From: Diva Las Vegas organizers (dlvorg@geekbabe.com)
Date: Wed Jan 21 2009 - 04:55:07 CST
In this mailing:
Org List
This mailing
Laundry list
Large activities
Bahama Breeze and various items
Larger gatherings
Minus 5
Dancing and dining
Check-in, Greeting, Church
Limo volunteer
Biggest Loser Contest
Working schedule
Administrivia
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Org List:
This is the DLV 2009 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.
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This mailing:
Another long mailing, sorry for the length of this.
We're still moving right along, but a few important items on our
do-it list have stalled and we need to kick-start them!
. . .
Alexis Park situation:
Just a heads up on this. There will most likely be a special
mailing sent out to the general membership in the next couple
of days regarding some information which has surfaced regarding
the TG-friendliness (more like the lack of same or revocation
of same) of the Alexis Park. This will be pending Nora's inquiry
to some local resources. This mailing will be both a heads-up
and a request for more information from those who may know.
Depending on various responses, we may have a vote to remove
Alexis Park from our suggested hotel list, but things are
still uncertain as of this mailing.
. . .
Ginger, Lori, Mary Beth, Rosada. Please give us some kind of
response to the items below for which you are listed, even if
it's only a "ping response". Thanks.
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Laundry list:
Again, shorter this week. Thanks to all who helped clear items
from this list.
However, we >>REALLY<< need a few responses from a few people
mentioned below and above! >>HINT!<<
. . . . .
* Final evening.
We *REALLY* need to hear from anyone who has any issues with us
using Bahama Breeze for the final evening. I most definitely
remember comments about the food, and about it becoming
"same-old same-old" and the like.
See discussion on this in multiple items below.
Please speak now or forever ...
. . .
* Dancing
We have a mainstream dance option for Friday. Do we need or want
an "alternative" dance option as well?
. . .
* SO activity?
This one does not have to be settled or planned now, but I do
think we want at least one activity along this line.
Those who are SOs, and those whose SOs will be attending, please
be thinking of this.
. . .
* Monday opening night dinner and Welcome Celebration.
Any objections regarding the Blue Ox for the opening evening?
Again, speak now or forever ...
Going once ...
. . .
* Ginger, Lori, Mary Beth, others.
Lunch locations? What we have on the schedule below are strictly
place holders. Please confirm days you wish to hostess and
locations.
Ping Ginger!
Ping Lori!
Ping Mary Beth!
. . .
* Dinner options for Tuesday and Friday.
We still need 1-2 more volunteers, each evening, to host(ess)
additional dining options.
. . .
* Gaming option for Friday.
Very easy one. Pick a place and agree to be there. Just welcome
the others, hang out, have fun. This is probably the easiest
ticket to voting status there is! Volunteers?
. . .
* Other options for Friday evening? Ditto for Tuesday.
We're open for new ideas here.
. . .
* Social event (SBS substitute) for Saturday noon?
Ping Ginger!
. . .
* Fashion show?
Ping Rosada!
. . .
* Boat tour.
Diane would like some assistance on this. Volunteering to help
will meet the requirements for voting status.
Also, Diane or anyone, please let me know if you want to have a
breakfast or lunch in conjunction with this as was done last
year.
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Large activities:
Norma writes:
>I liked the Blue Ox last year for the welcome celebration.
>I'm in favor of the Bahama Breeze for the final evening.
>Nora remarked about the Bahama Breeze:
>>On the other hand there are some of us that are hesitant about
>>going to a large public place.
>That gave me a bit of a pause.
>Las Vegas, as a whole, is a "Large Public Place".
>I understand (and trust I will never forget) what it is like for
>a new girl who hasn't much experience being out in public. I've
>always seen DLV as an opportunity for someonenot accustomed to
>the experience of being dressed out in public, to have the chance
>to do so in a safe way.
>It's not like you are going to some redneck bar all alone, while
>wearing a frilly dress.
>Perhaps a few words of solace might be appropriate, for those
>who are unsure of themselves. Something along the lines of "Hey!
>It's OK!".
Yes, we can assure all that even though the Bahama Breeze is a
mainstream venue, it's very "safe" for those who are just taking
their first steps out of the closet.
I really can't remember hearing of anyone who skipped the BB
due to the fact that it's too mainstream or too visible. They
do have a reputation of being TG-friendly.
We did get one comment in feedback, regarding the restroom
situation at BB:
+Had several comments and looks made to me by others waiting
+to use the restroom at the Bahama Breeze.
I wasn't aware of this when it happened, but I think that our
proximity to the restrooms last year made it far more obvious
to civilians when one of our people needed a bio break.
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Bahama Breeze and various items:
Jamie Renae writes:
>I am in full favor of using the Blue Ox for Monday night. The staff
>was excellent and the food was good. They seem to be able to handle
>the crowd. The only downside was the Ladies Room. Very Tight!!
