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LEXX Convention: UnCon Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 2000
Part II


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Friday, 11 August 2000

Part II

Where Bugbomb discovers beautiful scenery, mad scientists and the true length of Marginal Road: Asks an actor about fruit salad and becomes even more fond of beans.


05.50 am: I don't bloody believe it!!! Wide awake!! I try to shut my eyes..but the buggy body says MOVE!!!! So I do. Try and find something decent to throw over the buggy bod...ablute accordingly and get dressed. Breakfast isn't until 07.00 am, so have time to kill.

06.15 am: I find myself walking out the door and cross over the small driveway out on the streets. The road is lovely, with large houses. To my right, I see the road turns down and can see the river only a few hundred yards away down the bottom of a steep hill. I decide to explore ( Buggy loves rivers and sea shores..) and cross over. There isn't much traffic and I note early morning walkers and cyclists. I also have to be aware to look to my LEFT first ( told you this lot drove on the wrong side of the road...heheheheheh!!! ) and cross over to the other side of the very wide street, cross over a railway bridge and find myself at the top of a hill above the river.

The hill is verrryy steep but pretty, and I wish to hell I had remembered to get some film for my camera the day before, because the view is quite stunning. On both sides of the hill there are quiet cul-de-sacs with lovely family homes in woodland, obviously a bit out of my mortgage bracket.....heheheheheheh! And even a gentleman walking steadily up the hill carrying a large canoe over his head.

Then the road just....ends. So, on a small rocky shore I find myself over looking a river.....and a lovely expanse of water that opens out to the larger estuary ( I think ) to the East or North East, and across the river is an  expanse of pine forest, overshadowed by a tall building, and what appears to be a shore side park. The sun is out, but there is a slow expanse of  altocumulus cloud forming from the West plus back on the other side, one can see cyclists again, winding along the river path opposite and I offer up a quiet prayer of thanks.

My reverie is broken by two gentlemen coming down onto the small shore. One turns out to be a Hungarian scientist who had settled in Canada years before, the other is his colleague from Beijing. There seems to be some sort of convention in town to do with scientific measurements, quantification, something. We have a nice chat, both are very polite and all of us admire the view, noting a two men in cox-less rowboat, floating past on the out going tide. They return up the hill, I will follow on in a bit ( Buggy has to really psyche herself up for the climb. ), and I dare step out on to a little rock, taking one last view of the scene. I know now I am somewhere different and depart up the hill towards Shirreff, to break my fast in a strange place..

...but unfortunately, the view and reverie are somewhat ruined by the sight of a panty liner and dead condom on top of some weed. Ah well, it reminds me of home. Such is the stuff of civilization!

07.15 am: My first brekkie in Canada....so with hot little card in hand, I enter the Shirreff Hall eaterie..a large bright hall, well lit with tall  windows. The selection is large, with Gawd knows how many different drinks, cereals, pastries ( that early in the morning?! ) large bowls of fruit salad, plain or fruit yoghurt, muffins, bagels, loads of different breads ( I like the fruit ones..), THEN you encounter the toaster which has a conveyer belt!! It's a fab idea but put yer slice through once too many and smoke tends to spew forth!! Then, you encounter a bewildering choice of spreads. Butter, of course, peanut butter, jam, cream cheese! Gadzooks! The choice is endless!!

I then spot the two scientists and they invite me to join them. I would have  never in my life thought I could hold down a conversation with such persons, but we chat about various topics and are soon joined by a third gent, a fellow Brit, whose parents live remarkably close to mine!! I notice it doesn't matter where you go in the world, there will always be someone who either has lived, or lives or knows someone close to you!! Delighted that I haven't done my usual trick of wearing my breakfast down the front of what is termed 'nature's pelican bibs', I leave to get ready for the morning's fun. Also, after I get to make that much needed phone call to David and let him know I'm ok. Poor bugger was up all night waiting for my call. I arrange to call him again if possible, the next day and for him to go 'on line' for the first time  later in the week.

Eventually, I meet up with MissJean, Chencha ( who very kindly gave me film for my camera...! ), Kali, Poet Man, Mike and Charmaine. This is where my brain gets fuzzy on faces so if any of you reading this can add more insight on who was about please let me know and I can add that info in!! Two four wheeled chariots are duly summoned and we is orf to.meet ( All fall to the floor in  reverence!! ) Two beans and an actor!!!!

