Arrived in LA on Sunday morning. The limo (actually a black Lincoln Navigator, with Igor as the driver) picked me up at LAX. It really was a relatively quick ride (it’s only 11 miles) to the W on Higard Avenue.

Was able to check in to my suite around 11:30 or so. That was nice, since I had been traveling since “last night.”

Thought about taking a nap, but decided to change clothes and go for a walk. Headed toward the theater, and around Westwood. Just wanted to scope out the area and see what I am in for…

The first thing, as I walked up the hill, hey, the line… People were camped out on the street. People had been living on the street since last week. I walked by, they were reading the Twilight Saga books, they were watching the first movie on portable DVD players. It was all things New Moon.

I noticed people (mostly young girls and their moms) from all over. They had signs, proclaiming which “team” they supported. Team Edward, or Team Jacob. (On a side note, I’m for Team Jacob.) I saw folks that were here from Australia.

Found the theaters, and the Hammer Museum. The Hammer is where the after-party was held.

Walked around, melting in the mid to upper 70′s temps. While I was “hot” I have to admit, the warm temps, sunshine, and clear blue skies, was more than “pleasant” coming from Alaska.

Went back to the hotel, but then out again at night. The crowd along the sidewalks (several blocks long) had set up tents and were prepard. I’m in short sleeves, really comfortable (finally), and was amazed at the folks bundled up, even down coats…

Grabbed a bite at Jerry’s Deli… Hey, looks like I earned Triple Miles, too.

Monday, I ate breakfast “in”… Have to admit, I never paid this much for a breakfast… $51.75.

Walked to the area around the theaters. Most folks had packed their tents and chairs. They were now standing “in line.” Apparently they were in line for one of 800 wristbands that would allow then to stand along the red carpet to see the stars and get a chance at autographs.

I saw a guy, in the back of a TV van. I asked him, ‘hey, excuse me, but I’m not from around here; is it always like this?’ He took a minute out from editing videos on his MBP. He did say, no, this is different. Chatted a few minutes, and then he introduced me to Manny, the news guy. Chatted for another couple of minutes about Alaska, and being here, but then they had to get to work.

Got ready, and thought I would be late. Decided to wear the black tee from Nordstrom, the blazer, and 501 jeans.

Took a cab to “Weyburn and Broxton”… He told me it was “closed” when we got close. Hey, I’ll get out here. )

Walked a block, and found Will Call. Wasn’t at the Regent, but in a parking lot. The had lanes set up. Showed the letter to the first guard. Got to stand in line, with my initial. Got my tickets, after showing my photo ID.

Went to stand near the corner and see what was going on. Got shut down when I first tried to cross, where it said “Sidewalk Closed – Ticket Holders Exempt”. So stood on the corner, near the California Pizza Kitchen. Just watching the people, and the event.

Finally figured out I had a “green ticket” and could cross. My seat was in the Mann Theater.

Saw the popcorn and drinks lined up. But went to my seat.

No one was around me. But when a couple sat next to me, they had popcorn and drinks. Ok, I can’t watch a movie without popcorn… Got up to go get a bag. (Comp, of course.)

Ok, I wasn’t impressed with the movie. I see (now) where it got 29 Rotten Tomatoes… Out of 100.

But the stars were all present in the Mann Theater. Signed some autographs before hand. And then the movie, finally, started, almost an hour late.

The lady beside me said… ‘When do you think it will start?’ 20:00… Sure. Then at ten after, do you think it will start at 20:30. Sure. Looks like the stars are in the theater. Started a short time later.

Walked back to the hotel. Needed to get my phone. Should have taken it. They just ‘confiscated’ it, put it in an envelope with your name; you were able to retrieve after the event. Had I not been so “honest” and left it in the safe at the hotel, I could have saved some time.

Walked back to the hotel. Took a cab to the Hammer. The driver didn’t even turn on the meter. Just a couple of blocks. Cost me $10, but was worth it.

Walked around to the entrance. Tried to figure out what was required. Watched a couple, they have Chad Hudson Events lanyards. They were stopped at the gate; turn away. They didn’t have the party tickets. As they walked away, they said, “oh well, we tried”… Then they got stopped going away, the security guards took the lanyards.

