The Core
Why We Are Here => Water Cooler => Topic started by: rcjordan on February 16, 2017, 02:44:48 PM
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Looks like we're going to have a meetup. Dates: Apr 21-26 (+/- per your travel plans).
We're working on possible easy-ish venues but that's still in flux. NFFC wants some place warm, but the coastal Virginia-Carolinas region is fickle about that in late April so I may have to lend him an overcoat.
Time is short. Who's serious about this?
For those long-distance travelers, take a look at these airport codes as possibilities: ORF, ILM, RDU, CHS. Some of us have done RDU & CHS before, but much depends on who is coming.
Suggestions welcome!
<added>
Corecon domain is taken. Bummer.
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CORECONFERENCE.com will expire on 2017-04-04
REDIRECTS TO
http://www.maritimesenergy.com
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I will drive up for at least a couple days. Not sure if the family will be in tow or not this time.
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corecon.world is now registered and until I have further instructions will redirect here.
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Good man, Jason. Thanks.
For the new members, this will be a continuous, rolling business meeting with agendas on-the-fly & eyeball-to-eyeball, in the long tradition of the now infamous Pubcon1. I will say that if you have problems with blackhattery or otherwise bending machines to your will, you'll have to check that at the door.
I propose Wilmington, NC as the venue.
<added> ILM airport code.
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>Wilmington, NC
I concur. Very very nice.
>serious
Will make a huge effort to make it. However have some family Easter thingy and a good friends wedding.
Travel research initiated..
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Has everything.
Old (by US standards) city-center district with plenty of meeting spots and exploration-worthy restaurants. It's now one of the fastest-growing tourism spots behind Charleston, SC. Great mix of affluent gentrification and hipster trendy. Beaches of several kinds literally adjoining the sprawling city. Should be enough hotels. (Louise will verify availability).
Again, for newcomers, there are no fees, no formal meeting rooms, no podiums. We work out of hotel lobbies and restaurants. You pay as you go. Attendee numbers tend to run between 12-20 (occasionally much higher).
<added>
The South did not surrender when Charleston fell. It was later, when Fort Fisher & Wilmington fell. Charleston was good at starting a fight, Wilmington was good at keeping a fight.
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>>Wilmington, NC
18,000 mile round trip for me.
In!
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Count me in if you'll have me. Will bring Polish Vodka of the Gods.
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WE can do Wilmington, NC
;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlUHYW_mJkE
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How to explain corecon to the uninitiated? Rumbas ping'd me last night about the 'rules'.
[1] Don't be a jerk.
Oh, and, [2] "you should have eaten some more then."
IIRC, it's Don't be a d##k but 'jerk' works, too.
If you are expecting 'structure' there isn't much, if any. Basically, we pick a city and gather, usually around a suggested hotel. You come & go as you please. If you can only make it for 1-2 days? Fine. Group meals can be problematic if the group is large, but selection is driven by local knowledge (if available), yelp, and whoever is around the table when someone says Hey! Where are we gonna eat? Rumbas' rule #2 applies to group meals, we just split the tab equally. Thecore doesn't have the server itemize the bill. If you just get a salad, you're gonna pay for part of someone else's steak.
More as it comes to me...
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They serve BEER here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOzkCANEc1E
AND HERE
http://frontstreetbrewery.com/
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>Front St
We'll be spending a lot of time on Front St, I expect. I hope the Phoenix is still there.
For those that want to fly into a major airport and rent a car, RDU is only 2.25 hrs away and a relatively easy drive down I-40.
<added>
Regional Official Tourism Site:
http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/
(Usual official site suckiness applies.)
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## Phoenix > Yelpers report this location has closed.
Ruth Ann & I will arrive in Wilmington Friday late afternoon April 21st
SEE YA THERE
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IF Y'ALL ARE INTO SHIPS
Moored in quiet dignity and majesty the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckons visitors to walk her decks.
http://www.battleshipnc.com/
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How could I refuse!
Be just like that time in London...
Or that time in Edinburgh...
Or that time in... er...
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Sounds just like Grehan
Recently named "Best American Riverfront" and "Best Neighborhood for Dining Al Fresco" by USA Today, historic downtown Wilmington blends Southern hospitality and Antebellum-era architecture with a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Set on the famed Riverwalk, our Cape Fear riverfront hotel is steps away from boutique shopping, dining, historic sites, special events and a vibrant nightlife. Take horse-drawn carriages down Market Street, explore specialty shops in the historic Cotton Exchange
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In.
This is looking great...
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Keep the date but don't jump the gun on booking a flight or room. Finding even a small block of suitable rooms is tough. Louise is working with the CVB, we'll see.
