Getting ready for G-CON

GETTING READY FOR G-CON '98!

In the weeks (and even months) preceeding a genre convention, everyone prepares their battle plan to best enjoy a sometimes once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite stars and take home a spectacular selection of merchandise often not available anywhere else in the country.

'Twas the Night before G-day

From: Big Jim (1 of 10) Date: December 10, 1997

'Twas the night before G-day, when all through the board,

All the users were ranting, making an unruly hoard.

Their tickets were purchased in advance with care,

In hopes that Dean Devlin would not cause us despair.

The G-fans were restless, not a wink of sleep yet,

Too worried about the new monster, I'd surely bet.

My wife lay beside me, not understanding the hype.

"This is Godzilla," I said, "of the American type."

To get in the mood, I watched "King of the Monsters"

And visited G-web sites like Barry's and Conster's.

When from out in the yard there came such a sound,

I hit "Pause" on the remote, so to see what was a bound.

I peered through the darkness, to see headlights so dim,

And pondered for a moment, could that really be him.

It was double D in the flesh, driving a limo of white,

With a team of mediocre actors, that didn't seem right.

And a little old German, with an accent quite thick,

I knew in a moment, it was Roland Emmerich.

They stormed up my driveway, to the front door they came.

Roland screamed in a foreign language, and called them by name;

"Now, Matthew! Now, Jean! Now, Michael and Maria!

On, Harry! On, Philippe! And on Hank Azaria!

From the shores of Oahu! To the Manhattan streets!

Now act away! Act away! You bunch of dead beats!"

Down the stairs I flew, just as fast as I could.

I opened the door and there they all stood.

Dean and Roland walked in, taking steps but a few,

With a bag of Taco Bell toys, and Pat Tatopoulos too.

"Centropolis sends greetings," they said with a grin.

Despite my better judgment I let them further come in.

"We bring tidings of Joy, this fine month of May,"

"For our new monster flick opens tomorrow day."

"Independence Day was good," I said, "but better I have seen.

What makes you think you can bring Godzilla to the screen?"

Mr. Devlin stepped forward, simply to speak his mind.

"We've some new ideas and concepts of the radical kind."

"We've met with TOHO and the guy in the rubber suit,

But we want to do things our way so we gave them the boot.

Godzilla will be sleeker and leaner; an asexual creature,

In no way shape or form, like your old double feature."

Tatopoulos smiled and gave Roland a wink,

"The old monster is gone." My heart began to sink;

"Our goal is realism," Dean plainly said.

By the look on their faces, I had plenty to dread.

"A new Godzilla," I jeered, "Surely, you jest."

"With the latest CGI," Pat retorted, "ours will be best."

Their words seemed true, via the rumors I'd heard.

Godzilla with no nuclear breath, oh how absurd!

Dean promised me a good movie, and a sequel too,

And said if I didn't like his work, "Then screw you!"

"The movie is made, 'tis a blockbuster that's sure.

For Jurassic Parkicitis, it's the surefire cure."

"Well, my good gents, our limo awaits.

Classic or New, we've no time for debates."

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"GO SEE MY MOVIE AND YOU'LL KNOW THAT I'M RIGHT!"

Big Jim

"The things he has taught us remain."

Happy Holidays, Everybody!

From: King Death Topic: 'Twas the night before G-day (3 of 10) Date: December 10, 1997

ROFLMAO, BigJim!!!!!!!!!!!! Man, that was great! You should have scripted the film!!! I can picture it now... a Shakespearian haiku GODZILLA!!!!!! Thanks for bringing a BIG HUGE SMILE to this ever getting leary/weary G-Fan for my B-Day tomorrow.

Happy Holidays to you all!!!!

From: Goji101 Topic: 'Twas the night before G-day (4 of 10) Date: December 10, 1997

So, check this out: (sung to the tune of the Dreidel Song)

Goji Goji Goji

Made out of CGI

And when the G-Fans see him

They'll either laugh or cry!

Who's Going?

From: Ugli jim Date: 02/02/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Who's going from this newsgroup? Just curious. I'm going, of course.

