We could have a dubbing ceremony, and hit him on the head with a giant Hello Kitty vibrator.

Oh, Lee! Speaking of all the money you spent, the shoe store has an entire Fluevog section now, and the clothing store where you got your "Kiss Me" shirt has expanded. Again.

I don't care if it's in KC or not, at the next F2F NoiseDesign should wear a nametag saying "Lieutenant Pimp".

I love it.

New Orleans

Local Point Person for City: Heather Alayne

Possible hotels in City: So many I can’t even name them, but one or two have been mentioned. We may also think about gettin into two of the smaller in the Garden district. Possible hotel rates in City: Prices range from $60 to $500 (most list something like around $50 for the first-Friday Night- then like $120 for Saturday). Also because there are so many of them they’re always running specials.

Pros and Cons for City: Pros 1. As Dana pointed out, it’s New Orleans. History, culture, music, food, it’s all incredible and absolutely beautiful. Really, you’ll have a dozen stories to tell just about your ride from the airport. You won’t have to venture out to do things, the things will come right up to you, sniff your hand and roll over to have their bellies scratched.

2. Decent public transport, and if not most things are easily walkable.

3. The last Central F2F was northern/central- NO is southern central, and so, new and different. Plus, those of us southerners will be closer.

Cons 1. The weather if you’re not in the shade or in a doorway. Though it may rain a lot depending on random weather influencing things next year.

2. The hotel rates are not solid- anything could happen to change them, though late May is after most of the touristy stuff is over.

3. Pressure to either hang with Buffistas or experience NO.

-oh yeah, and parking is horrid. I think we’d be best off if any equipment or that stuff (possibly a place to store cars too, I’d have to ask)- be stored or brought from a local’s house.

at the next F2F NoiseDesign should wear a nametag saying "Lieutenant Pimp".

Kind of want to get him one now. Maybe he can get get a fabric one now, and a leather one for the F2F?

That works for me, Lee.

And NO still has my first vote. :)

Heh. And Austin would get my second vote. I do so love it. I would feel guilty about not seeing and staying with sis, but that's a concern for probably someone no matter where we are.

Would sis enjoy coming out with the Buffistas?

Heh. It'll be fun!!! Like a roller coaster. Scary FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know- she has her own "scary internet friends." I told you about her play right. (I must've. I mention it to every one like a billion times.)

Yes, you did, though I can't find where I wrote it down. (Must be the panic packing).

What's the theatre again?

Okay, my turn I guess. Cleveland.

Local Point Person for City: Deena

Possible hotels in City: Many, ranging from the Ritz-Carlton to Econo-Lodge, from Playhouse Square/city center, to lakeside, to lakefront with beach access, to lodges in parks our out on an island. Rates look like they'll be anywhere from 50 to 160 or more a night (I don't think we want the Ritz).

Pros:

There are amazingly distinct ethnic groups here, with lots of authentic, tasty food choices of the German, Balkan, Italian, Asian, Jewish type, with lots of vegetarian options and, from what I hear, good sushi (I don't eat the stuff). There are also often various ethnic neighborhood festivals going on starting in the spring and going through Oktoberfest.

We could charter a train for a wine tasting; and/or a boat for a tour of the river. We could hold the prom in the hotel, on a yacht, at the botanical gardens. Our zoo does not have a spotted skunk, but does have hairy armadillos and an indoor rain forest. We could take a tour of the cemetary where Garfield was buried, or tour a haunted house. Visit Sephora or tour a chocolate factory. The art museum is amazing and free. The rock hall of fame is here and there's always the possibility of catching a baseball game if anyone wants to see the Indians lose embarrassingly. The theater district has a number of different venues, from rock concerts to experimental theatre to dance. For those who are staying longer, there's the possibility of a trip through Amish country, a day at one of the 3 or 4 amusement parks, or a visit to the drive-through safari park or the tiger habitat. The "world's only indoor amusement park" may be going at that time -- it reminds me of a county fair in a steel building.

For late night fun, there's always The Flats a riverfront area with clubs; microbreweries; Howl at the Moon; The Improv; Flanagan's Wake; Men of Steel, an all-male revue; Circus, a strip club; Power Station, a bar with millions of electronic games karaoke and tiki bars. There are lots of places to play pool, including the bar across the street from my house. There are lots of goth and fetish friendly clubs, including two also across the street from my house, and bowling not too far away.

Cons:

The temperature should be comfortably cool, but it will probably rain at least one of the days. Parking is tight and is never free downtown. Downtown hotels are amazingly expensive. There are lots of funky little shopping districts with unique and strange things and a million malls, but not, imo, a lot of distinctive quality shopping. There's good public transport, including the rapid transit train system, but this is definitely a sprawling place, so travel from one end to the other on public transit takes forever. We'll probably need to do some of the driving ourselves for outlying activities. I don't consider this a destination city. There's lots to do and there's a lot of history, but it doesn't have the cachet of D.C., LA or NOLA. I'm not personally acquainted with the clubs I've mentioned, but I'll be glad to check them out if anyone expresses an interest in any particular venue.