senexmacdonald's notes

Captian Sisko and his alter ego

2008-06-01T15:47:51Z

What can I say about Avery Brooks? A couple of weeks ago, thebitterguy, redeem147 and another friend who brought her ever friendly GPS (an annoying woman with a Brit accent and always insists I pull a u-turn!) went to MotorCity Comic Con.

This con is mostly comics but they always have an eclectic group of actors there...like Mickey Dolenz (yes, that Monkee) and a variety of Trek actors and more. I was very excited about Avery's appearance as he does not do a lot of cons and Capt'n Sisko is on of my favourite - outside of Kirk. Deep Space Nine is as close to the original series as they got. And I loved it!

I worried like a few people who were not appearing on the Sunday (as that was the day we drove down on) that Avery might not show. But he was there the entire weekend...so I can happy! My plan - to add his photo to my Trek captains. I currently have 3 pics of Kirk, Spock, and Picard. All signed - due to their appearances at SFX (or Fan Expo if you insist). I have another pic that is Kirk and Spock together and need 2 other captains to go on either side to match the original framing I have. So Sisko being this close to TO meant another drive to Detroit and Novi.

First redeem147 and I had to go gaze at Mickey Dolenz (and the Monkee mobile!). We are two of the biggest Monkee fans I know. It was very cool seeing him up close and personal. I got an old Teen Beat with the Monkees on the front signed and redeem147 got a picture of herself and the man. I would have loved a pic but could only afford one or the other and so choose the autograph. Now to decide where to put that mag!

Then on down the line of actors...until the man himself is sitting in front of us. First up, redeem147 and then my other friend, Christine, and then me. Lots I wanted to say...but man, he is so gorgeous in person and that voice...!!! Everything I wanted to say went out the door. All I could get out was "I would like this picture, please.", hand over the money and gaze in wonder. Avery then asked me my name and without thinking, I said it once and then began to spell it... C-I-N----D--Y. It is very hard to describe how that actually came out BUT he certainly paid attention to it. LOL He repeated it exactly as I said it...signed the photo and then repeated it again. I know somewhere in between I told him about the captain's pics I have and how he (and Kate Mulgrew who is coming to TO in August) would be joining them. However, all I could keep hearing was him repeating my name in slow motion. hahaha

Then we moved on and I figured that was it. Beautiful smile, fantastic voice and soooo tall and very nice looking. Except...

We stopped at the table next to his. redeem147 wanted an autograph from one of the actors from Pirates of the Caribbean who had done some stunt work on Buffy. So I waited with her while she got it and after a few moments looked over at Avery's table where he had been with a few people and got up to take a pic with someone. He looked over - caught my eye and then repeated my name out loud again! OMG, I just about melted into the floor. Guess he did indeed pay attention. I think the huge(!) smile on my face said it all.

Yup, a day to remember. :)

Jolly Old England and me!

2005-08-16T21:00:45Z

Okay, let's start off by talking a little about the rest of the trip to Scotland. It lasted a week longer than it was suppost to! How did that happen? Well, to start off - the B&B we were at was soooooo cheap compared to even small hotels - we decided that we could go almost anywhere and just stay there. Plus on top of that, we were becoming a little spoiled by the food and the company of the couple who ran it. Susan Docherty is the main proprietor and her hubby, Ian, is the work horse (or has tried to become one according to Susan). Both lovely!

Btw, Susan has written a couple of children's books and is in the process of finishing her third. Look her up! She is in negotiations with Barnes and Noble in the US and the CBC has approached her agent re bringing the books to tv. Talk about a small world!

Let me know tell you about Susan's breakfasts - included of course in the price. She always made us a bowl of fresh fruit as well as toast, orange juice and tea. Then the main part varied between eggs, French toast and other stuff with a side of cereal. Now, that meal would last until dinner time easily! Made the budget go much farther I can tell you.

I think I mentioned that we were heading to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival...went to see two shows - both hilarious! The first was an adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Masquerade and the second a troup who has been selling out their shows for the last two years. I can not remember their name but will include it in the next entry.

We also saw the Nicholas and Alexandra exhibit at the museum - fantastic and yet so terribly sad at the same time. Such beautiful kids and such a lovely couple to have dies so tragically! I had to work at not crying when I got to the end.