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Sounds like fun. I'm in.
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I'm in. ;D
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Working fiercely on it as well.
Getting to Wilmington airport is a b###h internationally. I'm thinking Dulles and then either drive or domestic flight down. Both will take about 8-10 hours depending on layover time in Dulles.
Any other ideas? Maybe the Eurotrash could do a call pool from somewhere?
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>b###h internationally
Try routing through RDU or *maybe* MCO
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<added>
Airlines connecting to ILM
http://www.flyilm.com/flights-airlines/arrivals-and-departures/
Major airports connecting:
New York-LGA
Atlanta, GA
Charlotte, NC
Philadelphia, PA
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Get you BUTT on a cheapo flight to London
THEN
Cheap Flights from London Heathrow to Raleigh from $430 - KAYAK
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>Raleigh
Then drive 2.25 hrs. It's the American way!
What part of "without benefit of trains or planes" didn't you understand? hhh
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> Raleigh and car is definitely the way to go.
If i make it, I'll be doing that, albeit a few weeks earlier to get the father in laws and hopefully lots of meetings in Raleigh
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Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Corecon SE 2017 is officially underway.
Louise is working out a contract with the hotel. In short, we will be responsible for guaranteeing to fill 10 rooms
for 5 contiguous nights. As of this post, there are seven (7) rooms in the hotel on hold. Cost is approx $200
per night for a nice 4-star, King bedroom located in the city-center historic district. (That's a discount of approx 15%).
Check-in: Friday April 21
Check-out: Wednesday April 26
Room-wise, this is a sorta tough-to-do venue. The town's city-center, however, is almost custom-built for the "PubconOne Experience"
we all crave. As always, when we go above 12-16 in the group the logistics will go to hell, but we've pulled it off before.
For some reason, the hotel reminds me of the one in Limerick, IE. Louise frankly discussed our group's (apparently bizarre) meeting
requirements with the local Convention & Visitors Bureau staff, who then made an excellent recommendation for the hotel and surrounding
pubs & restaurants. Louise specifically addressed our past problems with US liquor laws and our free-style lobby meetings. We believe the
hotelier ended up with a grasp of our needs and offered some good suggestions.
Consider this to be a headzup. The first 7 to commit by posting below for the full 5 days get the rooms currently on hold.
<added>
AFAIK, I've now pm'd all of those that have previously said they are 'In' and pointed them to this post.
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Which hotel is it? I don't know if I can commit to all 5 days but definitely want to make it for at least 2 or 3.
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Awesome! Thanks for doing the ground work Jordans!
Will take it one step further and figure out how to get there. Fingers crossed.
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We will arrive Friday afternoon.
Must leave very early Monday morning.
Does the hotel have a BAR ;D
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>ground work
You *know* Louise did it. I was forced to go at gunpoint.
>Which hotel is it?
If you don't mind, I'll post that later after we see if the contract is going to work for the remaining 5-day rooms.
>a BAR
Yes, several within 1.5 blocks. Looks perfect.
<added> One in the hotel and they say they can keep it open until 2am if we book the bartender.
>leave Monday
The Visitors Bureau reps said late April is the beginning of the "Bride Season" (***HUGE*** in Wilmington) and weekend rooms are going to go first. We have several satellite hotels picked but I need to confirm the 5-day stays first and then work from there.
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IN for the 5-nights for sure, probably more before/after too.
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Louise says we have to execute the 5x10 contract by 4pm EDT Feb 28.
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What happens if we don't?
Can we still get rooms for 3 days at a higher rate?
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>Can we still get rooms for 3 days at a higher rate?
Hard to say about the particular hotel we've chosen and *particularly* for the weekend. The hotel rep said that the weekend was booking out. Bridal parties mentioned both by the hotelier and the CVB. I can't emphasize enough how big a wedding destination Wilmington is. IIRC, NFFC & Vikings saw several brides in the streets last time we passed through in May. That's why Louise jumped on the contract offer in order to block out some availability.
That said, there are some peripheral hotels (ranging from near to far) that we'll jump on March 1st.
LM is in, so I've been told. That leaves 5.
Until Mar 01, my best advise is...
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I'm in - for all five nights.
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Only 6 confirmed and we're getting close. I'm told by a corporate friend in the hotel chain that they need a minimum of 8 rooms to consider it a group booking. I expect the hotel to drop the offer but Louise will see if she can strike a deal. (Hotel group-booking reps have a quota to meet.)
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Really wanted to join, but I cannot make it work. I've got my kids that weekend. Can't be swapped. divorce life.
