Whoo-whee! How many were there? Sixty? Seventy? It was a hootenanny!
We used El Torito on the Redondo Beach pier again. Seems like it’s the only place big enough to hold everyone!
I’ll post more later, but for now I’ll just start the thread.
Okay, hands up! Who’s conscious? Who never went to sleep?
They’re probably still partying back at the hotel. 
You mean nobody got you drunk so they could take advantage of you?
::::yawn::::
Just got home after taking silverfire, Caldazar, & SPOOFE on a cruise of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. When we dropped them off at the hotel, there were parties still happening… but I’m just ready to go to bed now.
Sadly, no. 
So anyway… Turns out I was the first one to check in. When I came down the stairs Cowboy Greg and his SO Don were there. I’d noticed someone walking around looking lost. He eventually came over and asked if we were the Straight Dope group. Greg and I both shouted, “No!”, then Greg added, “We’ve never even heard of Cecil Adams!” I don’t remember who it was that joined us. Sorry, mate!
Within minutes a crowd gathered. There was so much blood, and… oh, wait. That was another time. Uh… Okay… So a crowd gathered: Francesca and Mr. Francesca, Coldfire, Jab1, Heloise, Spiny Norman and Shayna… well, you all know the list! After greetings and introductions were exchanged we headed (herded?) upstairs and into the restaurant. Two long tables were set up for our use. I chose the end of one table, facing the ocean. Across from me were Cowboy Greg and Don. Mercutio sat next to me and Think Snow was at the head (or foot) of the table. I didn’t notice until later in the evening that Think Snow was wearing a utili-kilt. Very cool.
Someone brought a Dopetoberfest jack-o-lantern. The “stencil” part of the “O” reminded me of a uvula. The candle was lit and the orange gourd took its place on the hearth.
Jody couldn’t make it, but was kind enough to provide two hectobucks for the bar. Pitchers of margaritas began to appear on the tables. Thanks, Jody!
Esprix brought nametags for everyone. That made things much easier! I went over to say hello to Scotticher, who I met at a mini-Dopefest in Bellingham, WA last year. She looked at me and asked who I was. I told her, “You know who I am!” She saw the nametag and I got a hug. 
Esprix brought his SO and I chatted with him for a bit. He’s living in Seattle, and as everyone knows I want to move north. He had some suggestions about companies I can contact for work up there. (I’d rather work than live off of my savings.) Hey, Esprix! Have him e-mail me!
Silver Fire was sitting next to Mercutio for a little while, but she lost her seat when she got up to circulate. Death Lama took her place, with his lovely wife Ruffian sitting across from him. SPOOFE sat on the other side of the table a little more than half way down, where he had placed himself at the previous gathering. He came with his camera and Red Thing™ of course, so look out for photos!
Before and after dinner, people circulated between the tables and the porch. It was a good setup for meeting people. About 21:15 or 21:30 the party was over. Jen was asking people to come back to the hotel for more partying and many people joined her. The other half of the group went pub crawling. A few years ago I was at a party in the middle of the desert (around Ave. D and 90th Street West in Lancaster) and got destroyed. On the way home I decided to see how fast my bike would go. At 125mph it developed a shimmy and scared the hell out of me. I let it sort itself out and continued the 80 mile ride home quite sober. After that adventure I decided it’s probably not a good idea to operate a vehicle after consuming copious amounts of alcohol. So, as much fun as it would have been to go to the hotel to get blotto with the other Dopers, I decided I’d better not get too pissed to drive. So, regrettably, I headed home.
Before that though, I chatted with Stoid and her SO, Shayna and Spiny, and promised Melin and Highlander I wouldn’t move away without partying with them again.
:: blink, yawn, stretch ::
Well, I’d had a post-game wrap-up all ready to go earlier, but it fell into the board maintenance black hole grumble.
First off, I’d like to thank the lovely and indefatiguable Shayna for busting her ass to make this party happen, and the extraordinarily gracious and generous Jodi, who provided us with $200 worth of hooch – by remote control, no less, as she was not physically present.
Many thanks, both of you.
Anyway, as Johnny L.A. recounts above, me and my hubby Don met Johnny out in front, where Johnny reported that we were the first arrivals. No sooner does he report this, but Dave Swaney wandered up and asked if we were the SDMB party. I immediately denied all knowledge, but my vile deception was unmasked. Bummer. Just about then the SDMB Tour Bus O’ Galactic Proportions must have pulled up, because we were engulfed by a crowd of newly arrived Dopers. I think it was Weirddave who led the way upstairs with the official DopeToberFest Jack-O-Lantern.
