From: Annie (annie@geekbabe.com)
Date: Wed Sep 17 2003 - 08:37:13 CDT
In this mailing:
Org List
A few thoughts and observations
The Mothers Day Issue
Policies
Gun Show
Hotel nomination
Boardwalk comments
Hotel, policy, tea
Art tour
Rocky Horror reflections
Summary schedule of activities
Administrivia
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Org List:
This is the DLV 2004 Organizational Mailing List (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Replies to this message will be forwarded to the DLVORG list and not
the DLV-Announce or DLV-Discuss list.
Ongoing activity database of proposed and scheduled activities on line:
http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/org04arc/acts.html
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A few thoughts and observations:
That's a very, uh, interesting thread going on over on the discussion
forum. :)
The thread is, however, one that is capable of generating a lot of heat
and very little light.
Instead of adding fuel to the fire, I might suggest that those of you
who don't want to see the Nun-Fest (or any other proposed activity)
happen, please focus the same degree of attention and energy toward
planning activities that you DO want to see happen, and that you think
the group as a whole would enjoy.
There is one interesting observation regarding this thread. It's evident
that it's gotten a number of people thinking about these dress and
behavior issues from a different perspective.
Some who previously may have fallen into the "who, me?" or the "this is
my style, get used to it!" camp may now see the high heel on the other
foot, so to speak, and now realize that yes, their dress and behavior,
should they not be appropriate, may indeed result in embarrassment of
others and the poor light toward the group as a whole.
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The Mothers Day Issue:
Another spin-off of the recent discussion thread is the Mothers Day
issue.
It is evident that there may be some fallout from having DLV end close
to Mothers Day, including some of our organizers and long-time
supporters.
There was a brief discussion on line the other night asking how we would
go about changing the DLV dates, now that they have been announced.
My response was "I don't know."
On one hand, I think the dates should be considered to be a done deal.
The Mothers Day issue was discussed at multiple times before the vote
was taken, and the vote was very heavily in favor of the scheduled
dates. Those who objected to having it end right before Mothers Day had
two months to speak out about it.
On the other hand, if we have indeed made a mistake and now realize
it, we need to correct it now, as opposed to correcting it, say, in
February.
Going back into DLV history and looking for any precedents, DLV has
spanned (not just ended before it, but surrounded and included it)
Mothers Day in 3 years, 1997, 1998, and 2000.
Prior to 1997, the subject was not even brought up. It was brought up
in 1998, but consensus was that it was no big deal. Prior to 2000,
however, the first objection was raised. Consensus was that it was an
issue, but not enough to consider rescheduling. Discussion of this is
in the ORG archives at the URL:
http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/orgarc/0027.html and
http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/orgarc/0028.html
I certainly don't want to see a California style recall of the vote
that was taken back in July.
What I would like to see happen is for us to keep the schedule as it has
been published, but to steer any "must do" activities away from Saturday
evening.
I don't want those who must miss the Saturday evening activities of DLV
due to Mothers Day to be thinking that they will be missing the "Best
Part", and choose to skip the entire week instead.
One option that was suggested was to "slide" DLV forward a day,
beginning on Sunday the 2nd. (as we've kept the option open to do) and
then using Saturday the 8th as an optional extension day for those who
want it and are able to do so.
I'm suggesting that we re-think our previous thoughts for some kind of a
"big bang" on Saturday, and think about making Saturday more of a
wind-down day. (As of this time, nothing is solid for Saturday evening.)
The garden party could be a very good wind-down activity, just as it
could be a lead-in to a big bang, or it could be moved to Friday if
that is to be our new official end date.
Particularly, to those for whom Mothers Day is an issue, please suggest
solutions.
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Policies:
A few (not many) comments about our proposed Behavior/Restroom/Dress
policy ...
Gina writes:
>Hi Ad-hoc bahavior and dress committee,
>Looks very good.
. . . . .
As soon as discussion dies down <g> we'll call for votes on a ratification
of this document.
Any further comments, please speak now ...
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Gun Show:
Yvonne writes:
>For those DLVers who are also gun enthusiests.... there will be a gun
>show during DLV.
>I checked the calendar for Cashman Field (a short distance from
>downtown LV) during DLV 2004, and there is a gun show (Claude Hall's
>Gun Show) scheduled for that weekend of May 8-9.
>Was it 2 or 3 yrs ago (annie can verfiy this)?,
That was in 2001, according to Densie's blow-by-blow summary at:
http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv01arc/0041.html
>the same gun show happened to coincide during DLV, and a few dlvers who
>where enthusiest or just plain interested ... went to it saturday
>morning (I think some went sunday also). There was a small entrance
>fee.
>I'm not sure if the gun show is TG friendly, but Gina went and she had
>no problems. (Comments Gina?) My evil twin went with her, Yvonne was
>too scared chicken to go. No one gave Gina problems or even second
>looks, as far as I could see, walking with her.
