MEETUP: OCR @ Otakon 2007! - Panel was awesome!

[zircon]

Otakon is the largest anime convention in the US. This year, it is taking place in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Convention Center near the harbor. The dates are July 20 through the 22nd (Fri-Sun). OCR will be going there officially to run a panel, and we will also be having meetups throughout the weekend.

www.otakon.com

PANEL INFO:
"OverClocked ReMix: Game Music Evolved"
Friday July 20 @ 10 AM to Noon
Location: Panel 4, Ballroom 2

REGISTRATION:
If you are coming, you should pre-register well in advance. Registration at the con itself is horrendous in terms of wait times. It's $50 per person. Also, don't forget to get your badge EARLY... the lines are really long and you don't want to arrive at 9:30AM Friday only to spend 2 hours waiting for your badge and miss the panel!

TRANSPORT:
* More info here as we figure out who is driving etc.
* For those in the Baltimore area, the lightrail travels right near the convention center.
* Greyhound and Amtrak run to locations that are within reach of a lightrail, which will in turn get you to the center.

ACCOMODATIONS:
No one in the area has offered housing, so you MUST FIND a hotel! Xerol noted that you can get one outside of Baltimore and take the light rail in daily, which will likely be much cheaper than getting one near the harbor. Might add a 30-45 minute commute every day, but it should be worth it.

STUFF TO DO:
For one thing, the panel itself :) It will be lots of fun with trivia, giveaways, live performances, exclusive debuts, etc. Otakon itself has lots of stuff to do as well, even for non-anime fans, and the general Baltimore area has a good amount of places to eat and shop. There's always hangin' out in the hotel rooms and playing games if someone wants to bring a Wii or something.

Meetup #1
Friday, July 20th - Directly following our panel, which ends at 12:00 noon
We will congregate outside of the panel room and make our way to the harbor. If there are any people like Xerol who can only come for an outside meetup, wait at the big fountain (it's a multi-level thing directly to the left of the harbor). We should be there by 12:30 or so, and then we'll all head off to lunch.

Meetup #2
Saturday, July 21st - 12:00 noon at the big fountain
Same fountain as described above. We'll all hang out and get lunch somewhere in the harborplace.

DEFINITE ATTENDEES:
zircon
pixietricks
djpretzel
Liontamer
Ninja-san
Kizyr
Dyne + Friend
Ferret
DJ Sammy G
starla
The Green Tentacle
Jiggles McPuff
tgfoo
Jose the Bronx Rican
Xerol
Arrowned
AMVTeknoBoy
Upthorn
Xaleph
Sindra
sgx
PosiBolt

[Hemophiliac]

there's a good chance that i may be coming from CA for this. :D

[Bahamut]

I'm really considering...but if this is anything like MAGfest, my wallet would get raped again, and I don't know if I could absorb this cost. We'll see what happens.

One of my friends might be able to help some of you people out though (with a place to stay).

[atmuh]

maaaaaaaaybe

[Xerol Oplan]

I will most likely not be coming unless there's something arranged OUTSIDE of the con (like a lunch downtown or something), I'll be living in Delaware by then and need all the cash I can get.

However, I can at least provide some advice. There's a Holiday Inn in Timonium (about 15 miles north of downtown) which is about a 5 minute walk from two Light Rail stations. The Light Rail goes directly to the convention center (well, across the street, but pretty much directly) so if you buy a weekly pass (for around $7) you can save at least $200/night on a room. The rooms at the Holiday Inn are around $130-150 a night (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sl/1/en/rates/ballt;jsessionid=XMLQUYFQB2CSCCTGWANSJ0QKM0YBGIY4?&ias=y&availCheckCaching=n&_requestid=75274) during that period, so anyone doing room sharing might want to look into that. Even at 2 to a room it's cheaper than downtown.

Keep in mind that the Light Rail isn't a bullet train and makes lots of stops, so the only downside is you'll have to leave about an hour earlier than you normally would to get to things on time.

Yahoo Travel Link (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-345525-holiday_inn_select_baltimore_north-i) - The picture is of downtown, the hotel itself is about 15 miles north of where that picture was taken.

Plus you'll be a mile from my house so if I'm home that weekend we could have a cookout one evening.

[Arek the Absolute]

who cares
what about ax?
since i am being forced to go *gettin payed 400 so eh* i would like to see some representation there
maybe analoq will host a panel or something iono

[analoq]

maybe analoq will host a panel or something ionohahah, i could just imagine that:

You see kids, you listen to the J-POP which gives you the BRAIN DAMAGE. With the bippin' and a boppin'...

i may be going to AX again this year, because my sister hates me.
cheers.

[Arek the Absolute]

good
i will be needing some company there
please dont leave me alone there :(

[Dyne]

As I've said in #ocremix, I WILL be at Otakon. Oh yes...Dyne is coming to town...HIDE!



Just kidding.

