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Important => Calendar Event Discussion => Topic started by: Priscellie on January 26, 2009, 03:27:24 PM
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CHICAGO, IL
Monday/Tuesday, April 6th/7th, 2009
BORDERS BOOKS & MUSIC #020
1500 16th St, Ste D
Oak Brook, IL 60523
10:30 PM: Pre-signing of books begins, followed by a reading.
12:00 AM: Books go on sale at midnight!
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I think some coworkers and I will be driving up for this, and planning a day (or more?) to do a Dresden tour of Chicago. I'm interested in ideas of spots to visit, and welcome anyone who'd want to join us!
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Now you're tempting me to take 4-day weekend in Chicago.... :)
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I'm seriously thinking about going to this. It's close, it won't cost that much, and I'd get to see Jim Butcher and get Turn Coat. I have a question, though. How late is it going to last? I've got a tiny budget, and things like hotels and taxis are... pricey. If this is an all-nighter, it won't be a problem. If not, I need to look into a place to stay.
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I have the same issues with minimizing costs (air fare, car, hotel, etc.). I wonder if in the pre-signing Jim will autograph any item and after midnight sign Turn Coat? So, I doubt it will be an all-nighter
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YAY I live about 30 min away. I already requested a shift change at work :) Wife and I will definitely be there (though she's still working her way through the series)
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Anyone know the area? Any hotels/motels, bus routes, etc. that could help me plan a trip? 'Cause I'm dying to go!
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I just did a Google search of the address and there are many reasonable hotels close by. Don't know about transportation as I'm also interested since I may attend a conference downtown.
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I am definitely planning on going - anyone know if Jim will sign other books as well (I have everything written by Jim in hard cover)?
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I think I might be able to make this one! I get off of my new shift at ten. I'll be a little late, but I can't miss this.
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I am definitely planning on going - anyone know if Jim will sign other books as well (I have everything written by Jim in hard cover)?
Yup, Jim will sign everything! Out of courtesy to the other fans, though, he generally asks that folks only get three items signed at once. If you have more than that, you're welcome to get back in line for another round!
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Here's my list through Blood Rites... the ones with * are the ones I can't actually locate...
*Madison Hotel on 10th (Storm Front)
*McAnally’s (although there are 2 McNally's)
O’Hare Airport
*Full Moon Garage (Near 49th Street Beach)
*MacFinn’s - 888 Ralston Place
Wolf Lake Park (Tera/MacFinn, Murhpy Family Party)-2398 S. Calumet Ave, Whiting, IN
Cook County Hospital (Agatha Hagglethorn)-1902 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
University of Chicago (ghost in library off screen) 5801 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago
St. Mary of the Angels-1850 N. Hermitage Ave, Chicago 60622
Burnham Harbor (Kravos’ warehouse, ‘stairs’, Churchmice boat) 1559 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Graceland Cemetery-4001 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Lake Meadow Park (rain of toads)-3117 S. Rhodes Avenue, Chicago 60616
McCormick Place-2301 S Lakeshore Drive, Chicago
*Underground
*Rothchild Hotel (summer on roof)
Calling Lea-Gillson Park 800 Gillson Park Drive, Wilmette, IL 60091; could also be Tower Road Park, Winnetka
Marriott Hotel Downtown-540 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL
Wrigley Field-1060 West Addison, 60613
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I'm planning to drive to Chicago to get some of the signing action. I was wondering if there were any plans to meetup before the signing with forum members?
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Ijustfinished.com has been invited to interview Mr. Butcher at Borders prior to the signing event, and we are hosting a contest to give away a free copy of Turn Coat. All you have to do in order to enter the contest is ask the questions you have been dying to ask Jim, anyway. That is right, we are collecting questions to be asked. We want a unique, interesting interview, asking the questions Harry fans everywhere have been wondering.
You can post your questions on the forum for all to see, on Ijustfinished.com http://www.ijustfinished.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7504here (http://www.ijustfinished.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7504here), or email booklover at ijustfinished.com and your name will be entered in the hat. Mr. Butcher himself will be drawing the winners name, on camera.
Then watch for the interview to be posted Tuesday morning. I will post the link on this forum for you all to see.
Thanks a ton. We are huge Harry fans, and so honored to have the privilege to interview Mr. Butcher.
Renee
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I'll be going as well. Sounds like it will be allot of fun. Also can't wait to start reading the new book.
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Um, Hi,everyone!
I'm new to this post-blog-place-guy thing I'M SORRY AHEAD OF TIME and Hello.
