53 replies to this topic

[Athena007]

I think this day will turn out better than I thought. Plan wise. It seems we all have potential things to do later in the day. And we all want to meet Raymond. So... ya, this is going to be good.

[zencat]

Just throwing this back up as one last reminder.

[Athena007]

Genrewriter won't be able to make it now
His boss pulled one over his eyes and he's got to work now...

[mccartney007]

Damn bosses these days.

[Xenobia]

Evil bosses. Make them watch Denise Richards' movies until they can't think anymore!

-- Xen

[Bryce (003)]

Well, we did have quite a nice time and the man of the hour was quite gracious.

More tales to tell later.

But, here's the LA crew and Raymond.

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•  Bonding_with_Benson.JPG   88.88KB   40 downloads

[Qwerty]

Well, we did have quite a nice time and the man of the hour was quite gracious.

More tales to tell later.

But, here's the LA crew and Raymond.

Aw, that must have been a blast! He would be great to meet someday!

Very, very cool guys!

[Athena007]

woo hoo. ok, back from Bonding with Benson. It was great seeing him and having lunch and a chat... (I had him sign my The Facts of Death, in which he wrote: "For the lovely Athena - All good wishes" and then signed)

Seeing as Bryce already posted the group picture I will post a few other ones. Oh and you know what was funny, when we were taking the group pic, ZenCat stepped out for a moment to make sure no one had taken our chairs at our table and he came back in the pic and said 'sorry about that' and Benson said something to the effect of, "It's okay, I'll just stand here holding your girlfriend." LOL... I thought it was funny...

anywho... pics... enjoy...

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•  AthenaRay.jpg   84.19KB   30 downloads

[Athena007]

now, ZenCat & Benson...

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•  JohnRay.jpg   86.21KB   32 downloads

[Athena007]

a great pic of Raymond Benson when we were all sitting around talking shop...

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•  RaymondBenson.jpg   95.51KB   36 downloads

[Athena007]

And Ry was kind enough to pick up my best friend Stephanie so that she could come to the book fair... so incase anyone was wondering who this friend of mine was... here's a pic of us from the fair...

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•  AthenaStephie.jpg   95.46KB   34 downloads

[Triton]

Thanks for posting the pictures Athena and Bryce.

[Xenobia]

You guys have all the luck. That's all I can say.

That and...as usual, you all look great!

-- B

[Blofeld's Cat]

Nice pix there of Ray and the usual CBn suspects.

[Athena007]

Glad to be of service

[Loomis]

Benson certainly seems extremely fan-friendly and a thoroughly down-to-earth, decent guy (see zencat's recent interviews).

[Athena007]

Oh Benson sure it that, Loomis. He's quite modest about his work too. And funny at moments when you least expect it.

[Bryce (003)]

He's one cool cat. It was a pleasure to see him again and chat and also get two books signed - My copy of TMWTRT and most importantly, my battered 1st edition of the Bedside Companion - which he signed 20 years ago via my mebership in the US JBFC - back when it still was operating - His inscription: "Charlie, HOLD ON TO THIS!!!!" and his sig.

We discussed the BCW's and the "Bond in Japan" trip. I'm sold on this now so I've just got to see how my timetable works out. Flicka is now expressing an interest as well.

Lastly, one funny CBn moment - Athena is my witness.

"Your reputation proceeds you Mr. Bryce."

While Raymond was signing Athena's book, he asked her about CBn and such and I offered my praise of her contributions to the site. He then asked me "What's your screen name on CBn?"

"I'm Bryce - 003"

Raymond responded by sitting up leaning back in his chair a bit "Ohhhh...YOU'RE Bryce." I grinned. He mentioned he'd heard/read about my travels. I told him it was all true. He was well aware of the origin of my name and we chatted a bit about Ivar and Fleming.

I didn't get time to pitch him on the "Adventures of 003 & 004" idea, but maybe I'll have a chance in Japan.

A great time and a cool experience for all.

and Ry...Thanks for the "reading materials"...Confirms a few things I had heard about.

So what's next for the LA CBn strike team?

[Johnboy007]

God, mind if I move in with one of you guys?

[Athena007]

I think I may have some free closet space, JohnBoy

[Johnboy007]

I think I may have some free closet space, JohnBoy

What are you trying to insinuate?

[Athena007]

Who... me? insinuate?

*innocent*

[Johnboy007]

Yeah...you

^ ^


I wish I could meet Raymond Benson, it would be interesting to talk shop with someone like him, with those powerful of connections in the world of Bond.

[zencat]

It was a great day. I'm always struck by what a nice, humble guy Raymond Benson is. Where do characters like LeGeret and Goro Yoshido come from, I wonder? And he knows so much more than just Bond. We talked more about the Marx Bros and pre-code Tarzan movies yesterday than Bond.