After the trip beck to Glasgow - a fifty minute train ride to Edinburgh again the next day - we went up to the castle. Took lots of pics and bought some sweaters for the brothers-in-law for Christmas. Hell, you can not come to Scotland and not get wool sweaters!!! It would be insane to do so.

The day after - it was off to Harry Potter land. A five hour train ride up - then catch the steam train - over the bridge from the films - and another four hour train ride back. The scenery was BEAUTIFUL!!! and I am warning you - I took lots! of pics.

Finally we were ready to move on and head down to Britian. We took the train (with a small stop over) to Shrewsbury which is located on the bordor of Wales - and saw the abbey (which was having a service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of VJ Day) and the castle. Then onto the train and down to London. And here we are. Well, I will finish off from there later. Getting late and tomorrow we are off to Cardiff! Doctor Who - here I come.

Glasgow WorldCon

2005-08-07T16:13:34Z

Well, the last couple of days have been fab as they say here. The panels were interesting and the guests have been great.

I have spent time in every Doctor Who panel - seen both "Father's Day" and "Dalek" again and been part of the Q&A with the episode's writers that followed (Colleen, Paul says hi back! and boy, is he cute!). My own panels have been very good - lots of discussion and lots of fun.

Today, I had a quick run-in with Tanya and Fee (that is Huff and co for the rest of you) and while Tanya spoke to TheBitterGuy on the phone - yeah, I got a phone card and was talking to him - okay, I actually woke him up! - when she and Fee came by. So what a better thing to do than put her on the line. Anyway, Fee called me over to mention that she had made a contact for me that I really wanted to speak to!

Flashback - as a Programme Participant, Volunteer and Exhibitor - I get these ribbons to attach to my badge and proclaim myself to the world as one of these people. So now I had three - usually I only have one or two - then got a Friend of the UK one to make four. A record! There was only one missing that I really wanted...which Tanya and Fee walked into the Programming Green Room wearing yesterday! A Browncoat one!

So Fee called me over and told me where to corner the person who had the ribbons! She was down to her last two! I think I will mention the idea of having these to my fellow Browncoats in Toronto for the SFX table. These ribbons are not full size - just down horizontally and measuring about 2 and a half to 3 inches across and about an inch high (where the stickey stuff is) and are a plain brown with the word Browncoat on it (hint, hint - Colleen?).

Monday we are off to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh and then Wednesday to see ride the "Harry Potter" train in the north country. Thursday - it is off to Cardiff. Doctor Who here I come! hahahaha

Next time we meet - Captain, there will be Wales.

World Traveller and bon-vie-bon...

2005-08-04T18:40:49Z

Hi, all all from the land of the bonney, wee Scots - land of my fathers:

Here I am in Scotland for WorldCon. My friend, Liz, and I are staying in a B&B just down from the red tunnel that connects one side of the hwy to the other and the convention centre. Literally just 5 minutes away. Less than the big hotels and just as convenient.

Since we arrived, we have been catching up on lost sleep from the plane trip, food (because we like that part) and getting a feel for Glasgow as the reason for the trip is the 10th anniversary of the last Glasgow WorldCon that we attended. Hum, that was the last Glasgow WorldCon period. Oh, well!

Today, we went to Paisley - on the local train line so we got a special day pass which took us into town and then onto Paisley. Now, if the name sounds familiar - yes, as in the pattern! - then you get the prize. What is it, you ask? Something paisley of course. Still want it?

Tomorrow we start at the con in ernest - today was the first official day but we played hookey! hahaha

Most reports from Scotland in the near future.
Ciao!!!!!

Loss and the meaning of time......

2004-12-06T00:33:16Z

This weekend sure has sucked big time. Too many reminders of my own mortality to sit well so close to Christmas......

On Friday, I received a call at 5:15pm in the afternoon. It was my dear friend, redeem147, whom I have known since close to the beginning of the last millenium (oh, yeah - that was only 3 years ago so it must be LONGER!!!).

Anyway, she sounded awful and little did I know what she was going to say during that call. Her father had just passed away and she was on her way down to her parents' place to be with her mom. A pin could have hit the floor as I could not believe my ears. I started to cry uncontrollably but somehow mananged to keep talking to her.

