RhymePhile's Rat Race

Part 1



Part 2

Yes, it's Friday. Yes, I know the Season 6 autograph session was Tuesday. No, I'm still not down from my high. Well, maybe a little. But not much. :-)

Everyone has been wonderful with their comments and feedback about the photos. I have to extend a special thank you to new Friend unfamousl, who, in appreciation for my photos, was generous enough to add an extra year to my LJ account. Thanks again! My heartfelt graditude to you, my dear.

In T-shirt news, I'll be investigating getting my design professionally screenprinted. Brian was kind enough to let me know that he would e-mail Teh Meloni about the shirt, which then made me realize that if I'm really going to send him one, it can't, y'know, look like shit. LOL. I'll be looking into costs and what not tomorrow. The more you make the cheaper it is, and since many of you expressed interest in having one (which rocks my socks, btw), I hope to keep it reasonably priced. We'll see how much it might cost and then I will start a list of e-mails for those interested.

Now, the reason for this post. Since I bought a nice new printer last weekend in order to make my fangirly T-shirt to wear to the signing, I figured I would take advantage of its scanning capabilities and show you the autographed Oz box, and four 8 x 10s from the cast, Chris, Lee, Kirk, and Dean.

( Images all behind the cut )

The Oz Season 6 DVD signing, September 5, 2006.

Photos, part 3, the final post.

Oh, I forgot to mention, if people make icons from any of these photos, I would appreciate first dibs if that's okay.

( Go on to Part 3 of the photos, and now you can comment )

The Oz Season 6 DVD signing, September 5, 2006.

Photos, part 2

( Go on to Part 2 of the photos )

Here we go, mah peeps. Finally! My photo collection from last night's Oz Season 6 DVD signing. It only took me two and a half hours to fix up all these photos. Gah. See how much I love you people? ;-)

To my surprise, I discovered that there were many photos (73 to be exact) I could recover through the use of Photoshop. God bless the Levels, Hue/Saturation, Sharpen, and Red Eye Reducer tools. Huzzah. You'll notice on many of these that I sharpened them within an inch of their life, simply because the photo itself was sucky. In some cases even the most extreme amounts of sharpening didn't really help, but since you won't find a larger collection of these photos anywhere else, I figured I'd even include the bad ones.

See, once the press left, one freelance photog was still there, along with me. She was using a flash to get some good shots of Chris and Lee from time to time when there was a lull in the fans. I, however, out of respect for their poor eyes and the fact that they had already been bombarded with a billion flash bulbs, had my flash off until the very end. Obviously the shots with the flash came out the best (and will be found in the third post). But I have no regrets. No one wants to be dowsed in electric light for two hours, y'know? And I love my Boys.

This post is Part 1. I'm going to break this up into three posts, because since I spent so much time on them, I decided to post every photo to my LJ.

I've also decided not to Friends-lock these photos.

Why? Because I believe and trust those in this fandom. I've met some wonderful people in the time since I've become an Oz fan, and I want to share my good fortune and unbelievable experiences I had last night with everyone.

If you're visiting here via an offsite link, please feel free to comment anonymously. I'm cool with that.

My sweet disposition does not mean, however, that you can use any of these photos without credit. I'm a simple gal; if you use any of these photos for icons, headers, wallpapers you share, or anywhere else on the net, just credit RhymePhile. See? Easy. It took me over an hour of fighting people's asses, elbows, backs, and a somewhat surly security guard to get these photos. Please be considerate. Feel free to link here also, but give credit as well.

callmerizzo and fanfromfla, I have different credit requests for Lee's websites, which I'll discuss with you guys offline, assuming you want any of these shots. If you do, please e-mail me; my contact info is in my user info (it will also make it easier on me off LJ, since I have so many people to respond to lately).

Okay, I'm shutting up now. I will turn on comments for the third post, because if I have to follow comments over three posts I'm going to drop dead.

( Finally, Rhyme, shut up and post the damn photos already! Image-heavy, my darlings... )

Good afternoon, all.

