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Hanging out with Spoony, Linkara and Nella at MagFest '11!
#1
Dream Goddess
Dream Goddess
Disclaimer: I am aware that the below entry is incredibly long and overly detailed with information that no one but me will probably care about. However, the pictures and videos aren't half bad. Read at your own discretion. You have been warned.
Friday 1/14/11 - Saturday 1/15/11
Let's begin at the beginning, where after I had taken a three hour nap, I finally decided to haul my sorry ass out of bed a little after 10pm and drive Darryl and myself to MagFest '11 in Alexandria, VA. Thus began my journey to stubbornly go see Spoony, Linkara, and Nella (although, seeing the latter two listed were unforeseen to me because we were there to see Spoony mostly) of their respective Channel Awesome fame(s). I say "stubbornly" because I took I-495 S all the way to Alexandria instead of doing what I should have done to begin with: go to work.
Allow me to elaborate: I work in Arlington, less than 3 miles from the Hilton where the event was taking place. Yeah. I could have avoiding a LOT of headache and ranting while getting lost if I just got directions from work to the Hilton. Well, because I didn't do that, I did get lost and when I get frustrated, I bitch. Darryl (rightfully so) didn't want to hear it and told me to turn around and go home, but I dug my heels in and kept at it. After stopping at a CVS and damn near scraping the shit out of my car accidentally trying to enter the Hilton's parking garage through the "exit only" lane, I found a parking lot across the street at an apartment complex, threw caution to the wind, and parked Lorelei (my black 2009 Ford Focus SES).
Once in the Hilton, I began looking EVERYWHERE for Spoony. I was hoping that maybe I could catch a glimpse of him and say "hi," get an autograph, and whatever else I could squeeze in. When that didn't work and Darryl was embarrassed enough to admit that he knew me, he suggested we go to the panel room where Spoony would be performing his stand-up routine at 1am. Since that was the reason for us coming to MagFest at all on Friday, I gave up my search and followed Darryl. Thank the gods I did.
As I walked down the crowded hallway I spotted Linkara and Nella standing in line with a couple other people I assumed to be their friends (only to find out later that the annoying boy talking to Nella was just a fan trying to pimp his "novel"...), so naturally, I squee'd. After sort of asking Darryl permission to fangirl, he gave his noncommittal "do whatever you want" stock answer and I bounced up to Linkara. ^.^
After giggly introductions were made, Linkara was a total gentleman and chatted about how many people were waiting in line just to see Spoony. Then he jokingly asked me, "But I have a better theme song, right?" I had to concur because even as Spoony's song is a really catchy rock song by the "The Irresponsibles" called "Break Me" (as you can listen to here), Linkara's song is an actual freaking theme song that sings about, well, Linkara. And it has that little "tin whistle" from "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." Super cool. Anywho, I got a picture with him in line before he pointed Nella out to me and ran off to do something.
Then, I decided to bounce up to Nella (who I wish I had more time with, because she really seemed like the type of person I would be friends with in real life) and fangirl over her, asking when she was going to start doing her own show. She wouldn't give a bunch of details, but because she loves filming, but HATES editing, and Lindsay is just the opposite, Nella would be shooting a new show soon and have Lindsay doing all the edits. Weeeeewt! X3 Then, we started talking about Disneyland and Disney World because she and Lindsay went to Disneyland recently and incorporated their visit into a Disney vs. Dreamworks review. (Yzma, put your hands up! XD *rofl*) I learned that at Christmas Time, Disney dressed their "It's A Small World" attraction dolls in Christmas Clothing. Kinda fucked up when you have chibi!Aladdin and chibi!Mulan singing Jingle Bells and wearing X-mas costumes. C'mon now. Cultural diversity, NOT cultural assimilation, Disney. Get it right.