>I remember Tony buying a NRA cap and wore it at DLV activities.
>The show is quite big, with many different venders there... all kinds
>of firearms and related accessories n'stuff, for those interested
>and/or have a FFL. There was even a WWII german amored car, and a small
>tank there... and I think both was for sale.
>If you are going, expect to spend at least an hour or two looking
>around, its just that big.
>Should we add this as a possible dlv activity since some of us went to
>it before?
Well, that's up to those who want to go, or rather those who want to
get a group together to go. :)
>I don't think this needs to have any organizer, and going individually
>or in smaller groups the better so as to not attract any undue
>attention.
>Comments?
Of course. :)
I see two ways of doing this one. First is to just announce it prior to
DLV as something some of our people may be interested in and let those
who are interested do it on their own.
Second would be to have somebody who is interested "adopt" it and lead a
group there.
I do think that due to the nature of the show, those who are new to
public exposure, and those who (by choice or by chance) do not blend
well should think long and hard before showing up for something like
this in girlmode.
More comments?
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Hotel nomination:
>The nomination assures that at least one of us thinks highly enough of
>the property to recommend it to others.
I would like to nominate the Sahara for consideration as one of our
suggested hotels for DLV 2004.
Any others?
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Boardwalk comments:
Here are the (only) two recent items we have regarding the Boardwalk.
One was received in response to our note a month ago in the general
mailing, the other is my comments.
Mindy, please pass these on to the Powers That Be at the Boardwalk.
. . . . .
>Aloha All,
>I just wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts about the Boardwalk.
>Rosa and I stayed there a year ago during DLV and we had a wonderful
>time.
>All the workers at the hotel were most helpful and the check in and out
>was a breeze. We had a great time in the casino and also the cocktail
>party which DLV sponsored one evening in the lounge area. I would
>have no problem going back to the Boardwalk next May. Keep us posted
>Bobbie
. . . . .
The primary reason I didn't consider staying there in 2002 was that they
were very reluctant to offer us some black-and-white competitive room
rates. As a former boss of mine used to say, over and over and over ...
"The bottom line is the bottom line", and room rates is one thing that
will drive our people toward (or away from) a property.
I'm sure both the Sahara and the San Remo will be available to our
people for $40-ish weekdays, possibly lower ... so that is the ballpark
they have to be playing in if they want to attract our people.
Not to bring up a sore subject again, but I think they still owe one of
our people a written apology for what happened at their property at DLV
2002. (As of the first week in September, she has not heard anything
from them.) That incident was very embarrassing and totally ruined one
person's vacation.
(As an aside, if they need help contacting this individual, I can supply
a snailmail and/or e-mail address where she can be reached.)
I think that if they are sincere about "mending fences", an apology (and
perhaps some renumeration) would be a good place to start.
The final decision on our suggested hotels will, of course, be up to this
group to decide. However, if Boardwalk comes up with some hard rates that
are competitive and a "full access" policy, I'm sure that will persuade
many people here to vote "yes" in the Boardwalk column in November.
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Hotel, policy, tea:
Jennifer writes:
>I liked the Sahara last year for courtesy and price.
And that has been placed into nomination as one of our suggested
hotels for DLV 2004.
. . . . .
>However, I had a personal experience that practically ruined my
>experience with DIVA last year at Treasure Island. I have written to
>them, but they have not even showed the courtesy of giving an
>explanation or an apology.
>So I would not support any activity at the "Treasure Island."
Don't hold your breath. Apology writing does not seem to be the forte'
of the Las Vegas hotels. :(
As far as using TI, if nobody plans anything there, then none of our
activities will happen there. If nobody nominates it as a suggested
hotel, then we won't encourage our people to stay there.
. . . . .
>Behavior, dress, and restroom policy:
>This is what created the issue with "Treasure Island" last year.
>When we go into a Ladies restroom in a "gang" formation, we are bound
>to get ourselves noticed more and tolerated less. Those of us who do
>follow the rules are being barred because of someone else's stupidity.
>It's my opinion that we are but guests when we go into the "sanctum"
>of a Ladies restroom facility. If it is the mentality of "screw them"
>I'll do what I want! We are going to have a lot of unnecessary
>problems arise. It would be nice if we act the part of a lady. Go in.
>Do your business. Check your make-up quickly, then get out.
>Going in and gabbing as a group and standing at the mirror hours on
>end (Exaggeration I know) intimidates and enrages the very gender we
>are trying to endear ourselves to. Enough said.
You are preaching to the choir here. :)
DLV is not for those who insist on doing their own thing at the expense
of others.
Yes, the final material presented to DLV 2004 participants will contain
an explicit admonition against going to the ladies room in groups,
specifically stating that it shows disregard to others.
