WoV Spring Fling 2018
March 7th, 2018 at 5:46:56 PM
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Quote: GWAEIt's funny how perspective changes. 7 years ago I flew to Vegas for 600 round trip and thought I got a great deal. My last 4 trips have been 46, 72, 46, and 109 round trip. I wanted to come to the spring fling for the weekend and it would cost $164 round trip and I consider that too expensive.
Used to be $600ish from here. I was happy to move away to a place where it cost $450. This trip looks to be about $180. Free hotel & free car, so that and food should be my only non-gambling costs.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
March 8th, 2018 at 5:04:42 AM
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$46 round trip to Vegas??? Holy crap! I can't fly anywhere out of Jacksonville for $46. Even a flight on Allegiant strapped to the fuselage runs me $80 min R/T! Must be nice!Quote: GWAEIt's funny how perspective changes. 7 years ago I flew to Vegas for 600 round trip and thought I got a great deal. My last 4 trips have been 46, 72, 46, and 109 round trip. I wanted to come to the spring fling for the weekend and it would cost $164 round trip and I consider that too expensive.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
March 8th, 2018 at 9:27:32 AM
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Quote: Joeman$46 round trip to Vegas??? Holy crap! I can't fly anywhere out of Jacksonville for $46. Even a flight on Allegiant strapped to the fuselage runs me $80 min R/T! Must be nice!
it was on spirit. I have flown to Vegas twice and orlando twice for $23 one way each. The first time we flew to Orlando our son was 18 months so he was free. The 4 of us flew round trip for $195 including 1 bag.
Now I am spoiled and refuse to fly for normal prices.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
March 8th, 2018 at 10:06:34 AM
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I am good with May 19.
I say this every year but I am happy to lead a hike at some point but have yet to get a single person to show interest. However, I will throw it out there again.
I say this every year but I am happy to lead a hike at some point but have yet to get a single person to show interest. However, I will throw it out there again.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 8th, 2018 at 10:19:20 AM
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This is a pretty easy trail. Really nice views and somewhat unique as you follow an old rail line and pass through several old train tunnels. I've never done the whole thing, but have taken my dog on the first part a few times.
Do it late in the day and swing by a nearby park to see the herds of Big Horns that congregate every afternoon, shortly before dusk.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/railroad-tunnel-trail
Do it late in the day and swing by a nearby park to see the herds of Big Horns that congregate every afternoon, shortly before dusk.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/railroad-tunnel-trail
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 8th, 2018 at 10:21:24 AM
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Quote: billryanThis is a pretty easy trail. Really nice views and somewhat unique as you follow an old rail line and pass through several old train tunnels. I've never done the whole thing, but have taken my dog on the first part a few times.
Do it late in the day and swing by a nearby park to see the herds of Big Horns that congregate every afternoon, shortly before dusk.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/railroad-tunnel-trail
https://youtu.be/nFIBvkr1Kh4?t=3
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 8th, 2018 at 10:41:22 AM
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Hike? Isn't that something girls do with their skirts?Quote: WizardI say this every year but I am happy to lead a hike at some point .
March 9th, 2018 at 3:50:50 PM
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It looks like the 5/19/2018 date is going to be the choice. That weekend works for me as well. I look forward to it.
March 9th, 2018 at 10:21:01 PM
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Well, here I go second-guessing myself. When I woke this thread up again last week, I made the comment:Quote: KeeneoneIt looks like the 5/19/2018 date is going to be the choice.
Quote: DocI think the candidate Saturdays are 5/19 and 5/26 with the latter one being the start of Memorial Day weekend. I haven't yet looked at whether airline fares or room rates might spike for that.
Now I find some surprising things regarding rates. For some (perhaps bizarre) reason, the airfares I find from my location to Las Vegas are about the same for those two weekends, but the Las Vegas room rates that I have found are much lower for the Memorial Day weekend. Does that make sense to anyone? Has anyone else noticed higher than usual lodging rates for the period of May 16th to 21st or thereabouts, especially when compared to a week later?
March 10th, 2018 at 7:56:31 AM
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I was told last Memorial Day that it is one of the lightest holidays for Vegas tourism.
East Coasters are hitting the Hamptons and or the beaches.
