Fri 11:30 pm; Macon [S]

10:00am

Doctor Who in Other Media – Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Doctor Who in Other Media This popular panel covers the latest in Doctor Who books, audios, comics and digital media. Sat 10:00 am; Macon [S]

11:30am

Brits on the Net – Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brits on the Internet: Angalotopia. net This broad ranging panel is about the site and all things culturally British that are on the Net, like Angalotopia. net! J Thomas (M); Sat 11:30 am; Macon [S]

1:00pm

Needcoffee vs. Whoninverse -Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
NeedCoffee.com vs. Whoninverse NeedCoffee.com gives a critical analysis & a broad survey of opinions about Matt Smith’s Doctor and the return of Torchwood. Sat 1:00 pm; Macon [S]

2:30pm

British Costuming – Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
British Costuming This panel is where creative and talented costumers strut their stuff and explain how they constructed their amazing outfits. Sat 2:30 pm; Macon [S]

4:00pm

Merlin – Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Merlin This panel is a review of new popular series, Merlin, the man who raised King Arthur. Sat 4:00 pm; Macon [S]

5:30pm

Whoniverse Companions: An hour with Owen and Hines-Grand Ballroom A-F Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where
Grand Ballroom A-F Sheraton
Description
Whoniverse Companions: An hour with Owen and Hines Frazer Hines & Kai Owen are each prolific talents. As a duo they are a hilarious tour de force of fun & mayhem in the Whoniverse. R. Levy, K. Owen, F. Hines; Sat 5:30 pm; Grand Ballroom A-F [S]

7:00pm

Mighty Boosh – Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Mighty Boosh A verbal journey to the Zooniverse, The Might Boosh and its unique humor is entertaining us all. J Rabon (M); Sat 7:00 pm; Macon [S]

10:00pm

Rainbow Flag Party – Atlanta MAIN Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 10:00pm – Sun, September 5, 12:30am
Where
Atlanta MAIN Sheraton
Description
It’s like being at the best dance club with no cover charge! THE party to be at for the Queer Geek community & Straight Allies alike. Sat 10:00 pm; Atlanta [S]; 2.5 Hr(s)

10:00pm

Doctor Who vs Star Trek-Crystal Ballroom Hilton
When
Sat, September 4, 10:00pm – 11:30pm
Where
Crystal Ballroom Hilton MAIN
Description
Doctor Who vs Star Trek A galactic showdown 40 years in the making. Fans of both series have stood on distant shores of the universe. Now we bring them together. P. David, A. Crispin; Sat 10:00 pm; Crystal Ballroom [Hil]

10:00pm

Sherlock Holmes – Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 10:00pm – 11:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Sherlock Homes: Interpretations In British Sherlock Holmes is an enduring character that has lasted for generations. This panel lexamines the many versions of the detective in British media. Sat 8:30 pm; Macon [S]

11:30pm

Brit Night at the Telly II- Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 11:30pm – Sun, September 5, 2:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Night at the Telly II What could be better than watching British television on a Saturday night? No need for PBS here! Tonight’s theme:”Laugh your Ascot Off!” Sat 11:30 pm; Macon [S]

Sunday, September 5
» 12:30am

Rainbow Flag Party – Atlanta MAIN Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 10:00pm – Sun, September 5, 12:30am
Where
Atlanta MAIN Sheraton
Description
It’s like being at the best dance club with no cover charge! THE party to be at for the Queer Geek community & Straight Allies alike. Sat 10:00 pm; Atlanta [S]; 2.5 Hr(s)

» 2:30am

Brit Night at the Telly II- Macon Sheraton
When
Sat, September 4, 11:30pm – Sun, September 5, 2:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Night at the Telly II What could be better than watching British television on a Saturday night? No need for PBS here! Tonight’s theme:”Laugh your Ascot Off!” Sat 11:30 pm; Macon [S]

10:00am

Robin Hood – Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Robin Hood: From Sherwood to Screen This panel is a review of the recent film Robin Hood and the mythology behind the man who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Sun 10:00 am; Macon [S]

11:30am

Brit Pop – Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Pop NeedCoffee.com’s The Sound Board breaks down the complex & evolving UK music scene and discuss why Brit music is so popular on these shores. R. Levy; Sun 11:30 am; Macon [S]