This may be a day late BUT, I grew up in Chicago and The Dead Animal Zoo (You know it as the place where Harry "liberated" Sue for a day--the Field Museum) and espeically at Lincoln Park Zoo (I was told I was born there and that my secret true parents are in the Great Ape House but I think that was a lie. I've seen my birth certificate and it definitely says New York). I can tell you that all the hotels in Downtown Chicago are excessively expensive. Anyones that aren't, well, you do NOT want to stay there. I reccomend looking around O'Hare Airport area for less pricey hotels (Schaumburg, Rosemont, Des Plaines River Road, Northwest Chicago area), Des Plaines, and there's even a Days Inn or Holiday INN in downton Evanston that is pricey but not as pricey and it's about 30-40 minutes away from Downtown Chicago. Am I remembering that Jim will be in Oak Brook at the book store there? Cause I'm sure the hotels in Oak Brook are less expensive. You won't believe me when you see the bill, but they are.
Now, personally, I think the only cool places in Chicago are the Dead Animal Zoo, the Planetarium, the Live Animal Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium (essentially, Museum Campus). Also, a tour of the buildings left after THE FIRE, is a great place to go. The Water Tower Pumping Station and there is a Limestone Church left on State Street. Don't miss Second City, and the Historical Society is awesome too--great if you want to learn about THE FIRE. Those are close to LPZ (Lincoln Park Zoo). We have great architecture so LOOK UP, cause that's where you'll really see some great work. If you are lookign for Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, you'll have to google for them--they are everywhere.
If you are looking for the Mitchell Native American Museum, it is NOT where Jim thinks it is in Dead Beat. In fact, it hasn't been there in about 20 years. It IS in Evanston, but it moved to Central Street, across from THE WORLDS BEST COFFEE SHOP EVER (Casteel and Company, they roast the beans there and you can get stoned off the fumes...they totally rock! You'll never lower yourself to Starbucks again!). I have actually not yet been to the Mitchel Museum, even though I grew up in Evanston and could have gone there on my lunch break for the 7 years I worked up the road a peice in Hell... I mean Evanston Hospital (AKA: Wolfram and Heart Healthcare). I would google the exact location first. Don't forget the plethora of fantastic food you can get in Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood and Chicago. I highly reccomend renting a car if you don't have one with you and get a good map of the areas. The lake front is always a great place to visit and you won't want to miss Buckingham Fountain, which may be up and running but with this wacky weather, who knows.
Northwestern University Campus, where much of the battle took place in Dead Beat, is on the corner of Sheridan Road and Chicago Ave (clark street in Chicago, Chicago Ave in Evanston), as the road curves around and makes you dizzy. You'll be in NWU campus area (ok, most of downtown Evanston is NWU campus area).
I won't be at the Book signing so I'll miss you all, but I'll be there in spirit and will head to the local bookstore on my way home from day job tomorrow to spend full retail price on Turn Coat (which we know is a mortal sin and against the 13th commandment of "thou shalt not pay retail:).
I'll check back so that if any of you have any more questions about Chicago, you can ask and I'll answer.
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Also, do not eat at a chain restaurant (unless it's a chicago pizza chain) because there's way too much local and ethnic food available and it's sooooo good. Take advantage of the many used and rare bookstores located all around town (often in basements of buildings). I recommend just walking around for a few hours and poking your head in interesting stores, restaurants, and buildings. Do this before the book comes out or after you've read it! ;)
The lakefront is fun to visit. You can read your book on the beach if the weather cooperates (not likely in April).
Enjoy the Blues and comic clubs. There's a lot of commercial excitement around Navy Pier (if you bring kids) and Michigan Avenue (if you want to spend a gazillion dollars or just like ritzy window shopping).
Stay off of Lower Wacker once the sun goes down because that's where the trolls live :P
And if you drive, make sure you bring a small fortune for parking and remember which parking garage your car is in. Chicago's a big place and many of the parking garages look the same. Not that I've ever forgotten where I parked and walked around for 2 hours in the middle of the night looking for my darned car ::) Trust me, those homeless shelters start to look inviting after a while!
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YEAH, WHAT YOU SAID!
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How many people do you think will be there? I'd ask how early should I show up, but I probably can't make it till right before 10:30 sadly.
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I'm planning to drive to Chicago to get some of the signing action. I was wondering if there were any plans to meetup before the signing with forum members?
Hey, I'm new to these forums, and have only been reading the books for a couple months, in fact I stayed up late last night to finish Dead Beat.
