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  #1  
Old 08-25-2003, 03:10 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Who's in for the TTO/birdgirl Dave & Buster's MAD Extravaganza?

Who's in for the TTO/birdgirl Dave & Buster's MAD Extravaganza?

MADs:

It's just about time for another MAD gathering...Who's up for meeting up with your fellow dopers for some fun and games at Dave & Buster's? Dave & Buster's is located conveniently in White Flint mall in Bethesda, MD, so it should not be such a bad trip from MD, DC, or VA.

For those of you who have never been, think Chuck E. Cheese's for grown-ups. This place is a blast! There's nothing quite like playing a video game and having a waitress bring you a beer at the same time. And the last time I was there, the food was excellent as well. We could reserve a large table for dinner, then spend the rest of the evening playing games and having fun.

We're thinking some Saturday in September, perhaps the 13th, 20th, or 27th. We want to see which Saturday is best for the most people, then we'll set a date. And we're thinking about meeting around 7 p.m. So please post and let us know which date would be best for you.

So who's in? Invite your friends! The more the merrier! It's been a long time since we've seen everyone. We're aiming for a record turnout!
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  #2  
Old 08-25-2003, 03:15 PM
birdgirl birdgirl is offline
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I'm in!

Needless to say, I'm in! All of those dates work for me, so it's up to the rest of you to tell us what day works for you. This is bound to be the best MAD gathering yet! I hope lots of you all can make it out!
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  #3  
Old 08-25-2003, 04:48 PM
birdgirl birdgirl is offline
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shameless bump....
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  #4  
Old 08-25-2003, 04:48 PM
ultrafilter ultrafilter is offline
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I'd be interested, although I need a definite date before I can commit.
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  #5  
Old 08-25-2003, 06:00 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by ultrafilter
I'd be interested, although I need a definite date before I can commit.
Well since you're pretty much the first person to respond, pick one

We're aimin' to please everyone here, but let us know which dates work for you (or don't) and we'll try and plan around everyone's schedule so that the most people can attend.
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  #6  
Old 08-25-2003, 06:16 PM
birdgirl birdgirl is offline
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Only one response so far? Darn, TeleTronOne, if we can't get more people to go, it might have to be just you and me at Dave & Busters!
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  #7  
Old 08-25-2003, 06:27 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by birdgirl
Only one response so far? Darn, TeleTronOne, if we can't get more people to go, it might have to be just you and me at Dave & Busters!
Well come now, it's only been a few hours, let people get off of work...

But let's see here, maybe we can get some vanity search hits...

Alright, I've been AWFUL about keeping up to date on MAD events recently, but I would particularly like to see the MADinner crowd show up (haven't we discussed this before over a MADinner?) As well as some of the other MAD dopers I've run into in the past... (and of course, new faces are always welcome!)

So, asylum, GingerOfTheNorth/WeirdDave, RTFirefly, OpalCat, panache, av8rmike, avabeth, Anita Vacation, Johnathan and Lady Chance?

(darn it, I know I'm forgetting people, but I'm really tired).
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  #8  
Old 08-25-2003, 07:26 PM
Weirddave Weirddave is offline
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Ask my social secretary ( Ginger ).




Oh, I am soooo in trouble now....
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  #9  
Old 08-25-2003, 07:55 PM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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The 13th would definitely be doable for me. The 20th my mom will be in town so it may/may not be possible. The 27th I hope to be in Florida.

Is this a kid-friendly event or do I need to find a grub-watcher?
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  #10  
Old 08-25-2003, 07:56 PM
dantheman dantheman is offline
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I can watch the grub. There's a strip joint nearby. Aw, yeah.
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  #11  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:04 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by OpalCat
The 13th would definitely be doable for me. The 20th my mom will be in town so it may/may not be possible. The 27th I hope to be in Florida.

Is this a kid-friendly event or do I need to find a grub-watcher?
Well, perhaps "kid-tolerant" would be more apt:

(from their web page):

# Guests under the age of 21 (legal drinking age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (a person 25 years of age or older who agrees to be responsible for the conduct and safety of the underage guests). Our N. Bethesda and Philadelphia locations enforce a year-round 11 p.m. curfew for guests under the age of 21.
# One parent or guardian can accompany up to a maximum of four underage guests.

