Chicago Dope Fest - Business Thread

[C K Dexter Haven]

The prior discussion thread rambles a lot, with a lot of side topics.

I'm therefore opening a new thread, and asking that folks PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE -- do not get involved in side discussions. Just post times/dates that you can (or can't) make it for a Chicago Dope Fest. Keep this thread focused.

If you want to discuss side issues (past Chicago SD Get-togethers, how to handle multi-person restaurant bills, etc), go to the prior thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/...0#post15241750 Let's keep this one focused, focused, focused. It's hard enough to tabulate and figure out who can be where when, without these distraction conversations. NOTE: If anyone does post extraneous stuff here, please REPORT it (little ! in red triangle in upper corner of post) and I will move it to the other thread.

And we need a volunteer to tabulate and co-ordinate. dalej42, since you started the prior thread, are you willing to do that?

[Tim R. Mortiss]

I can pretty much attend any day of the week, any time of day, through mid-August. Both locations discussed previously (Goose Island, Galway Arms) work fine for me.

Okay, who's next?

[MeanOldLady]

Prefer happy hourish, or if on the weekend, in the afternoon. Most days work, with a few blocked off on my calendar.

[dalej42]

Sure, I'll tabulate.

I'm free any Friday afternoon and any Saturday afternoon from now until Labor Day weekend. July 14th, I'll be at Galway anyway as I'm taking a bus from there at 530 to the Chicago Fire game.

[dalej42]

Actually, since Friday July 13th was already unpopular, let's scratch that as a possible day, I'm going to the D-backs/Cubs game that afternoon.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Tracyfish and I will be in Chicago November 8th-12th, if that helps.

It doesn't help.

[dalej42]

Originally Posted by Least Original User Name Ever

Tracyfish and I will be in Chicago November 8th-12th, if that helps.

It doesn't help.

It's an excuse for a fall dopefest

[Lochdale]

How about Thursday the 12th?

[dalej42]

I work an overnight shift in the Loop from 1130 AM-8 AM Sun-Thurs. Weekday nights don't work for me.

[dalej42]

Make that 1130 PM-8 AM during the week. Friday and Saturday are my only options.

[zoid]

Not that anyone cares but Saturday is about the only day I can do.
My wife works a late shift so I have the kids to watch and make dinner for during the week and frankly I don't want to go out drinking on a Sunday

[Lochdale]

I could do the 14th. Coming from a BBQ so I'll be pre-oiled.

[dalej42]

The 14th is fine for me, even if it is a mini dopefest. I'm going to be at Galway Arms that afternoon anyway since I'll be pregaming for a Chicago Fire game that night.

[Tim R. Mortiss]

Sounds like the 14th is shaping up to be the winner. Now, all we have to worry about is a time. Are we talking 1-ish? or more like 5-ish?

[Rand Rover]

I can only do any weeknight around happy hour time, and I really have to wait until that day to see if I can actually make it. Galway Arms and Goose Island both work, and other than that I'd prefer anything close to downtown and/or a northward train line.

[Lochdale]

The 14th then? Galway Arms? Could do lunchtime or evening. Have a BBQ during the afternoon.

[dalej42]

At 530 PM, I"m taking a bus from Galway to the Chicago Fire game that night. Anytime in the afternoon is fine with mne.

[MeanOldLady]

Can't do the 14th. Gah!

[C K Dexter Haven]

We're talking 14th July, right, this coming Saturday?
I *think* I'll be open, at least for a while...

What time? And what's the address??

[Lochdale]

Galway Arms is located at 2442 N Clark. just north of Fullerton on Clark.

How about lunch? I have to go to the 'burbs for a BBQ so mid afternoon won't suit me. Evening would suit.

[jnglmassiv]

I think the 14th looks good. I'm going to Z-Trip at the House of Bluse but it's a later show and anything like lunch or early evening works fine. Looking forward to the Fest.

[Lochdale]

How about lunch at 12:30? We can sit outside.

