Hot Fudge #2

Day two of the LA convention saw some real good times.

We were spoilt right from the get-go: some excellent music videos (including one everyone needs to look for on You Tube: "The New Face of Sexy" by the brilliantly talented Lsketch42) followed by onstage Q&A with Richard Speight Jr. He shared wonderful anecdotes from 'Band of Brothers', the films he's made (and helped to re-write) and, for the benefit of those of us seeing him for the first time, he also shared his story of him and Jared's dogs ("So I walk into Jared's trailer and the first thing I think is 'oh God, I'm afraid of dogs!' and the second thing is 'this ain't Jensen's trailer!'"). His recounting of the great peanut campaign for 'Jericho' was hilarious, not to mention very interesting... He fielded all of his questions with great humour and grace, and it's easy to see why he's become a convention favourite.

Then came a very funny, very enjoyable 50 minutes as Charles Malik Whitfield (Agent Henrikson) took the stage. So very different from his on-screen character, he was laugh-out-loud good. He recounted filming experiences, told anecdotes, and shared his disbelief of being his demon captor exorcised via a toilet bowl of holy water in the episode 'Jus In Bello'. His description of the scene and how it was shot, as well as his desire to believe that Henrikson didn't actually die for good, kept all of us fans laughing and applauding. It was a real shame to see him go. And no, he didn't need CGI or black contacts for the time he was possessed - he's just that damned good...

Next guest: Samantha Smith (originial Mary Winchester). She shared her feelings on season four's in the beginning episode, including Young Mary and how the whole deal went down with the demon. Quieter than Malik and perhaps a little shell-shocked, nevertheless she was funny and brought a welcome difference of opinion to it all. She spoke about how they manage to set people alight on ceilings, on not kissing Josh Duhamel in 'Transformers 2', and how she got into acting from modelling. Engaging and relaxing, her hour sped by.

Next up was Jason Manns, singer/songwriter extraordinaire. He too was warm and funny, and much as I remember him from last year. You know when you meet someone and you have certain conceptions of what they're like, and then you see them again and they're nothing like that? Well he's not different at all - he's just the same and he's still ace. I managed to get a t-shirt and a new live CD by him, so I was happy (and yes, he signed it too).

A quick trip for a photo with Jason, and then autographs with Richard Speight Jr and Charles Malik Whitfield later, and we were in Champions sports bar eating proper cheeseburgers (and the only thing I eat when I'm out, apart from lasagne, a Philly Cheese Steak). It was just two hours till the combined Jason and Steve Carlson concert, so we had to get food and alcohol down us.



Ok, skip back to the concert featuring first Jason Manns and then Steve Carlson (so glad to see others dancing too, it wasn't just us!). It was excellent fun, and the whole thing sped by like Time was on rollerskates. After it started and finished late due to technical issues, we hurried round the corner to the next conference room to be seated for the dessert party.

It was Dean's Pie a la Mode Dessert Party, and we could sit wherever we like in the massive ballroom made for 500 patrons. We found our two favourite Buckets In Training, brand new ace friends, and sat together. Apple pie with ice-cream and Official Soupdragon High-Octane Fuel (vodka) was in abundance, and then the guests arrived. Richard Speight Jr, Samantha Smith, Jason Manns, Steve Carlson, Charles Malik Whitfield and of course the reason everyone had hared round so fast to get their arse in a seat: Misha Collins.

Like speed-dating with the stars, each guest had two minutes sitting at each table, chatting freely with guests. Everyone was exceptional: funny, personable, hot. And the funniest thing: when Misha Collins does a man-chuckle he scrunches his nose up. As if the man could not get any more edible...

And that was Saturday. It was getting up to one or even two in the morning before we crawled into bed, happy and tired.

I have few rules in my life, because I believe in as little stress as possible. Pretty much the only rules I have are as follows:

1) Do not drink blue drinks.
2) Do not eat the green wobbly bit.
3) If it won't give, kick it.
4) Do not brave a Sunday before at least noon.

The last rule was about to be broken; a breakfast including both Jensen and Jared was scheduled for 8am SUNDAY MORNING and I would just have to be there. Oh, but that's another post...

Hot Fudge #1

A quick on the spot report from LA, where the Soupdragon is currently vacationing. Y'know, taking in the sights (Winchesters and angels), listening to the stars (Tricksters, back-stabbing Jakes and innocent Obi-Wans/Andys) and general photo-taking, autographing and shopping mayhem.

