greyeyegoddess' blog

Friday, July 9, 2010-Weekly Fass Report

2010-07-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 9, 2010-Weekly Fass Report

Everyone once in a while, my weekly report doesn't hit the alerts right away, hence the back up on blogger and livejournal.

Normally, I wouldn't care too much, but as Michael is now becoming a big deal, I feel my thoughts are just as important as anyone else's, even news reports.

Friday, November 20, 2009-Weekly Fass Report-The Rise and Rise of Michael Fassbender

2009-11-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

I do a weekly (more or less) report on Michael's work on my home blog, so I will start posting a little note and the link to the original blog.

With all the stuff going on about Michael and his popularity rising, it was time to stretch out and work with other blogs that I have. Look on the blog for fan forums links with lots of information and good discussions. Click the link and you'll find thoughts from a fan.

http://greyeyegoddess.multiply.com/journal/item/583/

Friday, September 25, 2009-Weekly Fass Report-Blood Creek and new forum

2009-09-26T01:29:00.001-07:00

Friday, September 25, 2009-Weekly Fass Report-Blood Creek and new forum

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009-Testing Blog

2009-07-21T17:12:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, July 21, 2009-Testing Blog

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Toronto Trip...eh?

2008-09-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Reposted from http://greyeyegoddess.multiply.com/journal/item/444

Time to work on the fun....

I love Toronto, even more than before. I had such a blast going there to meet up with friends. It's so wonderful to meet up with old friends and new ones.

We had been planning on going to Toronto since we heard that the movie Hunger was going to be shown, in hopes to see Michael, as it would be his first North American appearance. For some odd reason, we missed him at the 300 premiere. Darn. Anyways, I think it was better to see him after viewing most of his work. I got a better feel for him and appreciated him much more.

Unfortunately, making travel plans is getting harder with my dad being sick I always make plans in my head to go places, but sometimes until I actually buy the ticket, I don't know what's going to happen. I have to be grateful for friends who get my hotel rooms, because I sure couldn't do it right now, with having less hours, and now, no job.

But all that behind me, I still wanted to go. I loved it last year, and loved it more this year. Even if Michael didn't show up, which he did, I would have enjoyed the weekend and little goodies here and there.

Right before I went to Toronto, I had the biggest fight with my boss. By the time I left the "office" on Thursday, I knew I didn't want to go back, and also knew that he didn't want me to go back. I already blogged about that experience, and won't hit it anymore in this fun, because it affected my travel to Toronto.

I was excited to go, though. I've said Toronto is like San Francisco, New York and London all rolled up together. And the people are sooooo nice! I felt safe; I felt very happy in Toronto.

So, a long trip all way to the other side of the states, two stop overs during a red eye flight, and catching up on sleep, I made my way to Buffalo, NY. I didn't have my passport done by the time I was leaving, so I had to drive into Canada.

I got my rental car, and looked for places like Target and Walmart to pick up some last minute needed things. They weren't easy to find and I got lost. I finally stopped at a gas station to fill up and find a mall. I learned that I would spend a lot of time driving around, looking for places.

I have never driven to the borders and really didn't know what to do. Except for meeting the people at the borders, who were smart alecks, I loved meeting people in Toronto. There were so helpful.

The guard at the booth really gave me a hard time about not knowing about bringing alcohol through to Canada. Why? Is it expensive? Since I don't drink, and I told him that, I wouldn't know and really don't have time to sell anything. But it seems that he wasn't having it. Whatever!

The drive into Toronto was beautiful! I love it. I was taking my own sweet time. I felt free when I arrived in town. Thankfully, my roommate left my name at the hotel room. Everyone else had movies to see and get togethers. I unpacked my stuff, showered (since I had been in the same clothes since work the day before), and got online to see my messages.

I hadn't met my roomie yet, and she came into the room while I was in the shower. One-two-three...voila'! Behind door number one, Christina! I was very excited to meet with here. We had a lot in common, and loved to talk.