I reassured her as much as I could being on the phone and told her to call me later once she had arrived and then let me know what I could do, if anything. Then the phone was dead.

I loved her dad......he was so kind and good. He had invited, with a little help from redeem147, those of us who worked on PRIMEDIA to their old place up in Malton for summer pool parties, gave us space for our yard sales we used to have as fundraisers for the convention, just too nice for words. And on top of that! he was a spitting reflection of Patrick Stewart! You could not ask for much more than that......how many people can claim to have had a BBQ with Picard. Not many, I am sure.

I was working on marking when she called and I found myself just doing the same old thing on remote control. Tears would not stop but I had no where to go and did not want to just stand there crying. I finally text-messaged my husband, thebitterguy, at work to let him know (it was only 5 minutes later but felt like eternity) and his immediate response was "Shit!". He and Mr. Egan had met on a couple od occasions at the old house - the last time being when we had dropped by to pick up some stuff they did not want to take to the new house. Good memories for both of us there. Mr. Egan shall be missed.....yes, he always insisted I call him by his first name but for me it was either Dad or Mr. Egan and so it shall always be.

Then came Saturday. My friend Rob Wilson passed away almost a month ago exactly. A mutal friend had put together a memorial service for Rob on Saturday. I knew that redeem147 was not up to going (and Rob would have never forgiven her if she had left her mom alone at this time). I found out our friend Valerie was also not going - due to her dad having another heart attack and being on the slow road to recovery again. This left me and thebitterguy to go and represent those unable to attend.

It was cold but sunny when we arrived. The church is on Regent St. which is exactly one block long. This church is the family church of the person who arranged the memorial service - our friend (and Rob's long-time friend) Andy. Some people associated with the theatre group, the Scarborough Players, who I knew and some whom I did not know also attended. A good buddy of Rob's, actor George Buza, was there....I had met George on a few occasions and he had also been a guest at PRIMEDIA. Some of Rob's old neighbours were also there.

There was a Macedonian priest - not in a long flowing beard which amazed me - since the church is orthodox. He did a short ceremony in front of two pictures of Rob.....headshots but still nice. One of him with his biker tatoos and the "nice" one he really hated but good for agents. There was a loaf of bread and some type of pudding as well on the table. Found out later that Andy's mom had made it and it was a traditional offering at memorials. It tasted good.

After Andy invited us to speak, if we wanted, about Rob but all were shy to do so. So we helped ourselves to sandwiches, brownies and drinks and then spoke one on one or in small groups about him. He would have liked it better that way.....than being singled out.

I cried again.......

Now I have to prepare for Tuesday and redeem147's father's memorial.

Seems like it was only yesterday, I heard the news about Rick.....and now all this.

Going to crawl into bed and hide under the covers until it all goes away!

Tired and sad.......

2004-05-23T12:28:42Z

May. 23rd, 2004 07:48 am Tired and sad....
As redeem147 stated early this morning, Richard Biggs has passed away (see B5 Newsgroups listing below) and out of my life. I couldn't write this last night but wanted to share a few memories of my friend with you.

Rick was a bud and a friend. I came to know him after I invited him to be the main guest at PRIMEDIA. A long time ago now. We've seen each other off and on since then, I have called him on occassion just to touch base and sometimes he'd even call back when he was not working his busy schedule - either with a job on tv or working at the theatre that he loved being part of or more recently - his kids.

Ah, that PRIMEDIA. The first time I saw Rick....all I could think of was "Dr. Marcus Hunter" is standing in front of me. I was a HUGE Days of Our Lives fan when he was on the show and Marcus and Patch were the big characters I loved at the time. Rick was sooooo good at the con to everyone. He participated in the charity auction....got to post the picture with him and the green t-shirt. He helped out with the Aurora Awards by giving out some - and dressed in his Sunday best to boot! Wow, what a sight. But the part I will mostly remember is after at the dance, he was making the rounds of the parties going on and then came into the dance. Looking cool in his black pants and white shirt. He moved onto the dance floor and was making eyes with the ladies...but ultimately moved behind me and proceeded to do the 'dirty dance' thing with me. I had no idea until I felt him behind me where he was going and what he was planning on doing. It was shocking and surprising and a LOT OF FUN! I can honestly say that I know Rick Biggs REALLY WELL! - without having gone to bed with him. Those who were there with me KNOW this to be true. Yes, the beginning of a good friendship.