1:00pm

Sunday Morning Cartoons – Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Sunday Morning Cartoons: The Rerun for Adults Nothing like waking up in the midafternoon to eat cereal and watch British Classic Cartoons such as Count Duckula!(cereal not included) Sun 1:00 pm; Macon [S]

1:00pm

Torchwood: Kai Owen – Capitol Ballroom Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where
Capitol Ballroom Sheraton
Description
Torchwood: Kai Owen Saves The Day Get inside the Torchwood hub with Rhys as Kai Owen regales his fans with memories of the show and discusses his career. R. Levy, K. Owen; Sun 1:00 pm; Capitol Ballroom [S]

2:30pm

England at a low cost – Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
How to Get There: England at a low cost Ever want to go to England but worry about the cost? Learn tips, tricks, and advice to travel across the pond. Sun 2:30 pm; Macon [S]

4:00pm

Shakespeare in British Media – Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Shakespeare in British Media This panel is an analysis of how William Shakespeare has influenced all facets of British Media. Sun 4:00 pm; Macon [S]

5:30pm

The Man, the Legend: Peter Cushing- Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
The Man, the Legend: Peter Cushing From Hammer Films Frankenstien to Star Wars to Doctor Who, Peter Cushing has dazzled us with his acting. Sun 5:30 pm; Macon [S]

7:00pm

Being Human-Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Being Human A talk about the television series and our three favorite flatmates: a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Sun 7:00 pm; Macon [S]

7:00pm

Patricia Quinn Q&A – Crystal Ballroom Hilton
When
Sun, September 5, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where
Crystal Ballroom Hilton
Description
Patricia Quinn Q&A Patricia Quinn talks about her career, in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Doctor Who, and The Meaning of Life. P. Quinn; Sun 7:00 pm; Crystal Ballroom [Hil]

8:30pm

Mad Men with a Box-Crystal Ballroom Hilton
When
Sun, September 5, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Where
Crystal Ballroom Hilton
Description
Mad Man with a Box:: The Doctor Who New Series Review It’s all about Season 5 with Steven Moffat and Matt Smith as the eleventh Doctor. A talk about what was loved and hated about it. Sun 8:30 pm; Crystal Ballroom [Hil]

10:00pm

Nightbreed: The Nightmares of Clive Barker-Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 10:00pm – 11:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Nightbreed: The Nightmares of Clive Barker From his humble beginnings raising Hell to sailing the seas in the Hours, the works of author/artist/filmmaker Clive Barker remain relevant today. Sun 10:00 pm; Macon [S]

11:30pm

Brit Night at the Telly III- Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 11:30pm – Mon, September 6, 2:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Night at the Telly III Our final night of British television goodies and it’s a good one! Tonight’s theme, “Classic is the Best!” Sun 11:30 pm; Macon [S]

Monday, September 6
» 2:30am

Brit Night at the Telly III- Macon Sheraton
When
Sun, September 5, 11:30pm – Mon, September 6, 2:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Brit Night at the Telly III Our final night of British television goodies and it’s a good one! Tonight’s theme, “Classic is the Best!” Sun 11:30 pm; Macon [S]

10:00am

Terry Nation’s Survivors-Macon Sheraton
When
Mon, September 6, 10:00am – 11:30am
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Terry Nation’s Survivors In this series review, we take a look at how Terry Nation’s Survivors has been updated and captivated a modern audience. Mon 10:00 am; Macon [S]

11:30am

What’s All This Then: The Next Wave in British Media-Macon Sheraton
When
Mon, September 6, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
What’s All This Then: The Next Wave in British Media New series of all types have made a mark on British media this year. But what’s coming next? Mon 11:30 am; Macon [S]

1:00pm

Red Dwarf: Better Dead Then Smeg-Macon Sheraton
When
Mon, September 6, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
Red Dwarf: Better Dead Then Smeg Space Core Directive 34124 clearly states that everyone must attend today’s panel. Catch up on the newest rumors about the new series of RD. Mon 1:00 pm; Macon [S]

2:30pm

Everything Doctor Who with Kai Owen and Frazer Hines-Grand Ballroom A-F Sheraton
When
Mon, September 6, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Where
Grand Ballroom A-F Sheraton
Description
Everything Doctor Who with Kai Owen and Frazer Hines We are bringing them together one more time to discuss everything in the Whoniverse. R. Levy, K. Owen, F. Hines; Mon 2:30 pm; Grand Ballroom A-F [S]