I'm looking forward to a good time at Otakon. If you need any help setting up for your panel please, by all means, let me know what you need, I'd love to help you guys out Zircon. As far as what to talk about on the panel...good question. I'll get back to you on that.

[Ferret]

I'll definitely be attending again this year. And now that I have an OCR shirt I'll definitely be wearing it, too. :)

If I decide on going in costume, look for me in a green suit with blond hair and a raygun. ;)

[q-pa]

Dammit!
I got other commitments that weekend. :-(

Also, might I remind you that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" comes out on July 21st. For all of you that wanted to pick it up at midnight there might be a conflict of interests...
Either that or sheer pandemonium on Saturday morning.

[DjSammyG]

i am going to octagon okay guys

[Kizyr]

I look forward to it!

I missed it last year because I didn't check the schedule in advance (most of my concern was with partly hosting the Lunar panel that was on the prior night). I'm still kicking myself over it.

But anyway, I look forward to coming in this year. I'll just have to make sure to get up early if it's Saturday morning again.


EDIT: Some help if it's your first time going...

Regarding registration, the wait times are only awful at certain times of the convention. Friday afternoon it tends to taper down. Pre-reg (and early pickup) is strongly recommended if you're coming in from out of town, though. (Another edit: Saturday morning also tends to be a peak time with long lines for registration, so don't wait until then, especially if the panel is that morning).

If one of the Inner Harbor hotels isn't in your budget, then anything along I-95 between BWI (airport) and Baltimore will be significantly cheaper and, assuming you have a car or a rental, just as convenient.

On that note, if you're driving in, then the best place to park is a garage about two blocks north of the BCC (really, any of the garages along that street are good). If I remember right, they're only $5 or $10 a day, and I've never dealt with it being too full. (If the construction around Camden Yards is gone--beside the BCC--then that's another good place to park, but it fills up early). KF

[Ninja-san]

Ill be at otakon as always. I may be selling stuff at the alley if anyone wants to buy stuff!

[Fishy]

Bah, its times like these I'm bummed that I don't live in the US. I'd love to play some geetar at events like these. Nerdin' things up, rawk style.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

With no free lodging and no free entry, I doubt I'll be able to come this year.

Post pics/videos/recordings/tentacles! And if you run into the katamari damacy chick again, tell her my offer to wad her up into my life still stands.

[José the Bronx Rican]

Well, I already put in my floating holiday allotment for this thing, so I'm comin'. I dunno enough Baltimore, so keep working out the lodging, folks: I'm willing to cover a good percentage for one group if we come up with the best balance between cost and convenience.

[Bahamut]

So as of now, Otakon is looking pretty expensive for me, factoring in hotel costs, cost of travel, and food. I'm probably going to have to pass unless someone can come up with an awesome housing solution.

[Dyne]

*BUMP!*

Just wanted to remind everyone that Otakon is less than 2 and a half months from now. Anyone that's still interested in coming should make sure they have all their arrangements ironed out, becasue as people have told me, and as I'm telling you from said people, it's EXTREMELY difficult to find a hotel at the last minute.

[Arek the Absolute]

so apparently at ax my friend and i are going to sell stuff
we bought blank 3 dollar walmart shoes and drew animu stuff on them
so far we sold 5 pairs here in sac for 10 each
can anyone say $
ahh yeeaaa

animu fans are easy prey to anything animu

[Dhsu]

I think it is probably illegal to sell shoes with animu drawn on it.

[Arek the Absolute]

otakon maybe but not ax
money money money
moooneeeey

[zircon]

BUMP - don't forget this!

[Dyne]

BUMP - don't forget this!

Agreed! Come join in on the fun! You know you wanna!!! WAKKA WAKKA WAKKA!

[José the Bronx Rican]

*ahem* I repeat: I'm comin. *grin*

And this non-driver who never had a need to book a hotel in his life might need something worked out soon.

More later...

[sgx]

Maybe I come. I haven't been nerdin' it up much lately. Plus, I have an SGX tshirt now. Maybe someone will recognize me walking around. That's right, I do music because I want to be famous. Oh, I also live in MD, so it aint no thang but a chickin wang to come on up to bmore, the #1 STD city.

[zircon]

Man, I was going to print up some zircon t-shirts. You know what would be dope? I'll get an sgx shirt, you get a zircon one, and we wear each other's.

[atmuh]

silly geese

[The Green Tentacle]

So, yeah, feelin' stupid. I guess I'll actually have to use the "search" function next time instead of relyin' on the old eyeballs.

Myself and Jiggles McPuff are attending, but I fear that Purple Tentacle may not be attending this year.

I will definitely be at the panel and hope to join in other group festivities should any occur. Perhaps McPuff will keep me apprised this year and I won't have anyone to "babysit". If all goes according to plan, I'll be the guy in the front row in the fun costume. Again.

[Jillian Aversa]

Excellent! Geoffrey Taucer's sig quote now applies. :D

[The Green Tentacle]

oh, by the way, the lack of Purple Tentacle's presence will be opening up a spot in a Hotel room. I can talk to Jiggles mcpuff and see if he can provide any insight on at least a Cheap hotel room.

