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Monday, June 08, 2009

THE LONDON GATHERING

HELLO FRIENDS! This post differs from the norm in that it is specifically about the London Gathering on June 27th. I will return, probably tomorrow, with MORE ADVICE. So you can leave QUESTIONS in the comments.

A year and a half ago, in January 2008 . . . practically a LIFETIME AGO . . . Charlieissocool (otherwise known as Charlie McDonnell, the most famous person on the intertube) and I convened a UK Nerdfighter gathering.

Now, we are doing it again. We are simply GATHERING on a summer’s day in London. To what end? BECAUSE WE CAN. And I’m doing it because 13 Little Blue Envelopes is FINALLY out in the UK. By a complete coincidence, the 27th turns out to be the day that the book will be available all over. Until the 26th, it’s only available at Waterstone’s. This is something I did not know when the date was first picked, so ISN’T LIFE FUNNY?

Here is how the day is going to go:

The first activity is optional! We are planning a trip on the LONDON EYE. You don’t have to go to this. You don’t have to go AT ALL. I’m just saying, if you don’t want to go on the London Eye with us, it doesn’t put you out for the day! If you do, you will need to purchase a ticket, and probably soon. Each pod on the London Eye holds 25 people. We will try our best to cling together as a group, but there is a chance we could be split. Still, you will be with OTHER PEOPLE FROM THE GROUP. But we will try.

So, first, you get a ticket for the 12 noon flight on June 27th. Then:

11:30 at the LATEST: Gather at the check-in area of the London Eye. Check in. Shuffle over in crab-like group formation to line. Attempt to talk them into putting us into one pod.

12:00-12:30: Go wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee! over London. Point at things.

If you do not want to come to the London Eye, THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. Because we will meet all who do not want to come to the London Eye NOW.

12:45: Meetup along the river side of the Southbank Centre. (Extremely precise location TBA, slightly dependent on weather. I hear it sometimes rains there.) We will then find a SUITABLE LOCATION for our group.

Now, the last time we did this, we started at the National Gallery and ended up going all over the city, climbing things, going to secret magic shops, playing video games, having lunch, going to the Apple Store . . .

We could do the same this time! But the one lesson learned is that we need to give people time to get to the location. So we PROMISE to stay in the area of the Southbank Centre at least until 2:30. We could stay there all day! But we will stay there AT LEAST until then. And after that, we will Twitter our locations, so you can always find us.

And perhaps we will have an adventure. Maybe we Charlie and I will take off and TWITTER YOU SOME CLUES and we can have a LONDON-WIDE SCAVENGER HUNT. (Like 13 Little Blue Envelopes, but WITH PEOPLE!) Or maybe we will sit on the grass or a coffee shop and chill THE WHOLE DAY.

We just don’t know. That’s the way the Gathering rolls. Anything could happen.

At 7, the Gathering will break once again! From there, some people will continue on to another optional activity! Namely, Julia Nunes’s show. You will also need to get your own ticket for that separately.

Here is the info:

The Luminaire
311 Kilburn High Road
London NW67JR
UK
+44 (0) 20 7372 7123
Price: 10.00 GBP
http://www.junumusic.com/londontshirt.php

So that’s the deal. Here are our disclaimers:

We think you should be at least 15 to come. This just seems sensible. We also assume that if you are under 18, you’ll have gotten whatever permissions you need from whatever life form you take orders from. We think you should come with a friend, if you can. No matter what, be safe. Tell people where you are going. Secure safe passage to and from your place of residence. The entire day will be spent in public places, with all kinds of people. We, of course, are cool, and we think everyone else will be too. But just be aware that this is a random group of people, however cool, in a city, and we don’t know everyone. You will probably make some friends that day, and people will watch out for each other. I’m just saying all of these things so that you are aware that YOUR SAFETY is our concern. Not that this is in any way a DANGEROUS OUTTING. We’re just saying, be smart, and tell people what’s going on. That is all. You get the point.

The last Gathering was awesome, and we expect this one to be MORE SO.

Other things you might ask:

“If I bring a book of yours, will you sign it?” With more pleasure than I can express.

“Will Charlie sign stuff?” That’s up to Charlie, but he is a nice guy. I am guessing yes.

“Do you have to be 18 to go to Julia’s show?” I don’t know, but I think the answer to that is yes. That’s sort of the “adult” part of the day, and I’m guessing people will be having drinks at the show. Just FYI.

“Will you love me more if I purchase a 13 Little Blue Envelopes before this event?” It is hardly possible for me to love you MORE, but every copy of 13lbe purchased in the UK adds to the potential that they will publish my OTHER books in the UK, and that will lead to my ENDURING HAPPINESS.

Because it will be interesting to know who’s coming, why not drop me an e-mail, letting me know? This is especially true if you are coming with us on the London Eye.

Labels: ,

37 Comments:

Blogger Ashley said...

Do you know how incredibly upset I am? No, probably not, considering you aren't actually reading this comment(because the email client link isn't working).

I'm from the US, and no, I am not sad that this gathering is in London, no. I am miserable because I will be missing this by one day. ONE day. 24 hours at best. More like 14 hours. Our group is coming in from Paris on the 28th.

