JIG
Det Grant Mars
Posts: 944
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Post by JIG on Nov 2, 2004 18:49:23 GMT
Great report NN, sounds like you had lots of fun!
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Post by Ditto on Nov 2, 2004 20:26:32 GMT
Heh! See, I knew it was that NightNurse all along, being indiscreet and stuff. Nothing to do with me, what girl? I saw James and his guitar and then was blinded by mad passionate lust and longing. In fact I couldn't breathe! (That last bit is true, neither could Pixie) The thing is, you have to qualify your questions girls. Always say "excluding family and loved ones" and then they're supposed to answer "Well, there'd be no point leaving here and so we might as well make the best of things and shag you lot senseless whilst waiting for the apocalypse so we'll call you by row numbers and no pushing please or at least not while you're still lining up........"
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Post by Pixie on Nov 2, 2004 20:33:27 GMT
LMAO!! Yeah, it's true... I THINK I was the 1st of the DGs to see James that Friday night, grabbed Ditto's sleeve and said, "Look, look! Don't faint!" and promptly very nearly fell over myself, and had to hold on to Ditto so I didn't pass out! LOL. Honest to God, I barely noticed the chick he was with, registered there was someone there, but frankly, only had eyes for him! I'll write a proper report soon, I promise!
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Post by Ditto on Nov 2, 2004 20:43:23 GMT
Now, now, do it now. You can lie in tomorrow! ;D
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Post by babybird on Nov 2, 2004 20:53:31 GMT
I'm so jealous , but had to say thank you all for the con reports...Wonderful, don't exactly feel like I'd been there, but can feel the excitement and fun you all had... lovely! Wish I'd been there in London with you all and James of course, really sorry I missed all that hugging . Back to reading reports and looking forward to a con I can get to!!!!!!!! And that solo album of course!!!!!!!! 8-)Can't wait
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Post by Pixie on Nov 2, 2004 21:11:17 GMT
Well, I'll say this... one of the best things about the weekend was meeting up with all the DGs!
And also, have to say, that Divinyls pop-up video (MANY MANY thanks to Snow for finding the link for me)... *shivers* much Spikey goodness, mixed with a whole heap of humour. For those who haven't seen it... you need to. Seriously... think Spikey goodness and the song "When I think about you I touch myself" and some incredibly funny pop-up comments. For those who have seen it... think Mastercard ad, and, "finally getting it on with your nemesis... priceless". LMFAO!!!!
And I now have that on my laptop to be enjoyed at any time. SQUEE!!! Thank you, Snow!
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Post by Ditto on Nov 2, 2004 22:12:26 GMT
Link please peeps.
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Post by Pixie on Nov 2, 2004 22:21:43 GMT
*sigh* there you go, then... www.any-time-soon.com/vidlist.htmlIt's the 2nd on the list. Takes 1 hr 20 mins to download on a 56k modem. But damn, it's worth it! ;D. Oh, and you need WinZip to open it.
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Post by PokerKitten on Nov 2, 2004 22:30:45 GMT
We had it posted in the Buffy section for the longest time, about a year... did I clear it out when swishing with my broom some time?
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Post by Pixie on Nov 2, 2004 22:39:47 GMT
Sweep it out?! Noo, you can't do that! ;D I've watched it 3 times already this evening... was better on a big screen, but still reminds me of the con, which is of the good.
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Post by Pixie on Nov 3, 2004 11:31:16 GMT
*Takes a deep breath* Okay... con report time. I can't remember as much as I wanted... things happening unexpectedly, shock when I got home etc... but here goes. Gonna do it in 3 section, otherwise thread'll prolly collapse under the weight. Day at a time.
Friday:
Friday was the day of anticipation. I met up with NightNurse at Waterloo, and we decided to head straight for the hotel we were booked into so we could dump our bags. Of course, that meant first finding the hotel, which caused us more problems than we'd envisaged... not helped by a daft girl at the information desk at the ExCel Centre not knowing her right from her left, and sending us steaming off round the back of the centre. We must have walked miles, and, I kid you not, when we eventually got to the hotel, my trousers were quite a bit looser around the waist! Maybe I should do that more often.
