Oh! It's so helpful! I never notice air ticket coupons
in the Entertainment book after flipping over it for
so many times! I read the rules on the coupon, so I
search the flight online and then call the
reservations to redeem the coupon? How exactly you did
it?

chie

--- xane <pastelflower@...> wrote:

> I just responded to "omg cheap tickets" in
> never_cage at LJ, but
> thought it might be useful here:
>
> I have a suggestion! If you/parents/friends have one
> of those
> Entertainment Passbooks from
> http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml,
> they have coupons
> for some airlines and hotels in the back! I just
> made my plane
> reservations through United Airlines and used a $50
> coupon, so my
> airfare is UNDER $300! :D
>
> I also sent off for tourist information through the
> San Jose Chamber
> of Commerce and it just arrived today. You can mail
> in for a "Discover
> Downtown San Jose" card for free with a
> self-addressed stamped
> envelope. It's good for discounts at various food
> places. A couple of
> examples are 10% off a pizza place or a free 6"
> Subway sandwich with a
> purchase of a 6" sub and medium drink. It could
> definitely come in
> handy and save some more money! Here's the link:
>
> http://sjdowntown.com/discover/get.html
>
> Hope that's helpful to someone. XD
> ~xane

__________________________________________________
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I just responded to "omg cheap tickets" in never_cage at LJ, but
thought it might be useful here:

I have a suggestion! If you/parents/friends have one of those
Entertainment Passbooks from
http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml, they have coupons
for some airlines and hotels in the back! I just made my plane
reservations through United Airlines and used a $50 coupon, so my
airfare is UNDER $300! :D

I also sent off for tourist information through the San Jose Chamber
of Commerce and it just arrived today. You can mail in for a "Discover
Downtown San Jose" card for free with a self-addressed stamped
envelope. It's good for discounts at various food places. A couple of
examples are 10% off a pizza place or a free 6" Subway sandwich with a
purchase of a 6" sub and medium drink. It could definitely come in
handy and save some more money! Here's the link:

http://sjdowntown.com/discover/get.html

Hope that's helpful to someone. XD
~xane

I see. Maybe they changed management? we never know.
Now you reminded me I actually still have one CD in
their office, but I don't have spare money to get them
send it, I guess I'll let it stay with them for
another month or two.

chie

--- Lydia <icplyd@...> wrote:

> I used Akibado for a couple of years, and they were
> very good to me. However in the past six-eight
> months
> their service has just been straight terrible. My
> current payment to them is in limbo, they don't
> return
> my emails, and my stuff is just sitting at their
> office, I guess. I don't know what's going on cause
> they never reply, so it looks like I'll be putting a
> tracer on my payment. After I'm finished getting my
> stuff from them, I won't be using them again.
>
> Lydia
>
> --- Kuroloki Roku <schizo_hotaru@...> wrote:
>
> > Wow, I didn't know Akibado was that bad O.o no
> > wonder
> > I never hear about anyone using them.  The most
> > popular ones I hear of are Crescent Shop, Celga,
> and
> > Rinkya, although I've heard that Celga will refuse
> > to
> > do business with you simply if you say something
> > bold
> > or rude-sounding to them O.o
> >
> > --Roku
> >
> > --- Chie <ciliegia_cherry@...> wrote:
> >
> > > They refunded me but they didn't sound like they
> > are
> > > really sorry. I was already mad at them about
> they
> > > poor service from the beginning. They almost
> never
> > > reply my questions, then shipping request. the
> > first
> > > time they seem ignored it, the second time they
> > > started to look for the package but didn't email
> > me,
> > > then the 3rd time they finally said they think
> > they
> > > lost it.
> > >
> > > Then for Lareine Tribute CD I gave them all the
> > info
> > > even scan of the actual ad from Shoxx, they had
> me
> > > paid and then no idea where to get it. I ended
> up
> > > looking up every CD shop link for them but they
> > > didn't
> > > even thank me for it. It's like you charged me
> > > service
> > > charge, isn't it your job to look up places to
> get
> > > my
> > > stuff? So I was very mad at them. Just so you
> > know,
> > > it
> > > is Akibado.
> > >
> > > > oh, that really sucks.  *and* you had to pay
> for
> > > it
> > > > and they wouldn't
> > > > refund your money??  so what shopping service
> do
> > > you
> > > > use, anyway?
> > > >
> > > > geikou
> > >
> > >
> __________________________________________________
> > > Do You Yahoo!?
> > > Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > > protection around
> > > http://mail.yahoo.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> itoshii_hanatachi-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > protection around
> > http://mail.yahoo.com
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
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> protection around
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>


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I used Akibado for a couple of years, and they were
very good to me. However in the past six-eight months
their service has just been straight terrible. My
current payment to them is in limbo, they don't return
my emails, and my stuff is just sitting at their
office, I guess. I don't know what's going on cause
they never reply, so it looks like I'll be putting a
tracer on my payment. After I'm finished getting my
stuff from them, I won't be using them again.

Lydia

--- Kuroloki Roku <schizo_hotaru@...> wrote:

> Wow, I didn't know Akibado was that bad O.o no
> wonder
> I never hear about anyone using them.  The most
> popular ones I hear of are Crescent Shop, Celga, and
> Rinkya, although I've heard that Celga will refuse
> to
> do business with you simply if you say something
> bold
> or rude-sounding to them O.o
>
> --Roku
>
> --- Chie <ciliegia_cherry@...> wrote:
>
> > They refunded me but they didn't sound like they
> are
> > really sorry. I was already mad at them about they
> > poor service from the beginning. They almost never
> > reply my questions, then shipping request. the
> first
> > time they seem ignored it, the second time they
> > started to look for the package but didn't email
> me,
> > then the 3rd time they finally said they think
> they
> > lost it.
> >
> > Then for Lareine Tribute CD I gave them all the
> info
> > even scan of the actual ad from Shoxx, they had me
> > paid and then no idea where to get it. I ended up
> > looking up every CD shop link for them but they
> > didn't
> > even thank me for it. It's like you charged me
> > service
> > charge, isn't it your job to look up places to get
> > my
> > stuff? So I was very mad at them. Just so you
> know,
> > it
> > is Akibado.
> >
> > > oh, that really sucks.  *and* you had to pay for
> > it
> > > and they wouldn't
> > > refund your money??  so what shopping service do
> > you
> > > use, anyway?
> > >
> > > geikou
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> > protection around
> > http://mail.yahoo.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >     itoshii_hanatachi-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
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>


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> > does everyone have a cell phone?  we're going to
> need some way to meet
> > up with each other or get in touch if we miss each
> other. ^^;

Yes, I have a cell phone, and I just got the internet
feature fixed so we can go online on it if we need to.


Geikou>>
No problem, I'll bring extra blue rose. I found a
silver sheer ribbon in my room and it happens to look
good on the roses. ^^ (the sequel lyrics?? ^^||)

> Well, the room has two beds but the hotel will allow
> up to four people in it
> (that the hotel knows about - I've heard crazy con
> stories about people
> sleeping on window sills and in bathtubs). XD If
> more than one person wants
> to stay with me, everyone would have to agree on
> sleeping arrangements beforehand. @_@

Cons is really a time to test people's cooperation,
just imagine my cousin and I almost had to share a
room with 10 random people in Oni-con. ^^|||| So
sleeping arrangement isn't a problem, as long as you
can make sure I get up at the agreed time, I don't
care sleeping in chair or bathtub. Oh and I annoyed
the Hilton and Fanime reservation staff on the phone
about getting employee discount for working in Hilton
U of H (oh yeah, and I'm hotel major!). They told me
they don't know but seems yes, I'll have to show up at
the hotel front desk and ask. Marriot is under Hilton,
since you are the one who booked the room maybe we can
pretend relatives or something, see if they'll give us
discount on top of blocked room rate. It won't hurt to
ask.

