New York Anime Festival/ New York Comicon: An Amazing Experience For All Fans of Anime, Comics, Graphic Novels, and Cosplay

WELCOME TO THE NEW YORK COMICON AND NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL 2010!

For the first time ever, the New York Anime Festival and New York Comicon held a combined event at the Javits Center in New York City.

It turned out to be a brilliant move! The 2nd day of the annual three day event was completely sold out with online ticket holders lined up from the main level to the lower level and around the block; no easy feat to do considering the massive size of the 675,000 square feet convention center. However, the wait would be well worth it to enjoy the vendors, comic publishers, artists, celebrities, performers, and fans that filled the Javits Center to brimming.

Cosplay is big at Comicon! (No, this is NOT me!)

Even before you enter the various halls containing the exhibitions, panel rooms, main floor attractions, and "Artist's Alley", you get a taste of the excitement as fans rush around and photograph other fans dressed up as their favorite anime and comics characters. This is called cosplay, and it is huge at the comic and anime conventions. And the New York Comicon is perfectly timed at the beginning of October for those young-at-heart Trick-or-Treaters who pick up or construct their costumes early to come dressed up for the day.

Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by representatives of past, present, and future classics from the world of comics, anime, video games, and sci-fi, such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, Pokemon, Naruto, Trigun, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Avatar: the Last Airbender (No, not James Cameron's Pocahontas rip-off!).

This is one of the greatest things about comic and anime conventions; fans get to see or get to bring their favorite fictional characters to life and share their passion with thousands of others who understand their passion.

For the first time in all my years of attending comic conventions (mostly before I graduated college, went to medical school, and started a family), I spent more time in the panel discussion rooms than on the main floor buying comics or waiting to get my comics signed by my favorite artists. Having weened off of my comic book habit that started early on in life, I returned to this comic convention with a new perspective on comic collectors, otakus (anime fans), trekkies (star trek fans), cosplay (dressing up as comic or anime character), and comic fandom, in general.

DR. KATIE MONNIN

Comics have emerged from their parents' basement and become a mainstream literary form. Graphic novels are now a part of some middle school, high school, and college curricula. During the panel called "Graphic Novels: Practical Strategies for the Secondary ELA Classroom", Dr. Katie Monnin gave a humorous and empassioned talk about how teachers can properly use graphic novels to help their students learn English and language arts concepts and how teachers should teach graphic novels as a literary form.

Comics now rule the mainstream media with TV shows like Heroes and Smallville returning for several seasons due to strong viewership and with movies like Spider-man, Iron Man, and The Dark Knight dominating the box office. Most recently, a little movie called Scott Pilgrim vs. the World continued the mainstream dominance of comic inspired movies and, again, pushed the cinematic effects to new heights of innovativation. A panel called "The History of Superhero Movies- Past, Present, and Future" examined the evolution. There is no doubt that these days, "Comics Rule!"

COMIC AND ANIME FANS ARE PASSIONATE AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE!

The main floor and Artist's Alley were no less crowded, ...and no less fun! It was more of a struggle than I have ever remembered to get around to all the exhibitors, vendors, artists, and celebs because of the huge crowd that attended. However, despite this fact, there was never any pushing and shoving nor other examples of rude behavior. Costumed fans are really cool about having their photo taken if you politely ask them! It was just a large group of great people united by a common passion for comics and anime.

I did not spend much time on the main floor or Artist's Alley, however, I did end up buying one graphic novel and getting it signed by my favorite husband and wife team of comic book cover artists today, Terry and Rachel Dodson. They were fantastic to meet and talk to, and they were incredibly humble given the fame that their talent has garnered them in the world of comics. I hope they continue to share the gift of their artwork with the world for as long as their love and passion for it is strong. For examples of Terry and Rachel's incredible artwork, check out The Bombshellter Website and Blog!

As the New York Comicon's Spotlight Guest of Honor, Stan Lee, would say, Excelsior! Our experience at the New York Comicon was "Fan"-tastic, and we are making plans for next year! For an amazing time, support and attend a comicon in your area!

New York Anime Festival
www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYAF/

New York Comicon
www.newyorkcomiccon.com

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York, 10001
(212) 216-2000

Mountain Creek Riding Stables: Enjoyable Equestrian Fun For Inexperienced Riders

Howdy, Pardner!

Ever dream of being a cowboy? Well, here is your chance to try out riding into action or riding off into the sunset!

MOUNTAIN CREEK RIDING STABLES, POCONOS, PENNSYLVANIA

Mountain Creek Riding Stables in Cresco, Pennsylvania runs a fantastic hour long riding tour mainly geared toward casual and inexperienced riders. As an inexperienced rider that managed to draw one of the more rambunctious horses in the bunch, I can say that this tour is very manageable for the first-time rider.

