GA GetTogether June 2008 - Dallas

[Bondwriter]

I think that Philly is good idea to go

 

List of Nominating Places:

 

Montreal

NYC

Philadephia

 

Any more??

Punxsutawney?

[Jack Frost]

Ah... I'm sure that the Americans like me and you don't give elderly people respect but I know that by the convention rolls, I'm 18...

We'll smuggle you to Canada so you can drink *legally* with Joe.

 

I don't know, it was where gay-friendly town in New England, I don't know...

The water will freeze my fat balls off.

 

Philly also has a gay district. I haven't been there myself but I'm told it's fun.

I barely noticed I was walking through a gay district. I was wondering why so many rainbow flags and...oh...the obvious came to my mind.

 

Philly is fine. There's certainly lots to do there.

And I'll rock youse's world by taking you to the best cheesesteak place in the whole city.

 

Reading Market.

 

I'll teach you to speak the lingo: Wit cheezewiz or widdout cheezewiz?

 

And watch your accent and comments. This is why I didn't vote for Mitt.

 

In 2005, before Super Bowl XXXIX, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney turned down a cheesesteak wager by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell in the traditional pre-Super Bowl bet between leaders of the states represented in the game. Rendell later told reporters, "He said the cheesesteak had no nutritional value."

A huge insult to PA pride.

 

My other suggestions.

 

Since GA did West Coast in 2007 (San Francisco). The heartland in 2008 (Dallas). It would be nice if you guys move it to the East Coast for 2009 (and go a little further north than Dallas and SF).

 

The new passport rules for land and water borders will come into effect June 1st, 2009, but I suspect most of you will fly...so you'll need a passport (required today now) anyway. Canadian cities I would suggest are Toronto or Montreal or Quebec City. Toronto sucks, but there are enough stuffs to do in a day. Montreal is certainly a handful to do in a day...especially its nightlife! Quebec City is good enough and you'd see plenty of famous spots of the citys.

 

In the USA, I would suggest Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Maybe Pittsburgh...I dunno, I haven't been there since I was 12 years old.

 

 

Punxsutawney?

:funny:

 

Don't be silly! The groundhog is in Florida enjoying the sun and making holes at Gary's backyard.

Edited June 13, 2008 by Jack Frost

[rknapp]

As much as Frost would say otherwise, there are also a few NJ destinations -- such as Atlantic City and the Wildwoods in Cape May. AC has the extensive boardwalk, the famous casinos, the Trump Marina (which was bought out, but I forgot by who), etc. The Wildwoods have the Wildwood Waterpark and Cape May naturally has beaches. If you don't want to go the coastal route, there is Six Flags in central NJ, Hershey Park in Hershey, PA, and Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Yeah those last two aren't in NJ, but they're not too far from where I live.

 

 

I'm pushing for the US instead of Canada because I don't much feel like going there. The reason is because border control is so tight-assed I might lose my cool with them. They might even go so far as to inspect my trunk and throw a shit-fit that most of it is concealed by the custom enclose that I built.

[GaryK]

The water will freeze my fat balls off.

 

Photographic proof is required to support such outlandish claims!

 

And I'll rock youse's world by taking you to the best cheesesteak place in the whole city.

Reading Market.

 

That alone makes Philly worth the trip!

 

I'll teach you to speak the lingo: Wit cheezewiz or widdout cheezewiz?

 

I always thought the cheezewiz part was redundant. It's usually wit or widdout.

 

Since GA did West Coast in 2007 (San Francisco). The heartland in 2008 (Dallas). It would be nice if you guys move it to the East Coast for 2009 (and go a little further north than Dallas and SF).

 

Seems like a fair and reasonable suggestion.

 

In the USA, I would suggest Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Maybe Pittsburgh...I dunno, I haven't been there since I was 12 years old.

 

Boston = Yes

NYC = Yes

Philly = Yes

Washington, DC = No

 

Just being in DC makes me feel sleazy and corrupt.

 

Don't be silly! The groundhog is in Florida enjoying the sun and making holes at Gary's backyard.

 

Did you know Phil is queer? He and his bf live in the park behind my place during the summer. They love the South Beach social scene.

 

I'm pushing for the US instead of Canada because I don't much feel like going there. The reason is because border control is so tight-assed I might lose my cool with them. They might even go so far as to inspect my trunk and throw a shit-fit that most of it is concealed by the custom enclose that I built.

Hey Robbie. Wanna hang-out together? I won't be a mooch! I'll even bring some of my one blaze wonder!

Edited June 13, 2008 by GaryInMiami

[Jack Frost]

I'm pushing for the US instead of Canada because I don't much feel like going there. The reason is because border control is so tight-assed I might lose my cool with them. They might even go so far as to inspect my trunk and throw a shit-fit that most of it is concealed by the custom enclose that I built.

You won't have a problem as long as you listen to the expert.

 

Me.

 

Just being in DC makes me feel sleazy and corrupt.

It was only a suggestion.

 

Did you know Phil is queer? He and his bf live in the park behind my place during the summer. They love the South Beach social scene.

