Fan Expo Canada 2008: Toronto Slap and Tickle?

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

I recall some efforts at a Toronto Slap and Tickle that eventually evaporated (or if they did materialize, they did so behind my back, just like all those parties in grade 8). Having just purchased tickets for the Fan Expo that's taking place August 22nd-24th (http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo2008/), I was wondering if any local GWJers did the same -- and if so, could we connect? I bought the single day pass, being a frugal sort (and still kind sheepish about going to this event at all), and will likely be going on the 23rd, but if something does come to pass on any of the other days, I'd be happy to connect, schedule permitting.

I know we Torontonians are a quiet bunch on the forums, leaving the folks from Ottawa and the Manitobans to steal the limelight, but it's our time to shine, darnit.

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necroyeti's picture
Location: Toronto

I couldn't agree more. =)

I might be up for this, but I have some relatives coming into town around that time too, so I can't commit at the moment.

Even if that doesn't work out, I think we should revive the idea of a TO get-together.

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4dSwissCheese's picture
Location: Toronto

I hadn't been planning on going to the Expo, but would very much like to meet some Toronto goodjers. So if there was an S&T, I'd do my best be there.

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

Honestly, I don't know how many Torontonians lurk on this board ... last time we reared our heads, there was a spate of anti-Hogtown bashing that scared us back into our burrows. Hopefully, Ontario's falling fortunes will curb those sentiments. So be brave, fellow Torontonians: who else is out there?

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necroyeti's picture
Location: Toronto

Wellsir, I'd be up for a low key thing sooner even, if people feel like it.

Do I remember from the other thread that some folks at least are in my area (Spadina/Bloor)?

Of course, it's not all about me. I would be willing to go as far as Queen street.

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Tetnis wrote:

I love the site but I hope you all are struck by lightning.

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4dSwissCheese's picture
Location: Toronto

Well, it's a shame there aren't more of us out there (or if there are, they're being awfully quiet about it). I'm sufficiently close to downtown that I'd happily attend an event of some sort in that vicinity.

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

4dSwissCheese wrote:
Well, it's a shame there aren't more of us out there (or if there are, they're being awfully quiet about it).

Agreed. Is it just the three of us? Hell, we could meet in a phone booth (do those still exist?) and have room to spare.

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necroyeti's picture
Location: Toronto

If I recall correctly, there are a few Hamiltonians and suchlike kicking around. No clue why they haven't responded. In any case, three is a party as far as I am concerned.

Also, I have verbally committed to attending FanExpo to a couple of different people, so I will almost certainly be there now. Anyone have any good ideas for something easy to cosplay?

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Tetnis wrote:

I love the site but I hope you all are struck by lightning.

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casktapper's picture
Location: Toronto

Another Torontonian here, though the rest of my summer is pretty booked up already. If something gets planned, I might be able to participate. From the last abortive attempt to organize a Toronto goodjer get together, I believe there are a few more locals lurking.

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

necroyeti wrote:
Also, I have verbally committed to attending FanExpo to a couple of different people, so I will almost certainly be there now. Anyone have any good ideas for something easy to cosplay?

Last year, I saw a decent costume: Sean, of Sean of the Dead fame. Just took some blood, a short-sleeved dress shirt, and a name tag. Another cheap option is Arthur Dent. Could always be Snake in his box...

And should we just arbitrarily say that we meet the evening of 23rd, location TBD?

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Judge_Digger's picture
Location: Stoney Creek, Ontario

I'm here in Stoney Creek which isn't too far away. (Would be closer if I didn't have to go AROUND the lake.) I like the idea of a get together in T.O. but that weekend is shot for me. You guys go ahead with Fan Expo but lets try again later in the Fall. I know another Burlington GWJer (MoonDragon) who is on vacation right now who might be interested then too.

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4dSwissCheese's picture
Location: Toronto

So...thread lapsed a bit. I think I'm going to pass on the Expo, but I'd still be up for going out for a drink or whatever on the 23rd, if it's on offer.

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MoonDragon's picture
Location: Burlington, Canada

You guys name a place and I'll be there. (I hope)

(@)

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

Hmm. I don't know of too many decent places near the convention centre... it's pretty much all tourist traps. To the east, there's the Esplanade Bier Markt (http://www.thebiermarkt.com/home.html), and bit further north, there's the Beer Bistro (http://www.beerbistro.com/); if folks are willing to make a bit of a trek, there's even the wonderful Smokeless Joe's (http://www.bartowel.com/regions/pubs/smokeless.phtml). (Sensing a theme?) Smokeless Joe's might be a bit cramped, though... it's a tiny place. Anyhow, those spots are my suggestions -- but I'd be just as happy to meet someplace else. I just thought we might want to go where the libations are exceptional.