Papa is in a good mood and didn't give me a face when
I told him "I need the log in thing for checking
mailege. I'am going to San Jose for a few days."!!
*^O^* So I'm going!! YESSSSS! So after confirm my trip
plan to papa, I'll be booking ticket!! I'm going to
shop for a nice dress for photo session tomorrow!

> > i hear from someone local to the area that the bay
> area's public transportation is pretty good.  (set >
up with commuters in mind.)  even
> > without hotel shuttles, i'm sure we can manage.
> personally, i'm not sure what i'm going to do yet.

I spent 4 hours reseraching this and that this evening
and called the hotels. I figured out we don't need
taxi or shuttle buses, simply Airport shuttle +
Caltrain + Light Rail will bring us to Convention
Center, if the airport-Caltrain buses is free, then it
should only cost about $4. Don't worry, I'll get the
systems maps printed out before university closed, so
that I can well use the free colour printing provided
for this semester!

> if it's like the non-oneman lives that new sodmy
> had, it'll probably
> > be 4 or 5.  i have no idea how much time they have
> allocated for this
> > event, though. ^^;  i'd love for him to do
> "fleur", but since he's by
> > himself, i doubt he'd do that repetition of the
> one line that they
> > normally do for lives.  plus, i'm sure there won't
> be many people
> > there who know the lyrics or can even just pick up
> the one line. ^^;

Yes, I wish he will sing Fleur too, maybe saikai no
hana too, maybe a part of Lillie Charlotte since I
would like to hear it live.

chie

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On 4/13/06, Geikou Chen <rook49_1999@...> wrote:
>
> @ everyone-
> does everyone have a cell phone?  we're going to need some way to meet
> up with each other or get in touch if we miss each other. ^^;


I only have a prepaid cell phone. I'm not sure if it will work in CA or if
it would be long distance for me/other people, but I'm definitely calling to
find out.


> i can't speak for xane, but i assume that's why she got a room for
> four. ^^  me, i still don't know what i'm doing.  after seeing plane
> ticket prices, i'm actually leaning towards staying with my friend's
> sister if i can (she's moving to san jose next week) to save even
> more.  but if we do end up with a group of more than four, definitely
> don't worry about me.  i have options for accomodations for sure.  and
> you'll bring extra blue roses?  that would be wonderful!  please do!
> thank you and yoroshiku!


Well, the room has two beds but the hotel will allow up to four people in it
(that the hotel knows about - I've heard crazy con stories about people
sleeping on window sills and in bathtubs). XD If more than one person wants
to stay with me, everyone would have to agree on sleeping arrangements
beforehand. @_@


> i hear from someone local to the area that the bay area's public
>
transportation is pretty good.  (set up with commuters in mind.)  even
> without hotel shuttles, i'm sure we can manage.  personally, i'm not
> sure what i'm going to do yet.


Just make sure they have a bus line that stops by the airport before you go.
XD

i do wonder why they're not coming.  but we can hope that maybe in the
> future... ^^  as for my plane tickets, i looked at them yesterday.
> ouch, the cheapest ones from atlanta to sf were ~$380 with taxes.  i
> haven't looked at flying into sj yet.


I think this is a feeler to see what kind of a response he gets, to see if
it would be worth bringing the entire band over for a full concert. They did
that with Phantasmagoria. Riku and Kisaki were at AX and the next year the
entire band performed. Kamijo one-upped them; he gets to perform at his
first appearance. :D That's one reason I hope a bunch of people show up -
with roses in hand! If everything goes well, maybe Lareine can come play
somewhere in the US next year as an entire band!


> ooh, photo sets.  i hadn't thought about that.  the cd i'm thinking of
> bringing for sure is "imperial concerto".  there's a nice place on the
> back of the jacket for autographs.  i'll probably bring a silver
> sharpie just in case he only has black ones too. ^^  (you know, it
> took me forever to notice that the flowers were the rose, lily, and
> margaret. ^^;)


That was one of the first things I noticed. I thought it was really sad they
used that for just the three of them. No drummer. ;_;


if it's like the non-oneman lives that new sodmy had, it'll probably
> be 4 or 5.  i have no idea how much time they have allocated for this
> event, though. ^^;  i'd love for him to do "fleur", but since he's by
> himself, i doubt he'd do that repetition of the one line that they
> normally do for lives.  plus, i'm sure there won't be many people
> there who know the lyrics or can even just pick up the one line. ^^;

I'd love to hear him do Fleur, even if there aren't enough people to sing
back to him. I hope he does a mix of old-new songs and not just all newer
ones.

> that would certainly work for me, as long as it's a reasonable price.
> ^^  i wonder if it's fanime who's running the live or if someone else
> is in charge of it.

It seems like it would ultimately be Fanime, since they're providing the
space and the staff.
~xane


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've been shopping at Third Stage online for 4 years,
they are very nice. I got message CDs and autographs
from ordering Lareine CD from them too. And if I email
them about will they carry this and that, they will
quickly make it available online for pre-order. Lately
I've been ordering large orders with friends, that
helps me raise shopping points for discount too.

chie
> ah, i see.  well, for indies store shopping...you
> know that third
> stage ships overseas, right?  so does cdjapan, and
> they even take
> credit card (although they of course don't have
> indies shop bonus
> cds).  that won't help with fanclubs, but you can
> buy cds and dvds at
> least.  i think i actually bought something from
> cdjapan many years
> ago when they were much different.  recently, i just
> purchased from
> third stage for the first time; it was a pretty
> large order, and there
> weren't any problems.  they even said that they will
> look for items
> that aren't listed on their website for me.  i will
> be testing that
> shortly.
>
> geikou

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> Oh, it's some companies that do Yahoo Japan biddings
> and shop at stores or website that don't take oversea
> orders for a certain fee. You know, not everybody has
> connection in Japan to help them get stuff. Some of
> those companies even join fan club for a fee, that's
> how my friend get into Gazette fan club in Hong Kong.

ah, i see.  well, for indies store shopping...you know that third
stage ships overseas, right?  so does cdjapan, and they even take
credit card (although they of course don't have indies shop bonus
cds).  that won't help with fanclubs, but you can buy cds and dvds at
least.  i think i actually bought something from cdjapan many years
ago when they were much different.  recently, i just purchased from
third stage for the first time; it was a pretty large order, and there
weren't any problems.  they even said that they will look for items
that aren't listed on their website for me.  i will be testing that
shortly.

geikou

Oh, it's some companies that do Yahoo Japan biddings
and shop at stores or website that don't take oversea
orders for a certain fee. You know, not everybody has
connection in Japan to help them get stuff. Some of
those companies even join fan club for a fee, that's
how my friend get into Gazette fan club in Hong Kong.

chie

> hm, i don't quite understand exactly what this
> service is.  it's
> different from an indies shop like third stage,
> right?  they do
> special orders or something?
>
> geikou

