ND, then why do they have a space for a group code on the form on their web site?

DX, I really don't know. I just know that on multiple occasions Java has asked that we please book through the group site and not through a better internet deal. This is her most recent posting on it.

The only tricky thing is that I hope people don't make reservations for the weekend itself over the internet if they find a lower rate, and they might. Because essentially, the hotel block room are giving us a huge cut on the hosp. suite charges and such. (I guess depending on when you look, rates could be higher over the internet, too.) Amy did mention that they have some big seminar in there on Thursday, but check. eta: single rooms might be lower, but a big block is at the contracted rate.

Perhaps we can request an online code. I'm the same way, I prefer online booking. Calling today seemed really odd.

How much was the train, Matt? (round trip)

I only priced for one way since I'm gonna fly home out of DC, but the Acela Express was $165 Boston to Washington. (Hence my edit to show me travelling on the slower $81 coach option on the #83.)

Eh, the train has charm, but if it's cheaper to fly (which it is) I'd rather save some money. Thanks.

DX, when are you driving down? I'm trying to figure out potential car-pooling.

t recollects what DX said

aw, shucks, you're going down early, aren't ya. I hate having a new job and no time off. I may try to get out of work on Friday to drive down and be there for Friday night and Saturday night, and drive back on Sunday... Maybe I'll just suck it off and take 2 days off without pay. Drive back Monday.

Everyone, please vibe for Tom to want to go - he's hesitant, as that is his way.

I'm so excited to meet everyone!

Nora, yeah, I'm probably heading down Thursday. We should still probably put a call out on the list to see who all's going from up our way to see if there are any potential car pools.

Tom should definitely come. I know he's worried about the whole tomatohead groupie thing, but we have pretty good security.

(Seriously, people are very good about respecting personal space.)

The only tricky thing is that I hope people don't make reservations for the weekend itself over the internet if they find a lower rate, and they might.

people are very good about respecting personal space

yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I think he's going to agree to it, based on our quick discussion a little bit ago, (and we've discussed it casually in the past) but I just have to wait till he thinks on it a bit, and comes to the conclusion himself.

We should do a list thing. I'll call Ellen, because she's not reading the board so much these days.

Keep me on that list. I probably won't want to drive, but I could change my mind.

Jon, I just asked a silly question of you in Natter.

I might want to be in on the driving. Though it would mean me driving out to Somerville from Northampton and keeping my car there all weekend long, which will cost an unknown sum of money which may invalidate the saving-money-by-driving proposition. Still, it's a thought.

I am looking forward to this enormously. If I can't find an affordable flight, I may have to fling myself into the Nile.

...that's all I've got. Other than to say that Tom shouldn't worry about people being scary, because the thing of it is that everyone's in much the same boat, or at least a lot of us are, with the whole confident/shy thing.

I am SO excited that Hec'n'JZ will drop by! And La Lizard and the fair Reema! And Holli! I am also horribly tempted to go to the zoo and the Natural History Museum just to watch billytea frollicking in his natural environment.