Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My Dad Was on TV! He's so famous.

Back in September,  my dad made an appearance on a public access show called, "Living Longer, Living Better." They were taping a Veteran's Day episode and were fortunate it enough to have two Tuskegee Airmen join them, as well as my dad, (served on the USS Bon Homme Richard and another man who served aboard the USS Hornet.

Dad, aka Stephen T. Robinson, to all you folk, served his country from 1968 to 1971. He's very proud of his contribution. He was a boiler tender - he endured quite a lot of heat, to say the least. I'm very proud of him as well. I love hearing his stories about his experiences on board. Sometimes it's hard for me to process it all, so I take it in smaller chunks. (Kinda like if my mom wanted to tell me more about working in insurance. Or if Rocky wanted to tell me what it's like working in a TV studio as an Engineer, (he knows and does SO much!) I like hearing the experiences, but the technicalities sometimes just float on by). *kind pat of understanding*

Aww, isn't he handsome? 

 Dad's Caption: "I'm the one with his elbow hanging over, just above the K in deck. We're watching the Miss USA ladies wave at other ships."



As far as the show goes, I feel like the host didn't know what she was getting into, when she interviewed the Tuskegee Airmen. Boy, did I want to hear all that they had to say. I want at least a whole hour with them. From what Dad said, LeRoy is a firecracker. Dad was able to get their autographs and talked with them a bit. He was tickled, to say the least. Dad's in the second half of the interview, and he and his mustache do a fine job on screen. Ha! I'm also proud of him, in that he was himself. Truly, that's the hardest thing for me to be on camera! He wasn't frozen, he was calm, and came across really nicely. He's a natural at being natural. 

To note, Rocky did the voiceover for the show, and I'm pretty sure he did the editing. He probably even did some camera work. I don't know, he's all over the place with his talents and technical abilities. Let me tell you this, if you want someone to help out in any production for TV or film - you best want Rocky Robinson on your team. Okay, back to Dad and the show....

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Things I Learned At Comikaze Expo

 I admit that I started to write this the day after I went to Comikaze Expo. I also admit that I then became distracted by lots of shiny objects, a pursuit of employment, Thanksgiving and many other things. Don't judge. I finally did it, and I am pleased. 

This past weekend I was lucky enough to attend Comikaze Expo's debut. The cast & crew of Awkward Embraces was asked to be on a panel, and we accepted! That meant I was extended a pass to attend the whole event. Wooo! All in all, a good time was had. Aside from a few inconveniences, (floor plan a little wonky, announcements that sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher), I would consider it a success. I look forward to the next year.

So here's what I learned. If I were you, I'd remember this for your next Con.

-Take Pictures
Lady Steam and Her Beau
Whether you use your phone or a nifty digital camera, take pictures. Even if you don't think you'll post the picture later, take it anyway. Half the fun is walking around and snapping pics with your favorite cosplayers. No, I didn't know them all of the costumes/characters, but it was still fun. My biggest regret? I never snapped a picture of a wee little Ghostbuster, complete with wee little proton pack. There were also several wee Captain Americas. Come to think of it, I believe the toddler cosplayers were my favorite.

He's Got a Towel, Now Jessica has try to Not Panic
-Budget Accordingly
Cool Stuff Here
Luckily, Comikaze believes in an inexpensive ticket price. ($12) But then there's the parking at the Convention Center ($12), the over-priced food, and most importantly - THE STUFF! So if you're on a limited budget like I currently am, bring your lunch, carpool, walk, take public transportation, so you can your monies for important things - LIKE COOL STUFF!




-Find Your Twitter Friends/A Con is Like a Big Party
Both days I came by the con all by myself, as I was staying in Manhattan Beach. When I walked in to the convention center, I was lost in a sea of people. And even though I had a map and Jessica texted me where she was, I couldn't find her! I couldn't enjoy the spirit of wandering around when I didn't have anybody to wander around with. But then, I found her:


And then, I found these lovely people:


That's right, I found the interchangeable Sarah Kuhn and Jenn from JustJenn Designs at the table for the League of Extraordinary Women. It was like coming home.

Once that all fell into place, it was like walking around a giant party all weekend. You find someone, you chit chat, you move on to the next panel and mingle some more.


And you know what else is great?
The panels I attended were always filled with friends.



It must have due to the fact that Jessica was on 5 panels, (and she even got pulled onto a 6th!), good people attract more good people, ya know. That's a fact.

Here are some pics from the Star Trek Q& A Jessica got to moderate. Garrett Wang was the first to join her.

The audience was packed just to hear the stories from Garrett, as well as Celeste Yarnell and Bobby Clark



-Being on a Panel is FUN!

 I admit to being nervous, but really, I was sitting a great group of friends. We're all goofballs and dorks. I think the Awkward Embraces fans were pleased.

A Friendly Audience!


Jessica & Our Lovely Moderator Stephanie Thorpe

Steven, Lyndsey, and I Try Really Hard to be Sexy. 



Candis Only Looks Nervous
 I wish our panel had been longer, it went by way too fast. Somebody else get us on a panel so we can regale you all with our hilarious hijinks. Please?

I also got a chance to find Twitter friends I had never yet seen in person. Bonnie Burton, Andre the Black Nerd, David Nett, and Taryn O'Neil. That's a thrill let me tell you. Silly me, I didn't get pictures with everyone. (See? Take Pictures!) But I did take a pic or two of Andre:



Two days of walking around with friends is just plain fun. It's why I like a good party, I'm a social butterfly, what can I say?

@chrissypedia, @TheBDAG, @Spytap, @ladimcbeth, @TheStephThorpe, @JenniferLanda, @SizzlerKistler



-Don't Take Yourself Seriously
I think a Con is just supposed to be fun, whether you're a fan, a Super Star, or a Co-Producer for a webseries. I think Comikaze Expo really allowed people to have fun on every level. Allow yourself to geek out whether you're on a panel, you're in the audience, or you're having lunch with your troupe of friends.
Barrett is Hotter Than Ever

My Dad Envies This Mustache

Beth and Her Sexy Polar Bear 



Thursday, November 24, 2011

A Workshop With Christine Lahti

Tuesday night I was lucky enough to participate in a workshop with Christine Lahti. Actor Nerves were all a fright, as I haven't done any scene workshops in awhile. It appears that it went smoothly. I have to remember to write down the nice comments I receive when I act. It's always a nice reminder that I am good at it.

Anywhoo, please read what my friend Lynette wrote about that night. She took pics of the event, and there I am! Oooh.


Privatsky Insight: Director Christine Lahti: Working with Actors: Last night the Alliance of Women Directors held another super informative event. The featured presenter/ speaker was Christine Lahti. She di...

Friday, November 4, 2011

Photoshoot with Lemmywinks the Cat

Lemmywinks is a faithful sun worshiper. He follows its sunbeams around the house, making sure to fully bask at all times. The other day, I couldn't help but take a few pics of him soaking it all up. I think the best one was what I posted the other day.  I'm going to share the other pics from that impromptu shoot. Enjoy!

Pics were all taken with my Droid 2 R2D2 Phone. 
















Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Sunshine Is Good For You

Lemmywinks never fails to get his required amount of Vitamin D. He faithfully keeps to his daily appointments at my room's Sun Spa.