[Bahamut]

oh, by the way, the lack of Purple Tentacle's presence will be opening up a spot in a Hotel room. I can talk to Jiggles mcpuff and see if he can provide any insight on at least a Cheap hotel room.

How much are we speaking here?

[The Green Tentacle]

Like, One or two spots in a Hotel Suite. I'd have to ask McPuff for the details, but he sleeps during the day. Also, seeing as they aren't the rooms I'd be staying in, it would likely have to be someone with whom Jiggle was familiar.

I'll try to lure him out with some Mario Party 8 tonight to see if I can get him to post on the topic.

[Kroze]

Hmm... I wonder if Jiggles would mind if the two people who gave him a ride last year going back from Jill's place crash with him...

[Bahamut]

Like, One or two spots in a Hotel Suite. I'd have to ask McPuff for the details, but he sleeps during the day. Also, seeing as they aren't the rooms I'd be staying in, it would likely have to be someone with whom Jiggle was familiar.

I'll try to lure him out with some Mario Party 8 tonight to see if I can get him to post on the topic.

Well, there is a possibility of me going, if only I can get a cheap room. Otherwise, I'm going to have to abstain.

[tgfoo]

I may be going this year. I'm not sure yet. Depends on how busy/lazy/cheap I am in the beginning of July. Though, I kinda want to keep my 5+ year streak going...

[Dyne]

Wow...June already! Have you registered for Otakon yet??!?!!?

Don't forget, register now, get your hotel rooms NOW, if you wanna go to the biggest Anime Convention on the Eastern Seaboard!

DO IT! YOU KNOW YOU WANNA!!!

[Bahamut]

Actually, scratch that original thought - there's a strong chance of me being down there for Otakon. My brother is getting an apartment in Baltimore at the end of June, so I have a free place to stay :-D . Potentially there would be room for others as well, as I'm guessing this will be a nice sized apartment - just be sure to bring sleeping bags though.

[Ferret]

I'm still going to attend, that plan hasn't changed. Though I think that I'll be leaving for the convention center earlier than 7 AM this time.

Lines suck.

Also, no, Starla, a happy-happyist is out of the question since there's no way I can find a long enough smock or a graduation gown that isn't fifty kinds of shiny and has a collar. :(

[José the Bronx Rican]

The first post isn't paying attention, I suppose, so, one more time...

I AM COMING!!

See, now you've made me sound dirty.

One question: the Otakon site says to pick up badges on Thursday. I can't be the only one who can't make it on a day where nothing's even happening. Is it safe to assume I'll be able to get mine on Friday afternoon?

[Ninja-san]

One question: the Otakon site says to pick up badges on Thursday. I can't be the only one who can't make it on a day where nothing's even happening. Is it safe to assume I'll be able to get mine on Friday afternoon?

Fridays fine to pick them up. The line goes really fast so you dont have to wait long.

[Dyne]

My friends and I are picking ours up Thursday so that we don't have to get in line Friday morning. Friday afternoon I would assume is going to be a better part of the day if that's when Jose's arrival is.

I'm SO psyched for Otakon! It's gonna be awesome!

[fivre]

Hey, would anyone like to be very nice and take a detour over to wherever the hell Dan Kim sets up shop and proxy buy me some stuff/pick up a free poster he's giving out?

[Dyne]

Just another reminder, we're less than a month to Otakon. If you're planning on attending, don't forget to check page 1 of this thread for info. I'm so very excited about Otakon, it's my first one, and it'll be TONS of fun I'm sure!

I hope to see you there!

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Looks like I'll have to skip this one. Take lots of pics and videos!

[Dyne]

Looks like I'll have to skip this one. Take lots of pics and videos!

No worries there. I'll be taking a lot of pictures at the Meetup and the Panel, and I'm sure Pixietricks is bringing her camera as well. So there's probably going to be a MASSIVE amount of photos.

[José the Bronx Rican]

Just another reminder, we're less than a month to Otakon. If you're planning on attending, don't forget to check page 1 of this thread for info...

Well, according to page 1, after three reminders, I'm still not coming. There's a limit to the size of the text here, so tonight I'll gently beat zircon over the head with PMs and ask him to pay attention. :twisted:

[starla]

Count me in.

[Arrow]

I'll be there for sure as well. Hopefully in Dr. McNinja cosplay if I can track down a stethoscope in time.

[amvteknoboy]

I plan on going, I hope to see everyone again!

[Kizyr]

I hope that I didn't just overlook this info somewhere else in this thread, but... When will the OCR panel be held? The panel schedule is already released, but I don't think it's on the Otakon website yet. KF

[zircon]

We have not received any info regarding our panel time or date yet...

[zircon]

Correction: We're going on Friday at 10AM to noon, in one of their biggest rooms. Two hours!

