[quote name='Girasol' post='66092' date='Jul 3 2009, 04:10 AM']OMG hi Jack <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':dammit:' /> How long has it been since you've posted here?![/quote]
Hey! You're someone I remember. I didn't know you left CA. It's been a while since I posted but I still look around once in a while. I don't remember seeing any posts by you so I didn't know if you were still active. Well it's nice to see I still know some people here.
No one posted about the concert yet so I guess they're at the party or busy doing something else.
First the stuff that wasn't so great. The concert was fun...if you were in the middle seats. I was on the right side (section B I think). Almost no one was jumping around with their glow sticks and stuff like the middle sections. My little sister and a girl who sat by her were doing the dance moves to the songs and a few people had their glow sticks in the air. All the other people weren't doing anything so my section sucked. I thought that since they spent money to see the girls they'd be more excited but they weren't. I did my best with the glow sticks but I don't know what I'm suppose to do for each song and at some point my arms got tired. I don't know if the stage they performed on was too small or something else but the girls never went to the sides to entertain the people seated in the sides. That was okay since each side had a screen that was showing the concert but the camera operators were bad. During the intros the camera would focus on a different member and when it finally went on the member that was talking she would be done already. The lighting was weird too. I don't know. The girls were great but I wish AX had better people to do everything. That's everything that bothered me that I remember now. None of them were really the girl's fault so it was alright I guess.
Now for the good stuff. The girls were great during the concert. It was funny hearing them trying to speak some English. During their intros it sounded like Lin Lin said "something ass". I guess she said "us" but my girlfriend heard ass too so we laughed for a while. I haven't listened to some of their newer songs so it was great when they performed some of the older stuff. I knew they would but it was still great. Seeing Yoshizawa again was awesome and the part with Tsunku was cool.
It really sucked when the girls didn't come back for an encore but it was fun. I'd like to see them again but at a better place.
AX '09 reports
Moderators: testacles_4, Shoujo Q, momoirosaya
Re: AX '09 reports
I only went for Friday, so am home already and eager to talk about it! I'll use Jack's format
The Not-So-Great:I sat towards the front but a bit to the side (section G). My problem was NOT the guests sitting around me because everyone was really enthusiastic and made the show so much fun (although the two men next to me had folded arms and stone faces for the ENTIRE CONCERT. Why are you here dudes? Give your seats to a real fan). What hurt the show was the stage performance directing! The girls' entire performance was geared towards the very center of the stage. They never walked around the stage to face elsewhere other than direct center. They never spoke to the audience unless facing, again, direct center. All of their dance moves were coordinated so you could only appreciate them from direct center. For such a huge group, they did not seem to even utilize much of the stage space. I had only seen them once in Japan and at that time they utilized a center stage, dancing all around and always facing the audience. So, I blame this mostly on AX -- something must have been restrictive about the stage they provided -- though I was profoundly annoyed that the girls did not even glance sideways for more than 10 seconds during a dance.
I was on the very innermost edge of G so there were scores of people to my left and sitting in the furthest leftmost section (not to mention in the back). Because of the above mentioned issue, most people were relying on the projection screens and as Jack noted, the staffers really messed that up. The lighting was terrible (it seemed to turn off at the wrong moments) and so on.
The Great!
1. The girls sang and danced almost non-stop for 2 hours. It was incredibly to see and even if the girls are not the greatest singers or dancers (ie idol status), you have to acknowledge their sheer strength and stamina.
2. The costumes were adorable. Sometimes they wear some pretty funky ugly crap, but not this time. I didn't even realize when they did the costume change either -- one second, they were in these red plaid dresses and then suddenly they were dancing in sparkly blue mini-dresses.
3. The song list was amazing - even for people like me. I actually really like their new single but otherwise have not really followed them for the last few years. Someone will likely post a full song list but they started with the 321 Song, then moved onto about 4 of their recent singles. After that though, they launched into a melody of their greatest hits including I Wish, Souda We're Alive, The Peace, Happy Summer Wedding, Renai Revolution 21, Koi no Dance Site and of course, Love Machine.
4. Tsunku and Yossi made an appearance! I'm not a screaming, glow-stick waving kind of concert person but when Yossi walked out on stage I had a fit. She was all Hangried out in a ripped, loose t-shirt and pink dyed bangs.
5. Takahashi seemed really into it and it changed my impression of her quite a bit. Takahashi dripping with sweat was, in a weird way, endearing because it hit me how hard she was working to put on a good show. Maybe she just sweats a lot though -- Koharu seemed like she barely broke a sweat. Takahashi took charge with representing the group and memorized all these English phrases. Also, Risa, who normally pisses me off, was such a ham throughout the performance. It was annoying when she tried to be funny during their talk sections but during the concert, she really put herself out there to rile up the crowd. The same applies to LinLin, who seems like she is a lot of fun.
Other insights and observations:
This is neither praise or critique but, the girls...are...how to say...tv media stars for a reason. When on the screen, even in the concert, you could make them out and appreciate their unique styling, their expressions, and basically how cute they are. Seen as a whole on stage, with no zoom-in or camera tricks, they come off sort of like a messy cheer-leading team: one big mass of girls doing the same number. After the concert, my boyfriend (not a fan, not a hater) said the same thing; he ultimately got bored watching them on stage but in an ironic twist, really enjoyed watching the projection screen.
Also, no talking to the audience? At most concerts I've been to, there is a pause where the singer chats with the audience. Perhaps mm doesn't do this...or perhaps they cut it out due to the language differences? Even so, when Shokotan ended her performance last year, she ran around the stage and took photos of the audience with her cell phone camera. A few years ago when Puffy performed at the House of Blues, they just ended up talking to the audience in Japanese about random stuff. Instead, at the concert, one mm girl would shout into the mic while staring into a distant spot one foot above the audiences' heads and again, dead center, "Are you having a good timeeeee????!!!!" and then...would pass the mic to the next girl. Most of the "talking" seemed extremely rehearsed and fake, complete with big cheesy plastic smiles (well, it was in English!). There was no pandering to the audience at all -no second bows or waving- it was just a series of long dance/song melodies. In short, they did not seem to interact with the audience WHATSOEVER but seemed to perform for a camera. So, yes, they seem to shine best as media idols and perhaps are trained for that.
They played the 321 song continuously in the lead up to the show. They opened with the song and closed with the song. They went over the 321 PV contest and thus played the song 3 more times when showing the winners. And yet I don't remember it at all. That can't be a good sign...
Finally, when did Kamei turn into a gyaru? I hate her new hair.
~~~
Yossi
She looks exactly like she does in print and on tv. I could not get there in time for an autograph and just sat outside the cloth-draped booth she was doing secret autographs in. Luckily, the curtains were not tightly drawn and suddenly I look up, and she is looking right at me from about 50 feet away! She had not started signing autographs yet. So, of course I inched forward to keep peering at her until a staff member pushed the curtains closed and gave me a "look." Oh well. They said they wouldn't let anyone there to take pictures or even LOOK if they didn't have a ticket, booo!
I wonder if anyone got to the panel on Thursday. Probably everyone is staying for the autograph session today. Hopefully they will have fun stories to tell.
The Not-So-Great:I sat towards the front but a bit to the side (section G). My problem was NOT the guests sitting around me because everyone was really enthusiastic and made the show so much fun (although the two men next to me had folded arms and stone faces for the ENTIRE CONCERT. Why are you here dudes? Give your seats to a real fan). What hurt the show was the stage performance directing! The girls' entire performance was geared towards the very center of the stage. They never walked around the stage to face elsewhere other than direct center. They never spoke to the audience unless facing, again, direct center. All of their dance moves were coordinated so you could only appreciate them from direct center. For such a huge group, they did not seem to even utilize much of the stage space. I had only seen them once in Japan and at that time they utilized a center stage, dancing all around and always facing the audience. So, I blame this mostly on AX -- something must have been restrictive about the stage they provided -- though I was profoundly annoyed that the girls did not even glance sideways for more than 10 seconds during a dance.
I was on the very innermost edge of G so there were scores of people to my left and sitting in the furthest leftmost section (not to mention in the back). Because of the above mentioned issue, most people were relying on the projection screens and as Jack noted, the staffers really messed that up. The lighting was terrible (it seemed to turn off at the wrong moments) and so on.
The Great!
1. The girls sang and danced almost non-stop for 2 hours. It was incredibly to see and even if the girls are not the greatest singers or dancers (ie idol status), you have to acknowledge their sheer strength and stamina.
2. The costumes were adorable. Sometimes they wear some pretty funky ugly crap, but not this time. I didn't even realize when they did the costume change either -- one second, they were in these red plaid dresses and then suddenly they were dancing in sparkly blue mini-dresses.