About that time, I went to the head of the line. Showed my ticket. Was stopped. Chad himself said, ‘hey, is this real; is this one of ours?’ The other guy said, yes. Chad apologized; said he didn’t even know his own tickets. He apologized, and let me pass.

Went in, and up the stairs. I was in… )

Walked around and rubbed elbows with the stars. It actually was pretty cool; something I’ve never done, and won’t get to do again.

Spent a few hours there. Food, like you wouldn’t believe. Music. And then it was over…

Walked back to the W. Was kind of dumb; it was almost 02:00. Not many people on the street, not many cars. The few people, they were less than desireable. Walked fast, and made it back alive.

No ticket on the door. I had asked for a breakfast menu left on the door. It wasn’t there. Disappointed, but too tired to go down, or call.

The next morning, I started getting my things together. I was getting hungry, and decided to go downstairs to the restaurant. They stopped serving breakfast at 11:00, so needed to get going.

Was seated as soon as I arrived. Then I noticed Chaske Spencer, from the movie, the party, and the TV appearance that morning on Fox 11. He was sitting with (I guess) his mom and dad, and some agent guy. Just regular, real people.

One of the other cast members, and his girlfriend, came in. He introduced her to Chaske, then sat down at the table right next to me. I didn’t recognize him, but he told her how Chaske was a good guy, really nice. I gathered that from overhearing the conversation up to that point.

I retreated to my room. Needed to pack and get ready. Once everything was in order, I went down to use the “Farewell Kiosk” and checked in for my flight and printed my boarding pass. This sure beat $7.95 for 15 minutes in the Business Center. I had the hotel hold my bags and then went to check out the skating rink. The W makes a big deal of this, and I guess it is.

I went though the BIG glass doors. After telling the girl I was from Alaska, and asking to see the ice rink, the girl said, “sure, but you know it is artificial, right?” Yes, how else could they have an skating rink, outdoors, when it’s almost 80F?

They spare no expense, and even have artificial pines around the rink. Between those and the palms, it is quite contrast.

Snapped a few pics and then decided to get out of the heat and back inside. It was a bit before two, but say a guy with a paper. I went ahead and asked if he was waiting for me. No, he was waiting for “Foxworthy” but there is another limo, and a guy with a gray suit. Might be for me…

Went out, and sure enough, the limo had my name on it. It was a rather short trip on the 405, to LAX. I’m glad I didn’t rent a car, in any event.

The guy dropped me off at Air Canada; I guess if you are from Armenia, Canada / Alaska; it’s all the same. Fortunately it was within the same terminal, so only had to walk a half a mile and was ready to go through Security.

Had a late lunch at Gladstone’s, in Terminal 3. Maybe the Malibu location is better, but I certainly wasn’t impressed with the fish and chips. Plus, their CC terminal was down, so was cash only.

Went back and waited at Gate 32, for the flight to Seattle. That was on time, as was the flight on to Anchorage. Got in on time, but I did notice the cold on arrival.

I went from 79F / 26C to 0F / -18C in the matter of hours. I sure did notice the cold. I sure do appreciate the clear blue skies and warm temps of southern California.

But back to life, as usual. It was actually fun to see how the other side lives. It was eye-opening to see that those folks weren’t stuck-up or snobby. They all just seemed like real folk. I guess they are…

It was an opportunity of a lifetime, for someone like me. Glad I didn’t decline. It was well worth the adventure.

Thanks, Amazon…

My luck, other than the celebrities, there will probably be more than a few cameras / camera phones. We’ll see…

But in any case, I will be at the event. Need to get going, though. Tickets at will call in about 40 minutes.

