January 2012 Archives   31 January 2012 KTL Report - Con 2012 Incoming! Con 2012 Incoming... Convention Report by KTL Friday Well, well, here we all are one more time. This time for the last ever Xena con (at least before the 2013 Xena con rolls around next January-an advertisement for which we discovered on the back page of our 2012 con schedule). The thought of this being the last ever Xena con (at least before the 2013 Xena con rolls around next January) has brought many, many old time faces out from the historic Xenaic shadows, blinking, limping and shambling out into the bright lights of Burbank. (Ummm, the word "old" is not a judgment statement on the faces, it's just a comment on the amount of time that has lapsed since having last seen some of these faces radiating joy in a hotel lobby.) As always, (but with a specially high edge, since we did think it was going to be the last ever Xena con), there are huge jolts of energy, enthusiasm and plain old raucous high spirits. Everyone is commenting on seeing old friends who for whatever reason had not been attending the cons lately. For the majority of my friends, it was the collapse of the economy--the spirits were willing but the wallets were weak. But to my great joy, many of them are back in the saddle, some as always clutching the ever ribald inducing massive saddle horn of fandom for one last ride. (Unless they come to the 2013 Xena con next January.) Anyway, we're here, we're dear, some of us are queer, most of us seem to be happy to be seeing each other yet again and many of us are, as always, marveling at how many newbies have found us and are just so giddily gleeful at the thought of joining the annual Xena family reunion.     31 January 2012 Mr Bill Shatner Wants To Come To My Room To Check Out My Gadgets... I tell ya every time I write this down I crack up laughing. Let me explain. Over the course of the weekend I was interviewed twotimes by Mr Shatner and his crew (special shoutout to David and Kevin who I've come to like very much) and once on Thursday before the con met with David and Kevin at lunch. William Shatner and his crew were filming a documentary on Xena fandom and the Final Convention. I believe they were truly surprised by us and how we are so different from other fandoms. I'm not quite sure how this happened but I agreed to be interviewed and figured it was once. Mr Shatner had other ideas. It was intense and quite honest - he is a very good interviewer. I had surreal moment number 4829283 when Bill stopped me mid morning and asked me if I wouldn't mind telling my story - the story most of the Xenaverse has never heard about. I won't go into it now but when Mr Shatner asks me to come into my room and view my gadgets...you can't refuse :) That's what happened - myself, Bill, David (producer), Kevin (cameraman), Mark and Kip (boom and audio) and one more whose name I can't remember (sorry!). Also in the room were my mates who were quite a sight. I decided to play a practical joke before Bill arrived so my two friends decided to stay outside the room and act like security. It was HYSTERICAL. Check out the picture. Bill's assistant came first and was totally confused until Maria cracked. LOL! Then Bill turned up and turned the tables on the gals! That was just hysterical. In the picture...the brown haired blob behind them is ME :) LOL! For what it's worth...Maria is 5'7 and Jo is 6'2... We then got stuck into the interview and it lasted for an hour...a very intense hour. The whole experience was something I will never forget. William Shatner Wants To Come To My Room To Check Out My Gadgets...<giggle> I actually had to admit that I was in trek fandom in addition to the Xenaverse. What a surreal experience that was. I believe the doco will be shown at film festivals and eventually on DVD in 2013.     31 January 2012 No Goodbyes...Just Good Memories 2012 Xena Convention Final Report Yes I have plagerised Star Trek's Tasha Yar. I love that holodeck eulogy so I'm using it (since my fandoms collided at the con..might as well go with the theme) The 2012 Xena Convention is over and it was my final convention despite what Creation may or may not do next year. I suspect this the last convention for many other folks judging by the chatter. Here are the photos from the final day On stage yesterday afternoon, Renee started the proceedings by being funny, cheeky, just beautiful. She chatted with us and shows us her 5 Ways to Break Up which was funny. Renee talked about how her life has changed and that fans were with her all the step of the way; her marriage, the birth of her children, her divorce, her re-marriage and her projects. We then had Lucy come on stage with a giant flower on her jacket. She was fabulous; energetic and just plain funny. Sharon set Lucy up by asking her about the OccupyOakland "arrest" and asked her how it came about, what she did and so forth. This was the cue for Angela from the Official Lucy Lawless Fan Club to stand up at the back and yell out "I got your shoe!" and then another 4 people (chosen earlier) to stand up and say "I got your shoe!" and then everyone who had prepared and had shoes all stood up yelling "I got your shoe!" :) THAT was funny. The shoes were donated to a homeless shelter which was mega cool. At one point a "fan" kept at her about Roman history that we all groaned that a con virgin was taking the scenic route to her question. We had alot of con virgins in the audience and they were so cute. Back to the persistent con virgin we realised (after Lucy figured it out after a lengthy question) that it was Ellen Hollman from Spartacus Vengeance.  