Anywheee, I got a picture with Nella too after we talked about her Tom Baker!Doctor Who scarf that she knitted herself (as seen in the picture below). I knit too, so she got extra awesome points for that. ^o^
After that, Linkara jumped back in line and MagFest security started letting people into the Panel room for Spoony's event. It was at this time that I was trying to ask if it would be ok to film Linkara performing his famous Hat Trick. Instead, this is what came out of my mouth:
Yeeeeeeeeeaah. Embarrassing. However, the "Dramatic Chipmunk" look on Nella's face was PRICELESS. Bwa ha ha! XD *lol* Since I was still chatting with Nella and Linkara as the line was moving forward, Darryl and I ended up sitting next to them inside as well, getting to quip back and forth (quietly of course) throughout Spoony's stand-up. Linkara was great, too, because he would make "counter-jokes" after some of Spoony's jokes and look right at me, smiling and laughing with me. Again, if I knew Linkara or Nella in real life, I'm quite certain that we would be friends.
During the show, "Critical Marine" was popping his head in every once in awhile to say something related to our armed forces. At one point, someone said "The army's better" and then everyone did a sort of "Awuuuuuh!" sound. I chirped up and shouted, "It's ok! SEMPER FI, MARINE! HOOAH!" and everyone else joined in. ^_^ Gotta show my love for the USMC.
By the time Spoony's show ended and he was doing the Q&A, most everyone was having a hard time hearing the querents and Spoony due to the noise in the hall, so Linkara leaned back and asked the security person to shut the door. They made a half-assed attempt and then shrugged, saying he didn't know how and thought that it should be left open. I looked up, saw the stopping mechanism, and said, "Well, shit, I can do that." I hopped up, scooted past Darryl, and reached up, being just a little bit too short to get a good grip. I stepped out, asked for help from the guard, and after a little convincing, got them to shut the door. I made a victory pose, a few people thanked me, along with Linkara, and then I plopped back down in my chair.
Once Spoony was finally getting kicked out of the room (for what reason is beyond me...it was 2am and no one had a panel after him...), he looked fricking BEAT, but was a really good sport and encouraged everyone to "Follow me!" to a lobby upstairs. I followed like a pathetic puppy dog and missed saying good bye to Nella because she made a bee line for her room to sleep. :C It was good that Linkara stuck with us, though. I talked with him more and once we arrived in the Lobby, a long line had formed comprised of people waiting to talk to Spoony and get autographs, so I just chilled out by the grand piano with Linkara. I then remembered that I still wanted to capture his Hat Trick on film and asked. Linkara was more than happy to and I got the following "footage":
I started to sing a part of Linkara's theme song there at the end and Darryl blessedly cut the film then. ^.^; After we got that video, I began talking to Linkara about my favorite episode of his where he was tearing the "Silent Hill: Dying Inside" comic a new one. I brought up the "I bought this magical, evil ritualistic tome off of eBay, herp de derp!" bit and he laughed with me. Just as he was about to ask me a question, I looked over and (lo and behold!) I attracted a crowd of his fans to him. They started asking him questions about whatever they wanted to know from his show, or suggesting comics to read/review. Linkara was enjoying his time with his fans, and I touched his shoulder, winked and said, "I'll leave you to your fans now." He smiled, opened his mouth to say something, and was promptly interrupted by another fan. Tee hee.
Darryl and I then got in the back of the Spoony line, whipped out my copy of Final Fantasy X-2 (read: one of Spoony's most hated video games), and prepared a black sharpie for Spoony's defacing enjoyment. Darryl and I also got a nice guy standing behind us to take a picture of the two of us with Spoony in exchange for us taking a picture of him with Spoony. Once we got up to Spoony, Darryl and I thanked him for all his work and entertainment that he provides to us for free. I presented X-2 and requested that he deface it, but I think he was just too tired and signed it. (I was hoping he would draw a mustache on Yuna or devil horns and a goatee on Paine or something. *pout* Oh well.)
When it was time to take our picture, I saw Linkara looking over our way and so I said, "Boy, get in mah picture!" and he grinned, coming over. I wrapped my arms around each guy and this is what came out of it:
Cute, ne? ^.^ Afterward, Darryl and I spoke to Spoony's girlfriend, webmaster, and manager, Scarlett, thanking her for replying to an email we sent earlier in the month so quickly. (We needed to know when Spoony would be at MagFest and if he was going to have his own booth, panel, etc.)
