The Buffy Basement Museum

Angel Booster Bash July 29 to July 31, 2005 Los Angeles

2005-08-22T19:52:00.000-04:00

OK. I'll just jump right in, since I have been terrible about posting blogs.

Well actually I got to the Westin Century Plaza Hotel in LA Thursday July 28, 2005. There was pre-registration that evening (pacific time). I met Jean and Liz from the slayercruise 2005 (they were with me at table 191 on the Zuiderdam) in passing and we said we would meet each other later on. While it may have been early evening in LA, it was passed my bed time and so I went to my outrageously price room and slept until the next morning, when the con would start for real.

next: Friday Booster Bash High Jinx and the cocktail party encounter.

Don't miss it!

OK I'm back, stop nagging me already!!!

2005-08-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

Yes I know it's been almost two months since my last posting and that another convention has come and gone since then, but I never said I was very resposible.

OK, due to personal circumstance that I guess were completely in my control, I won't say much more today than that soon I will talk about the Angel Booster Bash in LA. Well maybe not all of it; I haven't decided yet.

Stay tuned; more will follow tomorrow, no matter how lame it will be = )

2005-06-25T20:37:00.000-04:00

Here I am with Robia La Morte aboard the Zuiderdam for the Slayercruise 2005

Back in the Hellmouth on the High Seas, Saturday June 18, 2005, 12:23 am

2005-06-18T00:23:00.000-04:00

Another Live Interview (short as it is) from: Amber Benson (as she is just about to leave the internet room)

TBBM: Hello Amber
Amber: Hello, Buffy Basement Museum (said in her sweet tiny voice)

Now doesn't that just say it all

The ship wasn't ready for debarkation on into Nassau, the Bahamas, until around noon, Friday June 17. Carole, Trish and I went on an excursion called See and Sea. This involved being in a "semi-submarine" ("we all live in a semi-submarine, semi-submarine, semi-sumarine" - which turns out to have significant and possibly ironic meaning to TBBM, which I may explain sometime after the trip) =) .... We had a view of about six feet under the surface we watched the fish swim by, saw the corals, two spotted mantas AND A STARFISH ON THE SANDY OCEAN BOTTOM.

At 6:oo pm was the farewell cocktail party: Camden Toy, James Leary, Jonathan Woodward and Andy Hallett gave amazing performances for this.

I had some pix to pick up in the ship phot0 gallery, along with a dvd they made of the cruise and a special dvd of the slayercruise. This is in addition to the dvd that vulkon will put out.

I had already packed, so I said goodnight to Carole and Trish and spent until now in the casino. I was playing three card poker and was just breaking even when Robia sat down by me and played a few hands. I began to more than break even. I told her I enjoyed her sitting next to me and also enjoyed the fact that since she sat down at the table i was up $20 and by the time she left I was up about $80. Before I got here at the internet room I was up $405! (anyone from the IRS, I'm just kidding). Robia is not only beautiful, but is lucky to be around with (yeah I know it ends in a preposition, but guess what? now it doesn't).

Well tomorrow, er, I mean today, they kick us off the ship, so I'll be signing off now until I get back home and decompress. TBBM live at the Slayercruise 2005 is now signing off.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.!

Later That Evening...

2005-06-16T22:50:00.000-04:00

It's now about 10:50 pm Hellmouth on the High Seas.

Today Clare Kramer, Andy Hallet and Amber Benson gave their presentations 1 hour each (more or less). Then Debbie the cruise agent gave a brief talk and from about 4:15 pm to about 6:00 (more or less) was an opportunity to have your group pic with the stars auto-g'd along with anything else. I had everybody personalize the pic as well as the cover of the Slayercruise memory book. I also had the ladies auto-g the pix I took with them on the cruise and printed up on my little Kodak printer. In addition, Amber and her sister Danielle autographed a t-shirt that D had designed for A's lastest movie (the one that we were not allowed to sea on the ship per ship officials. And of course I had Clare Kramer auto-g the cover of her on the cruise mag she brought along for the fans.

There wasn't anything else. I took anap until dinner, then came here to update my blog and now it's time for the Costume Contest: judges Clare, Jonathan and Camden.

Tomorrow: Nassau.

Back into the Hellmouth on the High Seas, June 16, 2005

2005-06-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

First of all to all commenters (past and present): when I get back home, I'll post answers to your questions. Although I'm paying extra for the internet service onboard, it's the time factor of so much to do that's catching up to me.

Also I go into more details when I get home, too. Now I'd rather be hanging out with the celebs, fans and especially Carole and Trish.

Okay, where were we? Oh yes. I just finished coming in second in the Slayercruise Gong Show.

There were no more activities until after dinner, when there was KaraokeContest with Andy Hallett. I was going to work something involving my act during the Gong Show, but due events I'll go into later, that fell thru.

Also falling thru was the rescheduled pj party since it was now 1:15 am and Slayercruise only had this amphitheater until 1:30.

Yesterday, June 15 was in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Because the ship was re-entering U.S. territory, everybody on the ship had to get up 7:00am the emigration inspection, Although it was quick (show 'em your passport) it still sucked since everybody was up so late the night before.

by the time this was done, there was not much to do so after breakfast (our deck was called for the INS inspection just as we = me Carole and Trish had gotten our breakfast on the Lido deck and had to have someone watch it for us until we got back) so we when to the area to gather for the Kon Tiki party raft cruise, just for the Slayercruise people. more later.