I recently interviewed Ellen for the AUSXIP Interviews Spartacus series of interviews. It was cool to see her there. The interview will be up soon. Ellen will soon be seen as Saxa, the new female warrior / gladiator Renee soon joined Lucy back on stage and they answered some questions before someone convinced them both that they should do the Gabrielle proposing to Xena bit of Katherine's play. Lucy had NO IDEA what was going on but she did it with Renee (Renee had performed this the previous day as Gabrielle so this wasn't new to her). It was funny! Lucy adlibbed and made really funny comments. So Gabrielle (Renee) gets to the part about "will you marry me" - Lucy makes a face and then does something all the subtexters (really do I need to use that word anymore? ah well) have been waiting for. Let the pictures speak for themselves AFter that wonderful moment, our dynamic duo said goodbye...and thus ended The Final Journey Convention One last thing to do and that was Lucy's Photo Op. The line stretched outside the building - there was well over 250 people who were lined up and they got their wish. I said farewell to my friends I have met and loved throughout the years. I did not say goodbye; just farewell until we meet again. When? I have no idea but it will happen. so I'm going to end this blog with Tasha's words: No goodbyes...just good memories. Hailing Frequencies Closed & Battle ON! MaryD Read more of my live blog from the convention here View images from the convention     30 January 2012 2012 Xena Convention Update - Lucy & Renee - The Final Journey Okay folks, this is it. I'm absolutely dead set tired but I figured you guys would want the pictures so I've uploaded them. A Report to follow when I can think straight. - Photos of Lucy - Photos of Renee - Photos of Lucy and Renee     29 January 2012 2012 Xena Con Update: Saturday Fun and Laughter! Well I tell you I haven't laughed so much at a convention as this one. This one has me rolling on the floor laughing so hard, the back of my head hurts! Today also brought tears - the poignant reminder that our lives are forever intertwined and will alway be. Saw a message from Missy to get my butt down to the photo Op area because I was going to get my all time wish of seeing Renee in that itty bitty BGSP and brown skirt PLUS staff. YES! Alrighty now, this is special :) It was fabulous and for me who hates photos...I made an exception for Ms Renee :) Felt like a little kid getting all giddy. After the photo ops it was Missy's turn on stage and we had a jolly good laugh and then some tears as a xenite read out what this xenaverse means to her and how her partner Mary had passed and loved the xenaverse so much. I had tears in my eyes; I had met Mary quite a few years ago and I didn't know she had passed away recently. Her life partner and best friend gave the best eulogy she could and it moved everyone in the crowd. Missy went off stage and just put her arm around her shoulder whilse she read. I love this fandom. I love the goodness in this fandom and I love how it reaches out. You guys inspire me. We then had Katherine Fugate who once again put in a play about how we wanted the season finale to really be. Suprise guest included Claudia Black, Crystal Chappell, Bridget Brannagh (Army Wives), Tim and David and then the REAL surprise of the day...RENEE playing..Gabrielle! LOL! Oh my gooness the room ERUPTED. I can't describe into words other than to say...god help us on Sunday when Lucy and Renee are on stage together. It's going to blow the roof off! What was the play about? Gabrielle proposes to Xena :) Xena accepts of course. Michale and Jennifer were next and my goodness those two are a hoot! I love them and they took us through what they have been up to and what they will be doing! Gorgeous couple. After I went to feed myself, it was time for Brittney Powell. I love this woman; she is so funny and she loves the fans; that is very obvious. What happened after the first 10 minutes is incredible. It was incredible to watch and be a part of it. We divided into one half of the room and the other half and then we went to war. A bidding war - a true bidding war for Brittney's pink bra. It was glorious to watch and Brittney was just standing there enjoying the moment and laughing. We raised $5700 for the bra. Unfreakinbelievable. Inspiring