Myself and another guy from another message board (The Straight Dope) are meeting at 9 PM tonight at the Ditka's located right across the street from Borders. Google Ditka's in Oakbrook, it's on the ground floor of an office building at Rte 83 and 22nd Street in Oakbrook. We'll hang out there a bit, and head over around 10:30 for the fun at Borders. Dex looks like Cary Grant (he said that not me), I'll be in jeans and a vaguely pumpkin colored pullover. That's all the clues you get.
But stop in anyway!
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Oh, you guys are going to have so much fun! Wish I could have been there! Dang....
And did anyone from board send me something from emeeatj? sounded like spam. If it's one of you guys, let me know! Came in on YIM..
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*Sniffles and turns green with envy*
Have a WONDERFUL time, everybody! I wish I could be there!
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My partner and fellow Dresden groupie is going to be the interviewer tonight, while I twitter & post turning green with envy, but it is his first interview. It was a cool coincidence that he was going to be in IL tonight, so seeing the chance of a lifetime, we asked for the interview. Now, I am afraid that he is really nervous. If you see a nervous looking guy in a black collared shirt with Ijustfinished.com on the left corner, and two guys in tow with camera equipment, that is Jeremy. Tell him "Hi", and try to distract him from himself. ;)
I think he had no idea now nerve wracking it would be to meet, much less interview someone who you look up to so much. I think Jim & Bruce Campbell would be his two biggest idols, so he is star struck.
Tell him Renee sent ya, and to remember to breathe!
Thanks guys!
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It was allot of fun. Jim Butcher is a funny guy. Standing for three hours kind of sucks, but it's still worth it.
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Agree with Shingetsu.
They started with a Q-and-A in which Jim was charming and witty. He could have done improv or stand-up comedy. Then there was a costume show, perhaps a dozen people in costumes -- mostly Harry (although, I have to say, just wearing a duster doesn't make you Harry) but a cute Pizza 'Spress, a Murphy, and a Max the Bartender. Then came a long stretch where he signed older books that people brought, based (pretty much) on the order in which people showed up. Had I know then what I know now, I would have got there three or four hours early, got my color tag, and then gone off for supper and a movie and come back at 10. Oh, well. At midnight, they started selling TURN COAT, and many people just bought pre-autographed copies and left rather than wait for personalization.
The lines were verrrrry slow, in part because Jim (gentleman to the core) chatted with everyone, posed for pictures, and was just as pleasant and nice to each person as could be. And, of course, there were people in line buying 10 copies of TURNCOAT.
I wanted my old books signed as well, so I had to wait. I did get the first twelve chapters of TURN COAT reat while waiting, so it wasn't a total loss. And waiting in a bookstore is not bad, from one point of view (and is terrible from a don't-spend-money point of view.) So, I got to the Borders at 10 on the nose, and wasn't back in my car until 1:15 AM.
But, all worthwhile to have the personalized signed copies.
At midnight,
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I made it! Granted, I didn't get there until 11:30ish. But I got the books I brought with signed, along with Turncoat. I got home around 4. Five hours later and I'm up, making sure to spend time with my baby girl(my youngest, she's two). So, I'm wiped out, but it was so worth it! :)
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I went last night as well. Am I wrong, or had Jim never mentioned the titles of the Capstone trilogy yet?
The titles are..."Hell's Bells", "Stars and Stones", and "Empty Night", as announced by Jim last night.
I had a great time as well. The guy dressed as Mac looked authentic. I got there around 10pm and work obligations today 'forced' me to simply stand in line for the signed copy without getting anything personalized. Jim will be back in the area for Duckon in June (or July) and I'll see him then.
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I thought it was a fantastic event. (Course I was lucky enough to have a blue band and was able to get everything signed that I wanted with little wait) I"m not sure they were prepared for the turnout.
Still, Mr. Butcher was kind and very patient I thought...he was engaging with the crowd in the Q & A and even avoided the stupid questions with sincerity. ("Um, if you die, how are you going to end the series?" Come on, what is wrong with you. You want him to tell us the ending to the series now? Are you insane?)
Although I had only read the Dresden Books so far, the obvious joy in his writing and respect for the fans that he showed makes me want to pick up the Codex and start on those as well. Thanks, Mr. Butcher.
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First time I have been able to go out and see Jim in person. It was well worth the 4-hour round trip, 3 hours of sleep, and a long day at work today. As many have said before, Jim was terrific, witty, sincere and willing to take as much time as needed for everyone in line. The crowd was friendly and everyone seemed to have a good time. Now I have all the Dresden and Alera books signed ;D ;D - couldn't be happier.
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I went last night as well. Am I wrong, or had Jim never mentioned the titles of the Capstone trilogy yet?