A few years ago, both he and I got married - but not to each other. Then he came to SFX. I went to see him there and he was swamped with people and no one to help so I volunteered. Rick wanted to be sure that was okay and so asked Sir Bitter if I was not needed elsewhere. Sir Bitter had no problem. At the end of the day - I was tired, Rick was tired but he signed a B5 card for Justin that said something to the effect of "thanks for lending me your wife". A moment that Sir Bitter will probably not forget. When the day was over, Rick, Sir Bitter, Redeem147, some other friends of mine - who also helped out at PRIMEDIA the year Rick was there - and I went down to the Esplanade for dinner. The place we ate at was a riot - we could see the staff constantly passing by the entrance to the section where we were sitting - and not because we were in the middle of a busy area. We were placed away from people - in hindsight this might be why. The staff kept looking in and finally we found out why - they could not believe that "Dr. Marcus Hunter" from Days of Our Lives was in their restaurant! No, not B5.....Days! We laughed all night about that one.

The last time I saw Rick was at Shore Leave a few years ago.....too long ago now. It was a busy weekend for him and for Jason Carter. They had been doing a 'thing' at cons for a while at this point - the "Biggs/Carter Experience" is how they sort of called it. A blast to see and you could tell the mutual admiration they had for each other. I was standing in line for someone else - can't remember who and mentioned to redeem147 that Rick seemed to be a little out of it (probably from being so busy but my nose was out of joint) and when I had spoken to him, it felt like he didn't know me (or just didn't have the time for me). She went right up to him and told him. Silly, girl! LOL Next thing I know Rick is looking right at me over the heads of all these fans and yelling at me that of course he knows me and if I wasn't over there, he would be giving me a great big kiss and there would be lots of tongue, etc. I tried to hide but he could see me regardless. So we promised in the middle of this jam-packed hallway that next time, it would be that. Kisses and tongues. What a man! hahahaha

Well, that will not happen now. I am so upset with this news but can only imagine how mortified his family is, Jason as his best friend, Joe who he was on great terms with, former cast members of Days - who he still kept in touch with, and all the people that he touched. A kinder and more gentle man, you can not imagine.

We will be posting on the PRIMEDIA sites any information we get regarding the fundraiser Joe might have for Rick's kids.....two beautiful little ones that he was so proud to share pictures of.

I miss you already, Rick....and I love you a lot, man. God bless you!

Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated
Date: 22 May 2004 22:25:56 GMT
References: <j4cdnq5xka1cfjld4p2dna@adelphia.com>
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Today We Lost Richard Biggs
Message-Id: <20040522182556.22491.00000701@mb-m27.aol.com>
Orig-From: (Jms at B5)

I was awakened today with several phone calls from cast members and Doug to
pass along the terrible news that this morning, Richard Biggs passed away.

We're still gathering information, so take none of this as firm word, but what
seems to have happened, happened quickly. He woke up, got up out of bed...and
went down. The paramedics who showed up suggested it was either an aneurysm or
a massive stroke.

His family members have been informed, and all of the the cast have, as far as
we can determine, also been informed.

This is a terrible loss for all of us. Richard was a consummate professional
but more than that he was an honorable, stand-up guy. If he gave you his word
on something, you never had to wonder about it afterward. He was always
helpful and supportive of all the cast, even those who only came in for one
episode, always with a ready smile and determined to do whatever it took to
make the scene work. He was, quite simply, a terrific guy, and everyone here
is just devastated at the news.

More word as this develops. We may try to have some kind of fund raiser to
help give whatever assistance may be helpful for his kids.

We all miss him terribly.

jms

Home, sweet home!

2004-05-11T03:43:32Z

Well, tonight it finally happened. Sir Bitter and I sold our house and now we can concentrate on our move to Milton. The date is set for end of July so look out as we can always use extra hands to move boxes! hahaha

No seriously! We can......the movers are for the 'big' stuff like furniture, etc. The boxes are for our friends because we can trust them to not drop or break anything. Really....!