Scarlett: Oh, you're welcome. *motions to Spoony still seated at the table* You will never hear back from him. *laughter*
Julie: Too true! But, after all, you ARE the woman behind the man.
Scarlett: He would never make it without me, that's for sure.
Darryl: Well, he's lucky to have you.
Julie: We're lucky to have you because if it weren't for Spoony, Darryl and I wouldn't have a way to relax everyday after work. We have this sort of "dinner ritual" where we sit down to eat and watch a Spoony video when its available and laugh our heads off. It has really made bad days so much better and we wanted to let you both know how much it means to us.
Scarlett: Aw, I'm glad to hear it! I know it's really great to hear how your work is appreciated.
Darryl: I can imagine. Especially using a medium like the internet where most comments end up being from trolls. It's got to be nice to know that you're making a difference in someone's life and your work does matter.
Scarlett: *smile* Most definitely.
We spoke a bit more about how Spoony really needed to have a table at MagFest and start pimping his merchandise because Darryl and I (along with a ton of other fans) would love to support him. Scarlett agreed and promised that they would be trying to at the next con they would attend. Oh, by the way, for those who aren't already in the know: Scarlett is ALL WO-MAN.
*left in awe of the sheer sexahness that is SCARLETT* Spoony, you are one lucky sonuvabitch. You take good care of her or I will come in Viking style and beat you over the headdddddd, then steal her from you. For srs. ಠ_ಠ
After all that was over, we said good night to a bleary-eyed Spoony and went home to go to bed ourselves. All in all it was a great evening and I really hope to see Nella or Lewis (aka Linkara) again. They were super cool people and totally my speed. I'm also glad that I'm a hard-headed bitch and wouldn't stop driving around until I found MagFest. I would have missed out on so much if I had listened to Darryl and given up! ;P (I still wuuuuuv you!
)
Anywho, thought I'd share the fun times. X3 Hope you found some part of it amusing.
Friday 1/14/11 - Saturday 1/15/11
Let's begin at the beginning, where after I had taken a three hour nap, I finally decided to haul my sorry ass out of bed a little after 10pm and drive Darryl and myself to MagFest '11 in Alexandria, VA. Thus began my journey to stubbornly go see Spoony, Linkara, and Nella (although, seeing the latter two listed were unforeseen to me because we were there to see Spoony mostly) of their respective Channel Awesome fame(s). I say "stubbornly" because I took I-495 S all the way to Alexandria instead of doing what I should have done to begin with: go to work.
Allow me to elaborate: I work in Arlington, less than 3 miles from the Hilton where the event was taking place. Yeah. I could have avoiding a LOT of headache and ranting while getting lost if I just got directions from work to the Hilton. Well, because I didn't do that, I did get lost and when I get frustrated, I bitch. Darryl (rightfully so) didn't want to hear it and told me to turn around and go home, but I dug my heels in and kept at it. After stopping at a CVS and damn near scraping the shit out of my car accidentally trying to enter the Hilton's parking garage through the "exit only" lane, I found a parking lot across the street at an apartment complex, threw caution to the wind, and parked Lorelei (my black 2009 Ford Focus SES).
Once in the Hilton, I began looking EVERYWHERE for Spoony. I was hoping that maybe I could catch a glimpse of him and say "hi," get an autograph, and whatever else I could squeeze in. When that didn't work and Darryl was embarrassed enough to admit that he knew me, he suggested we go to the panel room where Spoony would be performing his stand-up routine at 1am. Since that was the reason for us coming to MagFest at all on Friday, I gave up my search and followed Darryl. Thank the gods I did.
As I walked down the crowded hallway I spotted Linkara and Nella standing in line with a couple other people I assumed to be their friends (only to find out later that the annoying boy talking to Nella was just a fan trying to pimp his "novel"...), so naturally, I squee'd. After sort of asking Darryl permission to fangirl, he gave his noncommittal "do whatever you want" stock answer and I bounced up to Linkara. ^.^
After giggly introductions were made, Linkara was a total gentleman and chatted about how many people were waiting in line just to see Spoony. Then he jokingly asked me, "But I have a better theme song, right?" I had to concur because even as Spoony's song is a really catchy rock song by the "The Irresponsibles" called "Break Me" (as you can listen to here), Linkara's song is an actual freaking theme song that sings about, well, Linkara. And it has that little "tin whistle" from "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." Super cool. Anywho, I got a picture with him in line before he pointed Nella out to me and ran off to do something.
