Well, we've pretty much got a date and a general region. Now we need to think of things to do.
So far, a downtown play and a Cubs game have both been suggested. I think these are great, but they're also more expensive and -- especially the play -- are somewhat less interactive. Ergo, they'll be optional excursions. *laugh*
Obviously, a game room is necessary. Christy and I can provide, ourselves, a fair number of board/card games and RPGs -- Once Upon a Time, Carcassonne (w/all expansions), Jyhad/Vampire, Settlers of Catan, Chez Geek, Munchkin, Trivial Pursuit (the original "hard" edition), Clue, Cranium, Pictionary, Scrabble, D&D3.0E, Call of Cthulhu, WEG Star Wars, Shadowrun, Vampire (inc. LARP), Werewolf, and Mage. I've also got a fairly portable computer and an XBox, if necessary.
I had earlier suggested a public reading of The Eye of Argon. Along these literary lines, "bad writing" contests and actual writing workshops might be enjoyable.
A number of Hatrackers have musical talent. Sadly, mine -- the piano -- is not particularly portable. But I'm sure we could find more portably talented people.
Coloring books are astonishingly cheap, and fairly non-messy.
Other ideas?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Karoke (We have to. There was some spontaneous singing as it was, and it was very fun.)
Thousand Ideas in an Hour
Fencing? Ken?
Apples to Apples WAS awfully fun.
The art museum. Recreate Ferris Beuller's Day! I will personally anyone who sings "Twist and Shout" on Main Street.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I was thinking for the "outing" portion, we simply take the train downtown and roam wherever the mood takes us. There is that lovely public walkway along the lake. Lincoln Park and the zoo is always an inexpensive option.
Also the Hancock center, the observation platform is expensive but you can go to the floor below and buy a soda and sit and watch the sun set, for a beautiful inexpensive activity. You will be waiting in line to go up the elevator but waiting in line with a group gives a chance to mingle and talk as well.
xnera may have more ideas as well.
aJ
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I've never seen Navy Pier...except from a distance. Is that expensive?
FG
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Kat, I love it! Last time I was in Chicago, we kept having Ferris Bueller moments, including leaning up against the glass in the Sears tower.
I think it also might be fun (and interactive at the same time!) to do a day going to the ethnic neighborhoods, like Andersonville, which is a Swedish quarter, and is right next to the Arabic quarter- and Devon avenue, which has all kinds of lovely Indian stores and restaurants.
Plus, we have to see live blues, because last time I was in Chicago I wasn't 21 and they wouldn't let me in anywhere.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Oh, and Navy Pier! No, not expensive at all. And they have a children's museum! ^_^
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Can we go to the "Cheeburger, Cheeburger" place?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
quote: I think it also might be fun (and interactive at the same time!) to do a day going to the ethnic neighborhoods, like Andersonville, which is a Swedish quarter, and is right next to the Arabic quarter- and Devon avenue, which has all kinds of lovely Indian stores and restaurants.
Yes this would be fun but we probably have only 2.5 days to fit everything else in too and might be a bit ambitious. Heck I live here and haven't seen a lot of it, though I've driven through the neighborhoods while lost a couple of times.
AJ
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
How many days are we thinking of making this? Because some excursions -- like downtown, from the Sears Tower to Navy Pier to the Art Museum -- are EASILY a day and a half. You could spend another day, without question, just hitting the most interesting of the ethnic neighborhoods, and that's not even counting the Clark/Belmont area.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Yeah, that is why I was thinking of doing more of a wander through downtown walking than actually "doing" a lot of the attractions. Maybe choose one attraction but two would start toget difficult.
AJ
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
I like Tom's list of games. I think I can add a few. Apples to Apples, for starters (since you wench-types seemed to enjoy it). Maybe Compatability and Whatsit? Are we looking for strategy based, role playing, getting to know people, or what?
I can also bring a PS2, and DDR and a couple of pads and maybe Tekken Tag.
Can the boat architecture tour be an optional thing? There's one that leaves from the base of Navy Pier.
Posted by K.A.M.A. (Member # 6045) on :
I would just like to state my approval of the Con name. Carry on, please.
Posted by Zevlag (Member # 1405) on :
I like it too! So much easier than WenchCon to explain to parents and friends Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I hate to ask, but could someone post the dates for this thing? I know its in one of the other threads, but I'm too lazy to go look for it right now and I need to put in for my vacation days.