Carole and Trish now wanted to get serious so after Kon Tiki it was to to SHOP!!! I really didn't mind. I just followed them around watching the people, getting a feel for the culture (it's U.S. only because we bought it last century). I be jammin', mon.

Only other sched SC event was James Leary's presentation at 6:00 pm (the ship had just set sail. It was very entertaining.

After dinner SC was to have been able to watch Amber Benson's latest movie, but a venue to show it was not available. I guess we get to see it Friday. During dinner, Carole, who was seated at a different table said she was going to check out the ship's disco, since Amber's movie was cancelled. She's very allergic to smoke and since the only was into the disco was thru the casino which had enough smoke to even throw me off, she said she would just check it out and was probabably going to call it a night since it was such a long day. I said good night and finished my meal and talking with my table partners and was just walking arounf for a bit. Some people saw me and said Jerry! Carole is looking for you in the North Star Lounge! Apparently it was no smoking night in the casino and Carole was able to tolerate it. So I hurreid over there and sat with a group of friends/table partners of Carole. Carole and I booogie ooogie oogied until around midnight when Carole excused her self because it was such a long day. That may be but think it was because smoking was going on in the disco and she was just doing her best. Folks, ain't she just the little trooper.

Well it's starting to be time for SC Improve Theater, so I'm gone. =)

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands June 15, 2005

2005-06-15T16:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the ship was at Tortola Island. Carole had signed up for an excursion that was part sailing and part snorkel diving. there was no wind so sailing was out. she just snorkeled and got sun burn (some not a lot). myself i slept in a bit and went with Trish to the port of call Roadtown of the British Virgin Islands. I'm not saying the town was small ("How small was it?), but saw everything in about 1 1/2 hours and that included Trish looking through every shop. I'm not sure, but it seems that some people drive on the left side and some on the right and then there are those who swich back and forth. They have issues with the concept of sidewalks: there's a sidewalk and then it disappears a few blocks and reappears (????) Trish and I were trying to get fro the end of one side to the beginning of another. when I say there is no sidewalk, I don't mean there is just a dirt path. Sidewalk ends and you're out in the street THERE'S NO SIDEWALK. and to top it off, while we were in this sidewalk twilight zone, a local driver passes by (on the left side of the road, where we are) and says, "Get off the road, mon" I wanted to get off the road,but THERE WAS NO FREAKIN' SIDEWALK! Not soon after Trish and I went back to the ship, had lunch on the Lido Deck and chilled out for a few hours waiting for the Slayer Gong Show to start.

On the spur of the moment, I enterd (judges James Leary, Clare Kramer and Andy Hallett) and i came in SECOND PLACE!!!!!

but more about that later. =)

Tortola Island, BVI

2005-06-14T08:55:00.000-04:00

Ok

This is gonna be a very quick outline since I'm typing in the ship's internet room and looking out at Tortola Island. I'll fill in stuf when I get back home.

Monday 9:30am panel discussion w Paul and Diz; 11:00am group phot session will all the stars (we found out then that they would autograph stuff thurs at 5:00pm; 2-5 presentations by Iyari, Robia, Camden and songs (ditties) by Jonathan.

7:00pm I went to the Captains' cocktail pary with Carole and we had our picture took with the Captain. We were into'd to the senior officers and then we went to the evening's dinner. More about how I had help to put together a "formal" outfit for the Captain's thinger and the formal dinner.

There was suppose to be a pj party at 10:30, but Fernando and Diz searched the ship for the audio/video equipment and could not find it. They have a suspicion that it might have been left at the dock. Vulkon is going to rent a/v eqipmnt from the ship and the pj party will be after today's (Tues) Karaoke Contest.

Clare Kramer is the host of the pj party and was really upset that she had to show up to a cancelled party, so she invited everyon to have their pic taken with her, which was very gracious of her. Carole and I each had someone take pix with our cameras with Clare James Leary who showed up and Amber Bensen. So I now have photos of me with Clare and with Amber and we are all wearing jammies!!!!!

Since the pj prty was off for the night, Carole and I went to our separate staterooms (there's no funny stuff going on) and change into something more appropriate the ship's SockHop. As noted in earlier posting I am not a dancer but Carole was very kind to teach me a few dance steps so I we could do something that almost resembeled dancing.

Then it was time to go rest up for another day...

More later or tomorrow.

Bye for now I have a day of fun ahead of me

Half Moon Cay June 12, 2005

2005-06-12T16:36:00.000-04:00

It is now 4: 35 pm on the Zuider dam. Carole (with and e) an I went on the stingray adventure this mornining , then Carole went on a horseback thinger and I just checked out the island. later around 1:00 pm was the cocktail party with the stars on the beach. Carole and I also swam with the stars (sort of) Camden, James Leary and Diz were in a deep conversation about stars wars old and new. Since I now only concern myself with Buffy stuf , most of this sounded like blah blah blah... BUT Carole was albe to give vital information to this heated conversation. then we went back to the ship cleaned ourselves up and came this very room.

A TBBM first: we have a live interview with Carole:

TBBM: so, Carole, how are you enjoying the cruise?

Carole: Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiim having a Wonderful time.

TBBM: so what's on the agenda next?

Carole: Meet and greet with the stars, dinner and Trish and I want to check out a show.

TBBM: well thank you Carole for giving our readers an insider's look int SC 2005.

That's it for now.

