Heheh he looks just like me ^_^

Fun little thing :D

My day begins, staying round Tim and Debbie’s in preparation for the Final Fantasy XII London HMV launch; up until about 2 am playing Mario Kart DS (at which I rule! Oh yes!), ‘finishing’ my costume, watching Naruto and generally not sleeping (of which now, I sort of regret).
Though regardless of the lateness I woke up sharp at 5.15; jumped in a taxi with the ‘gang’ and caught the bus; which was on time at 6.30; though due to the retarded nature of some people who feel the need to sit by themselves (because that way they believe they wont have to sit next to anybody, I had to sit in front of everybody.

Getting to London wasn’t so bad; the coach arrived early, (though this didn’t help in us receiving Moogles ¬¬) so we were in London before we had anticipated. Unfortunately HMV were not too prepared for the event (if you ask me) nothing was up informing fans on what to do, so we had to ask a couple of cosplayers -hanging around- on what we were supposed to do.
So everyone went and bought the game (except me) to receive their wristbands (which would enable them apparently a free cd, little did we know it also meant, that if you didn’t have a wristband, you were unable to actually take part in the launch event; having you stand at the side lines, watching with the other hundreds from a far.)

So then I and Rinoa went to change into our costumes in the nearby M&S toilets; effectively scaring one woman, and grabbing quite a few looks from the patrons of the store.

Rinoa helped me across the road (because I could not see too much) and we met Tim & Tom back outside HMV, as well as this colourful character.

Heading back inside we stood around a bit til we were told that we were SUPPOSED to be lining up in the alley; well, thank you for making that so clear when we got here!

This time Tim had to help lead me down the alley, because I seemed to be able to see even less. So we queued up…

In the queue were tons of cosplayers, here are some of the best! (the ones I got photos of)

After much standing, waiting, taking photos, (granted I could have taken more) having photos taken of myself and Rinoa, and almost two hours, I was then told I couldn’t join wherever they were going, because I had not picked up a copy of the game!!!

So I was forced to walk back into HMV alone, with my hat blowing off in the wind! Alas I was soon after greeted by a group of cosplayers, who thought I looked somewhat lost -as I ambled around the store, trying to spot my posse- I explained my predicament to them (which they also had) and joined them.

After a little while I spotted my friends in the large queue; unfortunately I didn’t have the camera so to this point I was unable to take pictures, which kind of sucked, (I believe next time a cool event will take place which involves the splitting up of the camera, I will have to buy some sort of cheap device) though Rinoa was able to take a picture of me.

I then found from the MC that those with wristbands are the only guys that get privileges at the event; so I couldn’t even get to meet the Executive Producer Akitoshi Kawazu and Director Hiroshi Minagawa of FFXII!!!

So then the main events commenced, and the representatives of square came on, and were interviewed by the camera crew present at the event.

The winners of the cosplay contest -launched on the Square website- were brought up and congratulated; I believe that through winning the contest they received a goody bag, not to mention a free stay in a hotel in London!!

Anyway here are the guys

After they were congratulated and questions were asked the camera crew came up the barrier I was near and interviewed the amazing Kuja lady! They then asked if they could interview me! ^_^ now I must say I was possibly not the best person to interview; as I am not a fan of the Final Fantasy games… well that’s a lie, I’m a fan, but I just don’t play them, I prefer to watch Catherine play them, but I hope I get used on something, as that would be amazingly cool :D

Then what everyone had been waiting for –well not really- the Q&A session; where the guys were asked about the prospect of a Final Fantasy VII remake, to which they replied ‘they are working hard on Final Fantasy XIII, and is currently their most important ongoing project, but once they have finished it, they MAY consider making a remake. Please note the MAY, this is not solid information, just what they said.

Then the large queue of people… with wristbands, were allowed to flow in and get their items signed, while I stood watching this happen., though I cannot say the whole launch was a loss for me, because I really did have fun, and it was undoubtedly the best experience I could have imagined being costumed, I do not remember exactly how many people took my picture, or how many photos were took of me and the nearby cloud (for some reason ^_^)

The MC then walked around the stage area, asking cosplayers who they were, where they were from etc, and handing them free t-shirts ^_^ which both myself and Rinoa received. Not to mention that one girl in cosplay was from Southend, then another was from Colchester :D Unfortunately Chelmsfordians mustn’t be very big cosplayers.