>The Bahama Breeze is a very nice facility. I have enjoyed the food and
>sometimes the service. I agree that the room that we had last year was
>not as nice as the eariler one, but it did seem to work. Unless there
>is a "verified" nicer place I have no problem with returning again
>this year.
I agree on both points.
(Sometimes the service! LOL) :)
I can't think of a better option for the opening evening than what
we had last year. Blue Ox is most definitely a mainstream venue,
for those who keep rubbing it in, and it's "safe" for newbees as
well.
Good food, reasonably-priced drinks, and an atmosphere that's
conducive to the Quality Social Time<tm> that we need.
I also agree with Bahama Breeze, as long as we don't have any
significant fallout over it. (WE NEED FEEDBACK FROM THOSE WHO
DO/DID NOT LIKE IT!)
The one thing I would like to see, if possible, is to get the
large room we had in 2006. That worked out the best of all of
the years that we've done BB.
The Jimmy Buffet type guitarist was a nice touch, but not
necessary for a good time.
The room we had last year was not bad, but it really did not
facilitate mingling and, IMAO, it was close to the restrooms so
it was far more obvious to onlookers when one of our people used
it.
Also, IMAO, the ability to order from the regular menu at regular
prices is a BIG plus!
. . .
>I don't see the Glamour Botique Open house on the schedule. It may be
>my eyesight, but I looked three times.
It's definitely in there.
From a cut-paste from the quoted section of your message:
>>Thursday, May 14:
>> 2:00am: Charles Bar (Bellagio) - ms
>> 11:00am: Glamour Boutique Open House (Glamour Boutique) - sv
. . .
>The Tea will be a PrePay event. I have had good results in the past
>and I need accurate head count to plan with.
>A promise to pay with no pay ends up being paid by me. That just isn't
>going to happen.
If you're comfortable with it, then I am. :)
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Larger gatherings:
JoAnn writes:
>Some thoughts--- to energize the venue that has been acceptable---
>The opening event--- how about having the photographer and a fashion
>show as part of the event
>The closing event-- - how about the murder mystery
>So where would be the best venues... maybe both at the Blue Ox??
>Then the Bahama Breeze becomes a Friday event?
>just a thought. JoAnn
Sorry to be long-winded and opinionated here ...
Here's my thought on the general concept, and I'm really not
trying to poo-poo your ideas, really. :)
For both of the large gatherings, I think we need to have them
revolve around what Cat used to call Quality Social Time, and
not have any entertainment which will distract from interaction
among the attendees for the prime parts of the evening, which
will be the happy hour portion, the dinner portion, and the
time immediately following dinner.
If we want to segue into something else later, either as an
option or a single-track thing, I can see how that would work.
Yes, I think the planned photos can happen at either or both of
these, since this will be one person at a time and will not be
a distraction. This is, of course, depending on the final venue
selection and if they have space to set this up.
The Murder Mystery is all set for Friday, so I don't want to
try to change their plans, nor to try to work it into the
final evening as entertainment.
I think the Blue Ox is an excellent venue for one, not both, of
the larger gatherings. Why not both? I think we need variety,
plus if we have both scheduled for one venue, and issues with
that venue develop at the last minute (as has happened multiple
times in our history), we only have one major activity at risk
and not two.
Now, as to your comments on Bahama Breeze, I agree that doing
BB on Friday as a smaller affair would be appropriate. I like
the idea of a smaller, less zooey dinner at Bahama Breeze
on Friday, really.
Why then do I appear to be in favor of doing BB on Saturday as
the ending evening?
Because nobody has either spoken out against it, or suggested
any alternative which we are not already using this year.
Even those who either did not attend or split early have
remained totally silent on this issue, so far at least.
I'm thinking that a venue other than BB would be very nice to
have for Saturday, if only for the sake of keeping things
fresh, but so far, nothing workable has been suggested and
it really appears that nobody is going to strongly object
to using BB for the final evening.
We've had others we've discussed, but all of them appear to
be unworkable. Blyss was kind of the assumed one, but it
imploded before we even started to make serious plans. The
new restaurant at St. Tropez appears to be on the slow track
and certainly will not be ready for us in May. Carluccio's
was mentioned but did not get any traction. Alexis Park was
also mentioned, but their terms in the past have been
unreasonable and in light of the recent goings-on, I don't
think it would get much traction either.
Therefore, it looks like we're coasting down a path toward
the Bahama Breeze, like it or not, for the final evening,
unless somebody can come up with an alternative that we are
not already using, is not scary for newcomers, is not too
claustrophobic for the avowedly-mainstream, etc.
