(L-R: Brian, Dennis, Ryan, Jason, Jesse, Johnny)

(L-R: Ryan (barely), Jason, Jesse, Johnny, Evan, Nater, Nicole)

Jesse’s swine outfit was fantastic.

(L-R: Ryan (Danny’s friend), Danny, Ryan (Dennis’s roommate), Evan, Dennis)

Nater, who I hadn’t seen since last year, made it up to the fiesta.

Phillip didn’t go out with the revelers, having work the next day, but he joined in while we were inside.

And then, of course, Micky’s.

I went with Dennis, who knew quite a few of the guests as Brown alums, and several others just from being Dennis.

One of the bartenders looked familiar. Some people just have a face I’m sure I’ve seen before, though they may just look like someone I know or someone famous. Sometimes, there’s just a universal familiarity to them, though, and I won’t be the only one to have the same sensation. Imran is nice, and I met a couple of interesting guests, but it wasn’t quite my crowd. I later said something about it to Dennis’s roommate, Phillip, who of course blabbed it immediately. Note to self: when you have a less-than-stellar time at a party your friend has graciously invited you to, and at which the drinks are free, keep your big mouth shut, especially to people who have no down-low filter, lest you be thought a giant asshole.

The view, though, was fantastic.

We also spent some time watching the Real-World-esque Jacuzzi scene evolving several floors below. I need a video camera with a zoom lens.

Saturday, however, I had a blast. Dennis and I headed out to Venice, to celebrate the pre-game party at his friend Bobby’s. There were more Browns, and lots of film industry folk to fill the ranks. As early arrivals, we sat around the living room, knocked back a few, and chatted.

Joe wanted to know all about voice acting, and I tried to impart some helpful advice, given my limited experience, while Conor ate dinner with his girlfriend.

I also talked with Emma (at left of the photo below) for some time, discussing law and film. Revelers kept arriving until the place was packed out.

Bobby changed his shirt 3 times, which I found out later was not unusual. Hey, if it’s your place, you have options. Lovely, lovely people all around, and I’m glad to have had the chance to meet them. Thanks, Dennis!