[Dyne]

Correction: We're going on Friday at 10AM to noon, in one of their biggest rooms. Two hours!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to this. :D

[José the Bronx Rican]

Dammit, Andy, the only way I could make that is if I get
NO SLEEP the night before!
I better bring a Thermos.

[zircon]

It wasn't what we requested... we asked for Saturday morning. I know it's inconvenient :( But I don't think we'll start at 10AM on the dot, there will probably be some setup time.

[Jillian Aversa]

10:00 on Friday is the time we had last year, and it worked out really well for us. It's at the very beginning of the three-day event, so everyone is pumped and looking for a great way to kick things off. The only real disadvantage is that we won't be able to advertise before the panel itself. But hey, I think it's cool they gave us a big block of time. And yeah, we'd probably be starting more like 10:15 or so; give people a chance to file in.

[Bahamut]

I'm hoping to go...but I have no idea about a place to stay! Anyone feel like offering a place?

I'm not confirmed either way yet - my $ situation is not looking so great so I may have to pass on this :cry:

[zircon]

Come on Wes, you gotta come! Do a hotel split outside of Baltimore, you could probably do it for <$50 a night. Spend spend spend spend spend spend spend :<

[Xerol Oplan]

I'm hoping to go...but I have no idea about a place to stay! Anyone feel like offering a place?

I'm not confirmed either way yet - my $ situation is not looking so great so I may have to pass on this :cry:

I might have room at my house.

[Kizyr]

Correction: We're going on Friday at 10AM to noon, in one of their biggest rooms. Two hours!

Dangit... It looks like I'm going to have to take off from work now if I want to make this.

Come on Wes, you gotta come! Do a hotel split outside of Baltimore, you could probably do it for <$50 a night. Spend spend spend spend spend spend spend :<

I mentioned earlier in this thread that I think any of the hotels/motels along I-95, between BWI airport and Baltimore, are pretty good. They're no more than a 15-20 minute drive from the BCC (except during Friday rush hour, around 8~9AM towards & 3~6PM away). Especially if you go into one with 3 other people, it can be pretty cheap for the entire weekend. KF

[José the Bronx Rican]

Wes did plenty of spending for the VGL thing, and for this to occur so soon, especially after Lodging Plan A fell through, it's understandable to skip. It may be likely that I'd have to handle the booking, soon, and although hotel stay isn't the only factor financially, I'd be glad to help him out if it means he can come. It'd be even better to get the same group we had at D.C. (read: q-pa and his car) so everything can go smoothly.

Speaking of smoothly: if I only realized when they posted the dates for this event that so much'd be contingent on arriving the day before, I would've put in for that Thursday off, too. At least MAGFest accounted for that first day.

[Bahamut]

So there is a possibility of me being able to stay with one of my best friends, who just recently got a house in Baltimore (I was just at his wedding & dinner earlier today)...but it may not be ready in time. We'll see, but it's not looking so good...

Edit: VGL wasn't as much as I thought it was going to be actually (excepting the lost/stolen pair of glasses), but as usual other factors come into play for me.

[q-pa]

It'd be even better to get the same group we had at D.C. (read: q-pa and his car) so everything can go smoothly.

Oh, I see how it is... :wink:

But in all seriousness, I have other plans that weekend and can't make it. :-( Good luck though!

[Xaleph]

I may try to see if I can go - have to discuss it with the wife before I can say for certain.

[Dyne]

I may try to see if I can go - have to discuss it with the wife before I can say for certain.

Off to confer with the CO, huh? (I wish I had a gif of that particular moment in MGS2.)

Anyway, it would be good to see you there Xaleph. I hope you can make it.

[Upthorn]

Oh, err. I'll be there again this year. Just realized that I should probably mention that here. Cause like, that's what this thread is for.

[The Pezman]

Bah... me going for more than Saturday (and I wouldn't want to pay for the whole event and only be there a day) would involve taking 2 days off from my part-time job, thus doubly stifling my cash flow by not working and spending on trains + a hotel.

Insurance fraud looks damn tempting...

PS: My kingdom for a summer when all the awesome OCR-meetup worthy events occur in a week-long Bonnaroo-like event.

[Xaleph]

Paid the $$

I'll be there bright and early Friday morning with my family.

[Dyne]

Awesome Xaleph!

Anybody else going to come join the fold? We've got just over a week left til Otakon, so if you haven't decided, make up your mind! It's gonna be a TON of fun! There's plenty to see and do, don't forget about Baltimore Harbour and the Aquarium!

See you there!

[Xerol Oplan]

I'm still waiting to hear if there's going to be some kind of lunch meetup outside the con that I could go to. If something forms and there's a good amount of time (like an hour or so) of warning beforehand, could someone please text 410-905-0165? I'm out of minutes but have plenty of messages left. I can probably make something on Friday, but Saturday isn't going to be an option for me.

