Fedcon XVIII in Bonn...
...What a weekend this has been.
This weekend was so full and emotional for me, that my head has trouble sorting it all into the right time and situation.
It was full of:
-fans in costume
-staff members in hot-pink shirts (and my Mom wanted one badly *laughs* and she was not alone, lots of people asked for them, but they were staff-only)
-standing in queue
-taking pictures
-funny moments on and off stage
-one not so funny moment at breakfast (but I think noctuabunda , my Mom and I 'worked' with it quite well)
-and lots of better moments at breakfast!!!
-a lot of very interesting and also funny actors who took up with all the questions (especially the off-stage question: Could I have a picture with you? XD I used that one only once, but boy, what a moment it was for me.)
-standing in QUEUE (but what would Fedcon be without it?! XD)
-suffering of the vocal cords (yesterday evening I was sure: If I would cheer wrong once, I would rip something. It all feels somewhat tender still)
-clapping of hands (yes, my palms are kind of sensitive, and will stay for a few days I think)
-wonderful, wonderful slashy moments on and off stage
-me in full hero-worship mode (which brings with it my falling back to behaving like a fourteen year old)
-my Mom being in fangirl-mode (twice, and it was pretty funny and cool XD)
-tears (but only at the end because it was over and it was consistent with my behaving like a fourteen year old XDD)
So.
Trying to get it right.
Mom and I arrived on Thursday evening after it seemed something wanted to make it extra-hard for us to get there. It was nothing that terrible for us, but our train was quite late, kept being stuck once we were inside and the tram in Bonn itself only came once every half hour, with the last one having just left. Nonetheless: me made it (and managed to get into our first queue 5 seconds after entering the lobby! That has to be a record for us XD). And that way, we were even more happy we went a day early again. Being late on Friday would have been (for me and my personal timetable) horrendous.
Why? Easy: first thing on Friday morning at Fedcon to do, is to line up to get your tickets for NEXT year. Sounds crazy? Yeah... I can imagine. The explanation: the smaller your number, the earlier you can get your autographs. Plus, you're sitting closer to the stage at panels. And of course, the satisfaction of having managed to secure numbers 11, 12 and 13 this year, at a con that's being visited by thousands of people, is in there somewhere, too :3
What's even more crazy? noctuabunda and I went down at five am.
Even crazier? The first ones down there had arrived in the lobby at THREE am.
To describe the whole Con would be too much, but there are always certain things that stand out.
This years Con I looked especially forward to, because of the announcements of four DS9 actors: Max Grodénchik (Rom), Jeffrey Combs (Weyoun, Brunt and some more), Marc Alaimo (Gul Dukat) and the reason for my hero worship and general, possibly weird behaviour this weekend, Nana Visitor (Major Kira Nerys).
Squeeing about her makes me sound kind of retarded, that's why I'll try to keep it to a minimum, ahem (and noctuabunda was witness to that more than once over the last three days... my Mom already knew how strange I can get about her XD).
To make it short: she was charming, happy and friendly on stage and off. Personal highlights for me, apart from seeing and hearing her again (which was enough to get my pulse to quicken) was getting my picture done with her in the official Picture-Shoot, getting my autograph and giving her a small present, after which I already was as happy and giddy as I thought I could get.
The only thing is, I never, honestly never manage to really talk to her, when I have the chance. With the other actors, that's okay. With her, something constricts, and all I manage is to smile like an idiot, nod to what she's saying to me, maybe reply a little and leave at the appropriate time.
Okay, that's already not short anymore. Just skip the rest if you're already bored XD
So last time I saw her (some years ago), I worked around that by writing her a letter. And she read it on the spot, while I was standing in front of her, got up, and hugged me. I think, that was one of the (that will sound sad to some, but what the hell) happiest days of my life. Hero-Worship will do that to and for you.
This time, I wanted to manage. Hell, how hard could it be.
Hard enough, obviously.
Only this time, I went back the next day, and after almost backing out again, I finally managed to open my mouth and just tell her. What I said was nothing big at all, but the fact that I finally- yeah, I think you get the picture. A little after, and with noctuabundas help, I even conjured the nerve to ask if she'd do a picture with the two us (there were not waiting that many people), and well, what can I say, she said yes, and was wonderful and *happy fangirl describing stupid small stuff which is not important and anyway is just squeeing and that in a tone of voice no one wants to hear*
I was so full of happiness, I got that kind of feeling where you think it's so much that you couldn't, possibly contain it. I love that feeling.
