Ah! James. The reason that I'm going. I was on board before the other guests were announced. 
Well my employer finally got some money in and paid me. And I am blowing most of it on this trip. I am so excited!!
I am flying to LAX on Friday the 8th. I have a car and driver from Epic Limo picking me up and driving me to The Queen Mary Hotel. They will also drive me back to LAX on Monday the 11th. It is pricey but worth it.
I have booked my room at the Queen Mary for the 8th, 9th, and 10th. I found out that I would have money too late to get a Premium ticket - they sold out in an hour, so I won’t be going to the big Friday night formal dinner. They only offered 100 of those.
I will also have the chance to meet some of the other crazy people - James Marsters’ fans - that also belong to web fan groups.
This is the Queen Mary Hotel. What a great place to hold this event.
JAMES MARSTERS AND FRIENDS
James is putting on his tux for a once in a lifetime
event aboard the beautiful and historic Queen Mary
cruise ship.
This will be James' only convention appearance of
2006. James Marsters And Friends promises to be a
weekend to remember on one of the most romantic cruise
ships in the world.
Actors, writers and other production staff from a
range of James' previous television and film outings
will be offering a weekend of non-stop Q&A fun,
screenings, photograph opportunities, autograph
sessions, special prizes and lots of surprises. James
will also be performing live in concert including new
songs.
Presented by Himber Entertainment and JMLive.
DATES, TIMES, AND VENUE
Dates: Friday, September 8, 2006 - Sunday, September
10, 2006
Venue: Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, USA
Registration: Friday and Saturday, times to be
announced.
Event times: Times to be announced.
TICKET DETAILS
There are two types of tickets for James Marsters and
Friends - Premium and Gold.
EVENT DETAILS
There will an information desk available throughout
the event to assist with any queries.
All attendees will be given a wristband, marked with
their ticket number,that must be worn at all times. I
have Gold #194.
Seating will be by row. Your row allocation will be on
your wristband. Seats within the row will not be
assigned. You may choose your own seating within
your row for the weekend.
Photographs and signings will be called by row.
Assisted access: The Queen Mary assures us that their
venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs. However, if
you have any disability which requires support or
special seating (e.g. wheelchair, crutches) please
notify us in advance by email so that we can provide
appropriate support and seating. The Queen Mary only
has four wheelchair accessible bedrooms, which can be
let on a first come, first served basis.
SCHEDULE DETAILS
Himber Entertainment and JMLive reserve the right to
alter the event schedule at any time.
Full weekend schedules will be available in the
registration pack.
FRIDAY - 8 September 2006
PREMIUM TICKET HOLDERS
Formal drinks and dinner party with James for Premium
ticket holders. You will also have a chance to
pre-register and purchase tickets for the limited
optional guest autographs and photographs.
A chance to dress up in your finest for a private
drinks party. James will mingle with the guests and
you will have the chance to take photos for yourself.
Complimentary wine and soft drinks will be on offer on
entry.
Further drinks, including cocktails and spirits, will
be at own expense. You will need photographic proof of
age in order to obtain alcoholic drinks.
(The legal age in California is 21 and over).
Adjourn to the beautiful Royal Salon, once the
First-Class Smoking lounge, for a seated dinner with a
range of menu choices. James will be moving from table
to table during the dinner to talk to everyone.
Dinner will be followed by an exclusive acoustic
concert for Premium ticket holders by James in the
Royal Salon. After James leaves you will have the
chance to stay on, enjoy a late night drink and chat
with your friends.
GOLD TICKET HOLDERS
I have the Gold ticket, the premium sold out within
and hour.
You will be able to register for the event and buy
early tickets for the limited optional guest
autographs and photographs. There are plenty of
restaurants and bars on the Queen Mary for you to meet
up with your friends and enjoy the evening.
You can also try the entertainment on the Queen Mary
[not included in ticket price]
Comedy Club - Friday and Saturday nights
Dinner Cabaret - Friday night
SATURDAY - 9 September 2006
ALL TICKET HOLDERS
Registration and ticket sales for photographs and
autographs. Time to be announced.
Throughout the day there will ongoing autograph
signings, photograph opportunities, talks, screenings,
Q&A sessions and much more with a range of guests.