East Coasters are hitting the Hamptons and or the beaches.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 10th, 2018 at 8:08:10 AM
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Quote: DocWell, here I go second-guessing myself. When I woke this thread up again last week, I made the comment:
Now I find some surprising things regarding rates. For some (perhaps bizarre) reason, the airfares I find from my location to Las Vegas are about the same for those two weekends, but the Las Vegas room rates that I have found are much lower for the Memorial Day weekend. Does that make sense to anyone? Has anyone else noticed higher than usual lodging rates for the period of May 16th to 21st or thereabouts, especially when compared to a week later?
MY best guess is that most colleges these days graduate around the first or 2nd week of May. Kids newly 21-22 would see a blast-off trip to Vegas as a rite of passage before they move on. They would be high-dollar customers for bottle clubs, strip clubs, concerts, and ploppy games, many with grad present bux to blow. So I would think they are taking up the cheap plane tix and hotel rooms.
But just a guess.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
March 10th, 2018 at 3:49:22 PM
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Quote: DocHas anyone else noticed higher than usual lodging rates for the period of May 16th to 21st or thereabouts, especially when compared to a week later?
EDC...you may want to adjust the date.
March 10th, 2018 at 4:17:25 PM
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Quote: ParadigmEDC...you may want to adjust the date.
I was just about to post that.
https://lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/
There is also...
Real Estate convention:
https://www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/event/recon-2018/conventions_164937/
The Preakness in Maryland @ Pimlico
The Royal Wedding in the UK.
And probably a lot of other things...
March 10th, 2018 at 6:16:35 PM
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This all sounds like we should be doing it on the 26th, I think I can fit that around my very hectic work schedule lol.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 10th, 2018 at 6:24:29 PM
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Can someone step up and pick a date for everyone so us out of towners can book airfare?
March 10th, 2018 at 7:48:31 PM
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Based on the conventions around the 19th and the lack of anything around the 26th I am changing my vote to the 26th. Although keep in mind that is the weekend the WSOP starts I believe. I haven’t had time or cared to figure out the WSOP yet.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 10th, 2018 at 8:32:05 PM
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I vote the 26th. The EDC is a super storm nightmare.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
March 10th, 2018 at 9:22:02 PM
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Man, I really have mixed feelings right now, and I probably need to blame myself for the problems I'm encountering: (1) I bought the thread back to life and pointed out the possibility that the holiday weekend might be more expensive.
(2) Early replies suggested a preference for 5/19, and somewhere along the line, I expressed my own preference for that date instead of the holiday weekend.
(3) I then checked on prices and posted my surprise that the holiday might really be the cheaper weekend.
(4) After waiting (perhaps too briefly) and not seeing expressions in favor of shifting the date, I booked my flights on Saturday afternoon.
(5) Then, I later see comments suggesting that we should reconsider the date.
Now, I am wondering what it would cost me to revise my flight reservations if the date were changed! Man, oh man ... what to do, what to do????
I did try calling the airline to ask what the change fee might be, but at midnight my time, the automated system told me that the wait to speak to a rep would be greater than two hours. I hung up and may try again on Sunday.
(2) Early replies suggested a preference for 5/19, and somewhere along the line, I expressed my own preference for that date instead of the holiday weekend.
(3) I then checked on prices and posted my surprise that the holiday might really be the cheaper weekend.
(4) After waiting (perhaps too briefly) and not seeing expressions in favor of shifting the date, I booked my flights on Saturday afternoon.
(5) Then, I later see comments suggesting that we should reconsider the date.
Now, I am wondering what it would cost me to revise my flight reservations if the date were changed! Man, oh man ... what to do, what to do????
I did try calling the airline to ask what the change fee might be, but at midnight my time, the automated system told me that the wait to speak to a rep would be greater than two hours. I hung up and may try again on Sunday.
March 11th, 2018 at 12:48:39 AM
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Whoops. Doc you jumped the gun lol. Well you can all let me know cause I’m not booking until I get home in a month or so. The date could change ten more times between now and then.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 11th, 2018 at 1:31:48 PM
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I booked the earlier weekend when the wiz confirmed his availability. I got my cheap flight. Could probably change and still only pay what I expected to anyway.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
March 11th, 2018 at 3:32:37 PM
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Yeah, I'm actually SHOCKED in the amount of agreement we had around the weekend of the 19th. I'm all for a good deal, but if it's not that big of a difference (especially with WSOP starting 5/26 I'd imagine prices will raise) I'd imagine we not try to fix what's not broke =).