Hellmouth on the High Seas

2005-06-11T22:47:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone.

I am posting today from the MS Zuiderdam's internet room and as promised, keeping up-to-date info about the Slayercruise 2005. Since I paying by the minute this go around, any typos or errors won't be checked over.

Yesterday, I flew out of Ohio ok more or less, since I missed my flight by ONE Minut. No biggie, just that my baggage went from ohio to N carolina and then Ft lauderale and I went to Philadelphia then to fort Lauderdale. The result of the race was that my baggage won.

Since it was pouring down rain it didn't really matter when I got to Ft L as I wasn't going to sightsee wet. I checked in the hotel, registered for the cuise where I got my slyercruise t shirt photo ID, packet with aoutgraphed pictures of the stars, cruise memory book to put stuff in AND Clare Kramer was gracious enough to provide a boat load (boat load, get it) of free copies of a cruise magazine called Porthole (don't go there) June 2005 swimsuit edition where she was not only on the cover, had a number of pictures in the magizine wearing different swim suits. Thank you Clare.

We then ahd a pre-cruise banquet at the hotel (Westin) with the stars, Andy Hallet had missed his flights so he didn't arrive in time, nor di James Leary, but everyon else did. There was no assigned seating so I ened up sitting next to Camden Toy a reminded him what I put him through in Houston (see earlier postings) It is very easy talking to him and was able to find something involving some aspect of every person at that table re life and intersts. At the end he went to see other people which was OK because Robia LaMorte and Iyari Limon ({sigh}) came to our table and I reminded Iyari that I saw her at the Oakland Slayaercon last year and was involved in a bidding war for a Buffy video that she had every actor at Oakland Slayer autograph. The money went to charity. the bidding got up to $2500 and I chickened out. I told her later at the Oakland pajama party (hosted by Diz and Clare Kramer that I stopped bidding because I needed $ to drive back to Ohio. She was so impressed that I drove to the convention she grabbed me and took me over to Clare to tell her I drove all the way from Ohio. Clare then told me she grew up in Dover Ohio (everybody: "it's a small world after all ... it's a small world after all...").

Well anyway last night at the banqet, I reminded Iyari about all this, but also added that later on I did donate money in her name (she was training to run a marathon in Hawaii) and told her the amount (me Iyari and IRS only know) and got a great big loooong hug ({double sigh}).

Then it was time for me to go to sleep.

This morning a packed my carryon, put my other baggage tagged for the ship outside the door and waited for the bus to take me to the ship. When the bus came, I was one of the last people on it (there were 3 busses, but I was in the first). I was all the way in the back and got to meet Carol, who was the second to last on. Coincidently our staterooms were nearby so when we got on the ship we checked ou things together, then her room mate Trish arrived, who Carol had never met befor but was selected by Vulkon. Carol talked me into going playing with the sting rays when we get to Half Moon Cay tomorrow, where later will be some Slayercruise activities. All of this took place from about noon to 5:00 pm ( there was also a life boat drill everybody had to participate, but when we were all lined up on deck, Carol and Trish were in the front of the line and I had to go into back because (everybody together now): "Women and children first!"

We then went up to the observation deck and watched the ship finally take off or shove off or whatever sailors say (hey! I was in the army. what do I know about boats?) any the crew of the Zuiderdam kicked that pig and we were out to sea!!.

Everyone was feeling a little grungy, so we all let to our staterooms and met up at the Slayercruise (which will be referred to from now on as SC) coctail party. Since Carly from work (yes the same Carly of the posting: Carly told me to say this) ordered me (no she didn't) to have a "painkeller." I did and it was very tasty. It was, er tasty enough that Carol and I (earlier she had asked if I danced and I said no I don't know how, but if I have enough drinks I think I know how) danced the polka when band at the party began to play (what class?) polkas. Fortunately we were the only ones on the dance floor at the time because I needed all the room I could get to do the Painkiller Polka!

Carol and Trish wanted to watch the sunset which was on the other side of the room called the Crow's Nest (I guess because it was on the observation deck on the front end of the ship - army remember) and so I told them I meet up in a bit.

I took that opportunity to have my picture took with Robia La Morte (favorite character except Vamp Willow - yeah and hot blue daemon fred and kennedy) was Jenny Calender.

Then it was time to go to the evening banquet and because seating arrangements were set up by Vulkon Entertainment I said good bye to Carol and Trish, who were waay over someplace else in the dining room. My table mates and I weren't sitting with any of the stars, but we had a good time talking and getting to know one another, so it was a very pleasnt evening. Somewhere during the dinner there came a lot of laughter, and we were only a little curious what was going on.

OK dinner over I excuse myself and headed for this internet room so that i could post my blog. On the way, I some other people that I talked to yesterday or met up with at other buffy cons and as "anonymous sources" told me that Amber Benso's table was palying Truth or Dare. This was the cause of the laughter. Now you know the rest of the story.

The last thing I did before going to sleep was to post this blog.

aaaaaaaaaaaaand We're Back

2005-06-09T09:32:00.000-04:00

It's now Sunday, April 3, 2005 at the Houston Slayercon.

Because I was so taken by Amber Benson, I signed up for another photo op with her today. While we were posing for the picture, I told her I thought she was "as cute as a bug," (she is) which made her smile. Then I had to wait for the Chance photo op with Amber, Andy Hallett and James Marsters. That pic turned out very well.