Then I watched as my group were allowed to get their things signed, so I walked off to meet them, but got very confused, lost and disorientated, while a nice guy took a photo of me on his phone ^_^

Finally finding them, they put their things away and we left –not really sure if anything else was going to happen, but we were all too tired and hungry so we quickly left to McDonalds after getting a quick photo of us all.

Afterwards we just mosied around Oxford Street, and gave Virgin a visit; just because its amazing there, with sooo many pods, here are some pics

Somehow we found ourselves near Tottenham court road; we had walked THAT far! So we popped into the small Korean centre point shop, where Tim picked up some Pocky and I bought a couple of drinks; I was hoping they would sell some ingredients I could cook with; but I didn’t want to keep us in there too long, and I couldn’t see anything really, so we left to find Forbidden Planet. Now I swear I remembered where it was! By accident, we found it, and I swear it was even bigger than I remembered it, and it makes me want to have a day out in London again :’(

Managing to catch our bus back without a hitch I must say I had an awesome day! My costume was well received, and all went well!!

My only regrets of course were forgetting to bring Moo, who could of easily been turned into a Mooogle ^_^

And ooh look! My back is on cvg!

And theres a nice photo of me next to Cloud (whaddid I tell you ^_^!) on average gamer

After the surprising hijacking of my blog last night -I didn’t realise he could get free!- we are now onto day two of the Ffresh film festival.
The day began having breakfast in the dining room; shared with a family of three, and two guys who I believe were behind ‘Tom’
So after eating some very nice cooked food, I set out to the grounds to take a few pictures of the Dolas house; the pillars are lovely in particular.

So I got a few photos, and some of the grounds, and of the nature reserve across the road.

I arrived early into Aberystwyth and picked up the copy of Snow Crash that I had my eye on when I had gone in yesterday. I also wanted to get The Hero with 1000 faces, but they didn’t have it in the Oxfam, and the silly bookshop a few shops down hadn’t opened yet! Though they did have –what looked to be- an old copy of Sense and Sensibility with illustrations by some guy called Hugh Thompson, £119! :P

I arrived at the arts centre at about a quarter to 1, and hardly anyone was there! Though I was not early enough to see the art director’s session. But I did go to see the SIHE showcase, which was pretty much the director of SAND (which this year will be running 26th-30th November) informing everyone of the event, as well as a little talk about their courses and a fairly awesome show reel. I went and had a talk with the two representatives about their game course which was nice as they tried to ‘sell’ me and Catherine a place on their course, with open days happening very soon :p

I then saw a couple of people from my course; which brings the grand total to Four –yes, count them- four people, not including other years of course, or lecturers.
I then went to see the interactive media screening which was… interesting to say the least, some very strange and peculiar creations in macromedia director, especially that of a mature lady; congratulations to her I say ^_^
Then there was also a guy that made a sort of interface for the music he had created; it was cute because –as he mentioned- the inspiration for the look and style for the piece was the font of Battlestar Gallactica and the colours of Buck Rogers.

This ended early and lunch was lined up next, sitting on a sofa that literally tried to eat me I waited in anticipation as the food was put on the large tables, awaiting the cling film to be peeled from the plates! (After the nice addition the party-esque food made at dinner last night, I was desperate to hoard more.) Sensing that the food was not to be uncovered any time soon I began to read my newly acquired book.

Then suddenly, all hell breaks loose when there is a mad scramble for food; as though it was going to run out in five minutes and all unfortunately slow will be left to starve!
So waiting for the crowds to die down I dive in with my plate; two sandwiches a samosa (which I will no doubt regret picking up), two bread crumbed pieces of chicken and two other vegetarian delights later and I am sitting back where I started, stuffing some of the coveted food into my small freezer bag; and don’t look at me with those eyes! I’m a student, it’s what I’m supposed to do ^_^

I begin to read my book again, and watch as that blue haired guy ambles around and as the severe hubbub of the food tables wear off.