Friday was sleep time for me. I wasn't ready to meet up with anyone. I was the only one with a phone that would not work in Canada, so I was at the mercy of everyone else, and thankfully, everyone was sweet about using phones.

It was nice to sleep in a bed that night.

Saturday, I didn't know that Christina was going to meet our other friend, Simone to see a movie. We got up late, still being on CA time, and rushed to the theater to drop Christina off. I went to meet up with Kathy and her friends, to go to lunch and meet up with more friends. We were met by Donna and Moira.

At the lunch pub, fans were still basking in the afterglow of watching Rocknrolla and seeing Gerry. I was ready to whisk my friends away and have our meal. We had to plan our evening. We wound up eating at the Fairmont hotel, across from our place. We had heard that stars were there.

We had a lovely luncheon/dinner, and had Viggo Mortensen visit the restaurant, where both Christina and Simone were extremely happy to see one of their favorite guys. I also met up with Tina and Ellen, my Toronto buds from last year. We reminisced about our trip last year, pointing out funny little things about each other, just to make each other laugh.

We drove by the theater where Hunger was going to be shown, to get a look at the place. Tina and I had already been there last year, so I still had the place fresh in my mind. Kathy got to talk to someone in charge, and she let the guy know why we were there--to see Michael.

We all had to leave to get ready for our get together, and I was getting very nervous. Simone came to our hotel as we planned to get to the theater about two hours beforehand. My stomach was turning.

We were first in line...all 10 or so of us. We were deciding to see whether we were going to watch Michael come out of the car into the theater or wait for him to come into the theater. As the line started to get long, I got more anxious and decided to stay put, to look for our seats.

I couldn't believe that there might be a possibility that we'd finally see Michael here.

We got into the theater and decided to sit in the front, because if there was going to be a Q & A, we wanted a good view.

We were getting ourselves situated, when suddenly, the guy who Kathy talked to earlier, came up from behind and either tapped Kathy or said her name. We turned around and there was MICHAEL!!! I had to blink to make sure I wasn't dreaming! OMIGOSH!

Wow, we all jumped out of our seats, and started talking a little louder. I just watched Kathy talk to Michael, like they were good friends...as if it had been a while since both saw each other. It was very endearing. Kathy introduced me to Michael (which was funny, because I told her I'd introduce her to him), and I shook Michael's hand. I know I said something, fan like, but I don't remember. Something like, I can't wait to see Hunger, I've heard so much about the movie. I probably added something like, Love your work.

Kathy gave Michael a gift, a lovely lighter, and Michael thanked her for it, adding, "My dad has told me I need to stop smoking". LOL! I wanted to give him something, but I had no idea what to give him. He likes hats, maybe something from here.

Kathy asked Michael if he would sign something for her, and he signed for a few more items for fans. Donna, sweetheart of a girl, gave me something to have signed. I didn't get anything printed before I came, and spent half a day looking for a print shop.

Camera flashes were going off all over the place. It was funny to see people come into the theater, and not knowing who we all were excited to see. Some even wrote about their confusion in their own blog.

After a few minutes, Kathy, Tina and I were arm in arm, taking a picture with Michael. I was still kind of shocked, not knowing what was going on, and wound up next to Kathy. I think I looked at the back of everyone, wondering where I would connect to Michael's hand. I think I grabbed his hand and held it as we took pictures. I know, sneaky and selfish. Oh well. You gotta get your moment when you can.

After a paparazzi moment, we had to let Michael go.

The movie had to start.

Ok for the movie...

Wow, it definitely wouldn't have been a movie I'd see if Michael wasn't in it. But as someone else said, it's the most beautiful, ugly movie I've seen.

I had seen two documentaries about the Irish Troubles, and I had cried, wanted to vomit, and thought about what I had seen. This movie did the same thing to me, but even more so. I had to hold my mouth while watching this. It was very raw, rugged, and rough. But it was also a gorgeous movie. It's definitely not a movie for the weak of heart or stomach. Not a popcorn movie. We gasped at the brutality, Michael's weigh loss, and his character's dying days.