In the evening there will be a dinner in the Exhibit
Hall, included in the ticket price. Seating is
non-assigned. The menu choices will be announced
nearer the date.
Dinner will be followed by a concert by James,
featuring new and old songs.
Events will continue, with cash bar, into the late
evening. Star guests will be invited to attend the
fun, at their discretion.
SUNDAY - 10 September 2006
ALL TICKET HOLDERS
A further day of screenings, Q&A sessions,
photographs, autographs and surprises, ending with a
closing ceremony in the evening around 5.30pm.
GENERAL EVENT RULES
1. Absolutely no recording devices of any kind are
allowed throughout the weekend. The organizers reserve
the right to remove any person found using such a
device. Anyone asked to leave will not be entitled to
any refund of any kind. Mobile phones do not count as
a recording device.
2. James and convention guests reserve the right to
refuse to sign any materials that they may find
offensive (ie undergarments, nude or semi-nude
photographs etc).
3. Please do not ask guests for a hug or a kiss.
4. The organizers reserve the right to videotape
and photograph portions of the convention. All guests
waive any right in the use of their image in such
photographs or videotape footage.
5. Organizers reserve the right to bar any ticket
holder from attending the event if they display any
inappropriate behavior or conduct (i.e. public
intoxication, harassment of other ticket holders etc).
Anybody asked to leave will not be entitled to a
refund of any kind.
6. No one under the age of 18 years of age may
attend the event without the presence of a parent or
legal guardian.
7. All personal property is the sole responsibility
of the ticket holder. Any lost of stolen property
should be reported immediately. Himber Entertainment
and JM Live are in no way responsible for any lost or
stolen property.
8. All merchandise sales are final. There are no
refunds.
9. You must display your event wristband at all
times. Anyone without a wristband will not be allowed
access to any of the event areas. Wristbands are not
transferable.
10. Possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone
under the age of 21 is strictly forbidden and is
grounds for expulsion from the event without a refund.
Please carry some form of ID with you.
James Marsters
Actor, songwriter and musician. James joined TV series
Buffy The Vampire Slayer with Juliet Landau as British
vampires Spike and Drusilla. It was supposed to be a
short-lived role, but the character was so popular
that Spike became a regular on the program and went on
to appear in spin-off series Angel.
Tony Todd
Charismatic movie star Tony Todd terrified the life
out of cinema audiences all over the world as the
hook-handed killer in the classic Candyman horror
films.
Kevin Sorbo
The success of fantasy adventure series Hercules: The
Legendary Journeys brought Kevin Sorbo international
fame. He has gone on to star as Captain Dylan Hunt in
the science-fiction action series Gene Roddenberry's
Andromeda. James worked alongside Kevin in the TV
series playing his love rival Charlemagne Bolivar.
Jane Espenson
Top TV writer Jane Espenson worked on Buffy The
Vampire Slayer for five years and eventually became
co-executive producer. She wrote or co-wrote more than
20 episodes including favorites like "Band Candy",
"Earshot", "Superstar", "A New Man", "The
Replacement", "I Was Made To Love You", "Storyteller"
and "Harsh Light Of Day."
Post-Buffy, Jane has written for Gilmore Girls, Tru
Calling starring Buffy actress Eliza Dushku and Tim
Minear's The Inside. She is currently co-executive
producer of the comedy Jake In Progress on ABC.
Steve DeKnight
Steve DeKnight is a man who knows a lot of the secrets
behind the filming of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel
and Smallville. He's also responsible for writing some
of Spike's sexiest and silliest moments on television.
Michael Winnick
Award-winning writer and director Michael Winnick will
be making his convention debut at James Marsters &
Friends and will be talking about the making of
Shadow Puppets, revealing some behind-the-scenes
secrets of the eagerly-awaited movie and telling how
he came to write the thriller which stars James
Marsters, Tony Todd and Jolene Blalock.
Dee Dee Bradley
Leading casting director Dee Dee Bradley has worked on
many TV shows and movies including both Smallville and
Veronica Mars.
THE QUEEN MARY
The Queen Mary is one of the most famous cruise liners
in the world and is virtually unchanged from the days
when the rich and famous sailed in her across the
Atlantic. Many of the rooms contain original wooden
paneling and Art
Deco styling.