Thanks!
Posted by K.A.M.A. (Member # 6045) on :
August 13-15
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
While you're at it, what is the general itinerary; I hate to be out of town on vacation when Kama knocks on my door.
Speaking of which, hey mack, let's get a Hatrack: New England hike organized for Kama. Monadnock? Some place reasonable for both MA folks and NH folk?
-Bok
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Is a guitar too big for carry-on? I'd be awfully hesitant to bring it if I have to check it. However, if a more local person brings a guitar, I could play that. Why anyone would want me to play guitar I have no idea, but the music was someone else's idea, and I'm trying to be agreeable....
I'm not familiar with all the games listed -- are they competetive or collaborative? I have a real problem with competition, so chances are I'd be better off sitting out of the really vicious games, like Scrabble.
Also, while I enjoy getting out and walking/visiting/window-shopping/etc., we'll have two kids with us. I'm hoping (a) there'll be something interesting for them, (b) that they'll have the chance to just run around and be loud, and (c) when we're travelling, people won't mind if we need to stop so one or both of them can eat.
Karaoke is good, too, in my book. I love hearing Mama sing, and y'all can just put up with me. *smile*
I know the official dates are 13th-15th, but if anyone's up for some hanging out on the 12th, we plan to be there by then. Nothing official yet, though.
--Pop
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
Pop, I don't think that Once Upon A Time, Apples, or Compatability are super competative. They really are more about being on the same page than fighting against each other.
I'm so excited about Munchkin, Tom. That game has been banned from our house and placed on our domestic violence games list. Bill thinks it really brings out my more cruel evil side. I think that's what makes it fun. Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
Pop, if I do end up coming I can bring a classical guitar. I'll be bussing/training/hitch hiking down and I have no problems taking it on any of those rides. Not that I know *how* to play, but I do own one.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
I'm more a folk-guitar strumming type rather than a classical finger-picker, but that can still be done on a classical. Just sounds a little different. It's also easier not to break nylon strings -- and I'll be very careful not to scratch up the finish, since classical guitars usually don't have pick guards.
<Reminds self to pack thin picks for KamaCon.>
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I can bring a guitar for you, Papa. No need to try to haul one on a plane with all the kid-stuff you’re going to be carting.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Ok, but I'm still bringing my own picks.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Good, 'cause I don't have any.
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
We had the most fun at wenchcon doing completely spontaneous things, or very loosely planned stuff. I think a day downtown would be fun, but deciding on much more than that is going to be more annoying than fun. Besides, the best part about hatrack get togethers is just sitting around and talking.
Ni!
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Can I be the photographer again? Please?
...and if we CAN do fencing, I won't suck at it so bad anymore! (Well...theoretically...I'd have 3 months of lessons by that time).
And I'm up for a Cubs game. I love baseball, especially in a park and a team with that much history (like my red sox ).
And no one tell me directly what to do. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Mack, take lots of pictures!
*flees*
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I think if we ban Mac from taking pictures, we can actually get her IN the pictures this time.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
If I don't die first from not being able to take pictures. That's like breathing...only without the interal organs.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
So what exactly is Apples to Apples? Is that a board game? I've never heard of it. What is it like?
FG
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I've been wondering the same thing FG...
AJ
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
It is a marvelous card game.
Everyone is dealt a hand of red-apple cards. These have nouns on them. When it’s your turn you draw a green apple card. It has an adjective on it. You read it aloud and set it on the table. Each player then passes you a red apple card from their hand that they think best matches your adjective. You shuffle them so you don’t know whose is whose and then read them aloud. You pick the match you like best, and the person who gave you that card gets the green apple card. The red apples are discarded and everyone draws a new one. Then it’s the next person’s turn to draw a green apple and be the judge.
[ January 28, 2004, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Funny story – I played apples to apples once with a friend of mine and her daughter. The daughter is 14 and in the church youth group. She drew the adjective “flirtatious.” The only card I had that even remotely matched was a little risqué, but I figured, what the heck. I passed it to her. It turned out that the card her mother played was even worse. She looked at the two cards, turned bright red, and said (in an outraged voice) “my mother and my pastor! We both started snickering. Then we had to play non-word related games for the rest of the evening.