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> This is scaring me. XD I was planning on getting in line for Kamijo at
> around 3...it looks like I should probably plan on noon (or earlier!)
> instead. XD

just from personal experience...i had no trouble getting into koda
kumi's live without lining up that early (i don't remember when i did,
but it certainly was less than an hour ahead of time), and she's
pretty popular, especially at an anime/game con, being that she did
music for ffx-2.  now, getting in the front row without some sort of
fan service guarantee would definitely be a different matter.  i just
have no idea how popular the lives are going to be and what kind of
crowd there's going to be at fanime con. -_-;  and of course, everyone
has different anecdotes, so it's always hard to say.  i suppose it's
better safe than sorry, though! ^^;

geikou

> People say Rinka is evil or something. Now I stick
> with Crescent shop, they seem really nice, and
> personally I think I have more luck using their
> service getting Lareine and MM stuff. I'm not going to
> commend too early since I'm not going to request my
> first shipment until end of April.

hm, i don't quite understand exactly what this service is.  it's
different from an indies shop like third stage, right?  they do
special orders or something?

geikou

People say Rinka is evil or something. Now I stick
with Crescent shop, they seem really nice, and
personally I think I have more luck using their
service getting Lareine and MM stuff. I'm not going to
commend too early since I'm not going to request my
first shipment until end of April.

chie
--- Kuroloki Roku <schizo_hotaru@...> wrote:

> Wow, I didn't know Akibado was that bad O.o no
> wonder
> I never hear about anyone using them.  The most
> popular ones I hear of are Crescent Shop, Celga, and
> Rinkya, although I've heard that Celga will refuse
> to
> do business with you simply if you say something
> bold
> or rude-sounding to them O.o
>
> --Roku

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*gasp* You have a good point!! I totally didn't think
of that!

Maybe it is a good idea to just ask him in person XD

--Roku

PS Even though its in a different topic, thanks xane
for the flying tips!!



--- Geikou Chen <rook49_1999@...> wrote:

> heh, i'll do this one first since it's quick.
>
> > > Yeah, that muttering in Doukeshi no Bukyoku
> really
> > > stumps me.  Maybe he's saying "Code R" kind of
> > > quickly??
> >
> > that was about what i thought too, but i just
> can't tell.  and it's
> > hard to read his lips in the pv.  but you know
> what?  knowing that new
> > news, well, we can just ask him when we see him at
> fanimecon. ^_~
>
> eh, replying to myself, but i was listening to
> "doukeshi no bukyoku"
> this morning when i realized that the whispering
> seems to consist of
> four distinct words (i.e. not just "code r"
> repeated).  i haven't
> learned the lyrics yet, but i've glanced at them,
> and it occurred to
> me that they mention a countdown several times.  i
> wonder if the
> whispering is 4 to 1 or 3 to 0 in some language that
> i can't figure
> out.  german seems closest, but it's not quite
> right.  anyway, i'll
> just have to remember to ask at the con. ^^;
>
> geikou
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     itoshii_hanatachi-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
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Wow, I didn't know Akibado was that bad O.o no wonder
I never hear about anyone using them.  The most
popular ones I hear of are Crescent Shop, Celga, and
Rinkya, although I've heard that Celga will refuse to
do business with you simply if you say something bold
or rude-sounding to them O.o

--Roku

--- Chie <ciliegia_cherry@...> wrote:

> They refunded me but they didn't sound like they are
> really sorry. I was already mad at them about they
> poor service from the beginning. They almost never
> reply my questions, then shipping request. the first
> time they seem ignored it, the second time they
> started to look for the package but didn't email me,
> then the 3rd time they finally said they think they
> lost it.
>
> Then for Lareine Tribute CD I gave them all the info
> even scan of the actual ad from Shoxx, they had me
> paid and then no idea where to get it. I ended up
> looking up every CD shop link for them but they
> didn't
> even thank me for it. It's like you charged me
> service
> charge, isn't it your job to look up places to get
> my
> stuff? So I was very mad at them. Just so you know,
> it
> is Akibado.
>
> > oh, that really sucks.  *and* you had to pay for
> it
> > and they wouldn't
> > refund your money??  so what shopping service do
> you
> > use, anyway?
> >
> > geikou
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
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>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     itoshii_hanatachi-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>


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They refunded me but they didn't sound like they are
really sorry. I was already mad at them about they
poor service from the beginning. They almost never
reply my questions, then shipping request. the first
time they seem ignored it, the second time they
started to look for the package but didn't email me,
then the 3rd time they finally said they think they
lost it.

Then for Lareine Tribute CD I gave them all the info
even scan of the actual ad from Shoxx, they had me
paid and then no idea where to get it. I ended up
looking up every CD shop link for them but they didn't
even thank me for it. It's like you charged me service
charge, isn't it your job to look up places to get my
stuff? So I was very mad at them. Just so you know, it
is Akibado.

> oh, that really sucks.  *and* you had to pay for it
> and they wouldn't
> refund your money??  so what shopping service do you
> use, anyway?
>
> geikou

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On 4/13/06, Kuroloki Roku <schizo_hotaru@...> wrote:
>
> Somehow a bunch of you guys replied to stuff that
> wasn't in my inbox o.o...so I hope I don't miss
> anything in my reply :x
>
> If I go, I'm already planning on waiting in line for
> the concert as early as fanime will allow.  I had to
> wait like 2-3 hours to see SID and that long or longer
> to see Duel Jewel, so I'm definitely willing to wait
> an entire day for Kamijo :D  I was in the second
> clique from the front of the line for SID...of course
> the staff decided to open doors at the middle of the
> line, but it wasn't so bad.


This is scaring me. XD I was planning on getting in line for Kamijo at
around 3...it looks like I should probably plan on noon (or earlier!)
instead. XD


One thing Jpophouse was doing for SID was charging for
> VIP passes to guarantee loyal fans a spot in the
> front.  It was closed off by a line separator so that
> non-paying fans couldn't sneak into the crowd.  I
> personally wouldn't mind, and would in fact prefer, if
> Fanime let them do this for Kamijo.


I'd prefer that, too. Especially if it would mean I didn't have to get in
line super-early! I wanted to make it to the Super Dollfie meeting. My poor
heads are still body-less and I'd really like to see one in real life all
put together. XD


Last I checked, air fair from Chicago to San Jose and
> back was under $300.  You guys are beginning to scare
> me with these higher prices D:!! People have been
> telling me to book my flight ASAP because it falls on
> a holiday weekend.  I guess I'll have to or I might
> not be able to go after all!!


I've also heard on the news that airfares will be raised "soon" because of
the higher gas prices (they didn't say how soon). Right now, prices from the
midwest only go over $300 if you want to fly nonstop with no layovers. Also,
keep in mind that there will be a booking fee and taxes on your airfare. My
"real" flight price is $242, but the total is $304 with the extra fees.
Expedia.com <http://expedia.com/> gives you the full price up front and on
Orbitz.com <http://orbitz.com/>, you have to look at the "total" price.

I looked up the price for roundtrip from Chicago to San Jose and you're
right! Your price for a flight with a layover would be $242 total, with
fees. ;_; Why is Texas more!? ;_;

You always should make flight arrangements ASAP. Airline tickets always go
up closer to your departure date and will never go down; there's no chance
of finding a better rate in the future. :(



> Hey! Actually, this topic might help you guys.  I've
> received some good flying tips here. PLEASE VISIT IT!!
>
> http://community.livejournal.com/thequestionclub/10602115.html
>
> --Roku


I looked! I can't reply there because I'm not a member of the community, so
here you go: ^^;

I definitely agree with taking carry-on luggage only, if you can. I've never
had my luggage lost, but it cuts down on the extra time/frustration of
finding the baggage claim and waiting for your luggage to come out. (The
hotels at the convention all provide irons and ironing boards, so you don't
have to worry about cramming your clothes into a small bag. I would suggest
bringing a small spray bottle for ironing, though.) You can call the airline
at the airport you're thinking about flying from and they can tell you the
maximum size and weight your carryon(s) can be.

