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Skyring's Convention Journal
by As Many BookCrossing Friends As Possible! | Travel
Registered by wingSkyringwing of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, November 11, 2004
Average 9 star rating by BookCrossing Members 

status (set by Skyring): to be read


86 journalers for this copy...

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Journal Entry 101 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

Out of nowhere, Servalan conjured up a cool arcade with an ice-cream shop in the coolest part. The flavours might sound a bit bizarre, but they were oh so very welcome! 

Journal Entry 102 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

There were still a few blocks to go to the official end of the book release frenzy. We'd left a trail of books all the way uop from the harbour, through the park, past the grand government buildings, through another park and then down streets, theatres arcades and shops.

And finally we finished up at The Evil Bookshop, so named because it was full of the most excellent cutprice books. Remainders, mostly, but such wonderful prices!

Best of all, it was only a few steps to our hostel, so k-j-h and I could limp back and make some release notes before the highlight of the convention that evening. 

Journal Entry 103 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

Servalan, who must have feet of steel, collected k-j-h and I from our hostel half an hour before the trivia night began. We walked down a long tunnel under Central Station, then out into the mellow evening streets of Darlinghurst, a world of terrace houses and narrow streets all leading upwards. Heavens, who knew that Sydney had so many hills?

We paused for but a moment at a grog shop for industrial-strenghth champagne and soft drink before resuming the climb. Servalan, a native of these parts, was muttering something about "we should be there by now" and I was just hoping that the torture would stop so that I could examine the bloody stumps I was walking on.

At last we hit a likely looking church hall. Well, likely or not, it was as far as Servalan was going to get us before outright revolt erupted. Trivia night or not, this was it.

And as chance would have it, so it was. Inside was crowded with Bookcrossers. And books, funnily enough. 

Journal Entry 104 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

FuShMuSh was mistress of ceremonies, explaining the rules - there will be no correspondence entered into - and how the winner would be selected.

But first we had to divide ourselves into teams and choose names. 

Journal Entry 105 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

Going clockwise, table number one was mine. As we had jackiea at the head of the table, we naturally called ourselves the Bookaroos after the logo she had designed for the convention. She is back to camera, and clockwise we see Catherine her daughter, Fabian a lawyer seemingly dragged in off the street, yours truly, Charbono and Markmcg. Ann is off elsewhere and I think she may be seen in the background of one of the other photographs. 

Journal Entry 106 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

Next table was "BrisVegas", composed mainly of refugees from Brisbane:
Quizzical, Jawin, PuppyMummy, Newk, Wombles, Trueshot , Neesy. 

Journal Entry 107 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

The West Christchurch Cats - supposedly Sydney was a suburb of Christchurch, according to the New Zealanders. Humph.

Tqd, FutureCat, lytteltonwitch, littlemave grogging on, Kirst040, BookFrog. 

Journal Entry 108 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

The Dirty Half Dozen:

M-girl with bandanna (Marianne)
Enoch-metatron (Leon in RL)
Caldron,
Gergie-Shaw,
Servalan,
k-j-h 

Journal Entry 109 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, January 10, 2005

10 out of 10

Mission Intellectuals:

MeganH, Noodlebowl, sarahandduncan, FuShMuSh's brother Gelfling, Hawkette, Mr MeganH.

And if you look in the middle of the table, you may see this book before it was covered. 

Journal Entry 110 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Rarely have I enjoyed an evening more. It wasn't just the champagne, and it certainly wasn't the rather run-down church hall, or even the commercial pizza we munched upon.

It was the fellowship of good friends, most of whom I had barely met, but we all had so much in common. So much to talk about, so much to share.

Jessica kept the questions coming and it seemed as if every one was a challenge. Of course some were easy - who was the third man on the Apollo 11 mission? I've read his book - Michael Collins. And some were hard. The capital of Paraguay? *Gulp*

Sometimes we had to identify a tune, or a photograph of a famous author. Link up books with characters. I suppose it helped that half the room had read The Da Vinci Code.

Or name the characters in The Wiggles group. These questions are impossible!

There were three rounds, each one better than the last from the point of view of my team. We finished the last round knowing that we were in with a solid chance. Only one question had given us much trouble, and it was the recipient of Vincent Van Gogh's severed ear. Jackiea had thought it might have been a prostitute, but I was dead certain that his brother had been mixed up in it somewhere, so we put that down when I insisted.

"If we lose by a point, I'm going to kill myself!" I said, and as Jessica read the answers out, it became clear that although we'd done very well indeed, we had missed out on that ear thing.

And as she read out the final scores, my heart rose and rose until she announced that our team had scored 66 and that the West ChristChurch Cats had scored ... 67!

Oh no! I threw myself on the floor and beat my little fists on the ground. Oh the shame! 

Journal Entry 111 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

And that was that. A great night, full of fun. We cleaned up the last of the released books so that everybody had more or less the same number as they arrived with.

And then Servalan led us back home. But it was all downhill and we fairly rolled and floated back down the slope, enjoying the evening, full of champagne and good humour.

