Hey, (Tampa) Bay area fans, Necronomicon is this weekend! To entice you to attend, here’s an article on my experience at the 2004 convention.
From the November 2004 Gallifrey Guardian:
Friday – Arrived in time for the Cthulhu Memorial Eye Scream Social. Bought two books for a buck each. Enjoyed immensely the Beatles Singalong with Spider Robinson (Herby, you shoulda been there!). Made an early night of it, even though it meant missing The Rocky Horror Picture Show w/cast and Stomp Tokyo’s Incredibly Strange Short Film Festival.
Saturday – hosted “Doctor Who: Still Here” panel with Joey and Arthur at 10 am (an inconceivably early hour for conventioneers). Mentioned the prophetic letter GoG received from the BBC after our request for new Who. Gave out stickers, magnets, and business cards with our new website shortcut. Watched Bubba Ho-Tep, an imaginative independent horror/comedy about an aging Elvis. Checked out a panel on independent film-making and a workshop of Star Wars costuming and props. Bought DW videos at Joey’s table, watched some ‘lost’ Doctor Who episodes, bid on a few pieces of art, and prepared for the Costume Contest.
At the Masquerade, the MC announced news of the Daleks’ return to the new Doctor Who series, “due to air in Britain early next year. It is not known when the Daleks will appear in the States.” Cue Herby, who runs toward the stage shouting, “They’re here! The Daleks! Run!” etc., until he spots the raised stage. “Oh, goody—stairs! They can’t follow me up there. I’ll be safe.” He climbs up to the stage, then sticks out his tongue at the Dalek, which has paused halfway down the aisle. As Herby turns his back on the Dalek to address the audience, the crowd lets out a gasp of surprise followed by laughter, and a child down front calls out “Look behind you!” Herby, playing to the crowd, doesn’t notice that the Dalek has grown two silver-clad legs and is tiptoeing up behind him, having no trouble whatsoever with the stairs! A tap on his shoulder from the plunger arm and Herby turns around, looks the Dalek up and down and turns to the audience to say, “Oh, poop!” The Dalek croaks out “Exterminate!” and fires, Herby falls, the music swells. The Dalek dances around its victim, giving him a few kicks for good measure, to the strains of ZZ Tops’ “She’s Got Legs.” AND THE CROWD GOES WILD. Herby and I each received an Olympic-style medal for second place.
After the Masquerade, I enjoyed a second concert by Spider Robinson, followed by a reading of several short horror stories, and ended the very late night with an interactive viewing of The Pirates of the Caribbean.
Sunday – Picked up my art purchases and (finally) checked out the dealers’ room, caught a panel on Ghosthunting in Tampa, read a short story of Herby’s and a poem of mine at the Open Mic event, and finished up with Curious Echo Radio Theater featuring a Shakespearean theme, i.e.: Tudor Suitors, The Serf Report, Sports News: Danish Royal Fencing Invitational, Titus’s Kitchen, and Cart Talk. Had a fabulous time, as usual!
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