4:00pm

So Long &Thanks for the Fish-Macon Sheraton
When
Mon, September 6, 4pm – 5pm
Where
Macon Sheraton
Description
So Long and Thanks for all the Fish! A fond farewell to BritTrack 2010. Shed no tears, we need to look dignified. Mon 4:00 pm; Macon [S]

Showing events until 12/15. Look for more
Events shown in time zone: Eastern Time

Filed Under: Dragon*Con Tagged With:

Top 10 Things I’m Looking Forward to at DragonCon 2010 – #DragonCon

September 2, 2010 By jonathan Leave a Comment

Dragon*Con, held every Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, GA, is so much more than a sci-fi convention. It’s an experience. I had the pleasure of attending Dragon*Con two years ago for the first time and I was totally overwhelmed by the scale of it. Despite that – I had the time of my life.

Today, I’ll pile into the car with my best mate, Chad Norris for the 12 hour ride down Atlanta. So, here’s a list of everything I’m looking forward to this year at Dragon*Con.

Car Trip!

Car Trip to Atlanta for DragonCon
Yeah, it’s 5 in the morning

I always dreamed of going for a car trip when I was growing up and I never really had the chance to. Well, since I live in Indiana, I have to get to Atlanta somehow. We drove last year – and despite being a 12 hour drive – we had a blast. We had never done the drive before so we got to see mountains, gorgeous scenery and about a million Waffle Houses. This year I get to drive my car and drive to push it through the mountains.

Chick-fil-a

D77333A5-D23F-487A-8E48-424D3D3C91CA.jpg

It sounds lame, I know. But we don’t have Chick-fil-a up here in the Chicagoland area (though I hear that may change soon). I love their delicious chicken tenders and waffle fries. It’s an enjoyable Dragon*Con staple (and cheap I might add).

Cookies

There’s a mall attached to the main Dragon*Con hotel (there isn’t much for shopping, it’s mostly food) with a great food court. Not only is there a Chick-fil-a – there’s also a great cookie store that makes excellent double chocolate chip cookies. They don’t have this kind of place in the malls around where I live. Between the cookies and the Chick-fil-a, I’m going to come back 10 pounds heavier!

Goodies!

The highlight of any con is all the crap that you can buy. The merchandise room at Dragon*Con is so big there are actually 3, which means you can rest assured knowing that you will go home broke because you bought a complete set of Doctor Who action figures (with talking Dalek included).

Con Girls

girl dress up at leely from the fifth element
Leelu Dallas Multipass

I have to be a little PC since my lovely wife reads this blog – but most guys will admit one of the perks about Dragon*Con is all the cute girls dressed up in well made costumes (and badly made ones at that). It certainly makes us feel less bad about being geeks growing up, knowing that secretly there were just as many girl geeks out there. Especially ones that dress up as Slave Leia.

Vacation

Even though it’s going to be an action packed and busy weekend, it’s still a vacation for me. I haven’t had one all year so it’s a great chance to get away from it all and enjoy the time away from home. There will be ample laying around the hotel room watching Dragon*Con TV and doing nothing else.

Lines

IMG_1369.jpg
They’re not that bad, really.

This will be controversial – but the lines at Dragon*Con can be enjoyable. Even when they snake around down the hall, outside the door, across the street right next to the smoking area. You never know who you’re going to meet and let’s face it, waiting in line for a BSG panel is the closet you’ll get to relaxing and enjoying the scenery (see above).

My Panels

Last year I was a panels for the first time during Brit Track. This year I’m a little less involved but I’ll still be on two panels. There’s an entire schedule of events related to British Media (called Brit Track) and since I seem to be some sort of expert on these things, I’ve manged to finagle my way onto 2 panels while I’m at Dragon*Con. I’ve never been on a panel before but I’m really looking forward to broadcasting my passion for all things British in a real world setting.

Brit Track

4 Days straights of great programming dedicated to everything British Media. What more could a homesick Anglophile ask for?

