Announcing the Storm2k meetup in Biloxi on April 16th

[Steagle]

...Yeah I was surprized at the prices...thought for sure the French Quarter prices for hotels would be every bit of 300 pesos or more ..but many seem to be reasonable ...(119 a night with the Super King Creole Bed).

Maybe Beaumont ...oops ...i mean Galveston...:p... would work out for next year.

The thought of seeing a half cow on the BBQ ...served with Texas toast.. would be incredible.
Plus i always wanted one of those big "S" belt buckles

[southerngale]

LOL steag - you are nuts!

[boogiefrizz]

You guys should meet in New Orleans! Try looking at rates in the Central Business District (across Canal) or the Marigny (across Esplanade). Although they aren't officially "in the Quarter" they border it and many places are within a quick and short walk. They tend to be cheaper, too. You can find a lot of B & Bs in the Marigny that are often less expensive than a run-of-the-mill hotel room, and they have lots of character (i.e. water gardens, interesting architecture, etc.) As for the Business District, you can find things all the way back to the garden district that are a short trolley ride to the quarter.

Hope this helps in the decision process for Happy Fun Time. Just my two cents.

[JonathanBelles]

I was looking for ways to reduce costs for myself. The cost for a round trip ticket for me from Tally to NOLA was over $400, which I nearly immediately threw out. So, next I went to Greyhound, and was quite surprised. For a round trip ticket, its $120 right into downtown NOLA. I just thought I would bring this up for others worried about costs. Also, if any of the guys want to cut costs some more by sharing a hotel room, I'd be more than game.

Something that I would REALLY want to do while I am in NOLA would be a little service. I'd really like to help with Katrina relief, and as a back up plan we could do oil clean up. I think it would be great to see Storm2k to put its members into action, especially for something that we specialize in [weather]. Does anyone have any contacts?

[lester]

I was looking for ways to reduce costs for myself. The cost for a round trip ticket for me from Tally to NOLA was over $400, which I nearly immediately threw out. So, next I went to Greyhound, and was quite surprised. For a round trip ticket, its $120 right into downtown NOLA. I just thought I would bring this up for others worried about costs. Also, if any of the guys want to cut costs some more by sharing a hotel room, I'd be more than game.

Something that I would REALLY want to do while I am in NOLA would be a little service. I'd really like to help with Katrina relief, and as a back up plan we could do oil clean up. I think it would be great to see Storm2k to put its members into action, especially for something that we specialize in [weather]. Does anyone have any contacts?

Wow didn't know that. Will look into going by bus to save money.

[Jack8631]

Something that I would REALLY want to do while I am in NOLA would be a little service. I'd really like to help with Katrina relief, and as a back up plan we could do oil clean up. I think it would be great to see Storm2k to put its members into action, especially for something that we specialize in [weather]. Does anyone have any contacts?

If you want to assist in the oil cleanup effort, you will have to go through a hazmat course. Unfortunately, it's likely not worth the effort if you are only going to be there a day or two.

[vbhoutex]

I am still not sure if I am coming or not. The dates have been sticking in my mind and now I realize why after going to the drag races this weekend. I may be crewing that weekend for a major drag race here in Houston. If it turns out I am not crewing(actually a good possibility)and if I have to pay for a ticket, I may just come to NO. One kicker there would be if my son was driving, but I don't think he will be. Anyway I am still going to try and do it.

[lester]

the new (un)official logo

[sunny]

Mystery solved as to why hotel rates are high that week-end. Kel, I sent you a message on Facebook

New Orleans Film Festival
October 14, 2010 - October 21, 2010 Add to Itinerary
Times: Various
http://www.neworleansfilmsociety.org
Location: Various
Phone: 504-309-6633
Admission: Various
21st Annual New Orleans Film Festival. The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) continues its tradition as Louisiana’s preeminent film event, presenting an eclectic program of films each fall with legendary New Orleans as its backdrop. Offering filmmakers and film fans alike an ideal setting in a world-famous city, The NOFF draws in over 7,000 attendees each year. Both established and emerging filmmakers gain media exposure, connect with the region’s diverse audiences, and participate in an acclaimed event attended by industry professionals as well as celebrated luminaries

[Brent]

Hey sunny, thanks for the reply. I was also wondering why the rates were so high. I'd really like to get a hotel for around $100 a night if possible.