[ January 28, 2004, 02:26 PM: Message edited by: dkw ]
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
To answer Bok's question:
Fly in to NYC: August 6/7 Get to the Con: ? (not later than 13 th) Hang out some more in Chicago? Yes? No? Get to Philly/Boston: 17/18th?19th? where first? Fly back from NYC on 27/28th
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
If I come, I could probably borrow the "Set" deck. Every game is competitive in my family, even Apples to Apples.
Anyone ever played Flash Match? There's hundreds of cards with random images on them and then a video with some of the cards shown in random sequences. There is some bluffing and challenge element. Probably the best part is it's from the 80's so the designs can be really hilarious.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I would think the more "official" organized activities would take place the 13-15th. However if anyone (or multiple people) have their heart set on doing something in Chi-town I can't see why things shouldn't be flexible the couple days before and after. Some of us have more limited vacation time than others though.
AJ
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Excellent!
I just put in for the vacation time!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Uh ....Bob
If I'm maybe riding with you, as previously mentioned, then it might help if you tell me which day you put down as your first day off, to drive up there..
So I can make sure my vacation time schedule matches that. 13th?
Farmgirl
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
FG,
I put the 12th as my first day, but that might be eaten up in packing and driving up to Kansas. We can hit the road early on the 13th, or I can plan to pick you up at some point on the 12th.
Your call.
But I'd hate to miss a MINUTE of Hatrackian Hijinx! So, if you are game, let's shoot for the 12th.
Not sure how long a drive it is from your town to Chicago. Are you?
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote:Not sure how long a drive it is from your town to Chicago. Are you?
No -- I'll ask my sister -- she's driven it.
I've only taken it by train -- and it was 12 hours -- and trains go diagonally across the region by the most direct route, whereas with driving it may not be that way.... although I35 is probably a large part of the way.
Farmgirl
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
randmcnally.com puts it at 11 hours, 15 minutes, 700 miles from here (if you want to belive them). I used a west-side Chicago address to figure it though, not downtown.
I'm sure we would need a pit stop a couple times along the way. Farmgirl
Posted by xnera (Member # 187) on :
I still have not heard back from the hotel I requested a quote from. I'll give them a poke tomorrow.
Yes, a game room is a must. I had already planned on having one. I can add Acquire, Ricochet Robot, Citadels, Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, and the Game of Thrones and LOTR CCGs. I also have DDR (original, Konamix, and Disney) and dance pads as well.
It is free to walk around Navy Pier. They have a stained glass museum (free!) that is simply wonderful. I also ditto the suggestion for the Art Institute, as it has good stuff and is cheap. Personally, I'd much rather do one or two things downtown and spend most of the weekend just hanging out, but that's just me.
The "Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger" place is Billy Goat's. Chips, no fries. *grins* The original one's on Rush street, which is within walking distance from the Art Institute. They have a few others, though. I would love to go there again. It has lots of character. Like Binion's in Vegas.
Those of you coming, which day would work better for downtown? Is there anyone who will have religious restrictions that will keep them indoors for part of the weekend? That might help us plan things better.
I'm torn, here. I love the idea of taking a few days off of work and seeing ethnic neighborhoods with Annie, or going to a Cubs game with mack, or whatever. But I've already taken three days off this year, and I'm going to Disney in October, so I don't have that much vacation time to use. Hmm. This will require much thought.
And Jamie, you can be the offical photographer, but I insist on being deputy photographer. Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Only if you speak more than three words. Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I own SET, so you don't have to borrow it, pooka, that's one of my favorite games . I can also bring Catch Phrase, and um, a Tai Chi sword?
[ January 28, 2004, 08:52 PM: Message edited by: blacwolve ]
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
I can bring Mille Bornes and Numble. I'm not sure I remember how to play Numble (it's like Scrabble, but with numbers -- definitely a game for geeks ), but it has instructions. Does anyone have Big Boggle? I have regular Boggle, and I can bring it, but the big one is much better for groups larger than three.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
attempting a cut and paste from the romance thread to unite topics back together.. hope it doesn't come out too garbled.
quote: Kama
I was thinking about the tshirt idea. Keep it simple, but with a fancy font: like this? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BannaOj
oooh I like! I still think some fancier artwork would be cool too and want to see what Annie comes up with. And would we have to two different models of the shirts made? one Jatraquera and the other jatraquero?