3. The song list was amazing - even for people like me. I actually really like their new single but otherwise have not really followed them for the last few years. Someone will likely post a full song list but they started with the 321 Song, then moved onto about 4 of their recent singles. After that though, they launched into a melody of their greatest hits including I Wish, Souda We're Alive, The Peace, Happy Summer Wedding, Renai Revolution 21, Koi no Dance Site and of course, Love Machine.
4. Tsunku and Yossi made an appearance! I'm not a screaming, glow-stick waving kind of concert person but when Yossi walked out on stage I had a fit. She was all Hangried out in a ripped, loose t-shirt and pink dyed bangs.
5. Takahashi seemed really into it and it changed my impression of her quite a bit. Takahashi dripping with sweat was, in a weird way, endearing because it hit me how hard she was working to put on a good show. Maybe she just sweats a lot though -- Koharu seemed like she barely broke a sweat. Takahashi took charge with representing the group and memorized all these English phrases. Also, Risa, who normally pisses me off, was such a ham throughout the performance. It was annoying when she tried to be funny during their talk sections but during the concert, she really put herself out there to rile up the crowd. The same applies to LinLin, who seems like she is a lot of fun.
Other insights and observations:
This is neither praise or critique but, the girls...are...how to say...tv media stars for a reason. When on the screen, even in the concert, you could make them out and appreciate their unique styling, their expressions, and basically how cute they are. Seen as a whole on stage, with no zoom-in or camera tricks, they come off sort of like a messy cheer-leading team: one big mass of girls doing the same number. After the concert, my boyfriend (not a fan, not a hater) said the same thing; he ultimately got bored watching them on stage but in an ironic twist, really enjoyed watching the projection screen.
Also, no talking to the audience? At most concerts I've been to, there is a pause where the singer chats with the audience. Perhaps mm doesn't do this...or perhaps they cut it out due to the language differences? Even so, when Shokotan ended her performance last year, she ran around the stage and took photos of the audience with her cell phone camera. A few years ago when Puffy performed at the House of Blues, they just ended up talking to the audience in Japanese about random stuff. Instead, at the concert, one mm girl would shout into the mic while staring into a distant spot one foot above the audiences' heads and again, dead center, "Are you having a good timeeeee????!!!!" and then...would pass the mic to the next girl. Most of the "talking" seemed extremely rehearsed and fake, complete with big cheesy plastic smiles (well, it was in English!). There was no pandering to the audience at all -no second bows or waving- it was just a series of long dance/song melodies. In short, they did not seem to interact with the audience WHATSOEVER but seemed to perform for a camera. So, yes, they seem to shine best as media idols and perhaps are trained for that.
They played the 321 song continuously in the lead up to the show. They opened with the song and closed with the song. They went over the 321 PV contest and thus played the song 3 more times when showing the winners. And yet I don't remember it at all. That can't be a good sign...
Finally, when did Kamei turn into a gyaru? I hate her new hair.
~~~
Yossi
She looks exactly like she does in print and on tv. I could not get there in time for an autograph and just sat outside the cloth-draped booth she was doing secret autographs in. Luckily, the curtains were not tightly drawn and suddenly I look up, and she is looking right at me from about 50 feet away! She had not started signing autographs yet. So, of course I inched forward to keep peering at her until a staff member pushed the curtains closed and gave me a "look." Oh well. They said they wouldn't let anyone there to take pictures or even LOOK if they didn't have a ticket, booo!
I wonder if anyone got to the panel on Thursday. Probably everyone is staying for the autograph session today. Hopefully they will have fun stories to tell.
Last edited by eri on Sat Jul 04, 2009 11:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: AX '09 reports
Eri was there yesterday & didn't meet up with us? YOU TRAMP. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':dammit:' />
Btw, apologies to everyone I did meet at AX but didn't see later on after the show. Apparently I'm truly an old man now cos I completely passed out in Kristi-Liana-Windy-Ian's room & when I woke up it was almost midnight. Although to be fair, nobody actually called me then anyway, so no harm no foul haha.
ANYWAY, the concert was really damn great, despite the cameramen apparently having zero experience following more than one performer onstage. I lost count of the times one of the girls had lines, the camera found them near the end, then stayed on that girl throughout the next girl's lines. I really hope there was an independent UFA video crew there to capture the show for DVD, because although I really do want to own a copy of this show, the AX staff just can't possibly have usable footage for such a project.
But as for the girls themselves, they really did all they could to put on the best show possible. They really only performed for an hour (then the OPV award thing took another 20 minutes) but they went all-out as if they'd been performing for 2 hours. And god DAMN that Risa for melting my heart a little with her attempts at English, now I only have Aika left to truly despise! The only sort of disappointment I had was that medley they did of older songs, I really would've loved them to do the full songs instead, but that's really a minor complaint at most. I came away from the show with a renewed love for the group, and I just cannot get "Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou" out of my head, even now.
Luckily I remembered to pick up the Platinum 9 CD before the dealer room closed, and as I bought mine there was this wota immediately asking me which card I got. Just as I was saying I hadn't opened mine yet, I saw he had 3 cards & was looking to trade. Unfortunately for him, he had Risa, Koharu & Eri & he really wanted me to open mine right now to see if I got something he wanted, a little too excitedly haha. I told him sorry, but I didn't want any of those 3 cards, then he starts asking me which ones I DO want & I just walked away, fucker didn't GET it. A little later when I decided to open the CD with bbs folks around, it suddenly became almost an event as everyone leaned in to see what the card was, it was like everyone moving in to get a closer look at the stripper or something <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/rofl.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';/' /> I got JunJun, which is cool for the "spreading ass" moment, which I thought she said in concert, but now Jack says it was LinLin, so yaywoo. All these damn girls look alike, I tellya!
So to boil it down, anyone who's ever loved Morning Musume, I truly feel sorry for if you haven't had the chance to see them perform live. My interest in them has been at an all-time low for a year or so now, and this really turned it around for me. And it wasn't so much anything special that they did (though the english parts were an entirely awesome magic unto themselves,) it was more of the best possible reminder of why I ever loved the group to begin with.
Btw, apologies to everyone I did meet at AX but didn't see later on after the show. Apparently I'm truly an old man now cos I completely passed out in Kristi-Liana-Windy-Ian's room & when I woke up it was almost midnight. Although to be fair, nobody actually called me then anyway, so no harm no foul haha.
ANYWAY, the concert was really damn great, despite the cameramen apparently having zero experience following more than one performer onstage. I lost count of the times one of the girls had lines, the camera found them near the end, then stayed on that girl throughout the next girl's lines. I really hope there was an independent UFA video crew there to capture the show for DVD, because although I really do want to own a copy of this show, the AX staff just can't possibly have usable footage for such a project.
But as for the girls themselves, they really did all they could to put on the best show possible. They really only performed for an hour (then the OPV award thing took another 20 minutes) but they went all-out as if they'd been performing for 2 hours. And god DAMN that Risa for melting my heart a little with her attempts at English, now I only have Aika left to truly despise! The only sort of disappointment I had was that medley they did of older songs, I really would've loved them to do the full songs instead, but that's really a minor complaint at most. I came away from the show with a renewed love for the group, and I just cannot get "Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou" out of my head, even now.
Luckily I remembered to pick up the Platinum 9 CD before the dealer room closed, and as I bought mine there was this wota immediately asking me which card I got. Just as I was saying I hadn't opened mine yet, I saw he had 3 cards & was looking to trade. Unfortunately for him, he had Risa, Koharu & Eri & he really wanted me to open mine right now to see if I got something he wanted, a little too excitedly haha. I told him sorry, but I didn't want any of those 3 cards, then he starts asking me which ones I DO want & I just walked away, fucker didn't GET it. A little later when I decided to open the CD with bbs folks around, it suddenly became almost an event as everyone leaned in to see what the card was, it was like everyone moving in to get a closer look at the stripper or something <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... >/rofl.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';/' /> I got JunJun, which is cool for the "spreading ass" moment, which I thought she said in concert, but now Jack says it was LinLin, so yaywoo. All these damn girls look alike, I tellya!
So to boil it down, anyone who's ever loved Morning Musume, I truly feel sorry for if you haven't had the chance to see them perform live. My interest in them has been at an all-time low for a year or so now, and this really turned it around for me. And it wasn't so much anything special that they did (though the english parts were an entirely awesome magic unto themselves,) it was more of the best possible reminder of why I ever loved the group to begin with.
[quote name='CO2 Blasted Idols' post='91599' date='Jan 12 2011, 06:50 PM']Also, this is MM-BBS, the BBS that hates the H!P fans in almost all other forums.[/quote]
Re: AX '09 reports
Meeting those girls was terrible. I thought I was immune to that sort of idol emotional manipulation, but:
They break your heart with a smile.
They break your heart with a smile.