She was the first in the new generation of luxury
super-liners and set sail on her maiden voyage in
1936. The liner also saw service during World War II
and is now one of California's most famous landmarks
at her home at Long Beach. For details go to the Queen
Mary site.
The Queen Mary offers guests the following services:
- 24-hour front desk
- Room service
- Spa and fitness center
- Many on board restaurants and bars
- Non-smoking rooms
- Universal ATMs
- Entertainment
- Safe deposit box at front desk
- Business center
- On-site car rental company
- Laundry and valet service
- Gift shops
FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS
There are a number of restaurants, bars and snack
areas aboard the Queen Mary. Food will also be
available throughout the weekend in the Exhibit Hall
for those who don't want to miss a single minute of
the event. All tickets include dinner on Saturday
night and for Premium ticket holders a reception and
dinner on Friday night.
HOTEL QUEEN MARY
Guests of the Hotel Queen Mary are entitled to receive
a complimentary Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour. All rates
subject to change without notice. Rates include
admission to the Queen Mary Attraction.
AMENITIES
* Historic Shipwalk Tours
* On Board Shopping and Dining
* On Board Art Gallery
* Historic Charm and Art Deco Ambiance
* Business Center
* On Board Spa
* Room Service
* Ballrooms and Meeting Rooms
* Car Rental Service
* Fitness Room
The Queen Mary Exhibit Hall is a vast space comprising
five decks that once contained the #5 Boiler Room, the
Forward Engine Room, the ship's Hospital and the
Pantry for the Main Galley.
Today, the Exhibit Hall comprises three levels that can be used en suite or individually. The upper most level on D Deck is 13,000 square feet and can accommodate 400 guests. The middle level on E Deck is 12,000 square feet and can accommodate 380 guests. The lower level on F Deck can accommodate 600 guests and spans 14,000 square feet.
Exhibition Hall on the Queen Mary
Quoted from Patti's Report, because she says what I would say if I had the ability.
"The Queen Mary is an amazing venue! Whomever thought of it deserves a medal! You can feel the history of the ship all around you, and not just because it’s a museum. It’s almost like being there in its heyday, especially staying on the ship. It’s huge, and intimate all at once. I wandered all over the ship late at night after all the events were over for the day, and felt transported in time. You’re surrounded by the rich woods and slightly faded carpets of the original ship and the sounds and smells of the ocean. The posh stateroom we stayed in had all the original fittings working porthole windows, a full vanity area, cabinetry that was made to stay shut during sea voyages, a gold oscillating fan with the statement original air cooling system inoperable (LOL), and the most fun to me, a tub with taps for hot and cold fresh water AND hot and cold salt water! (and can I say eew to the thought of bathing in cold salt water? It has since been fitted for the comfort of modern folk as well, with A/C and a shower--thank goodness! Though I had toured the ship many years ago, I had forgotten mostly, and it was fun to wander around and see pictures of historic figures posing around the ship and learn again of its history, to feel a part of it. The ship is haunted I’ve heard some attendees had encounters-- and though we didn’t get a chance to take the ghost tour, every time we got on the elevator, it would stop at the 2nd floor, even if no one requested it!"
I am on the deck of the Queen Mary on Friday after Dawn and I finially got checked into our room. We got registered for the event. I got a set of Spike trading cards as my free gift. The we went exploring all over the ship. We went to the Pominade Cafe for dinner, and then her friends roped us into the Paranormal Tour. I think I'll find someone's report about the Paranormal tour, which will be so much better than mine and post it here.
This is DawnCC, my roommate on the QM. She came all the way from England. She made my weekend much more fun, and I met her great Brit friends. She came in to LA on Thur. to sight see. These are her pictures, that I loaded on my laptop. Here she is at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
Here I am on Fri night, running around with the Brit's. We went on the Paranormal Tour while the lucky Premium Ticket holders spent the evening with James. That tour about killed me. Dawn and I had walked all over the ship that afternoon. The tour takes three hours and is up and down many, many stairs, and hallways into the bowles of the ship. I'm surprised my old legs held up.
Dawn's back on the far right, with tour group.
Dawn with her friends, drinking her champaigne and mine as I can't drink - knocks me right out. This tour cost $50, I sure didn't want that glass of champaigne going to waste.