I am trying my best not to have that image in my head.

 

As much as Frost would say otherwise, there are also a few NJ destinations -- such as Atlantic City and the Wildwoods in Cape May. AC has the extensive boardwalk, the famous casinos, the Trump Marina (which was bought out, but I forgot by who), etc. The Wildwoods have the Wildwood Waterpark and Cape May naturally has beaches. If you don't want to go the coastal route, there is Six Flags in central NJ, Hershey Park in Hershey, PA, and Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Yeah those last two aren't in NJ, but they're not too far from where I live.

Keep me away from those casinos. I costed my dad $60 the last time. At least I still kept the free $15 that the casine gave me for free.

 

And I have no way getting to those locations. I don't have a car...remember?

Edited June 13, 2008 by Jack Frost

[rknapp]

You won't have a problem as long as you listen to the expert.

 

Me.

 

 

It was only a suggestion.

 

 

I am trying my best not to have that image in my head.

 

 

Keep me away from those casinos. I costed my dad $60 the last time. At least I still kept the free $15 that the casine gave me for free.

 

And I have no way getting to those locations. I don't have a car...remember?

Just borrow that Mini Cooper and you'll be fine! Lol. Make sure to leave the textbooks for those lit classes you hate so much behind in Canada!

 

Worst case scenario you could just fly to one of the nearby airports. I don't think AC International does international flights (not even Canada, yeah it's stupid that they call it international, but no one ever said the Pineys were bright). Or bribe a friend into borrowing their car for the weekend!

[TalonRider]

And I'll rock youse's world by taking you to the best cheesesteak place in the whole city.

 

Reading Market.

The place probably won't be there. The owner of the cheesesteak place didn't have his lease renewed by the owners and he lost his case in court. So he has to move to a new location.

[Jack Frost]

The place probably won't be there. The owner of the cheesesteak place didn't have his lease renewed by the owners and he lost his case in court. So he has to move to a new location.

*cries* Dammit.

[dkstories]

Well, Robert and I will be in D.C. in January watching Barack being sworn in as President....

[Masked Monkey]

I dunno about Canada, with the way the American Dollar is going, I don't know that I'll be able to afford Canada by the time the next get together comes around

 

:king: Dr. Mr. Snow Dog

[C James]

I think that Philly is good idea to go

 

List of Nominating Places:

 

Montreal

NYC

Philadephia

 

Any more??

 

I'll nominate Phoenix.

[Benji]

...........That is what part of the 'cough' Northeast ??

[GaryK]

...........That is what part of the 'cough' Northeast ??

The goat is delusional as always Ben. I'm sure he thinks Aridzona is in the NE.

[Myr]

NYC.

[Benji]

NYC.

 

 

..........I've heard it mentioned several times, but how expensive is it stay a weekend there?? Theater tickets are definately out, unless cheap off-broadway, what else to do??

[Jack Frost]

I dunno about Canada, with the way the American Dollar is going, I don't know that I'll be able to afford Canada by the time the next get together comes around

 

:king: Dr. Mr. Snow Dog

This is where the expert comes in again.

 

The US dollar has been slightly over the Canadian dollar since November. It's pretty stable now with the loonie.

[rknapp]

This is where the expert comes in again.

 

The US dollar has been slightly over the Canadian dollar since November. It's pretty stable now with the loonie.

OFF-TOPIC

 

Has it really? I thought the value of the US dollar was continuously falling, which was the reason the Canadian dollar surpassed it in value in the first place. I don't recall it ever increasing in value.

 

/OFF-TOPIC

[Jack Frost]

OFF-TOPIC

 

Has it really? I thought the value of the US dollar was continuously falling, which was the reason the Canadian dollar surpassed it in value in the first place. I don't recall it ever increasing in value.

 

/OFF-TOPIC

It was slightly more valued (up to the record of US$1.07 for every CN$1 last November, then it fell and stayed between CN$1.00-$1.03 for every US$1 for the past eight months now. It's very stable now.

 

I always watch the exchange rate because my parents put money in my US bank account and I use a Canadian ATM to get some fat loonies at the best exchange rate.

 

You could get an hostel in Canada, which is about $20-$25 per night. I know a very good one right in the old city of Montreal that goes for $20 per night. It's an awesome hostel and it's in a 18th century stone house built during the French days plus a more "modern" wing behind it that has the beds...but it was a 19th century barnhouse converted for hosteling for youths (actually, there is no age limit there...so people like Gary and Benji can stay there as well). It's right in the old city! Old buildings are just steps away around you and you can see the river in 10 minutes by walking. And downtown would only take 10 minutes by foot and metro.

 

As I said, if you leave it to the expert (ME!), I can help every GA to keep your spending to the minimum. You can easily live on CN$50 per day which includes one night hostel, a couple good beers at a pub or a club, and a couple lunches. Dinner is expensive however...you would have to spend $25 per person (drinks and the meal). Of course, you can have a good Vietnamese rice noodle dinner for just $6 in Chinatown. I am not counting shopping money. You'd have to pay like $40 plus 13% taxes for a pair of jeans at American Eagle or $20-$25 for a t-shirt. If you stay there for three days, I can get you a $19 tourist card that will give you a unlimited access to the metro and busses for three days (the tickets cost $2.75 a piece...so it's a good deal!)