Last edited by EmEl on Sat Jul 04, 2009 7:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
What's the first thing you do when you return home after a concert?
LinLin: "I stop thinking and stare into nothingness."
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='Geof' post='66104' date='Jul 4 2009, 03:44 PM']I got JunJun, which is cool for the "spreading ass" moment, which I thought she said in concert, but now Jack says it was LinLin, so yaywoo. All these damn girls look alike, I tellya![/quote]
Was it JunJun? I guess I didn't get a good look at her but I also haven't really been paying attention to either of them since they joined so I most likely got it wrong.
Was it JunJun? I guess I didn't get a good look at her but I also haven't really been paying attention to either of them since they joined so I most likely got it wrong.
08
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staplermofo
- Kenshuusei
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:12 pm
Re: AX '09 reports
I was shocked how friendly they were during autographs.
AX was ridiculously annoying the first couple days, what with the lines and misinformation and all that, and I was an incoherent, babbling sack of fan by day 2, but getting into the autograph session more than made up for all that hassle.
Eri initiated handshakes like she waited in line for us.
Jun Jun was audibly impressed with my beard (some kinda "oooohh" sound), and had the translator lady ask if it was hot.
Aika said I looked like "okami", and, with full on eye contact, and said, in English "I like okami" (English expect for okami).
The translator lady assured me okami means wolf, which is a little confusing.
I had stuff I intended to say but that all fell apart pretty fast.
I'm still in shock they seemed to genuinely care what I said to them. LinLin even looked around for a translator.
The concert was great too.
Koharu must have made eye contact and waved at every person in the place.
What everyone else said. Every one of them gave their all. It was great.
I was ready to pass out by the time I got into the autograph room, so if anyone could comment either way I'm curious: were some of them wearing really thick, pancakey make up? Did they get sunburn or something?
AX was ridiculously annoying the first couple days, what with the lines and misinformation and all that, and I was an incoherent, babbling sack of fan by day 2, but getting into the autograph session more than made up for all that hassle.
Eri initiated handshakes like she waited in line for us.
Jun Jun was audibly impressed with my beard (some kinda "oooohh" sound), and had the translator lady ask if it was hot.
Aika said I looked like "okami", and, with full on eye contact, and said, in English "I like okami" (English expect for okami).
The translator lady assured me okami means wolf, which is a little confusing.
I had stuff I intended to say but that all fell apart pretty fast.
I'm still in shock they seemed to genuinely care what I said to them. LinLin even looked around for a translator.
The concert was great too.
Koharu must have made eye contact and waved at every person in the place.
What everyone else said. Every one of them gave their all. It was great.
I was ready to pass out by the time I got into the autograph room, so if anyone could comment either way I'm curious: were some of them wearing really thick, pancakey make up? Did they get sunburn or something?
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='staplermofo' post='66109' date='Jul 5 2009, 04:58 AM']I was ready to pass out by the time I got into the autograph room, so if anyone could comment either way I'm curious: were some of them wearing really thick, pancakey make up? Did they get sunburn or something?[/quote]
I'm pretty sure they don't go anywhere in public without the magic of thick makeup, whether sunburned or not.
I'm pretty sure they don't go anywhere in public without the magic of thick makeup, whether sunburned or not.
What's the first thing you do when you return home after a concert?
LinLin: "I stop thinking and stare into nothingness."
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='Geof' post='66104' date='Jul 4 2009, 03:44 PM']Eri was there yesterday & didn't meet up with us? YOU TRAMP. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':dammit:' />[/quote]
It was complicated! I had conflicting engagements :S
I'm SO JEALOUS of everyone who went to the autograph session. Did you need a ticket for that too? I hope people post pictures!
It was complicated! I had conflicting engagements :S
I'm SO JEALOUS of everyone who went to the autograph session. Did you need a ticket for that too? I hope people post pictures!
Re: AX '09 reports
It's looking like H!O and other Western-based H!P websites can't get interviews with Morning Musume at AX... Madara, were you able to get an interview or were you denied too? It's a shame that they didn't let in those groups in. I bet there was a good reason, but it sounds like no one offered a good explanation as to why.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='neshcom' post='66117' date='Jul 5 2009, 07:39 PM']It's looking like H!O and other Western-based H!P websites can't get interviews with Morning Musume at AX... Madara, were you able to get an interview or were you denied too? It's a shame that they didn't let in those groups in. I bet there was a good reason, but it sounds like no one offered a good explanation as to why.[/quote]
Maybe because H!O is a huge pirate site?
Maybe because H!O is a huge pirate site?
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peachgirldb
- カントリー・ガールズ
- Posts: 409
- Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:20 pm
Re: AX '09 reports
Those of us who bought merchandise and got the guaranteed autograph tickets got screwed. While at the other sessions fans got handshakes and conversations, we were told by scary ladies "NO TALKING AND NO HANDSHAKES!!!111!!1"
not that I could've talked anyway. I was way too nervous.
not that I could've talked anyway. I was way too nervous.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='mEri' post='66121' date='Jul 6 2009, 02:14 AM'][quote name='neshcom' post='66117' date='Jul 5 2009, 07:39 PM']It's looking like H!O and other Western-based H!P websites can't get interviews with Morning Musume at AX... Madara, were you able to get an interview or were you denied too? It's a shame that they didn't let in those groups in. I bet there was a good reason, but it sounds like no one offered a good explanation as to why.[/quote]
Maybe because H!O is a huge pirate site?
[/quote]
Apparently H!O thought that too, but it looks like other blogs were denied too.
Maybe because H!O is a huge pirate site?
[/quote]
Apparently H!O thought that too, but it looks like other blogs were denied too.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name=':Peach' post='66125' date='Jul 6 2009, 06:16 AM']While at the other sessions fans got handshakes and conversations, we were told by scary ladies "NO TALKING AND NO HANDSHAKES!!!111!!1"[/quote]
I thought that was the whole point of it?! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /blink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... #>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' />
I thought that was the whole point of it?! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... /blink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' /> <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... #>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' />
Re: AX '09 reports
Ah, I miss the glow of a computer screen. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':weeeh:' />
Oh and internet access. As everyone there knew I was the person you went to if you ordered a H!O shirt. So I had people talking to me all over the place. It was kinda cool I guess. But I could have done without the huge amount of shirts I had stuffed in my bag.
I think I'll rename AX - LineCon because all it seemed that I was doing was standing in a line waiting for something. 1st day had to stand in line for registration and then tickets. I went early so we, my friend and I plus Sadude because he was nice enough to give him his registration e-mail and I.D so we could all sit together. You know now that I think about it, the other should have given me their stuff too. :x Sorry I didn't think about it sooner! D: I'm flakey and apparently very accident prone. In and Out burger scared me for life! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> Literally! But that's another story.
Anyway, we sat in row 5 section E. I had the seat on the outside across from row D. And apparently was the only one to get into the concert because Sadude decided to play Statue along with my friend. While it was fun, I've never used a glow stick before because I kept flinging them at the staff guy at the front. The first time he was holding one in his hand, and I thought, "Oh cool! He has one too? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />" Then I looked closer thought, "Hey that looks like mine" Looked down, and realized it was. That was embaressing and then after that they just didn't want to stay in my hands so we were playing catch the glow stick through most of the concert.
As for the concert, it was good. I kinda wish they didn't sing Breakin' Out twice. I Found myself singing along in my I can't speak Japanese but I'll mummble along anyway, type of way.
The Q&A panel was a trip. I decided to go there instead of waiting for the Merchandise booth to open. Unfortunetly, it wasn't until late and our line was long that the staff informed us that they weren't going to clear out the rooms between sessions and that the autograph tickets were first come first serve. So e got there for the Murikawa (Sp?) panel to find the place already packed. I found that Wotas are really annoying when they speak. Only half of them were there though because the other half went to the Merchanside booth.
So after all that waiting I never got a ticket. D: But Sadude was nice enough to give me his yellow ticket since he also had a Merchanside ticket as well. And I also got one from one of the guys who I had given a H!O shirt to who wasn't going to be there Saturday for the signing. (See it pays to be nice to H!O members sometimes. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> ) But I gave that one to Kitaoji. I'm so nice. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />
Sadude had gotten me a Hangry autograph ticket and I got my t-shirt signed because I was totally unprepaired for Hitomi. She's so much smaller and tiny in person, or it's just that I'm taller. Seeing as I never had experience meeting someone famous before it was a very awkward signing that I went too. I did this little Hangry doodle for her because I had no idea what to say to her. I just shoved it all at her, got the shirt signed, waved bye to her and ran out of the little booth.
