OK. Thinking back, the best year I think I ever had at San Diego is when I decided to play hooky.  I finally went out to explore the grounds and say hi to folks I never get a chance to see.  And some of them are only 2 booths down.  I had the time of my life that show, catching up with all the industry ho-hos, checking out the stunning, barely attired young ladies who might make great models someday, examining the work of other artists and discerning the painting techniques on their originals, and at one point, as I was about to put the finishing touches on a billion-dollar deal to set me up for life...an announcement came over that ever-annoying public address system--I assume the 150,000 attendees were listening in-- to announce that one errant Steve Rude was to report back to the Gino Zone.  Apparently, this trip into funsville did not do much to endear myself to the hard working Gino Jaynelli and her lovely cohorts in booth management.  Friends, there's a price to pay for everything--even having too much fun.  Maybe you've noticed.