I do the list thing, too. I never would have thought to recommend that to
other people; I figured I was just overly paranoid. XD

You can find reasonably priced luggage ID tags, locks, colorful straps for
easy identification, etc. in the travel section of chain stores like
Wal-Mart.

As for lost luggage, your home/renters insurance might cover the loss or you
can always check into travel insurance. I looked up travel insurance quotes
for my own trip (airfare only, no hotel) and the cost would be $24-$40,
depending on which company and package I wanted to go with. A basic travel
insurance plan should include compensation for lost luggage and refunds for
cancelled trips. You'd just have to call around for details and quotes.

Make sure you write down the name and number of the taxi/shuttle service
you're using and quarters for a pay phone, just in case (a taxi service once
forgot about me in Detroit ^^;). You also want to make sure to take your
health insurance card with you.

If you do check a bag, make sure you keep important items like plane
tickets, medications, phone numbers, documents, and anything you want to be
sure not to lose, in your carryon. Don't take anything really valuable that
you can't afford to have lost/stolen.

That's all I can think of right now. :)

~xane


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

okay, first:

@ inertia-
you're aliiiive! \(^o^)/  did you get my email?  i would write this
privately, but since i know you're still checking this list at
least... ^^;  i hope you can make it to fanime con (you're crazy!
^o^), but either way, i really would like to at least pay you back
sometime.  please email me. (_ _);

@ everyone-
does everyone have a cell phone?  we're going to need some way to meet
up with each other or get in touch if we miss each other. ^^;

all right, on to the replies:

chie:

> Yeah, I'm from Hosuton. I'm planning to get 1 more job
> so that I can cover the Fanime expenses if I can make
> it. And I can share room with you or Xane if I can go
> ne? Um~ I have 8 blue roses at home. You can have one
> for Fanime. *^^*

i can't speak for xane, but i assume that's why she got a room for
four. ^^  me, i still don't know what i'm doing.  after seeing plane
ticket prices, i'm actually leaning towards staying with my friend's
sister if i can (she's moving to san jose next week) to save even
more.  but if we do end up with a group of more than four, definitely
don't worry about me.  i have options for accomodations for sure.  and
you'll bring extra blue roses?  that would be wonderful!  please do!
thank you and yoroshiku!

> Say, I get off the plane and on my way to where I
> stay, do we have any shuttles from the airport to
> Fanime?

i hear from someone local to the area that the bay area's public
transportation is pretty good.  (set up with commuters in mind.)  even
without hotel shuttles, i'm sure we can manage.  personally, i'm not
sure what i'm going to do yet.

> I found $300 ones, plus tax & fee will be about $320.
> $304 isn't that bad too. And totally agree, it's a lot
> cheaper than going to Japan, but we only get to see
> Kamijo, not Mayu and Emiru unless we go to Japan.

i do wonder why they're not coming.  but we can hope that maybe in the
future... ^^  as for my plane tickets, i looked at them yesterday.
ouch, the cheapest ones from atlanta to sf were ~$380 with taxes.  i
haven't looked at flying into sj yet.

> In that case it doesn't worth spending 300+ on Fanime.
> It's like Fanime, Mana live and Japan I can only
> choose one, but then you know, I will definitely
> regret if Mana ends up not holding a Texas live this
> summer.

mana might be coming?? O_o  well, depending on your exact dates for
going to japan, we think that lareine will probably have their
christmas live while you're there, but nothing's for sure yet.  (of
course, just going to japan is cool too. ^^)  besides, this will be
the first performance in the u.s.!  plus, even without the dinner,
there's the autograph and photo op.

> Phantasmagoria original said they only sign 1
> item, but Kisaki changed his mind too often when I
> lined up, and they ended up signing 3 photo sets, 2
> posters, a CD, and a pick for me, they shook hands
> with me too, and name my miffy.

ooh, photo sets.  i hadn't thought about that.  the cd i'm thinking of
bringing for sure is "imperial concerto".  there's a nice place on the
back of the jacket for autographs.  i'll probably bring a silver
sharpie just in case he only has black ones too. ^^  (you know, it
took me forever to notice that the flowers were the rose, lily, and
margaret. ^^;)

> I'd imagine you just
> can't eat with a gorgeous man like Kamijo or any idol
> of yours sits across the table look at you.

*lol*

> Maybe, new fans get in the front if "real"
> fans bring them in?

speaking of possible new fans, that bay area local i mentioned
earlier...i know him from an anime forum.  he'll be at fanime con as
well, and he said that his sister loves j-music and would be
interested in the concert.  i told him that if she wants to join us
that she should come to this group, so we may see a new face. ^^

xane:

> I figured a "mini live" meant about 3 songs. I sure hope he sings
4-5! There
> are so many songs I want to hear live.

if it's like the non-oneman lives that new sodmy had, it'll probably
be 4 or 5.  i have no idea how much time they have allocated for this
event, though. ^^;  i'd love for him to do "fleur", but since he's by
himself, i doubt he'd do that repetition of the one line that they
normally do for lives.  plus, i'm sure there won't be many people
there who know the lyrics or can even just pick up the one line. ^^;

inertia:

> When Lareine did the 30,000 yen VIP
> ticket thing in December...It was a bit sketchy,
> but I don't think anyone had the knee-jerk "NO WAY!" reaction that
so many
> Americans would have.

somehow, i don't actually have a problem with that dinner.  honestly,
i'm not sure *exactly* what it is about this that i'm having issue
with; it just feels wrong somehow.  but i think the idea that it's an
auction bothers me.  for the vip dinner, well, tickets were 30,000
yen; you knew that.  but even if the auction tickets end up being
cheaper, there's just something about the idea of auctioning them that
doesn't sit right with me.

> As for my opinions on the dinner thing... I e-mailed it to Kamijo this
> morning. ^^  ...I hope that other fans will write to him with their
opinion of this kind of
> dinner auction.  If it's just me, it's only one person's viewpoint
and how is
> he to know if it's representative of American opinion?  Or you could
write to
> jpophouse.  I suggested 3 ways of holding a dinner with American
fans that I
> think would be acceptable according to American cultural standards
in the hope
> that I can be helpful, rather than just whiny.  If any of you have
> suggestions,
> why not send them?  ^_^

that's certainly an excellent idea.  i do like chie's suggestion of
making it a fan event.  i may need to take a little time to put some
thought into this (now that my head has cooled down somewhat after
finding out about this live ^^;).  in the meantime, what is kamijo's
email address?  i could've sworn i saw it on their website after the
reincarnation, but i can't seem to find it now. -_-;  unfortunately,
even though my japanese characters look fine to me, i've been told
that it's gibberish when it shows up in japan. -_-  i might just write
ideas to jpophouse and send a short message in simple english to
kamijo to tell him to listen to you. ^_~  btw, if i do mention you (is
that all right?), you sign your real name with him, right?

roku:

> One thing Jpophouse was doing for SID was charging for
> VIP passes to guarantee loyal fans a spot in the
> front.  It was closed off by a line separator so that
> non-paying fans couldn't sneak into the crowd.  I
> personally wouldn't mind, and would in fact prefer, if
> Fanime let them do this for Kamijo.

that would certainly work for me, as long as it's a reasonable price.
^^  i wonder if it's fanime who's running the live or if someone else
is in charge of it.