After skipping the Digital Media Consortium, because as it turned out; the thing was a workshop, I had a look in the bookshop, which was absolutely immense!! They had so many graphic novels it was crazy!

and unlike most shops, this was not mainly comprised with manga.

I must say the waiting I endured yesterday pales in comparison to today, it does not help that Catherine’s been invited to see Tim’s place, that I decided not to bring the book I have been reading because it is slightly heavy, nor that I have Sam & Max waiting for me at my hostel!
Though I must say I find it to be a shame that I cannot stay in Aberystwyth for the weekend; as they are holding celebrations for the Chinese New Year, but I do want to get back to Newport, there are no games here! ^_^

Then I had the luck to sit in possibly the coldest position in the whole building; I would have been just as well off, sitting near an automatic door.

*enter rant*

I must note that, yesterday; whence I was completely wired off my head –similar to the experience I would feel at a convention, ‘oh god, oh god, why can’t it be May!!’- but today I feel completely lethargic, it may be because I had a cooked breakfast this morning, it may be because I retired at midnight for finishing my last entry, or it could simply be that I’ve found myself completely lost with nothing to do for possibly the entirety of 2-3 hours… perhaps more.
I was tempted to fall asleep, but know that I could not: 1. because my things may be stolen from my under my nose! 2. Because I’d probably end up missing the two talks that I pretty much came to the festival for.

At this point I had written literally an essay explaining how I personally love to write with a pen on paper; I have chosen to exclude this as it has no real bearing on the event, just proved something to take my time with.

*leave rant*

The Blitz talk; by Ben Fisher on the making of their Reservoir Dogs game was interesting, I found that they had made a timeline for the whole game, which they apparently found a very helpful experience (though if memory serves me, Rockstar had done the same technique for Grand Theft Auto) the talk was pretty fascinating –though didn’t make me want to purchase the game anymore than I originally did, because it’s simply Hitman and GTA with a license- the main highpoint of the talk was the blooper reel from the game, which was hilarious; mainly compromising of clipping and graphical/design errors, but was great fun!
Another interesting fact I came out of the talk with was Tarantino’s apparent abhorrence of video games, and rumour has it that the only game he has ever shown slight interest in, was Half Life 2!

I then originally intended to sit down for another hour to wait for the Torchwood talk; but really not up to that I went to the Phil Mulloy master class; though I had unfortunately never heard of him it made no difference as the session was rather entertaining, but dragging on slightly -as the vibe in the theatre would have it- and it came to the point that you could see that everyone was itching to leave so that they could attend the Torchwood talk; this even led to premature clapping! The session itself would have possibly ended earlier, but one person was have a sort of argument with Phil. I thought Phil made a very valid point of his slight dislike of CGI, that most CGI appears so polished it comes off feeling pretty dead and lifeless.

When the master class was over, two guys in front of me were literally jogging to the great hall to witness the Torchwood talk; even though once I had arrived at just gone 17:30, it did not start for a good 10 minutes. Producer Richard Stokes, and writer Cath Treganna (director James Strong being absent) spoke for about 45 minutes about making Torchwood, Richard jokingly called Russell T. Davies a bastard for picking up Doctor Who when he had had the same idea, and also wishing he could remember an anecdote for the possible stories he had been given to Torchwood –because some people believe because the show was science fiction they could write some weird stuff-

One thing that angered me about the talk was the MC, who I am rather unsure on who she was, but she didn’t seem to know much about the state of television, (whereas Richard clearly did) claming that Torchwood was the first Science Fiction show to have a basis on humanity and use aliens and monsters purely for metaphor –in most cases- um hello!!! Buffy ended just over 3 years ago, and it’s as though it didn’t exist. The 1950s episode of Torchwood could be seen to have ripped –conceptually- the essence of ‘The Body’; that there is no monster to fight, nothing that can be done to change anything… does that make sense?

One thing I love about all good television is character development, and although Torchwood did seem to have some of that, I am now a little weary to find that they were filming episode 7 before they had even written episodes 3,4,5 and 6, so how did they actually have developed characters at some points?