So... your call really. I'm sure the kids would have a blast, as a matter of fact, I first was introduced to Dave & Buster's around Dallas when I was about 12, and I thought it was the coolest place ever. I don't think they had the over 21 rule back then, though.
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  #12  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:12 PM
Jonathan Chance Jonathan Chance is offline
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It can be a little overwhelming for the young-uns, it's true. Baby Kate flipped out (in a bad way) about 15 minutes into her first midway trip.

And warning! We once dropped $400 in one night there.

And you spelled 'Jonathan' wrong! How'm I supposed to find you talking about me?

Lemme check. But I normally find the place scary. I wish the poker games were for keeps.
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  #13  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:20 PM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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I could probably find a babysitter... maybe...

Thing is, the 20th my mom will be in town *and* that's almost guaranteed to be my son's birthday party day. Though... perhaps he and his grammy could do some fun evening birthday activity together while mom goes off to play with friends...

...in that case the 20th would be better.

How expensive is this place? Jonathan scared me.
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  #14  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:23 PM
RTFirefly RTFirefly is offline
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I'll check with my social secretary. I don't think she'll come along on this one, but she may let me go.
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  #15  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:24 PM
Quasimodem Quasimodem is offline
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Please make sure you cover all your bases before you decide on D&B's. It might be different where you are, but depending on the number of people attending, you may need to reserve a room, and that carries with it a few expenses y'all will have to cover/guarantee.

(See The Georgia Dopefest thread for more info)

Quasi
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  #16  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:36 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by OpalCat
I could probably find a babysitter... maybe...

Thing is, the 20th my mom will be in town *and* that's almost guaranteed to be my son's birthday party day. Though... perhaps he and his grammy could do some fun evening birthday activity together while mom goes off to play with friends...

...in that case the 20th would be better.

How expensive is this place? Jonathan scared me.
Off the top of my head, I think there was a minimal (like $3) cover charge the last time I was there on a Saturday night.

After that, they've got a semi-fancy restaurant and a more casual, cheaper one.

Then there's drinks (about what you'd expect to pay at any bar), and then it's just games and stuff, so how much you want to spend is up to you.

Yes, it is possible to drop quite a bit of money there if you get a little bit out of control, but you should also be able to just have a drink or two, get some food, and play a video game or two without dropping too much loot.
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  #17  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:41 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by Quasimodem
Please make sure you cover all your bases before you decide on D&B's. It might be different where you are, but depending on the number of people attending, you may need to reserve a room, and that carries with it a few expenses y'all will have to cover/guarantee.

(See The Georgia Dopefest thread for more info)

Quasi
Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out. If it turns out we need to cover/guaruntee anything if we attract a large crowd, I'll step up and cover as much of it as I can. I don't want to exclude anybody due to extra overhead expenses.
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  #18  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:48 PM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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Ok... well, my budget for the evening would probably be about $15, and no more than $20...

Is there much vegetarian selection? I wouldn't be drinking so that doesn't matter...

Oh, and personally, I think Dominic would enjoy it (probably a lot more than I would), but I don't want to have to leave at 11 if stuff is still going on.
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  #19  
Old 08-25-2003, 08:58 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by OpalCat
Ok... well, my budget for the evening would probably be about $15, and no more than $20...

Is there much vegetarian selection? I wouldn't be drinking so that doesn't matter...

Oh, and personally, I think Dominic would enjoy it (probably a lot more than I would), but I don't want to have to leave at 11 if stuff is still going on.
You can take a gander at the menu on their page... I'll look into what kind of deals/packages they have going on for large-ish groups, we might be able to save money overall if we get enough people to show up. But, I'll figure something out and post more details tomorrow when I'm more awake.

I'm sure we can work out something for our fellow dopers who have a more limited budget... IMHO, the place is a blast, and I'd rather spend a few extra bucks out of my personal funds than exclude anyone else.

But... more details tomorrow!
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  #20  
Old 08-25-2003, 10:11 PM
av8rmike av8rmike is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by birdgirl
Only one response so far? Darn, TeleTronOne, if we can't get more people to go, it might have to be just you and me at Dave & Busters!
Geez you two are impatient! Some of us were busy making dinner!
I think all those days will work for me, but I will definitely get back to you soon if something conflicts.
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  #21  
Old 08-25-2003, 10:52 PM
Hamadryad Hamadryad is offline
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I'd love to make it to one of these.

Like Opalcat, my budget would be teeeeeeny tiny. The 27th is probably best for me, but I could probably make it on the 20th.