[Brent]

Alright, so here's the deal. How set on New Orleans are ya'll for this meeting? It's REALLY expensive. You're gonna be hard pressed to get a hotel under $150 a night. There is a huge film festival going on the weekend we have scheduled this, and I looked at surrounding weekends and it's just as bad(even weeks when the Saints are away) SG, Steagle, and I are talking in chat about this right now and we've been wondering if we couldn't just meet up some place else, that's much cheaper. Anyone got any thoughts or ideas on the subject? I mean... we're meeting up to meet each other, not necessarily to explore a city, and let's face it, most of us probably have financial problems right now.

I'm thinking we need to meetup in chat or something, or if you don't go there, leave your input here. Would really like to get some feedback on this from everyone.

Note: I am not saying we are going to change locations, just throwing the idea out there for thought.

[vbhoutex]

Alright, so here's the deal. How set on New Orleans are ya'll for this meeting? It's REALLY expensive. You're gonna be hard pressed to get a hotel under $150 a night. There is a huge film festival going on the weekend we have scheduled this, and I looked at surrounding weekends and it's just as bad(even weeks when the Saints are away) SG, Steagle, and I are talking in chat about this right now and we've been wondering if we couldn't just meet up some place else, that's much cheaper. Anyone got any thoughts or ideas on the subject? I mean... we're meeting up to meet each other, not necessarily to explore a city, and let's face it, most of us probably have financial problems right now.

I'm thinking we need to meetup in chat or something, or if you don't go there, leave your input here. Would really like to get some feedback on this from everyone.

Note: I am not saying we are going to change locations, just throwing the idea out there for thought.

It appears to me that we do need to consider a different location and/or time. I really don't have any issues, but would definitely like to see it cheaper if possible. In order to stay "centered" for more people have we thought of moving to somewhere on the MS. coast? Would another date in but still in NO be cheaper?

[Brent]

Alright, so here's the deal. How set on New Orleans are ya'll for this meeting? It's REALLY expensive. You're gonna be hard pressed to get a hotel under $150 a night. There is a huge film festival going on the weekend we have scheduled this, and I looked at surrounding weekends and it's just as bad(even weeks when the Saints are away) SG, Steagle, and I are talking in chat about this right now and we've been wondering if we couldn't just meet up some place else, that's much cheaper. Anyone got any thoughts or ideas on the subject? I mean... we're meeting up to meet each other, not necessarily to explore a city, and let's face it, most of us probably have financial problems right now.

I'm thinking we need to meetup in chat or something, or if you don't go there, leave your input here. Would really like to get some feedback on this from everyone.

Note: I am not saying we are going to change locations, just throwing the idea out there for thought.

It appears to me that we do need to consider a different location and/or time. I really don't have any issues, but would definitely like to see it cheaper if possible. In order to stay "centered" for more people have we thought of moving to somewhere on the MS. coast? Would another date in but still in NO be cheaper?

From what I understand, the hotels get more expensive after October 1st. I guess with the Saints and cooler weather, it's the prime tourist season in NOLA. Like I said above, I checked all the weekends in October/November the Saints were away and the hotels were just as bad. I'm not really sure what to do and would like some input from others. I'm not a huge fan of moving it, but on the other hand, also not a fan of spending a fortune on a simple meetup.

[southerngale]

I agree, Brent. $140 - $160 per night is quite high, especially for those staying a few nights. sunny has been checking on some things and said that on October 1st, "winter rates" go into effect and all/most hotels go up $30-$50. I don't want to stay in a less than desirable hotel, but don't want to pay astronomical prices either. It seems you can get a lot more bang for your buck elsewhere, or at a different time in NOLA. I mean, the point is to meet everyone and we'd have fun anywhere! I'd like others' opinions as well. Hey, guys... "subscribe" to this topic, then you'll get an email when there's a reply.

[vbhoutex]

Alright, so here's the deal. How set on New Orleans are ya'll for this meeting? It's REALLY expensive. You're gonna be hard pressed to get a hotel under $150 a night. There is a huge film festival going on the weekend we have scheduled this, and I looked at surrounding weekends and it's just as bad(even weeks when the Saints are away) SG, Steagle, and I are talking in chat about this right now and we've been wondering if we couldn't just meet up some place else, that's much cheaper. Anyone got any thoughts or ideas on the subject? I mean... we're meeting up to meet each other, not necessarily to explore a city, and let's face it, most of us probably have financial problems right now.