Late Night People Watching

IMG_1419.jpg
The Real Strange Ones Come out at Night

After the panels have ended and people start heading off to bed – that’s when the real fun begins at Dragon*Con. Between concerts and drum circles, there’s plenty to do late into the night. My favorite thing to do is to find a spot in the middle of everything and just sit and people watch. You’ll never find a more interesting group of people in one place at one time. It’s nice to take it all in and be a part of it. Oh and look at pretty girls. (ouch! Wife just slapped me)

What are you looking forward to at Dragon*Con this year?

Filed Under: Brittrack, Dragon*Con

The Official Anglotopia DragonCon Survival Guide Redux – Top Dragon*Con Tips

September 1, 2010 By jonathan Leave a Comment

We put this post together last year and have decided to update it for Dragon*Con 2010. I’ve also added a few more tips that I picked up last year at DragonCon 2009.

DF79F878-F303-4694-94E5-8BCC6EA64055.jpg

When I first attended DragonCon last year – it was incredibly overwhelming. So overwhelming that I was not able to make the most of the trip.

In the year since, I’ve had a chance to reflect upon last year and figure out some ways to make this year’s convention go a lot smoother.

The Official Anglotopia DragonCon Survival Guide

Get Your Badge on Thursday

The con doesn’t officially start until Friday – but if you’re in Atlanta on Thursday night – that’s the time to register and pick up your badge. You’ll still be waiting in a long line but at least you won’t miss any events. If you put it off until Friday, you’ll more than likely miss a lot of events as you wait in the long registration line.

Quick tip: If you bought your ticket via Ticketmaster – you’re line will be much shorter – it’s separate from everyone else.

Get a Pocket Program

After you’ve registered – don’t leave the room without picking up a pocket program. Most people already printed it off at home – but the official printed version is small and will fit in your pocket. Makes it much easier to check on things while you’re on the go.

Buy a Lanyard

Find the DragonCon Store and immediately spend the money on a lanyard to keep your pass around your neck. You have to show it quite a bit and it’s easier to not lose it if you’ve invested in a lanyard.

Book your Hotel for Next Year NOW

Face it, if you waited until now to book you’re hotel for this year’s con, you’re SOL. There is not a vacant room in the Atlanta area at this point. If you plan to attend next year – book your room now. It doesn’t cost anything up front and you are guaranteed accommodation for next year.

Wear Deodorant

Seriously. There will be 50,000 people at this event, all standing in lines, cramming into restaurants, pushing through the dealer rooms. Put on some deodorant on so we don’t all sweat and kill each other with the stink. It’s Atlanta in September. You will sweat.

Wear Decent Shoes

I can’t stress this enough – wear the most comfortable shoes you own. People at DragonCon don’t care about fashion (unless you’re in a costume). You’re feet will thank you.

Learn to Love Lines

We ALL have to wait in the lines. Deal with it. Don’t complain. We’ve all experienced it, we’ve all been there. Don’t express surprise that the line for the Battlestar Panel stretches around the block. Just carry something to read to keep you occupied. And remember – if it’s a major panel – it’s smart to get in line an hour or so before unless you care if you get stuck way in the back.

Elevators

Elevators work great except when there is 50,000 people all trying to use them at the same time. The stairs are really your best bet as are the escalators. I’d rather spend time having fun than waiting for the elevator.

Con Girls

All right, this one is for the boys. Yes, boys, there are thousands of hot scantily clad girls at Dragon*Con. However, be respectful. They are getting A LOT of attention and don’t need you drooling or harassing them. If you want to take their picture JUST ASK. Do not do it secretly or be weird shy. And just because they consent to a picture does not mean they want to go on a date. Chances are they are there with their boyfriend/husband/whatever.

Collectibles

It’s always a good idea to hit the merchandise room right when they open the door – which this year will be 1:00pm on Friday. If you see a rare collectible that you want, buy it immediately. Do not wait to buy it later. I guarantee you there is someone amongst the 50,000 people there who wants the same thing and they will buy it. I missed out on some great collectibles last year because I wanted to shop around.

And damn, I really wanted that “Master” action figure.

Pace Yourself

It’s a four day con and for most people it’s a vacation, so don’t fill your days to the point of exhaustion. Be sure to leave ample time to relax, drink plenty of water and be sure to eat. There are many places to eat in and around the con. The Official Con Suite will also have ample snacks and goodies to tide you over between meals.