Now for some little facts learnt about Torchwood through the Q&A;
Each episode was filmed in about 13/14 days, with a budget on par with Life on Mars, more than Holby City but less than Spooks.
The monster in the last episode was something someone in the Mill had thrown together in their spare time, and therefore didn’t cost as much.
His name was Bob, apparently.
Season 2 should be aired early 2008.
In season 1 of Torchwood, many problems arose from using HD cameras.
They produce 13 episodes, because 13 is an easier number to sell, while being a longer run for a British TV series, because most viewers are disappointed with the short runs shows have.
Filming of season 2 commences April 30th.

One obvious inhabitant of Aberystwyth asked a rather humorous question, involving one episode which claimed that Gwen had visited Aber, but she was actually in Cardiff, and what is their problem with hometown, apparently this was because travel and costs mean Cardiff is more cost effective ^_^

They say that for season 2, we can expect relatively the same thing, because apparently nothing too drastic should change, mainly because the show does not work from a formula; unlike most popular BBC shows, enabling them to go wherever and do whatever they want, –to a certain degree- as Richard put it, he wants Torchwood to be remembered as great TV; rather than a machine like Holby City or Eastenders, which isn’t really a programme, but more of a newspaper where the details of every episode are quickly forgotten.

The talk itself ran over its allotted time by 15 minutes –but I would have been just as pleased if it had ran longer- although Torchwood isn’t per say as enjoyable and engaging as I have found shows like Afterlife and Doctor Who, it is much better than most shows, being scifi with humanity and fairly good characters.

And that was the end, I phoned for my taxi, got back to my room, sat and watched TV; too tired to write up this entry. I also watched my first episode of Lillies, which did seem fairly entertaining; I know mum wasn’t too taken by the show.

The next morning, me and Bob bid farewell to Y Gelli (which had a lovely grandfather clock in the hall!) and got back in lovely Newport at about half three.

Hello gentle readers, some of you may have noticed Charlotte's absence -if you haven't shame on you!- for this, I, Bob have decided to tell you how our first day of the Ffresh film festival has gone.

Now of course I spent most of the event seeing through a hole in her mangy bag

but the whole thing looked fairly fun, and she allowed me to breathe every-now-and-again.

So, let’s start at the beginning!

To arrive at such a prestigious event, we had to make our way to Aberystwyth (spell that non-welsh people!) by a 4 hour train journey, by catching the 6:55 bus

and then proceeding to catch the 7:34 train, now whereas Charlotte spent most of the journey reading, I took the time to enjoy the scenery

and the scenery

and the scenery.

After 4 hours, millions of sheep, 2 changes, 1 dead sheep, awe-inspiring countryside, a lost sheep, SWG reminiscent forests, sheep on tracks, sheep, sheep and sheep, we arrived in Aberystwyth, which, being a seaside town, reminded me a lot of Portsmouth, which Charlotte would really like to visit again to test at ^_^

Catching a bus to Y Gelli (the lovely little B&B we are staying at) we found that Pat -the owner- was not present, so we were unable to actually check in, but locked the suitcase away in a room. So catching the bus back we spotted Gamepark, the local independent retro games shop, had a look in there -unfortunately no Neo Geo games- then made our way up Penglais hill for a surprisingly steady steep walk -after much confusion on directions.

Arriving slightly earlier than we had expected we were surprised to find a free buffet lunch, with mysteriously filled sandwiches and orange juice in a can!!

For convenience reasons, a tannoy was in operation on the day, and informed us of a talk from an S4/C representative, which I had not originally intended to attend, but the concept was interesting, because apparently they are attempting to change their strategy; and I've got to say it did work, because I am not an avid watcher of the channel, but of what they showed us, it seemed rather fun. Not to mention the new 'idents' (sort of like the things C4 and BBC1 show just before a programme) for the channel, one of which including the subway from Newport! ^_^

Next up; the IFSW showcase, we went to go see this purely for the connection reasons, its very interesting to see what people are proud of making at Newport... though unfortunately we were not shown the films intended, but were instead shown three recently made films from the documentary film course, which were interesting to say the least; the first being about gurners, one guy in particular who believed he was a werewolf O_o
Then heading onto an equally strange film about a man's entry to CRUFTS then lastly a strange film involving a guy travelling to the North Pole to do some weird Santa ritual thing...