[Kroze]

Due to friends being an idiot, they just bailed on me for hotel room... anyone have a spot open in their hotel room for little ol Kroze?
I have a Wii and 360... if that helps :P

[Xerol Oplan]

If you don't mind commuting into the city every day (on the light rail) I can still put someone up.

[Kroze]

If you don't mind commuting into the city every day (on the light rail) I can still put someone up.

About how far a ride is that each day?

[Xerol Oplan]

On the train itself, about 20-25 minutes. It drops you off just outside the convention center so you have about a 20 foot walk to get inside. Plus, I can always give a ride if needed.

[Bahamut]

So, I'd love to come to Otakon, but it looks like I may have to pass on it. There is a small possibility of me being able to make it, but unless 1) my plans end up not conflicting and 2) I be able to stay somewhere for not so much money for 3 days, I won't be coming.

[Kizyr]

About how far a ride is that each day?

Bear in mind, also, that you have to keep in mind the light rail schedule. That might affect your plans if, say, you want to go to any late-night events.

However, it's still a good option. KF

[Xerol Oplan]

That's why I offered a ride, the trains stop around midnight if there isn't a ball game going on, and I'm pretty sure the O's are out of town that weekend.

[djpretzel]

So, I'd love to come to Otakon, but it looks like I may have to pass on it. There is a small possibility of me being able to make it, but unless 1) my plans end up not conflicting and 2) I be able to stay somewhere for not so much money for 3 days, I won't be coming.

There's one spot left at my place; Andy, Jill, and Jill's brother are staying. We're short on transportation at the moment, but the lodging slot is there (offer to Bahamut only at the moment).

[Bahamut]

Hm, if I can go, I'll take you up on that free spot then, although I won't be able to find out till early next week I think (whether I'll be free)

[Jillian Aversa]

Andy's not home to update the first post, but here's the info for the actual MEETUPS. :<

Meetup #1
Friday, July 20th - Directly following our panel, which ends at 12:00 noon
We will congregate outside of the panel room and make our way to the harbor. If there are any people like Xerol who can only come for an outside meetup, wait at the big fountain (it's a multi-level thing directly to the left of the harbor). We should be there by 12:30 or so, and then we'll all head off to lunch.

Meetup #2
Saturday, July 21st - 12:00 noon at the big fountain
Same fountain as described above. We'll all hang out and get lunch somewhere in the harborplace.

[Arrow]

I might have a car in tow when I come. Not sure on that yet. However, if I do, I could only guarantee its usage for things like lunch and not-12am dinners, as I'll be commuting from home instead of staying at a hotel, and thus don't desire to be out super late.

Of course, if everyone's gonna get lunch at the harbor, cars are probably unnecessary for lunch anyways.

[Dyne]

Hm, if I can go, I'll take you up on that free spot then, although I won't be able to find out till early next week I think (whether I'll be free)

Aww, c'mon Wes, you just gotta come! DO IT FOR THE HENT...I MEAN GIPPER!

[Kizyr]

Hm, I think it might be about a 3/4 chance that I can go, now that I know the time. I can't come up Thursday for a badge, so I'm banking on getting there Friday in time to pick up a badge and make it to the panel by 10AM.

Meetup #1
Friday, July 20th - Directly following our panel, which ends at 12:00 noon
We will congregate outside of the panel room and make our way to the harbor. If there are any people like Xerol who can only come for an outside meetup, wait at the big fountain (it's a multi-level thing directly to the left of the harbor). We should be there by 12:30 or so, and then we'll all head off to lunch.

Meetup #2
Saturday, July 21st - 12:00 noon at the big fountain
Same fountain as described above. We'll all hang out and get lunch somewhere in the harborplace.

Drats, that second meetup is during a Lunar panel I'm hosting.

One question, when y'all did this last year, about how big an audience was it? Was it also two hours that time? Just out of curiousity. KF

[Jillian Aversa]

The audience was ~ 300 last year, but it was only a 1 hour panel. We're crossing our fingers for the same kind of crowd!

[Xerol Oplan]

Sweet, I can make it Friday. Will bring camera/laptop/etc. for hijinks.

EDIT: BTW Noob pix:

http://h.xerol.org/i/t/ba.png (http://h.xerol.org/i.php?i=808)
http://h.xerol.org/i/t/bb.png (http://h.xerol.org/i.php?i=809)

[Ninja-san]

Dont know if Ill be able to make the meetups over the weekend. Ill mostly be in the Alley selling stuff but if i get a chance Friday Ill try coming. Either way hope you guys have a great time!

[Jillian Aversa]

Does anybody have a video camera (preferably with tripod) they can bring to tape our 10 AM panel on Friday? Mine was stolen recently. ;_; Jiggles, perhaps? Anybodies?

[Kroze]

Does anybody have a video camera (preferably with tripod) they can bring to tape our 10 AM panel on Friday? Mine was stolen recently. ;_; Jiggles, perhaps? Anybodies?


I am coming down with my video camera (Sadly its not Marty McFly, our HD camera) but hopfully that will work...