As for when, the last panel I might be interested in attending is at 6pm, so any time after 7pm would work for me. I'll check here tomorrow to see if anything's decided.

And by the way, I'll be bringing my spouse... please feel free to do likewise, so my wife doesn't feel so alone!

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necroyeti's picture
Location: Toronto

Well, I totally missed out on registering or anything else for the Expo, so I am probably not going, but I'm more than happy to come to Zyblorg's After Party (or ZAP).

Of those options, Smokeless Joe's looks the most interesting to me (I strongly dislike Bier Markt), but then again I am not coming from the convention centre, so I will cede that decision to people who stand to benefit from convenience.

I will get my wife to come out if I can, but she has been sick this week so it's not terribly likely.

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Tetnis wrote:

I love the site but I hope you all are struck by lightning.

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

I dislike the Bier Markt, too (it's weirdly cavernous, and the service can be pretty bad), but I love Delirium Tremens, which they sell there, and I figured it wouldn't be too busy, which might be a problem for the tiny, tiny Smokeless Joe's. I was also going to suggest the Jack Astor's, which is right by the Centre, and isn't too bad. So, which works for everyone? Take a risk on squeezing into Smokeless Joe's, or trying somewhere else? (By the way, Smokeless Joe's has very limited food options, if that's a problem. But they do offer beers that eat like a meal.)

And Necroyeti, you can always register on the day you attend -- if you get there right around opening, you shouldn't have a problem. (I don't recommend doing it later in the day, though, which is what my wife and I did on a whim last year... we waited in line for about two and a half hours. Mercifully, the people watching helped pass the time.)

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4dSwissCheese's picture
Location: Toronto

Any of the options being discussed work for me. And since I don't recall ever being to any of them before, I shall defer to the rest of the group.

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

Okay. Let's say 6:30 at Smokeless Joe's. Er, I sorta look like my avatar,only I am more balding, and have actual hands. And I'm 6'3". I'll likely be wearing khaki shorts, and most likely a black t-shirt. (Possibly with one-up and power-up mushrooms on it. Shut up.) I answer to both zyblorg, and, less embarrassingly, Robert. My wife and I will stick around for at least forty minutes enjoying a beer or three, so hopefully the few of you coming can straggle in.

Cheers!

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4dSwissCheese's picture
Location: Toronto

Excellent. I shall be there as well. 5'9". Mid-twenties. Dark hair. Glasses. Dark coloured polo shirt, khaki pants. Answer to 4d or Ben.

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necroyeti's picture
Location: Toronto

I am in as well. 5'10", brown hair, brown eyes, scruffy. Steve.

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Tetnis wrote:

I love the site but I hope you all are struck by lightning.

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casktapper's picture
Location: Toronto

Damn, I was knocked out with a cold and completely missed this. And I love Smokeless Joe's, though it was better in the olden days. Hope you guys had a good time.

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MoonDragon's picture
Location: Burlington, Canada

Dang. I knew I should've checked this thread sooner. Did you guys actually meet up? If so, I'm guessing future S&T's may be easier to organize.

(@)

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Judge_Digger's picture
Location: Stoney Creek, Ontario

Sorry I missed. I had birthday parties to attend Saturday and Sunday. Count me in if we try this again. I will try to plan better.

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zyblorg's picture
Location: Toronto

Well, it was indeed a small gathering -- just 4d, necroyeti, and me (accompanied by my lovely wife), but it was a good time, I'd say, from what I can remember -- I was weary from wading through the (often pungent) sea of humanity at Fan Expo. I'd be happy to attend a bigger gathering in the near future -- although we'd probably need to pick a spot bigger than Smokeless Joe's for that.

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necroyeti's picture
Location: Toronto

I can second. A good time was had by all, and I think we almost convinced 4d to buy the 52 dollar beer.

Next time!!!!

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Tetnis wrote:

I love the site but I hope you all are struck by lightning.

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4dSwissCheese's picture
Location: Toronto

Yeah - I certainly had a good time. Good beer. Good company. Not sure about that $52 beer - wasn't that Zyblorg? Or did I almost get it by accident? Anyways, looking forward to the next one!