Jim Figurski

From: Rob Dagg Date: 02/02/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

See you there, Jim! It's gonna be fun watching the Tri-Star movie with you and hearing you cuss throughout the movie! *LOL* :)

Rob Dagg (who somehow thinks the Tri-Star GODZILLA airing will be a MYSTERY SCIENCE 3000 *live* experience)

From: Reaper G Date: 02/02/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Ask around -- somebody attending G-CON might have a home-made Crow and Tom Servo! <g>

Reaper G

From: Ugli jim Date: 02/02/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I'll buy the popcorn, Rob, as long as I'm not broke from the G-items I have to buy! (^_^)

Jim Figurski

From: Thomas Fitch Date: 02/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I would say that I'm going but you already know that. I think.

Hey. Is anybody gonna make those great name tags for people from this news group again this year?

From: UNGCC Date: 02/04/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

You can count on it!

I wasn't going to post the offer about G-CON nametags until April, but hey, since you brought it up, go ahead and send me your requests. I will, of course, post reminders...Lets beat the NY show in a.m.m attendance this year!

Todd - I'll hold on to your tag until I see you this year!

Mark "Celebrating 3 years of G-CON name tagging excellence"

From: Alan Winterrowd Date: 02/05/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I will be there, sans wife and kids this year, but ready to compare the brands of Kaiju Blood!!

From: Gorosaurus Date: 02/05/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I should be going....wait a minute: did I already post that I was going??? Whoah! Amnesia!

WHO ARE ALL OF YOU STRANGE PEOPLE!?!?!?!?!?!?!????!!!!!?!?!?!?

== Keith Stevens

From: Ugli jim Date: 02/05/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Maybe this time I'll actually be able to meet you in person....that is, as long as the Cosmic Pork permits it....

Jim Figurski

From: Sean Linkenback Date: 02/11/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I was just told in a personal e-mail by Steve Zivanich that he will be attending G-CON in May. I would say that makes this show a must-attend item. Just thought you all would like to know.

Sean -- Visit us at: http://www.godzillatoy.com

From: RobM78 Date: 03/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

The Radisson says that they are out of rooms for G-CON as of today.

From: TwoZbar Date: 03/03/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

There's no way that the Radisson is completely booked. I'll give a call over to John Roberto and have him look into it but I have a feeling that what happened was you called the Radisson and tried to reserve a room without telling them that you were going to attend G-CON. The Radisson basically reserves all the rooms for the convention until May 1st, so if someone tries to reserve a room but doesn't state that they are attending G-CON, they are told that the hotel is booked. When you call the Radisson, be sure to tell them that you are attending G-CON or else you won't get the special room rate either. You can reach the Radisson at (847) 364-7600.

- Jim C.

From: Denstrick Date: 03/05/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

This is incorrect. I called and reserved my room last night.

Anyone know what time the Friday night screening of GODZILLA is scheduled for? Due to the holiday weekend, I'm unable to get the day off work and will have to fly up to Chicago that afternoon. Also, I'm assuming a shuttle will be available to and from the screening?

Any info would be appreciated.

Dennis

From: Neurocopulator Date: 04/12/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

It is still up in the air about whether I will make G-CON this May or not. In case I'm able to work something out, could anyone here use an extra room-mate to help bring the cost down for everyone, including myself?

From: Dreadstar Date: 04/21/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I am trying to meet new freinds at the G-CON this year. The last time I was there was 1996 and I met the owners of Chaos Comics. (They're cool people.) I am flying in on Friday and I'll arrive at about 1:15 pm. What time are people arriving so perhaps we can do something earlier in the day?

Hope to hear from some of you.

From: Tom Roberto Date: 04/25/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Dreadstar:

Here is the schedule for Friday night:

Advanced registration check-in begins at 6:00PM in the Chardonnay Room. All three special guests will be on hand for the registration. Around 7:30pm, we will board a bus which will take us to the local theater to see Tri-Star's Godzilla. Afterwards, the bus will return everyone to the hotel. Please note: the Friday night registration and special screening of the Tri-Star film is for advanced weekend ticket holders only which must be ordered by May 20th so we may arrange the proper number of tickets for the movie. If you're not coming for the weekend but plan on just staying for one day, don't worry. While you won't be able to come with the group to the screening, you will be able to hang out with Satsuma and Nakajima before we leave for the movie. If it turns out that the film is not released by the time of the convention, we have already come up with a contingency plan but I'll refrain from posting it until we learn whether the film will be released or not.

