Who is bringing cameras? Should I accelerate my Digital Camera purchase so that I can have it this weekend? If there will be plenty of cameras there I would rather wait a bit so that I can do more research. Plus, I always get busy having fun and forget to take pictures. So many great photos have been missed in my life but I wouldn’t want to sacrifice my involvement in life for photos.
Dinsdale, I’ll give you all the dirt next Friday, when we have our loopy liquid Loop lunch.
VileOrb - I wouldn’t worry about bringing a camera. There are usually 4-5 people with cameras, and no shortage of good pictures after the event.
My photographic evidence was the only thing that made me remember certain events from the Spiffled gathering. With any luck, this Dopefest will be the same.
BTW, when Val and I went scouting last night, I did a dry run getting to O’Hare on public transportation, and getting from the airport to the hotel via shuttle, and it’s very, very easy.
If you are coming from the city, take the blue line eL to O’Hare. When you get off the train, exit the “station”, and you’ll see a sign that says “shuttles” to your left - follow it. You won’t have to go very far - you’ll hit a bank of elevators, take the elevator one level up, and you’ll exit right where the shuttles are. The shuttle for our hotel was quite prominent, the driver is a sweetie pie, and the trip from the airport to hotel took about 10 minutes. Beware the loud lite-rock music played in transit!
For those of you flying in, I’m not sure how far the shuttles are from domestic arrivals, but it should be easy to find. If for some reason the shuttle isn’t there (don’t confuse the Marriott Suites shuttle for the Courtyard Marriott, as I nearly did) call the hotel and they’ll send the guy immediately, it should only take 10 minutes for him to arrive. I’m not sure how much a cab would cost (for the truly impatient) - shuttle is definitely the best bet.
Not to nag or anything, but I’m still waiting to hear from some of you. I need an accurate headcount for the restaurant. Don’t worry, though. I’ll just be here, waiting by my computer, alone like a dog. I’m sure you’ll all email me when you feel like it.
If you’ve responded to Valerie, great. If not, you’re a bad person, and email her now. 
I will be there. And I’ll try to get there for the free drinks.
and while I do answer to Joey, my name is really Mark. But the shirt i am planning on wearing says Joey. But my name is really Mark. But Joey works.
Dearest, sweetest UncaBeer, I would never pass up the opportunity to have a man buy me a drink
Mark/Joey, we all know that you are just trying to confuse us.
Maybe somebody should bring some name tags. I have a hard enough time remembering the names of my own friends, much less a bunch of Internet weirdos
Hey, what’s the weather like up there right now? I need to figure out what to pack tonight…
Falc, I don’t know what the forecast is for the weekend, but lately it’s been warm, sunny days and chilly nights. Think layers!
Geez, don’t you guys have internet access? Here’s the weather forecast.
;j 
bounce
I’m still psyched that I get to meet Slient Bob.
Anyway, my flight leaves tonight at 8:10 from Baltimore…I’ll get into Chicago around 11 local time. I haven’t heard of any Friday plans, so my current plans are getting my luggage, getting to the hotel, and falling asleep.
I ended up finding a ride in tonight (I had planned on driving in tomorrow). It means I may have someone with me tomorrow - A female but not a romantic interest (so don’t let her scare you off girls). If you want to do something tonight Falcon, you can get my cell phone number from Valerie. Or maybe I’ll see if your email works and send you an email.
See yall soon,
-Vile
Um, Vile, could you send me that phone number again? I seem to have, uh, misplaced it.
By the way, this is last call for having dinner tonight with me and GLWasteful. Anyone that wants to meet us can give me a call or email me today.
No dinner, but I’m up for drinks if y’all are still awake whenever I get my butt into the hotel. Which probably won’t be until midnight.
I will have my laptop with me, so either send me an email, or leave me a message at the front desk. (V, you know my real name, right?)
Yes I do.
Hey guys! Tonite between 6 and 9:30 I’m gonna be picking my son up from cartooning class, picking my daughters up from Irish Step, dropping my son off at a friend’s for a sleepover, driving my daughter and her friend to an activity night, and wrapping things up by picking up the girls.
Tomorrow evening is that exciting baby shower I’ve been looking forward to.
Anyone else have any plans for the weekend? (grumble)
Have one or 12 for me, willya?
Weather’s been GREAT folks. Midwest fall at it’s best. Today might hit 80 (tho next couple of days 10-15 degrees cooler.) Should be mucho sun, and little chance of rain. Unless you are gonna be outside for long periods at night, you shouldn’t need much more than a medium jacket/raincoat. Last couple of days I walked the dog at 10 p.m. without any jacket. After this weekend you might have the mistaken impression Chicago wouldn’t be a miserable place to live!
Dinsdale, What step program are they in? My daughter wants to start and I’m looking for opinions. I’ve pretty much disqualified Trinity because of price/too competitive. I’m wavering between Mullane and Sheila Tully. Any opinions? She’s 6-1/2 and in gymnastics now and already wondering about what to do when this is over!
BTW what’s the deal w/ tonite? email me at mikegdkb@att.net