Also took that poll re what movie should you be in and here's my results. Always loved that Johnny Weissmuller (sp)....sorry no one to BETA me at 11:43pm. LOL

Tarzan!

What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Doesn't look like Johnny to me....but I could be really tired now. haha

Numfar, do the dance of joy!

2004-04-26T01:15:04Z

Still have to finish posting re the big weekend out in TO a while ago.

However, Sir Bitter and I are expecting our realtor in a few minutes. She is coming by to measure the house to put it on the market.

Why? you ask? Well, we got the news today that our offer on a house in Milton has been accepted - conditional to financing - but accepted none the less.

If everything goes right, we move at the end of July and then the party starts.

Four bedrooms, multi-level leaning towards a split format with plenty of storage space in the basement. Hey, I can use that word now as our current place is a stacked townhouse with no basement.

Huge backyard - close to half an acre in size but very irregular in shape. Backs onto three different lots and a park. Big willow tree and very nice looking. Owned by a Scottish man - wonder if that is why he took the offer? Recognized a fellow Scot and I don't mean Sir Bitter - even with his very good 'Fat Bastard' imitation.

Going to get ready for her arrival now so will try to finish the previous post at some point before the move. I am sooooo reliable doing this. hahahaha

Sir Bitter and My Weekend....Pt. 1

2004-03-23T01:42:58Z

Friday started off well, except for the bronchitis. We slept in, watched some t.v. and then finally began to get ready for our 'hot' weekend.

By the time we hit the bank, it was getting onto 3:30 and we had a 6pm dinner reservation downtown at Le Beeftech (not the correct spelling by any means!) on Richmond.

Traffic was slow.....no games downtown as far as we knew.....might have been people returning from March Break. Didn't matter, we did okay. Consulted the map re directions and worked our way over to Jarvis and then to Richmond. Missed the entrance!!! Too much sun and too many cars.....it was Friday!! during rush hour, no less. Second time around - we made it. Sir Bitter went inside to get registered, with my wallet and credit card, and came out short while later with the keys. I had forgotten to mention that the reservation was in my maiden name.....silly me! :)

Parked and then went to our room. Very nice, but not a great view as all we could see was BIG buildings. Relaxed a short while and then made our way over for dinner. Menu had three entree selections - Sir Bitter chose the steak (is was a steak house so makes sense) and I chose the chicken/rib combo. Not too bad but the ribs could have used a little more sauce at the end of the cooking cycle. Sir Bitter pointed out the HP sauce and I just stared back. Not the same thing.

Finished and both of us were stuffed. Made our way back to the hotel to drop off some things and then proceeded up the street - Yonge - to the Canon Theatre. Haven't been there since Phantom. Just love it!

Walked in, got our tickets stubbed, and then went upstairs to take our seats. We were in the balcony, right side, and on the right side of the entrance way. Second row - D to be exact. Sir Bitter was worried we might not see very well and I was worried when a TALL woman sat in the row in front of us! However, as was shown later, we had nothing to worry about.....she relaxed and slouched and we had a perfect view of the stage!

So we were looking at our program books, when a few lasses came in and sat beside us and in the row in front - but not the tall woman and her friend....these were others. Must have been on a night out as they were all excited about the production, and having a great time. One decided to get up to take a group photo of everyone in their seats and ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! Sir Bitter couldn't stop laughing as the ushers just came swarming out of the woodwork. NO, they weren't there a second before that! I swear it!!!!! All anyone saw was arms reaching out and voices saying, "No! No pictures!" Scared the poor woman taking the photo. She jumped so high.

Fortunately, that is when the orchestra stopped their warm-up and the lights began to dim......saved everyone some embarrassment.

......more in part deux!

The Producers

2004-03-18T04:24:23Z

This coming Friday, Sir Bitter and I will be partaking in the TO production of the Producers as part of our 'Take time for TO' package. We got this as part of our celebration of our fourth anniversary.

In addition to seeing the Producers, we will be staying at a nice hotel (we hope), having dinner, breakfast, and then going to the ROM for the new Egyptian exhibit on Saturday. Then SHOPPING!!!!! It should be a good time.