It was quite a roller coaster ride and highly thought provoking. I was ready to see this again on Monday.

Michael did an EXCELLENT job with his character, as did everyone else in the movie.

Following the movie, a special Q & A went along, and so did my ambidextrous filming...video and digital camera. Michael was quick witted and funny, charming and interesting. I was very glad to see that he was very good to his fans--very humble and grateful. As he walked up to the stage, he pointed to his fans. He knew who was there for him, and I'd like to think that he was just as happy to see us, as we were to see him.

I couldn't have had a better night, meeting someone I admired. I was a little concerned about not knowing what he'd be like to his US audience, but he was just wonderful to us.

I need to come down, though, because I've been on a high since then.

After the movie, we went back to the Fairmont to bask in the Fass light. Wow. WOW!

Back at our hotel, Christina and I were looking at our pictures and videos, downloading and sharing them, oohing and ahhing, and trying to remember what just occurred to us. We were up really late, still being on CA time.

Sunday was a relaxing day. Christina and I walked around town, looking at the sights, picking up gifts for family and friends. Plus, I forgot to pack socks, and needed a scarf. It was already fall, close to winter in Toronto. Now I remember why I didn't move there.

We met up with the rest of the group at night to have dinner at the Fairmont again, where Moira had a special moment with Ger earlier and we saw him walking around the hotel again. More celebs were all over the place, and we watched them quietly and far away in the restaurant.

We went back to the room to pack as much as we could and talked about the night.

Monday, we made plans to get everyone to see Hunger again at 9 am. We weren't sure that everyone would get a ticket, but thankfully, with Christina's planning and willingness, she got tickets at the closest box office. We were excited to watch the movie without our wonderful distraction.

We got to the theater early, waited and got in. We were surprised to know that Michael was still in town and that he was scheduled to do another Q & A. How exciting.

We watched the movie again, and again, I was affected, gastronomically (I'm making up my own word here...I know it means something to do with cooking, but as gastro has something to do with the stomach, and I was affected physically and internally, and stomach ache just doesn't do it.)

After the movie, we were sad to find out that Michael wasn't going to be doing a Q & A. I'd like to think that if he knew that we were there, he might have tried to have come down again. Just my feelings. But Toronto is a busy time for people in the "biz". I'm sure he had a lot of other things to do, even if it included some "me" time.

As we walked out, Kathy was pulled aside to talk to a person involved with Channel 4 productions, the company producing Hunger. She mentioned to Kathy that Michael was supposed to come by, but couldn't. No reason. We didn't ask. We made contact with the rep and left from there.

We went back to our room, and packed up to go. Christina and I said our goodbyes; she left to the airport and I still had to hug goodbye to Moira and Kathy.

Sadly, I got lost trying to find the freeway in Toronto. I missed my flight. Luckily, I was able to afford a flight back, two hours later.

Even with that problem, I was still in a good mood. Even my ridiculous job couldn't bring me down from the high of being with friends and meeting Michael. He was a class act, and as most of his fans wish, we hope he doesn't change...too much.

More pictures are in the photo section of the blog.

Super con 2008, San Jose, CA

2008-05-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

I've got to get on the ball with these other blogs, which were supposed to be used for events that might interest a lot more people...such as this one:

reposted from Wednesday, May 21, 2008-Super-con's Guest Liaison

Ok, I've done enough gushing to last a while, although I woke up to some crazy pictures online--party pictures, and I'm still laughing after hours of viewing them. My comment? Who says white boys can't dance? LOL!

There's definitely something about people from out of the states. They are less inhibited about a lot of things. I was just hanging out with some over the weekend. One from London, and one from New Zealand-both men, both out of my age range, but still charming. When I met the guy from London, I exclaimed, "I LOVE London!" And he quickly replied, in his London accent, "And London loves you back!" I was stunned for a moment, because I didn't quite get it, or my hearing was off...or what I heard didn't quite register with my brain. Old age...LOL!

