Tag Archives: game

Indiana Jones Pinball

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I love pinball.  The lights, the sounds, the graphics – all so exciting.  I can take or leave arcade games (and I don’t even own a single home gaming console), but there’s something irresistible about playing pinball.

It’s just so damn cool!  I mean, The Who didn’t write a song called “Space Invaders Wizard”, did they?

Not that I’m any good at it, oh no.  Tommy I ain’t.  But it’s fun to have a game every now and again.

Sadly, however, pinball machines seem to be disappearing from sight.  My usual silver ball haven – Rhyl – which has several amusement arcades, used to have a handful of pinball tables.  Now I don’t know of any pinball machines in the town, and some of the arcades are shutting down too.

It seems that the lure of the table is no match for their more modern arcade game competitors.  Pinball is going the way of What the Butler Saw machines and Punch and Judy.  Though bizarrely, the penny waterfalls and fruit machines are still in rude health.  Why, I just don’t know.

The Indiana Jones table shown here was photographed five years ago, in the amusement arcade at the end of Llandudno pier.  By 2017, it wasn’t even plugged in, it just stood there like the sort of forgotten relic that Indy would go in search of.

This year, it had disappeared altogether.

A real shame – it was a cool game that had great playability, as well as looking fantastic.  Check out the ball launcher for a start – it’s shaped like Indy’s pistol, and when you fire it, it makes a gunshot sound!

My quest for pinball machines will continue.  I know they’re out there, waiting to be rediscovered.

MCM Birmingham Comic Con 2018 – Part 1

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NEC Birmingham

24/25 November 2018

Regular readers will know that a visit to the NEC in Birmingham for MCM Comic Con is on the cards at least once a year.  I missed the earlier event as the gang and I were at Sci Fi Weekender, however we were able to make the November Con.

My intrepid companions and I arrived at the massive site and after parking up, wandered down to the event hall.  Already there were dozens of cosplayers around, showing their awesome costumes.

Jareth
Winter Soldier
Hulk and Spidey
Harley and Ivy
Batman and Alfred

After a chill in Wetherspoons, we made our way towards the hall.  Thankfully we didn’t have long to wait before we could enter.  This year we had regular tickets rather than early bird, so although this gave us later entry we had no problems.

Inside Comic Con, the aisles were busy and we formulated a plan of attack on how best to navigate our way around the stalls.  There were hundreds of people there, so not always easy to get to see some of the merchandise.  With a little patience and a bit of skill we were able to get a good look around.

Freddie
Shaun
Gamora
Dengar
Tony

The guests this time weren’t particularly inspiring – it seemed like all the best stars would be at Wales Comic Con the following week!  We were happy to spend the day viewing the displays and stalls to see what amazing paraphernalia we could afford.

Sadly, despite buying some fantastic items, there’s never enough money.  Oh, the damage I could do with a lottery win.  Seriously, there were dozens of action figures (for a start) that I could have give a home to.

Indy and Catwoman
Cammy

Besides the joys of spending hard earned cash, there were of course the magnificent cosplayers out in full force.  A mind boggling array of characters, some well known and some more obscure, were to be seen.

Due to various organisational issues, I had forgotten to bring along my trusty Canon camera.  There’s always something, right?  Forgetting to bring the camera was a new low though!  Never mind, I was able to take photos with my phone – and the cosplay superstars were just as friendly and happy to pose as ever.

Cool
Spidey and Supergirl
Lovely couple
Logan
Wonder Woman and Thor

My thanks to all those who posed for a pic, much appreciated!  You were all great.

After hours on our feet wandering round, wishing for the cash to buy more stuff, the day was finally over.  After another Wetherspoons break, it was back in the car for the long drive home.  Another great day out – looking forward to the next one.

Ivy
Psylocke

Thanks to Adam for driving and Greeny and Kurt for the company.

There are numerous pics of cosplayers here, feel free to let me know your favourites,  Or if you know the people in the [pics, please let them know.

