natedammit

I would like to cheer, but for the realisation of how the money recouped will likely be spent. (Also, I never cheer, merely nod in approval.)

Daikon

Ok. I've got this. Costas was in Saw 52 with Cary Elwes, who was in Princess Bride with Billy Crystal, who was in When Harry met Sally with Meg Ryan, who was in You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks, who was in Saving Private Ryan with Matt Damon, who was in everything with Ben Affleck, who was in Pearl Harbour with Kate Beckinsale, who was in Underworld:Something with Bill Nighy, who was in Love Actually with Hugh Grant, who was in Cloud Atlas with Tom Hanks who was in Apollo 13 with Kevin Bacon. Costas Mandylor's Bacon Number is 11. Next up: Costas Mandylor but sensibly.

I think you need to call Popaholics Anonymous. Or possibly Cumberbatchaholics. That's too clunky... Cumberbolics? Cumaholics? Maybe just stick with Cumberbatchaholics.

Oh for sure, the space is always a problem and worse this year. Not their fault that less halls were available, but you'd think they'd just invite less guests or sumfink. Ideally you'd get one dedicated hall for with all of the photoshoot areas, with plenty of room for queuing (and waiting). Also a larger area to fit all of the autograph desks in. Of course, hiring more halls means more expense, which means inviting more guests, selling more entry tickets, and generally just charging more. Possibly the best set up I've seen for photoshoots was at a con that I won't name because I'm a good boy (but it involved walking and stalking). I believe they had an outside company running it, and they used a large hall with 4 or 5 photo areas at one end. Each area had several different numbered queuing lines which went all the way across the hall. There was also an electronic screen saying who can go to which line - e.g. VIP tickets for guest x go to line 8, regular tickets for x go to 9, 10 and 11. Or something like that anyway. The flip side was that prices for photos were horrendous. Like, vomit-inducingly high. Also, I think the company ended up ripping a load of people off or something. Swings and roundabouts, innit?

They should put something like that up on the walls so the proletariat can see it. One for autos and one for photoshoots. Honestly there are some pretty simple ideas that would be easy to do and help a lot, and I've no idea why they don't get done.

Can I borrow a fiver?

It's a low bar, but I think we just about clear it.

That sounds uncomfortable.

I hear he's starring in the new Marvel show 'Agents of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

Dang it. I've been wanting to meet Hamilton Hodell for years.

Sorry, I meant to ask, what are we counting down to?

Maybe you'll get 8 refunds! Just kidding, you'll get none.

I'd guess they've already enquired. I can imagine the scene now... Bill Pullman is sat in his theatre dressing room, in the middle of a call with his agent. He does not seem happy... "WHAT??? You want me to do a CONVENTION??? Spend the weekend surrounded by a bunch of sweaty NERDS??? I'm Bill frickin' Pullman, not some random third stormtrooper from the left! What kind of sad, DESPERATE failing actor would agree to do one of those?" He angrily hangs up his phone, and screams an obscenity. Moments later, David Harbour walks into the room... "Hey Bill! Guess what I'm doing this weekend..."