And then, out of the evening, lost on his way back to where we were going, we fell in with a kindred spirit. I release books and take photographs of them out in the wild, but this chap roams the world with a stuffed toy bat and takes pictures of "Batty" in famous locations. Just that morning while we were laying down a trail of books around Circular Quay, he'd been there with his bat. http://www.cutebatty.com/page6.html

A fascinating man, and we swapped tales of our separate addictions. I don't know who the most famous Bookcrosser is, but Batty had made it into the hands of Chelsea Clinton, and there was a photograph to prove it.

He didn't have Batty with him, but we pressed a book into his hand before we left him at Central Station.

And then we made our usual midnight Internet hours as we caught up. 

Journal Entry 112 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

The journal went the rounds of the Bookcrossers present at the trivia night. Here are MeganH and her non-Bookcrossing partner Andrew. 

Journal Entry 113 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Neesy and Caldron on the BrisVegas team 

Journal Entry 114 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Wombles and tqd 

Journal Entry 115 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Sydneysiders BookFrog and Littlemave 

Journal Entry 116 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

FutureCat has a page full of things to say as she contemplates trivia victory. 

Journal Entry 117 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Noodlebowl and Jawin sum up the end of the competition. 

Journal Entry 118 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Sunday, and the convention comes to an end with yum-cha brunch. Yum cha means "drink tea" and is the Chinese version of fast food. It consists of trolleys of sweet and savoury morsels brought around and served up on the table in little bamboo baskets with copious pots of tea and the important word in yum cha is "yum"!

But first, I had to meet Jenny-G and Charbono at the Sydney Central YHA. While I was waiting I fooled around with Charlie Chaplin again. 

Journal Entry 119 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Here's Jenny-G from Melbourne tucking in. She's dressed up to the nines, looking absolutely stunning, and if you look closely you can see her little yellow Bookcrossing pin. Jenny completely stole my heart this convention. She's a bundle of Bookcrossing energy, setting up and maintaining OBCZs across Australia and keeping them stocked with books. Books that have been thoroughly labelled and covered in plastic. You can see where her daughter Charbono gets her drive from!

She told me that when Charbono was born somebody asked her what would be the greatest gift to give a child and she answered "The gift of reading".

She couldn't give me what I already had, but she gave me a treasure. The first book she had ever registered and it was a compendium of Michael Connelly's superb crime thrillers - three tense and intricately plotted novels which I purely loved. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/708296 

Journal Entry 120 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Each table had a lazy susan in the middle so that food can be directed to the diners around the table.

And what better place to put the books that inevitably turn up at a Bookcrossing event?

Left to right we have Noodlebowl, Pixette, BookFrog and k-j-h who has been caught out doing heaven knows what under the table. It had been a long weekend. 

Journal Entry 121 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

This picture is a follow-up to the previous and is presented without further comment. 

Journal Entry 122 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

I'm not too sure if Charbono got to this teapot or if she had passed on her skills to a new generation. I suspect the latter, as I think she had run out of official BX stickers some time and distance previously. 

Journal Entry 123 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

And so, as we stuffed ourselves with yum cha at the New Marigold and played games with the restaurant fittings, some of us were summing up a glorious convention in this journal. Complete with authentic yum cha stains. 

Journal Entry 124 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Kuju added her picture of the previous day's flashmobbing crowd and promised to catch up in 2005. July in Brisbane, it looks like! 

Journal Entry 125 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Jessica raves about the convention. And why not? Well done FuShMuSh and all the other conference organisers! 

Journal Entry 126 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Tania raves about the food. And why not? It was superb! 

Journal Entry 127 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

A joint effort from Kirst040, jubby, Servalan and Georgie-Shaw 

Journal Entry 128 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

The final entry in the journal for the convention is by Jenny-G, who had a great time, as did we all. We left the restaurant, full of good food and goodbyes, and together walked back to the hostel, where we embraced, each sad at this parting. Temporary, I trust! 

Journal Entry 129 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Back to my hostel, where I recovered my pack and bag, bought a ticket to Wahroonga, took a train there and awaited my daughter, driving back down the freeway from Gosford, P-plates bright on the Falcon's nose. While I waited on a bench beside a pleasant green park, I released a book. 

Journal Entry 130 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

It was a bit of a wrench to cut up my ABC bookbag, but I figured that the logo would get more mileage on the front of this journal than it would from the proud owner of a bright yellow official BX totebag, so I cut out the patch, glued it down and covered it with clear plastic - a trick passed on by Jenny-G.

I scanned in the journal entries and began writing up the story of the convention, but was interrupted by all sorts of things. Sleep when I got home, for one thing. Writing a Bookcrossing novel for another. And then there was the Canberra Meetup, a month after the ABC had run to its triumphant end.

Our Meetups began in August 2003, as I recall, when we had me, a journalist and a half-dozen local Bookcrossers, most of whom I never saw again. By mid-2004 we were meeting in Starbucks and getting some semblance of continuity under the skillful guidance of Scott and the December Meetup promised to be a good one, with my Bookcrossing friend from Borneo SUJIE making an appearance with three members of her family, and a few others promising attendance, beginning with the awesome Calissa, whose releases last for mere seconds before being caught. 