That took care of the morning, so I spent some time seeing what the vendors had to offer. Since I had missed my opportunity to get a 'Gentleman,' I bought the 12" doll and a Hush Diorama with 2 gentlemen knocking on a door at a UCSD dorm. The vendor told me that if the doll wasn't Camden Toy, I could return it for a relacement. He kept trying to convince that he choice was Camden, but I took another one. Just as I was got to the autograph room where Camden was, it was time for his presentation. On the way over to the ballroom he did say I had the right figure. Camden had a very entertaining and informative presentation, but was only allocated 1/2 hour. He wasn't finished so it was worked out that after that night's presentation of Chance, he would finish his presentation in the amphitheatre (he did and many, many people showed up or remained after the movie to hear him talk, he's that good).

Even though I really wanted to hear all of Jenny Mollen's presentation, I also really, really wanted to get my Camden Stuff autographed. So I went back to the auto graph room and Camden not only autographed the action figure I brought from home and the 12" gentleman (oh grow up) and the diorama, but on the back of the items or box, he autographed the photos to indicate which gentleman he was. Neat!

I thanked him and then rushed back to the ballroom for Jenny Mollens' presentation (already in progress ) I had talked to Jenny earlier in the Auto - g room and asked her how she felt acting with Puppet Angel (in Smile Time ). She indicated it was strange because it wasn't just the puppet, but a number of people manipulating Puppet Angel. I got her autographed picture signed "Jerry, all my Love [and heart symbol] JnyMllns..." ({Gosh!!!})

Then Jonathan Woodward gave his presentation and explained how he just seemed to fall into amazing movie and TV roles, obviously including Buffy and Angel.

At 2:30 pm I went back to the Ballroom for the Additional Autograph Session, to get my group Chance pic auto-g'd, and, since Amber could only sign one thing Saturday. I got my "cute as a bug" photo op picture signed. I had the Willow and Tara Together Forever action figure set and asked her if she would not only sign it but would she also sign it on behalf of Miss Kitty Fantastico, which was part of the action figure set. She not only agreed, but got into the spirit of it and signed her name (and as "Tara") and another auto-g "Meow. Bad Dawn! MKF." ...(hey, you got a problem with that?) .

Later I went to the continuation of Camden Toy's presentation, took a nap and ended the day and the convention with the Pajama Party & Dance, hosted by Camden Toy and DJ Diz. I was too pooped to do any dancing, but I did make an appearance in my spiffy Homer Simpson jammies with Homer slippers. (am I the goofball nerd or what?). Even though this started at 9:00 pm, I was too sleepy to stay to the end. I've got to learn to pace myself better. Thus ended the convention.

Monday morning I checked out of the hotel and made my way back to Ohio, where I spent two and a half months posting what took place in a three day convention. =)

BUT I have finished, and, not a moment to soon, since TOMORROW I fly to Fort Lauderdale to begin Slayercruise 2005, "Hellmouth on the High Seas!" Since there is suppose to be an internet room/area/whatever on board the Zuiderdam, I plan on posting at regular intervals, so I won't have to go through the ordeal that is know as Houston Slayercon 2005 Season!!! =)

break to commercial; closing credits; play national anthem; beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

Season Finale Houston Slayercon 2005

2005-06-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

(voice over): "Previously on Houston Slayercon 2005"

Leave Ohio travel south in the pouring rain/gamble in Mississippi - happy didn't lose much $/arrive Houston ThursdayMarch 31 (missed Camden Toy's movie-cartoon-silly stuff)/Friday registration meet Wendy, a burrough mayor of London/see Amber Benson's film Chance/cocktail party - Andy Hallet and Jonathan Woodword sing/miss James Leary's Midnight Madness/Caritas Lounge Karaoke, Andy Hallett judge/Saturday morning pix with Amber Benson, Andy Hallett and James Marsters/get James Marsters CD for Robin/autograph session.

break for commercial.. aaaaaaand we're back

Saturday night, April 2, 2005: the All-Star Banquet, James Marsters Concert and private audience with James Marsters (oooooooooh).

The A-S B was conducted in the usual Vulkon format. Since I was not an early ticket buyer, I did not sit at a table with one of the guests. At my table were people from all over the world. Well, actually just the U.S., Australia and Europe. There was a woman from Spain, where Season 7 of Buffy hasn't aired yet (so everyone made sure not to spill the beans), a woman from Holland, a woman from Germany (whose name is Angie and pronounced with a "long a" like in "Angel"), a woman from Australia and a couple from the U.S.

The highlight of the banquet was Amber Benson. Apparently her agent didn't inform her that she was suppose to sing at the banquet and was very nervous and "fortified" herself. She was unprepared, but went on the little stage (same one from the karaoke the night before) and gulped down a glass a wine and did some impromtu singing while she wait for a fan retrieve a Once More With Feeling song book the fan had in her room. Well, when Amber had the song book, she sang along with the karaoke machine do her singing Under Your Spell. As she started to get into it, she danced with a chair that was on stage (like Tara and Willow in the show), then started rubbing up against the chair and at the end, she got down on the floor and got naughty with the chair. Obviously, her fears that she wouldn't give a good performance were laid to rest. Everyone realized this was all in good fun and let her know it. I don't know anything about showbiz, but I do know that actors have some amount of insecurity. And everyone was constantly reminding not only Amber, but all the rest that they were among people who loved them and that they could do no wrong or have us not like them.

