I had a wonderful time last weekend at Polaris (formerly Toronto Trek). The hotel was just north of Toronto this year, but getting there was less of a challenge than I feared. I took the TTC bus out of Don Mills subway, and it went straight up to the hotel for a small extra fee.

We were staying in the Best Western, connected to the Sheridan. No elevators to the third floor (which is actually the second) but a fantastic big room with a kitchen for the same price as a regular Sheridan room.) So handy to have a full fridge and a microwave. There was even a toaster oven and a dishwasher (though I used the sink - don't cotton to those new fangled electrical devices) with cutlery and plates provided in the drawers. Luxury! Though it did take a bit for me to find out that I should plug my computer into the cable and not try to used the wireless. Guy at the desk looked at me like I was a ninny.

My first panel was Quantum Leap, and we had a good turnout. My only preparation had been watching Catch a Falling Star episode again (aka the Man of La Mancha one). Some disagreement with a person in the back who couldn't understand why NOT having Georgia playing in MIA on the DVDs was a problem.

Next up was 'The Polarizing Effect of Gwen Cooper'. I wasn't sure about being on this one since I haven't watched the Torchwood miniseries yet and the white board said 'there will be spoilers'. I was quite willing to bow out of the panel, but they took a vote and NO BODY wanted to discuss spoilers. Yay! There were three panelists - one anti-Gwen, one meh-Gwen, and Gwen-loving me. A very lively and enjoyable discussion. If you're commenting on this - no spoilers! LOL

At this point I went off to get ready for the Pirate Party, and what a party it was, me hearties.

I was upset to realize that I had left my hat at home :( but my roomie Laurie lent me the one she had borrowed from tinkler. Now that's fandom in action. Laurie also lent me a wonderful metal belt with keys dangling on it.



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I was going to post a Polaris report, but I got sidetracked by some Dostana slash on bolly_fics. Now Big Bang Theory is on, and I want to watch last night's True Blood...

Maybe tomorrow.

Polaris convention! Michael Hogan! Matt Frewer! Many panels! Friends and fun!

Then again, I'm taking my laptop, so if I can get a connection, you might.

I'm sad that none of my kidlets can come this year, but we've had some family fun lately so I'll cope. Sorry for them, though, cause they like cons too.

I haven't been feeling too well the last few days. Don't know if it was a bug or, as my mom thinks, wacky menopausal fun, but hopefully I'll be okay for the weekend.

Speaking of Mom, I was over there yesterday for a little visit. I spent the afternoon watching Chak de India with my ten-year-old niece. I'm introducing her to the joys of Shahrukh Khan, and she seemed to enjoy the movie. Smart kid. :)

Now to find my way north to the convention hotel, in Richmond Hill this year. I get nervous when I leave the confines of the TTC. Wish me luck.

I'm getting pretty tired by all the rebooting of TV shows. When I watch a series, I get attached to the characters who are part and parcel with the actors. I don't feel this way about shows based on movies, because I've only spent a few hours with them.

Tim Minear is re-making Alien Nation for SyFy (the network that can't spell). I love Alien Nation. I love Matt and George and Cathy et al. I do not want anyone, even someone talented like Mr. Minear, screwing it up. What's really bugging me is that he's saying that he wants to make it a post-modern buddy cop show and a metaphor for immigrants in society. What the heck does he think it was before?

I think he wants it to be dark. Dark like BSG. (That being a reboot I liked, since the original show was stoopid.) This makes me all grr arghy.

BTW, I also quite like different versions of novels. Not the same thing at all.

Checklist for Polaris:

Earphones in case anyone is talking about Children of Earth. I'm on a Torchwood (Gwen) panel and there shall be no spoilers. I'm watching it on Space.

Pirate costume for Pirate party. Check.

Clips for Bollywood panel. Check.

Pretty outfit for photo sessions. Check. I'm only budgeting for Michael Hogan and Matt Frewer. Probably no autographs. I hear there's a recession or so my bank account tells me.

My kids can't come. :( My daughter was going to, but it's her boyfriend's work barbecue on Saturday.

Still, much fun will be had. Look for me in the programme book. I'll be there.

Anyone know any ficathons that are starting? Seems to take a kick in the butt to get me to write.

BTW, I'm waiting to watch Torchwood: Children of Earth when it starts airing on Space July 20. I miss that excited feeling in my tummy when something I love is new on my very own TV. Hearing good vague non-spoilery responses thus far.

Polaris is this weekend. As Kirk would say, "Connnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!"

Jan Rubes - Witness, Max Glick

Karl Malden On the Waterfront

Molly Sugden Are You Being Served?

I know they say these things come in threes, but gee...

I spent the holiday with my Bollywood group. We went to see Kambakkht Ishq, and as great as New York was, this is the opposite. It was interesting to see Brandon Routh, Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards in a Hindi film. Ms. Richards actually had a fairly significant part. Far too goofy a comedy for my taste, though.

Dinner was delicious dosas and that with the good conversation made up for the bad film.

Tomorrow night I'm going to see Artifacts by Anthony Furey (who some of you may know) at the Fringe Festival.

I wasn't called into work today, and I did go see New York. Well worth the wait (the opening was delayed by the Indian producers' strike.) It's a Bollywood look at post 9/11 through the eyes of Muslims in America. Some scary stuff, some thought-provoking stuff, and some good acting (though they still need to find better white actors for Indian films.)

Irrfan Khan seems to have dropped his last name and is just credited as Irrfan. You may remember him as the police inquisitor in Slumdog Millionaire.

If this happens to be playing in your area, I recommend it. Be prepared though - like the majority of Indian films it's long - over 2 1/2 hours.

Tomorrow I'll be spending Canada Day watching another Indian film, though this one I'm not really looking forward to. I'm not big on the leads, but I have to see how they utilize Brandon Routh. 'Twill be fun to spend time with the Bollywood group.

'Cause look at that face!