After driving up there for Thanksgiving, I can safely say that I lived through it. But I really didn't like it. Bad city for driving, when you don't live there.

And the Metro is incredible. I had no idea BART was so whimpy in comparison. It's the only subway I'd ever ridden on until now.

I have to go eat something. One tangerine 5 hours ago is not enough. See you soon, Hil! Kramerbooks or Teaism, yes?

What does "called me off the cookie" mean?

It kind of the same as calling down from the ledge. My friend Lenny uses it when she's panicking or obsessing on something. She asks me to call her off the cookie - help her think constructively again.

t hands Steph virtual chocolate chip cookie.

Forwarded, katefate.

Thanks, Jen!

Java, thanks for the cicada porn. Let's talk camping this weekend!

I'm in training right now, AIFBoring! I could be at home, packing.

argh! I swear the I sent the list out, really I did! v. frustrating. are you people sure that you're using your computers correctly :)

Have names & directions to the Friday night bars been posted? (And if so, could someone Nilly them for me?)

I don't know, but both Freddies and the Crystal City Sports Pub are located on S.23rd Street in Crystal City. You can take the yellow line to the Crystal City station (which involves taking the red line from Union Station to Gallery Place, and switching trains), or you can drive by taking 395 south (if you take D street away from Union Station, you can take the 3rd st. exit to 395S, watch out for the construction) Take 395 S to Rt 1 S (left exit), then take Rt 1 to S. 23rd St, turn right and the bars and such will be on your right. Be very careful about parking, they will tow.

And are both places fairly visible from the Crystal City station?

Do we have a sense for about what time the Friday night stuff will start? I have to work, and it makes more sense for me to meet you in Crystal City than to go downtown and back out in Friday night traffic. Or, I guess I could call someone on my cell...

Also, I have a prom dress. It is black and slinky. I am still in search of sandals to wear with it, and am therefore very grateful I don't have to pack.

I should be at Anne's in four hours. Yay.

Edit: Also, I don't have a contact info list! What email did you send it to, Vortex?

I should be at Anne's in about ten hours!

My Chinatown bus drops me off about two blocks from the hotel. Woo hooo!

From when to when do we have the hospitality suite, does anybody know?

actually, no. your best bet would be to check the map at the metro station (all stations have a map of the immediate area) and figure out where Rt. 1 is. As I recall, you trun to the left upon coming up the escalator, then turn right, and that big road right ahead of you is rt. 1, at 20th st (I think), so you'd cross rt. 1, turn left and walk down the street a bit, then right onto s. 23rd. st.

Vortex isn't allowed to email people stuff any more.