I got about 4 hours of sleep last night, due to fangirl-induced insomnia. I couldn't even sleep on the bus this morning. *iz ded*

But, as promised (and before I do any real work in work -- seriously, it took me about two hours to get this all together, sheesh) here is my account of the night's events. I wrote this down on the bus ride home last night in order to remember it better. It's going to be long, but hopefully not too rambling.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my LJ last night; I promise to eventually get to all the comments! But there are so many it's going to take me a while.

Once I get home tonight and have time to work on the photos I took (since many of them need Photoshopping) I'll be posting those as well. I think out of about 100 or more shots, maybe 12 came out in total. There were that many asses and elbows.

( Rhyme's account of the entire night, as best as she can remember, rather long )

Please forgive any use of ALL CAPS....and no lj-cuts. I AM TOO EXCITED.

First, I need to thank my girl badtyler for updating everyone tonight over at tietuckluv. I had a great time on the phone with you, girl ("shaddap!" LOL). Thanks so much.

This has got to be one of THE BEST experiences of my entire life. I'm not just saying that because I'm a fangirl, either. Good LORD I am still floating.

Tomorrow I will have a moment by moment account of the entire night. But three fantastically amazing things occurred:
1. Tom Fontana cracked his ass up over my T-shirt.
2. In doing so, he pointed my shirt out to Chris. I turned, and this is what he looked like. THIS UNBELIEVABLY WONDERFUL photo comes from desdomonda, who was there with me. lv11baby was with me too, but like I said, more on that tomorrow.



GOD, my night could not have gone better, but then he said HE WANTED ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AIIIEEEEEEEEE!!! He loved it so much he wants a shirt. I'm dying.

Then, of course, as badtyler reported over at tietuckluv,

3. LEE KISSED ME!!!!

AAAAIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. I will give a full report tomorrow, but I didn't ask for the kiss, and I have to tell you it was simply an amazing experience because he looked me right in the eye like...I dunno, like he knew me, or we were long-lost friends, or something. Seriously, the look on his face...GUH.

I am exhausted, and I've been up for over 18 hours now, but I NEED TO SHARE THESE TWO PHOTOS WITH MY FLIST.

I took over a hundred photos, some of which came out, some of which didn't. There were a lot of fans' elbows, backs, and asses in the way. The cast was moving and smiling and signing things, and people were passing, and many of the shots came out as blurs. I need to sit down and go through them one by one, tweak what I can in Photoshop, and then share them with you tomorrow after work. I have some GREAT shots of Lee in particular, where he was clowning for my camera. I also got a shot of Chris and Lee hugging when Lee first came in that came out great.

HOWEVER...

I decided to share THE BEST TWO OF THE NIGHT, OMG. Like, OH MY GOD. OHHH MMYYYY GGGOOODDDDD.

There are a few others, but none as nice as this. And the amazing thing? These were THE LAST TWO SHOTS BEFORE THE SECURITY DUDE SAID I NEEDED TO STOP TAKING PHOTOS.

Peeps, I ain't LJ-cuttin' these. THESE NEED TO BE SHARED...look at the beauty that is these two men!





GUH KIDS.

Just...

Unbelievable.

More tomorrow, I promise.

Thanks to Brian over at the Official Christopher Meloni homepage, and callmerizzo, who runs Lee's Official site, I should have access to both boys for photos this afternoon.

Provided, of course, all turns out well. *fingers crossed*

I'll be taking notes for a super blog when I get home (whenever that is) and I'll be posting photos as soon as possible.

Ahem.

SQUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

It is raining, but I don't care.

If anyone would like to help me pass the time whilst I wait on line (or queued up), feel free to call me at
732-278-9038!

I wouldn't mind the distraction. Hee.

HERE I GO!!!

It's 8:45 a.m., I've been up since before 5 a.m. (before the sun, y'all) because I had to take an earlier bus, and I plan on leaving my office around 1 p.m. or so.

I have a backpack laden with about 35 pounds of shit, I kid you not. Notebook, pens, book, two ponchos because it looks like it's going to rain fer Chrissakes, jacket, food, drinks, my fangirly shirt (since I'm not wearing it in the office), and even a change of underwear, LOL, because I thought of everything.