doesn't come close to what these people are. Beautiful. From Brittney we get to Claire and Tim. I swear I haven't laughed so hard in ages. It was just pure and unadulerated fun. Claire and Tim took turns in interviewing each other (it sounds funnier than it reads) and then they switched to Alti and Eli. HYSTERICAL. Absolutely rolling on the floor hysterical! That has been my day today; laughing so hard the back of my head hurts! The day is not over yet so hang on to your hats! I've got Friday's pictures and today's pictures up on the image galleries     29 January 2012 2012 Xena Convention Friday Cabaret Update Friday PM Well that went far too fast - I really do think the convention days should be slower but it's not. It's still 24 hours...what a shame. In the afternoon / evening we were treated to the talents of David, Micheal and Jennifer. David killed me with his performance. What a funny man and he can sing quite well and also poke fun at himself. Next on the list was Michael and Jennifer who were outstanding. They sang, they laughed, the audience roared especially with Michael appearing in drag again (that was HYSTERICAL) and at the end of their performance they paid tribute to Kevin Smith. Michael did an amazing haka. I didn't take my camera in but did snapped some blurry pics with my cell camera.     28 January 2012 2012 Xena Convention Update - Friday AM 27 January 2012 Hey folks, Taking time out from the con for a quick update. We had the official start today. First up was Sharon Delaney welcoming everyone to the convention and I have to tell you folks, there was A LOT of people there. A LOT. I haven't seen this size before at a con (I wasn't here for the 2001 con). There are alot of con virgins which is cool to see! First guest was the wonderful Mr Sears. Steven brought along a special guest - his gorgeous dog Julian who I have to say stole the show. By Julian being there, he achieved what few could have - it stopped Steven from pacing around the stage and creating the problem of being unable to take photos of him. Having said that, my phone camera still got a fuzzy picture of him! LOL! I did get some great photos of him and Julian but the normal camera is otherwise occupied right now so this will do until I can upload the images. This year, Julian sat in his lap and looked absolutely cute as Steven answered questions. We all know the con ritual that some people ask for hugs..we have it at every con even though Creation asks people not to do it. I have alot of fun counting the hug requests just becuase it's so funny (says the woman who on meeting Rob Tapert in 2005 did exactly the same thing...in my defence all I can say is that my brain decided to go for a walk and not come back for the rest of the 2005 con). Well this year we started off with another hug request but with a difference. It wasn't for Steve (Steve does give great hugs) but for Julian! Congratulations Julian and Steve did indicate Julian would be available for hugs and adorable looks in the hotel lobby later :) Next was Adrienne Wilkinson who was just so beautiful and was funny and very delightful. She even did the Livia yell after a couple of requests! On closing I have to say William Shatner's production crew was out and about filming at the con as well which was fun for everyone. Lots of fun, lots of laughter. To Be Continued...     27 January 2012 2012 Xena Convention Update Fandoms Collide and Then Go BOOOOMMMMM! Hey folks, Well that was some evening...more than I bargained for and more than I ever thought possible. It's now 11:15 pm (I woke up at 4 am and tried to stay quiet not to disturb my roomie - I think I bored people with my tweets about that). I'm tired but deliriously blissfully on a high. Where to begin...okay first up, the good news for con virgins - there will be another convention next year. Creation has decided to extend the Xena Conventions for another year. So if you're a con virgin and couldn't attend this "Final Journey" con..there is next year. Now what's this business about Fandoms colliding? Well I'm a trekkie. That was my first love many many years ago. Tonight I was interviewed by Mr William Shatner. I'm writing this and I still can't believe it so. I believe Lida got a bazillion photos of this interview and I've seen a couple so I know it happened :) I just don't believe it. What was left of my brain has dribbled out and departed. If someone finds it, please ask it to return home. Mr Shatner wanted to know about AUSXIP and the charity auctions we hold for Starship. I just wrote this and read it back...unbelievable. I have to say I was very impressed with Mr Shatner's interviewing style and the questions he asked. I doubt very much that this will be poking fun at the fans; this is serious and positive. What else happened? I met Claire Stansfield again - first time since 2001 (Dragoncon in Atlanta) and she was just so gracious. What a gorgeous woman inside and out. Laughed alot with Katherine (she always makes me