And if I am there by 10 am or not depends on the train unless someone that is coming from Philly or Jersey and wouldn't mind giving me a lift.

[Dyne]

Just wanted to let everyone know, the current schedule of events has been posted on the Otakon web site, I encourage everyone to check it out!

Otakon.com (http://www.otakon.com)

[Bahamut]

Aww, c'mon Wes, you just gotta come! DO IT FOR THE HENT...I MEAN GIPPER!

Heh, everyone keeps trying to get me to come, but the one possible thing that might crop up during the Otakon time is the one thing that I have as a priority over an OCR meetup (other than school work of course).

[José the Bronx Rican]

Circumstances can only be seen as some sort of conspiracy to keep me from coming to this thing...
I'll be lucky to get some sleep in before the train, available hotels aren't close, Friday morning badge pickup may not be early enough to make the panel, especially with no idea where to store my luggage during that time, and to top it off, my name DISAPPEARS ONCE AGAIN from the definites list! Jill, talk to your boy, willya? :-?

I probably must pay through the nose again to see this through. I will likely book within the next two days, probably taking Xerol's advice, but really depending on how in heaven I manage to work out the travel. Anyone still needing a place to stay can Prime Minister me, and we'll see about gathering four people in order to cut costs (if it's just myself and one other person, I won't have you contribute more than $100-120).

[zircon]

Ack, I'm sorry Jose, I have no idea how your name got dropped off the list. I wish I could do something to help you out w/ your accomodations also; if Jill and I were living in the area we would have opened up our place to you in a heartbeat.

My best advice is that if you CAN go Thursday, you can pick up your badge 5-10pm Thursday night...

[Xerol Oplan]

I still have a place open, but you'd be on your own getting to/from the con on every day but Friday. I can shuttle you to the train station, that's about it, apart from the meetup my weekend is pretty packed with packing.

[Kroze]

If I am still in line by the time the panel starts, one of you guys that has your ticket can come and get my camera from me if you want.

[sgx]

I'm going to miss the panel :(. I have work on Friday. I should be coming up to the con friday evening after work at like 6:30. Then I should probably make the noon meetup on sat and be around most of the day. Don't know if I'll be coming back on sunday or not.

I live in College Park, so if someone is along the way and needs a ride at the times I will be coming and going, let me know, and maybe we can work something out.

[Sindra]

If anyone sees the girl crossplaying as Trevor Belmont and/or Eric Lecarde from PoR, that'll be me.

[José the Bronx Rican]

If I am still in line by the time the panel starts, one of you guys that has your ticket can come and get my camera from me if you want.

I really hope it doesn't come to that sort of thing; I intend to somehow be there at precisely 8:30 AM (the earliest time Friday morning for picking up a badge, if I read it correctly), hoping an hour and a half is enough time to make the panel despite any long lines.
At the moment, Kroze's suggestion for a room and his interest in sharing looks like the way to go for now. Any others want in, please let me know as I prepare within the next 24 hours, especially because the more we have, the less you contribute. It's for Friday and Saturday night, BTW.

[tgfoo]

It's almost that time eh? Unfortunately I'm busy friday morning so I can't make it to the panel and it's doubtful that I'll be at friday's meet up, since I probably won't be able to make it up to friday afternoon. I'll be there on saturday though.

[Ninja-san]

Any idea where you guys will be eating for Fridays meetup? I think I can try to to make it if my friend can cover me but may be coming a little late if so.

[djpretzel]

I vote not Hooters and not CPK... we've been to Baltimore several times now and while these worked just fine, we've been to each at least twice. Cheesecake? We should probably do a reservation this time, too... they're always a bit flabbergasted when tons of OCR peeps show up at their door...

Does someone want to enumerate our options and gauge preference? Cheesecake's good but perhaps a bit expensive? There's that whole big food court, but finding seating there for even four people can be ridiculously difficult...

[Sindra]

You looking for something that's like a chain restaurant, or just anyplace where you can sit comfortably and have a decent meal? I see a a diner on S. Gay St., though that may be a bit out of the way. It's going to be hard if you have a large bunch of people.

[Liontamer]

What was that restaurant with the awful service last year? :lol: I'm not a restaurant snob, but they couldn't get anything right.

[Palpable]

I'm not going to be attending, but my girlfriend, who some of you met at djp's a few weeks ago, is. So if you see someone dressed as Urd (hah, like there will be only one of them), say hello!

[Xerol Oplan]

I wouldn't mind walking over to Sabatino's, it's all the way down at the other end of the Harbor though (a few blocks beyond the power plant), and I'm not sure if they're even open lunchtime.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=sabatino%27s+baltimore&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=64.160835,94.570313&ie=UTF8&ei=OymdRpXrIoWArQK61MWqDA&sig2=9mNr8TIFANIZfw_-HsPLoA&cd=1&cid=39286294,-76601809,9455020473244308944&li=lmd&z=14&t=m

The walk is about 4/5 mile from the convention center, and half a mile from the fountain.