Journal Entry 131 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

I celebrated Bookcrossing's 2nd birthday on 17 April 2003 by releasing a set of Encyclopaedia Britannica up and down Northbourne Avene, one volume per bus stop, and by launching ziplocked copies of "Blackwater" into midnight pools, ponds and lakes.

One of them, tossed lightly into a pool off Lake Burley Griffin in the centre of Canberra, washed up in Borneo, where it started off a chain of enthusiastic Bookcrossers, culminating in SUJIE showing up at our Canberra Meetup with four members of her immediate and virtual family in tow, including the irrepressible CoffeeBron. It was awesome to meet Sue at last. http://bookcrossing.com/journal/610919 

Journal Entry 132 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Jools was a new arrival, but Skip-Dot and peggysmum were old hands. S-D and I read each other's LiveJournals, discovering similarities in taste (we both adore West Wing) and radical differences (who is this Buffy person?). And peggysmum is high up in the ACT Library system which has given me an immense amount of pleasure over the years. I'm a big fan of audiobooks for long car trips, not to mention the more orthodox printed editions. 

Journal Entry 133 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

What can I say about CoffeeBron but WOW! She is the bright and bubbly spirit behind Chit-Chat. I used to think I had fun there in the old days, but Bron and Jawin and a few others have redefined the term. We josh each other a little, but really I'm just content to sit back and watch as Bron sparks and crackles her energetic way through life.

In comparison to Bron's bounciness, Bort is staid and sedate. But so is everybody else! 

Journal Entry 134 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

I have a soft spot for creative people, and AussieNisi is creativity plus. She has these gorgeous ear-rings, which you'd swear from a range of about a metre were pure Delft, but it is only when you get to a more intimate distance you see are actually papier-mache! If ever we have a convention in Canberra, we know who to turn to for the graphics!

And she has a wonderful hand, as you can tell from her craftwork with my calligraphy felt-tip.

Her daughter Jenny is every bit as interesting, being clad entirely in black, for one thing, and with a superb taste in books for another.

Our group organiser Scott has made an entry too, now that I look closely. Sparse and elegant. 

Journal Entry 135 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

HotFrog and Sue's husband Dave check in, while Calissa makes a few observations. 

Journal Entry 136 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

Bonnie and Gwynne turn the final red-letter page on the Canberra chapter. Now it's off to London and YokoSpungeon, whom I know of old as a thoroughly good egg. Over to you Ali! 

Journal Entry 137 by kirst040 from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

This book has not been rated.

3 months after the conference kirst040 finally makes a journal entry.
I did write the BCID down over the weekend but somehow it went astray but skyring has kindly reminded me to make an entry.

Well the inaugural Aussie BC Conference was a blast although it seems like so long ago now with organisation for the NZ and the 2005 Oz conference in full swing (which looks like it will be in Brisbane - yay).

The conference was really just one big highlight for me. It was fantastic to meet so many like-minded people and of course I was chuffed about our cross-Tasman teamwork to win the trivia night.

Thanks to fushmush, littlemave, servalan, hawkette, jubby, puppymummy, tqd, kuju and anyone else that I may have rudely forgotten involved in organising and helping and of course everyone that turned up on the weekend.

Any thanks to Skyring for taking the time to do this journal and for being a top bloke in general. 

Journal Entry 138 by puppymummy from Melbourne, Victoria Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

I remember making an entry in this book and writing the number down very carefully - however between Sydney and Melbourne the piece of paper with the number was stored in a very safe place and has not been seen since.
Fortunately a couple of friends have reminded me of the number so I can keep track of its travels, which I hear will be extensive.... 

Journal Entry 139 by Skip-Dot from Downer, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 11, 2005

10 out of 10

A brilliant idea. I wrote something inane in it at December's Meetup. Look forward to seeing it again someday. 

Journal Entry 140 by winglytteltonwitchwing from Harwell, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 12, 2005

10 out of 10

I am sitting here feeling yuk and down,had my third chemo session on Monday.Reading the journal entries really cheered me up,the memories of that weekend were so wonderful.I do remember writing in the journal,was tired and braindead so it was brief.Nothing that included that stupid cancer was going to stop my trip to Sydney for the bookcrossing convention.I really have to thank my surgeon for the wonderful job he did and the effort he made so I would be able to travel.
I met so many wonderful bookcrossers,released lots of books,my bag was a lot lighter coming home.FutureCat was pleased as she had to carry it for me.Looking forward to seeing everyone at Easter 

Journal Entry 141 by wingfuturecatwing from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Wednesday, January 12, 2005

This book has not been rated.

You know, these journal entries are almost a book in themselves! They bring back such great memories, though, of a fabulous convention. I only hope our convention at Easter is half as enjoyable as the Sydney one was!

Now, I really must start saving my pennies for a wee trip to Brisbane this winter...