I also have three sets of batteries for the camera, and I'm going to print out Webmaster Brian's e-mail allowing me to drop his name for photos of Chris (fingers crossed).

callmerizzo and fanfromfla, you can be sure I'll be getting shots of Lee as well. You guys will have first dibs on them, promise. Feel free to e-mail me with contact info...my e-mail is in my user info.

I'll be checking LJ and my e-mail until about 12:30, and then I'm off.

I'm trying not to be too excited, but it's damn hard. *squee*

ETA: My awesome cube-mate Bill informed me that there is a large 2-page color spread advertising the DVD signing in today's a.m. New York, with photos of everyone who's going to be there from the cast. Kristin Rohde is going to be there too; even though we all despise CO Claire Howell, it's nice to have a woman there. I grabbed two copies; unfortunately, I can't hook my camera up to my work computer, otherwise I'd show you a photo right now. Everyone will have to wait until later.

Edited to also add: Trying not to get too excited

Rhyme goes total fangirl. Behold:



( Close-up and the original jpeg behind the cut )

Morning, mah peeps.

Since the interviews aren't happening (not that disappointing, my hopes weren't up, good for me), I've embarked upon Plan B, which is leaving work at 12:30 p.m. to get on line and creating a fangirly T-shirt. I already have the transfer paper that will let me iron on designs on to dark T-shirts. Now, I have to find a nice T-shirt that fits me well. Since I've lost weight on my diet I can actually buy something that's form-fitting and shows off the boobage a little.

Here's a rough draft I came up with last night. The idea sort of occurred to me on the ride home, and I think the guys would get a kick out of it.

( The image behind the cut is rather large, so dial-up users be patient )

So...I haven't heard back yet, but upon further investigation, it turns out that Tower Records is a direct competitor of my company, and since it's not really a press junket, I would have no reason to get interviews at all. Which, *sigh* but okay. I've accepted it. If a bolt of lightning comes down from the heavens and changes things, I'll let everyone know. At least I can create my homemade T-shirt this weekend.

That doesn't mean I won't be going to the signing itself, however. My plans right now are to leave the office at 12:30 p.m., hop the subway, get over to Tower Records, and wait on line until 7 p.m. or whenever they decide to let us in.

I am resilient for the long wait; I can be outgoing and friendly, as long as I am with fellow Ozzies! *muttering "if I have to, I guess"*

If Chris and Lee actually show up (and that might not even happen), I have no doubt that they are going to sit together. Before I am pushed out of line, I resolve to thank them both for the incredible work they did on the show (while trying to sound intelligent...I think I need to rehearse). I also resolve to make eye contact, even crouching if necessary, when I do so.

I also resolve to remind myself that this will be the last chance to see them in this sort of Oz-related environment together, and I will do everything in my power -- short of getting arrested, I suppose -- to capture as many photos as possible. I actually hope the line doesn't move too fast so I can at least focus. Digital cameras can be tricky creatures.

I look forward to meeting up with people from my Flist, too.

I appreciate everyone offering feedback and good wishes. Thanks for putting up with my unfettered fangirlishness, as it can be daunting to those who don't understand it. :-)

Do you believe I actually slept last night? I think I'm mentally exhausted from all this excitement, which isn't until next week. I'm gonna die.

Anyway, I got the wheels turning this morning by talking to Head Dude in the Know, who completely understands my kookiness and has joked about it with me before. He then called someone else who in turn has to talk to someone else, I frankly I fear this is going to wind up a phone tag since I really only have today and tomorrow to arrange the interviews. This is the one time when I'm sorry we have off for Labor Day!

If it doesn't happen, I'll still be on line regardless. I shall embrace my fellow Ozzies on line so we can take bathroom breaks and get stuff to eat. You become friends really quick when you gotta pee. I think I'll go with the "Free Tobias Beecher!" on the front, with "Keller Lives!" on the back of my homemade fangirly shirt.

In order to emphasize my professionalism and dignity when it came to possibly getting the interviews, I said this to Head Dude in the Know:

"You realize, of course, that I am not above sexual favors if you can make this happen."

His response? "I'll be in conference room H."

And I asked, "Shall I wear lipstick?"