Ok, so back to the weekend-Super-con. Monday last week, Steve, the owner of the convention, called me to make sure that I was going to be there, because he had a special job for me. Ok, I was coming down. The job was to sit with Jorge Garcia from Lost. Cool! I love doing that--sitting, helping out and getting to know entertainers. I learn a lot from entertainers, and during the two days I watch, listen, observe and take notes.

So Saturday came. Got to San Jose Convention Center really early. As the starting time descended upon us, in walked Jorge and his troupe--His manager and his girlfriend. I've never sat with a manager before, and from earlier experience of having dealt with such people, I wasn't too fond of managers. Managers and agents are the bad guys to the entertainers' sweet natures...well, those who are sweet and accommodating to their fans. I was ready to be set aside and not handle anything with Jorge...but happily, to my surprise, Jorge's manager was a hoot and a half! He had me in stitches with little tricks he was playing with people around him. He was business all the way, but he had a great sense of fun. He brought along his son, Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in the early Star Wars Episodes.

Daniel and Supercon family

I kept watching Daniel going back and forth between his tables and Jorge's tables, thinking that he's got to be pacific islander. He reminded me of a few of my cousins--excited, happy, and full of energy...lol! When we had a chance to talk, I straight out asked him, What is your nationality? He proceeded to tell me he was adopted, but that his real dad was part Samoan...and something else. I stopped at Samoan, and told him that my mother is Tongan. So we hit it off quite well from there. Later on, we talked about what he wants to do with his career. Ideas were swarming in my head. I haven't seen anything but Star Wars, and he was really good as a little kid. He's 20 now. I'd really like to see him work, to see what he can do. Then from there, see where he can go.

Ok, for what you really want, right?

Jorge Garcia. I have to solely admit that I've never seen a full episode of Lost. And I only have one excuse...it used to be on opposite to Smallville. But I should be watching it, if only for the scenes in Hawaii. I love shows made in the islands and San Francisco. I decided a long time ago, that I'd just wait until all the dvds are available or when the show goes to syndication, to watch it. I know it's a huge phenomenon, but since I didn't get to watch it in the beginning, I'll be making it up later on.

Even though I hadn't watched the show, I knew who Jorge was. During the weekend, he was very nice, very funny, and very accommodating with fans. His girlfriend was very sweet, and very caring. There was a moment during a panel that she asked me to give him water. I hadn't noticed that he needed it, but she was quick to recognize that he needed care.

It's always fun to watch entertainers react to fans, just as fans react to entertainers. I had a slight moment with Wil Wheaton, who came to the con, too. We were in line for food and water, and I chatted with him for a moment. He introduced himself, which I think is awesome, but at this kind of a convention, he probably doesn't need an introduction. I knew who he was, and I kind of gushed. lol!

Back to Jorge. He had flown in from Hawaii just for this convention. It was great to hear about Hawaii and some of the things going on there. Because I was busy handling the funds for autographs and answering questions for fans, I didn't get to spend as much time as I usually do with other people. But as the days slowed down near closing time, I had my time to just sit, talk, watch, and listen. It was funny to hear him and his manager talk about lava-lavas. I'm not used to hearing non-Polys talk about lava-lavas, and again, it caught me off guard. I asked both men that if they happen to come to Wondercon, if they would wear their lava-lavas, and they agreed IF they would make it to San Francisco. So, I'll be waiting. lol!

For those who don't know what lava-lavas are, they are the wrap arounds that islanders wear, acceptable for men to wear...actually, very nice! And very comfortable.

Not one time did I hear Jorge say, Dude! He may have sneaked one in, talking to some of the artists who came to visit him, but I don't remember him saying it at all. I know the days were long for him during the convention, but I really appreciated him and his manager and girlfriend for coming. And many of the Lost fans had such a great time meeting up with Jorge. I really like watching people who sincerely admire someone's work. Fans smiled and gushed, and Jorge handled everyone professionally. There were times to goof off...see below...

When Jorge would leave for a break, he looked like any other fan at the convention. I watched people pass by him, taking a second look to see if he was who he was. It was fun to watch and I giggled to myself. I've second looked before--see one of the Jet Setting blogs.