Anyway the Q&A panel was good, LinLin's english is by far the best of the group with JunJun and Takahashi coming in behind. Reina looks much better with Black hair as does Takahashi. Risa looks like she decided to take the Reina diet and her hair is twelve times larger then she is. The rest looked the same. I wasn't sitting that close at the time so it was kind of hard to tell and of course I sat in the row with the wotas so they were jumping up the whole time. And I was sitting infront of squirmy mc squirmy who kept wiggling around obstructing my view of Reina. The questions were typical and the only one I liked was the first one, and that isn't a biased answer because he's my friend. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
Lastly I went to the Autograph session on Saturday, got up at 4 in the morning to be there, but my god was it worth it. We started at the West hall, then some guard let us all in around 6 and there was a mad dash to the second floor to the room where they were going to do the signing. Where the line reformed again, I had met a guy in line and told him he could stand with us since while we were outside it wasn't really a line just more of a mass of people. After the mad dash I was left behind because well I can't run that damn fast. You should see a wota run! xD Anyway the guy was nice enough to hold my place in line so we ended up being around number 40 in line. After that another security guard came and informed us we had to move again, this time outside of south hall. Here we stood till the con officially opened for the day. Then in one long line we were brought upstairs and seperated between golden yellow tickets and no tickets. None of the front of the line wotas got in between none of them at tickets, which was pretty sweet because they had been there since 1 in the morning and were totally DENIED! But they went to the later autograph session but as Peach told said, they didn't allow talking or hand shakes.
After we were seperated we went from one small room to another larger room. Kitaoji and I ended up being in the top 30, I think I was #34. While we were waiting all this time I decided to draw pictures for all the girls. Each one was different. So I was hoping to get a different reaction out of each, and I did. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
When I first got in there, it was like walking into some weird little assembly line factory. It was rather surreal to go about doing this. Once it was my turn I had to wait for Kitaoji to finish with Takahashi. Knowing how fickle staff can be I waited till Ms. Handler (What's her name?) turned around to let me go. So I waited and Takahashi was open so we had this moment of staring at each other me with fear and her with that little idol smile they always have till Ms. Handler turned around and told me I could go forward. I did, and handed her my Platinum 9 Concert book. I then handed her the picture I drew which was her as a Sailor senshi, Sailor Musume! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> She paused after her autograph to look at it, read what it said, looked back at me and said "Aw thank you, it's so pretty" In english, which was very nice of her to say. She then shook my hand and I thanked her for her comment and for coming. Then was Risa. She just made her oooh sounds and I also gave her someones H!O shirt that never picked it up. It was green, she'd like it. I almost forgot to give it to her so I had a pause so she wasn't expecting a second gift so when she got it she was all excited and said "For me?" I was about to say, No, it's for Tsunku but realized that was rude and she wouldn't understand me anyway. xD
Eri was thankfull and shook my hand. I gave Sayumi a picture of her as an Angel. I said Tenshi, tenshi and she said Angel. At least I got it right. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> Sayumi has a lot of acne. I don't remember Reina or Aika much because I went into this little blur. I think Reina shook my hand as did Aika. Aika's so flippin' cute in person. But I might biased. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> JunJun and LinLin both spoke to me in English which was nice I gave JunJun a little pack of Panda prints from the San Diego Zoo and a picture. Linlin was the last one and I gave her a keychain and a drawing, as I was turned to walk away she had started to autograph the drawing I had given her. I walked away laughing because her handler had told her that no no, gift gift. She stopped and went OH! and laughed at her mistake.
And that was the last I saw of them! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
After everything, Takahashi has gone up in my Musume list. While Risa continues to be at my bottom. I don't care how much she smiles it just looks so fake to me. D: LinLin also went up my list because she's just awesome and air headed at the same time. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
I don't think I left anything out, but I've got a plane to catch so I'll talk more and post photos when I get home tonight.
Oh and internet access. As everyone there knew I was the person you went to if you ordered a H!O shirt. So I had people talking to me all over the place. It was kinda cool I guess. But I could have done without the huge amount of shirts I had stuffed in my bag.
I think I'll rename AX - LineCon because all it seemed that I was doing was standing in a line waiting for something. 1st day had to stand in line for registration and then tickets. I went early so we, my friend and I plus Sadude because he was nice enough to give him his registration e-mail and I.D so we could all sit together. You know now that I think about it, the other should have given me their stuff too. :x Sorry I didn't think about it sooner! D: I'm flakey and apparently very accident prone. In and Out burger scared me for life! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> Literally! But that's another story.
Anyway, we sat in row 5 section E. I had the seat on the outside across from row D. And apparently was the only one to get into the concert because Sadude decided to play Statue along with my friend. While it was fun, I've never used a glow stick before because I kept flinging them at the staff guy at the front. The first time he was holding one in his hand, and I thought, "Oh cool! He has one too? <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />" Then I looked closer thought, "Hey that looks like mine" Looked down, and realized it was. That was embaressing and then after that they just didn't want to stay in my hands so we were playing catch the glow stick through most of the concert.
As for the concert, it was good. I kinda wish they didn't sing Breakin' Out twice. I Found myself singing along in my I can't speak Japanese but I'll mummble along anyway, type of way.
The Q&A panel was a trip. I decided to go there instead of waiting for the Merchandise booth to open. Unfortunetly, it wasn't until late and our line was long that the staff informed us that they weren't going to clear out the rooms between sessions and that the autograph tickets were first come first serve. So e got there for the Murikawa (Sp?) panel to find the place already packed. I found that Wotas are really annoying when they speak. Only half of them were there though because the other half went to the Merchanside booth.
So after all that waiting I never got a ticket. D: But Sadude was nice enough to give me his yellow ticket since he also had a Merchanside ticket as well. And I also got one from one of the guys who I had given a H!O shirt to who wasn't going to be there Saturday for the signing. (See it pays to be nice to H!O members sometimes. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> ) But I gave that one to Kitaoji. I'm so nice. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... omgwtf.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />
Sadude had gotten me a Hangry autograph ticket and I got my t-shirt signed because I was totally unprepaired for Hitomi. She's so much smaller and tiny in person, or it's just that I'm taller. Seeing as I never had experience meeting someone famous before it was a very awkward signing that I went too. I did this little Hangry doodle for her because I had no idea what to say to her. I just shoved it all at her, got the shirt signed, waved bye to her and ran out of the little booth.
Anyway the Q&A panel was good, LinLin's english is by far the best of the group with JunJun and Takahashi coming in behind. Reina looks much better with Black hair as does Takahashi. Risa looks like she decided to take the Reina diet and her hair is twelve times larger then she is. The rest looked the same. I wasn't sitting that close at the time so it was kind of hard to tell and of course I sat in the row with the wotas so they were jumping up the whole time. And I was sitting infront of squirmy mc squirmy who kept wiggling around obstructing my view of Reina. The questions were typical and the only one I liked was the first one, and that isn't a biased answer because he's my friend. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
Lastly I went to the Autograph session on Saturday, got up at 4 in the morning to be there, but my god was it worth it. We started at the West hall, then some guard let us all in around 6 and there was a mad dash to the second floor to the room where they were going to do the signing. Where the line reformed again, I had met a guy in line and told him he could stand with us since while we were outside it wasn't really a line just more of a mass of people. After the mad dash I was left behind because well I can't run that damn fast. You should see a wota run! xD Anyway the guy was nice enough to hold my place in line so we ended up being around number 40 in line. After that another security guard came and informed us we had to move again, this time outside of south hall. Here we stood till the con officially opened for the day. Then in one long line we were brought upstairs and seperated between golden yellow tickets and no tickets. None of the front of the line wotas got in between none of them at tickets, which was pretty sweet because they had been there since 1 in the morning and were totally DENIED! But they went to the later autograph session but as Peach told said, they didn't allow talking or hand shakes.
After we were seperated we went from one small room to another larger room. Kitaoji and I ended up being in the top 30, I think I was #34. While we were waiting all this time I decided to draw pictures for all the girls. Each one was different. So I was hoping to get a different reaction out of each, and I did. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
When I first got in there, it was like walking into some weird little assembly line factory. It was rather surreal to go about doing this. Once it was my turn I had to wait for Kitaoji to finish with Takahashi. Knowing how fickle staff can be I waited till Ms. Handler (What's her name?) turned around to let me go. So I waited and Takahashi was open so we had this moment of staring at each other me with fear and her with that little idol smile they always have till Ms. Handler turned around and told me I could go forward. I did, and handed her my Platinum 9 Concert book. I then handed her the picture I drew which was her as a Sailor senshi, Sailor Musume! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> She paused after her autograph to look at it, read what it said, looked back at me and said "Aw thank you, it's so pretty" In english, which was very nice of her to say. She then shook my hand and I thanked her for her comment and for coming. Then was Risa. She just made her oooh sounds and I also gave her someones H!O shirt that never picked it up. It was green, she'd like it. I almost forgot to give it to her so I had a pause so she wasn't expecting a second gift so when she got it she was all excited and said "For me?" I was about to say, No, it's for Tsunku but realized that was rude and she wouldn't understand me anyway. xD
Eri was thankfull and shook my hand. I gave Sayumi a picture of her as an Angel. I said Tenshi, tenshi and she said Angel. At least I got it right. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> Sayumi has a lot of acne. I don't remember Reina or Aika much because I went into this little blur. I think Reina shook my hand as did Aika. Aika's so flippin' cute in person. But I might biased. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> JunJun and LinLin both spoke to me in English which was nice I gave JunJun a little pack of Panda prints from the San Diego Zoo and a picture. Linlin was the last one and I gave her a keychain and a drawing, as I was turned to walk away she had started to autograph the drawing I had given her. I walked away laughing because her handler had told her that no no, gift gift. She stopped and went OH! and laughed at her mistake.