The titles are..."Hell's Bells", "Stars and Stones", and "Empty Night", as announced by Jim last night.
I had a great time as well. The guy dressed as Mac looked authentic. I got there around 10pm and work obligations today 'forced' me to simply stand in line for the signed copy without getting anything personalized. Jim will be back in the area for Duckon in June (or July) and I'll see him then.
I was 'Mac' that night.
Thank you!
I decided to go with who I looked like based on the descriptions in the books, instead of who I want to be.
Has anyone put up pictures or video online yet?
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I was 'Mac' that night.
Thank you!
I decided to go with who I looked like based on the descriptions in the books, instead of who I want to be.
Has anyone put up pictures or video online yet?
I should thank you because I overheard you mentioning Jim would be at Duckon this year which saved me from having to stay up until 2am to get things personalized.
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I made it as well! The signing was great - my first time seeing Jim in person. And it was fun interacting with other Dresden fans in person as well! I'm looking forward to the signing in Lexington next week.
One of my friends and I drove up to Chicago on Sunday. We spent Sunday afternoon & evening, all day Monday, and part of Tuesday driving around the area to get pix of the many places mentioned in the books. I believe our count is 32 locations - including Hotel Sax mentioned in Turn Coat; between us we have about 400 pix. When I have time, I'll post the details of where we went, along with a link to the pix.
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(((((((((((((BL)))))))))))
Bout time you made your appearance in here, Young Lady! I've been waiting to hear from you to make sure you didn't get eaten in Undertown!!!
Glad you had fun! Can't wait to hear all about it and see your pix!
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I was there as well. I guess the most surprising thing was how cool Mr. Butcher actually was. I mean to think he spent that long signing everything, with no sign of being tired. He was a consummate Gentlemen through out and did not have a touch of "superiority" at all. A really laid back good guy and it was a really fun time....
Thanks Mr. Butcher a fine show!
McAnally you won hands down!
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Hey, all of you who made it to Chicago.. you sound like you all had so much fun! Glad you were able to get there and get your books! Really excited to see Book Lover's pics of where I grew up and what you found while you were there! I am waiting for my book to arrive via post-awful... today, tomorrow.. wha wha wha! Meanwhile, I remain jealous cause I can't afford to have a life right now..but that is totally changing even as I type this!
Can't wait to disucss Turn Coat w/ you all.
Later,
_Kassy
:D
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I went as well and would have posted if I hadn't spent darn near ever free second of the last 24 or so hours reading Turn Coat.
It was a pretty cool event. The Q & A was interesting and Jim, as other have mentioned, made it very entertaining. I'm glad I made it out for that alone.
I got my copy of Turn Coat, obviously, and got it and a couple of the other books signed. I was near the back of the line, so it was late, but Jim kept signing until every got their chance. Given how many people there were, and how many brought tons of books and other items, that must have been a long slog.
I don't know if he's reading this but if he his: thanks, it was a great evening. I hope it happens again for the next book.
I went last night as well. Am I wrong, or had Jim never mentioned the titles of the Capstone trilogy yet?
The titles are..."Hell's Bells", "Stars and Stones", and "Empty Night", as announced by Jim last night.
I know he's mentioned them before, here I believe. But some of the other tidbits he mentioned definitely seem new.
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What is the Capstone Trilogy?
"..... Capstone trilogy yet?
The titles are..."Hell's Bells", "Stars and Stones", and "Empty Night", as announced by Jim last night....."?
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The trilogy is the ending to the series. Jim has said he's going to write a total of 20 or so "case books" and then an "Apocolyptic Trilogy" to end the series.
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McAnally you won hands down!
Thank you. Since McAnally is such a quiet character I was worried it would be missed or overlooked.
I think that the man who dressed as 'Gentleman' John Marcone was underrated. Since he only introduced himself as "John". After Jim had the costume contest participants get in line after the first group of wrist tags I had the chance to talk to him. He played the character quite well while in line.
The Pizza Spress delivery girl was a great idea.
The funny part for me since I am fairly tall was looking straight over the heads of so many of the 'Harry Dresdens'
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Hello Everyone, first time posting here. I logged in because I found out from a friend that people had mentioned me. I was the Pizza 'Spress girl at this event. I can't tell you how surprised I was that so many people liked my outfit!
McAnally, I have the photo the Borders' woman took of the three of us after we won, would you like me to post it here/e-mail it to you? I agree, John was underrated. He needed his entourage.