I ran into Jorge in a cafe with his girlfriend during our first lunch break, and he turned around and really thanked me for taking care of him with the fans. I just though, Aww...what a really sweet guy! He was very sincere and gave me a wonderful hug when it came time to leave the show.

I'd love to tell you more about the panel, but I didn't get to see all of it. Jorge was very entertaining, though. Sorry Lost fans. Jorge was scheduled to do a second panel, but the schedule didn't work out. I was going to video record it. Didn't happen.

Jorge was just awesome to hang out with (did I just blow your cover, Jorge?) I'd work for his manager in a minute. I'm still feeling very good from the weekend.

I had a blast, meeting up with people I hadn't seen in a while. Hey Val! Hey Jeff and friend! And a few other people I recognize. Kind of made me feel like a celeb for a moment with the attention I was getting...lol!
***********************
Ok, as you read this, let me reiterate what it's like to work at these cons and what to expect when you come...

Even in this economy, you will be expected to pay for an autograph. If it's a big celeb name, and they were flown out here just to appear, the autographs pay for the con owners to pay the celeb fee for appearing. It costs the con owners hotel and flight, plus appearance fees. Appearance fees aren't cheap. With smaller cons like Super-con, you get an intimate setting with your favorite entertainers and artists. So, no groaning, ok? Most of the time, it's not the celeb charging the fees, it is the owners. There are instances where the celeb will only sign if he or she charges. Please get that through your head.

Charging fees also allows entertainers and artists to get what they deserve from those who sell their autographs on Ebay. Why should someone else make money off of their autographs? Especially when they gave it away for free? In a way, it's a small deterrent. If you really want an autograph, you'll pay for it at a convention.

For those entertainers who are inbetween jobs, charging for autographs is a way to make some kind of salary until the next paying job shows up. They usually pay their own way to get to the convention. Wil Wheaton drove up from L.A, as he mentioned to fans. I'm sure he wasn't the only one.

You will also be expected to pay for a photograph most of the time. Even if it's your own camera. Sometimes at big conventions, they will have a professional photographer come and take great pictures with great backgrounds. Hey Froggy!

Most conventions don't cost an arm and a leg to get into, so it's feasible just to come in cheaply and walk around for free. But expect to spend a lot for autographs. Twenty five dollars is a good price for the moment.

If you still don't want to pay, I suggest that you volunteer. Most of the time, you don't have a choice of where you work, but you can always suggest where you want to work.

Town Creek pre-screening

2007-12-02T11:32:00.002-08:00

I cannot believe I have to start a new blogging service just to get this out! I usually post blogs that I want to world to see on myspace, http://www.myspace.com/greyeyegoddess, but I haven't seen this a post on this review on any search engine. Pooh!

This is the first entry-the first anything, so excuse the house, as it's not in order yet, because my main blog is on Multiply:

This makes, what...3 now? Geez!

Some spoilers shared, and really, unless you are into the following actors or into light horror and suspense, skip the page.

While friends on the east coast were getting a sneak peak at "PS I Love You" on Thursday night, I was on the west coast catching the first screening of a horror/suspense movie called, "Town Creek"; directed by Joel Schumacher, starring Dominic Purcell (Prison Break), Henry Cavill (The Tudors) and Michael Fassbender (300, Hex). Thanks to Raynbow and 99 for hooking me up. I had been waiting to see this movie for quite sometime.

First of all, I'm not a horror fan, but I love vampire movies. I know…doesn't make sense because you can't have one without the other, for the most part. I don't like the pain, suffering and gore, but I enjoy the intellectual banter, the supernatural powers, and manipulative grasp that most vampires possess. There have been some great actors who've played vampires in the past.

So on to the movie. As someone who appreciates Michael's work, I was very interested in seeing what Joel had in store for Michael in this. As a fan, I'll probably write more about him in this review.

The story is this: a family has been suspended in time by a Nazi occultist, Wirth (played by Michael), who is close to the end of his immortal transformation, and two brothers, Evan and Victor (played by Henry and Dominic), have to stop him before it's too late.