Hope this is helpful. See you at the convention.

John Rocco Roberto

Daikaiju Enterprises and Productions

From: Alan Winterrowd Date: 04/27/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I have a room reservation for the May CON. I would like to use my money to buy Godzilla stuff, not pay for an extra bed. If anyone would like to split the cost with me, drop me a line. I have the room for Friday and Saturday night. I would prefer someone who will be there both nights but any cost splitting would be great.

From: Dreadstar Date: 05/12/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

My friend had to cancel going to G-CON this year and we were both going to split the cost of the room. If anyone is interested in sharing a room to cut costs so we can buy more G-Stuff...drop me some mail. I will arrive in Chicago on Friday at about 1pm.

Later,

Ron

From: Verhoef Date: 05/13/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I need to know where G-CON is! Please help! I am a newish fan. Well, one who has never gone to a CON before.

Mothra

From: Eric & Barbara Davidson Date: Fri, 22 May 1998 To: beldri - Brian Eldridge, Gertrude Smith

I'm not hard-core. You need to meet Gertrude. She goes to all the conventions and last year she met the 2 men who played Godzilla in all the TOHO movies. And she built a G costume that looked real :)

G-CON Schedule

From: Joel Delman Date: 05/12/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Hi. Has any schedule of times/events been posted for G-CON? I'm probably only going to be able to go for a day (at most) so I'd like to know what's going on, what time on-site registration starts, etc.

-- Best Regards,

Joel

From: Gertrude Smith Date: 05/12/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Bookmark G-CON '98 ONLINE! http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html for all the latest news and information as it is received.

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/13/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

G-CON is being held May 23-24 at the Radisson Hotel in Arlington Heights, IL. For more info, call 718-253-8649.

- Jim C.

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/13/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

A full schedule for G-CON '98 will be posted here within the next few days and on the official G-CON '98 ONLINE! website at: http://www.inteleco.com/gproject/gcon98/index.html

Registration begins at 10am on Saturday. The special guests will each have a Q & A session (as well as sign autographs) on both days of the convention. If you have to pick only one day, Saturday is the best day to attend; it's generally much busier and more exciting.

- Jim C.

From: Gorosaurus Date: 05/18/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Well, I finally asked the question. Could somebody give me the G-CON '98 schedule? I couldn't find it on Daikaiju Enterprises web page or on Aaron's site.

== Keith Stevens

From: Gertrude Smith Date: 05/18/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster, alt.fan.godzilla, alt.tv.sentai

>>>FRIDAY (6:00am CST - 7:00pm CST???) 1:00pm CET - 2am??? EURO/G-CON

FRIDAY 6:00pm-12:00am

6:00pm Advanced Weekend Ticket Registration

6:30pm The G-CON Pre-convention Party

7:30pm (8:30pm?) board the bus

9:00pm (10:00pm?) Tri-Star's GODZILLA

11:00pm (12:00am?) bus back to the hotel

>>> SATURDAY (4:00am CST - 7:00pm CST???) 11:00am CET - 2am??? Euro/G-CON

SATURDAY - Bourdeaux Room

10:00 General Registration opens (Dealer Room opens)

10:30 Opening Ceremonies with John Rocco Roberto

Video Greeting from Akira Ifukube

11:00 The Daimajin Chronicles with Keith Sewell

11:45 Haruo Nakajima Q & A

12:30 Toho In America with Brian Culver & Robert Biondi

1:15 Yoshio Tsuchiya Q & A

2:00 Yoshihiko Shibata (Ifukube presentation)