The experience begins with getting you onto your steed (not difficult at all with the help of the friendly and capable staff and the assistance of a step stool that they have everyone use). After you are up, they ask you if you have any riding experience (now that you can no longer change your mind...), and if you are a first-time rider like myself, they give you a short tutorial about how to get your horse to go, stop, go left, and go right. Then it is off you go!

You take to the trail in single file, and begin the trail by crossing a flowing creek. The hour ride is filled with an enjoyable time of bantering with your family and friends during the leisurely ride, mostly making fun of each other's horse and how they may or may not live up to their respective names. My daughter, 9 years old (and smarter than the rest of the world, by her measure) pointed out how my wife's horse, Turbo, was actually Turbo-Eating Machine, and how my horse, Flash, should be redesignated Slow-poke.

The horses are pretty good about doing the follow-the-leader thing and staying in line, however, occasionally, the horses will stray in order to get a tasty bit of greenery from the side of the trail. And if you are not willing to take control of your horse right away, he may even pursue the tasty-looking bit of greenery well off the trail! There is no track here; you are in control.

I found the experience to be a great first experience horseback riding because the horses are very tame, yet you will have a chance to learn quite a bit about riding in the short period of the tour. Mountain Creek Riding Stables also provides you with a really comfortable environment and an overall great experience.

The most valuable bit of advice that the guide shared with me was to make sure to stand up when the horse goes into a trot. Wise words considering I was able to sit without any pain the rest of the day!

Mountain Creek Riding Stables
GPS Coordinates: N 41 degrees 7.645, W 75 degrees 18.529
or 3 miles east of Mount Pocono on Rte 940
(570) 839-8725 for reservations

Jubilee Restaurant: Lives Up To The Name "The Breakfast King"

JUBILEE RESTAURANT, POCONO PINES, PENNSYLVANIA

Always up for a new breakfast experience, my wife and I were excited at the prospect of a new place to try at the recommendation of Keith, the general manager of Woodfield Manor in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. He has lived in the Mount Pocono area for several years while managing the charming property, and of course, he had the inside scoop about where the locals enjoyed Sunday brunch. Both my wife and I were extremely excited about the brunch experience that awaited us!

The place was a short, 5 mile drive out of Mount Pocono on Route 940. Just when the half occupied strip malls and commercial offices seemed to disappear and you are questioning whether you passed it, you pass the Mountaintop Country Inn, and then you see it on the right. We could not contain our excitement over the nearly overflowing parking lot full of local Pennsylvania license plates. We knew we were in store for a wonderful meal.

Exceptional fresh fruit toppings

Aunt Victoria's Breakfast:
This dish normally comes with two slices of French Toast, two large breakfast sausages, and home fries, however Keith had specifically recommended the waffles; so my wife wisely was able to replace the French Toast with Waffles, ordering them with the in-season fresh fruit (strawberries on this occasion) topping on the side.

I was in the mood for French Toast, and opted to sample it instead of the recommended Waffles. Because of the late start we had gotten in the morning, I was famished and did not think that Aunt Victoria's appetite was anything compared to mine at that moment, so I also added two eggs.

The wait was probably not really as long as we perceived it to be, due to our state of hunger. We surveyed the bustling Sunday morning crowd-- the place was quite full the entire time we were there. We also busied ourselves planning the rest of our day's adventures when the lovely brunch offering arrived.

The breakfast was delicious! I was satisfied with my French Toast; it was on par with other French Toast I've had in the past. The sausage was excellent, and the home fries were not too oily and done nicely to a crisp.

My wife raved about her Waffles, and the bite that I was able to get of it was exquisite with the fresh fruit topping! WOW! That bite convinced me that I will definitely get the Waffles when we visit for brunch again.

My only critique about Jubilee Restaurant was that the French Toast was so much less substantial than the Waffles; they need to use a more substantial bread or add another slice to make it even. Everything else was exceptional!

TIP:  Jubilee Restaurant runs a breakfast special for the early bird crowd, but you have to be seated by 9 AM. There is also a early bird dinner special if you are seated between 4 and 6 PM except on Thursdays.

Jubilee Restaurant: "The Breakfast King"
Route 940
Pocono Pines, PA
(570) 646-2377

Desaki Restaurant: Classy Hibachi with Confusing Pricing

A cloudy day turned into a rather substantial shower by the time we passed the 10th mile marker sign announcing our approach to the Desaki Restaurant in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, via Route 611. The 11th marker formed an arrow that directed us to cross a rather uncrossable median and into the restaurant parking lot. WARNING! Mind your muffler!