After Dark

DragonCon changes quite a bit after dark. The skimpier costumes come out. The drinking parties start and the concerts begin. If it’s not your thing, stay in your room – especially if you have kids and you don’t want them to see anything they shouldn’t. If you want to have some fun and enjoy everything Dragon*Con has to offer – venture out after dark. I’m particularly fond of the Drum Circles. They’re a blast.

Pictures

If you want to take a picture of someone in costume – just ask. And chances are it’s not a good idea to ask someone who ISN’T in costume for a picture. Also, learn to use your camera and make sure you know how to take pictures in low light. Don’t annoy your subject by taking ten pictures to get the right one and holding them up. Be sure to add your pictures to the public DragonCon Flickr pool so that everyone can see your work.

DragonCon TV

If you missed the big panel you wanted to go to because of scheduling conflict – check and see if it will be broadcast on DragonCon TV – the internal convention television network. DCTV is also a great way to kill time in your room as they show parody commercials, short films and old panels.

Watch out for Schedule Changes

Despite their thorough planning – there are always last minute changes to the schedule which can lead to a lot of disappointment when you arrive at a panel and find out it’s been cancelled. There have already been TrekTrak schedule changes for this year. Keep up with the latest schedule changes during the con by picking up the Daily Dragon at location throughout the con – it will list schedule/room/panel changes.

Don’t Bother With Atlanta

You’re there for the con – you’re not really a tourist. There isn’t anything to do in Downtown Atlanta and frankly, it’s not that nice. The Olympic park is filled with homeless people and garbage. The streets are wide and empty of people on the weekends. There’s a couple museums within walking distance (like the Coke Museum) but who’s really going to have time? Don’t feel bad for giving Atlanta the cold shoulder.

Carry Cash

Carry plenty of cash with you for the dealer rooms and for autographs. Some places take Credit Cards, but cash speeds up the process. Stars on the Walk of Fame DON’T take credit cards, so have plenty of cash ready as prices can vary depending on the stature of the star.

Getting an Autograph

Many people wait in really long lines to get the autograph of their choice. I’ve often found it’s better to come near when the star will be ending their session – the line will be shorter. Last year I pretty much walked in the room and got Patrick Stewart’s autograph in five minutes.

Wear Shorts!

It’s going to be a hot one this year in Atlanta – so be sure to wear shorts and sandals to stay cool. Even though you’ll be inside for most things – it’s going to get HOT everywhere. Dress for comfort. Save uncomfortableness for when you’re in costume.

Do you have any tips for Surviving DragonCon?

Filed Under: Dragon*Con, Latest

BBC loses court battle; The Stig’s identity presumably revealed

September 1, 2010 By Dana Leave a Comment

The BBC has failed to halt the publication of a planned memoir by a former Formula Three driver who claims to be Top Gear’s the Stig.

The High Court in London refused to grant an injunction against HarperCollins of an autobiography written by Ben Collins. The BBC had launched legal action last week, arguing the book would breach confidentiality obligations.

Several British publications had already speculated that Collins was the Stig, who wears a white racing uniform and does racing test runs for the BBC Two show, based on financial records from his company.

When the BBC began to seek the injunction, officials with HarperCollins accused executives of wasting taxpayers’ licence fees on attempting to keep The Stig’s identity secret. However, representative of the BBC cited confidentiality statements signed by Top Gear talent and staff and said that such a revelation violates copyright.

Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman said in a blog post on the show’s website last week that the rights to The Stig belong to the licence payers, “not to some opportunists who think they can come along and take a slice when they feel like it.”

The whole point of the Stig is the mystique – the bizarre characteristics he has, the wonderment created about what he might think, feel, do or look like. Kids adore the conceit, and I believe adults, although they know it’s a man in a suit (or is it?), gladly buy into the whole conceit because they find it entertaining.

Collins, who has not been officially verified by the BBC as The Stig, presumably took over the role in 2003 after the original “black” Stig, driver Perry McCarthy, also outed himself in an autobiography.

To see immediate reaction to the news from within British entertainment (including Jonathan Ross’ Tweet that he himself is actually the Stig) check out my British TV Twitter list.