> Hey! Actually, this topic might help you guys.  I've
> received some good flying tips here. PLEASE VISIT IT!!

hm, don't fly into sf.  i'll keep that in mind.  thanks for the link!

geikou

> Yeah, that mde me SO mad! I pre-ordered and paid as
> soon as they quote me a total. I thought yes! I'm
> getting a copy! But they were plain stupid and lost
> the book. They seemed forgot to communicate with Shoxx
> about moving the office and changing the mailing
> address. they didn't tell me anything until I requst
> shipping then they just told me they investigated for
> months and was very sure they lost it, so I bashed
> them real hash and started using another shopping
> service. ><

oh, that really sucks.  *and* you had to pay for it and they wouldn't
refund your money??  so what shopping service do you use, anyway?

geikou

heh, i'll do this one first since it's quick.

> > Yeah, that muttering in Doukeshi no Bukyoku really
> > stumps me.  Maybe he's saying "Code R" kind of
> > quickly??
>
> that was about what i thought too, but i just can't tell.  and it's
> hard to read his lips in the pv.  but you know what?  knowing that new
> news, well, we can just ask him when we see him at fanimecon. ^_~

eh, replying to myself, but i was listening to "doukeshi no bukyoku"
this morning when i realized that the whispering seems to consist of
four distinct words (i.e. not just "code r" repeated).  i haven't
learned the lyrics yet, but i've glanced at them, and it occurred to
me that they mention a countdown several times.  i wonder if the
whispering is 4 to 1 or 3 to 0 in some language that i can't figure
out.  german seems closest, but it's not quite right.  anyway, i'll
just have to remember to ask at the con. ^^;

geikou

Somehow a bunch of you guys replied to stuff that
wasn't in my inbox o.o...so I hope I don't miss
anything in my reply :x

If I go, I'm already planning on waiting in line for
the concert as early as fanime will allow.  I had to
wait like 2-3 hours to see SID and that long or longer
to see Duel Jewel, so I'm definitely willing to wait
an entire day for Kamijo :D  I was in the second
clique from the front of the line for SID...of course
the staff decided to open doors at the middle of the
line, but it wasn't so bad.

Only, I don't like playing spot-holder for a group of
people because it's not fair to everyone else behind
me, so you have to line up with me ;P

One thing Jpophouse was doing for SID was charging for
VIP passes to guarantee loyal fans a spot in the
front.  It was closed off by a line separator so that
non-paying fans couldn't sneak into the crowd.  I
personally wouldn't mind, and would in fact prefer, if
Fanime let them do this for Kamijo.

Last I checked, air fair from Chicago to San Jose and
back was under $300.  You guys are beginning to scare
me with these higher prices D:!! People have been
telling me to book my flight ASAP because it falls on
a holiday weekend.  I guess I'll have to or I might
not be able to go after all!!

Hey! Actually, this topic might help you guys.  I've
received some good flying tips here. PLEASE VISIT IT!!

http://community.livejournal.com/thequestionclub/10602115.html

--Roku



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On 4/13/06, Chie <ciliegia_cherry@...> wrote:
>
> I was going to mention Fanime to papa, but I'd love to
> make sure I know about transportation before I do.
> Say, I get off the plane and on my way to where I
> stay, do we have any shuttles from the airport to
> Fanime?
> So far I only met a couple of Chinese Lareine fans in
> Hong Kong, and 1 at Oni-con last year. It will be fun
> to meet other fans! ^^


The hotels don't seem to have complimentary shuttles. -.- I called the
Marriott last night and they definitely don't have one. They said a taxi
would cost $13-$17 depending on the company. I detest taxis and feel a lot
more comfortable with shuttles, so I'm going to be using
www.supershuttle.com. It will be $17 each way, which is about the same price
of the cheapest taxi with a tip.


> He will not sign Cure unless he makes exception
> himself. I'm not trying to disappoint anyone, but
> Phantasmagoria refused to sign it because "Cure is not
> Phantas item", since it's the same group of people
> bringing Kamijo to US, the policy should stay the
> same.


Oh, I hadn't heard about that. Now I just have to figure out which CD to
bring... @_@


> Seating…
> Probably. Duel Jewel did their mini concert seated in
> a bright tiny room for 30 minutes. Well, they were
> rushed, so it ended up only 20 minutes. That's like
> only 4~5 songs.


I figured a "mini live" meant about 3 songs. I sure hope he sings 4-5! There
are so many songs I want to hear live.

~xane


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This is a general response to everything Fanime so far...

I'm going to try to go to Fanime.  I feel a little ridiculous about it,
because
it's so strange that an American should have to travel from Japan to see a
Japanese artist in the US, but... (LOL)  Well, I'm hoping to be able to use
frequent flyer miles.  I'm up for sharing a room with other Lareine fans, if
anyone's looking for a roommate.  ^o^  But I can't say for sure until I
get the
plane tickets.

As for my opinions on the dinner thing... I e-mailed it to Kamijo this
morning. ^^  (I've actually been writing it for the past week, since
the day the short
blurb first appeared on jhouserock)  I have no idea how much say he has in the
way things will be done, but the method by which the dinner will be arranged
and fans will be selected hasn't been announced yet.  I think there's still a
chance of organizing it in a way that's not the usual sort of jpophouse
auction.

What does Kamijo know about the way Americans think, and the way in which we
interpret certain symbols?  Of course he has no idea.  If jpophouse
says, "This
is the way we always do things in America," and his friend Kisaki did it and
survived, why would he suspect it's anything but a good thing?  In Japan, I
think the feeling is a little different... When Lareine did the 30,000 yen VIP
ticket thing in December, the fans said they looked like hosts (LOL), which
seemed a little weird but also funny at the same time.  It was a bit sketchy,
but I don't think anyone had the knee-jerk "NO WAY!" reaction that so many
Americans would have.  Many of my friends applied for the VIP tickets, or if
they didn't, it was simply because they couldn't afford it.  (I refused to
apply on general principle, even though I had the money.)  I think the way the
Japanese see it is just completely different because of the history, culture,
and religion.  And it's a rather obscure kind of ethical issue, not the
sort of
thing you'd come across in the manners chapter of a tourist guidebook.

I hope that other fans will write to him with their opinion of this kind of
dinner auction.  If it's just me, it's only one person's viewpoint and how is
he to know if it's representative of American opinion?  Or you could write to
jpophouse.  I suggested 3 ways of holding a dinner with American fans that I
think would be acceptable according to American cultural standards in the hope
that I can be helpful, rather than just whiny.  If any of you have
suggestions,
why not send them?  ^_^

- inertia

My friend is telling me I should try to get the dinner
ticket. Ok... I don't see why I will be lucky enough
to do that, but it gives me an idea when I continue to
serach for trip info.

What if we write to Kamijo or Jpop House, to make the
dinner thing a fan event? Like, dinner with a large
group of fans instead of auction the golden ticket. So
that the price go down and their profit stay the same.
Then we are happy, Kamijo is happy, nobody show off,
and nobody sigh at the ebay page. Just a suggestion I
suddenly come up with, Jpop House may not even
interested in we have suggestion or not...

chie

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Ok, I’ll combine my replies too. Before I reply, just
so you know Jpop house brought both Duel Jewel and
Phantasmagoria to cons which I was there, so I’ll
comment base on my experience with them.