 

The downside to this is that some of you may have to fly to Montreal, which means you would have to get a passport (if you don't have one). It cost $105 to get a passport. :s

 

I won't mind going to the USA for a meeting, but I just want to make Canada look easy to reach to. It's not like Europe you know.

Edited June 13, 2008 by Jack Frost

[Benji]

It was slightly more valued (up to the record of US$1.07 for every CN$1 last November, then it fell and stayed between CN$1.00-$1.03 for every US$1 for the past eight months now. It's very stable now.

 

I always watch the exchange rate because my parents put money in my US bank account and I use a Canadian ATM to get some fat loonies at the best exchange rate.

 

You could get an hostel in Canada, which is about $20-$25 per night. I know a very good one right in the old city of Montreal that goes for $20 per night. It's an awesome hostel and it's in a 18th century stone house built during the French days plus a more "modern" wing behind it that has the beds...but it was a 19th century barnhouse converted for hosteling for youths (actually, there is no age limit there...so people like Gary and Benji can stay there as well). It's right in the old city! Old buildings are just steps away around you and you can see the river in 10 minutes by walking. And downtown would only take 10 minutes by foot and metro.

 

As I said, if you leave it to the expert (ME!), I can help every GA to keep your spending to the minimum. You can easily live on CN$50 per day which includes one night hostel, a couple good beers at a pub or a club, and a couple lunches. Dinner is expensive however...you would have to spend $25 per person (drinks and the meal). Of course, you can have a good Vietnamese rice noodle dinner for just $6 in Chinatown.

 

I won't mind going to the USA for a meeting, but I just want to make Canada look easy to reach to. It's not like Europe you know.

 

 

............How politically correct of you!!

[Jack Frost]

Hey!

 

Be happy I thought of you and included you in the math.

 

PS - I updated my post a little read again. ^^

[wildone]

Montreal would be great!!

 

I have been to Toronto, and although they have a great gay district, the city is a bit too big and spread out for me. Besides, been there, done it.

 

The only disadvantage of Montreal is that I can probably fly and stay in a hotel cheaper to anywhere in the US than across Canada to Montreal (Don't worry you Americans, it is only expensive for domestic travel, cross border is pretty cheap).

 

Never been to Montreal but the stories I've heard and read about definitely makes it a destination that I'll have to get to.

 

On the other hand, NYC definitely has appeal too. I have heard the costs can be expensive if staying in Manhattan, but then again, it might be the only chance to go there, so why not?

[Jack Frost]

Hotels? *coughs* I just mentioned an awesome hostel where you can stay $20-$25 per night.

[Benji]

Montreal would be great!!

 

I have been to Toronto, and although they have a great gay district, the city is a bit too big and spread out for me. Besides, been there, done it.

 

The only disadvantage of Montreal is that I can probably fly and stay in a hotel cheaper to anywhere in the US than across Canada to Montreal (Don't worry you Americans, it is only expensive for domestic travel, cross border is pretty cheap).

 

Never been to Montreal but the stories I've heard and read about definitely makes it a destination that I'll have to get to.

 

On the other hand, NYC definitely has appeal too. I have heard the costs can be expensive if staying in Manhattan, but then again, it might be the only chance to go there, so why not?

 

..........Correct me if I'm wrong, but besides the cost of a passport isn't there a 6-9 month backlog of paperwork? And can someone round up hotel prices of NYC?

Edited June 13, 2008 by Benji

[Jack Frost]

Benji: You can easily get a room for like $75-$100 per night. Depending where you're willing to stay. I know one in downtown where you can pay $65-75 per night (if I remember right).

 

But don't count on the parking spots on the street be open for you at any time. If you're lucky to get one, then it's free to park for days (except when you have to move your car twice per week for one hour to let the streetcleaner pass through). A garage is an option, but $15 per day is a lot for some of you maybe.

 

You could try the hostel I just told you all about. The downside that you won't get much privacy apart from the curtain at your bunker bed. Which means, Joe and Mason will have a lot of trouble having sex in the shared shower room. But there are two-three small cabins for two person each (in twin beds) and you would have a lot of privacy there to sleep around at the same hostel.

 

Passport: The backlog is smaller I think. I think it takes about a month or two. But if you're driving, then you don't need a passport. Just a birth certificate and driver's licence will do. But after June 1st, 2009 (assuming that the Congress and next president change nothing), you would need a passport or a cheaper $60 US-Canada-Mexico border passcard. I don't know the backlog for passcards because they just introduced it, but if you do it early before people realize the requirement...you could get it fast before the rush.

Edited June 13, 2008 by Jack Frost

[AFriendlyFace]

Well I'd certainly like to visit Canada!