Filed Under: BBC, British TV, Talking Telly, Top Gear Tagged With: , , ,

Site News: Announcing the British Themed Business in the USA Directory!

September 1, 2010 By jonathan Leave a Comment

If you notice the top navigation of the site – there’s a new link: British Themed Businesses in the USA. One thing I have learned running Anglotopia over the years is that there are a TON of British themed businesses all over the USA that promise a little bit of Britain – far away from Blighty itself.

So, in order to find all these places and be able to share them with everyone – we’ve decided to set up a directory for these British themed businesses.

In the directory you’ll find Pubs, Restaurants, Tearooms, Bookstores, Taxi services and much much more. America is filled with entrepreneurial Brits and Anglophiles and we intend to highlight them all.

If you run a British themed business – then submit your business for free inclusion in the directory here: British Business Submission Form.

To browse the British Business Directory, click here to go to the main page.

There you can see our featured businesses, browse by category and browse by state. That’s right – you’ll be able to see all the British themed businesses in your state!

We expect this page to become one of our most trafficked pages on the site – so we plan to feature 6 businesses on the landing page. Each slot costs $100/year and will be excellent value for money. If you’re interested in this for your business – let us know when you submit and we’ll follow up.

Right now we have businesses in 12 states – so we need more submissions! Spread the word and let your local Brit business that we have a place for them!

Filed Under: Latest, Site News

Dispatches from the North: Top 10 Best of the British Summer

September 1, 2010 By Lisa Leave a Comment

I realize that I’m posting this right at the end of the summer, possibly not the best timing for a post such as this but I’ve had so much excitement this summer from the process of getting my ILR Visa to the Tall Ships Races here in Hartlepool and Red Dreams Pitch Invasion music festival last weekend that I just haven’t had the opportunity to finish this post and publish it. Well, a bit late but I suppose it can serve as a tool for reminiscing or for planning for next summer.

Summer in Britain is glorious, while Brits will tell you it is “red hot” or “boiling” outside, in most parts of Britain it rarely gets above 80º F and even that is pretty rare. A normal “hot” summer day in Britain is in the low to mid 70′s. Sure you need to remember to put on your sunscreen, but it’s comfortable to stroll around and enjoy the sun without getting unbearably hot and ducking into the next air conditioned building you find. Here are the top 10 best things about Summer in Britain:

1. Ice Cream

A typical British summer afternoon usually involves stopping into a seaside shop for an ice cream or running for the ice cream van. The quintessential British ice cream treat is the 99 Flake or sometimes just called a “99″. It’s a regular soft serve vanilla ice cream cone with a Cadbury Flake stuck into the top. Most shops and ice cream vans usually offer the option of topping your 99 with “monkey’s blood” which is simply a raspberry syrup. Cadbury sells regular sized Flake bars, but the 99 Flake is specially produced by Cadbury for this ice cream application. There are many speculations about where the name “99″ comes from and according to Cadbury it has been “lost in the mists of time” but regardless of the origins of the names it’s a simple, delicious and very British thing.

2. Fish & Chips

Right next to the seaside ice cream shop where you get your 99 you will usually find a fish & chip shop. On a nice day here in Seaton Carew you walk down the main street and there are two fish & chip shops, one “on the left” and one “on the right”. Over the years the people from the town have come to regard “the one on the left” as the best chippy in Seaton Carew, being a local and living just down the street I’ve actually discovered this commonly held idea is actually false and “the one on the right” is much better. Even though “the one on the left” has changed owners at least once since I’ve moved here, people still line up out the door at this chippy convinced that it’s the best. I would imagine this is a fairly typical situation in other seaside towns and villages across Britain. On a nice summer day people fill benches and squat on curbs with the curiously shaped “chip fork” in hand and a styrofoam carton of greasy fish and chips. It’s an essential ingredient to the British summer.

3. Going to the Beach

In the North of England going to the beach isn’t what it is in the US or in the warmer Southern parts like Cornwall. Here you must go to the beach fully clothed most days, there isn’t much sunbathing to be done and many people will bring with them a kind of half tent or simple bit of tarp attached to some wooden poles that act as a wind screen. You will see children darting in and out of the freezing cold water, but for the most part going to the beach here in the North East means sitting fully clothed on the sand and taking in the views. It might sound boring but there is no need to reapply sunscreen every twenty minutes after sweating it off, there is always a refreshing breeze coming off the water, it’s great people watching and there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities like playing a game of soccer on the beach or some of the best kite flying conditions you’ll ever find.