Geikou>>
Yeah, I’m from Hosuton. I’m planning to get 1 more job
so that I can cover the Fanime expenses if I can make
it. And I can share room with you or Xane if I can go
ne? Um~ I have 8 blue roses at home. You can have one
for Fanime. *^^*

I was going to mention Fanime to papa, but I’d love to
make sure I know about transportation before I do.
Say, I get off the plane and on my way to where I
stay, do we have any shuttles from the airport to
Fanime?
So far I only met a couple of Chinese Lareine fans in
Hong Kong, and 1 at Oni-con last year. It will be fun
to meet other fans! ^^

About plane…
I found $300 ones, plus tax & fee will be about $320.
$304 isn’t that bad too. And totally agree, it’s a lot
cheaper than going to Japan, but we only get to see
Kamijo, not Mayu and Emiru unless we go to Japan. I
think unless we have somebody here into anime as much
as into Lareine, there is no reason to go all the way
from Texas to CA for a con. Well, winning lottery is a
different story I guess, but we’ll just go straight to
Japan if we do! I’m debating to go or not because I’m
planning to go to Japan over Christmas, and I checked
the fare today, air+hotel for 2 weeks only cost $2200.
In that case it doesn’t worth spending 300+ on Fanime.
It’s like Fanime, Mana live and Japan I can only
choose one, but then you know, I will definitely
regret if Mana ends up not holding a Texas live this
summer. If I go, I’ll go after school on Thursday or
Friday morning. I don’t want to miss anything after
going through all the hardship of getting permission
to go there.

About autograph…
> I'm bringing my own CD, too (actually, I might bring
my Cure issue >for him to sign). I don't wnat to have
to buy a duplicate CD. I'd >rather a bunch of new fans
buy the CDs they have at the convention. :)

He will not sign Cure unless he makes exception
himself. I’m not trying to disappoint anyone, but
Phantasmagoria refused to sign it because “Cure is not
Phantas item”, since it’s the same group of people
bringing Kamijo to US, the policy should stay the
same. I’ll bring all 4 new ones if I go just in case
he’s in an extremely good mood and willing to sign all
of them. Phantasmagoria original said they only sign 1
item, but Kisaki changed his mind too often when I
lined up, and they ended up signing 3 photo sets, 2
posters, a CD, and a pick for me, they shook hands
with me too, and name my miffy. (that was a sudden
idea)

About dinner…
> i have to say that i would seriously consider
writing (probably email >rather than snail mail) to
kamijo to see if he could do something >about this.  i
wonder if he knows about the auction...

Sure he knows about that. It doesn’t make sense if he
doesn’t know whom he’s dinning with. But I don’t think
he can do something about it, since it’s a Jpop House
thing, and they promote Lareine and sponsor him for
the trip. In my POV, you just can’t argue with your
sponsor or whoever that brings you over when Kisaki
agreed and did it along with PLC Seek (his was private
lesson), does that make any sense?

>I suppose it is one way to make sure "real" fans get
to go to the >dinner vs. casual screamy fangirls. "OMG
BOYS IN MAKEUP ARE SO >HAAAAAAAWT" XD

Well, there are people who may get the ticket, had
dinner with kamijo and then show off afterwards. You
just never know until they showed it off and you know
what they said in the internet. Of course I don’t wish
this happen since Kamijo may feel very unhappy about
this if he ever found it out, but there are people who
did this in the Lolita fashion circle in HK, and I see
possibility with “dinner with aritist” thing through
Phantas backstage thing in Houston. Some people tried
to do all kinds of things when the cameraman came to
the concert line, they just want to be eye-catching so
that they get picked for backstage visit.

>You know, it must take a LOT of courage to eat dinner
with fans that >don't speak your language. *_*

I’ll say the other way round. I’d imagine you just
can’t eat with a gorgeous man like Kamijo or any idol
of yours sits across the table look at you. And he
would just keep eating purposely slow until somebody
finds something to talk about or the translator breaks
the weird mood.

Seating…
Probably. Duel Jewel did their mini concert seated in
a bright tiny room for 30 minutes. Well, they were
rushed, so it ended up only 20 minutes. That’s like
only 4~5 songs.

> is there a way that actual fans
> of lareine can guarantee front row?  i'm planning to
ask people who
> work there about it when i get there, but i kind of
wonder if i should
> write to kamijo about it too and ask if he can do
something for us.
> (like if we bring flowers as proof of our fandom.
^^;)  he always
> cares so much about fans, and this way, he would
know that there would
> at least be a few fleurs there for him.  it would be
a shame for
> people like us who are attending just to see him to
get shoved to the
> back just because some random people lined up before
us.

Oh yeah, pray no stupid management! I lined up for
DJ’s mini concert for about 6 hours, and I swear I was
the first person in the line because I arrived too
early, and you know what? The voice actors got
privilege to get in before me without knowing who the
heck was performing, and then a bunch of volunteer
stuff abused their staff badge to start a line
opposite direction to the fan line by the door, I
ended up in the second row! And then staff sold fast
pass ticket the day before concert online (majority
people will not have internet in the con) and secretly
at the booth when they were not supposed to charge us
anything on top of the badge fee, and put those who
paid in the front of the line. We should do something
to try to get fans reserved area in the front! Even if
I don’t go, I still want all of you who go get every
bit of privilege you deserve as fans!

>It would be really hard to determine between "real"
fans... I'd hate >to think a fan wouldn't get to the
front because they didn't know to >bring a flower or
for new fans to be left out because they didn't know
>about Lareine previously.

True. I agree, things may be unfair to new fans who
decided that they like Lareine and want to be fans.
But since blue roses are hard to get, normally we’ll
bring extra in case we lose them before the concert,
ne? At least I will. Then new fans will be able to
borrow one from the “real” fans. But then, how do
“real” fans know if those people are lying? Well, my
theory is if you start liking one thing, you will find
people also like it, make them friends and chat about
it and, ne? Maybe, new fans get in the front if “real”
fans bring them in?

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> I've never met any Lareine fans in person; this is going to be fun! :D

^o^  of u.s. fans, i've met inertia (several times, as we were also in
japan at the same time for about 6 months in 2002) and niji.  and i
think that was it for the u.s.  the only lareine live i've been to was
their last live...  (but i've seen kamijo live numerous times with new
sodmy.)

> The idea of going to Japan by myself terrifies me. XD I'm hoping Lareine
> will make yearly appearances in the US from now on. ^^;

that would be amazing. ^^  actually, kamijo's grandmother lives in
l.a., so i suppose he could possibly have a reason to come visit.  but
really, japan isn't so bad.  the people are pretty nice and especially
the younger crowd in the cities generally knows at least some english.

> I wanted to stay in a 2 double bed room at the Marriott on May
26th-29th.
> Yesterday that was sold out but today it's listed again. ^^;; I've
now got
> reservations for those dates and can have up to 3 other people in
the room
> with me (that the hotel knows about XD). I'm going to be arriving in
CA on
> Friday around 4 PM. I'll just have to hope Kamijo doesn't pull a sudden
> surprise appearance somewhere....

all right.  thanks.  now i need to figure out what i'm going to do...