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Journal Entry 142 by wombles from Caboolture, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, January 12, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Well no luck with the Lipton tea comp, Pete.. sorry to say! I did keep the little scratchie and compared it to the others at home in my huge pile of comping stuff, but no luck! No comp wins to talk of really since November either! I did win a big Shrek doll but I think my posty stole him as he's not here yet!
I had also lost the Bcid for this journal!
I really enjoyed the BC convention and having never been to Sydney (or on a plane!!!) before I spent most of the weekend stunned by everything! I get excited going to Brisbane! I was so nervous on the plane but spent the whole time convincing my mum that we wouldn't crash as she had never flown before either (she came with me for the shopping, and I think she bought more books then me!, she wants to go back to the evil bookshop!)
I had a great tour of Glebe with Jubby , just me and Jubby but it was great! The Glebe markets and bookshops were fantastic!
I wish I had more room to buy more books to bring back but had to control my bookbuying urges!
I'd also never had Yum cha before (all these new experiences!!) and enjoyed it except for the tea part! Yuuck! Caldron made me try it twice and it didn't get any better! Give me coffee anyday!
I knew the names of the wiggles friends which was helpful at trivia night, at a table where I was the only one with small children! I won a PEZ truck (which my 4 year old loves) for knowing the most registered bookcrossing book (the lovely bones FYI!)
Going home was hard (and not just the plane trip!) , going back to the regular day to day stuff, but there's always July to look forward to ! (and no planes or flying involved thankfully!) 

Journal Entry 143 by wombles from Caboolture, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, January 12, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Well no luck with the Lipton tea comp, Pete.. sorry to say! I did keep the little scratchie and compared it to the others at home in my huge pile of comping stuff, but no luck! No comp wins to talk of really since November either! I did win a big Shrek doll but I think my posty stole him as he's not here yet!
I had also lost the Bcid for this journal!
I really enjoyed the BC convention and having never been to Sydney (or on a plane!!!) before I spent most of the weekend stunned by everything! I get excited going to Brisbane! I was so nervous on the plane but spent the whole time convincing my mum that we wouldn't crash as she had never flown before either (she came with me for the shopping, and I think she bought more books then me!, she wants to go back to the evil bookshop!)
I had a great tour of Glebe with Jubby , just me and Jubby but it was great! The Glebe markets and bookshops were fantastic!
I wish I had more room to buy more books to bring back but had to control my bookbuying urges!
I'd also never had Yum cha before (all these new experiences!!) and enjoyed it except for the tea part! Yuuck! Caldron made me try it twice and it didn't get any better! Give me coffee anyday!
I knew the names of the wiggles friends which was helpful at trivia night, at a table where I was the only one with small children! I won a PEZ truck (which my 4 year old loves) for knowing the most registered bookcrossing book (the lovely bones FYI!)
Going home was hard (and not just the plane trip!) , going back to the regular day to day stuff, but there's always July to look forward to ! (and no planes or flying involved thankfully!) 

Journal Entry 144 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

10 out of 10

Betcha Pete thought I was standing him up! Sorry to be a bit slow contributing. You know: work, bookcrossing, work, golf, bookcrossing, work and family and that sorta stuff. I didn't lay hands on the great book but Pete aka skyring aka tfsr (the famous skyring) let me into the secret so here I am.
I have some comments to add to the many above entries.

First books ***DO**** float in two release bags. See here. This book was going round and round a few hours later after the flash mob.

Buy your bags. That reminds me. I must buy some more and get my wings back 

Journal Entry 145 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I plan to add a few of my favourite convention releases.
While waiting for the flash mob organisers we did have a bit of fun as skyring has alluded to.

a release found by a friend of a bookcrosser


And can you guess? The B..... put down georgie-shaw as his referring member. Bah Humbug 

Journal Entry 146 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

And has fUshmUsh told us why she was late? Did I hear something about vomiting boyfriends? MMMM I forget 

Journal Entry 147 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Petey (ringy???) and I swapped a few "rubbishy" books. Here is where I left one of his as part of my famous (in my own lunchtime) bridge walk. 

Journal Entry 148 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

10 out of 10

It's great to see a series of entries - complete with pictures and links - from Newk, who is one top notch A-grade dedicated Bookcrosser. I was in awe of him. And so many others during the convention. 

Journal Entry 149 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

This is another of my faves. I call it my flying saucer release.
Once again note the release bags. Go buy. No, I do not get a commission. But Ron if you are listening????? 

Journal Entry 150 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Rather than go on shamelessly about my exploits I interrupt to thank the convention organisers for a wonderful job. A great variety of people came together with not much in common beyond this site (and bcaus, which I find too hard. I spend too much time here) and had a great time. It allowed lots of juvenile behaviour. I am a great fan of such behaviour and one of my favourite sayings goes something like:
"you can only be young once but you can always be immature" 

Journal Entry 151 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I put this in because:

See the bus in the background?

Well young charbonno plastered it with those little stickers.

Maybe "plastered" is a small exaggeration, but not much. 

Journal Entry 152 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Tee hee:

I got an email with this as a new journal entry for this book:

"How DARE you interrupt my carefully constructed narrative, Newk? Have you
no shame?

By Skyring from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
Book Rating: 10 out of 10"


Tee hee. I now cannot find that entry and there is another friendlier entry above.

Don't worry Skyring....says newk answering your question about my shame in one easy entry!


Newk? shame? Nup!
 