So, we checked in, and by that time we were so late we had to go straight back out again to round up the troops. First DeeDee from St. Pancras (I always think of pancreas, I wonder why...?), then I met Twistie and Wil from Euston while NN went to pick up the D's and Miss Kitty from Victoria. By the time we got back to the hotel, Snow had already checked in, and the Dirty Girl group was complete.
We got to early registration at around 8.30, 8.40... I was one of the first to register in our group, and stood hanging around with Ditto, who'd been just ahead of me, while we waited for the others to finish. Cool as a cucumber, who should walk through the foyer but James himself, with guitar... and a girl in tow, but to be honest, I only had eyes for him anyway, so I can't tell you anything at all about the girl, except she was there. I remember turning to Ditto and saying, "Look, look! Don't faint!" and almost passing out myself, and holding onto her arm so I didn't fall over. My excuse is I hadn't had any lunch... honest!
After registering, we went to the Approach Tavern, where they do good 'chips' - chunkier than chips, but not quite wedges either. They're good, anyway. We stayed there for most of the rest of the evening, before stumbling back to the hotel in Docklands.
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Post by Pixie on Nov 3, 2004 11:33:19 GMT
Saturday:
This was the Big Day. And my, was it a good day! It was an early start, so I could barely eat any breakfast (NN never made it to breakfast, as she was feeling a little under the weather) - I only managed dry toast and orange juice, but that's better than nothing, I suppose.
We got to York Hall later than we'd intended, but still in time for the start of the event. Jane Espenson was the first guest to do a Q&A session, and it was really interesting to listen to, especially as I'm interested in (a) what goes in behind the scenes and (b) writing. Unfortunately, I didn't get to listen to all of it, as I was called to have my photo done with James and David. James shook my hand (and, oh my God, he gives you such an intense look!); David turned around and looked scared and said hi... I'm not that scary, am I? He came over as being rather shy, anyway - bless! The photo's... well, I don't like it, anyway, I think I look awful, but I rarely like photos of me, anyway.
I went back to the main hall... there was a girl sitting in front of me, who said she was "really unimpressed with James Marsters" in such a supercilious way... I tried hard to keep a straight face, as she could only have had her photo taken with him, nothing else - we hadn't even had the welcome at that stage, and she'd never met him before. She was with a friend who hadn't wanted to go on her own, and had just gone to keep her friend company as far as I could tell. I really wonder how you can possibly judge someone after having two minutes of photo shoot, but hey, I guess that's just me. It made me laugh anyway, the way she was looking down her nose at everything. Lighten up, girl...
At that stage, we had the welcome ceremony, which was fun, then David's Q&A, which was actually very funny, once he'd got into the swing of it. Now, I'm a Spike/James fan, first and foremost, but I certainly warmed to David if not to Angel... though after this weekend, I'll never think of Haagen Dazs the same way ever again.
After lunch was James's Q&A, which, as expected, was fantastic, and also interesting. Though, as one of the DGs said (DeeDee, I think), we'd find him reading the phone book interesting, so long as we could hear the voice and look at him the whole time. So I can't really give much of an idea of what he said, I'm afraid, I was in too much of a haze!
I was in and out of the hall for Luke Perry's Q&A, as, to be honest, I wasn't all that interested, but came back to listen to Amy, then Juliet - both sessions very good, and they seem to be lovely people. Amy barely looks pregnant - much as if she's had a big meal, nothing else. She's also, quite obviously, a real giggler! That was pretty infectious, you couldn't help laughing with her, but I couldn't imagine anyone laughing at her, somehow. She's too sweet. Juliet had some very interesting things to say about Drusilla, and especially her view on Dru's relationship with Spike and Angel - how, in her view, the relationship with Angel(us) was somehow unhealthy, and with Spike, who she saw as Dru's real love, it had a certain sweetness to it, and was a much healthier relationship. Guess I'd agree there!