4. Late Sunsets

I sometimes forget how far North I truly am until the winter when the sun rises after 9am and sets at around 3:30pm or in the summer when the sun rises at 4am and sets at 10pm. The British summer day is LONG and it’s one of my favorite things about living this far North!

5. Music Festivals

There are several outdoor music festivals over the summer, the most famous of course being Glastonbury but there is also Cream Fields, the V festival and many other small local festivals that will crop up anywhere you can find an open bit of land and permission to plop down a stage. For the second year in a row Hartlepool had its own music festival called Pitch Invasion which was organized by the music charity I volunteer for, Red Dreams. It was fairly small with about 6,000 people attending over the two days, but it definitely had the festival vibe and gave local bands a chance to participate in this British summer staple.

6. Parks & Gardens

Britain has some gorgeous parks and public gardens, even the smallest in the humblest of towns are lovingly maintained and groomed. Here in Hartlepool the largest is Ward Jackson Park which has a bit of something for everyone, there is a little “woodland walk” which is a dirt path that winds through the trees and brush, there is a traditional landscaped typical English garden area with perfectly manicured flower beds and there is a duck pond where hobbyists often bring remote control boats to zoom around on the calm water. There is also a children’s playground and lots of open space for playing frisbee or just lounging on the grass. Having a stroll through a well maintained park is one of the best parts of the British summer.

7. Barbecues

If you are lucky enough to have a back garden or know someone who does, a barbecue on a summer day is a great way to relax. A British barbecue isn’t much different from an American one although it’s definitely a lot more relaxed. Where American men usually have a state of the art grill or smoker or other very manly outdoor appliances and maybe plan ahead by marinating meat and other impressive culinary tricks, Brits like to keep it simple with a small grill and simple burgers and sausages and jacket potatoes (baked potatoes if you’re American) with all the fixins’ on the side. There will always be lots of cold lager and cider to go around as well!

8. Beer Gardens

When the weather starts to heat up in the Spring the first thing I start to look for is the beer gardens opening up. On a sunny afternoon pubs’ beer gardens are packed with people relaxing. It seems no matter the day of the week or time of the day, if the sun is out and it’s warm enough to sit outside there will be people in the beer garden enjoying frosty beverages. I’ve walked into a Wetherspoons pub at noon on a Tuesday for lunch to find the beer garden brimming with people enjoying a pint in the middle of the day. There is just no keeping people away if the sun is out and there is a beer garden nearby.

9. Caravan Parks

All over the UK you will find holiday caravan parks. Caravan parks are a collection of “caravans” or basically trailers that are specifically for the purpose of renting for a week like a cabin or hotel room and then in the middle of the caravan park there is usually a pub and lots of stuff for kids to do like pools and arcades. I haven’t been to one yet since I’m more of a tent and campground kind of person, but for families it’s a great way to get a camping-like experience in a more comfortable and kid-friendly environment.

10. Camping

The North of England is dotted with prime camping areas. The Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, The Pennines, and even just here in the Cleveland Hills. Britain has some serious campers and the natural beauty of this country is ready-made for some of the best camping experiences. The one thing about camping here that is much different from the US is that in this day and age it’s incredibly difficult to find a campground that has fire rings. I was shocked last summer when I was looking for a place to camp and only found a handful of places in the area I wanted to go that allowed fires. Blame the culture of Health and Safety, but I just can’t imagine a campsite without a fire at night for roasting marshmallows and telling stories.

That is my lineup of the Top Ten of the British Summer, it’s a bit late but we’ve still got a few more warm days to squeeze out of Summer 2010 and there is always next summer!

Filed Under: Dispatches from the North, Only in Britain, Outdoor Activities Tagged With: ,

Royal Round Up 8-31-10: New Zealand’s Cullen Wants To End Monarchy; A Happy Ferguson Marriage; Charles Takes Going Green Even Further

August 31, 2010 By Mandy Littlefield Leave a Comment
close-up of the flag of New Zealand

End the monarchy in New Zealand?