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
March 11th, 2018 at 3:42:12 PM
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It's like herding cats.
Choose a Road Captain and put your trust in him.
Choose a Road Captain and put your trust in him.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 11th, 2018 at 4:34:13 PM
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Once the Wizard responded I assumed the date would be the 19th. I was only posting the other stuff as an explanation of higher prices. Vegas (strip/downtown) is always busy. Golden Nugget can be had May 18-20 for a couple hundred a night on those dates (for those interested). This offer is usually the best (non comped or casino discount) offer I recommend to people:
https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mlife-rewards-program/offers/royal-offer.html
Unfortunately the offer has not yet been extended into May, but it has been extended multiple times over the last few years.
I can personally only make the 19th and will be out of town for the 26th.
https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mlife-rewards-program/offers/royal-offer.html
Unfortunately the offer has not yet been extended into May, but it has been extended multiple times over the last few years.
I can personally only make the 19th and will be out of town for the 26th.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:42:26 AM
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Please, will the wiz or a mod or SOMEBODY please "make the call" as to when the WoV Spring Fling will occur this year?
People need to confirm arrangements.
It looks like the consensus is May 26th, but were I to attend I'd want more than a "it looks like" before buying tickets, booking a room and renting a car.
Thanks.
People need to confirm arrangements.
It looks like the consensus is May 26th, but were I to attend I'd want more than a "it looks like" before buying tickets, booking a room and renting a car.
Thanks.
"What, me worry?"
March 16th, 2018 at 8:13:04 AM
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Um, I thought the clear consensus was the 19th... since that was the first date proposed, EVERYONE said it would work for them, and the Wiz even chimed in saying the 19th was good?Quote: MrVPlease, will the wiz or a mod or SOMEBODY please "make the call" as to when the WoV Spring Fling will occur this year?
People need to confirm arrangements.
It looks like the consensus is May 26th, but were I to attend I'd want more than a "it looks like" before buying tickets, booking a room and renting a car.
Thanks.
Either way I agree I think we need someone to just make an end all final decision. Otherwise if I must I'll just make a thread with a poll option, and whichever has more votes will just be "it."
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
March 16th, 2018 at 10:03:04 AM
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I guess there is a difference between an assumption that a perceived consensus makes it official and a formal declaration that the perceived consensus is indeed an officially endorses determination.
Some people have made and then changed plans and may now have to shift back ... some are conflicted with certain dates, but I agree that someone somewhere had better pull the trigger and let people freeze their plans into a final form.
Some people have made and then changed plans and may now have to shift back ... some are conflicted with certain dates, but I agree that someone somewhere had better pull the trigger and let people freeze their plans into a final form.
March 16th, 2018 at 10:03:04 AM
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I guess there is a difference between an assumption that a perceived consensus makes it official and a formal declaration that the perceived consensus is indeed an officially endorsed determination.
Some people have made and then changed plans and may now have to shift back ... some are conflicted with certain dates, but I agree that someone somewhere had better pull the trigger and let people freeze their plans into a final form.
Some people have made and then changed plans and may now have to shift back ... some are conflicted with certain dates, but I agree that someone somewhere had better pull the trigger and let people freeze their plans into a final form.
March 16th, 2018 at 2:31:54 PM
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I am available both days and am personally indifferent.
I hate to start a new thread, so can those interested in going leave a brief post with their vote, even if you stated a preference already. If you want to expand on the reasons, please put the vote in bold so I can easily do a tally. Please only vote if you intend to come for the date you vote for.
I hate to start a new thread, so can those interested in going leave a brief post with their vote, even if you stated a preference already. If you want to expand on the reasons, please put the vote in bold so I can easily do a tally. Please only vote if you intend to come for the date you vote for.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 16th, 2018 at 2:33:54 PM
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May 19th
March 16th, 2018 at 2:42:23 PM
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Quote: WizardI am available both days and am personally indifferent.
.