Do we all wear red or blue to recognize one another

[dalej42]

I will be wearing a blue Chicago Fire shirt. 1230 works for me.

[zoid]

Would it be completely out of line for me to bring my 15 YO daughter?
I figure since we're doing lunch it shouldn't get too blue.

[Lochdale]

No problem with me. I may bring my wife though my son is usually sleeping then. So we have at least four people on for lunch on the 14th.

[dalej42]

I have no problem at all with teenagers being present.

Anyone know how good the food is?

[Lochdale]

It's pretty good. Pub food but a cut above the usual faire. I love their sheppard's pie but likely a bit hot for it!

[Tim R. Mortiss]

Originally Posted by dalej42

I will be wearing a blue Chicago Fire shirt. 1230 works for me.

Since dalej42 started this entire thing, I'd say this post counts as a DECLARATION of the date, time, and place of the Dope Fest. Half past noon on Saturday, the 14th, at the Galway Arms on Clark Street. Be there or be square.

If you need public transportation, the 22 or 36 bus will take you right there. The Red Line or Brown Line el train to Fullerton will get you close (walk half a mile east to Clark Street, and a couple blocks north to the Galway).

Woo hoo! Sounds like fun!!!

[Lochdale]

So, show of hands, how many do we have for Saturday?

[Tim R. Mortiss]

I'll be there. I'll be the guy who looks like Evil Spock wearing Gargoyle sunglasses.

[zoid]

I'm planning to be there, daughter is probably a 50% chance.
I'll know for sure in a few days.

[dalej42]

I'll be there!

[Lochdale]

So at least four of us!

[jnglmassiv]

Confirming my attendance.

[C K Dexter Haven]

I have about a 50% chance of attending. Set up some sort of sign at the table??

[Lochdale]

I'll get there a little before 12:30 and stake us a table outside. It's under cover so we won't get toasted by the sun.

I'll see if I can find some sort of flag or other signaling device.

[Tim R. Mortiss]

If nothing better presents itself, grab a Chicago Reader and fold the cover into a paper hat!

[Rand Rover]

Originally Posted by zoid

daughter is probably a 50% chance.

Originally Posted by C K Dexter Haven

I have about a 50% chance of attending.

Oh wow, I never knew . . .

[zoid]

Do they take reservations?
We could be the Cecil Adams party.

[Lochdale]

They do but don't think we will need them that early in the day. I'll think of something conspicuous. So having never been at a Dopefest do we use our usernames?

[Mr Downtown]

I'll be there.

[zoid]

Originally Posted by Lochdale

They do but don't think we will need them that early in the day. I'll think of something conspicuous. So having never been at a Dopefest do we use our usernames?

In the past I've introduced myself with my real name and added "I'm zoid on the board".

[Tim R. Mortiss]

Originally Posted by zoid

In the past I've introduced myself with my real name and added "I'm zoid on the board".

Maybe we need some of those "Hello My Name Is" stickers, but with TWO entries: board name, and real Face-To-Face name. I know I never answer to my SDMB name in real life!

[C K Dexter Haven]

Damn. I just discovered that the non-profit organization that I work with as treasurer has a major grant proposal due Monday. I won't be able to make it. Sorry. Real sorry.

[dalej42]

I've used my real name first and then board name. They're not too different.

[zoid]

So are we definitely on for tomorrow?

[jnglmassiv]

I'm confirmed.
See ya tomorrow.

[zoid]

So how do we recognize each other?

[jnglmassiv]

Ok, everyone, I got it. When you arrive, make a point to conspicuously look around. Anyone else who is already there can then make an ambiguous head gesture toward the new arrival. The new arrival awkwardly approaches the table and while half making the turn toward the bathroom, casually asks if it is the Cecil party. One grunt means no, two means yes.

[Tim R. Mortiss]

Originally Posted by jnglmassiv

I'm confirmed.
See ya tomorrow.

Me too. The only thing that could stop me is if Interpol snags me in the next twelve hours. Come to think of it, that's not all that unlikely. But I'll do my best.