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Minus 5:
Joan writes:
>I have decided to propose another great activity. We have a new
>experience here in LV called Minus 5. Basically it is a cold room
>where you can enjoy cocktails, alcoholic or not. Not only is it a
>cold room, but all the fixtures, furniture, and even the glasses
>you drink out of are made of ice. The staff provides the various
>coats, boots, mittens, etc which are necessary for your enjoyment
>inside the cold room.
>I have not yet done this. I'll try to this week. Admission is $30,
>with one free drink.
>I'm not sure where this might fit on the schedule.
The obvious timeslot would be Tuesday evening after EON, when we
will have a number of smaller multi-track activities.
>Can we have a show of hands to see if some might be interested. Call
>it a trial balloon if you will.
Ok, here's my opinion ... biased for current conditions ...
Let's see ... how do I put this. LOL. Back here the air temperature
outside is about -14F (-26C) this morning. This is one activity I'm
sure I will pass on. However, I'm not everybody and some might
actually like this.
The real trial balloon will be how many checkbox hands come up
at activity sign-up time.
What I suggest is putting it on the schedule for Tuesday evening,
doing a "sign-up for headcount" at activity sign-up time, then
dropping it if the response is too low.
>This is located in the Mandalay Place shopping pavilion, just
>upstairs from the casino at Mandalay Bay.
>Here is the website link.
>http://www.minus5experience.com/
Thanks Joan. :)
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Dancing and dining:
Joan writes:
>>One thing you might also want to consider is doing a Friday
>>dinner somewhere in the general vicinity of the Luxor. If
>>you want to do this, please let us known.
>This is a good idea you have brought up and i have been thinking
>of it myself.
>I think this restaurant venue would work. I am looking at dinner
>at T & T it stands for tacos and tequila. Mexican food of course.
>Really good fresh upscale Mexican food. This venue is located
>upstairs in the luxor pyramid. Hence, no need for travel between
>dinner and party. I have a regular server who takes care of me. All
>the staff is very t-friendly. I will have to find out if they do
>separate checks, hopefully they do. I'm not foreseeing having to take
>a headcount. Eating is available at the bar or tables. Be prepared
>for the possibility of being split up.
>I think this is the best option. It's relatively affordable
>(entrees range $12-20)
Thanks, Joan. I have it on the schedule.
>FYI here is their website:
>http://www.luxor.com/dining/dining_t_and_t.aspx
>also another note. seating at LAX is only for people who have
>bottle service arrangements. Be prepared to stand, dance, and have
>fun. Keep your choice of shoes in mind, and sneakers are not permitted.
Thanks, Joan. :)
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Check-in, Greeting, Church:
Since Tootsye will not be with us this year, we have some vacant
positions to fill. We are now seeking volunteers for the following:
1. Hostess for Metropolitan Community Church.
We've had people go to MCC both officially when we spanned a
Sunday, and unofficially during the years when we have not
spanned a Sunday, which will include this year.
Although this is unofficial and off-schedule this year, this is
one activity which historically has attracted some cold first-time
newcomers and if we're to announce it, we need a hostess who will
be there to welcome the others.
There's no "real work" for this one. All you have to do is
agree to be there and be on the lookout for other DLVers, in
particular those who are new.
Sometimes the DLV group goes to lunch after church. This is
optional, totally your call, and can be decided in real-time
between you and those present at the time.
Yes, this will count toward voting status.
. . .
2. Check-in duty.
Although I do have one person in mind, and I'm beginning the
process of doing some gentle arm-twisting, we will need at
least one more to cover this.
The major requirements for the job are that you will be in town
for the Monday activities, and preferably (but not absolutely
necessary) for the pre-DLV things on Sunday, and you agree to
arrive at the major Monday activities on time, if not early.
For this job, I would prefer those who have attended at least two
times before, but who have not forgotten what it's like to be a
newcomer and what it's like to be totally scared sh*tless at going
out for the first time. Yes, first-time returnees can be considered
for this as well.
We will have two "check-in kits", consisting of a roster, a supply
of name tag holders, a set of preprinted name tag inserts, some
"Miranda" sheets, and this year a supply of schedule/map handouts.
The time that we will need two check-in hostesses is during the
Monday evening HH/dinner/WC. This has been our historical "crunch
time" for check-in. We try to catch as many as we can before the
Monday evening rush, but it's still by far the most heavy period
there is for check-in.
We'll also want one check-in hostess to cover the daily lunch.
This does not have to be the same person each day. We will get
several checking in during the Monday lunch, and a few each day
at lunch from then on.
If you would like to be involved as a check-in hostess, please
reply to this mailing and say so.
. . .
3. Greeters.
Although the volunteer greeters were not particularly busy last
year, I think it's necessary to have greeters standing by and
on the lookout for those who are new and those who are returning
but don't have strong bonds with the others who are present.
Greeters and check-in hostesses go hand in hand. A check-in
hostess is, in fact, a greeter with a bunch of supplies and the
greeters may be expected to assist with check-in should lines
get long or should a check-in volunteer fail to show for one
reason or another.