. . . . .
>I see High Tea is tentatively scheduled for 4:00pm Thursday. I think
>this is too late and will interfere with HH. High Tea would be better
>sooted for the 2-3:00 pm range.
One thing we do have to keep in mind this coming year is that there
will most likely be many multi-tracked activities during the day. It
just will not be possible to schedule everything so there will be no
conflicts or side-effects with other activities.
I see the daytime activities (except for just a few such as the Garden
Party) to be special-interest activities which will draw a smaller
percentage of our attendees than the evening activities, which tend
to be more general-interest things.
Any daytime activity that spans the 1:00pm hour will conflict with the
daily Lunch With(out) Ginger, and any daytime activity which runs past
4:00 or so will most likely conflict with our daily Happy Hour. Any
afternoon activity which involves food may spoil appetites for dinner.
Are these conflicts really a Bad Thing<tm>? Maybe, maybe not.
On one hand, they can reduce the turnout for any particular activity.
On the other hand, multiple options can increase the total turnout and
overall participation for DLV as a whole.
When we plan anything, we must consider what comes before (if that runs
overtime, people may be late or absent), and likewise what comes after,
and such things as transportation (those dreaded "moves", and the
associated fallout) and any outfit changes and freshen-up sessions.
We need to consider these, but not let them be roadblocks to planning
what we want to plan.
We also need to be sure our people are aware that they are not expected
to attend everything, and that they will have to take the responsibility
for deciding what they do and do not what to do and plan their personal
schedules accordingly.
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Art tour:
Jamie writes:
>After reading the latest Org Mail, I would like to see the Art tour
>before noon. That will be less conflict with other events, and might
>even give the attendees a chance at a nice lunch, if the galleries have
>a cafe.
We have the art tour penciled in for Thursday, but we don't have a start
time. Sarah and the art fans will have to specify that, but the decision
on when it will start doesn't have to be made now. However, I would
suggest putting in a tentative start time in the near future, just to
get the timeslot reserved.
As we've discussed many times, there will be daytime conflicts this
coming year.
It's those who act first who have the most options. I would suggest
that you (Sarah and other art tour fans) pick a time and get it on the
schedule, and let those planning other things work around you.
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Rocky Horror reflections:
Densie writes:
>I'm a little confused about why Rocky Horror would be a bad reflection
>on our group... like dressing up in women's clothing isn't? Let's
>don't forget who we are.
I don't think it would be a bad reflection on our group, unless people
intentionally made it as such.
I do think that we need to avoid over-reacting to anything. We are in
Las Vegas to have fun. Dressing in costume or dressing up in leather or
feather for RHPS is quite appropriate for that activity. That *is* what
is usual and customary to be worn there ... and even to such things as
a bar before or after.
I would hope that everybody involved has the common sense to know what
might be appropriate to wear to RHPS might not be appropriate to wear on
the Strip in the daytime.
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Summary schedule of activities:
This schedule is preliminary and is subject to change
without notice.
Monday, May 3:
10:00am Trip to Rhyolite (Rhyolite)
1:00pm Lunch with or without Ginger (Sahara buffet)
5:00pm Happy Hour (TBD)
6:00pm Milano's dinner (Milano's)
8:00pm Welcome Celebration (Flex or Spotlight)
Tuesday, May 4:
12:30pm Boat cruise (Lake Mead)
1:00pm Lunch with or without Ginger (Sahara buffet)
1:30pm Bowling (Bowling alley)
5:00pm Happy Hour (TBD)
Wednesday, May 5:
9:00am Air Tours (Henderson Executive Airport)
1:00pm Lunch with or without Ginger (Sahara buffet)
2:00pm Shopping expedition (Primm or LV Premium Outlets)
5:00pm Happy Hour (Hard Rock Cafe)
6:00pm Hard Rock Dinner (Hard Rock Cafe)
Ev Secretaries Night (HRC)
10:00pm Karaoke (Goodtimes)
Ev Limo Tour (TBD)
Thursday, May 6:
AM-PM Art museum or exhibit (TBD)
1:00pm Lunch with or without Ginger (Sahara buffet)
PM Indoor skydiving (Flyaway)
PM Glamour Boutique Open House (Glamour Boutique)
4:00pm High Tea (TBD)
5:00pm Happy Hour (TBD)
Friday, May 7:
AM-PM Golf (Desert Rose)
1:00pm Lunch with or without Ginger (Sahara buffet)
5:00pm Happy Hour (Carluccio's)
6:00pm Carluccio's Dinner (Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens)
7:30pm Annual Mixer (Goodtimes)
Saturday, May 8:
11:00am SBS Garden Party (Mindy's residence)
5:00pm Happy Hour (TBD)
12:00m Rocky Horror Picture Show (Highly tentative)
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Administrivia:
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