The banquet ended when everyone was chased out of the hall, so that the James Marsters concert for us Platinum ticket holders could be set up. Spike sang without a band and sang mostly his own songs. First he played acoustical gutiar and plugged in at the end. While his music is not my cup of tea, he gave a good performance and I enjoyed myself.

After the concert, we chosen people went to the Audience With James Marsters. I was impressed with his well thought out ideas how he applied them to his personal and professional life. I could expand on this, but as a Platinum ticket holder, I am forbidden to divulge what went on in this session. =)

By the time all of this was wrapped up, it was way past my bed time, so I didn't attend the Bronze dance party with Dizzy (Vulkon's announcer and dj) and Camden Toy.

break for commercial

I'm A Terrible Blogger

2005-06-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

Here it is almost time to go on the Slayercruise ("Hellmouth on the High Seas") and I haven't finished stuff from early April!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Ok.

I am going to finish up the Houston Slayercon today and move on with my (non) life.

Honest.

=)

Carly Sez To Post This

2005-05-01T19:00:00.000-04:00

This is the last interruption before the completion of my trip to Houston. Honest.

Last April 19th (before I was attacked by the dreaded LBC), during the election of soon-to-be-known-as Pope Benedict XVI, it came to me the similarities in the general purpose and duties of the Slayer and the Pope. This isn’t a wise-guy sacrilegious barb, but a well thought out idea of the workings of Good vs. Evil. The concept of Buffy as a force for Good is just as valid as that for the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Anyway, after giving voice to these thoughts at my government job (no, not the Initiative), Carly, a friend and government co-worker (no, she doesn’t work for the Initiative, either, but she does want to take Sydney Bristow’s place… she could do it, too!), suggested I put this in my Blog. So I am crediting this posting to her. Thank you, Carly. I am now LB-free and ready to post:

Here are my off-the-top-of-my-head comparisons:

The Slayer – is on the side of Good against Evil
The Pope – Ditto

The Slayer – a young girl.
The Pope – an older man.

The Slayer – fights vampires and other daemons
The Pope – spiritually fights the Devil and other daemons

The Slayer – (at least until May 20, 2003) a new Slayer is activated after the prior Slayer dies.
The Pope – a new Pope is elected after the prior Pope dies.

The Slayer – crosses and holy water are important to the Slayer.
The Pope – crosses and, well you get the idea.

Now, I’m not saying that Buffy and the Pope are the only fighters of Good in the Buffyverse, but you have to admit, it does seem like they are each other’s silent partner.

If anybody has any other incites, I welcome them to comment. If anybody has any complaints, tell them to Carly! =)

Yes, I Know It's Been More Than A Week Since My Last Posting

2005-04-30T18:20:00.000-04:00

Henry Ford said, "Never apologize; never explain." Well, I'm not Henry Ford. I'm sorry that it's been so long since the last posting. I'm still recovering from a very bad LBC (liquid booger cold) and have been unable to do much for the past week but go to work, come home have some NyQuil and go to bed. This has even messed up my nonlife of watching TV (24, House, Lost, Alias and Headless Housewives).

Soon I shall be booger free and able to continue my Houston saga (with one more interuption, though).

I'll be back. =)

Intermission: Houston Slayercon 2005 - Robin's CD

2005-04-19T06:13:00.000-04:00

Once again, I must digress. Let’s go back to a few weeks before the Houston Slayercon. At my government office (no, not the Initiative), I had finally got through to everyone that I was going to the convention (“Where are you going on vacation?” Slayercon.. I’ve only said it a jazillion times). A co-worker’s daughter, Robin, is also into Buffy/Angel and she asked him if I would pick up James Marsters latest CD for her. He relayed the message and I said sure, no problem.

Now let’s flash forward to about 11:30 am Saturday, April 2. I’m through with the photo sessions with the stars and I’m on my way to the Platinum ticket holders Autograph Session/ Gift Giving Session with Amber Benson, Andy Hallett and James Marsters. On my way, I remembered: Holy crap! I have to get the CD. As it turned out, at a table nearby, were some of James Marsters’ people (as in have your people call my people and we’ll do lunch) selling the famous CD. It was James Marsters without a band, singing songs solo that he wrote (except for one, I think), primarily with an acoustic guitar. These songs were not like the Ghost of the Robot songs. So I grabbed one, threw the $ onto the table and went to the PTHAS/GGS.

I’m now in the main ballroom for the PTHAS/GGS. While waiting for my row’s turn to get up and go talk to the stars/get autographs/etc., where they are each seated at their assigned table. I realized I calculated the number of autographs for JM I was to get incorrectly and had an autograph left over, and, even though I wouldn’t be able to get him to sign the now-famous “manly pose” photo until Sunday, I still could get one more thing for him to sign. I already had other signed photos of him and didn’t really want another one, except the “mp” photo from that morning. Should I just forget about it? I started looking around and noticed the spike-hungry lasses ripping something open and removing something else. Why, it was this very CD I just bought for Robin and they were removing what in ancient times would have been the album cover, so that they could get JM to autograph it. Gee, I’m slow.

Now, I knew that technically that this CD belonged to Robin, but I figured she wouldn’t mind having the thing signed by Spike. So, I got into the JM line with my goodies to be signed. In the previous posting I related the signing of the Spike figures. Well now you’ll know the rest of the story. I then gave James Marsters the CD cover to autograph, explaining that this was for my friend, Robin, who couldn’t be here. So he signed the cover, then sat back in his chair, spread out his arms and said, “[pause] Hello, Robin. [pause] I’m sorry you couldn’t be here.”