Finally, i any one in the pics would rather they didn’t appear here, just let me know.

That’s all for Part 1 – stay tuned for Part 2.

Pennywise and chums
Fairies
The Doctor is in
Dracula
Skeletor

MCM Birmingham Comic Con 2017 – The Director’s Cut

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NEC Birmingham

18/19 November 2017

Over the course of 2017, I’ve visited quite a few Comic Conventions.  MCM at the NEC, Birmingham was, as always, fantastic.  I’ve already published two big, chunky blogs about my visit in November – however I had a few pics left over.

I’d like to present the final part of MCM Birmingham, with a few extra photos, for your enjoyment.

No waffle from me, just superstars doing what they do best. Just one last time to finish the year off…

There you go, all over for another year.

All the best for 2018 from Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub!

MCM Birmingham Comic Con 2017 – Part 2

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NEC Birmingham

18/19 November 2017

Here’s Part 2 of my trip to MCM Comic Con in Birmingham recently.  I took plenty of photos – far too many for one blog post – which meant that a second chapter was required!

As I said last time, there were dozens and dozens of Cosplayers at this event.  They covered characters from many different genres, be it superheroes, science fiction, fantasy and horror.

Loki
Awesome
X-23
Arrow and Flash
New super team

There were DC and Marvel characters; horror monsters and fantasy heroes; Disney Princesses and Star Wars characters.  You name it, you would probably have seen a costume from it.

From well known characters to the obscure; from old classics to the latest creations, there were fantastic cosplay examples of all types.  Some resembled totally authentic movie replicas and some were novel, original reinterpretations of the familiar.

Holly and the Ivy
Disney brilliance

All of the people that I photographed were, as always, incredibly gracious and happy to have their photo taken.  My thanks to every single one of them.

These photos are a tribute to the talent and craft, research and dedication that these people put into their hobby.

Riddle me this
Walking Deaad
Black Widow
Festive Harley
Magic and wonder

Is there anything else to say about the day?  Well I wish I had won the lottery, so I could spend a ton of money on all the goodies I saw.  Books, comics, magazines, DVDs, toys, posters – simply too much stuff to list or discuss here.

I was lucky to pick up Grandpa Munster Funko Pop for a nice cheap price (he can keep Lily Munster company on my shelf).  Unfortunately I couldn’t afford the Bride of Frankenstein Funko though – she was far too expensive.

Stunning Catwoman
Perfect Harley

The day was finished off nicely with the Q&A session with Anthony Daniels.  If you need me to tell you who he is, what are you doing reading this blog?!  I’ll tell you anyway.  Anthony Daniels is, of course, the golden worry pot C-3PO in all the Star Wars movies.

Mr Daniel’s Q&A was highly entertaining, covering many stories from his experiences in a galaxy far, far away.  His anecdotes were both amusing and enlightening, and his delivery kept the audience enthralled.  Sheer gold.

Classic Catwoman
Wheres Roger?
Fantastic
Powerful
Awesome Harley

At the end, we set off on our journey home several pounds lighter (cash wise) and having had a great day out.  MCM Comic Con Birmingham is highly recommended to all.  The next one is March 2018 – hopefully see you there!

The MCM Birmingham website is here.

Looks like a Part 3 might be required for this Comic Con – quite a few more pics to post.  Stay tuned…

Silk Spectre
Moana
TChalla
Dr Quinzel

Sci-fi Weekender 2016 – The Director’s Cut

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Sci Fi Weekender 17th – 20th March 2016

Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli

It’s nearly that time again – the time for Sci-Fi Weekender at Hafan Y Mor, North Wales.  So as per previous years, here are a few bonus photos from last years festivities.  For some reason or other, these shots never made the original two part blog write up last year.  My apologies for that, but here are the best of what’s left.

Cool!
Awesome
Beautiful
Fab
Jedi and Jawas

For those with memories wiped or destroyed by pan galactic gargle blasters, Sci-Fi Weekender is a gathering every March for all things science fiction and fantasy related.  There are special celebrity guests, discussion panels, interviews, workshops, gaming and more.  Not to mention plenty of entertainment and partying.

