Subject: Another DaveCon 2002 Trip Report From: waterclock@aol.comnospam (Brady) Date: 26 Jun 2002 05:28:36 GMT Newsgroups: alt.fan.letterman - Arrival in NYC - I arrived in New York City early in the week ... Monday, to be exact. I traveled via the good ole American rail (my preferred mode of long distance travel), so my entry point was Penn Station, which is where my first unusual experience occurred. As I stepped off the top of the escalator leading from the tracks to the heart of the station, I heard a horrifying scream. A little old lady had fallen down as she stepped on the escalator. The poor woman couldn't get back on her feet. So, I threw my bags down and prepared to run down the 'up' escalator. Luckily, a group of people closer to her managed to help. After that distress, I exited Penn Station onto 7th Avenue. There really is something special about Manhattan. I like the hustle-and-bustle, the noise, even the smell. Yes, even the smell. I took a cab to my hotel. By no coincidence, it was located only two blocks from the Ed Sullivan Theater. By the time I checked in (and enjoyed a smooth, refreshing cigarette), it was time for Monday night's taping. Naturally, I wandered to 53rd Street to loiter. - Loitering Out on 53rd Street and Meeting Donz - I got to 53rd Street in time to watch big-time motion picture star Tom Cruise enter the theater. I was struck by his graciousness at accommodating fans. And there were LOTS of fans. It was like the Beatles stepping foot on the tarmac on their first visit to America -- screaming girls, even screaming guys. "Tom ... It's Tom ... Oh my God, it really is Tom!" He was very gracious, and spent a good 10-15 minutes signing autographs. That same evening I ran into (figuratively speaking) Biff, Rupert and Bill DeLace. I loitered during the rest of the week's tapings. The next evening I saw the Hi-Ho Babes, intuitive Deborah Lynne, and Pat Farmer. As I headed down 53rd Street from Broadway just before Wednesday's taping, I noticed a gentleman sitting in a chair in front of Rupert's. He looked oddly familiar. As I got closer, it became apparent that the person hanging out at Rupert's was none other than our Donz! I had seen a picture of Donz. He, on the other hand, had no idea who I was. He seemed a bit startled when I approached him, extended a hand, and said, "Don!" He looked bemused. I quickly introduced myself and we had a nice chat. Donz formally introduced me to Rupert, with whom we both had a nice conversation. Me: "Do you read all the email that comes in through your Web site?" Rupert: "No ... Actually, I get a lot of viruses." Donz: "They're probably not targeting you ... Are you closing? Is it too late to get some food?!" It was a fascinating conversation. Apparently I had just missed a group of AFL'ers who had been by earlier -- they had already departed to attend a taping of "The Daily Show." - Meeting the Group - Thursday was the big day. I decided to wander to the Manhattan Chili Co. at 2:00 PM to meet -- for the first time -- the rest of the group. 'I have to get $45.00 to Karen for the night's dinner. I know my dog gnawed my ATM card, but SURELY it'll still work.' I went to the bank across the street from the theater to make a withdrawal ... I insert the old debit card and -- -- the machine eats it! And won't give it back! I went inside the bank and was told to come back at 2:30 PM. Apparently that's the only time of day they open the ATM. On top of that, the bank in which this ATM was located only gives credit card cash advances to New York residents. D'oh. So I walk all the way down Times Square to a Chase Bank -- they know how to treat an out-of-towner. The point of all this? The point is, by the time I got to the Manhattan Chili Co. to meet the group, I was completely drenched in sweat. My beautiful hair was a mess! My shirt was wringing wet!! These people were going to think I'm a freak! Traci was the first person I saw as I headed up the stairs at the restaurant. I proceeded to introduce myself and we shared a quick hug. (Traci made contact with 'Brady sweat.' Heh.) There were several AFL'ers already there. The rest poured in over the next two hours (with Foxy being the last to show up!). Everyone was so very nice. Being a first-timer I was naturally a bit shy. (Plus, I was feeling a bit self-conscious over the whole sweat thing.) Alas, I have the moxie (and strength) of ten men, so a little shyness didn't stop me from mingling. By the time we ate appetizers and enjoyed a few lovely beverages, it was time to get our tickets. The anticipation builds ... We snap pictures while waiting in line. Brad and Donz hold the 'surprises' for Alan and Pat. I'm anxious to find out where we'll be seated. The time had arrived ... We already had the coveted dots, but little did I know we'd occupy the front rows of the theater. And I was seated on the very first row! I was excited, to say the least. - The Taping - Eddie Brill surprised me -- I thought he would warm up the crowd with some shtick; perhaps tell half-dozen jokes. Instead, he simply reminded us of a few 'house rules,' and generally told us what to expect. The CBSO played two songs to warm up the crowd. Then -- out of nowhere -- comes Dave! He tells us an anecdote involving margaritas and getting 'shit-faced.' He chooses Brad to ask a question, then promptly tells him to sit down (without Brad even having time to get the question out). Alan is already in his opening spiel as Dave bounds off the stage ... I was surprised at how fast-paced the opening was. In just a few seconds, Dave turns around and comes out for the monologue. The whole show went by fast. I think most of the group was on-camera for at least a half-second during the audience sweep, though we were obscured by the 'What's in the Late Show Refrigerator' graphic. And before we knew it, Dave was thanking us for visiting. - Post-Show - I must say that Tony Mendez is a nice man. I was impressed by his attitude during the tour. He certainly didn't have to do that, yet he seemed genuinely happy to take pics and show us around. A nice man indeed. And then there was dinner ... A very nice meal to top off the night. I tried to get Nick to nibble on my candy necklace. He was too shy. And that was it! I was home by Saturday. I have a ton of pictures to post -- hopefully I'll be able to send a link before the week's out. Brady