We do need to nail down the name though. I like Kama Con, Sombrero Con, Chicago Con Jatraquero or Jatraquero Con. Who is it that is good at setting up online voting things? I think that will be the only way to solve it.
AJ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mackillian
Kaaaama kama kama kama kama-ka-me-lee-coooon... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derrell
Was that really neccessary? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mackillian
It absolutely was. Go get a sense of humor. --I-- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derrell
Not tonight, I have a headache. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derrell
The reason I groaned when i read your post mack, is that it brought back images of the video for the song you were parodying. I went to high school in the '80's and MTV played that song all the time. Boy George just ain't a pretty sight. i apologize if I offended you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MidnightBlue
quote: And would we have to two different models of the shirts made? one Jatraquera and the other jatraquero?
Can we make it possible for people not going to the con to get one? Like, have someone willing to ship them out to people who put orders in ahead of time, and recipients pay the shipping. Pleeeaaaasse?[/begging] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
blacwolve
I think the jatraquero one must have swords in it somewhere. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BannaOj
seems reasonable enough if you are willing to pay for shipping and handling in addition to the cost. Acutally maybe we should mark up the shirts by like $3-5 and add the extra to the Kama fund.
(I can tell I'm probably going to be the t-shirt co-ordinator. I did it several times in college so it is cool with me)
AJ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MidnightBlue
I'd probably pay anything for a Kiss me I'm a Jatraquera t-shirt.
Edit: Maybe the t-shirt should get it's own thread. It's kind of taking over here! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T_Smith
By the way, you may not want to publically wear those shirts when I'm around. YOu just never know when or how I'm going to take you up on the kissing offer.
Koga Member
I want a t-shirt that says "I'm not the cook, and I'm not Irish, but kiss me anyway and I'll come up with a reason later".
I've never seen that shirt, but I think it would be cool, but I'd likely settle for the Jatraquero shirt instead. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zevlag
You know, I would buy a "Kiss me! I'm a Jatraquera" t-shirt, just for when I meet a girl who deserves it!
[ January 28, 2004, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Psst, mack, check out the Kama World Tour: Boston thread!
-Bok
Posted by xnera (Member # 187) on :
So I don't do well in groups. Just because I'm quiet doesn't mean I'm not having fun. *pies mack*
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I'm glad you were having fun. Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :
For reference, I intend to have my camera strapped to me at all times, so there will definitely be pictures of mack. And I only skimmed the thread, but did anyone mention the game Cranium? Soooo much fun.
Posted by thrak (Member # 5499) on :
I just read the original list of games, and I will be very jealous if you guys play Settlers of Catan. That is my all-time favorite board game. Perhaps I could organize a SeidlerCon on the east coast some day.
Anyone ever play the Cities and Knights expansion?
[ January 28, 2004, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: thrak ]
Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :
...coloring books?
I suppose a night of shameless boozing and whoring's out of the question? Even if it's just me and everybody's hot wives?
But really, coloring books? I guess this Con really shouldn't be called RawkCon...
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Eddie, by the time you manage to bike into Chicago, we'll be peeling you off the pavement. Coloring books might actually be TOO intense. Posted by K.A.M.A. (Member # 6045) on :
I suppose Mooselet will enjoy coloring books. Are you saying you're superior to Mooselet, Eduardo?
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Boozing and whoring will be done, Eddie. Moose puts down the tequila pretty well for an old man ( ), and if we can get Ralphie out of Oregon, it'll be hard to keep us sober.
Actually...we'll do the boozing, but you'll have to do the whoring for the lot of us.
Posted by Taalcon (Member # 839) on :
Click "Login" in the top right, if you haven't registered yet, do that first Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Hmmm.. I'm almost sure I registered before (the registration page looks extremely familiar) but now I don't remember which username/password I used.
Guess I will have to create a new account.
FG
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh, I love the tag line!
[ January 29, 2004, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Moose doesn't put down tequila except to place it on a counter or insult it.
Gin is my drink. Good gin.
Just thought I ought to clear that up.