This was my first time at a Butcher event and it was a lot of fun, I was glad to meet all the other fans, everyone was really friendly. Haven't cracked open my copy yet (it's killing me!) as this whole week has been busy preparing to host my Mom's family for Easter, but as soon as those people leave, I'm celebrating the death and Resurrection of the Lord with a little magic and mayhem. ;)
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Awesome!
Nice to meetcha, Pizza Girl. Head on over to the Introduction Thread if you like. There's baked goods and beverages waiting and bunches of insane Butcherites waiting to welcome you!
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Hey Pizza girl - I was the taller of the Order of the Large Cooking Pot. Welcome to the board!
I don't think I talked to any of you others who were at the signing, but hello to you as well.
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Have any photos been posted yet? I can't wait to see these costumes!
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Hello Everyone, first time posting here. I logged in because I found out from a friend that people had mentioned me. I was the Pizza 'Spress girl at this event. I can't tell you how surprised I was that so many people liked my outfit!
McAnally, I have the photo the Borders' woman took of the three of us after we won, would you like me to post it here/e-mail it to you? I agree, John was underrated. He needed his entourage.
PizzaGirl, I liked your costume because it was different and a part of the story but one anyone could do but you thought of it and put it together and it is an inside joke to the Dresden readers. If someone saw you who did not know the story they would only think "Pizza 'Spress. I haven't heard of that restaurant. I wonder if it is any good."
RE: Picture. Please post it if you can or email it to me.
Thanks.
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Just wanted to share the video of the costume contest, so you can all see Mac in his glory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGF_5MBnmDs
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGF_5MBnmDs)
the other videos we shot are on our channel there as well.
Enjoy!
Renee
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Fabulous video! Good lord, that's a lot of Harrys!
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Man. I still a little bummed. I had just returned from an acupuncture conference (where I spent three days listening to specialists and speakers) the night before the Chicago signing, and just couldn't get down there for it.
I did console myself by purchasing TC in Milwaukee Tuesday afternoon. Finished it on Tuesday evening... ;D
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What does his shirt say? All I can make out is "I found your ring".
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What does his shirt say? All I can make out is "I found your ring".
"If you can read this, I found your ring."
I have GOT to get this one coworker to read Dresden; she would be an absolutely PERFECT Murphy. *plots*
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"If you can read this, I found your ring."
jeez. Walked right into that one...
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jeez. Walked right into that one...
As long as you spent more time walking than falling on your back, it's okay.
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Feeling kind of dim. I don't get the joke. Splainy?
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Feeling kind of dim. I don't get the joke. Splainy?
I asked "What does the shirt say"
He said "The shirt says 'if you can read this, I found your ring'". (I believe this is in mock-elvish to look like the text on the One Ring from LOTR).
So I feel like I did exactly what the shirt's joke was trying to do.
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No, I got that! :D I don't get the joke on the shirt.
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Elvish script like on the One Ring. Few people were able to figure out the trick of making the script visible, much less able to read it then. The one person you KNEW would be able to read it was Sauron.
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Any ideas where he found it?
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http://www.pegasuspublishing.com/Ring-Found-Shirt-p-29435.html
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Thank you.
Oh look! they have the Fruity Oaty Bar shirt also!
http://www.pegasuspublishing.com/Fruity-Oaty-Bar-Shirt-p-28941.html (http://www.pegasuspublishing.com/Fruity-Oaty-Bar-Shirt-p-28941.html)
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3442836027_d496e05399.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3442836979_9147798a43.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3442837541_0da01f0138.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3443652676_a464560a75.jpg)
Hope these work!
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Bonus points if that Pizza 'Spress box has a ton of little LED's inside :D
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Good point, Uilos!
Hey, folks that were at the signing... what would be your guess as to how many people were in Chicago? I'm thinking there were more people in Lexington than in Chicago, but I don't know that I had a good vantage point to estimate the Chicago crowd.
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Good point, Uilos!
Hey, folks that were at the signing... what would be your guess as to how many people were in Chicago? I'm thinking there were more people in Lexington than in Chicago, but I don't know that I had a good vantage point to estimate the Chicago crowd.
The wrist bands that Borders used were handed out 50 per color. I talked to one of the workers and they commented that there were about 300 people there.
It went from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning. It started at 10:30 PM. The book was released at Midnight. That is pretty late for most people on a work night.
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Yeah, I figured that's why the crowd was small. The guy in Lexington said that Jim was estimating 450 in Chicago, and I thought that sounded way too high. I couldn't remember how many wristband colors there were... I was stuck on 4, and I was certain there had to be more than that!
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nice post you have managed.
Lovely spam, wonderful spaaaaaaaam!