This whole conversation is even funnier when you realize that Head Dude in the Know is gay. ;-) This, however, would only be an impetus for me. Think of what one could learn...

Update, sorta, as I had a revelation

Okay. So I was talking to my mom about how this looks to be a huge, giant, last-call-before-lockdown type Oz bash, and that I was going to take half a day to stand in line.

Mom: Why? You work for [second largest e-commerce dot-com in the world], and you run their TV section. You should be interviewing them.

And then I thought, holy shit, she's right. What am I thinking? Honestly, getting this job was a huge deal for me considering the job I used to have, which was horrible. I'm unused to thinking that I work for a multi billion-dollar company in one of the largest cities in the world, and I'm the one in charge of all of TV. Millions of people every day look at the pages I've written and edited. It's sort of mind-blowing when I think about it.

So, tomorrow, I'm going to:

1. First, talk to Head Dude in the Know at [second largest e-commerce dot-com in the world] and see if this is even possible. But it should be. They would want to promote the set, and I'm requesting an interview for free publicity.

2. Find out how to get a press pass to the event (if possible, shit, I don't even have a business card)

3. Find out who in HBO management I can talk to to set up exclusive interviews for [second largest e-commerce dot-com in the world]'s site

4. Ask for 10-15 minutes and a few short words with ANYONE I can get my hands on, but, y'know, preferably the Boys

5. Go out and buy one of those digital voice recorder thingys (anyone have any auggestions?) to record said (maybe) interviews with whomever

6. If this is a maybe, pull my hair out over what the hell I'm going to wear, because Fangirl Dress won't do, dammit

7. Agonize a bit over the questions, although I'm not too concerned about talking with Meloni (if it happens) since I already know what not to ask about Season 6, e.g. the death scene

8. And finally, try not to get my hopes up that this may even happen in a million, billion years. So many variables can go into it.

My ultimate desire: photos, at least. If I get there and the interviews don't happen for some reason, I at least want autographs, hopefully. Basically, my hopes are minimal. Too much bad shit can happen. I'm not expecting anything.

Please expect more of these posts over the next couple of days, as I try to settle my mind around the fact that I may (may, there's a big "may" in there) get to see Lee and Chris in person. I am not getting my hopes up. No. I refuse. Because whenever I get my hopes up I get disappointed, dammit, so I'm going to assume the worst and be pleasantly surprised, as they say.

However, if anyone is crazy enough or has the money to drop everything and do it, anyone from my Flist is invited to hang out for the weekend at my place and go with me on Tuesday to the signing.

Yes, I'm serious. I am hardcore. Just, y'know, don't kill me.

You'd have to fly into Newark-Liberty International Airport in New Jersey if you were really crazy enough, and I'd pick your super fangirl ass up at the airport this weekend. I'd buy one of those airbed thingys for you to sleep on, and you'd get to wander around the City until I got out of work that Tuesday, and I'd figure out a way to get you back to the airport, no problem. Or, buses are an option, too. I'm in Port Authority every day.

Yes, I mean it. So think about it. I have room for a few people, because since I don't live in New York City, I can afford a 2-bedroom place.

( Now, Rhyme has some questions for her Flist, along with random fangirly observations )

Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod...

Just in from Brian over at christopher-meloni.com:

The signing of the Oz Season 6 DVD will take place at Tower Records Lincoln Center, 1961 Broadway NYC on Tues Sept 5 between 7 and 9

Chris, Tom Fontana, Dean Winters, Lee Tergesen, B.D. Wong, Terry Kinney, and MuMs are *scheduled* to be there.

Please note the word "scheduled"; nothing is guaranteed.

Um......

OHHHHHHHHH MMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYY GGGGOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!

Okay, *trying to calm herself* even if Chris isn't there, I DEFINITELY WILL BE. You know what this means? I live an hour and a half away from New York City. There's a bus leaving at 9:15 p.m., and then the last one is around 11. If I don't make the 11, I will be sleeping on a bench. Okay, no, I could always come back to the office here, but it would be WORTH IT TO SLEEP IN MY OFFICE CHAIR, AAAIIIIGGHHHHHHH!!

Oh My God....it's a week away and my heart is already pounding...