[Kroze]

What was that restaurant with the awful service last year? :lol: I'm not a restaurant snob, but they couldn't get anything right.

That was the place over by the boats... yeah, we left them a two cent tip...
Oh how witty we are!

[Jillian Aversa]

We can't really make reservations anywhere because, unfortunately, we have no idea what our numbers will actually be. (Especially since we might get some suprise guests following the panel...) I think it's safe to assume that there will be a wait no matter where we go, but Cheesecake Factory is one good option. Legal Seafoods is great, too, and there might be less of a wait because it isn't quite as popular for big groups.

BTW, Larry, that restaurant was the tapas bar, "La Tasca." UGH! Never going there again. ^_~

[Kizyr]

It looks like I'm almost certain to be able to make the panel now! I'll likely have a business trip up to Baltimore on Thursday, so I can stick around the city and pick up my badge then, meaning little to no problem getting in by 10AM on Friday.

Now I'm really looking forward to this.

I think it's safe to assume that there will be a wait no matter where we go, but Cheesecake Factory is one good option. Legal Seafoods is great, too, and there might be less of a wait because it isn't quite as popular for big groups.

The only thing is that I think both Cheesecake and Legal Seafoods will seem rather pricey, and I've always seen long waits at Cheesecake (the caveat, though, is that I've never been there around lunchtime, only dinner, so I could be wrong). Of course, I likely won't be going to that first meetup, so... I'm not the best one to take suggestions from {^^}.

Come to think of it... all the restaurants that are large enough that I know of in the Inner Harbor area have already been mentioned; and, of those, Cheesecake probably looks like the best option. Is there really anything else around there (large enough, that is) besides Cheesecake, Legal Seafoods, and CPK? KF

[Bahamut]

I remember eating at the Rusty Scupper last time I was in Baltimore...but I highly doubt you guys will want to go there, simply because of the price of the food there. Doesn't the ESPN Zone there have a restaurant in there (at least, I know the Times Square one does)? It may not be the ideal place, but it's another option

[Ferret]

Are there any pre-meetup plans for saturday, because I plan on going in costume on saturday. Or Friday actually, but I'll bring my OCR shirt to wear over my costume while we're outside and everything. Sound cool?

[Kroze]

Question:
Anyone coming from Jersey or Philly that wouldn't mind helping Kroze save a bit of cash and letting him ride down with ya?
I'll help with gas totally.

Stupid train is damn expensive especially when I got Comic Con on Tuesday I am flying out to.

[amvteknoboy]

I remember eating at the Rusty Scupper last time I was in Baltimore...but I highly doubt you guys will want to go there, simply because of the price of the food there. Doesn't the ESPN Zone there have a restaurant in there (at least, I know the Times Square one does)? It may not be the ideal place, but it's another option

There is a Hard Rock Cafe and a Chipotle in the same building as ESPN Zone.

Also I don't know if I'll make the Panel or the first meet up, since I can't get to Baltimore until Friday. I am not driving and I don't know what time I will arrive. I should be good for meet up 2 though!

[Jillian Aversa]

Come to think of it, Chipotle could be a good spot to get food relatively fast, and there's also a cool Chinese fast food place next door called The Blue Bamboo! There may not be enough seating inside either of them, but there's an outdoor seating area there if we can stand the weather. Everyone could choose which kind of food they want, and then... assuming the crowds aren't too bad... we could meet outside. Definitely a more affordable option.

If ESPN Zone has a restaurant, you probably have to pay to get inside first anyway. Hard Rock Cafe is next door there, but I think both of those places would be too loud.

[Arrow]

Car borrowing is confirmed, so I'll be there without a doubt now. Drove to the Convention Center this morning just so I'd know how to get there and back with no issues. However, now that I've been out there, I have no idea where the hell I'm going to park come Friday.

[José the Bronx Rican]

So, everything's booked (not well; I'm still no good at it), and I'm about to pack. Now I may have the same luggage issue as before. Tommy and Mike let us keep our stuff in a corner at VGL, but I can't see the Convention Center letting me drag my case in. If Kroze and I can't check into our room and come back for the panel, I'll need a temporary spot.

[Bahamut]

Question:
Anyone coming from Jersey or Philly that wouldn't mind helping Kroze save a bit of cash and letting him ride down with ya?
I'll help with gas totally.

Stupid train is damn expensive especially when I got Comic Con on Tuesday I am flying out to.


Take the Chinatown bus?


And I won't be coming to this one :( . Sorry guys.

[zircon]

So, everything's booked (not well; I'm still no good at it), and I'm about to pack. Now I may have the same luggage issue as before. Tommy and Mike let us keep our stuff in a corner at VGL, but I can't see the Convention Center letting me drag my case in. If Kroze and I can't check into our room and come back for the panel, I'll need a temporary spot.