If this is your kind of thing, there’s no better place to be than Pwllheli, where the Hafan Y Mor caravan park hosts this superb event.

The main highlight of the festivities are the people who attend.  Travelling from all over known galaxy, there are some wonderful people to meet and a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Troop shot
Rogue Trooper shot
My Little Pony
Group shot
Han and Princess

Of course the cosplay on display is inspiring, eccentric and hugely creative.  Whether it’s a costume that’s taken hours (or days) to make or just a fun nod to a random, unsung background character, the inventiveness and level of in depth knowledge to be seen is spectacular.

So here are a few more photos of the brave, intrepid souls who let their creative prowess and geek pride shine.  Every one of them a star.

Enjoy the photos – though be warned: they’re of varying quality…

Girls just wanna have fun

Max!
Pull my finger
Terminator
Temple of Doom
Dark Jedi

DVD Lucky Dip

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So Ben the Swede was having a party at his house.  He’s returned from the Big Smoke and had actually found a house to live in, as opposed to a cardboard box.

Mike had been selling loads of “quality items” on Ebay and was now selling batches of DVDs.  Bundles of discs, twenty five or so, that he didn’t want anymore.  Some good titles too.

As a bit of a jape, the idea was proposed for Mike to bring a load of his DVDs to Ben’s to sell.  He brought a large bag containing fifty five films.  The proposal was: each of the party goers would pay one pound a go to try their luck in the Luck Dip bag.  No peaking; just reach your hand in and pick your prize at random.  Just like at the school fair when you were a kid.

Here’s what we won:

  • Ben – Resident Evil, Deliverance
  • Jamie – Role Models
  • Janet – Deja Vu, War of the Worlds
  • Rob – Star Trek: First Contact, Body of Lies
  • Terry – Romeo and Juliet
  • Natalie – Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Withnail & I
  • Me – Requiem for a Dream, Rambo: First Blood

All good fun, if you’re a nerd like me who likes films and buying junk.  Mike made quite a chunk of cash and still had plenty of discs to sell on Ebay.  There were a few great films picked up for next to nothing, and it added a fun little game to the house party.

There was a certain amount of tension when you paid your pound and were hoping to get a good film.  Sometimes we were lucky, sometimes not.

If you’re ever selling your DVD collection – or CDs, books whatever – why not try a Lucky Dip?  And don’t forget to invite me.

The Best Man’s Speech

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Cathryn & Jarrod’s Wedding

9th November 2013

A few weeks ago, I was honoured to be Best Man for my friend Jarrod at his wedding to Cathryn.  For the sake of posterity, I thought I would publish my speech on this blog.

What follows is the final draft of the speech, though some parts were embellished or ad libbed on the day.  In particular, there was no script for the Generation Game section towards the end.  I rehearsed this part solo and winged it on the day.  Thanks to superb support it worked well.

The concept of the game was to replicate the conveyor belt memory game from the television show, using various items that would have some sort of recognition for the groom.  Obviously there was no real conveyor belt…

Feedback was very positive, for which I was grateful.  The whole day was a real success and all the guests enjoyed it – a truly memorable occasion.

So thanks again Jaz and Cathryn – and all the best for your future together.

The Speech

Hi, I’m Al, and it’s my great honour to be Best Man for Jarrod at his wedding to Cathryn.

It’s a great privilege to be chosen for this role.  I’ve know both the Bride and Groom for many years – in fact, it was me who introduced them!

Jarrod and I went to school together, and have had lots of laughs over the years with an array of comedy geniuses and ne’er do wells – many of whom are here today.