At that point, I went to get my autographs done, and gave James the jacket from the Goldenbees. (If you want to know more about that, read report at the Goldenbees, link in my sig to the site). He then signed my Complete Works of Shakespeare, which was my favourite and most precious book before the weekend, and is now, quite simply, irreplaceable and closer to my heart than ever! I felt a bit sorry for David, as his pile of presents was considerably smaller than James's, and he looked a little glum... James was so obviously popular, and enjoying himself, and talking to the fans. Anyway, I got David to sign a photo for my sister (I think she's more of an Angel fan, though likes Spike as well). After all that, I needed something to drink and eat before the evening's entertainment started.
David and James's commentary on "The Girl in Question" was excellent; we were all laughing so much we were almost crying. Rather than a commentary per se, they did a voice over, changing everything that happened to a most bizarre turn of events, made all the funnier by James occasionally slipping into character during voice overs. The L'Oreal advert comments were particularly funny - blonde hair swinging around, and Angel saying to Spike, "we're in a L'Oreal ad." Spike setting off towards the girl... "Where are you going?" and James, in character as Spike, "She needs to comb her hair, look at it. I'm gonna go over there and comb her hair...". Okay, so you probably needed to be there, but it was funny. Also, David counting how many times James looked down at the Wolfram and Hart employee's rather obvious cleavage... "Oh, James is looking down again. And again." And their bitching about the jackets at the end. Believe me, it was well worth every penny. One nice thing was that they wouldn't make fun of Amy; even though they made fun of every other character in that episode, the moment Fred was involved, they shut up... "Ah, how can you make fun of Amy, you can't make fun of Amy..."
We didn't get our spooky story from David; instead he gave out a few prizes for people, telling little stories about why they deserved to have prizes. Personally, I thought it was a really nice thing to do, but I think a few people were disappointed not to have their spooky tale!
For all of us James fans, though, the evening ended on a real high with his acoustic set. It's the first time he's done a solo gig in Europe, I think he said, and the first time he's sung solo anywhere for quite a while. It showed a bit to begin with; he was obviously a bit nervous, and his tone and tuning were a little patchy in places. He soon got into the swing of it, though, and relaxed, and after that it was pretty damn good. Songs included some old favourites - "This Town", "Katy", "Smile", "Dangerous", and "Goodbye" to name but a few; and some new songs, such as "Every Man" and "Patricia", which will be on the new solo album. He seems to be considering touring with the new album, which is great news for all of us who love to hear him sing.
That was it... though we didn't want it to end, despite being tired. NN and I sat swapping poltergeist stories for a while before turning in.
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Post by Pixie on Nov 3, 2004 11:35:24 GMT
Sunday (and a bit of Monday morning):
Halloween. We got a much-needed extra hour's sleep, thanks to the clocks going back, and I actually managed a full cooked breakfast - unheard of for me, as I eat like a bird most of the time.
Q&A with Juliet was the first event, and I don't remember much about it. Then Jane Espenson did a commentary on "Pangs", which was fascinating, and gave a real insight into the writing process. Some of the DGs went to an internet cafe to post a little bit about what was happening, then went back to the venue for another highlight - the double Q&A with David and James. Now, that was hilarious - they really play off each other. Unfortunately, I can't remember much about the questions asked and the answers given, though the last one was a bit near the knuckle - about how, if vampires don't have any circulation, how can they get an erection - have to admit I sat there and gaped that someone had actually asked that. James's answer was rigor mortis (anyone else thinking "EW!!"?), and David made a comment about being a walking hard-on anyway... unfortunate that that's the one Q&A I can't dislodge... Oh, and David and the Haagen Dazs. Sorry, I really didn't need that visual!
After that was Amy again - someone asked her about David and James not making fun of her when they did their commentary, and whether they were that protective on set as well. Apparently they were; she said David was like a big brother, looking after her when she wouldn't stand up for herself, which was rather sweet. She also said, if she had to choose between Alexis and Jay, she'd marry one and have an affair with the other - she simply couldn't choose! Bless.
Luke Perry came on after that, and DeeDee and I made ourselves scarce and went to the bar for (I kid you not) a glass of water. Believe me, it had got pretty hot in there. We had a good long chat about Tolkein, Shakespeare, fanfiction etc... which was great.