Another picture of the haunted swimming pool area.
Here we are at the old swimming pool. It is supposed to be one of the most haunted places on the Queen Mary. If you look close, you can see me at the bottom far left. Everyone got quite spooked, when we went into the changing rooms without any lights.
Another tour pool area picture.
The Cargo hold area that is supposed to be very haunted. Later we learned that this area is off of the Exhibit Hall, which is also part of the cargo area of the ship. While we took hallways and many, many stairs to get here, the Exhibit Hall is reached by going outside and entering at the lower side of the ship.
Our Paranormal guide sitting on the rail. This area is just off the Exhibit Hall.
I really don't know where on the ship this is.
this good. I will try to give credit where credit is due in future. I have no clue where these pictures came from.
Saturday concert.
James at Q&A on the Queen Mary.
Tony Todd and Michael Winnick
Tony Todd and James
James in tux - opening ceremony
Jane Espenson - writer, show runner. One of the guests at the event. 
James and Kevin Sorbo.Happy James just before Saturday night concert on the Queen Mary
DeNight and Efferson Q & A. Very interesting.
The Queen Mary in all her beauty.
Mercedes, her little dog and James doing a commentary.
Mercedes, James and little doggy again.
This may have been taken by Ravenu. Wonderful picture of James
James cuddling a heart pillow to be awarded as a price.
James and Steve doing a charity auction after the play.
Me trying to get out of the limo. Miss Graceful.
Professional tux shot of James
Sat. night concert. Lovely
Kevin Sorbo got up and gave me a hug when I told him that I was sure that I was the oldest person there at 70.
Kevin Sorbo Hercules and Andromada
Another view of the Queen Mary.
Mercedes McNab and James
James doing commentary
James doing autographs
James jugging heart pillow before giving as prize
Quoted from LateStarter report
"Like everyone says, he was looking great and in fantastic shape. The CDS knickers that Molli prepared for the archive were clearly not his – you could fit two of James in them and still have room for Tony Todd.
And on the subject of the knickers and no joking here – Steve Himber was an absolute star the whole convention Always friendly and helpful, he bore with the horde of rampaging CDS’ers with the greatest good humour. And spent a really long time posing for our knickers shot without even a hint that he had a lot else to do."
This is on Sun. out side the Exhibition Hall, which is in the old cargo hold of the Queen Mary. A huge three story space. In the movie Shadow Puppets, the actors are in their underwear. James is in boxer shorts, not near as large as the one in this picture. The Cold Dead Seed group roped Steve Himber - James's manager - into holding them in our group picture. Molli got James to autograph them. He signed it right at the front flap, and we signed our posting names on the back. I'm 3rd from the left and Molli is 2nd from the right.
Well, here I am with the wonderful James Marsters, in all my finery. This took place Sat. morning. The pictures were finished in time for me to get it autographed on Sun.
I'll report what I can remember, because of James-fog and the fact that I have extremely bad memory anyway. don't expect too much.
James greeted me, and I said that I thought that I was the oldest person at the con at 70 years old. He stepped back and said "You look fantastic!" Well, what a sweetheart. He asked "How do you do it?" and I answered "Genetics", because I was so flabergasted and surprised at his response, and the photographer said something in agreement. Well, gee, maybe I don't look as old as I thought.
After the photographer took his two shots and I turned to leave, James said "You must get lots of sleep." and I answered "No, I don't sleep much." He said "Really". sort of surprised. But I really don't sleep much, six hours is a full night for me, and I don't nap.
I was so lucky to be healthy and energetic the entire trip.
Here is my roommate Dawn at the bathroom door in our room. The room was very nice. Original 1920-30s stateroom.
Here is Molli in the Limo that took us to LAX on Mon. afternoon. I expected the sedan that I had booked to pick me up, but a stretch limo came instead. The driver said that they ran out of small cars. Well, O.K. by me. Molli had asked me to hang out with her at the airport as she was leaving at 7pm and I was scheduled to leave at 5pm, so I suggested that she ride with me, because I already had a car and driver booked.
A get together for breadfast at the Pomenade Cafe
After their performance of "Teechers. So good to see James so joyful.
One of the decks of the Queen Mary. Lovely view and many shops to explore.
Another group shot. A get together for breakfast that I missed out on. 
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