It's the LA SPN convention: day one.

A quick squiz round the vendors' room to make sure we have autographing material later and we're queueing for Gabriel Tigerman autographs. He's a bouncy wee soul, very Andy-ish behind his desk. We bounce off to catch Julie McNiven (Anna Milton, A.K.A. Anna the angel) on stage. Very sweet and amusing, she was finally asked the question everyone really wanted to ask but were afraid to: "what was it like to make out with Jensen?"

"He was a perfect gentleman about it, and he just made sure I was as comfortable as possible the whole time." The first inkling she had that perhaps kit-shedding was on the cards for her character was when she was told by the wardrobe department that she would need to be fitted for underwear. But hey-ho, that's the job.

Later in the day we saw Alona Tal (Jo Harvelle), and she was hilarious. She was definitely up for sharing and dishing, and very funny and personable to boot. She talked about her dark scene with possessed Sam ("Born Under A Bad Sign") and her enjoyment of the whole danger of what the scene could have turned into. She was quizzed on her work on Veronica Mars too, and it was clear she loved sharing info on the shows she's been on and the stars ages worked with.

Autographs from Gabriel, Julie and Alona later and it's time for a cup of tea!

The late night Purple Night karaoke party went ahead apparently without a hitch - as the sounds of people stumbling back to their rooms on our floor will atest.

Next post: Saturday's guests, tea, famous people, tea, laughs and more tea. Promise.

And hopefully, I'll be able to add some pictures at some point! When I can find a way to get them from my phone / camera over here...

Where do you post your thoughts?

Forums are such a fun place are they not?

I have to admit at my old age of 30 it took me quite some time to get used to forums. At first they scared me a little and I needed time and practise to figure out the threads, the rules, the structure and I sometimes will stumble into a new forum just to run away screaming, pulling my hair because it's so confusing and terribly designed. Chances are I will never return.

The two forums I did return to are the CW's own Supernatural Lounge and the BuddyTV forum which has its own SPN subsection - however the structures are both a little too overwhelming for my taste and The Lounge hasn't even got a forum search function!

The only alternative are fanbased forums but I couldn't say how well visited they are (or how specialised) though the idea to create a fun and interactive place to go a little crazy in between SPN episodes sounds like an awesome idea, does it not?

Seems somebody has just done that recently. The newest forum on the market is called the "Circle of Salt" and belongs to a little known underground movement called the Rocksalt Warriors -Who? Wtf and not another forum, you may yell in my ears grabbing some salt ready, aim, THROW! You missed. I smile and nod and say yes it's actually just that: Another forum but one with a big BUT!

So put the salt down and I'll explain: At first glance the Circle of Salt looks like a standard forum. It has rules and it's moderated as the Rocksalt Warriors (or RSW) take it very seriously but here comes the BUT: They also like to have fun and that means that you and me can all make the rules..within reason of course. It sounds like a good idea to me and all those who feel a little too restricted by the usual topics that people are talking about might just find this a nice grown up alternative. Worth checking out I say.

As for now, I am pondering over the forum post (I have found it on the CW lounge) where someone asked the question if anyone knew the email for Sam & Dean. Of course we all know that person got a little confused there and meant Jensen & Jared, but it kinda makes you wonder how the mind works sometimes.

If you like to share your thoughts on this or other things I'll see you in the Circle of Salt!


-posted by n.-

Asylum - Day One (09.05.08)

Fresh from the Asylum 2008 in Birmingham...

Today was registration day. People from all over (I think even the USA; don't they have enough conventions of their own?) arrived by the bucket load.

The Met Hilton was easy to find by car and the friendly guy at the gate helped me with the ticket since my left hand drive (the only real drive) isn’t made for British gates...I usually put the car in neutral an climb over but at the Hilton the ticket machine is almost a mile away form the window, all leaning out in the world didn't help.

Once inside the Hilton the first thing that hit me was the noise, triggering an instant reaction of wanting to run away. I haven't come to the convention to meet up with friends, although a few days ago I contacted one of my before unknown myspace friends who happened to attend this Convention on her own as well, taking the train up from London, so we decided to join our demon hunting forces and met up...not an easy task in this crowd.

Her train was late and my calls went to voice mail, so I grabbed my Convention pass and the brochure and placed myself in one of the very comfy lobby chairs near the reception, reading the pamphlet and watching people meet and greet and hug and scream.