Journal Entry 153 by wingk-j-hwing from Geelong, Victoria Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I've also got a couple of comments to make, especially since Pete wants to photographically impugn my reputation. ;-p

As can be plainly seen in "that" picture, ??? is standing behind me and not at all in my line of sight. I'm not looking at the beer either (or even the books).
http://bookcrossing.com/journalpics/3305651.JPG 

Journal Entry 154 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Lastly a few questions.


1) Does pete have a secret agenda to make this journal a rival to the cheat book?? In number of entries, time to load them all and number of journallers??

2) Who are the bxers that newk is still swooning over. Swoon swoon

3) Did you get the barperson's number? I did wonder for a while if it was her that you were planning a trip with?

Back to you skyring mate. See if I can resist any more entries.


Well done Syd..en..ey 

Journal Entry 155 by wingfuturecatwing from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Yeah, I'm starting to wonder whether this is going into competition with the cheat book too...

At least we're *honestly* cheating with the cheat book - no posting the full BCID on BC-AUS for us. Everyone who has journalled the cheat book has held it in their hands... for a few seconds at least :-)

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v 

Journal Entry 156 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

He what!!!!?????****

He posted the bcid in bcaus?


Oh no. Gulp. I thought I was special. 

Journal Entry 157 by Annuncial from Balgowlah Heights, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this book. I looked through it at the trivia night but I am truly sorry now that I didn't write in it. I wasn't a real part of Bookcrossing then, but I signed up for the ride of my life a week later.

I'm working closely with Skyring to tell that story. He's good at telling stories. 

Journal Entry 158 by Sujie from Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, January 23, 2005

10 out of 10

Great to see pictures of all those bookcrossers. Futurecat isn't anything like I imagined, (all sharp and pointy and mathematically pure).She's a lot softer.
I wish I'd been there and now I wish I could be in NZ in the autumn, but this is the next best thing. Thanks, Pete, especially for the photos. Hope you are making snowmen and having snowball fights...and meeting yet more bookcrossers-with-wierd-accents. 

Journal Entry 159 by wingfuturecatwing from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Sunday, January 23, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I'm not really that soft, it's just the heat of Sydney melted me! :-)

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Journal Entry 160 by wingAnonymousFinderwing on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

10 out of 10

What a hoot! I made some mindless entry in the journal at the trivia night, but I was distracted. Our table was outraged that our attempts to 'phone a friend' for answers on mobiles hidden under the table had been largely unsuccessful. Even text messages went unanswered. You just can't get good friends these days - what else would you think people were doing on a Saturday night but waiting for us to call seeking asnwers to a trivia quiz? Sheesh. *pout*

I've just read back through all the journal entries and have been sitting here chuckling and grinning. What a fabulous weekend it was, and what wonderful people bookcrossers are.

I am very much looking forward to the next Oz convention. And what better place to have it than here in sunny Brisbane in the middle of winter? We locals will be working to ensure that everyone has a whale of a time. See you all there!!!!

CAUGHT IN SYDNEY NSW AUSTRALIA 

Journal Entry 161 by jawin from Launceston, Tasmania Australia on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

This book has not been rated.

AAAAAAARGH. That last entry was me. I forgot to log in.

Not sure any more if this forgetfulness is as a result of blonde moments or senior's experiences. *sigh*

But it is another entry to keep the numbers up, I guess. 

Journal Entry 162 by YokoSpungeon from Dunboyne, Co. Meath Ireland on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

10 out of 10

------
6th Jan 2005
------

Oh my goodness! It has arrived in Blighty - all in one piece and looking fresh and lovely
after an overseas trip!

It has been pure wonderment to see the handwriting of you famous Aussie Bxers!

Thanks for sending it Skyring. I will take it along to the next London meet-up next week so it can continue its journey! :)

The postie delivered it this morning while my parents were visiting. Having heard
exhaustive accounts of how great Bookcrossing is over the last two years, they finally got
to see it in action and understand the appeal of it today by witnessing my catch and reading the journal - so - to everyone - Yoko's mum and dad say "G'day!" :)


-----
Tuesday 11th January
-----

The little journal travelled to Ye Olde Cittie of Yorke in High Holborn for the London Meet-up. It was received with many gasps and much applause for making it so far on just that tiny pair of sproingy grey legs that Skyring attached to it.

I made a scrapbook style entry, as did WickedPhoenix; misterpunch; Miss_R; diomedes; leighspeak; KenseyRiver; semioticghost; purple-sam;
indielibrarian; quadrat; julian; wistfuldragon and Netstation...

I will see whether I can get them to make an entry here, too.

-----
NOTE:
----
The journal was last seen hitching a ride up the M3 with Netstation. It had a cigarette hanging out of it's covers, had had WAY too much to drink for a ringbound book, and it told me it loved me. It also asked me to let you know that it was having the holiday of a lifetime, and not to worry too much, as it was going to be on its BEST behaviour.
 

Journal Entry 163 by WistfulDragon from Streatham, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

10 out of 10

Could someone do me a favour, and journal what Netstation wrote? That's the only entry I haven't managed to read yet! Oh, and a PM from all later entrants telling me what they wrote would be good. Otherwise, a second journey might be necessary, so we don't miss out on other entries!
This is a lovely idea, and has some wonderful bubbly comments, so the Austrailian meetup must have been a definite success. I was intrigued by the 'flash mob'! Please forgive my terrible writing on my entry - I'd use booze as the excuse, but I write like that when sober, and I'd only had one glass of wine! The book was the icing on the cake to my first attendance at the London evening meet, so thank you Skyring! 