Back to more general stuff XD
Breakfast was fun, as always. Friday morning we were able to get a first glimpse of Robert Picardo and Marc B. Lee (our Master of Ceremonies, he's wonderful), and Sunday we saw Marc Alaimo walking around for quite a while, seemingly not being able to decide what to eat (it's quite a wide range).
Speaking of Marc Alaimo, he's quite a character. And he was the one, turning my Mom into a fangirl and making he use her English, which was pretty cool (she was so happy, when she told me later, it was wonderful).
Did a picture with him, too, which was fun. Big fun. And I have to admit, did something for my ego, too. I know, he's quite old in comparison, but some things, age has nothing to do with. Charisma is one of them, and he has it. And he can move, when he chooses to, oh boy.
And him and Jeffrey both on stage? Yeah, some maybe guessed already: that was the slashy part. Lots of looks, Jeffrey re-enacting how he used to make Dukat (and Marc while he was in character, too) oh so angry and close to loosing his temper by taunting him, and much more small stuff, was real fun to watch. To quote Marc on how close they are, which seems pretty close: “[...]We're kind of asshole- buddies.” and something about how this could be taken wrong, grinning a little. Thanks for that, Mr. Alaimo XD
More fun came from the direction of John Billingsly, who didn't waste any time and reminded us from minute one of that kiss between him and Marc B. Lee, last time he was at Fedcon. Hilariousness and much laughter ensued which was to be continued at his panel where John 'distracted' Marc, while John's wife (Bonita Friedericy, General Beckman in 'Chuck') rid Marc of his pants. Yes, we are a crazy bunch of people; lucky for us, the actors are most of the time just as wacky!! XD
Other than that, Nichelle Nichols was back at Fedcon as well, being herself, as usual. What that means? She talks. A lot. Most of the time about things she already told. In kind of a slow way.
I respect her, honestly. She is of the first Crew, she is a lady, she has seen a lot in her life, critical moments in history, too. But well, she's still a human being. One that likes to talk.
And, well, we had this tribute panel to Star Trek, with her, Nana, John, Robert, Richard Arnold and Connor Trineer all on stage. It lasted an hour and, I kid you not, approximately 40 to 45 minutes of that, she was the one talking. And not only that, she interrupted others, John especially, when she misunderstood a point he was trying to make. But even after it was clear, even to her, that it was a misunderstanding, she kept talking and that behaviour, I honestly didn't like.
But it was one of only a few things this weekend which weren't fun, therefore I can't really complain *chuckle*
It was a wonderful weekend, full of beautiful moments for me, and I guess later on I'll maybe post again with little titbits that always come to mind once my brain is in working order again. And some pictures, I even took some that aren't all blurry! ;)
Cheers
Edit:
I can't believe I forgot.
On friday, we had our Opening Ceremonies as usual, but this time, Marc (MC) made a big fuss about everyone please arriving on time and so we did.
Then, they made an even bigger fuss that every mobile and camera should please be switched off and everything, with big guys in suits walking aroung, pulling a face, so we did that, too.
What this was all about is this: The new Star Trek movie.
Here in Germany it's coming out this Wednesday, but they organised for us to see 28 minutes of that movie right there!!
It was a blast! Everyone loved it, it looked so good. Even my Mom who was absolutely against it, now wants to see it. And please in English, she likes the voices better XD Gosh, I love my Mom!
2.Edit:
Oh what the hell, I'll just post the pictures here as well, but beware, they're kind of big ^_^;
Should you happen to want to use the pictures for anything, please ask ;)
Our lovely hotel, with the even lovlier breakfast and elevators XD
Max on his panel on friday
Marc Alaimo on his panel. It was kind of cool to recognize lot's of his behaviour and manner of speaking from how he played Dukat.
Jeffrey and Marc on Saturday.
Marc while signing, with Jeffrey and Dominic Keating in the background.
And of course Nana :)
A nice panel it was. But well, it's Nana, what's not for me to like *laughs*
And a last one. Taken while the autograph session was on.