Then came the magical marvel of internet access!!!

Now onto 'A conversation with Nik Powell' what could be defined as the best experience of the event so far; the guy was a legend, really funny and has worked with some really cool people, and produced some really cool films.
I could seriously talk about this guy for hours! I love funny people ^_^

He started off with a great anecdote of when he started out with Richard Branson with a record shop, and how being lazy is not good, and shortcuts only get you fined and arrested :P
The guy was full of such funny anecdotes, he was so cool, I could of just sit and listened to him go on all day if it would have been as funny throughout!

This guy distributed Evil Dead, and has produced quite a few of Neil Jordan's films along with Stephen Woolley (cool guy with my name :D)

After that great experience, we went back to the ‘viewing vault’ (computers) to watch some of the films we couldn't manage to watch in the screenings, but after having one computer not want to play DVDs, one not giving me sound, and somehow the last getting a blue screen error, I eventually got one to work and I watched all of one animation, before we went to go see the RTS screening and ceremony.

Which was great stuff! Not to mention the fact that all the winners of the RTS (royal television society) awards were all from Newport!

Tom won the best animation; which I think I remember seeing at an early stage on the animation boards, cute little animation, bit weird...

Murray mints and paw prints (which we saw earlier at the IFSW showcase) won best factual, and the winner of drama the absolutely fabulous Covent Garden Ladies by Rupert Rand, an absolutely stunning short film, worthy of television, the piece was an amazing capture of 17th century prostitution, and was just stunning, I hope to see it again sometime, or maybe find a copy of it somewhere ^_^ If you're reading this Rupert, you're film was amazing.

And that was the whole day... we did intend to watch the Stephen Frears
Master class, but I'm not really a fan of directors... unless they write as well.
But the RTS ceremony ran a little long, so we missed it. We did intend to see the preview screening of the Illusionist, but unfortunately they had already shut the computer room down, and we did not intend to sit around for an hour and a half in the relatively empty art centre... so calling a taxi -of whom the driver hailed from Essex!! And got back here to humble Y Gelli to retire to the room and write this. Now I'm very tired let me sleep!

Tune in tomorrow night for (hopefully) pictures of the very pretty manor on the grounds of Y Gelli, the tale of day two and more amazing talks and lectures, with hopefully Blitz!!

Well, as you all know, I absolutely love Double Fine Productions, the amazing company behind the stupendous Psychonauts.

Well I was on the Double Fine site a couple of months ago and followed a link to Telltale games, to find that they were creating Sam and Max episodic content.

It's the best thing I've come across in ages. Purchasing the first season at a discounted price, I count the days until the next episode's release.

I also got a hold of this amazing print; signed by Steve Purcell... in pencil ¬¬

Isn't it pretty on my wall? (sorry marv)

And I also got this pretty t-shirt with Sam & Max on their desotto.

Yes, and no matter what anyone says, Sam & Max are ultimately awesome, and their new games are amazing! As I'm sure you've already heard me say ^_^

Hello all, welcome to the fun-filled festive flurry of blog entries that encompasses the brillant person that is me! Cptalbertwesker.

If anyone knows me I am sister to Cat and if you remember way way back, I used to have a blog here but took advantage and forgot to post anything in it.

That will not happen this time! (I promise!!)

If any of you strange, strange people reading this actually know me, then I used to have a blog here but with Blogger merging with Google I just got kind of sick of the place, and for it, I moved all my old entries here -or will be, when I can get the date thing to work- incase you wished to know of my opinion on any of the entertaining articles I have ranted about.

I wanted a blog, because like Cat I have many things I want to blog about, but i dont get an audience on Blogger, but Cat does (probably cos shes so cool, but either way) I'm hoping to become as amazingly popular and cool like her :D (by stealing her audience)

So here you will be given my opinion on things that interest me (possibly boring things) perhaps a review or two, the goings on inside my head and maybe even something nice I cooked.

I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I will ^_^

(I wanted to come up with a cool 'first' post title, and searching for quotes with welcome to I came across "welcome to the nancy tribe" from the Buffy episode Tabula Rasa, which is fitting, because I'm British, and because its a good episode ^_^)