Ebertfest, Day Three: ALMOST FAMOUS

I woke up at 7:30, already deciding that, while I would go to the first panel this morning, I would find someplace to take a nap for the second one. At least I'll be able to get some sleep tonight, as I won't be going to any panels tomorrow, and the first film is at …

Ebertfest, Day Two: ROGER & ME

I just missed the shuttle this morning, arriving in the lobby at about 8:30. Still jet-lagged and tired, I had to wait until 8:50 or so until the shuttle returned. At least the weather is getting warmer, and it's sunnier than it was yesterday. The meet-and-greet was at the Illini Union, but I had no …

Ebertfest, Day One: THE ARRIVAL

Note: Due to privacy concerns, I am using Twitter names for some of the people mentioned here. We woke almost as one to the sounds of the morning, stirring from our mats to greet the day dressed in clothing wrinkled and sweaty from the night before. After putting back my mat, I went in the …

Ebertfest, Prelude: THE TERMINAL

 I left in the wee hours of the morning on April 26th, having celebrated my 32nd birthday the day before by packing. Arriving at Sea-Tac Airport at about 7:15, I got to experience the wonders of the full body scanners at the airport. Contrary to what the TSA is telling people, almost everyone at Sea-Tac …