Now let’s flash forward to Monday April 11, back in the government office (still not the Initiative). When Robin’s father came in, I put the CD to my face and channeled the above message. He was then instructed to also do thusly (I never get a chance to use this word and don’t care if I’m using it wrong) when he gives the CD to Robin. The next day he said Robin was appreciative of the CD and the autograph.

That’s it. There’s no more to this. My anecdotes ramble on and do not necessarily make a point. Go home now. =)

Next posting: it's back to Saturday evening April 2.

Part III: Houston Slayercon 2005 - Saturday Morning and Afternoon

2005-04-18T06:12:00.000-04:00

It’s now been more than two weeks since the convention, and I haven’t finished telling what happened. I know. I procrastinate. Some years ago, I read about a Procrastinator’s Club, but I’ve never got around to finding out how to join. But I digress.

And I digress even more by going back to Friday at the convention. Before the cocktail party, there was a showing of Amber Benson’s independent movie, Chance, which she wrote, directed and starred in. It wasn’t bad for a chick flick. The best part, was after the movie (the hotel has an auditorium, which can show movies, in case you were wondering), Amber made a surprise visit and stood on stage talking about the movie, taking questions and just being an all-around good sport. I had always thought she was tall and, er, big. It turns out she’s just a little thing, although she has pretty big, er, sense of humor (PG posting). She gave an excellent impromptu talk that was enjoyed by all who showed up for the movie.

Saturday: it’s morning and Platinum people (me) get to have their pictures taken with Amber Benson (Tara), Andy Hallett (Lorne) and James Marsters (Spike). Amber’s photo session was first (she's such a baby doll), then Andy (he's freakin' tall), then Spike (well, James Marsters doesn't look like Spike anymore). This took all morning waiting in line, going from room to room. When it came time for the photo session with James Marsters, I watched all the huggy, kissy-face shots all the women were having him, so when it was my turn, I told him, “Let’s do a manly picture.” He had a laugh about that. So, both he and I struck manly poses (?) and had our picture took. It turned out okay. Before the pictures were available, women who were in line with me wanted to know how the “manly” picture turned out. I don’t think I’ll ever do that again.

Immediately after the photo sessions, was the autograph sessions with A,A and J for Platinum ticket holders (me again). I had James Marsters autograph the two 12 inch Spike dolls (Spike and Vamp Spike) and the 6 inch Fool for Love action figure (when he killed his second slayer, Principal Wood’s mom and looked like Billy Idol). He commented on the vampire mask (as he called it) of the vampire Spike and wished that the makers would have done a computer scan of him with the mask on, as the one on the doll wasn’t quite right. My photo of me and Spike wasn’t ready yet, so that was all the autographs with him that day. I would get the photo autographed Sunday. Amber was only autographing one thing Saturday, so she signed my photo with her. I had Andy sign the photo session pic and a photo of him alone, sans makeup. I made the comment that he was probably tired of the color green (and he agreed) and that’s why I had pix of him as Andy Hallett, as I already have autographs of him as Lorne.

That afternoon, the three actors each had their Q&A sessions. Amber was first for an hour and was very informative and very funny. She followed by Andy Hallett, who was on stage only for ½ hour, because he was still recuperating from his recent illness. He told the story about the school bus he bought when he was 13 and he role in Angel. Then James Marsters was on for an hour and I guess the women would say he was charming. He also had interesting stories to tell and gave some insight into tv show biz stuff.

Next: Saturday Evening - Banquet and Concert. Stay tuned. =)

Part II: Houston Slayercon 2005 - Thursday and Friday

2005-04-10T20:22:00.000-04:00

The mission of the Oakland Slayercon last year was to get pix of me with lots of the Buffy/Angel actresses and to get a lot of other pictures autographed. Mission: accomplished. I'll go into the Oakland convention some time in the future.

The Houston Slayercon mission was to get a mess of action figures autographed for display in the Buffy Basement Museum. Mission: accomplished. This will unfold in other postings.

OK, where were we? Oh yes, it's Thursday and I'm in Houston. I got there a day early, because I wanted to be all rested for the fun, frolicking and festivities. I found out later (the next day) that Camden Toy was hosting a movie/cartoon and silly stuff thinger that Thursday night, but that was okee doke. The season 2 premire of Tru Calling with 2 'sodes was on Thursday night.

The convention didn't really start until Friday night: registration, cocktail party, karaoke and James Leary's one man comedy show. While in line for registration, I met Wendy from England, who is a mayor for one of the thirty some burroughs of London. Apparently the burrough councils select a mayor, who is the burrough administrator: presides over council meeting, represents the burrough in official events, like meeting the Queen, etc. Wendy was the council's secretary, so, since thay knew who she was, made her mayor. Later I met Wendy again at the cocktail party; we sat at a table with Stephan and his wife and family. Ol' Steph had never been to a Buffy convention before and when I told him I drove here, he said he did , too. From Austin. That's like going from Cleveland (Ohio) to Columbus (Ohio). OK. He just wanted to see Andy Hallett. I think he was expecting AH to be green. Andy and Jonathan Woodward (Knox) did some songs together and so the cocktail party went off quite well.