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I'm thinking ahead:
Nestled on Market Street in Wilmington, NC, Catch prepares modern seafood cuisine with international flair from coast to table.
Owner and Chef, Keith Rhodes opened Catch Restaurant in 2006 in hopes that diners would catch his passion for North Carolina seafood. His menu features dishes that highlight seasonal flavors – from sweet potatoes, to blackberries, fresh herbs, and heirloom vegetables. Every ingredient in his delicious cuisines is consciously sourced from organic growers and local fisheries that support sustainable practices. And each dish is complemented by the creativity of Chef Rhodes and his ability to use what’s around him. Experience Catch for a unique way to explore the Cape Fear Coast without ever leaving the dinner table.
http://catchwilmington.com/?utm_source=www.visitnc.com&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=downstream-referral
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I'm thinking ahead: https://www.google.com/maps/search/waffle+house/@34.1993524,-77.9377613,12.25z
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Now THAT IS
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Hey, this trashy Brit loves a bit of Waffle House and Denny's :)
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I prefer Ihop for their 2 2 2 breakfast
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I've never been to an ihop. If I make it out there, you'll have to educate my belly :)
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Ahh, the Vikings & NFFC can tell you that WHs are a staple of the popular Redneck Tourtm. We did, however, upgrade to Cracker Barrel once. It takes over an hour to finish breakfast at CB, though. (And add a nap immediately after, as well.)
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Louise has worked a deal for the 6 rooms as well as *possible* (subject to availability) deals for those who need less than 5 days. As soon as Louise gets through with the current round of paperwork, I'll post the hotel rep's contact info in Members Only or you can ping me. Should know more by 4pm EST today.
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I'm told reservations are coming in nicely. Hotel site:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ilmwc-courtyard-wilmington-downtown-historic-district/
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Meetup venues: There are several *really good* spots in and/or very nearby this hotel. Louise visited a few and talked logistics with staff. Do-able, they say.
Around the corner, 2 blocks
http://www.frontstreetbrewery.com/virtual_tour/
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Bombers shares an alley courtyard with the hotel
http://wilmingtonaletrail.com/bottleshops/bombers-beverage-company/
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Copper Penny (VERY popular, we're going to have to charm our way in)
https://www.yelp.com/biz/copper-penny-wilmington
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Dig through here. The historic district is small, 3 x 7 blocks, I'd say.
http://wilmingtonaletrail.com/
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Booked the full 5 nights.
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I'm booked the full five nights too.
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So far we have:
Rcjordan
Travoli
CaboWabo
Mackin
Drastic
NFFC
Littleman
MikeGrehan
Maybe:
DrCool ?
JasonD ?
Rumbas?
Any updates guys?
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I'm through BUGGING https://www.facebook.com/tim.mayer
Anyone else want to give it a try?
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I'm still on the fence here guys, sorry about that. Got some stuff to short out which might be last minute. Will deff let you know!
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I'm hopeful but can't commit yet too.
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Hope to see both Jason & da Viking
I planning my packing list for this slow and arduous journey to the right coast.
It occurred to me that we don't need no Fing bartender. Those of us not traveling by plane could bring "small" coolers to put our adult beverages in while we sit around our fire pit.
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Brits travelling by plane can bring anything we want, think we had that written in "your" constitution ;D
My ex-GoogleGuy will be along for the ride.
Strong rumours of one of the UK's top boys as a last minute attendee, mind blowing strategy, might need to sign NDA (on the back of a napkin in whatever bar we are in).
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>My ex-GoogleGuy will be along for the ride.
>Strong rumours of one of the UK's top boys as a last minute attendee, mind blowing strategy, might need to sign NDA (on the back of a napkin in whatever bar we are in).
Awwwwww yissss....this is shaping up nicely as usual. Getting excited already.
Mark, is Nhung coming too we hope?
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I'm READY TO SIGN
http://ndasign.com/
Bring anyone who has their SHOTS
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>Mark, is Nhung coming too we hope?
Also Dras, how about Amy? RC, how about Louise?
Jenn (my wife) is coming this time.
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Damn Damn damn. I so wish I could swing it/
(Typed that and remembered Florida!)
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LM:
Ruth Ann & I have not seen Jenn since the Ramada Kensington, London :o
And that LIMO RIDE from Nottingham provided by NFFC
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>Nhung
I was told she would not be along on this trip.
>Louise
Absolutely.
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Yes, struggling to bring Nhung along this trip. :(
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Please tell Nhung that this may be the only time she will be able to meet Mr. Mackin ;)
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Yep, Amy will be there.
>Jenn (my wife) is coming this time.
Awesome!!