Ignoring the look of fear in the wait staff’s eyes, we tromped into the designated area. Seating was grabbed. At my end of our table we accumulated myself, my hubby Don, ThinkSnow, Johhny L.A., Mercutio, and Silver Fire, who wandered off and was replaced by DeathLlama and Ruffian. Drinks were served, food was ordered, and chit-chat ensued. ThinkSnow had brought his famous (infamous?) SD T-shirt, and we were ordered to sign it. It’s full now; he’ll have to get another one.
Esprix made his way back with the nametags. I was gratified that my spiffy new Walt Disney Studios polo shirt had the desired effect on him, namely to make him jealous. I’m such a stinker. (Esprix, if you really want one, e-mail me. We’ll talk.)
The arrivals of JavaMaven, Melin, and Highlander were cheered. Along the way, we raised a toast to the memories of Wally and Doc Watson.
On my forays onto the patio to sneak a cigarette, I met with Silo, Kyla, Tretiak, and Sassy (who is indeed a sassy one, with an infectious smile to boot.) Many things were discussed. Sassy revealed the Russian Hill location where they filmed Tales of the City. Me and Tretiak compared notes on which branches of the Southern California Consortium of Really Evil Corporations we worked for. (I work for Disney; he works for a firm that’s really really evil.). Monster104 revealed that he had now fallen fully into the clutches of evil.
Spoofe circulated, taking pictures of us in various unsanitary and/or compromising positions. The blackmail check is in the mail.
Eventually the party broke up. Me and Don decided not to go to the hotel party (we were both pretty tired out), and went home to get some much-needed sleep.
I had a blast, and my only regret is that I didn’t get to meet everybody.
I thought “Disney” stood for Diabolical Institute for Stupifying Nincompoops and Enveloping the Yokels.
Howdy, Johnny! Good to see you again, as always. I’m sure other Dopers will check in tomorrow–most of the folks are still playing at their hotels and such.
Well, here’s my take. DeathLlama and I arrived a bit late (MapQuest gave us great directions–except for the parking part. Ugh!)–but fortunately, 6:30 is still “fashionably” late!
It was amazing meeting everyone. I’ll try to break down the evening as best I can, pinpointing various conversations…
thinksnow turned me green with envy with his story of going to the Kentucky Derby this year (I believe my exact words were “YOU SUCK!”). He’s from Louisville, heart of Derby country, and I was surprised to hear booze was not allowed brought in to the track. (You can buy all you want there–just can’t bring your own.) Our undaunted thinksnow talked about how he and his buddies smuggled in some good stuff in, I kid you not, ziploc baggies. Well-built and confident (take note, single straight lady Dopers!), he pulled off the kilt thing very well.
I sat next to Cowboy Greg, whom DL and I have met on a few other LA Doper gatherings. As usual, CG was a kick in the pants and told great stories of working for the Beast–er, the Mouse. We met Don, his SO, for the first time. But that doesn’t mean they’re a new couple–apparently they’ve been together 6 years! Whoop! It just Greg that long to convince Don to meet us.
Shayna greeted DL and I almost immediately, and we shared a laugh over the fact we’d both cut our previously very long hair to about chin-length. We met Spiny Norman and chatted with him more after leaving–I didn’t realize, or perhaps didn’t remember, he was from Denmark! They make a great couple, though, and are making this work. Congrats to you both–you’re both great people!
Mercutio sat next to DL for a bit, and impressed us both that he was just 15. What impressed us is not that just that he looks more mature, he acts it. It was a bit weird thinking he’s just a few years older than our students, but at the same time, I thought that was neat–I like meeting people of all ages and it’s always awesome discovering cool people come in all kinds of packages.
It was awesome finally meeting Sassy, Strainger, and Diane–all Dopers I’ve known since the AOL days. They’ve all three been good friends to me throughout the years, so it was fantastic finally meeting them. Oooh, and so many others. Frick! I can just keep on going…
Esprix kept us entertained throughout the night with his less-than-introverted ways–and his big flower! No, I mean really–a big FLOWER! He and I had a fun time singing the “Weeeeeee!” song together. More kudos and thanks to him for making the nametags–and leaving enough blanks that DL and I could have our own. Esprix, I love you, man!
Oh, also–Esprix was walking about taking pictures. He told DL and I no kissing or PDA, so DL, first asking if I was okay with it (of COURSE I was!), reached around and grabbed both of my boobs for the picture. Hee hee! (I was laughing so hard, though, I’m sure it won’t be too flattering a pic!)