-sigh-
>.< (I've always thought that looked like a cat or a fox, don't you?)

I guess I should ask where you will be on the 28th.
(insert another sigh here)

Sincerly yours,
Ashley
(email: ashley.sinhaa@gmail.com)

PS: I HONESTLY CAN'T BELIEVE I AM MISSING THIS *sob*

7:29 AM  
Blogger angela said...

I am upset.
I'm in Michigan until THIS day.
Granted, I probably wouldn't be allowed to fly to London anyway, but it would have been worth a shot. Maybe you could be in Colorado when I'M in Colorado!?!?!?

Look back at the cough syrup edition and answer my questions, please. (:

10:06 AM  
Anonymous Rosi said...

Oh how wonderful! I have already booked my time off work (and as I'm missing out on the luxurious £3.50 an hour they pay me >:( I will have to miss out on the London Eye) which entails me drawing a BIG CROSS through my name that day on the rota.

But I will see you guys there!

And, rats, the 27th June event is 18+ and I don't turn 18 until the 15th of August. I envy people with practical birthdays like Charlie.

The captcha is plogyl. I find this amusing.

10:22 AM  
Anonymous Sarah said...

Hello Maureen, I've got a question for you.

I recently learned that no one sings at college.
So now I'm worried.

What should i do??!


Also, my captcha is "swracc", which sounds like an alien from doctor who.
=)

11:23 AM  
Anonymous Clarissa said...

I sorta really wanna come to this, but meeting new people is scary. Anyone wanna befriend me before the 27th so I won't be going "alone"? *whistle*

PS my captcha is kingdos. Like Nandos but for kings.

11:44 AM  
Blogger Ellie said...

I'm so excited! I can't wait. Hopefully my friend and I will be able to join in the London Eye fun as well :)

It's worth noting to anyone reading that Julia's event at the Luminaire is 18+, but if you are under 18 you can GO WITH AN ADULT, provided you stay away from the bar and email the venue to let them know you're coming. If you have any questions about this or want to confirm it, drop them a line.

11:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Should come to Ohio instead. We don't have the London Eye but there is a county fair with a somewhat rustier version.

12:05 PM  
Blogger Mari said...

Sounds fun. Can you believe I will be flying out of London that day to head back home? Too funny.

12:33 PM  
Anonymous Tim said...

MAUREEN! THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR INFINITE WISDOM!

I opened up my local news website today to see what is going on in the world and came across this article: "Jellyfish blooms taking over the world." (Link: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25603223-3102,00.html).

And yes, it is as bad as it sounds! To quote:

"Dense jellyfish aggregations can be a natural feature of healthy ocean ecosystems, but a clear picture is now emerging of more severe and frequent outbreaks worldwide."

What should we do?! (Besides being grateful that we aren't experiencing an outbreak of unicorns?)

PS. I live in Australia; we are girt by sea so there is no escape for me. Maybe you should just put your efforts into saving yourself.

2:27 PM  
Anonymous Seren said...

Okay I'm going to come - will be in London that weekend buying furniture for a flat (know you want to know that!) - don't think I will be able to do the London Eye though .... having to travel down from 'up north'

I'm an over 18 if anyone needs an adult (I'm not necessarily a responsible adult though - does that matter?!)

Seren x

2:57 PM  
Blogger Dave said...

I will be there! Not on the Eye, but for the rest of it till 7 (then i will have to take the train home). I will e-mail you to tell you such things. But I'm EXCITED. I don't really know any UK youtube ppl though so this should be interesting lol

5:14 PM  
Anonymous Raven said...

See, this is just silly. You SHOULD be coming to the NORTHWEST youtube gathering happening on the 27th and 28th of June in OREGON.

FAIL.

But, I love you. You kiddies have fun.

5:27 PM  
Anonymous katiekib said...

hmm, it shall be my birthday on the 27th, turning 17 unfortunately:( and I can't decide if I should go... i live like 25 minutes away and it would be amazing, but I feel like kind of weird going just to meet 2 famous people who will probably not have much time to talk to me.. :( hmmmmmm but i want to!

5:37 PM  
Blogger Hannah said...

Noooooo! Yet ANOTHER awesome gathering that I will be missing out on!

I'm in London on June 25th and 26th with school, but then I'm back at home on the other side of the frickin' country!

I think some nagging of the parents is distinctly necessary in this situation...but I doubt I'll be there, which makes me sad. And even I was there, I wouldn't really know anyone and then I would look like a reject...

Oh well...I hope everyone has an awesome time anyway!

5:38 PM  
Blogger Caliowin said...

I wish I could come but am of to Italy on the 27th. I have a wonderful talent of being busy on gathering days. Ah well Italy will be awesome too. Hope you have a wonderful time there Maureen, and I have 13LBE already :)
xxx

6:02 PM  
Blogger Sarah said...

Damn.
I really wanted to go to this :( It would've been brilliant. But I'm having an operation like 4 days before and I won't recover in time :( Damn you peoples!!

I hope you have a brilliant time :)

6:09 PM  
Blogger Elly said...