I spotted some very exciting outfits, though the warm summer temperatures made people wear tank tops and flip flops already.

Registration day wasn't really that exciting I thought and finally my phone rang. It was my new friend V who had arrived but I could not hear a word she was saying, as the reception area was still filled with noise equal to an airport or busy train station. I asked her what she was wearing but couldn't understand her. A few minutes later I got a text saying that she was near the door, which was more or less behind me, so I looked around and leaning forward to look past a bunch of teenage girls that had shifted to my right and there I spotted a girl that looked like it could be V. She was talking on the phone and as she saw me leaning forward I put a questioning look on and said V's name silently and probably overdoing it a bit. She smiled back and nodded and that's how we met.

Not really Supernatural but kind of funny as it reminded me of the scene in Provenance when Dean lent forward into the frame.

Next thing we knew we had time to kill and had a drink in the lobby, which may I say was fudging ridiculously overpriced with 4 quid for a glass full of ice and the remaining space filled up with Coke, and I kept saying to V. that I am not financing Paris Hilton's lifestyle with this. Even the cash machine charged me 1.75 for 10 Pounds! I was surprised that the soap in the toilets was free after all.

We had a great chat; V. is good fun to talk to. Behind us were a group of girls from Scotland I believe and they suddenly started shouting and screaming "Ash" - we both shuddered and frowned and felt quite embarrassed since the lobby was filled with lots of suits and business men. What must they be thinking of us?

I then said to V that these girls would be easy to work up and that we should have some fun tomorrow and start pointing and shouting "oh my god, there is xxx!" - and they would probably believe it and start screaming like hell.

We will see.


Well, that was basically it for Day One, not much else to report. On my way out I had to pay 5 quid parking which will amount to 12 quid tomorrow for a full day on Saturday and again on Sunday.

What have I done!




-posted by Nana (very tired)-

Supernatural Fun

Counting down to the Con this weekend I have decided to be a bit lazy with my own posts and save the creative juices for reporting from the Asylum, so I have dug around other peoples blogs and found this.

Some crazy chicks over at another blog called "The School of Jensen & Jared" (a blog which handles the boys pretty rough at times, but worth checking out) have already posted this under the subject of Wincest, but I must add that this is too hilarious to pass even if you don't like the topic.

I have seen lots of crazy stuff so far, including Candy Mountain, but this one has tickled my funny bone especially hard:



the previous one to this sequel:




Ok, only 3 more days to Asylum...I mean Candy Mountain! We are going on an adventure to Candy Mountain! Lalalalaaaaa...

Shunnn the Non-Believer.


-posted by Nana-

Challenging Societal Norms - A dangerous dance on Volcano Copyright?

Today we are being a bot more crictical and serious for a change, as we have found a great 3-part article exploring the reasons and motives behind slash-fanfiction based on the example of Supernatural, and the high percentage of women's involvement in this favourite pasttime.

Entitled Revolutionary Writers: Challenging Societal Norms Through Slash Fanfiction, the article is very informative and well researched. It can be a little heavy reading at times but we suggest it as a must read, especially for those who don't like slash of fanfiction at all.

On the other hand, a well-known and published writer, Lee Goldberg, has discussed the topic of Fanfic in his blog. As well as providing another perspective -the one of a writer writing for a living- he also gives a great insight into all the legal aspects(describing well known examples) and why and how fanfiction is or should be considered a breach of copyright laws.

We remain impartial to the idea of slash and fanfiction but think it is always good to stay informed.

-The Crazy Buckets-

My plight to Lucas & Spielberg: Grab Jensen before it's another 20 years!

Digging around on LJ is really worth it, it seems.

Someone has actually had the same crazy thought as me which is great. Even better is that "Princess of X" has visualised this very thought, and here is it:



Now, we only need to get Lucas & Spielberg to understand that after 20 years waiting for part 4 of the Indy Trilogy (yes I said trilogy as I never saw it happen) is really getting too old for this shit and before he decides to hire a young gherkin for this job who has absolutely no flavour whatsoever (sadly River Phoenix is no longer available due to other commitments up in heaven) we now have the right man for this job!

It's time for a new guy who can kick some Nazi-Ass and trust me, the world will want it to be Jensen Ackles, who you may know form such great kickass shows like Supernatural.

