April 23, 2005
Story by Jim Lauzonis (Jimsjedi)

LINE, LINES, EVERYWHERE THERE'S LINES!
Another day of lines await all of us at CIII. Today is nuts as hell, and it's only 1:00pm. Everyone is on hand for Saturday's show that includes Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and the man himself, George Lucas. The lines to see George were outrageous. I have heard that people slept outside all night in the rain just to get inside. I did not witness this myself, but it's what I've heard. I was planning on avoiding the chance to see Mr. Lucas in person because of the lines.

So I made my way to the Gentle Giant area and finally got the Exclusive Bust. I then made my way with David (Boba Binks) to the autograph area. I only got a few, but had the chance to meet Ray Park (Darth Maul), Zach Jensen (Kit Fisto), Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing) and Orli Shoshan (Shaak Ti).

I was then going to head back to the hotel to drop some things off, when a Gen Con employee was telling everyone who wants to see George Lucas can go up to the area now. So I jumped at the chance to get in, and I didn't even have to wait in line (lucky me). I did try to take some pictures but the lighting was terrible, so I was just lucky enough to get in. He answered some questions from the audience, that were great at times. One person asked him, if he was stuck on an Island what 3 CDs would he want with him. George said, some Classical music (I can't remember the name), anything from the Beatles, and while he was thinking about the last one, I yelled out, "Anything from Weird Al." This got a good laugh from the crowd, as well as George Lucas himself.

That's all from now. I hope to get more off to you all later today. See ya.

GIVING BACK TO THE FANS
We finally have an updated Sandtroopers photo of some of the team. It's nice to finally put faces with all of those usernames. I do wish that I was able to meet more Troopers, but with all of the lines and frustrations that went along with the amount of time spent in them, played a huge factor in this not happening.

I had the afternoon shift of volunteering at the autograph booth. This time I would be sitting with Jerome Blake (Mas Amedda, Rune Hako, Orn Free Ta). Jerome is another super friendly person, and is ecstatic on having a trilogy behind him. He has appeared in all three Prequels. He also stated that the work on E3 has been the best so far.

While some fans were getting autographs, a few were saying "Thanks for the Hot Chocolate". It turns out that after a night of drinking his favorite Tequila, Jerome and two friends were heading back to their hotel in the early AM of Saturday morning and noticed all of the fans outside the convention center in line to get in to see George Lucas. The weather at the time was in the low 30s and very wet and windy out. Jerome and his friends purchased over 200 cups of Hot Chocolate and gave them out to those in line! The fans in line were so happy about the generosity of him and wanted to say "Thanks" in person. What a complete all around great gesture, to give back when you can. Outstanding. He also stated that he will be a part of the Disney weekend in June, as well as trying to hook up on the Wizard Worlds taking place later this summer, as well as stop in my home area of Boston. Please look for Jerome at any convention and don't pass the chance of meeting a great individual.

By the time the autograph area closed, it was now time for "Celebration at Celebration3". I don't know what others thought of this event, but to me this was nothing but a complete waste of time and money. The event was held from 7:00pm-11:00pm, and I think I lasted no more than 20 minutes. They offered games, prizes, food, and T-Shirts, but guess what, you had to wait in line. I am so sick of lines at this point I quickly made the decision that it was not worth it. There were too many people crammed into a small area, and it was very boring. I don't know how the rest of the event went, and to tell you the truth I really don't care. It was now time to do some drinking.

I made plans to meet up with the Silva family for a late dinner (Boba Fence, Sand Snipe, Bebe Fett, and RJP... yeah you know me!). Also, the Kelso family met up with us as well (Chris and Pam) Chris aka Kelsith from TheJawa. We had a lot of fun. Boba Fence with his share of shots, as myself with a tab full of Bud Lights. The alcohol was going down great. We all really did have a great time. I do hope we all can stay in touch.

PHOTO GALLERY