Now, the night before, Brian said, ( oh yes he did!! Apparently..) to be outside the Electrolysis....heheh...I mean Electropolis Studios at Marginal Road, but others have heard that we should be at a place behind the Westin Nova Scotia Hotel. Ok, then, so we pile into the respective taxis and I get to say 'Follow that Car!!!!' with much joy!!

Now, then, even though in formation via the grapevine said to meet at the Rail Offices - a clever disguise for what is actually another sound stage and offices for Electropolis, we go on what Brian APPARENTLY said, so ok our taxi pulls up outside the studios and...we're the only ones there!! So, now an executive decision is made to continue walking along Marginal Road and - hey presto!! We meet other lexxians!! Now, owing to the fact my brain is on 'failure'  mode' right now, I cannot remember a) who it is I shared the taxi with ( but it was a crush!! ) and b) who it was we met but I do remember MissJean suddenly squeaking and flying across the road 'cos she spotted Ghoul and boyfriend Sean ( who looks so much like Anthony Edwards of ER fame...me thinks a clone perhaps!!! ). We join them and meet up with a heap of others,  heheheh...interestingly enough...opposite a police station. The police have Camper Vans out there!! .

It's at this moment, I get to meet Ghoul for the first time. She and Sean had arrived in a very kewl car...don't ask me the make...but it was black, sleek and veryyyy sexy....Anywhoosie, we continue on and arrive at the Rail Offices..where we a are met by HERO SUPREME Dave Dagley ( I will explain more later on in the tale...) Who guides us up a dark stairwell to an open office area. There I get to spy Muse, Delly, and a whole heap of others! Chencha carps the diem, so to speak, and POSES on a couch covered with a purple cloth, a piccy of which will be included when I find one...'cos it's out there somewhere!!! (Heheheheh....how much not to show it Chencha!! )

We then all got to go 'Oooo!! Ahhh!' as we are joined by Lex Gigeroff, Brian Downey and Mary Elizabeth..and Paul Donovan, who went about and individually shook hands with almost everyone I think. A lovely, unassuming chap that I had the honour of meeting twice more later on. Renee Fournier was busily snapping photos ( Gawd Renee!! Would love to have yer camera!! How much...damn! Not allowed to take a second mortgage out!! ) and there was a lady busily taking notes...radio, local papers or something.

Before I know it, we are all sat and the Question and Answer session begins!  First off..season 4 is still in the lap of the U.S. SciFi gods. Paul Donovan is encouraging fans to campaign and thinks the Variety ad is a good idea!! Loads of questions are asked, some include technical details, a greater input of 790 next time round, of which Paul Donovan was surprised at nearly all of us putting our hands up, when he asked us about that.

Of course, I just HADDA ask about the Cod Peice and was told it was in bleedin' Germany!! (Or did that info come later?). Arr well never mind, but did ask if Brian still enjoyed friut salad after Boomtown!! And got an enthusiastic *YES*!! LOL!!

We quizzed and chatted for what seemed to be an eternity but yet it was all over far too quickly. Guzzling complementary water...because it was HOT in that room, and I don't mean just the temp either!! Alex De Vos had brought his hand made goblets, tankards and stuff, that most of us had pre-ordered and they were FAB!! They have been designed, hand thrown and glazed by Alex and looked wonderful. I had ordered a goblet for myself and a tankard for David aka The Grand Wazoo, being delighted with the results ( He was dead chuffed with his pressie - that means VERY PLEASED - but is too afraid to quaff ale from it incase he drops it!!). Mine has pride of place by me pc, from where I quaff soda water or orange. I had noticed earlier that each of our guests had one to quaff from. ( I got to spend a bit more time with Alex and Rhonda, but will tell all later.) Photos were taken again. I was very lucky to get a copy of Ghoul's UnCon cartoon and managed to get Brian to sign it!! Ghoul, a.k.a Sharon is a fabulous characteraturist, and I hope that ONE day, someone will recognise her talents!!! I am only sorry I didn't get to spend more time with this lovely lady. Anywhoosie, it was time to go. Clutching my tankard, goblet and other bits, we departed and a load of us went to dine at a restaurant back downtown. Before then, we had a parting chat, took loads more photos, none of which I have managed to get on here bar the one of Lex et al. Some were lucky to go have lunch with Lex, and loads of us went back into town to a place called McKelvie's, a fabulous place specializing in fish food, but pricey. About ten o so of us went there...not everyone I can remember..but I think Knightwolf, Delly, Muse, Mike, Charmaine, Darrow, Stardancer? Devoted? Candy and sis? Amyzon? Angie? I am not sure now...but had a giggle at Muse in heated in-depth conversations about Lexx. Someone please fill me in on who was there if  poss...ta.