This weekend was so full and emotional for me, that my head has trouble sorting it all into the right time and situation.
It was full of:
-fans in costume
-staff members in hot-pink shirts (and my Mom wanted one badly *laughs* and she was not alone, lots of people asked for them, but they were staff-only)
-standing in queue
-taking pictures
-funny moments on and off stage
-one not so funny moment at breakfast (but I think noctuabunda , my Mom and I 'worked' with it quite well)
-and lots of better moments at breakfast!!!
-a lot of very interesting and also funny actors who took up with all the questions (especially the off-stage question: Could I have a picture with you? XD I used that one only once, but boy, what a moment it was for me.)
-standing in QUEUE (but what would Fedcon be without it?! XD)
-suffering of the vocal cords (yesterday evening I was sure: If I would cheer wrong once, I would rip something. It all feels somewhat tender still)
-clapping of hands (yes, my palms are kind of sensitive, and will stay for a few days I think)
-wonderful, wonderful slashy moments on and off stage
-me in full hero-worship mode (which brings with it my falling back to behaving like a fourteen year old)
-my Mom being in fangirl-mode (twice, and it was pretty funny and cool XD)
-tears (but only at the end because it was over and it was consistent with my behaving like a fourteen year old XDD)
So.
Trying to get it right.
Mom and I arrived on Thursday evening after it seemed something wanted to make it extra-hard for us to get there. It was nothing that terrible for us, but our train was quite late, kept being stuck once we were inside and the tram in Bonn itself only came once every half hour, with the last one having just left. Nonetheless: me made it (and managed to get into our first queue 5 seconds after entering the lobby! That has to be a record for us XD). And that way, we were even more happy we went a day early again. Being late on Friday would have been (for me and my personal timetable) horrendous.
Why? Easy: first thing on Friday morning at Fedcon to do, is to line up to get your tickets for NEXT year. Sounds crazy? Yeah... I can imagine. The explanation: the smaller your number, the earlier you can get your autographs. Plus, you're sitting closer to the stage at panels. And of course, the satisfaction of having managed to secure numbers 11, 12 and 13 this year, at a con that's being visited by thousands of people, is in there somewhere, too :3
What's even more crazy? noctuabunda and I went down at five am.
Even crazier? The first ones down there had arrived in the lobby at THREE am.
To describe the whole Con would be too much, but there are always certain things that stand out.
This years Con I looked especially forward to, because of the announcements of four DS9 actors: Max Grodénchik (Rom), Jeffrey Combs (Weyoun, Brunt and some more), Marc Alaimo (Gul Dukat) and the reason for my hero worship and general, possibly weird behaviour this weekend, Nana Visitor (Major Kira Nerys).
Squeeing about her makes me sound kind of retarded, that's why I'll try to keep it to a minimum, ahem (and noctuabunda was witness to that more than once over the last three days... my Mom already knew how strange I can get about her XD).
To make it short: she was charming, happy and friendly on stage and off. Personal highlights for me, apart from seeing and hearing her again (which was enough to get my pulse to quicken) was getting my picture done with her in the official Picture-Shoot, getting my autograph and giving her a small present, after which I already was as happy and giddy as I thought I could get.
The only thing is, I never, honestly never manage to really talk to her, when I have the chance. With the other actors, that's okay. With her, something constricts, and all I manage is to smile like an idiot, nod to what she's saying to me, maybe reply a little and leave at the appropriate time.
Okay, that's already not short anymore. Just skip the rest if you're already bored XD
So last time I saw her (some years ago), I worked around that by writing her a letter. And she read it on the spot, while I was standing in front of her, got up, and hugged me. I think, that was one of the (that will sound sad to some, but what the hell) happiest days of my life. Hero-Worship will do that to and for you.
This time, I wanted to manage. Hell, how hard could it be.
Hard enough, obviously.
Only this time, I went back the next day, and after almost backing out again, I finally managed to open my mouth and just tell her. What I said was nothing big at all, but the fact that I finally- yeah, I think you get the picture. A little after, and with noctuabundas help, I even conjured the nerve to ask if she'd do a picture with the two us (there were not waiting that many people), and well, what can I say, she said yes, and was wonderful and *happy fangirl describing stupid small stuff which is not important and anyway is just squeeing and that in a tone of voice no one wants to hear*
I was so full of happiness, I got that kind of feeling where you think it's so much that you couldn't, possibly contain it. I love that feeling.
