It’s event season and that means time for new gear! In case you don’t know I also create wearable things and I vendor at various local conferences. I am always on the look out for gear that helps me haul things or provides easier set up and breakdown. Mostly though, it’s an excuse to obtain shiny new things.
This year I needed a portable power charger that had enough juice to power my laptop, mobile phone and portable credit card reader. I had two Anker brick chargers but neither one was powerful enough to charge my laptop without triggering the ‘low power charger’ warning.
I stumbled upon an unexpected treat at Starbucks last week. I was hitting the road early and needed my coffee and a snack. I tried all the other breakfast sandwiches and they were fine. Nothing amazing, just fine.
So I noticed this new (to me) sandwich and decided to give it a try. I was the only one in the drive-thru and I wondered why it was taking soon long to heat up a sandwich.
When I finally got the white package, it was hot, not warm…HOT. Fragrant cheese and garlic hit me…Wait, garlic? I found a quick place to park because I to see and eat) what was making this drool making aroma.
Here’s what I saw… A golden, crispy, sandwich, oozing with cheese and butter.
It was so good! The cheese was tangy, the sourdough bread had just enough crunch, and the butter savory.
This sandwich is my new go to favorite at Starbucks. Do yourself a favor and get one today!
It’s been far too long since I posted regularly on this site. So many wonderful geeky nerdy things have happened and I should be talking about them. How could I not at least post about the behemoth that is Black Panther (Wakanda Forever!) but I think that’s been covered extensively.
I will mention that I watched opening night and as everyone else has remarked and reviewed, it was refreshing story about Africans and African Americans as well as superheroes. As I return to this site and start actually posting details of my interest and hobbies. I will more than likely change the look and layout so expect me to move a picture or three.
I have a lot of gear review to post about as well. I have a Google Home Mini just sitting in a box somewhere. My Pixel XL has become indispensable as well. I have new(ish) photography equipment to post about. And I have some kitchen gear to discuss as well. On top of all that, I still want to talk about movies, anime and television! All the things!
My first time at WonderCon was a blast. I had a fantastic time at the sister con to the mega San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). Since it this year it was in LA instead of Anaheim, I decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did!
This convention has the feel of what SDCC used to be, before the movie madness took over. At this con, there are scores of comic vendors and artists in prominent areas of the exhibit floor. Instead of being pushed far off the floor for entertainment (games, tv, movies) companies.
I arrived early every morning to get my volunteer duty out the way, leaving plenty of time to wander around. Because I had a lot of time on my hands after my duties, I was able to casually stroll about trying to decided what to see. I did not feel the urgent sense of ‘GOTTA SEE IT ALL’ as is often the case with SDCC.
In fact, I waited until Sunday to visit the exhibit hall. That was probably a mistake, lots of last day scurrying about. I learned my lesson and will visit the exhibit hall as early as possible. All in all, I had a great time at this convention and I still look forward to Geek Mecca aka SDCC.
Now here are some photos of some wonderful Cosplayers…
Got one of those fancy step and repeat backdrops and some carpet for your special event? Did it come with a cumbersome stand, screw on feet and wacky top and bottom poles? Yeah?…Me too but I upgraded to something better…
For the last 4 years, I have been an event coordinating geek with my fitness instructor friend, Mychele (aka The FRO from Get2Werk Fitness) One of the primary items we purchased was a step and repeat backdrop package. You can’t take red carpet photos without the classic backdrop with logos plastered all over it.
We selected the gold package from Red Carpet Runway, which included a backdrop, backdrop stand and carpet, all in a easy (read: large) carry all bag. The package was priced perfectly and suitable to our needs. I had no issue with the backdrop, carpet or even the carry bag, but the stand left much to be desired.
The Time Sink: You’re screwed!
The basic stand (shown left) with its many parts, can be found in several backdrop packages. (so it is not just Red Carpet Runway) The stand is lightweight and low cost and would work for small events like a birthday party or any place where set up time is not an issue. This stand is acceptable if it is never moved once assembled. It is wholly unsuitable for any event where fast set up and breakdown are key. In fact, it is a horrible time sink.
The basic stand includes:
six (6) screws: (2 a hex key/Allen wrench; 4 knob screws)
two (2) vertical stand poles
two (2) base feet
four (4) horizontal poles (top and bottom for the backdrop)
Putting this stand together, takes up a considerable amount of time. The base feet are screwed to the two vertical poles. The top and bottom horizontal poles are screwed into the vertical poles with the knob screws.
Did I mention the twisting and pulling of all the polls to make sure they are the correct length and height? No?…Well, once you’re done screwing around you can take more time to pull on poles.
For added fun, the top and bottom poles are labeled ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ and do not fit well if you mix them up.
Good luck figuring that out when you’re pressed for time and need to get the backdrop set up when your attendees and photographer are waiting. After a few sweat induced assembles at time sensitives events, I ditched this backdrop stand for something better.
Because photography backdrops are heavy and made of paper (on a roll) or muslin (cloth). A photography backdrop stand has to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a roll of paper. Some stands, like the ABSL are heavy duty, which means it is more than capable of handling a heavy load with the bonus of added mobility.
Photography backdrop stands can range in price and quality. I chose the Ravelli stand because it was heavy duty and extends out up to 15 ft (width) and upward to 13ft (height). The Ravelli ABSL Stand is air cushioned, which means that the bar won’t collapse into itself at a finger crushing speed. Set up and breakdown with is extremely easy. Just a turn of a knob to expand the feet, the two vertical standard are ready to go. The horizontal poles connect together with a just a twist, in a male to female configuration. The poles attach to the vertical stands with a wingnut and a washer. The best part NO SCREWS!
Ravelli Muslin Background Clips
Also, included in the ABSL package are two rubber covered metal clips/clamps. These clips are large and excellent for securing a backdrop. I highly recommend buying a set of 12 (Ravelli 12 Pack of Muslin Background Clips), they will come in handy and for under $20 the price can’t be beat. These clips are useful for backdrop stands with or without grommets.
If you’re an event planner, photographer, or anyone using a backdrop. You cannot go wrong with the Ravelli ABSL Backdrop Stand.
here!
My first time at WonderCon was a blast. I had a fantastic time at the sister con to the mega San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). Since it this year it was in LA instead of Anaheim, I decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did!