After this, we all decided to go our separate ways. Some would go on the Hopper, an amphibious vehicle that tours around the harbour and in it!! I must make the effort to go on it next time. AND there WILL be a next time!! Heheheheheh!! Once settled up, I bade farewell and went to go shopping. Now, I had come to Halifax on a mission..and not JUST because of Lexx!! My beloved, David aka The Grand Wazoo, wears ( Wears? For 'wear' read 'is welded to' ) a woolly hat during winter months to protect his bushy head from all sorts of 'orrible weather conditions. It gets VERY windy in Penzance...and it ain't all due to the curried pasties we eat either!! Anywhoosie, this had has been worn for many years and has been washed so often, it has faded from black to blue. That's if one is able to prise it from one's beloved's head!! ( Usually at night with  crowbar, when he's asleep!! ) Well, bugger me with a flag pole..but could I find one anywhere? No!!!! For a sea going city..I was most surprised!! Anywhoosie, I decide to soak up the atmosphere around the harbour and catch one or two acts left over from the Annual Busker's festival. I also spotted a chap who did temporary tattoos ( transfers ) and spotted a rather nice one of a dragonfly.Parting with seven bucks, I eventually walked off with a nice blue/black dragonfly painted on my right forearm.

Eventually, I got back to Shirreff and had a Loonnnggggg shower...

Now..a word about Shirreff showers and Canadian bogs ( toilets, johns, etc ). First off...it was lovely having a really powerful jet of water to cleanse away the Halifax humidity BUT it don't 'arf sting the old nipples!!! AND every toilet I walked in to...has an inch gap, it seems, between the frame and the door which for a Brit...is a bit uncomfortable because you become conscious that if you can see out between the gaps others can see in! PLUS the door is set YARDS off the ground it seems!!! So, when me smalls hit the ground...I'm bloody sure someone can see 'em!!!

Oh well...c'est la vie chaps.

Right, shake dry the hair,.stuff misself into some clothes that DON'T smell of sweat and head out again in a taxi to a place called the Press Gang - another one of Halifax's finest restaurants - and wait AGES for someone to show. A few of us were going to dine here. Whoohoo!! Lurvley looking waiters with billowing shirts and one playing the piano that looks a little like Michael McManus. Dreamily I watch and listen after EVENTUALLY getting served. The bar tender seems intent on chatting up some pretty gals by me but I heave my 44 DD bosoms UP on to the counter, elbows out and wave a fiver under his nose, he deigns to serve me.

Eventually, Charmaine and Mike appear and later Delly, Muse, MissJean, I think Candy, Devoted and Angie plus hordes of others. The place is packed and it is obvious that there are no tables ( reservations seem to be a good idea for next time), so we all head out to the Shoe, drop by there and then go on to ANOTHER restaurant called the Five Fishermen. On the way we hear a seven piece drum combo and I start doing the Mazey Day wiggle ( or as in my case...wobble!! ). Mazey Day is an annual festival in Penzance where you usually end up dancing SOMEWHERE!!! Mike, Charmaine, I think Muse and others seem to want to avoid this very happy MAD fat woman wobbling about! Couldn't think as to why m'andsomes! ;)


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We get there and Mike instantly finds a woman in distress. Her car is blocked in and she has no idea how to get out. Mike is all for getting the gang out and bumping the car out of it's slot. He goes in...and comes out again, alone ( the gang have better ideas than to go bumping cars around it seems!! ) but luckily, soon a gent turns up with a child and moves his vehicle and all is well.

Inside, we go and meet up with Sharon and Sean, and everyone else. Muse has a large journal with her that she gets us all to sign. I am anxious to go back to the Shoe as Paul Donovan, as well as Brian and Lex, had said they would join us...and I did not wish to miss that. Muse, MissJean and I leave and head back to the Shoe ( someone please correct me if I am wrong..) And luckily, cos I'm STARVING!!! Muse had the foresight to order nachos earlier and they arrive as we get there!!! Eventually a seat is found at the back of the Shoe ( The place gets REALLY crowded!!! ) and we settle in.

