Last year, I sent out an email to quite a few forum members, asking what the chances were regarding doing a little gettogether (is that one word or two?) in Las Vegas. Basically asked about timing, location, etc. Eventually it looked like most people would like to go, but the timing was sort of off, and some didn't like the location.
So, I went through the 30 or so emails, and I noticed a pattern. Here's what I found:

Most people (about 60%) wanted to have it on the east coast. Orlando got the most votes (Shelly voted twice, I think )

Most people (about 80%) wanted to go in September or October.

1 person wanted to do it in Pullman

Most agreed that even though Las Vegas is cool, it kind of sucks because its not convenient for those living on the east coast (apparantly they make up the bulk of our members.. I see an east coast/west side rivalry on the horizon). Also, members with kids would rather go to Orlando. And some people have been to Vegas so many times that they wouldn't go back if they were offered up an entire hotel full of showgirls.

So, I did some digging around, and found that prices for airlines/hotels are actually about the same in Orlando as they are in Vegas, with the added bonus that there at least 8 gagillion hotels in Orlando (as opposed to only 6 gagillion in Las Vegas).

I'm just testing the waters here, trying to get an idea of who would want to take a trip in September/October. I'm about 90% sure that I would go (regardless of if anyone else does) just because in talking with other members, it looks like at least 8-10 are semi-confirmed because they live there, or are very close.

So, how about some feedback (saying "no, you smell funny!" is not considered true feedback) on this? I would like to be able to have an idea of who I can annoy with my presence

BTW, just for S&G's, here's a list of flight prices I found. Hotels are really cheap, too.. sharing a room would probably be the best idea, just as long as you don't get paired with someone who snores.



5/12/03

Depart 9/19/03, return 9/22: Coach fare, Round Trip, no time restrictions. Be aware, this is flying into Orlando on a Friday. Shave off probably 20% if you arrive on Thursday.


Departing From

LAX $310
San Diego $288
Sacremento $255
Seattle $321
Portland $361
Las Vegas $260
Dallas $250
Chicago $180
Cleveland $231
Little Rock $347
St. Louis $295
N.Y. City $150
Denver $256
Salt Lake City $296
Des Moines $258
Phoenix $305
OK City $361
Charelston, SC $314
Atlanta $192
Washington, DC $183
Pittsburgh $180

If I just hoped in my old ford and drove the 50 miles over there instead of buying an airline ticket and flying would you shun me and make me sit in the corner?

I have a 67 Chevy Impala, so I think I am legally obligated to give you crap for at least 2 hours... you could always make it the two hours you are asleep, I'll just stand outside your hotel room and scream "Fix Or Repair Daily!!" at the top of my lungs

OK you talked me right into it aaaaaaaaa do you know anything about fixing my ford?

maybe Casca could get you some ordinance

I can fix anything! A little Simtex here, C8 there, detcord for that quick flash. Or, well I can't tell you much, but one ping pong ball and some liquid draino resolves your repair problem for good.

Under Construction

I can be there in an hour on the Bee Line Expressway. Put me on the "likely" list.

Ray

>So, how about some feedback (saying "no, you smell funny!"
>is not considered true feedback) on this? I would like to be
>able to have an idea of who I can annoy with my presence
>

Oh DM - you really crack me up man. I would love to go and be one of them people but i've been laid off and i'm working a temp job right now. It's a very uncertain thing as I am not guaranteed how long the job will last. I'll have to reassess my piggy bank at the end of July/Aug or so and see what i can afford to spend. If September is the target, I could possibly save enough money by then as I have a 2nd part-time job starting this weekend.

Oh and if this was the truly the case:

>And some people have been to Vegas so many times
>that they wouldn't go back if they were offered up an entire
>hotel full of showgirls.
>

Come hell or high water, I would sell my left nut and everything i have (except for my computer of course) to make it there!

Where are you located at, Chewy? It may end up that you can travel with someone who is driving.. I know last time I checked, two people were planning on driving, I think one was from Ohio, don't remember where the other one was from. And remember, sharing a room is good, keeps costs way down. Shoot me an email if you want.

I live in Chicago so anyone from Wisconsin, Indiana, or would work great. If not, I could possibly take a train to Ohio but that would require further travel time requiring even more lead time and i cannot afford to take extra time off work (provided the temp job is going to last that long).

I'd love to carpool in with Mina, but it looks like I'll have to sit this one out.

Ethan

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
"Why shouldn't the American people take half my money from me? I took it all from them." - Edward Filene

Yeah, 1700 bucks to see the likes of the forum goons wouldn't really be much motivation for me either, Ethan! We'll take pics though, lots of them, especially the one of me fiddling with Shelly's EQ, and the subsequent gunshot wound I'm sure I will fall victim to

Count me in!
I know a great tapas restaurant, Tu Tu Tango's, on International Drive which would be excellent fer a get together like this.

Chewy...ya might wanna check with Denbeau. He's near you and I'd bet he'll want to slide down here for the shindig.

Sounds like fun, count me in! If you get closer to Kissimmee, (30 miles from me) I'd even host a cookout at my house, complete with computers and aligators to play with.

Holy Jeez...You folks'll go nuts if ya get to see Miz's toystore/computer room.

I'm sure I could get close enough to Kissiyou, but are you sure you want to Kissimmee while everyone else is around?