His major advantages include:

• loose tongue
• assertive voice that can make any snake curl up and die
• proficiency in dealing with all kinds of the supernatural (so boxes filled with weird souls and the power of god won't freak him out any longer)
• strong and reasonably bruise resistant (can take a beating, but will of course give more than take as any good man would)
• he is tall enough
• has that strong jawline you need for this job
  
• looks good in a hat
• has this rugged look you need and wears shirts beautifully
• the ladies will love him but if they want their own elephant and then fall off he will definitely laugh at them
• likes roller coaster rides through strange Indian mines
• he can climb up from near death and look perturbed as too what just happened
• will MacGyver his way out of any sealed tomb and will think about a plan occasionally
• he will chase a guy into the jungle and run away if a horde chases him (and you will get a beautiful face shot of eyes that speak more than words)
  
• he will make you tons and tons of money
• takes his job very seriously and won't leave that hat behind
  
• and yes! He can ACTUALLY ride a horse cowboy style!

I want more Indiana Jones adventures but I also want a new Indy now, I have waited too long, so it's time to pass the whip and the hat on!


-posted by Nana-

The Ballad of Jensen and Jared

While we are waiting in limbo for nothing to happen, our myspace friend Skeezernatural has brought this song to our attention and we love it!

The Ballad of Jensen and Jared is a song by Virginia Tingley (her real name?...hmmm)
Sadly we cannot play it in this blog so well, so please click the link (3rd song down)- you have to listen to it!

We love how she beautifully speaks out (yes she sings, we know) what all the fans of the show are thinking.

Your song makes us all tingly Mrs Tingley - can we have more? We'll pay with Twizzlers!

-----

PS. We had an afterthought today(03.05): We would like Kripke to put this song on the show.
Bare with us a moment and imagine the followng scene towards the very end of an episode filled with a lot of brotherly banter which we love so much:

Sam and Dean are driving along, as usual fighting over the radio and what music to have on. As they both mess with the stations, they suddenly end up on ..."....because Jensen & Jared are in love..." Dean only gives it a WTF look and Sam quickly reaches for the radio and turns it off and they both exchange very uncomfortable looks, Sam frowns and Dean tightens his grip around the steering wheel acting like nothing is going on and they drive on into the (woosh) black. End.

Just a thought. After all we are a little crazy.


-Your Crazy Buckets-

A Bucket of Rice...

...well in this case it's a bowl, but close.

There is a lot of fanart about on the wonderful wide web, and my favourite are the comics featuring manga-style Weechesters, tiny tiny cartoon boys.

A lot of the art I have seen is really good and I hope it helps people to get practising and eventually into the right profession, otherwise they would be wasted talents, and I know first hand what that means.

The rice bowl scenario is simply crazy and completely wacky and that's why I like it and is worth mentioning here (click image to enlarge) :

(image by "howbaout" on deviantart)

Supernatural seems to inspire people beyond the show (we won't mention fanfiction here) in so many quirky ways one could argue that they have nothing better to do then dwell on their love for the show.

(image by "howbaout" on deviantart)

May that be so, but being a fan seems to be an important part of life and it can give the right people a sense of direction and an idea what they eventually want to do with their life.
Some become writers, some artists, some might even end up in the TV business themselves.

Whatever it is, being a fan is probably better than having no passion at all.


-posted by Nana-

Fans deserve a Bucket of Crazy

I have decided to stay up tonight and see what happens.

Supernatural is finally back after the writers strike and so far this has happened:
My eyes are tired and my bum is sore from sitting on the sofa, but that's not all! In the US, right now as I type, the new season of Supernatural is on TV, half way through its one hour slot and so I went to the CW's very own forum where folks have earlier posted dummy-posts prior to the show, to reserve their spot on the forum at the very beginning.

Now, if that's not crazy enough, the two fans at the very top have already started posting their telegraphic review of the episode, typing as they watch- right now there seems to be a commercial break.

I must say I am very, very curious to see this new reality show style episode because I do have 4 pages worth of script that were leaked on the net a few weeks back, but they just didn't make much sense to me. Based on that I was worried that the whole episode would go down the drain big times. But judging from what these fans post, it's going to be bleeping hilarious.

But even more fun is the dedication of the fans. Suddenly the world seems so small.

One Bucket of Crazy to you faithful lot out there, watching whilst keeping the world informed!


-posted by Nana-