--Pop
Posted by Zevlag (Member # 1405) on :
Farmgirl, I thought the exact same thing, that I had registered already. Must have been on an older implementatino, I have a feeling the database was wiped a few months ago.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I like them all so as of now I'm not voting.
(how's that for indecision?)
AJ
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
As for the activities: if I manage to get to Chicago before the actual con begins, I could go grocery shopping with Banna and then cook something Polish. It might also be cool to organize a Polish night or something, for you to see a Polish movie (but the thing is that a DVD bought in here won't work across the ocean and I'm not sure if there is a chance to get a Polish movie in the US) or listen to some music while we're eating.
Hm?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
btw I've been counting the number of polish delis I see on the way home. I'm up to at least five, and maybe more dependent on the route I take.
oh yes and at least two polish movie rental places
AJ
[ January 29, 2004, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Oh cool
So what do you people think about watching a movie? I'd make up a list of what I think would be most interesting, with description, and you'd choose what you want to see
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I wonder if I could find an independent international video place that would have English subtitles? I'm guessing I could. I don't know if the all Polish movie rental places have subtitles or not. I'll make a note of exactly where they are tonight and maybe stop by one of these days on my way home from work and ask about subtitles. It would definitely be easier on us non-Polish speaking folk.
AJ
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
They should have subtitles.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I googled for polish videos Illinois to see what I could find. Only called one place so far:
POLISH-AMERICAN VIDEO RENTAL, 2622 DEMPSTER ST PARK RIDGE, IL, (847) 759-9255
The lady was very nice but said they didn't have english subtitles, it was polish speaking only. I'm posting it here so I can pull it up in a pinch
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Apparently it is the Polish Museum of America located in Chicago. It might be kind of wierd to see though. I might be tripped out if I went to see the American Museum of Poland in Warsaw. Though I guess it would be educational to see how another culture or modified immigrant culture views its original homeland.
AJ
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Which page?
(yeah, yeah, make my post look silly)
[ January 29, 2004, 04:44 PM: Message edited by: Kama ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I added the link above, sorry didn't realize I forgot to paste.
Here's an excerpt from the museum history (you can choose to read the entire website in english or polish from the main page)
quote:There were two events that caused the rapid expansion of the Museum’s collections. The first originated from the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City, New York. The year 1939 marked the 20th anniversary of the Second Republic of Poland and the government of Poland marked that anniversary with a large exhibition at that World’s Fair. Unfortunately, in September of 1939 Poland was invaded and war had gripped Europe. At the close of the World’s Fair, it became clear that the Polish exhibits could not return to Poland and their disposition was uncertain. In order to preserve at least a portion of the exhibits the directors of the Museum determined to purchase from the government of Poland nearly three fourths of the exhibits. Display of these exhibits required a very significant expansion of the Museum’s public display areas into the 3rd and 4th floor auditorium facilities of the PRCUA headquarters building. In June of 1941 this expanded display area opened to the public. Thus, the Museum was able to preserve a very significant collection of art from the Polish inter-war period, 1919 to 1939, as well as significant Polish historical items...
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Here's another link you might find interesting. It is a listing of Polish-American events in the area. It only goes through to March but we can see what they have available in August.
This yellow pages site is wierd. I'm not sure if the phone number goes with this entry or not.
Plyty,Wideo & Kompakty Records, Video & CD's Komputery & Elektronika Computers & Electronics Central Video Chicago ILLINOIS zip :23491 UNITED STATES tel :773-205-0525
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
well you are doing better at deciphering it than I am... I'll call and let you know
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
That is the correct number. They have a few with English subtitles. The girl was very nice. It would probably be easier to call them again once you get here than to try to figure out exactly what movie now. Their movies do run on standard american machines.
AJ
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
Farmgirl and Zev: The database at sakeriver has never been wiped, so I'm guessing you folks never actually registered. You may have posted, though; I allow guest posting.
Everyone else: There is the faint (and I do mean faint, although perhaps really faint or even faintest would be more accurate) possibility that I might make it out to the Con. No promises. I don't have a case for my guitar and don't trust airline baggage handlers not to destroy it, but I do carry a pick with me pretty much everywhere. Aside from which, harmonicas are quite portable.
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
I can't decide whether to bring my accordian or my spoons.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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anyone who sings "Twist and Shout" on Main Street.
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). ![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
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Taal![[Cool]](cool.gif)
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