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Post by malicelover on Jul 18, 2022 8:00:39 GMT -5
This was my first live Con in many years, and even though there were many faces I had not seen in a long time, it was like I had seen most of them yesterday. Maybe that’s because of virtual con, or maybe it’s because so many of us have been friends for so long, it’s almost as if we never really say goodbye at all. Arrived Friday night to a crowd of lifelong friends hanging in the lobby like Todd, Jim, Chad, TK, Marcus, Brian V, CMan, Zeke, Butcher, Matthew, Troy, Lisa, Steve Williams, Dayton Dave, Mike Fortune, Pete Fusco, Sam Luptak and Broc & his family. Enjoyed meeting new friends (many from the board) like Drew, Sam Fain, Jared, Billy, Milton, Shaun, Barry and Barry’s lovely wife (Barry insists he married up and he received no pushback on that from me). Caught up w Smoke, Jmello & crew, Ramel and Reno Saturday morning. Told Josh Ramel that Surgeon was in the new set then enjoyed his disappointment once he realized I was clearly lying. Obviously did horrible in the tournaments which was the first sign Troy was going to win the Cup again. Played 3 matches on Saturday and went 1-2 😫 Room was big enough to play tournaments and converse w friends but with nowhere to play my game, I didn’t play my own fed all weekend. That was prob the biggest bummer, but I booked my Perennial and played as soon as I came home. Was super nice not having to go anywhere for anything. Bar was great. Food was good. No issues at all. Matt is a border line alcoholic now which is an interesting new storyline. He made it his goal Friday night to drink every drink on the menu and I think he did it. He kept pushing the ketchup toward me, which Matt thought was hilarious - and after a few warnings I was forced to squirt him w the ketchup. Matt didn’t push the ketchup toward me after that. Let’s see what else, Friday night in general was a blast. Hanging out w Chad Olson is a ton of fun. Lots of funny stories and just a an overall good time. Apparently I’m out of the loop on everything because I don’t listen to the podcast. I was reminded no less than 20 times that night of my mistake. Walked in Sunday morning and the taco 🌮 bar from the day before was still there. So….might have set a new record there for the the foulest smelling GCON Sunday ever……. Watched a guy blow through the security gate at the toll booths and the gate went flying up in the air. Never saw that before. I hate goodbyes, so snuck out Sunday about 11 after getting stomped in the Canada Cup. Rather just say hello again next time. Pretty good Con! I’m sorry I missed Pete vs Butcher II. That tattoo is going to look great! Can’t wait to see what you two come up for next year for round 3. I hope I didn’t forget anybody! Enjoy all the new stuff, especially 2138, and never forget that the dice don’t lie! 🎲 🎲 , you forgot the other big part of the bar experience - the fact that you learned that a White Russian might be a beer. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2022 8:03:48 GMT -5
It was awesome meeting first time (in person) attendee Drew , 2021 GALACTICON CHAMPION and 2022 Trivia winner.  Background - Michael Bratta and Matt |
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Post by TTX on Jul 18, 2022 8:04:42 GMT -5
Mixed that Kevin won the GWF tournament with Monolith (it was early)
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Post by Thomas (TK) on Jul 18, 2022 8:17:54 GMT -5
Marcus and I arrived last Wednesday night, checked into our hotel, and went exploring. I learned really early on that you don't go anywhere fast in the windy city. First night ended up at Portillo's and had half of an Xtra dipped roast beef sandwich and a Chicago dog- that was 🔥! Thursday morning came along and we had the hotel breakfast (it was aight) and headed off to Six Flags. I learned really fast that I am way too old (and big) for some of these rides as I was thrown around like crazy. Afterwards, went to Oberweiss Ice Cream and had the best ices cream I have ever had in my life- lemon blackberry!! Went back to hotel to shower and met up with Todd, Chris Foster, Michael B, the faction (sorry can't remember name...but hello Denmark!!), and Zeke. Went to DAGS and had dinner- best meatballs I have ever had- and went to a Cubs/Mets game with the crowd. Listened to a bunch of frat boys sing Zombie and happy birthday fifty times over...plus two 20 year old girls (they were hot though) gabbing behind us that drove me crazy. I don't know if 20 year olds got dumber or I put up with it when I was younger because I was trying to get some. Friday morning came early and Chris,myself, and Marcus went to Elly's for breakfast. It was so good that we went back the next two days and we had the same waitress (we joked that she liked Marcus's knobby knees) that looked at us weird when we tried to explain the game. Went to see the "giant bean" and toured Chinatown...Bounced to Galloping Ghost Arcade that had over 200 old school games... I was like a kid in a candy store as I saw all my favs and some that I had forgotten about! With tradition, I had to smoke my boy in Street Fighter and show him once again that my SF game is not to be messed with. Afterwards, went to Quake and Gronard games...I picked up a Tiny Tina action figure from Borderlands and a few GW books...Chris picked up some Masters of the Universe figures and Mean Mark Callous figure. "Chris, they have Mean Mark..." Chris ten minutes later, "Hey TK, they have Mean Mark"  We went to the hotel and met up with everyone to get 2138 in our hands...looked over really quick (still haven't read handbook) and went to Giodano's pizza with my friends Chris,Billy Roberts, Brain V, and Marcus. The restaurant had an hour and half wait "because it was Friday night" but we were seated in 45 minutes...however, after ordering the pizza didn't come for a hour and a half. It was good but the $170 bill made my wallet hurt. Back to the hotel and played COTG with Billy, Chris, and Marcus... talked to a few promoters at the bar and oh boy- they were bombed out of their minds...Chad Olson still doesn't remember talking to me! Saturday came...met longtime friends and a few promoters that I met for first time...I didn't do well in the tourneys...the virtual meetings were too long (and as always, didnt really amount to anything except for Pat Patterson signing)and no one could here anything in the room...the taco bar was good but like mentioned before was still there in the morning...after day was done, tried to goto the restaurant Eately but parking was $30 an hour-and said "f no" and sadly ended up at hooters...food was awful but the view was great! Giggity... Sunday was the Canada cup and I pulled Pulsar...I went 5-1 but didn't win the bracket.  After that, we packed up our stuff, said our goodbyes, and headed home. Discussed on way home that these things have changed over the years... it now has become a place to just hang out with family and the playing comes secondary. Awwww.... I had a blast... |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2022 8:58:08 GMT -5