This morning, at 07:00, I heard a bunch of screams and shouts from outside. The windows are closed, and I’m on the sixth floor of the W in Westwood. From the bedroom window I can see part of the lines that are forming, literally stretching for blocks. Apparently some lucky fan won some tickets, “AHHHHHHHHHHH, I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

It’s all over the news, online, and in the paper. Here’s a couple of links:
LA Times
MyFoxLA – Fox News 11

Yesterday, after relaxing for a bit, I went for a walk through the area. The first thing I saw, along Weyburn was the line. Took me a minute to realize what it was. HaHa! Then I saw the signs, people reading the books, watching the first movie on portable DVD players, in general living, breathing, eating, and sleeping Twilight Saga in general, and New Moon specifically. They have come from all over, as far away as Australia, and are camped out on the sidewalks through Westwood hoping for a glimpse of the stars on their way to the premiere this evening.

Well, more screams and shouts outside. MyFoxLA, Fox 11, is on the streets. Guess I will go see what is going on.

I have to admit, I’m melting. I never was a hot weather person. It’s “only” 73F / 23C and these people are cold. You gotta be kiddin’ me?!? I’m a bucket of sweat…

But have the AC in the sitting area and bedroom down to 65. Feeling much better.

Starting to get hungry… Looked at the menu for the restaurants downstairs. It’s only $20 for a hamburger. But, hey, you get your choice of fresh lettuce and tomato, and even mayo. I might be a bumpkin from Alaska, but it better be really good for $20. BTW, chips are $10 extra.

Good thing I’m only here for a few days. The flip side of that, I would probably lose quite a bit of weight if I was here more than a few days.

Time to check out “the property.” When I checked in they said that since I was from Alaska I might want to check out the new outdoor ice rink back at “the wet” (their term for the pool.) In any event, I am curious to see how they pull that off in 70-80F (21-27C) degree temps, with plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies.

Be back later…

But throwing a few things together, for better or worse, for the New Moon premiere in LA. Will be leaving in a few hours, and still have a pair of jeans in the dryer.

Typically there isn’t the stress. Part of it is getting summer wear, in Alaska, when it’s in the single digits. But picked up a couple of things at Nordstrom’s, not by choice but rather last resort. Got a pair of black shoes at Penney’s; featherweight Florsheims on sale that will work with dress or casual (even jeans.)

Need to get the briefcase cleaned out. Only going to take the 17″ MBP and leave the Dell behind. Plus I’m sure I can lighten the load in general. Gathering batteries, cameras, etc., too. Probably won’t be able to tae any photos at “the event” but will grab a few snapshots along the way.

Have my boarding pass, and all the other paperwork related to the trip and event.

Stay tuned for more as time permits.

Anyway, I really don’t ever pay much attention to folks, but wouldn’t you know it… I noticed a 20-something girl, and her boyfriend/husband. What caught my eye wasn’t the people, as much as she was holding a large book. She set it down, and lo and behold, it was “New Moon”.

Ok, do I chalk this up to my heightened awareness? Is this just like when you get a new car, are driving down the road, and start to notice all the other cars like yours? Or, is it a sign??? I don’t have any idea, but apparently this “stuff” is popular after all.

New Moon (The Meadow)

Removed the shrink wrap from the soundtrack CD. Through a couple of tracks… Ok, guess I will listen to a couple of more. Still have to unwrap the DVD and watch the first movie. Need to get that out of the way.

New Moon Soundtrack Cover Art

At this point, the studio (Summit) said I wouldn’t have to undergo a background check to be able to meet the actors.  Hey, bring it on; I’ve undergone (and passed) an FBI fingerprint and background check so I’m sure anything they propose will be a piece of cake.  But, they decided it wasn’t necessary, so that’s fine too.

Continue to firm up the details, but the secret handshake is still pending for the premier.  Wendy assures me they will follow up, in some fashion, between now and then.  I don’t have any doubts; all has been great to this point.

So, that’s today’s update.  They will be in touch.  The days are counting down till the big event.

I stopped by the office last night after going to the movies to see “Paranormal Activity.”  Good movie; scary stuff!  But that’s for another post.

I opened the box when I got home and this is what I found inside.  Got a note from Wendy at Amazon that the Barbie Dolls will be shipped separately.  I’m not a Barbie Doll kind of guy, so not a big deal in my opinion. 

But, here are the things I did receive.  Thanks, Amazon!