Otakon 2009 pre-con – Stronger, Better, Faster, Harder.

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Two months ago, I didn’t even think I would be making this post. In November of 2008, I didn’t even think I could AFFORD this. Once again, I fight against the odds and come out on top. Thanks to a decent job and some chess moves in getting time off, I am able to make it to Otakon 2009. This will be my 5th consecutive Otakon and me and my friends will raise the roof.

First off, I managed to book the brand-spanking new Baltimore Hilton. (It actually opened in 2008, but a week later after Otakon took place!) This hotel has it’s very own entrance to the Baltimore convention center and even some of the events will be held there. This is probably considered the “Hotel that Otakon built”, since the convention’s future was contingent on it’s existence in Baltimore (So the rumors say). The max capacity for this event is reaching it’s breaking point. One year, they had to limit attendees. Now, after number crunching, the con staff are able to fit in more bodies. The additon of the nearby hotel not only gives the con more breathing room, but more hotel rooms as well.

Just as in previous years, I am taking pictures. The Nikon D50 has been retired in favor of a more pro-sumer D90. I’m still trying to get the hang of it and even bought a book to go over the fine details. I may stick to some functions I know instead just to get up to speed. Due to work, I don’t really have a lot of time to do “dress rehearsals”. Perhaps I might squeeze in a visit to NYC for some nighttime shots in Times Square.

Right now, I’m still glossing over the schedule. I see that there is a cosplay photography panel, but it’s way early on Friday. Hope I can make it. I’m definitely attending the Evangelion 1.0 movie and looking forward to see stand-up otaku comedian UncleYo. Moar posts on the way.

Otakon 2008 – The lengthy re-cap. More like a review.

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I’m in Minneapolis right now for the Twins-Yankees game (yes, I know they aren’t doing very well, but I am a fan, no matter what) and other site seeing. For now, this gives me a lot of time to think about Otakon 2008, the convention of otaku generation version 15.0.  First, I’ll discuss the good things about Otakon, the bad and the really F&#$ed up. More after the jump-off.

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Otakon 2008 – Pictures are up!

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Yotsuba and Danboard enjoyed Otakon, so should you.

Still recovering from the fallout in my bed (and I have to catch a flight to Minneapolis in a few hours!), Otakon 2008 killed it. (read: very good). I have uploaded More than 250 pictures from the event in Baltimore, MD. Externally, these pics will link to Flickr. So fav them and tell all your friends about them. Also, it would really help if you could “fill in the blanks”. I might work on adding more detail, but I am strapped for time. BTW, editing 250+ pictures on limited time is TEDIOUS. See ALL my photos after the jump. (Warning: Image heavy.)

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