laugh) and the gorgeous Adrienne Wilkinson and of course the ever wonderful and adorable Steven Sears. So thus ends Thursday...and the con hasn't really started yet. Later! MaryD     27 January 2012 2012 Xena Con - Thursday 26 January 2012 The Party is About To Begin! Hey folks, Logging on for a very brief report from Xena Con Central - the Burbank Marriott. All is quiet; there has been a few tears already but that was stopped pretty quickly. We don't need tears now...the con hasn't started yet. We have a party to go to and the party needs to be a happy and joyful occasion. Got bear hugs from my friends as I walked in and couple of which I had to stand on my toes for (why do these people have to be so tall!) Tonight is Adrienne's Meet and Greet Party with Xena and Venice guests. That should be mega cool. I will report in after the party for all the interesting things that happen there. The registration is on tonight as well..that's always fun because friends catch up and you have alot of squeeling - there was such a moment at The Grill that just made me smile. It's just so mega cool to be involved and to watch others be involved - friends coming together. I LOVE THE XENAVERSE! Took some photos and if my victi..er..friends and if they don't mind me posting the pics, they will be posted later tonight. Okay now this is funny - Lori and her merry band of friends is right next door to me - this is hysterical! We didn't plan it that way, it's just happened. Also next door is a Myra - ironing lady extraordinare! LOL! I just love this convention already :) If you are coming in from interstate or overseas, don't pack warm clothes. Today is a mini heat wave (reminds me of home - 28oC - that's just incredible) and the forecast is for very warm weather. In the event the weather changes..don't blame me I'm just reporting what weather.com is telling me and by looking out the window :) It looks like Lucy and Renee will be closing the con and the photo ops for Lucy are at 6:25 pm in the afternoon on Sunday. So if you are planning on leaving on Sunday and have photo ops with Lucy...change your plans or maybe extend the time you leave. Creation has posted the schedule on the con page. To Be Continued....     25 January 2012 It's Time To Party! 2012 Xena Convention Hey folks, it's coming close to the convention and all the AUSXIP editing staff will be at the con - first time this has happened which is interesting. From Wednesday the site will be in skeleton staff mode. Updates will still occur but a bit later than normal. I will be live blogging from the convention and you can follow directly on the AUSXIP Convention Page, on twitter or facebook. This is going to be my last convention (whether Creation does another is up in the air judging by the poll they have on their site) It's going to be emotional and I'm packing the tissues. Let's all go out and have a great time, laugh and cry and then laugh some more. We are a family - sometimes a dysfunctional family but a family. The Xenaverse truly rocks and it's the best fandom I've ever been in or will be in. Let's go party people!! MaryD     22 January 2012 Reminder - 2012 Xena Con The Final Journey After Party, Softball Game The weekend of The Final Journey Xena con is approaching and here's some news from Penny that will interest everyone who will be attending: A message from Penny Glasswell A few years ago we started the tradition of having an after party at the end of the annual Xena Con, to say goodbye to our beautiful friends and family. This year, it could be the last goodbye - to not only our friends from across the world, but to Xena cons as we know them. Every year, we ask for donations at the door to help cover the costs of room hire, which total over $2000. We usually don't make ends meet, and a few wonderful Xenites chip in a LOT to help cover costs. This year, we have changed hotels and the way we do things has changed. We have to pay upfront - which is going to be very difficult to do alone. I am asking for everyone to share this around, so that we can book and pay for the most AMAZING family reunion the Xena world has ever seen. So what are you contributing to? - An AWESOME ballroom to party in from 8pm - 1am on Sunday Jan 29. - An incredibly kick ass amazing cake. JUST WAIT TIL YOU SEE IT!!!! And you thought last years cake was awesome!!! - A dance floor, and cost of the speaker hire to blast the best music in melodia to boogie on down to all night. - A night of amazingness with your beautiful Xenite friends. - Speeches, a slideshow of con memories throughout the years, and a few other fun surprises. - Awards presentation of the MVP's of the 3rd Annual Xenite Softball Game (being held Friday morning). - Memories to last a lifetime. and then another life time. and another life time. and then a karmic reincarnation. and another life time. (thanks Eli!!) So what do you say... wanna come along? As much or as little as you can donate will be so very appreciated - and I will personally give you a squishy hug at the after party!! If you were at the party last year, you know it's worth it. If you weren't at the party last year, then you aren't gonna wanna miss this last one!! Battle on, Xenites, let's see what we can achieve!! Much love to you all. xoxoxoxo Click here to donate   2012 Xena Con After Party Facebook page 3rd Annual Xenite Softball Game: Amphipolis vs Potidaea     13 January 2012 2 Gold Tickets to Xena Convention For Sale Unfortunately, 2 fans can't go to the con and they are selling their Gold Weekend Tickets. If you are interested, please visit the post at the TalkingXena Forum for all the information.     