Indeed, with Lexxians all over the place in the Shoe ( and here is where I get to meet Lunatic!! ), Brian, Paul and Lex do turn up and gradually start mixing ( bravely I might add!! ) with the lexxloonies, of which I am proud to count myself as a member. Muse had dived up and asked Paul if he wanted to join us, we would buy the man a beer      (Heheheheh!! Bribery gets you everywhere!! ) and much to our surprise and delight he joins us!! Yup...I HADDA ask about the codpiece!!! I am obsessed with this thing!! I want it because it nearly put me in hospital...NOT because I hope to find bits of MM still in it As Brian thought later!! I want the damn thing as a kind of sick trophy in my house. So if ANYONE out there.....!!!

We have a good chat and I think Paul is pleasantly surprised that one of us didn't start crying out that comment, guaranteed to send any film types running for the hills, 'Y'mean...the Lexx....ain't REAL!?!! ' and that we had knowledge of his other stuff (I do remember Defcon 4 funnily enough.) And asking about stuff in general. He told us a few good tales but as wonderful and as intelligent this man is, one did detect a hint of chauvinism towards female actors, but in the nicest possible way of course. I didn't get to ask my question (basically because I forgot) about why Paul did a Physics degree and then decided to go into the film/tv business. Mind you...after TRYING to study physics at school and only learning about how to fry ants with a refractor prism and how to distill potatoes, I could not grasp anything else (I'm crap at anything math anyway. Still only know how to use my fingers for calculations...heheheheh!) and still can't. So I could appreciate how the periodic table would be abandoned for a career in film making!!!

Paul eventually had to leave and Lex wasn't able to join us, I think it's because Muse freaked him out heheheheh!!!!!!!!!! She gave him a book, political satire I think, and she maintains he looked alarmed and that she was DELIGHTED to have freaked out a Bean!!! Brian turns up and so do a load of others. I think this is the first time I really get to meet AAud, Poet man and the rest...fill me in here a bit people...and we have a fab time. Brian tells wonderful tales...........

And blow me down with diggery doo...it nearly happens again!!!

Awwww....my...GAWD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian tells us the reason why he and Michael went out on a pub crawl that ended with the two of them being thrown out into the street one very early morning. It was at the pre-production stage of Lexx I think, w hen the boys were first introduced to director Robert Sigl ( IWHS and KTown, amongst others ) by Paul Donovan at a swanky restaurant. Now, dear Herr Sigl is as gay as a chap can get, and naturally CANNOT take his eyes off Michael all night ( according to Brian...And we can understand why too...eh gals!!! ). At the end of the evening. The boys are asked if they want a lift back to Dartmouth, which would entail squeezing into a car with a very gay and hopeful film 'direcktor', of which apparently did not appeal. So they decided to walk, went in to a bar, got drunk, Michael's coat got caught on a chair and he accidently pulled it over, which drew unwanted attention from the bar staff who thouht he was trying to break the place up. Brian, being pissed as a rat put up his dukes to defend Michael and the two found themselves being ejected at the proverbial Warp Speed, out in to the street winding up in one of Halifax's finest gutters!

Now, Herr Sigl, has since been able to DIRECT Michael in the infamous codpiece scene ( I have seen the out takes!! Brian isn't too far off on the impression of intense direction!! ) and apparently, the cod wasn't shaking hard enough...so Brian does a HYSTERICAL impression of an intense Herr Sigl, leaning over the said object, eyes *very* focussed, and orders Michael to shake the cod but not the rest of him!! Apparently, Michael does not do quite as directed........ 'CUT!!! No..No...MIchael..it is NOT shaking HARD enough....Now try again...ACTION!!! ...No...No...No!! Michael...you must shake HARDER!!!!!  HARDER!!!.....ACTION!!!!'

What, with only 2 or 3 hours sleep had per night over the last few days, jet lag, extremely potent jalapeno peppers with the nachos and sheer hypoxia from climbing Halifax Hills...and a HIGHLY over active imagination, all I can see are Herr Sigl's eyes and a tremulously trembling codpiece and as a result, my alveoli seize up and *WHEEZE!!!!*, *HURRGGG!!!* on comes the start of an attack!!! I am laughing too hard again...so out comes the inhaler. Every one hoots and Brian looks a little concerned!!! Luckily....the attack is due more to tiredness and I recover...fairly...quickly....!!!

But all is well and the evening ends...at the early hour of 2am!! We go  outside...I'm sharing a taxi again....and are met by Brian, who is quite  concerned about our welfare. I think the sight of an inhaler alarmed him a  bit...and being the gent he is...orders us a taxi. And home we go.

But I don't get to sleep that well again 'cos tomorrow there is a visit  to a SHRINE - the Lexx bridge itself!!!

Here endeth the second lesson...........!!

На этом заканчивается второй день.

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