Galacticon 2003 was fantastic

[michaelfaries]

[I promised both Tom and Don that I would drop by and check out the site. I apologize in advance, though, as I'm not back as a regular participant on any of the BG bboards.]

Galacticon 2003 was an amazing event, one which imparted so much energy and vitality to the many attendees, myself included. (For those that thought I was totally healthy and energetic, thanks for the thoughts -- I have a ways to go, though. I gave it *everything* I had when I was there.) Everyone who attended ought to be very thankful of those volunteers and their investments of time, energy and devotion to making this a successful event. I was personally disappointed with the Sheraton Universal Hotel staff: They were occasionally rude, inconsiderate and unprofessional at times. (And I have examples from each day I was there, particularly in the lounge area.)

I didn't personally witness that with any of the Galacticon 2003 staffers. They deserve a *big* round of applause.

The event itself was chock full of intriguing information and special moments from the numerous guests. From the opening panel session on Friday night, delayed by the arrival of Ronald D. Moore (who promptly drew the line in the sand, declaring to everyone how he'd "killed Kirk") to my final moments of the event, talking with Laurette Spang-McCook (Cassiopeia) on Sunday afternoon, it was a fantastic time!

There are so many, MANY special highlights which are more personal to me than sharing them aloud, so I apologize for not opening up about everything. In some ways, I came to this event for closure. I needed to meet some people in-person, in many ways to acknowledge and thank them for their friendships and their talents which they've shared over the years. I have -- and always will -- love this classic television series.

For now, though, I'm done with the news filtering and information providing. That door is closed. (I did feel a certain satisfaction at Tom DeSanto's panel when he shared things which he and I had discussed -- and the few things I'd posted online which he mentioned specifically in his panel session, from the Starbuck bridge scene to the bridge sets, among others.)

I will be bringing back BattlestarPegasus.com in the months ahead. I won't be an active part of the larger BG fan community, though. When I retired from BattlestarGalactica.com, I retired. I won't be actively engaged in fandom like I was, nor am I looking to return to Richard's sites. (Those sites are now Darrell Lawrence's babies to nurture, grow and carry forward. Keep up the good work, Darrell!)

The Pegasus site will serve some interesting purposes (along with some interesting content). I've already talked to Darrell and others at Galacticon 2003 to let them know about the possibilities of this happening, and how I'm staying low-key through all of it. The relaunch might not be until 2004. But it will happen. And you'll know when it does.

Believe me, you'll know.

To everyone I met and saw: It was a memorable experience. To Don: You're the man. You truly are. And you always have been.

On a final note, I want to add that it was a genuinely (GENUINELY) remarkable experience to meet and talk with so many people. There was never a clique mentality, nor any brazen arrogance exhibited by anyone, imho. It was always so refreshing that new faces were joining conversations, whether we were heading out to dinner; hanging out, sharing drinks (in my case, club sodas); or forming pseudo-lyceums where we engaged in lively discussions about everything from the show to how our children were doing.

And, yes, we SHOULD have chased after those girls filming "Joe Millionaire 2" at the hotel, to tell them "He's NOT a millionaire!!" hehe

Best to everyone,
Michael
:colwar:

[Stevew]

Good to hear from you Michael. It was great to finally meet you and the res of the guys. Maybe from time to time you can post a pik in the up comeing gallery
S

[michaelfaries]

Originally posted by Stevew
Good to hear from you Michael. It was great to finally meet you and the rest of the guys. Maybe from time to time you can post a pik in the upcoming gallery
S

After I spend some quality time with my wife and children, you know it! Methinks I have some files to unlock soon.

Michael
:colwar:

[Stevew]

Of course, family first. Thought you forgot about the other
LOL
S

[Titon]

To Don: You're the man. You truly are. And you always have been.

No Michael, you are and always will be.



Ps, if you wouldn't mind i'd like to have Charlies contact info. Him and i have some stuff to talk about.

[newt]

Michael, I regret that I never made it to Galacticon if only because I did not have the opportunity to shake your hand and say "thank you". I'm not too vocal in fandom (never was) but have always been passionate about Galactica. But I've follwed fandom closely for several years, and will always respect and admire what you have done. I'm sure I echo sentiments of much of the "silent majority" when I say best wishes and prayers continue to go with you. God bless!

Greg

[michaelfaries]

Originally posted by Titon
No Michael, you are and always will be.