And that was the last I saw of them! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
After everything, Takahashi has gone up in my Musume list. While Risa continues to be at my bottom. I don't care how much she smiles it just looks so fake to me. D: LinLin also went up my list because she's just awesome and air headed at the same time. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />
I don't think I left anything out, but I've got a plane to catch so I'll talk more and post photos when I get home tonight.
This is a place where a signature goes. Enjoy some Airi instead.
Re: AX '09 reports
Yeah it really WAS LineCon. Sooo much waiting! I don't do well with waiting. I didn't even bother to try and do any of the autograph stuff, I just did not have the patience or energy or drive for that. Though I DID walk by where Yossi was sitting to do autographs and peeked in since the fabric hiding her was like . . . see through. I was like "There she is!" and that was enough for me. Oh but by doing that, TnA and I saw Moi Dix Moi walk out and got to yell "GOOD SHOW!" at them! We went to that concert on a whim and ended up rocking out more than we did at the MM one. That was cool!
I was SUPPOSED to be sitting in E17, a middle section with all the fun people, but in the tradition of anime cons AX fucked the hell up. We got there and were told "We printed off too many tickets for each row. So sorry, go away." We ended up getting to sit in the very first row of the second section, giving us a much clearer view of the girls and the screen (which I never watched because yeah, the camera men? Not so much). But we were still pissed off as shit and got our money back.
The concert was basically what I expected. Tons of fun, but super short and kind of cheap. The medley they did of old school songs was actually recycled from an older concert, I can't remember which one . . . oh, this one! I recognized it 'cause I used the Peace/RR21 part for something. The girls really gave it their all though! I was surprised by how honestly warm and friendly they were. During the 20 minute MC ramble fest about the OPV, I looked over at Koharu and Aika who had gotten bored and were waving at the fans which I thought was soooo sweet! I loved hearing reports of them complimenting the fans and interacting with them. Some of them were so much less fake than I expected.
The panel stood out to me so much more. I loved Koharu so much! She's such an IDIOT. She like shouted everything and was constantly confused. Most people were annoyed by this but I was like "ME TOO KOHARU. ME. TOO."
I was SUPPOSED to be sitting in E17, a middle section with all the fun people, but in the tradition of anime cons AX fucked the hell up. We got there and were told "We printed off too many tickets for each row. So sorry, go away." We ended up getting to sit in the very first row of the second section, giving us a much clearer view of the girls and the screen (which I never watched because yeah, the camera men? Not so much). But we were still pissed off as shit and got our money back.
The concert was basically what I expected. Tons of fun, but super short and kind of cheap. The medley they did of old school songs was actually recycled from an older concert, I can't remember which one . . . oh, this one! I recognized it 'cause I used the Peace/RR21 part for something. The girls really gave it their all though! I was surprised by how honestly warm and friendly they were. During the 20 minute MC ramble fest about the OPV, I looked over at Koharu and Aika who had gotten bored and were waving at the fans which I thought was soooo sweet! I loved hearing reports of them complimenting the fans and interacting with them. Some of them were so much less fake than I expected.
The panel stood out to me so much more. I loved Koharu so much! She's such an IDIOT. She like shouted everything and was constantly confused. Most people were annoyed by this but I was like "ME TOO KOHARU. ME. TOO."
it's just. Us finishing what we started in that hotel in Little Tokyo. - TnA
Visit the exciting Yo! Project!
Visit the exciting Yo! Project!
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='neshcom' post='66126' date='Jul 6 2009, 08:18 AM'][quote name='mEri' post='66121' date='Jul 6 2009, 02:14 AM'][quote name='neshcom' post='66117' date='Jul 5 2009, 07:39 PM']It's looking like H!O and other Western-based H!P websites can't get interviews with Morning Musume at AX... Madara, were you able to get an interview or were you denied too? It's a shame that they didn't let in those groups in. I bet there was a good reason, but it sounds like no one offered a good explanation as to why.[/quote]
Maybe because H!O is a huge pirate site?
[/quote]
Apparently H!O thought that too, but it looks like other blogs were denied too.
[/quote]
I'm sure it's because fan websites (no matter how large the site or the ego of the owner) are just not generally viewed as legitimate media by large corporations--whether Japanese or American companies.
Maybe because H!O is a huge pirate site?
[/quote]
Apparently H!O thought that too, but it looks like other blogs were denied too.
[/quote]
I'm sure it's because fan websites (no matter how large the site or the ego of the owner) are just not generally viewed as legitimate media by large corporations--whether Japanese or American companies.
Last edited by EmEl on Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
What's the first thing you do when you return home after a concert?
LinLin: "I stop thinking and stare into nothingness."
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='EmEl' post='66131' date='Jul 6 2009, 11:12 AM']I'm sure it's because fan websites (no matter how large the site or the ego of the owner) are just not generally viewed as legitimate media by large corporations--whether Japanese or American companies.[/quote]
That is understandable but also stupid and it makes me really mad. Morning Musume fandom in America has been ENTIRELY GRASSROOT. What "legitimate" media sites promoted the songs or girls over the last ten years? It is not like their songs play on US radios or is even accessible through itunes (well, now japanfiles). The vast majority of places in America do not get any Japanese tv play and even in places like LA, the chances you'll get to see MM on a re-broadcast, subtitled music show is close to nihl. It was always random fans sending each other songs, links to PVs and other media, and building up attention! It was the same individuals begging AX to bring mm to the convention on their damn forum! It is stupid and arrogant to close out the fans in this way but that is as much as I expected from Japan, given their attitude towards piracy. It is also not surprising after reading Tsunku's somewhat offensive and arrogant blog posts about American fans.
/rant over.
That is understandable but also stupid and it makes me really mad. Morning Musume fandom in America has been ENTIRELY GRASSROOT. What "legitimate" media sites promoted the songs or girls over the last ten years? It is not like their songs play on US radios or is even accessible through itunes (well, now japanfiles). The vast majority of places in America do not get any Japanese tv play and even in places like LA, the chances you'll get to see MM on a re-broadcast, subtitled music show is close to nihl. It was always random fans sending each other songs, links to PVs and other media, and building up attention! It was the same individuals begging AX to bring mm to the convention on their damn forum! It is stupid and arrogant to close out the fans in this way but that is as much as I expected from Japan, given their attitude towards piracy. It is also not surprising after reading Tsunku's somewhat offensive and arrogant blog posts about American fans.
/rant over.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='mEri' post='66133' date='Jul 6 2009, 03:59 PM'][quote name='EmEl' post='66131' date='Jul 6 2009, 11:12 AM']I'm sure it's because fan websites (no matter how large the site or the ego of the owner) are just not generally viewed as legitimate media by large corporations--whether Japanese or American companies.[/quote]
That is understandable but also stupid and it makes me really mad. Morning Musume fandom in America has been ENTIRELY GRASSROOT. What "legitimate" media sites promoted the songs or girls over the last ten years? It is not like their songs play on US radios or is even accessible through itunes (well, now japanfiles). The vast majority of places in America do not get any Japanese tv play and even in places like LA, the chances you'll get to see MM on a re-broadcast, subtitled music show is close to nihl. It was always random fans sending each other songs, links to PVs and other media, and building up attention! It was the same individuals begging AX to bring mm to the convention on their damn forum! It is stupid and arrogant to close out the fans in this way but that is as much as I expected from Japan, given their attitude towards piracy. It is also not surprising after reading Tsunku's somewhat offensive and arrogant blog posts about American fans.
/rant over.
[/quote]
Morning Musume and other H!P acts have been on iTunes US for a good while now. Probably since 10nen Kinentai released their second single. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... lesson.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />
That is understandable but also stupid and it makes me really mad. Morning Musume fandom in America has been ENTIRELY GRASSROOT. What "legitimate" media sites promoted the songs or girls over the last ten years? It is not like their songs play on US radios or is even accessible through itunes (well, now japanfiles). The vast majority of places in America do not get any Japanese tv play and even in places like LA, the chances you'll get to see MM on a re-broadcast, subtitled music show is close to nihl. It was always random fans sending each other songs, links to PVs and other media, and building up attention! It was the same individuals begging AX to bring mm to the convention on their damn forum! It is stupid and arrogant to close out the fans in this way but that is as much as I expected from Japan, given their attitude towards piracy. It is also not surprising after reading Tsunku's somewhat offensive and arrogant blog posts about American fans.