> Michaels Arts & Crafts, Hobby Lobby, and Garden Ridge all have lots
of fake
> flowers. Some Wal-Marts have a selection, too. Out of curiosity, I
searched
> Google and there's always these:
>
> http://www.crafta.com/98921ah-rybl.html
> http://www.crafta.com/vin6805-bl.html

haha, that's nice.  yeah, that'll work if nothing else.  and what's
better, you get a bunch, so that if kamijo were to take your rose and
not give it back, you still have more for next time! >o<

> I don't think a lot of people will be dressed nicely at the live. Most
> people will probably wonder in wearing jeans, just out of
curiousity. Anime
> fans generally aren't noted for their fashion sense. ^^;;;;

or they'd be wearing their cosplays. ^^  but i'd love to be dressed
for the occasion. ^^;  i wish i already had a lareine cosplay. *sigh*

> My plane tickets are $304 with a 1.5 hour layover each way. Without the
> layover, they were going to be close to $400 for the flight times I
needed!
> I just keep telling myself it's a lot cheaper than going to Japan
and the
> money wasn't doing me any good in my savings account anyway. ^^;

wow.  i'll have to see what i can find.  i hope kamijo appreciates the
effort and money we're spending on him. ^_~

> I'm bringing my own CD, too (actually, I might bring my Cure issue
for him
> to sign). I don't wnat to have to buy a duplicate CD. I'd rather a
bunch of
> new fans buy the CDs they have at the convention. :)

er, what's cure? ^^;  but yeah, i don't want to buy a duplicate
either.  i plan to bring at least a fanletter to give to him, though.

> I'm not so sure he'd mind and I really can't see him agreeing to come to
> Fanime without understanding the terms of his contract (if he has a
> contract...). Lareine had a thing in Japan where you could see a
concert and
> eat dinner with them for around $300 a ticket. It sold out. XD
>
> I suppose it is one way to make sure "real" fans get to go to the
dinner vs.
> casual screamy fangirls. "OMG BOYS IN MAKEUP ARE SO HAAAAAAAWT" XD

all true.  the japan dinner wasn't an auction, but nevertheless...
*sigh*  wish i had that sort of money for this stuff. ^^;

> You know, it must take a LOT of courage to eat dinner with fans that
don't
> speak your language. *_*

heh, hadn't really thought of that before. ^^;  i'm sure it'll be
interesting for him. ^^;  perhaps he'll have an interpreter.

> It would be a shame if we didn't even get *IN* to see the performance -
> that's what I'm worried about! I don't know where he's performing or
how big
> it is, but what if lots of curious people show up before me?
>
> It would be really hard to determine between "real" fans... I'd hate to
> think a fan wouldn't get to the front because they didn't know to
bring a
> flower or for new fans to be left out because they didn't know about
Lareine
> previously.
>
> As long as I just get in, I'm happy! *^_^*

well, i don't know how it'll be done at fanime con, although their
website does say this is their largest venue yet.  but i went to
kamikaze con last year where i saw koda kumi in a mini-live.  getting
in was absolutely no problem, so i'm not particularly worried about
that for this one either.  we may just have to bite it a little and
line up early.  (although the advantage of having more than one person
in your group is that at least one person can hold the place in line
while the others wander off for a short time.)  and i wonder if the
other bands that are invited will be playing at the same live.  that
would be cool.  i'm always open to new music.  most of it's crap, but
i did find a couple bands i liked from the times new sodmy played with
other bands.

> opinions? ^^;
>
> Hope I didn't give too many. ^^;

not at all.  i definitely appreciate input. ^o^

geikou

Yeah, that mde me SO mad! I pre-ordered and paid as
soon as they quote me a total. I thought yes! I'm
getting a copy! But they were plain stupid and lost
the book. They seemed forgot to communicate with Shoxx
about moving the office and changing the mailing
address. they didn't tell me anything until I requst
shipping then they just told me they investigated for
months and was very sure they lost it, so I bashed
them real hash and started using another shopping
service. ><

chie
--- Geikou Chen <rook49_1999@...> wrote:

> > I didn't get a copy too. I would have gotten a
> > CD-version, too bad that shopping serivce I used
> > messed things up and lost the book. ><
>
> oh, that's terrible!  you were actually able to
> order the book through
> the service and then they lost it?!  well, i doubt
> it's available
> anymore but i still want to try and see...
>
> geikou

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On 4/12/06, Geikou Chen <rook49_1999@...> wrote:
>
> all right, i think i'll just put all the replies for fanime into one.
>
> so far it looks like we have two yeses (me and xane) and two maybes
> (roku and chie).  this'll be cool; i haven't met any of you yet. ^^


I've never met any Lareine fans in person; this is going to be fun! :D



> > Who knows if I'll ever get to see him in person again?
>
> well, it's a good excuse to visit japan. ^_~


The idea of going to Japan by myself terrifies me. XD I'm hoping Lareine
will make yearly appearances in the US from now on. ^^;

looking at the list of hotels at the moment, it looks like there are
> still several options left.  please let us know what you reserve,
> though, and for what nights.  the schedule doesn't have kamijo for
> anything friday or monday, so i'm not sure if i should bother with the
> con those days.  but if he did randomly do something and i missed it,
> i'd be so kicking myself... -_-


I wanted to stay in a 2 double bed room at the Marriott on May 26th-29th.
Yesterday that was sold out but today it's listed again. ^^;; I've now got
reservations for those dates and can have up to 3 other people in the room
with me (that the hotel knows about XD). I'm going to be arriving in CA on
Friday around 4 PM. I'll just have to hope Kamijo doesn't pull a sudden
surprise appearance somewhere....



> ditto.  i have no idea where to even find fake flowers at the moment,
> much less something as rare as a blue rose.  (for the record, it was
> difficult finding a blue rose in *tokyo*.  good luck finding one
> wherever you are.)  i'm hoping that if nothing else, i can find a
> place that will be willing to custom-make a blue rose for me.  and
> failing everything, i suppose a red rose will suffice.  i'll also be
> wearing my lareine necklace.  but my problem is that i don't really
> have any good clothes to wear. -_-  the stuff i wore to the new sodmy
> lives while i was in japan isn't really appropriate for lareine...


Michaels Arts & Crafts, Hobby Lobby, and Garden Ridge all have lots of fake
flowers. Some Wal-Marts have a selection, too. Out of curiosity, I searched
Google and there's always these:

http://www.crafta.com/98921ah-rybl.html
http://www.crafta.com/vin6805-bl.html

I don't think a lot of people will be dressed nicely at the live. Most
people will probably wonder in wearing jeans, just out of curiousity. Anime
fans generally aren't noted for their fashion sense. ^^;;;;


--- Chie <ciliegia_cherry@...> wrote:
> >
> > I gave up since the plane costs $300, but now with the
> > schedule announced I changed my mind and want to go.
> > I'll try to be there since I only got summer school by
> > that time.
>
> ouch.  i haven't even looked at plane tickets yet. ^^;  hope you can
> make it, though!  (weren't you in the houston area too, i seem to
> recall...?)


My plane tickets are $304 with a 1.5 hour layover each way. Without the
layover, they were going to be close to $400 for the flight times I needed!
I just keep telling myself it's a lot cheaper than going to Japan and the
money wasn't doing me any good in my savings account anyway. ^^;


> For the Dealer's room, I think he just stick around
> > the Jpop house booth and try to get people buy Lareine
> > CDs.
>
> yeah, but which cds will they have? ^^;  it says on the schedule that
> he'll be signing the new cd (i'll probably just bring one of my own),
> and i'm wondering...which new cd?  i'm guessing they mean "imperial
> concerto"...