Journal Entry 164 by KenseyRiver from Brightlingsea, Essex United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

10 out of 10

Hello to bookcrossers around the globe!
As I recall, I wrote something that was overexcited and inarticulate. In my defence, it was my first London meetup, and the combination of lovely bookcrossing people, lots and lots of books, and real ale and no dinner may have gone to my head. Actually, that was pretty much what I wrote. It's exciting stuff this bookcrossing. 

Journal Entry 165 by Diomedes from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Signed the Australian Convention Journal at the January (think it was January...) meetup at the Cittoe of York PH in Holborn. Not sure what I put but I seem to recall that it concerned getting the ashes back one day (hopefully in my lifetime - please God) 

Journal Entry 166 by wingSemioticghostwing from Ipswich, Suffolk United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

10 out of 10

I like the London meetup so much that I still travel to it even though I now live a couple of hours away [door to door that is]. This time, I'd dragged a friend along and you can see from kensey-river's comments how she ended up feeling about it all.
Then, yokospungeon pulled out this book and I was thrilled - I couldn't hog it for too long, but love what I had a chance ot read. I remember jotting down my favourite poem by Dorothy Parker - "advice to would-be suicides'.
It's always good to consider such when you're feeling wintery, morose, hungry and in need of a place to sit. [As you may gather, the otherwise lovely Cittie of Yorke pub had stood us up on our booking and had only two staff at the bar for a huge crowd - so MY excuse for my handwriting is that I was standing up and holding a pint at the same time.] [But it's no excuse, really - it's always illegible. =)]

All the best to All Fellow Bookcrossers! 

Journal Entry 167 by wingnewkwing from Adelaide, South Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Yep catty, it's gunna beat the cheat book. You need to get cracking. 

Journal Entry 168 by indielibrarian on Wednesday, January 26, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Hello.

My entry in the diary, I'm afraid, was less than coherent. My only defence is that I was a little drunk - just a tiny bit. I am in awe of those who find something sensible to write in these books. 

Journal Entry 169 by Miss-R from Lingfield, Surrey United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 26, 2005

10 out of 10

Signed this at the London January meet-up-I'd love to read it once it's completely filled! 

Journal Entry 170 by quadrat from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 26, 2005

7 out of 10

er... probably wrote something really silly in this book at the january meetup in the cittie of yorke... the beer in that place was too cheap and i'm glad the venue's changed! LOL this is a great idea btw and its nice to see so many entries, it'll be good to keep as a reminder of bc meetups and the experience of being a BCer. 

Journal Entry 171 by HoledEnglish from Bromley, Kent United Kingdom on Wednesday, January 26, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I put my paw mark in the journal at the London MeetUp in January. Don't even recall what I wrote - and no this lady wasn't drunk! But I do wish I had written something deep and meaningful instead of "I'm watching all these London bookcrossers get sloshed!" Actually I didn't really write that - but I did here!

Thanks for letting me paw mark the book - great that it's traveling the world! 

Journal Entry 172 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Thursday, January 27, 2005

10 out of 10

I'm sitting here in a hotel room in Arlington, Virginia, having decided on a day's notice to accompany my wife to Washington. I've commenced a new journal for this trip which begins with me walking into the travel agent saying "I'd like to fly to Washington tomorrow." http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2415102

I have been enjoying the messages flowing in from the UK, showing that my little book is having the time of its life meeting new friends. I'm thrilled to see some of the famous names from Britain!

I hope that this book meets many more Bookcrossers in its travels. Thank you, my friends! 

Journal Entry 173 by wingmeganhwing from Thornbury, Victoria Australia on Thursday, January 27, 2005

This book has not been rated.

This journal is travelling well - now #16 in the most travelled books. Go skyring, go! Great to read everyone's entries across the pond. 

Journal Entry 174 by purplesam from London , Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, January 28, 2005

10 out of 10

I discovered the book at my first book crossing meeting and thought it was a register at first! Think i wrote about it being my first meeting and how lovely everyone was. 

Journal Entry 175 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

10 out of 10

Journal calling home! Journal calling home! Are you receiving me?

Well! What a time I've had recently. All the way to London on my own, barely had time for a rest, then that Yoko takes me out drinking! I think I remember her saying it was a party in my honour and she could have been right, as though there were lots of other books there *I* was the one everyone wanted to handle. Anyway, I blame the jet lag for my lacklustre performance in the BC drinking club (also known as The Cittie of Yorke) I met stacks of lovely bookcrossers and they all added to the memories recorded on my pages. I was a bit unnerved when they tied me up with gold ribbons, but then I relaxed when I realised it was just decoration and not some bondage thing!

Anyway I was just getting into my stride and thinking that going back to Yoko's place might be a good idea, when she hands me to this big bloke who instantly puts me in a big black car with tinted windows and say he's going to take care of me, in a scarily 'Goodfellas' sort of voice. I did what all good books do in those circumstances, and passed out!

If I don't reappear this is the type of car to search for.