/rant over.
[/quote]
Morning Musume and other H!P acts have been on iTunes US for a good while now. Probably since 10nen Kinentai released their second single. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... lesson.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='neshcom' post='66134' date='Jul 6 2009, 01:37 PM']Morning Musume and other H!P acts have been on iTunes US for a good while now. Probably since 10nen Kinentai released their second single. <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... lesson.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />[/quote]
Um, which just reinforces the point I made. There were Americans fans since their inception in 1998 and all of that was driven by individuals spreading the interest. So what if they were sold on itunes for their 10th anniversary in 2007? Did you hear that? 10th anniversary! By that point, I had already been through a decade of fandom and subsequent dislike, haha. Their global support was never driven (or largely even supported by) official media channels so way to shut down their primary audience (nerds on blogs and forums).
Um, which just reinforces the point I made. There were Americans fans since their inception in 1998 and all of that was driven by individuals spreading the interest. So what if they were sold on itunes for their 10th anniversary in 2007? Did you hear that? 10th anniversary! By that point, I had already been through a decade of fandom and subsequent dislike, haha. Their global support was never driven (or largely even supported by) official media channels so way to shut down their primary audience (nerds on blogs and forums).
Last edited by eri on Mon Jul 06, 2009 2:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: AX '09 reports
Just woke from a nap due to being sick and had my plane landed at 5 am this morning.
I didn't arrived to the hotel until 1 am Thursday morning and m brother thought it was cool to wake me up at 7 am. So, we waited in the huge line for registration for about a hour and thirty minutes. After that, we went our own ways and I went to opening ceremonies. Big mistake! Because right the end of opening ceremony, I went to the line for the dealer's room and I was in the back. When the door opens, we try to rush to get the booth, only to be beated by 200 people. After waiting for thirty minutes, I said screw it and went off the Q&A panel.
When I arrived at the Q&A, I had friends who had the right connections (aka JPH!P) who got me a seat in the first row on the right, near JunJun. Once they got to their seats, I waved at Junjun and Sayumi and they reacted back. After the Q&A, I got a ticket and then ran to the Merch booth to buy two CDs and then tried to find where the autograph session. Yes, I was part that huge crowd running all around dealer's hall, trying to where to go. Once we figured out, we lined up again, I had a ticket number in the 100s. About a hour later, I was able to get to meet them and get an autogldraph (some friend got my other CD signed because he had nothing to have the girls signed, he just wanted to meet them). When I was in line, Eri waved at me before I reached the table. This is what happened to each girl:
Ai: I wished her good luck for the next single.
Risa: Thought I was cute when I told Ai the message. I told Risa that I liked her, for fan support.
Eri: I didn't say much.
Reina: Didn't say much.
Sayumi: I told her how much I love her, for fan support. I also told her I was very nervous.
Koharu: Her stare was very creepy. But, after she signed m CD, we did the KohaPeace together.
Junjun and Linlin: After having them sign my CDs, I thanked them in Chinese. I told Junjun that I loved her, for fan support. During the Q&A, Junjun did her pose after seeing me doing her pose.
After the getting the autographs, I went to a panel and then went back to my room to eat, drink, and go to bed because I was almost dead.
So, when next day went ahead, I went to a few panels before getting my seat at Section B Row 18. I was suppose to sit next to a JPH!P member but he moved and got the end seat, which was the better deal because I am short and was surrounded by huge men. The concert was awesome, I wish I had more glow sticks because I only got the wrist bands and was so into the concert. After the concert, I just went to some more panels and then had dinner. I later attended the Hello! Party, surprised not see much people from JH!P and MMBBS (too cool to party?). I left that joint around 1 am and walked in LA by myself, conquering my father's fear.
Saturday and Sunday was horrible. I woke up Saturday feeling like crap, thought it was the usual. But by the time I went to the Tsunku panel, I was feeling like shit. (By the way, was that you Madara, writing down every question and answer that the panel had. If so, I wanted to meet you because I was 3 people behind you). I walked around a bit til I was so tired and need assistance of the paramedics. They took my temp and it was 103.8, they almost wanted to send me to the ER room. I went back to my hotel room, took some meds, and then took a long nap that made me miss the Power Rangers panel. I felt better and thought my fever broke a couple hours later, so I went to some panels and went to dinner with my bro at the ESPNZone. But after that, my fever came back and I was getting tired, so I went back to bed til next morning (sorry for missing the AEUG birthday party dinner).
Sunday was just me suffering from a fever and going shopping. What I bought at the con was a v-u-den single, Momusu single and album, ZARD memorial album, hitomi's PEACE album, C-zone single, two Tenchi Muyo laserdiscs, some plushies, and etc. After the con, I threw up my meds and didn't have any food or drinks on the plane due to the fear of throwing up. I am still sick and planning to go to the doctor tomorrow. Anyways, I had lots of fun until being sick. I wish that next year, it would better organized next year with the autographs and lines. And next year, budget to have free water jugs in selected rooms because I had no time for buying expensive water and a lot people were dehydrated.
I didn't arrived to the hotel until 1 am Thursday morning and m brother thought it was cool to wake me up at 7 am. So, we waited in the huge line for registration for about a hour and thirty minutes. After that, we went our own ways and I went to opening ceremonies. Big mistake! Because right the end of opening ceremony, I went to the line for the dealer's room and I was in the back. When the door opens, we try to rush to get the booth, only to be beated by 200 people. After waiting for thirty minutes, I said screw it and went off the Q&A panel.
When I arrived at the Q&A, I had friends who had the right connections (aka JPH!P) who got me a seat in the first row on the right, near JunJun. Once they got to their seats, I waved at Junjun and Sayumi and they reacted back. After the Q&A, I got a ticket and then ran to the Merch booth to buy two CDs and then tried to find where the autograph session. Yes, I was part that huge crowd running all around dealer's hall, trying to where to go. Once we figured out, we lined up again, I had a ticket number in the 100s. About a hour later, I was able to get to meet them and get an autogldraph (some friend got my other CD signed because he had nothing to have the girls signed, he just wanted to meet them). When I was in line, Eri waved at me before I reached the table. This is what happened to each girl:
Ai: I wished her good luck for the next single.
Risa: Thought I was cute when I told Ai the message. I told Risa that I liked her, for fan support.
Eri: I didn't say much.
Reina: Didn't say much.
Sayumi: I told her how much I love her, for fan support. I also told her I was very nervous.
Koharu: Her stare was very creepy. But, after she signed m CD, we did the KohaPeace together.
Junjun and Linlin: After having them sign my CDs, I thanked them in Chinese. I told Junjun that I loved her, for fan support. During the Q&A, Junjun did her pose after seeing me doing her pose.
After the getting the autographs, I went to a panel and then went back to my room to eat, drink, and go to bed because I was almost dead.
So, when next day went ahead, I went to a few panels before getting my seat at Section B Row 18. I was suppose to sit next to a JPH!P member but he moved and got the end seat, which was the better deal because I am short and was surrounded by huge men. The concert was awesome, I wish I had more glow sticks because I only got the wrist bands and was so into the concert. After the concert, I just went to some more panels and then had dinner. I later attended the Hello! Party, surprised not see much people from JH!P and MMBBS (too cool to party?). I left that joint around 1 am and walked in LA by myself, conquering my father's fear.
Saturday and Sunday was horrible. I woke up Saturday feeling like crap, thought it was the usual. But by the time I went to the Tsunku panel, I was feeling like shit. (By the way, was that you Madara, writing down every question and answer that the panel had. If so, I wanted to meet you because I was 3 people behind you). I walked around a bit til I was so tired and need assistance of the paramedics. They took my temp and it was 103.8, they almost wanted to send me to the ER room. I went back to my hotel room, took some meds, and then took a long nap that made me miss the Power Rangers panel. I felt better and thought my fever broke a couple hours later, so I went to some panels and went to dinner with my bro at the ESPNZone. But after that, my fever came back and I was getting tired, so I went back to bed til next morning (sorry for missing the AEUG birthday party dinner).