>Yes, struggling to bring Nhung along this trip
Dang. Amy am disappoint.
I told you not to let her watch Deliverance.
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>Ruth Ann & I have not seen Jenn since the Ramada Kensington, London
That was 12 years ago! It is easy for me to remember because Jenn was pregnant with our third kid. It is nice to see so many spouses coming! I hope Nhung is able to make it.
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The rep at the Visitor Center said Wilmington is an Uber town, so load the app.
The good news is the once you ever manage to get to the airport, it's only a 5-minute ride to the hotel.
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Wrenchin it..
Which US airlines should I avoid for international flights?
AA is looking doable.
Else I got Finnair, BA, Air France, KLM..
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I seem to end up on AA most of the time.
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GO Raz GO
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:o What Drastic Said :o
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DB ping'd to say he'd be there and he's bringing Debbie. I told them to get a room.
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>> Debbie
I knew you were close with DB but not THAT close ;)
Tell him that he can put his BOAT in the RIVER
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ihelpyou has confirmed for Saturday only and will be staying @ The Hilton
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As in Doug Heil?
That's a name from the past
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Amy is making threats if you don't show Rasmus.
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>if you don't show Rasmus
The mods are considering a full ban.
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Amy means BUSINESS
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Wrenchin it..
Which US airlines should I avoid for international flights?
Nobrainer https://www.norwegian.com
Fly to New York, Gimpy flying in on 19th. Two days razzle dazzle then fly Wilmington 21st. We flying back 26th, another night in NY and fly back very late 27th.
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>>> and fly back very late 27th.
YEP, you Euros need to get OUT before the Government shutdown ;)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/27/congress-races-toward-april-deadline-avert-government-shutdown/99685678/
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Gimp is IN. Louise says his room is booked.
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>Fly to New York, Gimpy flying in on 19th. Two days razzle dazzle then fly Wilmington 21st.
Wow, opportunity to tour multiple colonies with royalty. Raz, you really need any other kind of push?
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>Raz, you really need any other kind of push?
Direct flight from home town with great but cheap airline?
DB in the house?
Amazing seafood?
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Got to get in first :-)
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>Amazing seafood?
Maybe we can get down to Southport again. I was also recently taken to another great seafood house about 10 miles north of city-center.
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Raz, if you need a map, we're going to be right where New York & Disney World meet on the coastline.
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We are always up for SEAFOOD, North or South
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I guess I should work on getting a flight and hotel booked...
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attaboy, Doc! pm w/ info sent to you.
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>SEAFOOD
That looks like a delicious keto-friendly meal!
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You're a bunch of assholes, but it's looking interesting. Getting the last details sorted this weekend.
Norwegian sucks, and I dont have that many days to spend in NY.
So far looking at this, but HATE having to suck up 2 layovers. And the layover times might be too close for comfort..
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>You're a bunch of assholes
Yeah, but that's why you love us.
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We be PROUD MFs too
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Just make sure there is no fire:
The dogs all had a party
They came from near and far.
Some dogs came by aeroplane
And some dogs came by car.
Each dog signed his name
Upon a special book
And each dog hung his a##hole
Upon a special hook.
One dog was not invited,
And this aroused his ire.
He stormed into the party
And loudly shouted “FIRE!”
In the scene that followed,
The dogs forgot to look
And grabbed just any a##hole
From off of any hook.
And that is why when dogs roam
On land or sea or foam,
They sniff each others’ assholes,
To try and find their own!
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>Yeah, but that's why you love us.
Absolutely. Indefinitely, that's why I just booked and confirmed:
IN:
Friday, April 21. ILM. 16:45
OUT:
Tuesday, April 25. ILM. 14:39
Long flight, lots of layovers and BS, but I felt it was the right thing to do, hehe. Looking forward to seeing all your lovely faces!
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Bronze Viking Kiss Norse Love Blessing Rune Pendant
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Excellent raz! We'll do our best to make it worth it.
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cool Dras, it will be epic as usual. REALLY looking forward to it.
I saw RC mentioned Toolman in another thread. Would be interesting if we could find him, dust him off and get him come as well. I don't have anything on him anymore though.
We never made any progress on either Mayer or Boser? We could do some SoMe and see if we could round up a few more of the old gang? Then again...
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Glad to see you'll be in Wilmington, Rumbas.
It's going to be a fun week.
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I'll bring the Polish Vodka ...
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You driving or flying, Cabo? (Wheels. We're going to need wheels.)
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Was going to fly, but will drive down if we need wheels. How's the headcount looking?
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Go ahead and fly. We'll be ok.
>headcount
looks to be 16-ish.