Sea Diver wins the best underwear prize–she was wearing a gorgeous metallic thong. I didn’t get to chat with her to learn about it, but the straps peeking above the pants looked way sexy. Tell us about it, dear! …She also came around and gave us body glitter. I wasn’t exposing much skin, but rubbed it where I could.
porcupine, a sweetie from Chicago, was positively warm–and so friendly we felt like we’d known her for years! She teased me for being so covered up (“It’s a DOPEFEST!”), so now I know that next time I need to come in my most exposing items from my wardrobe. But hey, it IS the beach, and cold! (For the visual type: I wore a long-sleeve ribbed shirt, capri pants, and a funky, uh, thingy that was like a large-weave trench-coat-sweater-thing. I wasn’t THAT covered up, was I?)
Edwardina and I had a great chat. Look for her, gang! She joked about her “low” post count of 500, and I suppose when surrounded by the 2000+ club, it may seem that way–but she’s worth remembering! Very friendly and fun–ew talked about the amazingly rare and gorgeous sapphires she sees in her line of work. I hope to see you at more SoCal Dopefests, girl!
pricciar was there, of course, snacking on blue cotton candy that he offered to any passer-bys. He also got the glass full of cherries–a tradition that has followed him at the more recent SoCal Dopefests. No, I didn’t send them Pat, but I know who did!
Frick, I could go on forever, huh? How’s this: rather than one never-ending-long-ass-post, I’ll stop here and then come back and add more details in shorter posts as I remember them. Phew!
(BTW, I did end up leaving not long after the dinner was over–just too sick to play much more. Blasted sinus infection! I slept the whole drive home! Wish I could’ve stayed…)
More to come, later on… (It was SO FUN!)
Man, my brother isn’t even home yet…
Anyway, first thing’s first: A hundred quadrillion billion, million trillion thank-yous to the oh-so-loverly Javamaven for taking care of my Red Thing[sup]TM[/sup] during the time that I had left it at her place, and thank you for returning it (I know you’ll miss it, but it says that you cooked for it and bathed it every night).
Driving around Hollywood was a blast… I had seen most of it before, but just sitting and chatting with Java, Bryan, Silver Fire, and Caldazar (who is a quiet one) was very fun. And eating that Double Bacon Chili Cheeseburger - which was about the size of my head - at Pink’s will be a memory that my stomach won’t soon forget.
Speaking of Silver Fire… wow, talk about an interesting young lady. She put my hair in pigtails, making me look far more ridiculous than I normally do. We chatted every now and then during dinner, and I kept trying to get a good picture of her visage… but then I finally cuddled up next to her and enticed her into smiling for the camera. Ain’t I a stinker?
Dinner was going well when Stoid showed up. What a fun-loving woman… we talked for a while, trading stories and laughs. I met the love of her life - who is also a rather quiet one - and she happened to be quite kind and polite. And no, the universe didn’t explode when we both were laughing together.
And I do agree with Ruffian about Sea Diver’s underwear.
It was an absolute PLEASURE to meet Coldfire and Weirddave. Both of them were very fun to hang around during dinner. Weirddave’s “Dope-Tober” pumpkin was quite amusing… he lit it and placed it on a nearby shelf for all to see. I got a bunch of pictures of it.
Jab1 was also fun to meet. He’s a quieter guy, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to spend a bit more time talking to him. However, we DID have a brief discussion about the merits of Stargate: SG1. It was good to finally see him come to a Dopefest.
Everyone who took pictures, be it digital or film: Try and get copies to me ASAP, so I can put them all up on a single Dopetoberfest webpage. I got over 70 pictures myself, most of which were taken during dinner, but I’d like to put up as many as I can. I do apologize in advance, because I guarantee you that I’ll have trouble placing a name to each face. Y’all will have to clue me in when I get the pictures up.
Oh, I think I should mention one of the reasons why I must kill Mercutio…
Upon my arrival at the motel, he presented me with the gift of a tube of toothpaste.
::groan::
I’ll have to wait until the exhaustion-enduced hallucinations stop before I can write a longer post thanking everyone for being so fabulous. I just have to clear up that that was not my underwear, Ruffian. It was a belt! Glad you liked it anyway.
I didn’t get to say goodbye to many people due to my early flight, so I hope you all had fun, got home safe, and that your hangovers are gone.
I’m so bummed that no one pointed out ** Sea Diver’s ** thong to me. ** Pump Action Gerbil ** (the love of my life that SPOOFE spoke of, for anyone still in the dark about that) mentioned it to me when we got home. Damn. I hope someone got a picture.
Speaking of pictures, I’ll reiterate my threat of last night for anyone who missed it: If anyone got pictures of me I will sue you if you post them on the internet! No pictures of stoid. It’s a rule.
