Chicago Area Meetup

[MCV]

That weekend is the NATO Summit, best to steer clear of downtown and avoid all the hassles.

[Hairdude1]

Ok guys I know that people are worried about that nato protesters. Can we all agree that we move this date to late June???

[Hairdude1]

bump

[golfer23]

Good for me.

[Lion]

Whenever...please just figure it out and let's do it. The more the date changes the less likely people will be able to attend.....May 20th is a perfectly good date...we will be north of where the protesters will be!!!

[Hairdude1]

SOunds good for me. Can we get a total head count. That way I can contact my connection @ TWC As I am assuming we might be spending most of our time at that location??? AS of now I have two (Leo and myself) TRF I need a "Roll Call"!!!

[Timber Loftis]

My wife's gonna put me in the dog house over this, but I'm booking the weekend solid with a game tourney on the 19th and my confirmation for the 20th.

As for the Nato -- lotta hullabaloo over nothing I expect. I live a stone's throw from McCormick where the summit is, and all the arrests are going to be processed across the street from my house at District 1. I have a lot to fear and possibly a lot to lose should a Seattle-style wave of protests break out. That said, I think it'll go off without a hitch, and if there are any hitches, I thoroughly trust the CPD to beat the ever-loving snot out of the miscreants. Civil rights only get you so far around here.

The first day of the summit, there will be a march, I think down Michigan Avenue to the venue. I think hosting at McCormick puts the unwashed masses far enough from the banks downtown that they won't be shuffling between the two too much. Walking 25 blocks in Birkenstocks hurts and buses and cabs cost like, money, which we all know only the 1% have any of.

[911SC]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

My wife's gonna put me in the dog house over this, but I'm booking the weekend solid with a game tourney on the 19th and my confirmation for the 20th.

As for the Nato -- lotta hullabaloo over nothing I expect. I live a stone's throw from McCormick where the summit is, and all the arrests are going to be processed across the street from my house at District 1. I have a lot to fear and possibly a lot to lose should a Seattle-style wave of protests break out. That said, I think it'll go off without a hitch, and if there are any hitches, I thoroughly trust the CPD to beat the ever-loving snot out of the miscreants. Civil rights only get you so far around here.

The first day of the summit, there will be a march, I think down Michigan Avenue to the venue. I think hosting at McCormick puts the unwashed masses far enough from the banks downtown that they won't be shuffling between the two too much. Walking 25 blocks in Birkenstocks hurts and buses and cabs cost like, money, which we all know only the 1% have any of.

+1

I'm game for may or June. Most likely I'll have to take off early for work but should be able to make it.

[Hairdude1]

So I have 4 including myself!

[tdegroot]

I would like to go also, I think that I could make it.

[Hairdude1]

SO maybe 5! This is looking good!

[shmeedr]

May 20th, works for me as well. I don't really post much here, I'm usually on Paneristi.com, but if it's cool, I'd love to go.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by shmeedr

May 20th, works for me as well. I don't really post much here, I'm usually on Paneristi.com, but if it's cool, I'd love to go.

Welcome! Yes the more the merrier!

[Adam.]

I will be there.

[Hairdude1]

That makes 7!

[Hairdude1]

We are at 7! Any other people in???

[Pix]

I could be a possible, a maybe or a TBA, I fly back from Fl on Saturday (and boy will my arm's be tired) but would love to come down for the meet up.

[Hairdude1]

So a possible 8! This is looking good. Does everyone know where we will be meeting first??

[Pix]

The only thing I see is 11am at Starbucks on 38 Ontario?

[Hairdude1]

Yup. That way we can meet then head to TWC and others

[shmeedr]

11am Starbucks on 38 Ontario

[franzy]

I am 99.9% in. Have to check w/ wife to see if we have "important" plans.

I will confirm.

[Hairdude1]

Sounds good Tom. Hope to see you and the rest of the Rolex clan on may 20. Looking like 10 possible. This is looking good!

[Timber Loftis]

Is that 38 E. or W.? Just checking.

Nato Info update:

NATO Summit Update

Local, state, and federal law enforcement officials have released the security and transportation plans for the upcoming NATO Summit, which will be at McCormick Place on May 20th and 21st.

Click on:

http://library.constantcontact.com/d.../NATO_info.pdf

to read the press release that includes important information regarding: parking restrictions (begins May 13th), road closures (begins May 19th), restricted zones for automobiles, airspace and waterway restrictions, parking at McCormick Place, operating hours of museums and other attractions, information on public transit and chartered vehicles, and pedestrian routes. The press release also contains maps and links with more information.

You can also sign up for Notify Chicago, which is a free email and text messaging service available to people who want up-to-date information about the NATO conference.

If you are in Chicago during the summit, it is advisable to use public transportation. However, you should plan for extra travel time regardless of your mode of transportation.
__________________

Note: If you are driving into the City, I have free parking available in our guest/rental lot down at 18th/State, so you could park for free and we could catch a cab or bus together. Just putting that out there. PM if you need a parking spot. Yes, it's gated.

[Hairdude1]

38 E ontario Starbucks. Can we agree on a time? 11am everybody?

[Timber Loftis]

Sounds good.

[Submarino]

Sorry I'm coming late to the game. Why don't we just meet at James & Sons and then grab a drink and bite at Goose Island brewery or J.Alexander's? Would that work for everyone? If so I am in.

[Adam.]

Originally Posted by Submarino

Sorry I'm coming late to the game. Why don't we just meet at James & Sons and then grab a drink and bite at Goose Island brewery or J.Alexander's? Would that work for everyone? If so I am in.

I am open to meet anywhere. My preference would be Goose Island brewery over Starbucks. I have not been to Goose Island and it would be fun to see.

[Timber Loftis]

I think there are 2 camps here: the James & Sons/Goose Island camp (North Ave) and the Mich. Ave. camp. I'm fine with either. TWC Mich Ave. was unimpressive when we went there last time, but there are other great shops in the area. I've never been to James & Sons and am happy to go there as well.

I leave it to you guys to sort out. I'm in either way.

[Hairdude1]

I am open to either. My question is how do we get to the other Stores? TWC, Tourneau, Swiss Time, etc? With such a group? I have a rough head count of 10+ Most of the people committed are for downtown. If it is changed we need to make sure they are all notified.