Then, I decided to bounce up to Nella (who I wish I had more time with, because she really seemed like the type of person I would be friends with in real life) and fangirl over her, asking when she was going to start doing her own show. She wouldn't give a bunch of details, but because she loves filming, but HATES editing, and Lindsay is just the opposite, Nella would be shooting a new show soon and have Lindsay doing all the edits. Weeeeewt! X3 Then, we started talking about Disneyland and Disney World because she and Lindsay went to Disneyland recently and incorporated their visit into a Disney vs. Dreamworks review. (Yzma, put your hands up! XD *rofl*) I learned that at Christmas Time, Disney dressed their "It's A Small World" attraction dolls in Christmas Clothing. Kinda fucked up when you have chibi!Aladdin and chibi!Mulan singing Jingle Bells and wearing X-mas costumes. C'mon now. Cultural diversity, NOT cultural assimilation, Disney. Get it right.
Anywheee, I got a picture with Nella too after we talked about her Tom Baker!Doctor Who scarf that she knitted herself (as seen in the picture below). I knit too, so she got extra awesome points for that. ^o^
After that, Linkara jumped back in line and MagFest security started letting people into the Panel room for Spoony's event. It was at this time that I was trying to ask if it would be ok to film Linkara performing his famous Hat Trick. Instead, this is what came out of my mouth:
Yeeeeeeeeeaah. Embarrassing. However, the "Dramatic Chipmunk" look on Nella's face was PRICELESS. Bwa ha ha! XD *lol* Since I was still chatting with Nella and Linkara as the line was moving forward, Darryl and I ended up sitting next to them inside as well, getting to quip back and forth (quietly of course) throughout Spoony's stand-up. Linkara was great, too, because he would make "counter-jokes" after some of Spoony's jokes and look right at me, smiling and laughing with me. Again, if I knew Linkara or Nella in real life, I'm quite certain that we would be friends.
During the show, "Critical Marine" was popping his head in every once in awhile to say something related to our armed forces. At one point, someone said "The army's better" and then everyone did a sort of "Awuuuuuh!" sound. I chirped up and shouted, "It's ok! SEMPER FI, MARINE! HOOAH!" and everyone else joined in. ^_^ Gotta show my love for the USMC.
By the time Spoony's show ended and he was doing the Q&A, most everyone was having a hard time hearing the querents and Spoony due to the noise in the hall, so Linkara leaned back and asked the security person to shut the door. They made a half-assed attempt and then shrugged, saying he didn't know how and thought that it should be left open. I looked up, saw the stopping mechanism, and said, "Well, shit, I can do that." I hopped up, scooted past Darryl, and reached up, being just a little bit too short to get a good grip. I stepped out, asked for help from the guard, and after a little convincing, got them to shut the door. I made a victory pose, a few people thanked me, along with Linkara, and then I plopped back down in my chair.
Once Spoony was finally getting kicked out of the room (for what reason is beyond me...it was 2am and no one had a panel after him...), he looked fricking BEAT, but was a really good sport and encouraged everyone to "Follow me!" to a lobby upstairs. I followed like a pathetic puppy dog and missed saying good bye to Nella because she made a bee line for her room to sleep. :C It was good that Linkara stuck with us, though. I talked with him more and once we arrived in the Lobby, a long line had formed comprised of people waiting to talk to Spoony and get autographs, so I just chilled out by the grand piano with Linkara. I then remembered that I still wanted to capture his Hat Trick on film and asked. Linkara was more than happy to and I got the following "footage":
I started to sing a part of Linkara's theme song there at the end and Darryl blessedly cut the film then. ^.^; After we got that video, I began talking to Linkara about my favorite episode of his where he was tearing the "Silent Hill: Dying Inside" comic a new one. I brought up the "I bought this magical, evil ritualistic tome off of eBay, herp de derp!" bit and he laughed with me. Just as he was about to ask me a question, I looked over and (lo and behold!) I attracted a crowd of his fans to him. They started asking him questions about whatever they wanted to know from his show, or suggesting comics to read/review. Linkara was enjoying his time with his fans, and I touched his shoulder, winked and said, "I'll leave you to your fans now." He smiled, opened his mouth to say something, and was promptly interrupted by another fan. Tee hee.