Would ANYONE be willing to carpool from Richmond or anywhere on the way there FROM Richmond? I'm more'n willing to drive (assuming I can find the place) but a little bit of help on the gas would entirely fail to suck.
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  #22  
Old 08-26-2003, 07:33 AM
GingerOfTheNorth GingerOfTheNorth is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by Weirddave
Ask my social secretary ( Ginger ).
September 13th is TruePisces and Verrain's wedding, which we will be attending, so we wouldn't be able to make it that date.

Truthfully, I don't know that I'm up for a smoky arcade-like setting. Dave'd probably enjoy it, though.
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  #23  
Old 08-26-2003, 09:00 AM
panache panache is offline
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Alright,
Groovy trip- I can't make it the 13th, but I could certainly come out and play the 20th or 27th. I just checked out the D&B page...that may BE my definition of fun! Let the good times roll!
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  #24  
Old 08-26-2003, 09:41 AM
ultrafilter ultrafilter is offline
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I get the impression that the 13th is pretty much out, which is fine by me. I think that either the 20th or 27th would be good for me.
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  #25  
Old 08-26-2003, 09:44 AM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by Hamadryad
I'd love to make it to one of these.

Like Opalcat, my budget would be teeeeeeny tiny. The 27th is probably best for me, but I could probably make it on the 20th.

Would ANYONE be willing to carpool from Richmond or anywhere on the way there FROM Richmond? I'm more'n willing to drive (assuming I can find the place) but a little bit of help on the gas would entirely fail to suck.
Paging avabeth... who lives in Richmond and is an all around nice gal and I'm sure would be happy to do the ride-share thing if schedules work out for everyone.
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  #26  
Old 08-26-2003, 09:52 AM
IDemandBeer IDemandBeer is offline
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Video Games.

Beer.

Holy bat, Shit-man! I've found Utopia!

I'd love to tag along, if I may. Any of those days works for me, though the 13th or 20th would be a bit better.

--IDB
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  #27  
Old 08-26-2003, 09:57 AM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Originally posted by IDemandBeer
Video Games.

Beer.

Holy bat, Shit-man! I've found Utopia!

I'd love to tag along, if I may. Any of those days works for me, though the 13th or 20th would be a bit better.

--IDB
Well for one who demands beer, it certainly sounds like we've found a match made in heaven!

Lemee get a few more responses in here and then I'll start matching up all the dates that work for the most people.
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  #28  
Old 08-26-2003, 10:17 AM
Elza B Elza B is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by TeleTronOne
Paging avabeth... who lives in Richmond and is an all around nice gal and I'm sure would be happy to do the ride-share thing if schedules work out for everyone.
Ah-ha! The server doesn't hate me anymore!

I'd be glad to do the ride-share thing - going up 95 singing showtunes at the top of my lungs alone is getting old. The 20th is out completely for me, but the 13th or the 27th would work.

Woohoo! Video games and beer!

Ava
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  #29  
Old 08-26-2003, 11:27 AM
Hamadryad Hamadryad is offline
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<selfish brat>Well then, I think we should plan for the 27th just so avabeth and I can share a ride</selfish brat>. But....I gotta know what show tunes. If she's going to be warbling the very best of Carousel, I just might have to make with the ether and velcro her to the luggage rack.
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  #30  
Old 08-26-2003, 11:47 AM
Elza B Elza B is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by Hamadryad
<selfish brat>Well then, I think we should plan for the 27th just so avabeth and I can share a ride</selfish brat>. But....I gotta know what show tunes. If she's going to be warbling the very best of Carousel, I just might have to make with the ether and velcro her to the luggage rack.
Heehee...would it scare you to know that I spent the weekend in Chicago with a friend and one of the CDs we listened to was a Lincoln Center production of Carousel?

Don't worry, I don't subject others to showtunes unless they agree. I can listen to regular old Top 40 as well.

Although, the ether wouldn't be bad.

Ava
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  #31  
Old 08-26-2003, 12:40 PM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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Ok, well if it's the 27th I'll have to bow out. I'll be in Florida (barring unforseen changes in plans).

Honestly, I'm kinda with Ginger in that a loud, smoke filled environment doesn't sound like my idea of a great time either--especially since I loathe beer and am not much of a drinker in any case--though it would have been really fun to see friends, and that would be why I was going anyway, not for the ambience.
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  #32  
Old 08-26-2003, 02:47 PM
Hamadryad Hamadryad is offline
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Show tunes are fine....just not CAROUSEL!!!!! I was a theater dork once. Sheesh.