2:45 Kenpachiro Satsuma Q & A

3:30 The Monster of All Panel Discussions

4:45 Film Presnetation: GAPPA

5:00 Autograph Session begins in Parlor Room 101

6:00 Dinner Break

8:00 Costume Party featuring Jay Johnson & the Southern Rock All-Stars

SATURDAY - Chardonnay Room

11:15 Kaiju Kids Story Korner

12:00 Kaiju Fan Club Meeting (Chicago area club)

12:45 Kids Kaiju Koloring Kontest

1:30 Steve Ryfle

2:15 Alt.Movies.Monster Panel Discussion

3:00 The Trading Card Challenge

3:45 Trading Card Forum

4:15 Fanzine Central

5:00 Kaiju Sound Effects Contest

>>> SUNDAY (4:00am CST - 6:00am) 11:00am - 1:00pm CET Euro/G-CON closes

SUNDAY - Bourdeaux Room

10:00 Registration opens (Dealer Room opens)

10:30 Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot Retrospective with Keith Sewell

11:15 Haruo Nakajima Q & A

12:00 The Kaiju Film Contest

1:00 Yoshio Tsuchiya Q & A

1:45 TriStar’s GODZILLA Panel Discussion

2:30 Kenpachiro Satsuma Q & A

3:15 The Future of G-CON

4:00 Film Presentation (Autograph Session begins with guests in Parlor Room 110)

5:00 Convention closes

+++ Godzilla Blood Party +++

SUNDAY - Chardonnay Room

11:00 Kids Kaiju Koloring Kontest II

11:45 Kaiju Video Review

12:30 Kaiju Kids Story Korner

1:15 What's Up with KAIJU-FAN

2:00 Godzilla vs. the Internet with Gertrude Smith

2:45 Trading Card Challenge

3:15 Trading Card Forum

G-CON Costume Contest

From: ULTRAkid Date: 05/16/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Anyone from A.M.M. or someone they know plan on making a costume for the G-CON costume contest? My friend will have one. Anyone else? Thanks and see you there!

-Rob D.

From: Gorosaurus Date: 05/16/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I'm thinking of doing the Giant Ray Firing Croissant next year..j/k. Anybody else consider doing one each year, but always decide not to?

== Keith Stevens

CLUB DAIKAIJU: Did They Close Their Store?

From: LEGION2286 Date: 05/28/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Can anyone please tell me if Club Daikaiju is still in business? I've been calling them for the last two weeks trying to make an order but the phone just rings.I've visited their website regulary and they still update it. Can someone tell me if they have new business hours and what would be the best time to call since I only make money orders. I know they go to conventions also but I thought they would still have someone at their store.

From a man who needs his Japanese Monster Merchandise

Thank You,

LEGION

From: Denstrick Date: 05/28 /1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

It's called G-CON.

Seriously, I don't know how Jim Cirronella runs his business but I think when Jim's away, nobody's there to answer the phone. But I'm sure Jim himself can answer your question.

From: Legion Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

I hope he's still in business.I just ordered a t-shirt.

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/29/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

Denstrick wrote: > >It's called G-CON.

We were closed while we were away at G-CON. Even though the convention itself was only two days, it takes us the better part of a week plus to truck our set-up out to Chicago and back. We had a message on our voice mail explaining all of this while we were gone and which days we would be back and open for business.

>Seriously, I don't know how Jim Cirronella runs his business, but I think when Jim's away, nobody's there to answer the phone.

Right you are. Not anymore there isn't. I had to can the last person that I hired to answer the phones for being rude to the customers (among other things). I guess good help is hard to find. Now it is just me and my wife, so I guess that really makes Club Daikaiju a "mom and pop" operation.

>But I'm sure Jim himself can answer your question.

When I'm awake and not selling Beanie Babies, that is.

- Jim C.

From: TwoZbar Date: 05/30/1998 Newsgroups: alt.movies.monster

LEGION2286 wrote:

> >So what's the best time to call to make an order and will you still have the same store hours?

Same as always - 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday. Cheryl (Mrs. Daikaiju) answers in the mornings and I'm usually there in the afternoon. If you get the voice mail during that time, it's because we've run out to the post office or something. If that happens, leave a message and we'll call back.

You can also e-mail us.

- Jim C.