No, you are. So there. :p

Ps, if you wouldn't mind i'd like to have Charlie's contact info. Him and i have some stuff to talk about.

Will do!

Michael
:colwar:

[Raymar3d]

Wish I could've been there, but I was (and still am) in crunch mode at work.

Hope I'll get a chance to chat with you soon.

Ken

[jewels]

Michael,
It was a pleasure to meet you and if you're bringing that website back eventually: Can I help again?? with anything??

Take it easy and try not to work to hard: you did look great at the event. And we are all tired, so I imagine your body really gave you the "what-for". Hang in there.

Jewels

Frack! I wanted to be at this Con but I just could'nt make it. I am glad it turned out such a success and that everybody had a great time!

[thomas7g]

Hey Michael! I had fun meeting you! me and him got to hang quite a bit

It was lots of fun!

Hope you don't stop just participating in the bg online fun. You don't have to do anything. Just hang out and chat with us!

[David Kerin]

Michael, Don, Tom, Steve, Jewels... well the list goes on too long.

How I wish I could have been there to finally sit and talk in person. I kept checking in over the weekend, reading the posts of what was happening, and just sensing the great time I was missing with everyone.

To all of you, I'm happy it was a good time and if anything I joined you in spirit. I also tried to drink a beer around the time people would be hanging out in the bar.


Dave

[conconcv66]

Micheal, it's great to here from you, and I am glad you enjoyed galacticon. Me living on the east coast. was there in spirit, I was driving my family, by playing the dvd's all weekend. (boy are they great)
But that all aside, I hope your road to recovery is a short one and May god bless.

[Muffit]

Wonderful to hear from you Michael! Always thinking of you as someone very special to all of us.

Affectionately,
Muffit

[skippercollecto]

I didn't want to repeat myself, so I just listed all my comments about the Battlestar Galactica convention at
ttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/richardhatchfans/
I put them there because you don't need to be a member to read the messages.
Mary
P.S. I didn't go to the events Saturday night. What were they like?

[Gemini1999]

Originally Posted by Warrior

We need another Galacticon...

Darrell -

You can say that twice and mean it!

Bryan

[julix]

Can we? I missed it...would love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thomas7g]

But next time ... a bit smaller... in a less costly place. And more advertising in advance...

Hopefully it will evolve.

[julix]

Warrior where would your ideal place be?????

[Gemini1999]

Originally Posted by Warrior

No. Larger, but more centralized location. Too many people couldn't make it all the way out to California was half the problem, the other half of the problem was it was IN California (fires, earthquakes, Tom lives there )

Darrell -

How about someplace central with a not-so-extreme climate like Denver or Colorado Springs? I used to live there in my Air Force days....

Later,
Bryan
________
Kids avandia

[julix]

Of course I agree with Gemini

[repcisg]

If possable lets try to get some of the studio models together, what a foto op that would be!

[thomas7g]

Well.... I LIKE CALIFORNIA!



But more importantly, most of the cast lives in LA. So that probably makes it the best location to get as many cast and crew of the show as possible.

[thomas7g]

Originally Posted by repcisg

If possable lets try to get some of the studio models together, what a foto op that would be!

That would be DAMN nice.


Though the Lightship and Basestar were accidentally destroyed from what I hear.

[Dawg]

Perhaps we should just try to avoid fire season.

That would give us what, Tom, about a week in February?



I am
Dawg

[amberstar]

Originally Posted by julix

Of course I agree with Gemini

I missed the first one. But I like Gemini's idea

[thomas7g]

You were missed Amber!

Originally Posted by Dawg

Perhaps we should just try to avoid fire season.

That would give us what, Tom, about a week in February?



I am
Dawg

That would be that one week it rains in April.

I have to admit... that was a very serious fire. We don't get many like that around here!

[dilbertman]

DG Promotions Presents - Cult TV Expo "Battlestar Galactica Con"

Guests: Richard Hatch, Laurette Spang, Noah Hathaway, Herbert Jefferson Jr., Jack Stauffer and MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!!!

Dates: November 5-7 2004

(Romulus, Michigan)

For more information click here.

https://dg-promotions.org/galactica.htm

Jim

[dilbertman]

BTW, I plan on putting info on this con out at the San Diego Comic Con in two weeks and at Dragon Con in Sept.

Jim

[Titon]

Whoa, a thread from the past!



MinnesotaCon has a nice ring to it.