It took a Dopefest for me to find out what SPOOFE stands for, that’s how out of touch I am. But now I know, and I’m a much better person for it. I’m also a much better person for having looked him in the eye and told him how much I respect him, cuz I do. The kid’s no fool.
** Shayna ** is a warm and delightful person who did a lovely job of making this event happen. And I’m still plagued by questions of who she reminds me of…WAIT! I just figured it out! Damn what’s her name… the woman who played Sipowitz’s wife on NYPD Blue…
** Scottchier **, in case the whole board didn’t already know this, is also a warm and wonderful person who gave me the grand tour of who was who when I got there (fashionably late).
** Mercutio ** is frightening. He is MUCH too young to be as wise as he is. I think he is actually an alien visiting us from a more advanced planet. He’s also way cute.
** Esprix ** is exactly and precisely who you expect him to be. He manages to communicate his personality onto the boards perfectly.
** Coldfire, Spiny Norman, Beatle and AlexB ** all have adorable accents (Dutch (I think!), Dutch, Texas and English, respectively). I think they should post in the form of audio links.
Everyone was very nice, and it was actually pretty cool to meet the humans behind the pixels. It’s a damn shame we can’t get the whole damn board to one of these things. It was easier in the old days, when being online was exclusively local. Sigh…I’m so old…
Anyway, I recommend to anyone who has had the opportunity to go to a Dopefest and passed it up: you’re missing out. It’s a cool experience.
stoid
See, now I’m confused, Sea because Bryan and I swore that it was a thong.
Bryan: “But how can it be a belt? It was in her butt!”
Me: “She says it’s a belt…”
Bryan: “I know her scheme! She wants us to admit we were looking at her butt!”
Mission accomplished!
Actually, yeah, we’re having a hard time understanding how that was a belt, too. It was attached to something under the pants that seemed to go in general thong directions (we actually looked carefully, 'cause DL thought it might be a belly chain).
DeathLlama says that next time you’ll just have to show us all.
That’s what was confusing us. I mean… it was still a very sexy thing… but we could swear it was some kind of wild stripper thong.
Still waiting for thinksnow to show up because I believe that he was the one keeping a notebook of quotes from the weekend.
One quote that I remember, but this was when our little group went cruising Saturday night was from Silverfire:
“I would so do handjobs for crack.”
I’m back home.
I don’t remember how many asses I grabbed Saturday night.
More later, when I am rehydrated.
Ok, the scoop on the belt is that the pants are very low-rise, and thus the belt loops are actually above the edge of the waist, attached at the bottom. The belt goes through one loop in the front and one in the back, hence the thong-like effect of the straps. I swear it’s a belt, it’s even attached to the pants!
Hee-hee.
Well let me first start off by revealing the ultra-secret really, really, really evil corporation I work for that Cowboy Greg alluded to…Southern California Edison. Now let us not talk of it again…
I know I will forget some people, so please don’t feel insulted if I miss you. First of all Shayna undoubtedly must be commended and applauded for such a wonderful event she organized, despite the restaurant (thanks for the beer Jodi!). Mercutio of course for not only trying to keep things straight, but for convincing me to make the drive in the first place.
This wallet forgettin’ fool would like to thank the unknoing masses who covered my bill and Dave_whaley for offering to do so until it was determined the bill was more than covered.
Now, I would be re-miss if I did say that I am in love with Sue Dunhym…and her San Jose Shark season tickets. I hope her husband doesn’t mind. I’ll see you again when the Kings are in your town.
Esprix was brilliant all evening, supplying the nametags and keeping everyone on their toes. But I do have a beef with his SO, whom I believe will be joining the board as boi_toi (a good guy who I look forward to seeing on the board). He was getting all the attention from the stunning and eminently friendly Heloise, much to the chagrin of this straight boy.
Jen who offered to show her breasts if someone get her a beer.
SeaDiver in her lovely “belt” applying glitter to … everyone.
I did not get much chance to chat with Spiney, but I give grief counseling to Coldfire regarding his dealing with the stress of Holland not making the World Cup in 2002.
Plus whomever gave me beer at the motel. I started losing track of the names, so I am sorry that I don’t have you by name here.
I had to leave the party relatively early, before 11, but I would not be surprised if it was still going on. I had a great time and everyone was tremendous, the women lovelier than imagined and even the guys were lovelier than imagined as well. Thanks to everyone who organized and attended and donated money for our alcoholic needs.
The Phoenix cres of myself, Strainger, and Padeye arrived safely. Strainger was kind enough to drive me home from the airport.
I had a wonderful time but am so exhausted! Work’s going to SUCK tomorrow.
I’ll do a proper post tomorrow.
Thanks Shayna for all your hardwork, and thanks to Jodi for calling in drinks for the 'fest