With the cool-down accompanying the rain, my wife and I were in the mood for something warm, and hibachi seemed to be a winner. Despite my usual interest in trying new, unique sushi rolls, of which Desaki has several original rolls to choose from, I didn't see any sushi roll combinations that really enticed me. So we were seated at a hibachi grill and began perusing the menu.


Desaki Restaurant
Route 611
Swiftwater, PA  18370 
(570) 839-2500

Sushi Bada: Awesome and Affordable Sushi for Attendees of RCC in Suffern, NY

The students and staff of Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY, have a wonderful sushi option that is not only outstanding, but also fits into a student's budget, as well.

Sushi Bada only recently opened, however with the great variety of specialty rolls, the creative sushi chefs really show their expertise. Their everyday sushi combo specials allow you to have your choice of roll, including Sushi Combo D (our favorite) that allows you to select two massive specialty rolls.

Our personal recommendations (if you love eel and spicy tuna, you'll love these! And if you're new to sushi, you will love these--or you just aren't a sushi person):

Route 59 Roll:  A great roll combining eel and tempura shrimp.

Crazy Crystal Roll:  A really original twist on the Spicy Tuna Roll.

Doori Roll:

The Exclusive PLAY BADA Roll and PLAY SUFFERN Roll are excluded from the Sushi Roll combo selection, so we have not yet tried them. However, our curiosity will no doubt get the better of us, and we will try them for you, our dedicated readers!

Have no fear! We will reveal the truth!

Sushi Bada
214 Route 59
Suffern, NY 10901-5205
(845) 533-4178

Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Travel The World On a College Student's Budget

TEFL or Teaching English as a Foreign Language is as hot as ever.

With more and more college students and college grads unable to find work in their field, many students and graduates are finding the prospect of getting trained to teach english in a foreign country to be a fantastic alternative.

Consider this choice: 1) take a job at a fast food restaurant that will pay minimum wage and provide very little in the way of resume experience, or 2) teach english in a foreign country, housing provided, and make enough money to live while also bolstering your resume with an experience you can be proud of. Put that way, why aren't many more people doing it?

THAILAND is one of many amazing destinations for TEFL Instructors to choose from!

Most students who may benefit most from the opportunity to become a TEFL instructor simply aren't aware that TEFL is a option for them. However, nothing could be further from the truth!

Some people who may make excellent TEFL instructors believe that they don't have the background to do it. The fact is, there is no teaching experience is required, and most native English speakers have a sufficient knowledge base from which to be trained to teach english as a foreign language.

People also aren't sure about how to get certified and licensed to teach English as a foreign language. Licensure is actually a very simple process, and many programs can provide prospective TEFL instructors with the training to get their license. In addition, some programs permit trainees to travel and be paid before they are even fully licensed.

Being bilingual or being able to speak the native language of your potential students is also not required, as some may think. TEFL instructors are most effective in helping their student learn English by providing an atmosphere that immerses the students in English completely, and disallowing the student from having their native language to lean on actually helps the student progress faster.

Some training programs provide considerable support to their TEFL instructors and prospective instructors while they are in a foreign country on their behalf.
Some companies even provide a generous stipend for their instructors and prospective instructors. This is mainly because of the considerably lower cost of living within the countries that commonly desire TEFL instructors.

If you are interested, consider a FREE Trial with Online TEFL who also provides many of the TEFL instructor training program benefits listed above.

Walker Brothers Original Pancake House: A North Shore Illinois Brunch Institution

WALKER BROS ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE, WILMETTE, IL

This is a little bit of a cheat, for having grown up in the North Shore area for the significant part of my life, I made many late night visits to Walker Brothers Original Pancake House in Wilmette, Illinois during my life. However, after living abroad for several years and then settling down in Upstate New York, this was my first visit to Walker Brothers since marrying Mrs. Online Travel Guy, and this would be my first visit there with my wife, as well as, our 8 year old daughter.

After a full day of sightseeing in Chicago, we decided on breakfast for dinner. We were famished, and we were fortunate to find a nearly empty parking lot awaiting us that made me wonder if the place was still open. To my appreciation, they were open and very happy to see us on an unusually quiet day for them.

French Crepes:  Classic Crepes with real strawberries within and atop. Marvelous!

Extra Side of Bacon:  This the extra taste of the delicious bacon that completed the meal.

We received incredible and timely service, and we have not found better bacon to this day (and I promise to amend this blog entry if we do find better bacon anywhere!).

Walker Brothers Original Pancake House
153 Green Bay Road
Wilmette, IL‎
(847) 251-6000