 

Journal Entry 176 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

This book has not been rated.

14/01/05

It's OK friends, you can relax. I got to Stratford safe and sound and I've spent a few days with that Netstation guy, who isn't as scary as he first appeared. I've been to Shakespeare's birthplace and the RSC, and we had a nice afternoon down by the river but it was b****y cold!

He tells me we're off to a forest tomorrow, to meet some Weebles?

The picture is Shakespeare's birthplace (does it *always* rain here?) and Netstation's office is on the right hand side. He says if anyone is travelling to Stratford to pm him and he'll try and meet up with them. 

Journal Entry 177 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

This book has not been rated.

15/01/05

Well we made it to the forest, and what a fabulous place this is! The UK BCers are planning to have their summer picnic here this year and I wish I could be here for it.

I've met a weeble! Only one, but she is very Weebly. She looks after the OBCZ here, and introduced me to Offy; purple-pixie and DH; Isildur, hooded-killer; Tehuti, and Paulalou42.

The cafe in the forest is great. Someone got Lemon Drizzle cake on my cover, but they licked it off, which was nice ;o) 

Journal Entry 178 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

This book has not been rated.

27/01/05

At last, a peaceful couple of weeks for me. All I had to do was sit back and watch the world go by as Netstation did his best to wear out England's motorways. Our last trip has brought us to Reading where even Netstation swears at the one-way system. We're here for the BOSH bash, which is a regular but informal meet-up of some BCers from Berks, Oxon, Surrey and Hants and anyone else that wants to come along. There's too many to list, so you'll just have to wait and see what they wrote in me.

We're in the library of the Great Expectations pub, and suitably Dickensian it is too. Not what I expected from the outside, that's for sure (see pic) Good beer and great company but I can't drink much as there are quite a few new BCers here and I don't want them to think we're all lushes!

 

Journal Entry 179 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

This book has not been rated.

08/02/05

Back to London for the February meet-up at the fabulous new OBCZ started by the owners of the Stamford Arms pub. I'm beginning to think that all Netstation does is work, and go to BC meets!

Again there's a lot of first-time BC meeter-uppers here, so I'll be on my best behaviour. Not only that but we have two VIP guests whom Netstation's invited and are telling us all about camel-carried mobile libraries in Senegal and Cameroon. Imagine having to wait *four months* to get a new book! They are doing great work though, and I'm sure all the UK BCers will help them out with an upcoming project.

The pictures of all the friends I made at this meet are here: http://www.interiorschemes.com/BOOKCROSSING_SITE/BX_Meetup_080205/index.htm
and Netstation and Yokospungeon made sure that they all wrote a greeting.

ps Yoko, the secret of what you got up to when we met last Saturday is safe with me. I'll never spill the beans.
 

Journal Entry 180 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

This book has not been rated.

09/02/05

Back to the English midlands now, and the powerhouse of this manufacturing region, Birmingham. We're at the Midlands Arts Centre and it's a nice place for a meet-up (see pic) . A small meeting this time, quite an intimate little foursome actually, with me, Fellraven, Loribee, and my chaffeur. I wish he'd wear the cap I got him. I'm getting quite used to being driven everywhere but I don't think he's really playing the part properly. I mean, how can he tip his cap when he opens the door for me if he isn't wearing one!

I think that's the southern and midlands regions covered now, so Netstation tells me I'm off to the north tomorrow. It can't be any colder and wetter up there, can it? 

Journal Entry 181 by wingNetstationwing from Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Sunday, February 13, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Netstation here, finally! The little guy has been hogging the keyboard for what seems like hours. I've had great fun taking him around to meet my BC friends but he's absolutely right, it's time for him to travel north now. I'll entrust him to Royal Mail tomorrow, probably registered post as I'd hate him to get lost, and then the lovely Tiggsybabes will take him to meet the Sheffield BCers next weekend. From there it's planned for him to visit Nottingham, Leeds, maybe York, and then he'll cross the border into Scotland for a visit with the Edinburgh and Glasgow BC crowds.

Good luck, little book. ;o) 

Journal Entry 182 by Kleptokitty on Tuesday, February 15, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I signed this fabulous little book at the BOSH meet-up in Reading a few weeks ago, but really can't remember what I wrote now.

Reading through both the book & this journal has been superb - all these names that I recognise! Reading about the Australian convention has made me very jealous, and doubly keen to make it to the UK Unconvention this July.

Good luck little book in your travels! And, for goodness sake, sober up :-) 

Journal Entry 183 by Kleptokid from Coelhosa, Coimbra Portugal on Tuesday, February 15, 2005

This book has not been rated.

i joyned bookrosing bcos i thot it mit be fun.i am going to a meetn tomorow and im xsited. kleptokid.

***Explanation from Mum: Kleptokid has just turned five & I reckon I'm the proudest Mum ever as he's just worked that out phonetically all on his own after badgering me that he wanted to make a journal entry *glow* He's coming with me to our first child friendly meet tomorrow & he's completely beside himself! He's going to draw a picture to be stuck into the book & I'll post it on to whoever's looking after it just now.*** 

Journal Entry 184 by wingSkyringwing from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Tuesday, February 15, 2005

10 out of 10

Wow! I'm xsited too! My little book is passing through and linking the hands of so many inventive Bookcrossers. I really hope I get to catch up with it in the next couple of months. I'll see if I can get a chance to scan in the pages since I last saw it.