I'm thinking we need to meetup in chat or something, or if you don't go there, leave your input here. Would really like to get some feedback on this from everyone.

Note: I am not saying we are going to change locations, just throwing the idea out there for thought.

It appears to me that we do need to consider a different location and/or time. I really don't have any issues, but would definitely like to see it cheaper if possible. In order to stay "centered" for more people have we thought of moving to somewhere on the MS. coast? Would another date in but still in NO be cheaper?

From what I understand, the hotels get more expensive after October 1st. I guess with the Saints and cooler weather, it's the prime tourist season in NOLA. Like I said above, I checked all the weekends in October/November the Saints were away and the hotels were just as bad. I'm not really sure what to do and would like some input from others. I'm not a huge fan of moving it, but on the other hand, also not a fan of spending a fortune on a simple meetup.

Could we get some input from someone in the NO area please? Are there good alternatives close by like in Metarie or somewhere similar or is this all over the NO area?

[CajunMama]

Why not wait until spring? It doesn't have to be this fall. I'd just like to see it stay in NO because NO is a fun town with lots of things to do. She's a great city to meet up in and there's always something to do.

How about the weekend or two after Mardi Gras?

I saw Baton Rouge being tossed around on the fb page. Not a very exciting city and you have to get in your car to get wherever you want to go.

[sunny]

Could we get some input from someone in the NO area please? Are there good alternatives close by like in Metarie or somewhere similar or is this all over the NO area?

Hello my dear

I've done more checking and you can find hotel rooms in Metairie for a little as $75 and as high as $109. It'll cost about $20 for a cab into the city. Finding a hotel room in the Quarter or the city for under $140 will be next to impossible, at least for a decent hotel. We've checked all of the hotels we use for clients, etc., and they were willing to give our corporate rate but even then the least expensive was $139.

[sunny]

I saw Baton Rouge being tossed around on the fb page. Not a very exciting city and you have to get in your car to get wherever you want to go.

Ugh - I hate BR

[Brent]

Could we get some input from someone in the NO area please? Are there good alternatives close by like in Metarie or somewhere similar or is this all over the NO area?

Hello my dear

I've done more checking and you can find hotel rooms in Metairie for a little as $75 and as high as $109. It'll cost about $20 for a cab into the city. Finding a hotel room in the Quarter or the city for under $140 will be next to impossible, at least for a decent hotel. We've checked all of the hotels we use for clients, etc., and they were willing to give our corporate rate but even then the least expensive was $139.

Thanks for all the help Sunny. I really don't know what to do here.

[Dave]

Afternoon, left here around 3 pm yesterday got home at 7 am this morning so missed most of the discussions here and in chat about nola. For me to come south I'm planning on staying at least 3 days maybe more but beyond 3 days is up in the air but have to consider the costs of staying somewhere besides the local motel 6 (kellys favorite).

I can meet you'all anytime or most anyplace (leaving out antartica here), fall, winter (get me out of the snow would be great!) and/or spring so the time of the year isn't a problem for me. It doesn't have to be NOLA for me, I'm coming from Indiana to see friends more than the place so anywhere in the US is fine. Wait till spring and I can fit 4 or 5 of you in a condo in North Naples FL free for up to a week or so and within a mle of the beach but that's not until spring....would have to kick my parents out if it's betwen now and April 5. 2011...how not to make friends with your parents. The hotel costs in SW Florida goes down after April 1 every year....snowbird season ends about that time and rates become reasonable again. Seriously, where ever it's the most convienent on money & time is fine with me. I'm not hard to please most of the time but like everyone else I have to watch the costs also.

Quick question for Jack, on the Hazmat training, I'm in Emergency Management and already have multiple courses, work experience, etc in hazmat....would there be any other training required? I'm trained in most everything from hazmat to terrorist control to NIMMS 700, 800 and preparing to take the 920-series now so think I qualify for cleanup but thought I'd ask.

I'll be in chat later today...or night as most of you know so can talk then too...just have to figure out if todays still sunday or did I miss one? Yes had a great time last night SG...I think.