Although the seasons pass by all too quickly for me these past few years, I still try and stop and observe the changes as a way of keeping track of the year's progress. I enjoy the cooler weather and that hurricane season's almost over (haha).
I remember a time when I looked at Fall with mixed emotions. As a kid it meant "back to school", but it also meant the new TV season was going to be underway soon. Back then it was cause for celebration. I haven't been an avid TV watcher in eons (pop culture heresy, I know), and I couldn't even tell you what I'd stop and tune into if I tried.
Fall reminds me that another year is drawing to a close, which forces introspection on accomplishments both done and not-yet-done.
But Fall has also come to signify other things for crazed fandom. Some of the best and most valued conventions of the year are held at just this time. In Mark Terry's last column he mentioned the American Film Market out in California, a place for movers and shakers of the film world to sell their product. While that's terrific, I was mostly referring to Halloween themes so prevalent now with all the wonderful Fall shows around.
SHOWS AND MORE SHOWS
Last week, ED Tucker reviewed Atlanta's DragonCon, with its hundreds of celebrity guests and dealers tables. Matt Drinnenberg announced his horror short story contest which will award prizes. Coming up this Sunday in Tampa is The Halloween Horror Picture Show, Rick Danford's mega-show spotlighting dozens of independent horror filmmakers, along with a few celebrity guests of his own, and a horror film fest, always a top-draw. Necronomicon, put on by the Stone Hill people, a fantastic show featuring hard-to-find authors of the genre. Of course, the grand mecca of all things horror in Florida, ScreamFest, with a huge celebrity guest and dealers roster, is also this weekend. It's really a lot to take in and always fun. Hopefully, we'll meet at one of them.
FLU
The flu, or whatver I had, has finally started lifting, thanks to all who called or wrote your support and well-wishes! I'm still a bit hoarse from all the coughing, but hopefully that will pass quickly.
WRAPPING UP EARLY THIS WEEK?
Apparently most of the regular PCR writers must be getting ready for ScreamFest or Guavaween or something, 'cuz I've not heard hide nor hair of any columns showing up this week! Even Mike's Rant is a little late (although I'm grateful for This Week's Movie Review!). Oh well, these things happen. Have a scarifying weekend and I'll see y'all next week!
Established A.D. 2000, March 19. Now in our seventh calendar year!
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