The movie was slated to be a vampire movie, but my idea of vampires wasn't quite the same idea as the story in the movie. Granted, Wirth did have to feed on blood, but there wasn't any fangs popping out. No biting necks. No turning into other creatures, or flying. I kind of missed those.

There were a few "ewwww" moments. The movie wasn't gory enough to be gore…and I liked that. There was just enough to get the feeling of how bad the bad guy was, but not enough to have to turn my head away…until the end. You do get blood (expected); there are deaths (ok…). I think that most of the special effects will be done around Wirth and a lot of those scenes still had to be worked on, so maybe more gore effects will be added. I don't know.

What I thought was different was that when Wirth brought creatures and people back to life, they were zombie-like; not vampires…although they were mean as anything. Wirth also had control of those he brought to life.

I really enjoyed the first 10 minutes of the story, because you got to see where everything started, plus as a fan of Michael's, you actually get to SEE him. His character is mysteriously manipulative. He befriends the child daughter of the family that he had been sent to, and from there, she becomes like a servant to him. In fact, the four-member family winds up serving him out of fear for their lives.

After those scenes from the beginning, the next time you see Wirth, he looks like something between Hellraiser-without the pins and Freddy Kruger. It wasn't easy to see Michael like that, but he did a great job at it. His character had to show his eccentric desire in becoming immortal, and I think Michael succeeding in doing that, even with his face completely covered and made up.

(And as an added blurb, I was not very happy at having to see his face covered up! )

One of the transformations was a bit interesting…without spoiling it; the last part of the change was "growing" a third eye. But he had to…um…find a spot where it would grow…on his face…and how it comes about…is one of the "ewwww" factors.

I have to admit that I really liked Henry's work in the movie. I was impressed with his intensity. I've seen some of his work and have enjoyed what he's done. Fans of Henry's will like this because he's all over the place in this movie. His character eventually befriends the young girl, played by Emma Booth and they work together to try to defeat Wirth, with Dominic.

Henry's character is a little more sensitive to the situations around the area. He's a paramedic and sees a lot of pain and his job is to alleviate pain. At one point, he attempts to save someone else from the same fate that fell on Dominic's character. There's a sensitivity that Henry displays, especially towards the end of the movie.

Dominic's character is just out to get the guy who kept him prisoner for 2 years. Once he escapes from Wirth, he comes back with guns, ammo, attitude and his brother. He's a man on a serious mission with little time to explain. Dominic's character had just come from Iraq before he disappeared, to be fed to the creature formerly known as Wirth.

I really don't know Dominic's work, but if you like what he does on Prison Break, you'll enjoy this too. Dominic and Henry work really well together. They are definitely the heroes in a bittersweet victory.

One particular scene that stuck with me at the end, has Dominic looking out into the lake during a welcome home party. One has to imagine what he was thinking and how his two year disappearance and his war experience measure up against each other. It's probably one of the quietest scenes in the movie as it comes to an end.

There's not a lot of dialog for most of the movie, because it's mainly action and suspense. Most of the dialog is spent in the first 30 minutes to help give the audience the story of the movie. After that, the action and suspense (and some horror) get you going through the movie, with some heated dialog between characters; a little argument between brothers about signing up for the service, a couple of verbal and physical standoff between Wirth and Victor, arguments with the family and Evan, threats from Victor to the family, commands from Victor to Evan, and the like. It's the kind of dialog you could expect when under a lot of pressure.

The lake that Henry and Dominic have to cross to get to Town Creek had breathtaking scenery.

The last I heard was that this movie was going to be released in the summer. I'm finding it hard to believe that this movie could be up there with the summer blockbusters, but if you aren't interested in tons of special effects and CGI, you can give this movie a go. It's a bit rustic and gritty. It may be released within 3-6 months.

The movie wasn't what I thought it was going to be, but then that was probably a good thing because it opened my mind to other possibilities. Plus, screened movies usually aren't completed. The movie I saw could be a little different by the time it's released.