Later on at 10:00 pm was the Caritas Lounge Karaoke. I was too sober to sign up for that. Just as well. There were some pretty good singers. I didn't stay for the end, as it was well past my bedtime, so I called it a night. Obviously, I missed James Leary's Midnight Madness, but I'm sure he'll present it again at a future Slayercon.

Well, that's it for now. If my math hasn't failed me, the next posting will be Part III.

Part I: Houston Trip/Convention

2005-04-09T16:17:00.000-04:00

It's now almost two weeks since I started my journey, so I'm just gonna do my best to recall what I did. Since I have a very short attention span, this ain't gonna be easy.

Well, on Easter Sunday I started my trip by heading due south. In the rain. For the next couple of days there was more rain. And the temperature remained in the low 40s until I was somewhere between Birmingham and Montgomery (Alabama).

I continued going south. In the rain. By going due south instead of following the interstate, I ended up at the Gulf Coast in Pensacola (Florida). By then it was no longer raining and the temperature was about high 60s to low 70s. Apparently, a few days before I got there, there was a terrific storm that hit the Gulf Coast and people were still cleaning up. This must be a fairly common occurrence because billboards had a lot of ads for roofers (in Ohio banks and beer have more coverage... in fact, I don't ever recall a billboard for roofers) all along the highway, as I was heading west along the "Redneck Riviera" into Gulf Shores (Alabama... again). Reinforcing (so to speak) the need for this service, were a lot of beach houses, condos, restaurants, souvenir stores, etc. that had blue plastic tarps, where once there were... roofs. If I can remember to do it, I think I'm gonna invest in blue tarp companies.

That was kinda depressing, so I didn't stay down there, but rather kept heading west and stayed in Biloxi (Mississippi) for two nights. The good news was that I didn't lose as much money in the casinos as I thought I would. That's all. There wasn't really any bad news, except maybe the fact that I did lose at the casinos.

Thursday morning March 31, it was time to head out to Houston (Texas). And I did.

Next - Part II: Houston Slayercon 2005.

This Blog Stuff Confuses Me

2005-04-08T19:24:00.000-04:00

I was going to add other postings Thursday with info about the Houston Slayercon 2005, but when I went back to check on it... It wasn't there!!!!!

Well, I thought it was just slow getting on the web. So I figured I would wait until later that day and see if it was there before I added anything: still nothing.

Okay, not discouraged yet. I still had other things to do, such as unload Baby Blue (BB), pay really overdue bills (one place even had left 3 messages on my answering machine... hah! Like I was intimidated - fortunately I had paid that bill while in Houston and it kicked in as paid by the time I got home), and stuff like that.

Friday is a new day. I figured I would get my Friday stuff done: oil change and full wash inside out for BB, get my new sticker for the license plate (I had my old plate transferred to BB and it was gonna expire soon). Then, Buffy and later Angel was on TV so I had to watch those 'sodes.

So, I figured now would be a good time to check out my blog. IT STILL WASN'T THERE!

I entered my blog to edit and there was the posting for April 7 and so I clicked on View Blog and not only was my posting there, but I had a comment!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????

I am too flummoxed to even try to go into the happenings of the Houston convention at this time.

I'll be back later.

Or will I?????? =)

And I'm Back

2005-04-07T10:21:00.000-04:00

Yeah I know. I was suppose to post while in Houston, but there wasn't time. Besides, I forgot to bring the directions to the internet cafe in Houston and the yellow pages and hotel staff were no help. Oh well.

I will tell about my trip later. I had 345 E-mails and I also picked up my snail mail and still have to go through that.

So long for now.

Tomorrow the Houston Journey Begins

2005-03-26T17:18:00.000-05:00

Well I'm almost ready for my trip. Just a few odds and ends that I'll take care of in the morning, then I'm off.

Friday, I went to my hometown's little post office for my scheduled appointment to apply for my passport for the Slayercruise in June. It was 8:00 am, and I was waiting for the door to open. Lynn, who scheduled the appointment, apparently wasn't fully awake, because I don't think she was aware that she said out loud, "Why did I make the appointment so early?" However, things went without a hitch. She checked the application against the birth certificate and driver license and then we went into the little post office's tiny office. It was the only place with a white wall, which served as the background for the picture. The camera was neat. It was a bulky Polaroid that took two tiny pictures at the same time. Tiny office, tiny pictures. I was afraid that I blinked but after it developed, there were two pictures of me with all four eyes open. They didn't look like me just enough to be perfect passport photos. Not as unlike me as my driver license, but then I never posed for passport photos before, so I was a little offguard. When the time comes to renew my passport, I'll try to have a photo that doesn't look at all like me.

Today, I did some last minute errands, and went to the car wash, because Baby Blue (see profile) really needed a bath. Now I'm just gonna relax and maybe in a bit, do some serious goofing off.

So long for now and have a Happy Easter!

I'm # 1! I'm #1!

2005-03-23T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, as a goof (see profile, subheading interests), I googled The Buffy Basement Museum. Out of over 60,700 results (in 0.61 seconds), my blog was listed first. First over such sites that included: "Buffy's basement," "Buffy basement" and "museum... Buffy... basement." I'm so proud. Who says it doesn't pay to not have a life! =)

Two and a Wake-Up

2005-03-23T06:02:00.000-05:00

Monday night I did find where I saved my hotel reservation for the Buffycon. Not only did the hotel thank me for choosing Sheraton, but were pleased to confirm my reservation with them. I liked that. I rarely please anybody. I'm sure that the fact that I'm going to give them money has nothing to do with pleasing them. =)

Now the hard part: waiting.