Sunday was just me suffering from a fever and going shopping. What I bought at the con was a v-u-den single, Momusu single and album, ZARD memorial album, hitomi's PEACE album, C-zone single, two Tenchi Muyo laserdiscs, some plushies, and etc. After the con, I threw up my meds and didn't have any food or drinks on the plane due to the fear of throwing up. I am still sick and planning to go to the doctor tomorrow. Anyways, I had lots of fun until being sick. I wish that next year, it would better organized next year with the autographs and lines. And next year, budget to have free water jugs in selected rooms because I had no time for buying expensive water and a lot people were dehydrated.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='mEri' post='66133' date='Jul 6 2009, 03:59 PM']It is also not surprising after reading Tsunku's somewhat offensive and arrogant blog posts about American fans.[/quote]
I didn't hear about these comments. What did he say?
I didn't hear about these comments. What did he say?
Jpope On Jpop! blog
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='JPope' post='66140' date='Jul 6 2009, 09:05 PM'][quote name='mEri' post='66133' date='Jul 6 2009, 03:59 PM']It is also not surprising after reading Tsunku's somewhat offensive and arrogant blog posts about American fans.[/quote]
I didn't hear about these comments. What did he say?
[/quote]
Nothing outright rude or really terrible. He just has that same same sort of mystified reaction that Japanese people have whenever non-Japanese grasp various aspects of the language and culture. His various posts about LA express continuous shock and bewilderment that Americans do things like, gasp, understand Japanese. Maybe others won't be bothered by it, but I find it super annoying. It carries a contradictory humility (ie. how can anyone be so interested in our little country?) with strong condescension/racism (why are gaijins doing our things - how weird and stupid. Japanese is the hardest language to learn but cute for trying).
But I still love Tsunku. He also blogged about seeing a Michael Jackson impersonator near Staples Center.
Edit: hope you feel better Ami.
Edit 2: Also, numerous Japanese GOH at AX have expressed similar sentiments and it always bugs the hell out of me.
Edit 3: Also, this insular attitude makes sense if Tsunku (and those running the company) want to shut out blogs/forums from the media panel in that they really could not imagine an American fan-base for a Japanese pop group.
I didn't hear about these comments. What did he say?
[/quote]
Nothing outright rude or really terrible. He just has that same same sort of mystified reaction that Japanese people have whenever non-Japanese grasp various aspects of the language and culture. His various posts about LA express continuous shock and bewilderment that Americans do things like, gasp, understand Japanese. Maybe others won't be bothered by it, but I find it super annoying. It carries a contradictory humility (ie. how can anyone be so interested in our little country?) with strong condescension/racism (why are gaijins doing our things - how weird and stupid. Japanese is the hardest language to learn but cute for trying).
But I still love Tsunku. He also blogged about seeing a Michael Jackson impersonator near Staples Center.
Edit: hope you feel better Ami.
Edit 2: Also, numerous Japanese GOH at AX have expressed similar sentiments and it always bugs the hell out of me.
Edit 3: Also, this insular attitude makes sense if Tsunku (and those running the company) want to shut out blogs/forums from the media panel in that they really could not imagine an American fan-base for a Japanese pop group.
Last edited by eri on Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: AX '09 reports
All these reports are really interesting, I enjoyed reading them and look forward to more as people start filtering back home again! It looks like most people had fun and overall good impressions of the girls, which I think is great.
A little publicity can go a long way, my own interest in the girls has gone down because of lack of exposure. Really a shame I wasn't able to make it out there to see them at least once, but this is the next best thing!
A little publicity can go a long way, my own interest in the girls has gone down because of lack of exposure. Really a shame I wasn't able to make it out there to see them at least once, but this is the next best thing!
Last edited by Tsuki on Mon Jul 06, 2009 11:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='Tsuki' post='66142' date='Jul 7 2009, 01:21 AM']my own interest in the girls has gone down because of lack of exposure. Really a shame I wasn't able to make it out there to see them at least once, but this is the next best thing![/quote]
It's really true that seeing them like this was a fandom boost. Seeing them live in concert and meeting them has really affected my thoughts on them. For example, my opinion of LinLin has risen dramatically just because of how warm she was towards the fans and how nice she really was when meeting her. She thanked me just for flipping the page of my book for her to autograph as though she were really flattered that I knew exactly what page she was on. After thanking her for coming to America, she seemed to be the one who was happy we came to see them.
I could probably say something similar that raised my opinion of each girl. Maybe I'll edit this later when I'm less tired to actually give my full thoughts, since I know in three months my senility will kick in.
It's really true that seeing them like this was a fandom boost. Seeing them live in concert and meeting them has really affected my thoughts on them. For example, my opinion of LinLin has risen dramatically just because of how warm she was towards the fans and how nice she really was when meeting her. She thanked me just for flipping the page of my book for her to autograph as though she were really flattered that I knew exactly what page she was on. After thanking her for coming to America, she seemed to be the one who was happy we came to see them.
I could probably say something similar that raised my opinion of each girl. Maybe I'll edit this later when I'm less tired to actually give my full thoughts, since I know in three months my senility will kick in.
What's the first thing you do when you return home after a concert?
LinLin: "I stop thinking and stare into nothingness."
Re: AX '09 reports
I loved the concert, I originally expected it to be somewhat watered down from a tour's setlist, so I wasn't really that disappointed (and now I want their new DVD like crazy) I just wish that they did "SONGS". Also when I looked at the time frame and knew that they had to talk about the PV winner, I didn't expect very much. All of the songs were great, I was shocked that they opened with Mikan, but it was very exciting live. Also, I really never cared for Sonovabicch Ikenai jan! but it was really enjoyable at the concert. That was the song I knew the least, but I still jumped and danced just as hard as the I did to the rest of the show. It was cute how Takahashi had her little PSA moment with the Ame no Furanai Hoshi dewa Aisenai Darou? intro about the world getting hotter. I thought for 3 seconds that it was going to lead to HELP! HELP! DANGEROUS EARTH, but I knew better. There's more English lines, so it's certain a USA friendly song.
Meeting the girls.
I wanted to give something cool to Yossi, but I was in line with nothing, then because it's so crazy there, they tell you to come back in 10 minutes. I see a calligraphy booth and get a great idea. So I go over there and pay the fee to use their ink and brush, and I quickly whip up a cute painting of hANGRY and I signed it in katakana. PERFECT. So I introduce myself to Yossi, shake her hand, she says my name and she signs my lunchbox H&A pass thingy. I'm a dork so I say goodbye the only way I could have "Sayonara See you Again Adios Bye Bye Cha Cha!"
Yossi: *waves* Cha Cha! (So even if I came as a hANGRY fan, she knows that I'm a Yossi fan.)
My signed item was the Platinum 9 Disco tour booklet. This was a really cool book and I was shocked by how high quality the images were. Also I loved that the solo shots spelled PLATINUM9 with each girl's glowstick color.
Reina: I tell her how much I loved Take off is now! and that she's cool and I thank her.
Lin Lin: I very excitedly say hi and I thank her. I wish I said more, since she understands the most.
Takahashi: I told her that she was a great leader and my first CD was the 2003 shuffle and I loved her in 7 Air.
Eri: I told her that I really liked her solo song on the album. She was happy to hear it.
Risa: Once again a Take off is now comment, and I mentioned that HOW DO YOU LIKE JAPAN was my favorite part of the concert. She was really friendly.
Aika: I very excitedly say AIKA! and that's about it. Well, I thanked her.
Sayumi: I said hi to her and I told her that I liked "It's You" and that she did a good job with her solo.
Koharu: For some reason, words almost escaped me when I got to her, and I said "Koha" and now I'm thinking she thought of it as a pun on OHA~! because she said it back and waved. I told her that I really liked Rainbow Pink and she made a gesture to Sayumi (pointing out the fact that the "rainbow pink girls" were placed next to each other) we laughed and I thanked her.
Jun Jun: I thanked her for coming to America and I told her that she was cute.
Mean guard women DID NOT ruin my モーment. Best vacation ever.
LOL @ Sayumi peeking through the curtain after the signing when fans started singing Happy Birthday for her.
Hey, Tsunku has AX 09 reports too!
(and as I noticed during his panel, Tsunku says the c/w title wrong)
BREAKIN' OUT 3 2 1
There's about 10 different LA related entries, too bad most of the pics are really blurry.
Meeting the girls.
I wanted to give something cool to Yossi, but I was in line with nothing, then because it's so crazy there, they tell you to come back in 10 minutes. I see a calligraphy booth and get a great idea. So I go over there and pay the fee to use their ink and brush, and I quickly whip up a cute painting of hANGRY and I signed it in katakana. PERFECT. So I introduce myself to Yossi, shake her hand, she says my name and she signs my lunchbox H&A pass thingy. I'm a dork so I say goodbye the only way I could have "Sayonara See you Again Adios Bye Bye Cha Cha!"
Yossi: *waves* Cha Cha! (So even if I came as a hANGRY fan, she knows that I'm a Yossi fan.)
My signed item was the Platinum 9 Disco tour booklet. This was a really cool book and I was shocked by how high quality the images were. Also I loved that the solo shots spelled PLATINUM9 with each girl's glowstick color.