I'm bringing my own CD, too (actually, I might bring my Cure issue for him
to sign). I don't wnat to have to buy a duplicate CD. I'd rather a bunch of
new fans buy the CDs they have at the convention. :)

About the dinner...

> okay...that just...sucks.  absolutely.  completely ridiculous. >_<  to
> think that they would demean such a wondrous opportunity by selling
> tickets to the highest bidder.  i have to say that i would seriously
> consider writing (probably email rather than snail mail) to kamijo to
> see if he could do something about this.  i wonder if he knows about
> the auction...


I'm not so sure he'd mind and I really can't see him agreeing to come to
Fanime without understanding the terms of his contract (if he has a
contract...). Lareine had a thing in Japan where you could see a concert and
eat dinner with them for around $300 a ticket. It sold out. XD

I suppose it is one way to make sure "real" fans get to go to the dinner vs.
casual screamy fangirls. "OMG BOYS IN MAKEUP ARE SO HAAAAAAAWT" XD

You know, it must take a LOT of courage to eat dinner with fans that don't
speak your language. *_*


also, i'm wondering how the con will be doing seating (or standing,
> but probably seating) for the live.  is there a way that actual fans
> of lareine can guarantee front row?  i'm planning to ask people who
> work there about it when i get there, but i kind of wonder if i should
> write to kamijo about it too and ask if he can do something for us.
> (like if we bring flowers as proof of our fandom. ^^;)  he always
> cares so much about fans, and this way, he would know that there would
> at least be a few fleurs there for him.  it would be a shame for
> people like us who are attending just to see him to get shoved to the
> back just because some random people lined up before us.


It would be a shame if we didn't even get *IN* to see the performance -
that's what I'm worried about! I don't know where he's performing or how big
it is, but what if lots of curious people show up before me?

It would be really hard to determine between "real" fans... I'd hate to
think a fan wouldn't get to the front because they didn't know to bring a
flower or for new fans to be left out because they didn't know about Lareine
previously.

As long as I just get in, I'm happy! *^_^*

opinions? ^^;


Hope I didn't give too many. ^^;

xane


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I didn't get a copy too. I would have gotten a
> CD-version, too bad that shopping serivce I used
> messed things up and lost the book. ><

oh, that's terrible!  you were actually able to order the book through
the service and then they lost it?!  well, i doubt it's available
anymore but i still want to try and see...

geikou

> It reminds me of Kazumi too, because in the making of
> there's a long shot of his smiling face acting all
> cute ;_;

ah, right.  that was definitely very cute. ^o^

> Yeah, that muttering in Doukeshi no Bukyoku really
> stumps me.  Maybe he's saying "Code R" kind of
> quickly??

that was about what i thought too, but i just can't tell.  and it's
hard to read his lips in the pv.  but you know what?  knowing that new
news, well, we can just ask him when we see him at fanimecon. ^_~

geikou

all right, i think i'll just put all the replies for fanime into one.

so far it looks like we have two yeses (me and xane) and two maybes
(roku and chie).  this'll be cool; i haven't met any of you yet. ^^

--- Kuroloki Roku <schizo_hotaru@...> wrote:
>
> Is anyone getting a room there?  Fans who are flying
> down could plan on staying together to lessen hotel
> costs.  I hope fanime doesn't sell out as quickly as
> acen or I've got no chance of getting a room if I do
> decide to go ;_;
>
> --Roku

i agree.  rooming together would definitely be the thing to do to cut
cost.  the thing is, i'm not sure if i'd be rooming with fans yet,
since a friend of mine is going to be there as well and i may end up
rooming with that friend instead.  need to decide soon...

--- xane <pastelflower@...> wrote:
>
> I'm definitely going! I live in TX, but I'm flying in just to see Kamijo
> perform.

hey, i'm from texas too, originally.  currently in atlanta, but i was
in houston till mid-february this year.  and yeah, the only reason i'm
going to fanime is also just for kamijo. ^o^

> Who knows if I'll ever get to see him in person again?

well, it's a good excuse to visit japan. ^_~

> The
> convention rate hotel rooms with two double beds are already starting to
> sell out and several of the others, as well. @_@ I'm feeling the
pressure to
> reserve a room really, really soon! In fact, I think I'm doing that
tonight.
> :D

looking at the list of hotels at the moment, it looks like there are
still several options left.  please let us know what you reserve,
though, and for what nights.  the schedule doesn't have kamijo for
anything friday or monday, so i'm not sure if i should bother with the
con those days.  but if he did randomly do something and i missed it,
i'd be so kicking myself... -_-

[snipped and put with chie's reply]

> I need to start hunting through the craft stores for a blue rose,
too! I'm
> so excited! I can't wait until May! :D
>
> xane

ditto.  i have no idea where to even find fake flowers at the moment,
much less something as rare as a blue rose.  (for the record, it was
difficult finding a blue rose in *tokyo*.  good luck finding one
wherever you are.)  i'm hoping that if nothing else, i can find a
place that will be willing to custom-make a blue rose for me.  and
failing everything, i suppose a red rose will suffice.  i'll also be
wearing my lareine necklace.  but my problem is that i don't really
have any good clothes to wear. -_-  the stuff i wore to the new sodmy
lives while i was in japan isn't really appropriate for lareine...

--- Chie <ciliegia_cherry@...> wrote:
>
> I gave up since the plane costs $300, but now with the
> schedule announced I changed my mind and want to go.
> I'll try to be there since I only got summer school by
> that time.

ouch.  i haven't even looked at plane tickets yet. ^^;  hope you can
make it, though!  (weren't you in the houston area too, i seem to
recall...?)

> For the Dealer's room, I think he just stick around
> the Jpop house booth and try to get people buy Lareine
> CDs.

yeah, but which cds will they have? ^^;  it says on the schedule that
he'll be signing the new cd (i'll probably just bring one of my own),
and i'm wondering...which new cd?  i'm guessing they mean "imperial
concerto"...

> And the dinner, I'm pretty sure it will be done
> exactly the same way Kisaki and Riku did when they
> went to California last July. Dinner tickets (2-3)
> will be posted in Ebay for those who interested,
> whoever won it will dine with Kamijo. The dinner was
> supposed to be a formal one, like a $20~30 for a
> plate, and it included rides to and from the
> restaurant and translator will be there too. Normally
> tickets like that goes over $100USD.
>
> chie

> As for the "organizing a dinner with him"...that's not going to to
be open
> to the public. In the past, they've auctioned off a couple of spots
on eBay
> to have dinner with the bands and they might hold a drawing for a spot.
> That's it. Personally, I'd enter a drawing, but there's no way I'd bid
> money. That just feels icky to me. :(

okay...that just...sucks.  absolutely.  completely ridiculous. >_<  to
think that they would demean such a wondrous opportunity by selling
tickets to the highest bidder.  i have to say that i would seriously
consider writing (probably email rather than snail mail) to kamijo to
see if he could do something about this.  i wonder if he knows about
the auction...

also, i'm wondering how the con will be doing seating (or standing,
but probably seating) for the live.  is there a way that actual fans
of lareine can guarantee front row?  i'm planning to ask people who
work there about it when i get there, but i kind of wonder if i should
write to kamijo about it too and ask if he can do something for us.
(like if we bring flowers as proof of our fandom. ^^;)  he always
cares so much about fans, and this way, he would know that there would
at least be a few fleurs there for him.  it would be a shame for
people like us who are attending just to see him to get shoved to the
back just because some random people lined up before us.

opinions? ^^;

geikou