Your best bet would be to find someone that has a car parked nearby... when you first arrive, you can store it w/ our panel gear in back of the "stage". Then after that, you could stow it in someone's car before lunch.

[Liontamer]

If anyone I know pre-reg'ed and would like me to pick up their ticket/badge tonight, let me know. (If you did not already pre-reg this does NOT apply to you.)

Knowing the long lines on Friday morning, this could mean the difference between you getting inside in time for the OCR panel, or being stuck outside.

I have to know you, and you've gotta be awake at the crack of dawn to be at the Convention Center tomorrow morning. I've gotta be helping set up the 10AM panel, so I don't have time to waste outside all day looking for you. You need to be on point.

Let me know if you'd like this done for you, and PRIVATE MESSAGE me your contact info AND "member ID" number. They send the ID number in your confirmation email. It's NOT the submission number. I need your full name and phone # as well so that I can pick up your badge and call you afterward.

EDIT: After 3PM today, it is too late for you to notify me.

The website states that people picking up pre-reg badges should bring the member ID number and a photo ID to "speed up the process." What does this mean? There's no guarantee I'll be able to get it for you. Please don't COUNT on it and have a plan B.

PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY just in case. The lines officially open at 8:30AM at the con but I'm sure they will form even earlier. You'll be notified whether or not I was successful by 10pm EST tonight.

[bladiator]

You are one angry black man.

[Bahamut]

I dunno how good this would be for anyone, but since I can't make it, does anyone want my pre-reg badge?

[Jillian Aversa]

CORRECTION

Larry's post above isn't entirely accurate. Anyone who has pre-registered has already paid, so you don't need to bring him money if he's picking up your badge.

However, you DO need to provide him with your registered name and Member ID number through PM - still by 3:00 today!

The website states that people picking up pre-reg badges should bring the number and a photo ID to "speed up the process." What does this mean? There's no guarantee Larry will be able to get it for you. It would awesome, but please don't count on it.

PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY on Friday just in case; lines open at 8:30 AM but I'm sure they'll form even earlier. We'll let you know if he was successful or not by 10:00 tonight.

[Liontamer]

CORRECTION

Larry's post above isn't entirely accurate. Anyone who has pre-registered has already paid, so you don't need to bring him money if he's picking up your badge.

However, you DO need to provide him with your registered name and Member ID number through PM - still by 3:00 today!

The website states that people picking up pre-reg badges should bring the number and a photo ID to "speed up the process." What does this mean? There's no guarantee Larry will be able to get it for you. It would awesome, but please don't count on it.

PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY on Friday just in case; lines open at 8:30 AM but I'm sure they'll form even earlier. We'll let you know if he was successful or not by 10:00 tonight.

You ruined my plan for CASH MONEY, GIRL! I CAST MAGIC MISSILE! :350:

[Jillian Aversa]

rofl

In other news, Jiggles McPuff will be bringing his video camera and tripod! Kroze may not make it time to catch the beginning of the panel, but he said he could also film from a different angle when he arrives.

[Xerol Oplan]

Unfortunately something came up and I can't make it for either meetup.

[The Pezman]

I've got a small favor to ask youse guyz. Not as members of OCR, but as individuals who (probably) heard about this at MAGfest and don't mind helping out:

Otakon is a ridiculously huge event, and if I were going I would break out the Chrono Trigger Novel Project signature sheets (http://www.chronotrigger.info/index.php?content=petition.shtml) to get an assload of signatures. However, I'm not, and I was hoping one of you might be kind enough to sent a few sheets around and get signatures. I imagine you could gain quite a few just by casually mentioning it at the OCR panel, but any other sigs you could get would be totally appreciated. Afterwards you could send them to me, and I'd take it from there. Anyone out there able to help me out?

[zircon]

Jose - Larry got caught up in a bunch of beauracratic BS and red tape. He could NOT get your badge. I left you a message on your phone and I'm hoping you see this so you can still make it on time.

[José the Bronx Rican]

http://www.bronxrican.com/about/snaps/2007-7-20otakon105.jpg

zircon demos the road to remixing, while the out-of-tune, unplugged Tan guitar is fiddled by someone.

http://www.bronxrican.com/about/snaps/2007-7-20otakon109.jpg

zircon continues. Nice Korg!

http://www.bronxrican.com/about/snaps/2007-7-20otakon112.jpg

Familiar faces in the crowd. Welcome Sammy (aureus on the right)...

http://www.bronxrican.com/about/snaps/2007-7-20otakon111.jpg

...and welcome Meg!

[The Green Tentacle]

Had a lot of fun, and I thank you all again. Hope Jiggles reminds me about other meet ups so I can get out of work and visit some other time.

Looking forward to next year, but hopefully I can get my act together and come as an official OC Remixer. Just gotta stay focused. If you want/need any help in the selling things department, please feel free to ask. All those years in retail oughta be good for Something constructive.

Lastly, Green Tentacle may make an Official appearance next time since I let everyone down this year.