And many thanks for the photographs, Netstation! Such a lovely land you live in. 

Journal Entry 185 by Numbercruncher from Sandhurst, Berkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 15, 2005

10 out of 10

I signed the book at the meeting in Reading in January 2005.

Hope the book gets many more signatures on its journey ... and many more journals here.

I'm impressed with the entry by Kleptokid and can understand why his mum is proud :~) 

Journal Entry 186 by chelseagirl from Faringdon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 16, 2005

10 out of 10

it was great to see this book at our recent BOSH (Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Hants) meeting in Reading. Can't remember what I wrote but I loved flicking through all the entries already there. Great idea, Skyring! 

Journal Entry 187 by weebly from Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, February 16, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I met this little book on the 15th January at the Forest in Northamptonshire. We had a small but perfectly formed meet - and I managed to meet a joinee who had joined after catching one of my books there - Paulalou42 - which was pretty good. Tehuti is a shadow of her former self, and the purple-pixie clan loooked a little bemused. Offy was more than pleased to renew her friendhsip with her old friend Sir Steve of Netstation. I am looking forward now to see who else gets their mitts on the book - and to see the journal entried come flooding into my in box. You never know - we may meet again! (Summer picnic anyone?)

The picture is the childrens play area at the forest. 

Journal Entry 188 by tiggsybabes from Pontefract, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, February 18, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Received in post yesterday & read in bed last night :) Will take it to the Sheffield meet tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 189 by tiggsybabes from Pontefract, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Friday, March 04, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Sheffield meet 19 February.

Have come over with my daughters, Kate aged 2 & Holly aged 11 weeks.
Holly is asleep, so she's not had any cuddles yet.
Hot chocolate, friends & books is a great way to spend a Saturday.

Cheers! 

Journal Entry 190 by gulch from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, March 05, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Signed the book at the Sheffield meetup. My comments:

"Still in Sheffield.
Bookcrossing meetup over a relaxed Saturday lunchtime, flicking through the books on offer, reading the newspapers, progressing from hot chocolate on to a glass or two of beer - perfect!" 

Journal Entry 191 by tiggsybabes at by mail in Mailed to another BC member, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, March 05, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Released 8 yrs ago (3/5/2005 UTC) at by mail in Mailed to another BC member, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Posted to Nia this morning by recorded delivery. Hope the Leeds Meet enjoys reading the entries :) 

Journal Entry 192 by AlexInLeeds from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Monday, March 07, 2005

This book has not been rated.

I got this in the post today and it looks fabulous, I look forward to flicking through it tonight and then taking it along to the Leeds Meet tomorrow. :)

I have noted it's suggested itinery and it's next destination so it will be on it's way to New Zealand on Wednesday morning... 

Journal Entry 193 by luvelylee from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 09, 2005

10 out of 10

What a fantastic idea collecting views of so many different people from around the world. I signed this book in Leeds at the march meeting where I got to meet a young, fresh minded English lit student from Toronto Canada. I also met Kazeh who is a deaf member of book crossing and very warm and friendly, plus many other folk. I really like book crossing for the different people you can meet as well as the books you can read. Nia daemonwolf has a great way of making everyone feel so welcome and encourages free conversation/debate about most anything. This journal allows a variety of people who are members of similar book crossing groups to share and record their experiences of each other and of the books they share which is a great way to find out how successful groups like this are and how to keep them up or improve on them. Great fun!!!

Luvelylee 

Journal Entry 194 by Walter-Ego from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 09, 2005

1 out of 10

Awful. The writing was all upside down. And far too neat, even from the blokes. However, it didn't mar a good meeting last night. It's developing into a good night, though I must learn to stop taking books home with me. 

Journal Entry 195 by GembaKaizen from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 10, 2005

7 out of 10

Found this in Leeds. What a good idea. Came here to rate it. Hope it has many happy travels after this. Bon voyage! 

Journal Entry 196 by loobygraham from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, March 10, 2005

10 out of 10

It's loveley to be able to connect with bookcrossers around the world through this book. Fab idea.
 

Journal Entry 197 by sarax from Leeds, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 15, 2005

This book has not been rated.

Didn't get chance to read much of it at the meet in Leeds.

Nice idea but someone's got way too much time on their hands!

Nia asked to register - being a good girl and doing what I'm told..... 

Journal Entry 198 by winglytteltonwitchwing from Harwell, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Sunday, March 20, 2005

10 out of 10

The journal has arrived here in NZ in time for our Easter convention.I envy it's travels. 

Journal Entry 199 by non-fiction from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Friday, March 25, 2005

This book has not been rated.

put my 2 cents into this little journal at the registration dinner of the 2005 NZ convention..wish I was as well travelled as this journal and some of the others who have written in it. 

Journal Entry 200 by wingAnonymousFinderwing on Friday, March 25, 2005

10 out of 10

Yay.... bookcrossing convention... nice to meet all these wonderful people.

CAUGHT IN CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND 

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