DragonCon 99 - I had a grand time. I met my favorite author, Anne McCaffrey, made some new friends, partied until I couldn't see, and have the photographic evidence to prove it..
I purchased my membership last year to save money and avoid the lines. I joyously received my pre-registration card a few weeks ago. The card said we could check in Wednesday night. Since I'm a local, I figured no one would be there midweek, so I went down to avoid the rush and the crowd. 2,000 people and two hours later I can tell you that was a BIG mistake. They all had cards and we had a horrible Disney style looping queue. It was awful. But I guess it was worth saving $30.
I left work and took MARTA to avoid the parking gouge.
The first panel discussion I went to was in the American TV Track's: Buffy - "How Buffy is Built". We spent an hour discussing why the show works, the strengths and weaknesses of the characters, and possible future of the show. Basically, we decided we didn't like most of the characters and don't know why the show is so fascinating But we did agree to one common belief High School is Hell.
Next I attended a dramatic reading by Joshua Kane. He's doing a project called "Gothic at Midnight" that sounds pretty interesting. The title of this seminar was "A Date with the Devil" and all the stories involved Satan himself. Joshua's deep voice and interesting accents drove the audience wild. Very well done. He also performed in the radio show later on.
Then I went picture taking - and here they are. Click on the small image for the bigger image. Last year was frustrating because I ran out of film and then half the pictured sucked. This year I got a digital camera and had, basically, and unlimited film budget. Of course I'm still learning how to use it and working out the kinks. Like where's the red-eye reduction?
I drove in so I could stay really really late and attend the "Bad stuff".
I told her publisher my "Oranges in the Gulf" story, and she filled in some details I hadn't known. The orange company offered to donate the oranges if someone would pick-up the postage. She kept imagining the smell of oranges in the deserts. When she received her royalty check she splurged a little and we got oranges in the desert. Then she autographed my "Dragon Lovers Guide" with the comment, "The smell of oranges."
Anne McCaffrey was then, as she says, "Gobsmacked" to receive the 1999 Juli Award - For A Lifetime Of Distinguished Service Throughout The Fantastic Arts.
The banquet itself wasn't a great meal. Many of the guests didn't even show up. I don't recommend it for the masses.
Then I wandered around and took more pictures.
It was Friday, so there weren't a lot. But quite a few people were in the spirit.
note: Goth is a style, not a costume.
Harlequin, also known as Jody, won an award for Best Hall Costume. Deborah Abbott is a professional model and comic book producer - She was with the Green Hornet, but I missed him. Xena appeared again in the costume contest on Saturday.
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John is a really nice guy and Francine is just beautiful. We kept bumping into each other throughout the day. Unlike all the other guests, he actually attended things like panel discussions and shows. He was a guest of the convention due to all his outstanding writing and editing. Check out the guidebook page 45. |
I stopped by the PERN room but it was pretty quiet.
There was also an American Red Cross blood drive. But I had already had my blood letting this month.
I caught the end of the Apollo Smile show before the Dawn Contest. Why is she, Apollo, so popular?
"Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm, Put It in My Mouth!!" Peter Jurassik
Peter Jurasik did a wonderful job as announcer. Just enough humor and naughtiness to entertain the crowd. But the crowd was a little weak. The girls all did a great job with their costumes with one exception - Nakkid Girl. She wore this little string and electrical tape outfit that was really sexy and revealing - she was really beautiful - but nakkid is not a costume. Her only claim to Dawn was the eye make-up.
| During the contest, Robert Trebor - from Xena the series, sat next to me in the audience. He's really funny in person too. We argued about who should win. He gave Nakkid Girl high marks but was really rooting for Little Red Dawn |
There were 21 contestants and I got pictures of most. I didn't get a picture of the winner - Cynthia, which is really disappointing since I met her last year and she's so nice. Thankfully she sent me her own pictures (or a least some given to her). If I didn't get your picture I'm really sorry - but it was too crowded and some of you didn't stick around. I'm sure DragonCon will have official pictures up in a few weeks
 1999 Dawn Contest Winner Cynthia Lizana Gause Read an interview with her here (Photo courtesy of J. Lombardo) |
Other Dawn Contestants
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JML -the creator of the DAWN heroine
After the contest there were several bands and "Performance Art" pieces that I really wanted to see. But after waking up at 5am for work I was too pooped to party. I waited an hour for the Changelings but they were way behind schedule. So I went home, worked on this website a little, and crashed.
What I missed
If you're in a picture, please click here!
Visit the 1999 Contact List for names and other info.
All images are the property of Stefan and are not to be published in any medium without express written permission.
| Started July 2, 1999 © 2001 Stefan Oestreicher [email protected] Updated Jan. 26, 2001 |  |