Gary Billings (Serious Astronomy from a Laughable Location) is an amateur astronomer who observes from his home in Calgary, Alberta. He is interested in making scientifically useful observations of any kind. To date, this has included CCD astrometry of asteroids (with a few incidental discoveries along the way), occultation timing, and some beginning forays into variable star observing. Gary will share his experiences and enthusiasm for pursuing "hard data" by recounting his most memorable observations, as well as describing his equipment, observatory, and techniques. Gary is this year's recipient of Starfest's Bring Home the Bacon Award.