Then came the writer's panel, which, as a reader and writer of fanfic, I was interested in. It was particularly interesting to hear what Jane was saying about fanfiction, and how much of a supporter of fanfiction she is. She reads it, she actually reads it! And said that, pretty much, the writers on Buffy were writing fanfic al the time, because the characters were Joss's creation. I'd never really thought of that, but I can understand it now. She also said that fanfiction was where professional writing started. It was quite a surprise to hear someone, a writer on the show, so in favour of it, and that was really refreshing. She's also a lovely, lovely person.
That was the last thing before the closing ceremony. David said goodbye first of all, and was very gracious in his thanks and farewells. I think a lot of people were really impressed with him this weekend - even us die-hard James fans! There was a bit of a gap, and a few more screenings, then Steve Himber came on stage to thank everyone, and to introduce James for the last time. They seem to get on very well, which was nice to see. So James came on stage, and thanked all the stewards, and presented bunches of flowers to all the organisers. He said at one point it was the best con he'd done - and so say all of us!
And then it was over... Twistie and Wil set off home, and the rest of us congregated in our room to eat snacks... I don't think any of us really wanted the weekend to end. I know I didn't! But that reminded me of something James said to Ditto when he signed her photo of the DGs wielding axes... "that's what it's all about - bringing people together". And as a final note, I'd like to add that being with the DGs made this a great weekend, just as much as the guest stars and the organisation of it all. We had fun, because we were together.
And I confess... on Monday, after I'd parted company from Snow, I cried. In the middle of Bank station, I burst into tears.
I promise, once I get the photos back, I'll put up any that are good enough. Many will be blurry.
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Post by PokerKitten on Nov 3, 2004 12:18:42 GMT
Lovely report, thanks Pix I'd been wondering why DB didn't read the story, as it had been especially written for the event hadn't it? And yeah, the fanfic business with Jane - someone said she started off writing it herself, before professional writing. ood for her. And scriptwriters using someone else's characters and having to play by their general rules always did strike me as a sort of fanfic, and is one of the reasons I get so at some fanfic writers who are sooooo superior in their attitudes towards others Oh wow, did Ditto get that axe manip signed?! That's just perfect, lol! ;D You soppy tart! I've never done that post Con *cough*
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Post by Pixie on Nov 3, 2004 13:07:49 GMT
I know, I know... I tried hard not to, but I just couldn't help it! Yup, Ditto got the axe-murderer manip signed! ;D
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LAURA
Rev Harding
Posts: 3
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Post by LAURA on Nov 3, 2004 13:11:11 GMT
pixie: thank you so much for the detailed report, bless your little heart for doing this for us i loved it
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Post by SpikesToy on Nov 3, 2004 13:32:52 GMT
Thanks everyone for your reports/thoughts and general ramblings - it made me feel like I actually shared your fantastic experience is some way. It sounds like you all had such a wonderful time, made even better I'm sure by being together. One day I will get to go to a con with a DG - this is my solemn vow! Pix, I've printed off your report to read in bed tonight so I can dream that I was actually at the con ;D - Yeah, I Know, I have a sad, sad life.
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Post by Pixie on Nov 3, 2004 13:38:02 GMT
to you both... glad you enjoyed it, LAURA, and Toy, hope you enjoy it tonight. I'm sure there's stuff I've forgotten that I'll remember later on... funny little anecdotes and stuff. At least I've got the majority down!
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Snow
Billy Johnson
Posts: 173
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Post by Snow on Nov 3, 2004 17:14:26 GMT
Thanks for the wonderful reports, everybody! Brings all the lovely memories back. Just what I need on a crappy day like this. Real life sucks BIG time. And I don't really have anything to add except a huge thank you to organisors and guests and most of all the lovely bunch of DGs! Without you I never would have dared to do this! Glad it wasn't only me then. *sniff* And man, do I not want to know what went through his head when he saw it... I scanned my photo with James and David but my Dad's scanner is not the exactly the latest development in high-tech, so the pic looks even worse than it is, lol. I'll try to put it online anyway and post a link later. ETA: Link to bad picture: people.freenet.de/Mystuff/diezweiundich.jpg
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JIG
Det Grant Mars
Posts: 944
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Post by JIG on Nov 3, 2004 19:13:50 GMT
Great report Pix, glad you had fun
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