Reina: I tell her how much I loved Take off is now! and that she's cool and I thank her.
Lin Lin: I very excitedly say hi and I thank her. I wish I said more, since she understands the most.
Takahashi: I told her that she was a great leader and my first CD was the 2003 shuffle and I loved her in 7 Air.
Eri: I told her that I really liked her solo song on the album. She was happy to hear it.
Risa: Once again a Take off is now comment, and I mentioned that HOW DO YOU LIKE JAPAN was my favorite part of the concert. She was really friendly.
Aika: I very excitedly say AIKA! and that's about it. Well, I thanked her.
Sayumi: I said hi to her and I told her that I liked "It's You" and that she did a good job with her solo.
Koharu: For some reason, words almost escaped me when I got to her, and I said "Koha" and now I'm thinking she thought of it as a pun on OHA~! because she said it back and waved. I told her that I really liked Rainbow Pink and she made a gesture to Sayumi (pointing out the fact that the "rainbow pink girls" were placed next to each other) we laughed and I thanked her.
Jun Jun: I thanked her for coming to America and I told her that she was cute.
Mean guard women DID NOT ruin my モーment. Best vacation ever.
LOL @ Sayumi peeking through the curtain after the signing when fans started singing Happy Birthday for her.
Hey, Tsunku has AX 09 reports too!
(and as I noticed during his panel, Tsunku says the c/w title wrong)
BREAKIN' OUT 3 2 1
There's about 10 different LA related entries, too bad most of the pics are really blurry.
Last edited by Pucchi-Mo on Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Delivering bad puns and deciphering
Tsunku's madness for ten whole years!
You're welcome.
Tsunku's madness for ten whole years!
You're welcome.
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AEUGNewtype
- ANGERME
- Posts: 1296
- Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2006 5:06 pm
Re: AX '09 reports
GOD DAMN IT. The pictures of the Q&A panel at Tsunku's blog BOTH cut off literally about a foot from having myself and Madara in the picture. You can actually see Madara's paper in the one shot, but not him, and in the shot showing people's heads, we would've been just to the left of the frame. Aw, hell.
I'll have to write a much longer post later, but this was easily the best vacation ever, but MM actually became one of the least impressive parts of the trip by the last 2 days. Hanging out with people and some of the other idol events overshadowed my contact with MM.
I'll have to write a much longer post later, but this was easily the best vacation ever, but MM actually became one of the least impressive parts of the trip by the last 2 days. Hanging out with people and some of the other idol events overshadowed my contact with MM.
Last edited by AEUGNewtype on Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='TightWetPucchi' post='66146' date='Jul 7 2009, 11:35 AM']Hey, Tsunku has AX 09 reports too!
(and as I noticed during his panel, Tsunku says the c/w title wrong)
BREAKIN' OUT 3 2 1[/quote]
Proof that he pays too much attention to TNX to concentrate on his own Hello! Project songs! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... ek3run.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />
(and as I noticed during his panel, Tsunku says the c/w title wrong)
BREAKIN' OUT 3 2 1[/quote]
Proof that he pays too much attention to TNX to concentrate on his own Hello! Project songs! <img src='http://mm-bbs.org/public/style_emoticon ... ek3run.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cryalot:' />
What's the first thing you do when you return home after a concert?
LinLin: "I stop thinking and stare into nothingness."
Re: AX '09 reports
I'm still at the hotel. (I stayed a few days to visit family and friends. I'm going to Warner Bros. and Universal Studios later today.)
The big news is-- I got an interview (20 min.) with MM, and one with Yossi, too. I posed for a photo with MM and I got the okay to post it here. Sadude has it and I notified him about the okay. (I don't know how to post it myself. The digital camera is still new to me.)
What a wild ride it's been. I'll do a longer post when I get back home. (I'm using a hotel computer in the basement and I have to type fast because it costs $7.25 for 15 min.) But those 20 min. with MM are probably the greatest 20 min. of my life. Those girls are just so...magical in person.
The concert was fantastic. I sat in the first row, corner seat, of the B section, so I got a good side angle of the stage and it was sufficient to truly enjoy it and revel in it. I had planned not to wave a glowstick, but the guy next to me gave me one and I couldn't not do it.
I met about 15 of you and it was great to do so, but I'm disappointed that there were so many of you there I didn't meet. (Yes, Aisasami, that was me furiously scribbling notes on line at the Tsunku panel.) Where WERE you guys???
Anyway, I've gotta go up and check out. But I just wanted to drop in and do a quick post.
All in all it was one of the greatest things I've ever done.
The big news is-- I got an interview (20 min.) with MM, and one with Yossi, too. I posed for a photo with MM and I got the okay to post it here. Sadude has it and I notified him about the okay. (I don't know how to post it myself. The digital camera is still new to me.)
What a wild ride it's been. I'll do a longer post when I get back home. (I'm using a hotel computer in the basement and I have to type fast because it costs $7.25 for 15 min.) But those 20 min. with MM are probably the greatest 20 min. of my life. Those girls are just so...magical in person.
The concert was fantastic. I sat in the first row, corner seat, of the B section, so I got a good side angle of the stage and it was sufficient to truly enjoy it and revel in it. I had planned not to wave a glowstick, but the guy next to me gave me one and I couldn't not do it.
I met about 15 of you and it was great to do so, but I'm disappointed that there were so many of you there I didn't meet. (Yes, Aisasami, that was me furiously scribbling notes on line at the Tsunku panel.) Where WERE you guys???
Anyway, I've gotta go up and check out. But I just wanted to drop in and do a quick post.
All in all it was one of the greatest things I've ever done.
Last edited by Madara on Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Maki Kanatsu
- つばきファクトリー
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:03 pm
Re: AX '09 reports
I was at the meet and greet breakfast aaand I'll type more later, but I'm too lazy. Hopefully I don't forget too much. But! Sayumi said my head band was cute...TWICE. Ooohohoho~~ That made my week 8D
Maki's Livejournal :: Adventures in Sweden 2008-2009
"nice moustache, Trap!" AAAAHAHAHA
Kaworu: do you guys roll your rs when you have oral sex? O_o
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MoMusumefan21
- Kenshuusei
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:15 pm
Re: AX '09 reports
[quote name='Madara' post='66169' date='Jul 8 2009, 12:45 PM']I'm still at the hotel. (I stayed a few days to visit family and friends. I'm going to Warner Bros. and Universal Studios later today.)
The big news is-- I got an interview (20 min.) with MM, and one with Yossi, too. I posed for a photo with MM and I got the okay to post it here. Sadude has it and I notified him about the okay. (I don't know how to post it myself. The digital camera is still new to me.)
What a wild ride it's been. I'll do a longer post when I get back home. (I'm using a hotel computer in the basement and I have to type fast because it costs $7.25 for 15 min.) But those 20 min. with MM are probably the greatest 20 min. of my life. Those girls are just so...magical in person.
The concert was fantastic. I sat in the first row, corner seat, of the B section, so I got a good side angle of the stage and it was sufficient to truly enjoy it and revel in it. I had planned not to wave a glowstick, but the guy next to me gave me one and I couldn't not do it.
I met about 15 of you and it was great to do so, but I'm disappointed that there were so many of you there I didn't meet. (Yes, Aisasami, that was me furiously scribbling notes on line at the Tsunku panel.) Where WERE you guys???
Anyway, I've gotta go up and check out. But I just wanted to drop in and do a quick post.
All in all it was one of the greatest things I've ever done.[/quote]
Looking forward to this glorious interview! I mean, just meeting Hitomi would have been enough for me!
The big news is-- I got an interview (20 min.) with MM, and one with Yossi, too. I posed for a photo with MM and I got the okay to post it here. Sadude has it and I notified him about the okay. (I don't know how to post it myself. The digital camera is still new to me.)
What a wild ride it's been. I'll do a longer post when I get back home. (I'm using a hotel computer in the basement and I have to type fast because it costs $7.25 for 15 min.) But those 20 min. with MM are probably the greatest 20 min. of my life. Those girls are just so...magical in person.
The concert was fantastic. I sat in the first row, corner seat, of the B section, so I got a good side angle of the stage and it was sufficient to truly enjoy it and revel in it. I had planned not to wave a glowstick, but the guy next to me gave me one and I couldn't not do it.
I met about 15 of you and it was great to do so, but I'm disappointed that there were so many of you there I didn't meet. (Yes, Aisasami, that was me furiously scribbling notes on line at the Tsunku panel.) Where WERE you guys???
Anyway, I've gotta go up and check out. But I just wanted to drop in and do a quick post.
All in all it was one of the greatest things I've ever done.[/quote]
Looking forward to this glorious interview! I mean, just meeting Hitomi would have been enough for me!