12 January 2012 Leaving on a Jet Plane.... Hey folks, RightO! I'm off on my annual holiday and this time I'm trekking across the pond to the US for a few weeks to catch up with mates, attend the 2012 Final Journey Xena Convention and just have a great time! While I'm away, Lori will be taking over and updating AUSXIP and the rest of the sites. I'm looking forward to watching the Spartacus premiere (I'll have a review/preview of the first two episodes next week). ALL the AUSXIP staff will be at the Xena Convention so I'll pop in by live blogging the convention with news, photos and other assorted goodies; you can follow this on AUSXIP or twitter and facebook. It's going to be mega fun and mega emotional. Spartacus is going to be HUGE and the Xena Con will be INCREDIBLE! I'll be back on board around 8th Feb! Battle On! MaryD     9 January 2012 2012 Xena Convention Guest List Update - Tim Omundson Tim Omundson (Eli) has been added to guest list for the 2012 Xena Convention! This is one hell of a lineup for the final convention! Would love to see the force behind the show, Rob Tapert, be included as well. Come on Creation -include Rob for the final con! The guest list: Actors: Lucy Lawless Renee O'Connor Hudson Leick Claire Stansfield Jacqueline Kim Michael Hurst Ted Raimi Jennifer Ward-Lealand Adrienne Wilkinson Tsianina Joelson Brittney Powell Musetta Vander Sherri Rappaport Jennifer Sky David Franklin Writers Steven L. Sears Katherine Fugate Missy Good     7 January 2012 Claire Stansfield Added To 2012 Xena Convention Guest List Claire Stansfield has been added to guest list for the 2012 Xena Convention! YES! YES! YES!!! Claire announced this on her official Facebook page. This is one hell of a lineup for the final convention! Would love to see the force behind the show, Rob Tapert, be included as well. Come on Creation -include Rob for the final con! The guest list: Actors: Lucy Lawless Renee O'Connor Hudson Leick Jacqueline Kim Michael Hurst Ted Raimi Jennifer Ward-Lealand Adrienne Wilkinson Tsianina Joelson Brittney Powell Musetta Vander Sherri Rappaport Jennifer Sky David Franklin Writers Steven L. Sears Katherine Fugate Missy Good     5 January 2012 2012 Xena Con The Final Journey After Party The weekend of The Final Journey Xena con is approaching and here's some news from Penny that will interest everyone who will be attending: A message from Penny Glasswell A few years ago we started the tradition of having an after party at the end of the annual Xena Con, to say goodbye to our beautiful friends and family. This year, it could be the last goodbye - to not only our friends from across the world, but to Xena cons as we know them. Every year, we ask for donations at the door to help cover the costs of room hire, which total over $2000. We usually don't make ends meet, and a few wonderful Xenites chip in a LOT to help cover costs. This year, we have changed hotels and the way we do things has changed. We have to pay upfront - which is going to be very difficult to do alone. I am asking for everyone to share this around, so that we can book and pay for the most AMAZING family reunion the Xena world has ever seen. So what are you contributing to? - An AWESOME ballroom to party in from 8pm - 1am on Sunday Jan 29. - An incredibly kick ass amazing cake. JUST WAIT TIL YOU SEE IT!!!! And you thought last years cake was awesome!!! - A dance floor, and cost of the speaker hire to blast the best music in melodia to boogie on down to all night. - A night of amazingness with your beautiful Xenite friends. - Speeches, a slideshow of con memories throughout the years, and a few other fun surprises. - Awards presentation of the MVP's of the 3rd Annual Xenite Softball Game (being held Friday morning). - Memories to last a lifetime. and then another life time. and another life time. and then a karmic reincarnation. and another life time. (thanks Eli!!) So what do you say... wanna come along? As much or as little as you can donate will be so very appreciated - and I will personally give you a squishy hug at the after party!! If you were at the party last year, you know it's worth it. If you weren't at the party last year, then you aren't gonna wanna miss this last one!! Battle on, Xenites, let's see what we can achieve!! Much love to you all. xoxoxoxo Click here to donate     Read More Archives