There have been Posse Nights in Chester; a 24 hour Carry On Filmathon; and trips to Berlin and Barmouth.  We’ve been car surfing at 60 miles an hour down country lanes, and created a very popular magazine to embarrass and ridicule our friends.  There have been nights out at the Tiv in Buckley to see Voulez Vouz – an Abba tribute band; Barry Coppack’s stag do in Amsterdam and Jarrod’s own stag do at Rewind Festival.

Also, for a time we did live together.  But not in that way.  No offence, Baz!

Yes, Jarrod was my lodger at my home in Ewloe.  So I think I’ve got to know Jaz fairly well over the years.  The obsession with all things 1980’s, his sense of humour – he even got me to go and watch his beloved Wrexham FC.

I met Cathryn sometime around 1999, working at TMB in Chester.  A few years later we were working in the same team again.  I’ve always got on well with Cathryn as she’s great fun.  One afternoon, a group of us were returning from a works outing when Cathryn asked the fateful question: “Have any of you lads got any nice, single mates?”

At this point, two names sprang to my mind.  One was, of course, Jarrod.  The other option was a certain silver tongued cavalier who shall remain nameless.  Believe me, that would have been a VERY different wedding, if that had happened…

Luckily for Cathryn she went for Option Number 1, and the rest, as they say, is history.  Cilla Black’s got nothing on me!

At this point I really should thank Cathryn and Jarrod’s parents for all they’ve one to make this day possible.  It’s been fantastic. IMG_2613

And I should also mention the bridesmaids, who look wonderful.  Vanessa and I would like to thank the bride and groom for asking our daughter Eloise to be a bridesmaid.  She looks fantastic as a Princess Bridesmaid, we’re very proud of her!

So here’s a toast to the bridesmaids, thank you for everything you do to make the day special.

Now I really must tell you a story about the groom.  As I mentioned earlier,  there have been numerous adventures I’ve had with Jarrod over the years.  Deciding on one story to tell you hasn’t been easy.  Especially when Cathryn heard about some of the material I was going to use for this speech…

Doing my research for this speech, I happened upon a guide which recommended that stories about the groom should show him in a positive light.  It should be funny, but not derogatory, and add a nice personal touch.

But none of those stories were really all that good, so here’s my favourite:

This takes place back when Jarrod and I were students.  He was in Hull, and I was in Sheffield.  We arranged for Jaz to come to Sheffield for a visit and meet up with a couple of other local lads, Hughey and Neil “The Player” Edwards.

So we all went out for a few drinks round the pubs in Sheffield, before we ended up at the notorious Sheff 1 night club.  I say notorious as it was considered a bit of a meat market.  It was the sort of place that made Desperate & Easy look like Hawarden Women’s Institute.

As the night wore on, the dance floor was busy and we had a few more pints.  We noticed after a while that the group of four had dwindled to three: Jaz was no longer with us.  He didn’t return after half an hour, or even after a full hour.  When he hadn’t returned by the end of the night, we thought he must have got lucky…

The three of us who were left were very happy for him, “Well done Jaz!  Get in, son!”.

Eventually we all went home, still no sign of Jarrod.  It had been a late night and I got home about 3.30 in the morning.  Just as I was getting ready to turn in for the night, the phone rang.  Who was that phoning at four in the morning?  Ridiculous!

I picked up the receiver.  “Al?”  It was Jaz!

“Where did you get to, eh?”  I asked.

“I fell asleep in the toilets.  I’ve just woken up.”

So that was it.  No amorous adventures, Jarrod had just had a few too many and fallen asleep in a filthy nightclub toilet.

Now that story doesn’t say much about Jarrod’s character, but I will say this:

It’s been a pleasure to know Jarrod over the years.  He’s been a great friend and voice of reason in my life.  Jarrod is not only a decent fellow, he’s also intelligent and successful.  His greatest attribute is his sense of humour – as long as I’ve known him Jarrod has always made me laugh.  Sentiments that I’m sure his many other friends gathered here would echo.

Cathryn, you definitely picked the right guy with Jarrod.  He’s a great bloke and I know the two of you have a great future together.

GAME

Please everybody, raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the bride and groom…