Saber Idol 2008...

Saber Idol has exceeded our wildest expectations. What started out as a idea for a very entertaining show has now turned into a possible franchise and certainly a life altering event. I couldn't be happier!!

Rob Metcalfe had a clear vision when he thought of the idea of this grand Lightsaber competition that would surpass anything that has ever been seen onstage at Fandom conventions. It has been with perseverance and grace that Saber Idol has finally come to fruition.

Saber Idol went public at Connooga convention on February 23rd, 2008 at 5pm when the Centennial theater filled with 200-300 people. Congoers enjoyed the banter among the Judges and Host. Who were these 4? The Judges are a very eclectic group which include myself (stage name Tanthos Jorlac), Jessica Seay (Jade Starlighter- the fan's Judge) and Adrian Havens (the Simon Cowell character) who is Rob's saber master. Rob was right when he picked us to judge as the chemistry shows from the start. Who was the Host? None other than Rob Metcalfe, the brains behind the Saber Idol concept.

After an hour and half competition, the Saber Idol Champion was crowned. Christopher Shore became the first Champion in a long line of future Saber Idol Champions that I will help crown at subsequent events. Congrats Christopher, you certainly deserved it!!

A big thank you to our Guest Judges for the final round of competition. Felix Sila, Suzi Lorraine and Donovan Wigley were a great addition to our judges table and the fans received their comments well.

We also couldn't have pulled this off without our Saber Idol staff that included Terry and Beanie on Security and stage setup, Todd and Orion on lighting help, Darla on stage help and vote counting, Basil on backstage wrangling and contestant help, Kathy Peters- your continued support and camera work is always spot on and we thank you, Radio Cult for being so supportive and breaking down their set and stage in time for us to set up and various other Connooga staff and friends who gave their time to Saber Idol.
I must single out 4 people who made Saber Idol the ultimate success that it was.
BJ... you far surpassed our greatest expectations. You succeeded when others dropped the ball. I apologize for taking you for granted as I think you have found a gift that we wish to continue honing at future Saber Idol events. You are the Saber Idol Stage Manager and I thank you!
Adrian... you are the ultimate Judge and our table wouldn't be the same without you! Your expertise with combat skills has allowed you to be a very discerning voice for contestants and a truthful vision for all. I appreciate your friendship to Rob and myself and your continued wisdom on how to proceed with this giant that is awakening called Saber Idol.
Jessica... your beauty and friendship is like a breath of fresh air to all. The fans certainly adore you and we couldn't be any more lucky to have you as a Judge. Your camaraderie instills calm and a sense of care free fun that is much appreciated. Your fiance Randy is certainly blessed to have you as his future wife and we hope that you can continue on this journey called Saber Idol after the wedding has come and gone. You might need to bring Randy as your personal security guard next time to Saber Idol as big as this is getting. LOL
Rob Metcalfe... your vision and perseverance payed off didn't it my friend? I can't believe how big this is getting with the T-shirts and now fan sites. We can only go up from here!! I appreciate your confidence in allowing me to be your Co-Producer and the trust you show in me in picking me to be a Saber Idol judge. I value your friendship and what it means to me, Pam and Daniel. This journey is going to be wild and I wouldn't want to be on it with anyone else but you. Thanks friend!!

A final BIG THANK YOU to our Sponsors. Of course, Connooga. You believed in us and gave us the chance to perform this massive undertaking at your first year con and it has truly changed our lives because of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We shook on a lifetime commitment and we meant it when we did. Black20.com you also believed and trusted in the concept of Saber Idol and from a few emails and a couple of phone conversations, you entrusted us with a portion of your genius that cannot be found anywhere else. Thanks Black20...you guys rock!!
Well that's about it. Rob had a vision and a great group of friends to help him pull it off. Where will this take us? It's ultimately in God's hands as he directs our destination. I put my trust in him to show us the way and keep us safe. All that I do I give to Christ who strengthens me.

Saber Idol... Go Big or Go Home!!

Connooga 2008...

Well, what can I say? Connooga finished this past weekend of Feb 21-24 and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. The con probably saw about 800-900 people which is fantastic for a first year con.

Rob and I really feel close to the people and organizers of this great convention. We started helping with this con almost a year ago and it's definitely been a very satisfying ride to see this con come to fruition.

From the first moment that my partner and I arrived, we were so excited to see what this con would bring to the table as far as conventions go. We had been to meetings and supported what the staff of Connooga had prepared for the congoers.

The Choo Choo has a lovely lobby and we gladly checked in with great anticipation for the start of the con. We couldn't even sleep till about5am. 8:30am came early and we arose to start planning our day. I must admit that the con was layed out over a HUGE complex that is the Choo Choo which did complicate going to and from certain events, but that is the best Connooga can do with what they are handed in having the con at the Choo Choo. Luckily, shuttles were running to different areas of the hotel and Rob and I took advantage of it regularly.

We enjoyed the variety of vendors and the many different panels and seminars. Connooga was very open to being "by the fans- for the fans" and allowed Rob to host 2 different saber training classes which saw about 10 people each class. Of course, the greatest show at Connooga was Saber Idol, but that's for another blog!

The registration lines were short, Connooga TV was great, the fans and staff were awesome, Security rocked, the celebs were out of this world, Radio Cult ruled the stage and I will always go to Connooga with a smile on my face and a bounce to my step knowing that the fans will be well taken care of at this Chattanooga based con.

Connooga 2009... here I come!!

Blackberry...

Well, I have joined the ranks of a BlackBerry owner.
I am so excited to have a "smartphone". This one really shines and really compliments my daily life. The Pearl is a nifty device that has it all.

I also now have texting, so if you know my number give me a shout!!

New Glasses...

Well after several years of the same Eyeglasses, I finally got a new pair today!! They are a black pair of Ducks Unlimited and a very stylish!!

They go great with my Baldness!