Ditto.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:29:15 PM
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Right now, I am still conflicted, mostly because I have still not spoken to the airline rep. I will follow up on this post after I do (soon), but I thought I would explain the conflict a little further. We tentatively have planned a five night stay, Wed-Sun nights, spending Mon night on the plane home.
Lodging rates:
On my recent visits to Las Vegas, I have stayed at a combination of Rio and Main Street Station. For just the weekend (Fri-Sun nights) of May 18-20, the BConnected site tells me that MSS is sold out, while Rio quotes me rates of $230, $217, and $177 plus resort fees. The full five night stay at Rio would total $1,018.15 including resort fees.
For the following weekend, MSS is quoted as $125, $165, and $125, while Rio is quoted at $59.50, $124.10, and $34.85 plus resort fees. The same five-night stay at Rio for that weekend would total $451.76.
Now these aren't major sums for a hotel room, but they are higher than I have paid on past visits to these hotels, and the fact that the Rio is more than double in price for the earlier week caught my attention.
Unfortunately, I did not learn this difference in lodging rates until after I had booked airline tickets for the earlier week/weekend, based on early comments here supportive of a May 19 gathering. At the time I made that booking, I could have gotten the same flights for the same price either week. When I tried to check about the cost to change my reservation, I was unable to reach a rep on the phone, as I reported earlier. I will try again.
As a side note, I received an attractive promo in the mail yesterday from Texas Station, but I have never stayed there, and I don't know whether the promo would really be available if I tried to book it. If I could really get it, the pricing for a room would be perfect for either week, though I know nothing about the rooms.
I'll post again later after I get updated info from the airline.
Lodging rates:
On my recent visits to Las Vegas, I have stayed at a combination of Rio and Main Street Station. For just the weekend (Fri-Sun nights) of May 18-20, the BConnected site tells me that MSS is sold out, while Rio quotes me rates of $230, $217, and $177 plus resort fees. The full five night stay at Rio would total $1,018.15 including resort fees.
For the following weekend, MSS is quoted as $125, $165, and $125, while Rio is quoted at $59.50, $124.10, and $34.85 plus resort fees. The same five-night stay at Rio for that weekend would total $451.76.
Now these aren't major sums for a hotel room, but they are higher than I have paid on past visits to these hotels, and the fact that the Rio is more than double in price for the earlier week caught my attention.
Unfortunately, I did not learn this difference in lodging rates until after I had booked airline tickets for the earlier week/weekend, based on early comments here supportive of a May 19 gathering. At the time I made that booking, I could have gotten the same flights for the same price either week. When I tried to check about the cost to change my reservation, I was unable to reach a rep on the phone, as I reported earlier. I will try again.
As a side note, I received an attractive promo in the mail yesterday from Texas Station, but I have never stayed there, and I don't know whether the promo would really be available if I tried to book it. If I could really get it, the pricing for a room would be perfect for either week, though I know nothing about the rooms.
I'll post again later after I get updated info from the airline.
Last edited by: Doc on Mar 16, 2018
March 16th, 2018 at 6:37:16 PM
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No question rates are cheaper weekend of the 26th. I'm hoping to book the later week, but waiting to see the final call.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:47:03 PM
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Quote: beachbumbabsNo question rates are cheaper weekend of the 26th. I'm hoping to book the later week, but waiting to see the final call.
Didn’t check and have no reason to doubt you but that seems strange since it’s Memorial Day weekend.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:08:53 PM
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I can do either date, I have no problem booking either. Although cheaper hotels on around the 26th sounds better.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 16th, 2018 at 7:19:43 PM
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Quote: BozDidn’t check and have no reason to doubt you but that seems strange since it’s Memorial Day weekend.
Yeah, it's not close. Comps all week 21-28, weekend of the 19th min130 that night, surrounding nights less but not comped.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
March 16th, 2018 at 10:04:38 PM
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Just got off the phone with the airline rep after discussing the impact of changing the reservations I made a week ago. Their basic policy is that in order for us to be there for 5/26 instead of 5/19, I would have to pay a $200 per ticket change fee ($400 total) plus any increase in the fare. The rep said that if I were prepared to make the change right then, she could try to get one (perhaps both) of the change fees waved because I was doing this well before the time of the flights. She said the chance of success for that request will rapidly go down if I wait longer to act.Quote: DocI'll post again later after I get updated info from the airline.