The Only Thing Faster Than Light Is Air Fare Price Changes

2005-03-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

Last night I finally got around to buying my roundtrip plane ticket online for the Slayercruise next June. Every time I thought I was locked into a rate: Whoosh! a gajillion bucks more was added as I was getting ready to purchase. ?????

I finally gave up trying to get the rate "offered" (travelocity, priceline and expedia dot coms) and settled on the times to and from Fort Lauderdale (if you type "Ft" Lauderdale, the dot coms don't understand). Yes, I know I should have done this a long time ago, but that's me.

Now I can again focus on the Houston Slayercon. I know I made reservations for the hotel, but I can't find my copy I printed and for some reason it's not saved anywhere. I'll have to call up the hotel tonight or tomorrow and just confirm it. I know I made the reservations. I just know it. I'll be pretty pissed off if I have to sleep in my pickup or pay an outrageous last minute room charge.

All that's left to do is get through this week, apply for my passport (for Slayercruise) and then Saturday head south ...sort of.

Getting Ready for Houston Slayercon

2005-03-20T12:05:00.000-05:00

As everyone on this planet knows a Slayercon is a convention concerning the shows Buffy and Angel. More specifically produced by Vulkon Entertainment's Joe Motes. Therefore, I will not spend any time explaining what a Slayercon is.

Actually, I think I'm all set and just have to run down the clock. I plan on leaving this Saturday March 26 and just mosey on down south: maybe spend some time at the Redneck Riviera, gamble in Biloxi and/or go to New Orleans. Or not: I really don't like planned trips. Last summer when I went to the Oakland Slayercon in Ol' Red (my former pickup), this was the first time I had a destination to my trips. My trips usually are scientifically based on whim. When trip day arrives, I then decide on a compass pont and travel in a roundabout way in that direction until day's end. Next day, new arbitrary direction, and so on. Half way through the vaction, I start heading back home. Last summer, for the Oakland trip, I started N, S or W, but not E until I got to the west coast and after the convention was over N, S or E, but not W until I got home. My other rule has always been never go where someone says, "You have to go see ___ on your way," or "You have to go through ____ ." It's my trip, and I go by whim, not travel guides. Actually, I'm more interested in seeing the nonpoints-of-interests, just the regular stuff in different regions.

So Houston is all locked up. I still have minor stuff to take care of for the Slayercruise (Slayercon on a boat) in June. I still have to book a flight to/from Florida for this cruise in the Caribbean. I was told that for the cruise, a driver license and certified birth certificate was sufficient for this cruise, but it was suggested that a passport would be better. So I got my certified birth certificate (2 actually) and Friday March 25, I have an appointment at my little hometown Post Office to apply for my passport. They even do the photos (one stop shopping!).

It seems the ship has internet computers on board, so I might do remote posts from the Bermuda Triangle (oooooooooh). Since I don't have a laptop, this is the only way to do this. Also in Houston, I'll have to see if there are any internet cafes nearby. If all else fails, maybe I can get some kind Buffy fan who has a laptop to allow me to post.

But enough of that for now. I would like to end with a shout out (don't ever tell anyone I used that) to my friend Laurie ("L." from the first posting) http://runninon.blogspot.com/ who is not only pregnant (and will now freely admit so - see her blog for her journey into continuing the human race - "Good Reading!" - The Buffy Basement Musem ), but also has a humongous cold (or has been inviting chaos daemons over her house for dinner). She acknowledged my addition to the English language, i.e., liquid boogers. I consider this one of my major linguistic achievements, along with noun tenses. Get better, Laura. Just think of it as snots for tots. =)

Day Three

2005-03-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

I still haven't got the hang of doing a blog. Yesterday was spent fiddling with the profile and settings and I didn't get a chance to pompously expoud any words of wisdom. Today I'm spending morning break beefing up my blog with at least one other phoney-baloney posting. I have lots and lots of catch-ups to do (my Buffy Marathons , my Buffypalooza, past Slayercons, Walkies - not what you think and most importantly the genesis of The Buffy Basement Museum, as opposed to TBBM). I told you I'm not very linear ( coherent for that matter).

These are busy times with the Houston Slayercon coming up and Slayercruise not far behind. I still have to get a certified birth certificate for the cruise (and apply for a passport, but if the p-port isn't processed in time, driver license and certified bc are sufficient for the cruise).

I have 2 mins until my break is over so, this is it until next time.

Slay-yah later (I know, that's reeeally bad)! =)

Why TBBM?

2005-03-15T20:48:00.000-05:00

This is my first crack at blogging. My friend L. started one a little while back and got me interested in doing this. She also got me started going to Buffy conventions. Having watched BTVS since the beginning, I limited myself just to the show (and Angel) itself. I am such a goof with names that it was about the end of the 2nd season before it sunk in that Buffy was Sarah Michelle Gellar. I do have other interests, but watching BTVS was my only obsession in life. If a group of c0-workers would plan to meet somewhere after work, it was understood that Tuesdays were off limits. Having a blog a few years ago would have been the bee's knees (yes I used that phrase on occasion) when episodes were new and speculations of possible outcomes were still up for grabs.

Anyway, there actually is a Buffy Basement Museum, which amazingly enough is in the basement of my house. How this came about will be the subject of future postings.

This blog will not be very linear, but then neither am I.