Stryker , Ben and I arrived at the hotel at 2 and check in is not until 3, loitered around because everyone that was there was downtown doing stuff. Room was not ready until after 4, so was comped for breakfast all weekend for the inconvenience. - Friday night in the bar was an experience, I think Chad Olson told me he loved me like twelve times. I'm sure it was just the alcohol talking.  - Seriously though it felt incredible to see my friend, hard to believe 15 years had gone by since we last saw one another. - Saturday tournaments...  Not my year let's just say. - GWF; I drew THARKAS and saw the writing on the wall. Round 1 - beat Vegas EPOCH Round 2 - beat Thomas (TK) EXO-KING Round 3 - LOST Chris SENTINEL - LOW; I drew DANNY HODGE and liked my chances since cruiserweight rules applied throughout the tournament (even against non-cruiserweights). Round 1 - beat jimsteel JERRY BRISCO Round 2 - LOST JOHN PESEK - whoever had the tiger man please post and remind me who I lost to. I'm old - I forget things. The best part of the con was just sitting and talking with old and new friends. Sam Fain it was a pleasure sitting and talking with you sir, and Drew you are too cool for words amigo. malicelover you are one of a kind, don't ever change. Michal B. (Krakan) really enjoyed meeting you and listening to your stories. Matthew, Ben and I had dinner with Mrs. Lori Beck in the bar, because the taco spread was... a little less than satisfactory to us. DK II you hit the jackpot with her, and definitely batted out of your league here. She's a blast to talk to, funny, smart, witty and like me says what she thinks regardless of people's feelings. The rest of Saturday was just hanging out and talking to lifelong friends. Chad Olson, TTX , Thomas (TK) and Marcus, Swarm , Matt , jimsteel , Brocster and his awesome family, Pete , Sam Luptak Jr., mikefortune , jmello and his two younglings, Vegas , EpicDave , smoke, the_faction and the glue that holds it all together Tournament Master ! If I forgot anyone, it was not intentional - feel free to take a shot at me, everyone else does. Right Swarm ?!? You smug dick. SUNDAY I Lost my challenge with DK II , nuff said on that! I drew King Tux in the Canada cup and FLOPPED (pun intended). Hung out and chatted a little more before heading home early on our 6 hour trip. GALACTICON is not a gaming convention, it's a dang FAMILY REUNION!Sam Fain told me that he was a little intimidated to come, because there's so many of us that are LONG TIME Galacticon vets and we might not welcome him. I think he found out quick that we're all just a bunch of guys that love a game. The fact is you come once, you're in and you're family like it or not.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2022 10:18:49 GMT -5
Since Ben doesn't really play and Matthew doesn't play Legends I ended up with extra Con exclusive cards.
Paralyze (1 extra copy)
Paul Ellering (2 extra copies)
Should be worth something in a few years. 😉
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Post by malicelover on Jul 18, 2022 10:45:58 GMT -5
Since Ben doesn't really play and Matthew doesn't play Legends I ended up with extra Con exclusive cards. Paralyze (1 extra copy) Paul Ellering (2 extra copies) Should be worth something in a few years. 😉 Few years, @kevinb? Heck you might be able to get $50 for it by the time the next Kronos set or Prime cards are released. |
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Post by malicelover on Jul 18, 2022 10:47:28 GMT -5
It was awesome meeting first time (in person) attendee Drew , 2021 GALACTICON CHAMPION and 2022 Trivia winner. Background - Michael Bratta and Matt The best part about Drew's reign as Champ, might have been his comments after he got bounced from The Canada Cup, and realized he would not be able to defend his title. Just hilarious! |
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Post by Drew on Jul 18, 2022 11:18:00 GMT -5
Me & Jessica had so much fun at GCon. KB was the first person to greet me and he immediately made me feel like one of the boys. Thank you to everyone I faced who had to supply me dice. I returned the favor by doing the favors…you’re welcome! I’m convinced the dice punished me for playing online. I couldn’t get a chart reversal to save my life.
Friday night at da bar with Chad, Matt B, KB, Zeke, Billy, Todd and Mike B, Mike Fortune & Pete Back was , in my Ric Flair voice, “Was the greatest night of my life!” And just like Flair I’ve probably said that about 20 others things, pay it no mind, just go with it.
It was just great that the community became more than just screen names. It was great meeting and talking about the game with everyone. KB, MB, Rob, Troy, who took my belt from me and never gave it up apparently. Congratulations! Jared, Steve, TK, Marcus, Matt, Jmello, Pete Beck, Smoke, Steve, Pete F, Sam Fain, Todd, Milton, Shawn, Mike D., Jim steel, Zeke, Broc, Dave Little, Chris and Josh. If I missed anyone forgive me. I’m old
Big thanks to everyone who bought me a drink or gave me cards and/or charts. I wish u all the best
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Post by TTX on Jul 18, 2022 11:19:34 GMT -5
Thanks, Drew, it was an honor to follow you up as champion and a pleasure to meet you and Jessica.
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After that, we packed up our stuff, said our goodbyes, and headed home.
Not my year let's just say.
