Looks like about 58 or 59 days. I was never too good at counting.
Wait a minute, Jane D’oh. I realize that you’ll soon be compiling your list of who’ll be needing hotel rooms, but I think you’re missing something.
Where’s the wailing and gnashing of teeth, self-flagilation and rending of garments that I won’t be among those attending. I realize that you may just be taking a short break to compose yourself after reading the news.
Actually, thinking about it, I admire your ability to fix agrin upon your face and post “the list will be out later” while you fight your way through these difficult times.
This thread is so massive and I came into it so late, can we start a new thread with the OP just whittling down the details of where when who and why? I want to participate but I have no idea what’s going on. And I’ll be unavailable (hopefully) on Friday night.
I’m pretty sure that the rending of garments will happen, it always does at these things. 
Really, I’m just holding out hope that those family plans change again and you show up at the last minute. Hey, stranger things have happened.
In the mean time I just hide behind the facade that is the dopefest rooming list and try and make the best of the situation.
jarbaby, Gundy said she’d start a new thread soon after the bar-scouting excursion this week, so keep your eyes open for a follow-up thread soon.
I can’t tell if we’re opening a new thread or what yet, so I’m putting this here in the hopes that someone might guide this poor confused soul.
I’m now almost certain that I am going to ChiDope. However, I want to wait and see what the events are each day, since I will only have time to attend events one day. I’ll therefore be looking for a hotel for one day, once I decide which – is that acceptable/possible? (Anyone need/want a roomie for one day?) I see the bar scouting thread for Sat. night events – what are the ideas for Friday?
Side note: lovelee, I noticed that you mentioned the idea of carpooling to/from the Bloomington/Normal area earlier in the thread, but my emails aren’t going through. What details were you thinking of with regards to this?
On the off-chance that I can make it, here’s another request for a roomie to save money on crash space.
I am thrilled that you recommend Uno’s (or Due’s) as a place for us to eat! After all, they pay the bills around my house. However, I’m quite certain that neither one has a private room. I can check with my husband (regional director for the company) to see if they have a “down time” when the place isn’t quite as packed. If you are familiar with them, I’m sure you know they get quite busy at times.
Most assuredly, they serve beer. And, of course, are the originators of the Chicago Pizza style. (My husband has me brain-washed ;))
I’m in.
quick note from Mr. Cynical
“Everyone who brings me Fat Tire Beer will be greatly rewarded”
Well, it looks as if I will be flying in from Portland, Oregon the morning of the 9th and staying until about noon on the 12th. I’ve never been to Chicago before, and I need the location of a cheap motel to crash in that would be close to the disaster areas…er…I mean celebrations being planned.
No cheap hotel near the bar, but email Jane D’oh for a good deal on a room near the airport where lots of other dopers are staying. Convenient to public transportation to the actual fest.
SHE SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
Duly noted! However, now that I have tasted the sweet nectar of the gods, I doubt it’ll even make it there without being consumed the night before.
Eh, five for me, one for you. How’s that? 
OK if newbies show up? If not, lock the doors 'cause this is going to be too close to my house for me not to show up!
Always. We make 'em buy the first round.
I’m in, too.
I’m going to have to keep track of things this time around.
I’m in. Will be with Angel of the Lord, but she told me to sign up too, so.
Did so-thanks!