Probably would be a good idea to let this post grow for about a week or so, then we can see what kind of exact dates will work for people. I'm planning on flying down on a Thursday and probably leaving on Tuesday, so I can help you set some things up for that. Do you have an apron that says "kiss the cook" that I can wear?

>"kiss the cook" that I can wear?

Is that going to be compulsory?

Jim

Only if you want to eat... I sense a fast coming on for most of you

Can I bring them a playmate?

Under Construction

NO, Casca.. leave the kids at home

No kids, I have few female gators and cross breeding with Flordia gators keeps the gene pool strong.

Under Construction

You're a weird guy, Casca.

Sounds good.

September/October isnt a great time for us to have a family break though. Both the children start new schools next year. It will be the little one's first year at proper school. She starts full time in October.

Wonder if Suzy would mind me sneaking off to Florida for a few days on my own }> Fat chance!

Mind you if we could farm the children out for a very long weekend!

Jim

how about you guys do something convienent for everybody like kansas city? it's right in the middle of the US and there are some interesting things to do. although there aren't 6 or 8 gagillion hotels, everything is affordable. we just got part of our downtown re-done. it's worth checkin out. AND i could be there

-Max F.

I know your just playing around, but in all seriousness, Orlando is an ideal location for a majority of members, and the large number of hotels means we would be guaranteed the lowest prices on the best rooms. Whereas KC only has a run-down Motel 6 that has hourly rates

.

Counted! List keeps getting bigger, I think we will have to plan some events.. if you have any ideas, post or email.

You might wish to browse around here:

http://www.orlando.com/

I already spent a month in KC one weekend (both of them).

Shelly

Thanks for the link Shelly,

Jim

I am currently plotting to get a chance to go, have to take my wife somewhere. I do have some surplus Titans and some targeting computers, we could add some foam for cushioning and duct tape everything down.

Everyone will have to chip in for fuel, hard to get, but I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy that has some.

Failing that I guess I'll fly, ain't now I am taking that long drive down again, whew and I thought West Texas was boring scenery. Course I could stop in Lousiana and hunt nutrient, $3 a tail, a hundred or two would pay for the trip. Hmmm, wire net, generator and sharp machete. Around four maybe five hours work at night.

Besides Florida honors Texas C&C licenses, so I'll feel at home. Plus I can pick up some breeding stock, hey we can go to an aligator farm! Who wants to help me pick one out?

I promise to leave all Class 3 weapons and explosives (except for the necessary tactical emergency kit).

Under Construction

Place me on the "likely" list as well. After all, it's only a few hours north of Boynton Beach.

Will bring my "Spice".






http://www.bobbalogh.com/

Put me in the 'quite likely' category.....a 45 minute drive southwest and BINGO, I'm there.

added.. if anyone else wants to be added to either the "definite" or "probably" list, let me know.

Also, so I can get an idea of what to expect, please let me know if you plan to bring your spouse and/or family. That will help us plan some things that everyone can go to... and also let us know if we should play spin-the-bottle in the morning or at night

Anyone want to carpool from Oz? have to look at fitting floaties to the Holden though!

Melbourne, Australia

If you can make it to Chattanooga and stand out by the interstate with a sign saying "DM sent me" I'd probably pick you up.

Unfortunately, we don't start construction of the Trans-Pacific Bridge until 2006, and it goes to Hawaii first before the second phase of the project to Australia.

Shelly

We could build a large rail gun in Austriala and lots of swampy land to cushion the impact. We could even use chutes and ballons like the planned Mars landers. Then another gun to shoot them back the other way, and splash them down in Bounty Bay, excuse me Sidney Bay.

Under Construction

Maybe we can have an Australian get together at the same time and teleconference. Shelly will have the monitors turned upside down, of course.

Malcolm

Malcolm

Not going to bring her unless I have to. So put me down for a yes, will bring spouse.

$250 US from Vancouver, Canada return. Count me in if I am Welcome.

Guns don't kill people. Husbands who come home early kill people.

Of course you are welcome!

Shelly

Thanks

Guns don't kill people. Husbands who come home early kill people.

Wow, of course Portland would have the highest airfare. Just my luck. We are recovering from surgery too. I also don't like to get that far away from my source of pain medication. Ah well, maybe next time. }>

Maybe next year (or the year after) we will do a westcoast party.. I think Alex's house in Compton will be fine }>

Wife and I would like to go depending on the date. I'm retired but she is still working. We're a short distance away in West Palm Beach

Probably on Monday, or close to that, we will take a long look at the calendar and see what weekend will work the best, so keep an eye open for that discussion. There's still a lot of people that have emailed me with questions I just can't answer, because an exact date won't be known for at least a week +/- a few days.

hey! let's do it either Atlanta or Orlando...


my 2 cent's

Better late than never, kenny!

We've already decided on Orlando, there is a thread to choose dates if you would like to vote.

http://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=224949&mesg_id=224949&page=

sounds good. anybody wanna carpool with me from california?

Knowing how you drive, I think you'll be driving alone.. unless you can get Scotterpops to come along, he just loves the way you drive!

I'm guessing anyone following CG with have increased gas mileage due to the draft? Assuming they can stay close enough.

Under Construction

Nah, his car is one of those itsy bitsy things, not much bigger than a motorcylcle.