So, yeah. I don't drink, but hanging out with people is all I want to do anyhow....don't have to drink to do that.
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  #33  
Old 08-27-2003, 03:50 PM
birdgirl birdgirl is offline
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Hi. Just wondering if there are any new dopers out there from the Northern Virginia/Washington DC/Maryland area. If so, we want to meet you!

Yeah, that is a good excuse to bump this thread!
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  #34  
Old 08-27-2003, 04:00 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Hey, how 'bout Skerri & Boyfriend? Forgot them in my vanity search post

(oh, and sorry about the name-mixup JC... I'll pay more attention next time )
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  #35  
Old 08-27-2003, 07:39 PM
Triskadecamus Triskadecamus is offline
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For a change, I can come.

Either the 20th, or the 27th, as far as I know now.

Tris

PS: RT, should we hijack this thread?
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  #36  
Old 08-29-2003, 09:25 PM
birdgirl birdgirl is offline
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Ok...

With a cursory glance, it looks like perhaps the 27th would be best overall?

Can we get a revised headcount?

Who CAN make it on the 27th, who CAN'T and who MIGHT be able to?

If we get enough people, maybe we can work out some sorta package deal.

And yeah, this is a shameless bump in the hopes that we can get some more people to show

Come on, all! An evening of video games, drinks, and food, what more could you ask for! (other than a non-smoke filled big room full of drunk-ish video game playin' people )
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  #37  
Old 08-29-2003, 10:09 PM
ultrafilter ultrafilter is offline
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27th is best for me, whereas the 20th is right out.
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  #38  
Old 08-30-2003, 02:41 AM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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27th is most likely a CAN'T for me, unless my Florida plans shift to a later date.
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  #39  
Old 09-04-2003, 12:34 AM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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Do we have a specific date yet? I'm trying to add it to the TM calendar... http://fff.fathom.org/cgi-bin/calend...eemingmillions
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  #40  
Old 09-04-2003, 08:19 AM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Well, so far, it looks like the 27th will work for the most people... although unfortunately not for you, Opal... there is, however, probably going to be a Six Flags trip... next month? Details to follow... eventually.

Can we get yet another "Who's in, who's out, who's a maybe?" and then I'll count anything posted after this as 'official' for the time being, and post up a list so we'll know how many people to expect.
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  #41  
Old 09-04-2003, 08:30 AM
OpalCat OpalCat is offline
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ooOoOOooooh! Six Flags!!! YES YES YES YES YES!

Looks like I might be moving my trip to the first weekend of October. There is a vegetarian festival on the 27th that I'd like to go to. I think I could probably go to that and then make this thing in the evening... I *think*

So put me as a maybe.
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  #42  
Old 09-04-2003, 09:15 AM
panache panache is offline
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[Jim Carrey voice] Alriiiighty then! [/JCV] plop me on the "coming" list, I can show the 20th or 27th still, so let's get this put together!
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  #43  
Old 09-04-2003, 09:33 AM
ultrafilter ultrafilter is offline
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27th is good.
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  #44  
Old 09-04-2003, 03:31 PM
TeleTronOne TeleTronOne is offline
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Alright, so right now, here's what we've got:

Yep
Me
Birdgirl
panache
ultrafilter

Maybe
Opal

Anyone else? Don't be shy!
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  #45  
Old 09-04-2003, 03:54 PM
IDemandBeer IDemandBeer is offline
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I'm good for the 27th.

--IDB
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  #46  
Old 09-04-2003, 04:01 PM
Hamadryad Hamadryad is offline
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I'm 90% sure I can go for it if it's on the 27th.
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  #47  
Old 09-04-2003, 10:20 PM
av8rmike av8rmike is offline
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Despite the holiday, I should be there if it's the 27th.
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  #48  
Old 09-07-2003, 09:55 PM
RTFirefly RTFirefly is offline
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I'm probably a no-show on this one. Have fun!
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  #49  
Old 09-22-2003, 04:41 PM
Green Cymbeline Green Cymbeline is offline
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Hey everyone, the Dave & Busters MAD extravaganza is coming up soon, next Saturday, Sept. 27! Just a reminder! So, who thinks they're coming? I guess we'll have to firm up some times and get some directions up soon, huh TTO? We may also want to reserve a table for pre-games dinner/drinks. So that would be the main reason to get a semi-accurate head count. I hope everyone can make it!
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  #50  
Old 09-22-2003, 04:43 PM
ultrafilter ultrafilter is offline
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I'm still good, but not 100% certain that I'll be coming alone.

You guys coming to Dope-a-Ween?
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