Paying even the full change fees might be better than paying the price differences on the rooms (assuming the room rates aren't changing while I check on airline fees), but I really need to hear a decision on the Spring Fling date so that I don't come out to Las Vegas a different week than everyone else. And waiting for that decision could add to my cost.
That's why I said I am conflicted.
As for a vote, I guess I am changing my preference from 5/19 to 5/26, with a very strong preference for an early decision.
March 16th, 2018 at 11:00:00 PM
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Let’s just make a thread with a poll, that seems to always get the ball rolling.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 17th, 2018 at 2:17:02 PM
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I'm leaning towards switching it to the 26th. Anyone strongly opposed?
Also, on another topic, two people have suggested to me privately that the location be kept confidential, especially in light of recent events. Any comments pro or con?
Also, on another topic, two people have suggested to me privately that the location be kept confidential, especially in light of recent events. Any comments pro or con?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 17th, 2018 at 3:49:25 PM
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Quote: WizardI'm leaning towards switching it to the 26th. Anyone strongly opposed?
Also, on another topic, two people have suggested to me privately that the location be kept confidential, especially in light of recent events. Any comments pro or con?
IMO it should (have always been) kept privately, including now and going forward. I always thought it was weird that it was posted publicly.
March 17th, 2018 at 4:27:17 PM
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I'm not sure which recent events you refer to?Quote: WizardI'm leaning towards switching it to the 26th. Anyone strongly opposed?
Also, on another topic, two people have suggested to me privately that the location be kept confidential, especially in light of recent events. Any comments pro or con?
Wouldn't want anyone knowing there will be a party in Vegas.
March 17th, 2018 at 4:54:17 PM
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Suggested event: Fleastiff's lessons on Basketball Score Prediction.
March 17th, 2018 at 5:14:49 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffSuggested event: Fleastiff's lessons on Basketball Score Prediction.
So basically guess and hope you’re right more often then not? Lol
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 17th, 2018 at 7:35:51 PM
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Not opposed, just want to point out two things:Quote: WizardI'm leaning towards switching it to the 26th. Anyone strongly opposed?
(1) Voting in the poll thread is extremely close, currently 5-4.
(2) As I have already pointed out, a quick final decision would be better for my wallet and perhaps for others.
March 17th, 2018 at 8:25:45 PM
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Quote: DocNot opposed, just want to point out two things:
(1) Voting in the poll thread is extremely close, currently 5-4.
(2) As I have already pointed out, a quick final decision would be better for my wallet and perhaps for others.
I suggest we put you in charge of the final decision.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 17th, 2018 at 9:12:20 PM
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On the previous page, I noted (in bold, as requested) that I was changing my preference to 5/26. I also voted that way in the poll thread, which means the other eight votes are tied 4-4. I'm not sure many members would like the idea of my being in charge of decisions for the group. (I can even screw things up big time by deciding which group photos to post!)
March 17th, 2018 at 9:51:11 PM
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Quote: DocOn the previous page, I noted (in bold, as requested) that I was changing my preference to 5/26. I also voted that way in the poll thread, which means the other eight votes are tied 4-4. I'm not sure many members would like the idea of my being in charge of decisions for the group. (I can even screw things up big time by deciding which group photos to post!)
Okay, I suggest we go with MrV's suggestion of closing the voting at 12:01 AM on March 19. If it is tied (and it is currently 5-5), then let's look at the closing DOW for that day to make the decision. We'll round to the nearest full point. If it is odd we go with 5/19, if even, then 5/26.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
March 17th, 2018 at 10:21:08 PM
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Obviously, the Spring Fling has outgrown a single weekend. Let's have it the 23rd, with a pre party the weekend of the 19th and post party the next weekend.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
March 17th, 2018 at 10:28:16 PM
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Haha I’m good with either weekend but I vote no on this idea. Sorry Bill
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
March 18th, 2018 at 5:39:16 AM
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Quote: billryanObviously, the Spring Fling has outgrown a single weekend. Let's have it the 23rd, with a pre party the weekend of the 19th and post party the next weekend.
A certain forum member has a birthday on the 23rd as well.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