Greeters and check-in hostesses are the "face" of DLV to those
who are new, and they project the very important first impression
that lingers for years. We need to give newcomers (and returnees)
a warm and congenial welcome, as well as reassurance if they
need it, and precise answers to their concerns.
Being a greeter is a very low-maintenance job. It's really all
about hanging out and keeping a lookout for those who arrive.
If you would like to be a volunteer greeter, please reply to
this mailing and say so. Thanks.
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Limo volunteer:
Marilyn writes:
> Put me down for helping with the limo tour
Thanks, Marilyn!
JoAnn and I will be in touch as the date approaches to coordinate
the details.
To all: We still need one more volunteer to help with this. Helping
with the Limo Tour would be a good job for those who volunteered
last spring, but don't have any idea of what to do to plan an
activity. This does count toward voting status.
Just reply to this mailing or e-mail limo@geekbabe.com to volunteer.
Thanks in advance. :)
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Biggest Loser Contest:
Gina writes:
>>* Biggest Loser contest?
>I'm in. I'll try to figure the best time for award...
IMAO, the best time, with the best audience, that is, will be
the Saturday evening thing. That will be the time that the
winners/losers will most likely be present. There will most
likely be at least one other award given at this activity,
so the Biggest Loser award will fit in fine.
Other times that might work would be the Welcome Celebration (I
notice that you will not be present that evening), dinner on
Wednesday or the Pity Party, assuming you can be sure the
candidates and winner/loser will be there.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working schedule:
Diva Las Vegas 2009 schedule
Tentative and subject to change
All times Pacific Daylight Time
Monday, May 11:
11:00am: Studio Lites Open House (Studio Lites) - mv
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Palace Station Buffet) - ms
2:30pm: Roundtable Discussion (TBA) - sv
6:00pm: Happy Hour (TBA)
7:00pm: Dinner (TBA)
8:00pm: Welcome Meet and Greet (TBA)
9:45pm: Rock Star Karaoke (House Of Blues, Mandalay Bay) - ms
Tuesday, May 12:
8:00am: Diva Las Vegas Invitational Golf (Desert Rose) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Orleans buffet) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (various)
7:00pm: Eating Out Night (various)
7:00pm: Milanos option (Milanos) - ms
7:00pm: Buffet option (TBA) - ms
7:00pm: Nora's choice (TBA) - ms
9:00pm: Activity options (various)
9:00pm: Pub Crawl (various) - sv
9:00pm: Night At The Movies (TBA) - ms
9:00pm: Pajama Party (TBA) - sv
9:00pm: Minus-5 (Mandalay Bay) - ms
9:30pm: Theater Night (Venetian) - ms
Wednesday, May 13:
10:00am: Art Tour, morning session (tba) - ms
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Bellagio buffet) - ms
2:00pm: Art Tour, afternoon session (tba) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (TBA)
7:00pm: Dinner (Trevi) - ms
9:00pm: Limousine Tour (Caesars) - ms
Thursday, May 14:
2:00am: Charles Bar (Bellagio) - ms
11:00am: Glamour Boutique Open House (Glamour Boutique) - sv
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Gold Coast buffet) - ms
5:00pm: Night Of The Soiled Doves (CR) - mv
6:00pm: Local Happy Hour (Bellagio - Petrossian Bar) - ms
7:00pm: Local dinner (Bellagio) - ms
Friday, May 15:
9:00am: Pistol/rifle shooting (Desert Lakes) - ms
12:00n: Lake Mead Boat Tour (Lake Mead) - sv
1:00pm: Lunch With Ginger (Sahara buffet) - ms
2:00pm: High Tea (Four Seasons) - ms
6:00pm: Happy Hour (various)
7:00pm: Dining options (various)
7:00pm: Affordable option (TBA) - ms
7:00pm: Alternative option (TBA) - sv
7:00pm: Nora's choice (TBA) - ms
7:00pm: Upscale option (Roy's) - ms
7:00pm: Murder Mystery interactive option (Glamour Boutique) - sv
7:00pm: Tacos and Tequila option (Luxor) - ms
7:00pm: Do your own thing option (You tell me)
9:00pm: Activity options (various)
9:00pm: Gaming option (TBA) - ms
9:00pm: Socializing option (TBA) - sv
9:00pm: Dancing option (Luxor - LAX) - ms
9:00pm: Do your own thing option (You tell me)
Saturday, May 16:
6:00pm: Happy Hour (TBA)
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Administrivia:
This is the Diva Las Vegas 2009 organizational list.
One address for all items regarding this list, additions, removals,
changes, submissions, questions, etc.:
dlvorg@geekbabe.com <--- NOTE: all lower case
Diva Las Vegas 2009
May 11 - 16, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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