Back to more general stuff XD
Breakfast was fun, as always. Friday morning we were able to get a first glimpse of Robert Picardo and Marc B. Lee (our Master of Ceremonies, he's wonderful), and Sunday we saw Marc Alaimo walking around for quite a while, seemingly not being able to decide what to eat (it's quite a wide range).
Speaking of Marc Alaimo, he's quite a character. And he was the one, turning my Mom into a fangirl and making he use her English, which was pretty cool (she was so happy, when she told me later, it was wonderful).
Did a picture with him, too, which was fun. Big fun. And I have to admit, did something for my ego, too. I know, he's quite old in comparison, but some things, age has nothing to do with. Charisma is one of them, and he has it. And he can move, when he chooses to, oh boy.
And him and Jeffrey both on stage? Yeah, some maybe guessed already: that was the slashy part. Lots of looks, Jeffrey re-enacting how he used to make Dukat (and Marc while he was in character, too) oh so angry and close to loosing his temper by taunting him, and much more small stuff, was real fun to watch. To quote Marc on how close they are, which seems pretty close: “[...]We're kind of asshole- buddies.” and something about how this could be taken wrong, grinning a little. Thanks for that, Mr. Alaimo XD
More fun came from the direction of John Billingsly, who didn't waste any time and reminded us from minute one of that kiss between him and Marc B. Lee, last time he was at Fedcon. Hilariousness and much laughter ensued which was to be continued at his panel where John 'distracted' Marc, while John's wife (Bonita Friedericy, General Beckman in 'Chuck') rid Marc of his pants. Yes, we are a crazy bunch of people; lucky for us, the actors are most of the time just as wacky!! XD
Other than that, Nichelle Nichols was back at Fedcon as well, being herself, as usual. What that means? She talks. A lot. Most of the time about things she already told. In kind of a slow way.
I respect her, honestly. She is of the first Crew, she is a lady, she has seen a lot in her life, critical moments in history, too. But well, she's still a human being. One that likes to talk.
And, well, we had this tribute panel to Star Trek, with her, Nana, John, Robert, Richard Arnold and Connor Trineer all on stage. It lasted an hour and, I kid you not, approximately 40 to 45 minutes of that, she was the one talking. And not only that, she interrupted others, John especially, when she misunderstood a point he was trying to make. But even after it was clear, even to her, that it was a misunderstanding, she kept talking and that behaviour, I honestly didn't like.
But it was one of only a few things this weekend which weren't fun, therefore I can't really complain *chuckle*
It was a wonderful weekend, full of beautiful moments for me, and I guess later on I'll maybe post again with little titbits that always come to mind once my brain is in working order again. And some pictures, I even took some that aren't all blurry! ;)
Cheers
Edit:
I can't believe I forgot.
On friday, we had our Opening Ceremonies as usual, but this time, Marc (MC) made a big fuss about everyone please arriving on time and so we did.
Then, they made an even bigger fuss that every mobile and camera should please be switched off and everything, with big guys in suits walking aroung, pulling a face, so we did that, too.
What this was all about is this: The new Star Trek movie.
Here in Germany it's coming out this Wednesday, but they organised for us to see 28 minutes of that movie right there!!
It was a blast! Everyone loved it, it looked so good. Even my Mom who was absolutely against it, now wants to see it. And please in English, she likes the voices better XD Gosh, I love my Mom!
2.Edit:
Oh what the hell, I'll just post the pictures here as well, but beware, they're kind of big ^_^;
Should you happen to want to use the pictures for anything, please ask ;)
Our lovely hotel, with the even lovlier breakfast and elevators XD
Max on his panel on friday
Marc Alaimo on his panel. It was kind of cool to recognize lot's of his behaviour and manner of speaking from how he played Dukat.
Jeffrey and Marc on Saturday.
Marc while signing, with Jeffrey and Dominic Keating in the background.
And of course Nana :)
A nice panel it was. But well, it's Nana, what's not for me to like *laughs*
And a last one. Taken while the autograph session was on.