Dexter wanted to take his friend to the San Francisco Star Trek Convention, which unfortunately was located at the Burlingame Hyatt near the airport. Nothing against Burlingame-well perhaps something against Burlingame, I grumbled for the need to drive to the bland destination point. We've only gone once before to the SF event but it's usually in SF, run by a Creation Entertainment- the same group that put on the large Las Vegas show.
Much smaller in scale with far fewer points of interest; cast, presentations and dealers are minimal but at least the hotel offered a good place to host with the Hyatt's large interiors provided a roomy feel to the show. Dexter's buddy, a bit of a creative clown (thoughtful and polite another facet) was excited to attend something that has been of interest, and Dexter was happy to do walkabouts.
I wanted to get a couple of mugs and did, and honored Oliver's request to get him a toy phaser (mini). The Dexter group purchased some big posters. I enjoyed the speakers as the panels of Next Generation member are always loose and fun. If anyone is ever at a Star Trek event- willingly or not, I would recommend planting yourself at a Next Generation cast presentation- entertaining for anyone. The interplay is a mix of old bits, openness to the moment, and much shared laughter. Everything, everyone is fair game yet respectful of the genre as a whole. A bit salty with little touches of sugar. The cast individually visited Jeri Ryan at her solo presentation earlier. Ryan seems more relaxed to the point of enjoying her interactions but all cast members must tire of fans asking for their favorite behind the scenes pranks memories. Jonathan Frakes yelled (playfully, pointedly and loudly) at the boys when they began to leave before the Next Gen folks were done with their session. They know that within these walls they rule, so why not have fun with it?
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| silly together |
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| view from the top. Convention is on the left. |
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| One on the left- not fond of heights, or views |
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| The subtle, the ribald, the wandering moderator (Gate McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Jonathan Frakes) |
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| When on a roll Jeri Ryan speaks very fast and screams when visited by Next Gen friends |
Asked K before the event (he's a Next Gen fan) which cast member of those in attendance who would like a photo op with, and he chose Dr. Crusher. Gates McFadden asked for the boys' names, checked to see who was who, took the photo, shook hands and here's our copy of the pic, which we gave to K.
A splendid day made better when the Burckins met us at home for a hearty Maria dinner. Lastly, a walk to Swensons serving as finale so
Excelsior!