Michael Cullen, New Zealand’s former deputy Prime Minister, is speaking out against the Royal Family.

He brands Prince Charles as “strange” and Prince Philip as “insensitive and prejudiced” in his call to end the monarchy in New Zealand.

The idea of a republic has been discussed in the past, notably under former Prime Minister Helen Clark. Neighboring Australia has also debated the merits of a republic, holding a referendum in 1999. Though the Aussie referendum delivered a resounding ‘no’ to a republic, the issue has continued to be a point of contention in the area.

Cullen believes that Queen Elizabeth II should remain as monarch of New Zealand, but insists that the country should end the monarchy upon her death.

More…

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Fergie’s little sister marries

Sarah Ferguson was all smiles as she stepped out to celebrate her half-sister’s wedding last Saturday.

Alice Ferguson married Nick Stileman on her family’s Hampshire farm. The bride is amusingly referred to in the press as the only Ferguson to be wooed by a banker.

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The Lancaster room of Clarence House in London, 1949. The house was built in 1825-27 by John Nash for the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV. The decor was paid for by the County of Lancaster, and the painting is by Patrick Nasmyth. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Prince of Wales wins right to install solar panels on Clarence House

Ever the eco-friendly Prince, Charles decided to install solar panels on his London residence to make it “carbon negative”. His Royal Highness submitted a planning application to Westminster City Council which they have just approved.

The solar panels are a part of Prince Charles’ larger scheme to wholly convert to a green lifestyle. He has installed energy-efficient boilers, converted his Jaguar and Land Rover to run on biodiesel – derived from used cooking oil – and his Aston Martin even runs on fuel made from wine!

A spokesman for Clarence House said that the Prince was very happy that his planning application went through “[...] as next month Clarence House Gardens will be hosting the Start Garden Party to make a difference’, which will showcase various measures people could take to live a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Recommended:

Submarine hunts for Tsarist gold ‘worth billions’ in Lake Baikal

“Princess Pushy” becomes “Princess Penny-Pincher”

“Opinions expressed are his own” - Thank the British Empire for terrorism in South Asia

Filed Under: Mandy's Royalty

Talking Telly: Farewell to ‘The Bill’

August 31, 2010 By Dana Leave a Comment

“The Bill” is one of those British evening institution shows, kind of like “Law & Order” has been in the US. It’s Britain’s longest-running police procedural television series, beginning in 1983. And like L&O, it’s on its way out the door. Tonight is its final show.

It’s kind of interesting, because much like British soap operas, the main charm of “The Bill” seems to have been in its history and tradition, not because it’s particularly riveting television. In fact, the show was frequently a subject of many comedy skits and jokes on panel shows.

When the news broke about its cancellation in March, comments began pouring in on the Radio Times story about it and haven’t stopped. The last episode was the main topic of discussion on this morning’s Radio 1 morning show, mostly because one of the sidekicks is known to be a weekly watcher of the show and is going through all the stages of grief. And talk about it has been all over Twitter.

Personally, I never got into it partly because I’ve never really been into police dramas. But if you do watch the finale or want to get a good taste of what it was about, make sure to check out this excellent column in The Guardian that details all of the details Brits could always count on when they watched the show. Frankly, it’s almost a list of the tropes present in all crime dramas, but these have a distinctly Anglophile twist.

Filed Under: British TV, Talking Telly Tagged With: ,

Best X Factor audition of the week: Mary Byrne

August 29, 2010 By Dana 2 Comments

One of the things that makes “The X Factor” much better than “American Idol” is the lack of an upper-end age limit. The over-30′s even get their own mentor, although they usually don’t make it far once the live shows start. But Mary Byrne may.

Mary is 50 and works at a Tesco in Ireland. She had quit singing for 11 years because of low self-esteem. Yes, the story has some similarities to Susan Boyle. And like Susan Boyle, she blew me away with her rendition of “I Who Have Nothing.”

I’m happiest because the Auto-Tune scandal happened the first week and Mary was aired without any tweaks, so unlike everyone the first week (and indeed all past contestants and Boyle herself) there is no doubt that she sounds completely incredible.

Filed Under: British TV, Talking Telly Tagged With: ,
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