Eeeek I really want to come to this! Are there any Brighton-based Nerdfighters that want to get the train together?

captcha = insaid. Which means, what you SHOULD have said, instead of what you said. :)

6:21 PM  
Anonymous Verity said...

I'd love to go to this, as I am finally free by then, with no exams or visits to my dad booked in. I will have to see if I can get up to London and work out how to get to the Southbank Centre now!

8:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sadly i do not beleive my life form that i take orders from will not allow me to fly to England. Any chance there will be a gathering in NYC this summer? I might be able to come than! We just got a bus stop in my town and i think it goes to NYC!

captch is absor

9:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I soooo want to go to this, but I don't know ANY nerdfighters irl OR online so I'd be completely stranded and on my own :(

9:44 PM  
Blogger Marjorie said...

I live in the Uk, but I am flying to the USA on 24th June, so will not be able to come, which is sad, as it sounds as though it will br Full of WIN!

Have fun.

10:42 PM  
Anonymous Rosi said...

Just bought a Nunes ticket. Even better!

10:52 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

So me and a bunch of friends are having an End-of-the-School-Year Party in my Awesome Backyard next week. Since the Awesome Backyard includes a Trampoline and a Zipline, I'm sure those will be used a lot. The party also includes burgers, corn puffs, s'mores, and a Homework Bonfire, but how to make it even more Made of Awesome.

11:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

That last should be "how to make it even more Made of Awesome?", like, with a question mark.

11:13 PM  
Blogger Ashley said...

Argh, I'm jealous. That's the same day as my graduation. And even if it WASN'T, I'm still a little bit too far away from London to make that possible. Unless I could fly. But I'm still working on it.

Advice question: How would I make it possible to go on the London Adventure of Awesome and graduate at the SAME time?

1:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

AHHHH I'm so jealous! I absolutely LOVE the London Eye! too bad i live 3000 miles away...

anyway, my advice question is:
What do you do when the boy you sort of kind of like already has a girlfriend? ; )

2:40 AM  
Blogger goldensnitch said...

Hey, I wish you were coming to Toronto, but I understand:D
My advice question is:
What do you do when you think your best friend might be gay and that he isn't telling you because he is afraid you might not take it well?

3:58 AM  
Anonymous LaurenK said...

"Composer Benny Andersson of ABBA has contributed one million kronor ($128,000) to the Swedish feminist initiative"


via Jezebel.com

i just thought that you would want to know about the good that ABBA can do. :)

3:58 AM  
Anonymous Rachel said...

Wow, and I thought I wished I was british before now!

Also, my captcha is "sumping". Tee hee.

5:03 AM  
Blogger digressica said...

Groooooaaaan. I am devastated - DEVASTATED - at this news. I lived in London for two years and JUST last Thursday moved back home to Australia for awhile. I SO would have been there, even though, frankly, I'm 24 and at this point it would probably be a bit sad for me to attend a YA gathering that I presume is mostly for cool teen types that don't really feature in my demographic.

Groan, groan, and a big fat SIGH for good measure.

7:41 AM  
Anonymous Tali said...

Why is it that you LIVE in NYC, but you only have made of awesome gatherings in the UK? I vote a summer gathering in NYC. Please?

P.S. I am still requesting, along with my newest NF friends, a lunch date in light of the trapeze day disaster. We DID travel just to see you, and... never got to. Can you spare an afternoon for 4 brave and loyal fans? We would greatly appreciate it. (Also, it would sort of make our lives.)

7:50 AM  
Blogger digressica said...

There should be some sort of Blogger anti-spam plugin that can help you automatically ignore little friends like Raul above. The WordPress plugin is Akismet; I'm not sure if it's compatible with Blogger but there must be an equivalent floating around the internets somewhere.

7:51 AM  
Anonymous NIK said...

yea i can't go because i live in America like on the other side of this bigg ocean. so i cant come. cause i don't think that my parents would be okay with me randomly flying to London. cause they would have to pay for it. cause i own $3.23 at the moment. which is not enough to get anywhere. at all. trust me.

8:13 PM  
Anonymous James said...

Well, I can't afford a real holiday this year, and it would be pretty expensive to get to London for me... what the hell would I tell my parents? "Hey, I'm going to London for one day to meet a load of people I've don't know, bye!"
Despite all that, I miiiight still come... I'll consult my bank account.

Captcha is 'unchsat', which sounds like an edible Satnav.

2:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is a chance that I will be able to go, because I'm travelling to Egypt and am landing in London a day before..hopefully we can stay n London for a couple days so that I could at least get a glimpse of you & Charlie..sorry, that sounded stalkerish..I'm not trying to creep you out..um..disregard all of that : )
Cheers, and good luck with the gathering!

1:38 AM  
Blogger Shlingyy said...

Gosh Darnit.
I live in Dublin, but I was supposed to be in London tomorrow, but instead I'm going to Japan. And although I am super super super excited about going to Japan; I wiiiish I could go to the gathering. D:

My captcha was 'sestscla'. Now, that's a mouthful. G'wan, try to say it!

x

6:40 AM  
Blogger Jessie Carty said...

what fun!
wishing i was in london :)

10:47 PM  

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