Darryl and I then got in the back of the Spoony line, whipped out my copy of Final Fantasy X-2 (read: one of Spoony's most hated video games), and prepared a black sharpie for Spoony's defacing enjoyment. Darryl and I also got a nice guy standing behind us to take a picture of the two of us with Spoony in exchange for us taking a picture of him with Spoony. Once we got up to Spoony, Darryl and I thanked him for all his work and entertainment that he provides to us for free. I presented X-2 and requested that he deface it, but I think he was just too tired and signed it. (I was hoping he would draw a mustache on Yuna or devil horns and a goatee on Paine or something. *pout* Oh well.)
When it was time to take our picture, I saw Linkara looking over our way and so I said, "Boy, get in mah picture!" and he grinned, coming over. I wrapped my arms around each guy and this is what came out of it:
Cute, ne? ^.^ Afterward, Darryl and I spoke to Spoony's girlfriend, webmaster, and manager, Scarlett, thanking her for replying to an email we sent earlier in the month so quickly. (We needed to know when Spoony would be at MagFest and if he was going to have his own booth, panel, etc.)
Scarlett: Oh, you're welcome. *motions to Spoony still seated at the table* You will never hear back from him. *laughter*
Julie: Too true! But, after all, you ARE the woman behind the man.
Scarlett: He would never make it without me, that's for sure.
Darryl: Well, he's lucky to have you.
Julie: We're lucky to have you because if it weren't for Spoony, Darryl and I wouldn't have a way to relax everyday after work. We have this sort of "dinner ritual" where we sit down to eat and watch a Spoony video when its available and laugh our heads off. It has really made bad days so much better and we wanted to let you both know how much it means to us.
Scarlett: Aw, I'm glad to hear it! I know it's really great to hear how your work is appreciated.
Darryl: I can imagine. Especially using a medium like the internet where most comments end up being from trolls. It's got to be nice to know that you're making a difference in someone's life and your work does matter.
Scarlett: *smile* Most definitely.
We spoke a bit more about how Spoony really needed to have a table at MagFest and start pimping his merchandise because Darryl and I (along with a ton of other fans) would love to support him. Scarlett agreed and promised that they would be trying to at the next con they would attend. Oh, by the way, for those who aren't already in the know: Scarlett is ALL WO-MAN.
*left in awe of the sheer sexahness that is SCARLETT* Spoony, you are one lucky sonuvabitch. You take good care of her or I will come in Viking style and beat you over the headdddddd, then steal her from you. For srs. ಠ_ಠ
After all that was over, we said good night to a bleary-eyed Spoony and went home to go to bed ourselves. All in all it was a great evening and I really hope to see Nella or Lewis (aka Linkara) again. They were super cool people and totally my speed. I'm also glad that I'm a hard-headed bitch and wouldn't stop driving around until I found MagFest. I would have missed out on so much if I had listened to Darryl and given up! ;P (I still wuuuuuv you!
)Anywho, thought I'd share the fun times. X3 Hope you found some part of it amusing.
#2
Dave
Dave
#3
ScytheRexx
ScytheRexx
I am so jealous right now.
#4
Mathias
Mathias
#6
Dream Goddess
Dream Goddess
#7
TwoBit
TwoBit
#8
Hailey Knight
Hailey Knight
#9
rathkor
rathkor
#10
ThatNickGuy
ThatNickGuy
I secretly have a crush on Nella.
#11
Green_Lantern
except that it can't be a secret if you talk about... huh.
Green_Lantern
I secretly have a crush on Linkara.I secretly have a crush on Nella.
except that it can't be a secret if you talk about... huh.
#12
Jiarn
Jiarn
#13
rathkor
rathkor