We're in this together.

                                              We’re in this together.

Most people who are fans within the science fiction/comic book convention world are pretty laid back good hearted people. They go to shows, meet new people, discuss and share their fandom with others that share the same interests. Most are completely oblivious that there is a sort of dark side to their fandom as well. A side that the ones that are aware of it are embarrassed to be even remotely associated with it. And it’s mainly opinion based. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you should not have an opinion or that your opinion has to be the same as everyone else. I always think a difference of opinion is a great thing. Just think what kind of world this would be if everyone thought the same. In my opinion, that’s not somewhere I want to live.

                 A while back I was having a conversation with a friend that makes me think of a question. “Why do you think you’re a bigger fan than me?” A person who I used to knows daughter happens to be the current Guinness Record holder for having the world’s largest Doctor Who memorabilia collection. I have personally read people’s vitriol comments about her and her family. I could not believe the things people were saying about a child. I know for a fact that she would save her money or birthday presents or gifts, etc. to add to her collection. But that’s neither here nor there. It’s not your money, so it can be spent however they want it to be. Sadly, there will always be someone out there that will not like you for your accomplishments. No matter what it is.

                 Now some people think that even though she has the largest recorded collection of Doctor Who memorabilia that she is automatically believes that she is a bigger fan than someone else. She would be the first to tell you that it’s not true. Does her massive collection make her a bigger fan that I am? Does her age make me a bigger fan than she is? The answer to me for both is no. Just because someone has an amount of collectibles for a certain genre more than another person doesn’t mean they’re a bigger fan than you are. And just because I’ve been a fan of the show since before she was born doesn’t mean that I am a bigger fan than she is. I use to go to more conventions than I do now. There is one local convention that I’ve completely quit going too. Simply because they have gotten so expensive, I can no longer afford to go. But those that can, good for them. I just can’t bring myself to pay over 100 USD on a single autograph. But a lot of people do. Which is why those prices keep going up and up.

 Do I spew hatred or anger because someone spends their money on expensive autographs or has a plethora (Three Amigos) of collectibles? I don’t. But there are some that do. Even when they or their actions are called out publically. When someone does this, they just come off as a jealous child crying to whomever will listen. Just because someone has what you do not. I WANT AN OOMPA LOOMA NOW!!

 Bottom line is, there is so much negativity going on in the world right now, do we really need it to leak into a place that fans go to escape that negativity? Do we really need to treat our fellow fans with anger because they have more memorabilia or prefer the female Doctor to the others? In my opinion, no. Well we shouldn’t. Because in the end, what does it matter. You don’t like a particular Doctor, cool. No one said you had to. That’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it. But don’t treat someone like garbage because they do or don’t (yes it goes both ways). You’re both fans of the same thing. Enjoy that fandom and “Would you like a Jelly Baby?”  

Eddie's American Diner- Cardiff, Wales

           

                 I was saddened when I just found out that Eddie’s American Diner in Cardiff Bay had closed its doors. They have gone out of business. With the closing of the Doctor Who Experience, one of the area’s biggest draw for tourists, it really doesn’t surprise me. It does make me reminisce of my daughter and I’s visit to the diner when we traveled from Dallas, Texas to Cardiff for the closing of the Doctor Who Experience. It truly was a special visit that will always be in my memory and my heart.

             After my daughter and I visited the Doctor Who Experience and had an awesome time doing so, we decided to take up the sites in Cardiff Bay. We had a general idea of a few things we wanted to see. Ianto’s Shrine, Torchwood and Doctor Who filming locations, and Eddie’s Diner, etc. My friend who is from Wales told me that I would absolutely kick myself if I didn’t go to Eddie’s Diner. It was on my list, but even more so now. 

             So after checking a few things out, we started to get a little hungry. So we started making our way to Eddie’s Diner. On the way there, who did we run in to? None other than the awesome Russell T. Davies himself. We chatted with him for a few minutes, took a couple photos with him and then continued to our destination to Eddie’s Diner. Eddie’s was right around the corner from where we were. For those that are unaware, Eddie’s Diner is an “American” Diner in Cardiff Bay. A couple Doctor Who episodes were also filmed there. The first was “The Impossible Astronaut” with Matt Smith as the Doctor and the second was “Hell Bent” with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor. 

             As we approached, we noticed that the place was busy, but not too busy. It seemed to be a seat yourself type of place. So we found a table right outside and sat down to wait for a server to come and take our order. After about ten minutes of waiting I walked in and went to the register. A gentleman at the counter told me that we order and pay there and then they bring our food to us. Oh ok, I thought. So I found an open table inside and my daughter and I sat there. After looking at the menu we decided what we wanted and I went to order it. After speaking with the gentleman (He might have been the owner, maybe the manager) and telling him where we came from to visit, he was elated and thanked us for stopping by. We sat and had our burgers and chips. And let me say OMG, these were some of the best burgers I have ever tasted. 

             We had noticed some other “tourists” that were in the diner taking photos and just being downright rude to the waitresses and other customers. We did not want to be “those” people. So as we were getting up to leave, I told the gentleman thank you and that the meal was delicious. At that time another gentleman joined him behind the counter and he told him where we were from. They both said did you take any pictures? This is where so and so was and that is where so and so sat (Which happened to be the booth that we were sitting in eating). The first gentleman said you’ve come so far, take as many pictures as you want. Did you see the Tardis door in the back? So my daughter took some shots of me in a couple spots and we went to the door in the back. Just a fabulous time and experience. The staff and the management (possibly owner) could not have made our visit any greater. For that I thank you. One thing I do wish is that they had “Eddie’s Diner” t-shirts. If they did, I missed them. But that would have been so cool to buy.

            Since our visit I have read many reviews of the diner. There were quite a few that differed from my experience. I’m not sure if it had to do with anything specific. But our time and food was great. I am glad I was able to visit and eat there. Even though I was only able to go once, the positive experience we had makes me sad that it is now closed.