Counting Down

Because I wanted to let people know exactly how much time they have before the next conference I have added a count down timer to the bottom of this blog. Now all anyone has to do is look at the bottom of the page and they will see exactly how long it is to the start of the 14th annual conference.

Getting Started

Preparations are well on the way for the 2007 conference. Judy is working on breathing new life into the Southwest Web Site while working with a dysfunctional computer. Patricia and Al are gearing up for APCUG conference in Las Vegas where they will play meet and great with potential sponsors. In the mean time Judy and I are working on some new signs, additions and changes to the Welcome CD and in general helping out as we can.

Winners

Newsletter
1st Place – Jim Sanders, North Orange County Computer Club
2nd Place – John Weigle, Channel Islands PC Users Group
3rd Place – Sue Crane, Big Bear Computer Club

Website
1st Place - Linda Gonse, Orange County IBM PC Users’ Group
2nd Place – Helen Long & Toby Scott, Channel Islands PC Users Group
3rd Place – Anne Clark, Laguana Woods Personal Computer Club

Digital Photo
Best of Show – Alan & Kathy Krause, Prescott Computer Society

Nature
1st Place – Alan & Kathy Krause, Prescott Computer Society
2nd Place – Sanford Shapiro, Under the Computer Hood User Group
3rd Place – Ed Sinderman, TUGNET

People
1st Place – Bill Harkins, Temecula Valley Computer User Group
2nd Place – Ed Sinderman, TUGNET
3rd Place – Jerry Abbanat, Monterey Bay Users Group

Other
1st Place – Bill Harkins, Temecula Valley Computer User Group
2nd Place – Ed Sinderman, TUGNET
3rd Place – JB Burke, Prescott Computer Society

Detective Contest
Pkg #1 ($879 value) – Greg Skalka, Under the Computer Hood User Group
Pkg #2 ($844 value) – Dave Steward, Alamo PC Organization
Pkg #3 ($813 value) – Herb Roth, Seniors Computer Group

Two Weeks Later

Here it is not even a full 2 weeks after the 06 conference ended and the background preparations for the 07 conference have already started. This slow pace will continue until January 07 at which time things will start to get hectic.

For those interested Miss Pris wanted me to say high to all and mention the fact she had a wonderful time flirting at the show. Right now she is on tour at "Burning Man" and although she thinks the name is sexist her and her group of special friends are having a great time.

The Top Five

The top five comments fron the conference.
5. The food was great and the portions were to large to eat.
4. Because of the abundance of prizes the give-a-way took longer then expected.
3. Miss Pris was an unusual addition to the conference.
2. Secret agent man game was fun.
1. Judy and Patricia did a terriffic job.

The Party Is Over

The Party Is Over
I had a wonderful time. I was able to visit with many attendees and get my picture taken with most. Its time to start planning for next year after all only 333 days left. I hope everyone had a great time as I did and with any luck my schedule will allow me to return. Remember to thank all the vendors.

Lovingly yours
Miss Priss
Super Model

To upgrade or not

What a breakfast meal, thank you Corel. I was trying to decide if I should up grade my software, I should and I will as soon as I get home.

I Wonder.....

Who was that stranger who came to dinner last night?
Did the secret lovers who wrote on the message board find each other?
Other than JT, ~P~, JC, John eye and the young karate champion how many others had their picture taken with Miss Pris?
How many members used the lobby computer? Non members?
Who was that man and woman in the strange hats?
Why Doorman had to make so many trips to the watering hole?
Are Terry Currier and Jerry Clarke really half brothers?
How much longer my battery is going to last?

More for me

It is about 8:30 at night and the vendor faire is in full bloom. I am sorry to say a few people left early so I guess they will miss the drawing for prizes provided by the vendors. Oh well more for me.

Here I come to save the day

Six o'clock and time for dinner. The attendee's are in line and ready to eat, after all lunch was only 4 hours ago. When all of a sudden we are informed the electricity went out in the vendor faire room. I became electrified and sprang into to action. I decided it was time to make a calming announcement. Once my announcement was over the electricity returned and once again Doorman had saved the day. Tomorrow it starts again.

12 NOON

Here it is time to eat again. Microsoft feed fed us lunch and introduced us to Vista. After that, time for more workshops. This is turning out a very busy day and before you know it time for dinner.

Sat AM

Sausage & eggs to much too eat. Discussed Welcome CD. User group updates and by Patricia Hill, Judy Taylour and Gene Barlow. Off to see some work shops.

Off to start

The conference was scheduled to start at 2 pm but registration did not start til 2:15 not too bad considering all the work that was done. The dinner sponsored by Smart Computing was great, and plenty of it. The performance by Jen, Marcy and Brynn was terriffic. More tomorrow. Breakfast starts at 7:30.

A Long Day for All

Yesterday was a long day. I started working at 1 am, and worked until 3 am. I then took a nap until about 5:30 we stopped for the day at 7pm, whew! Today was a little easier did start until 6am. The registration room is looking good. Most of the hard work is over now we just have to finish paperwork and prepare to open the doors at 2. Oh yes Miss Pris the fashion model is already started posing.

Well here we at are

Well here we are at the T&C in San Diego. The weather is great, lots of sun, but don’t let that fool you the hotel air conditioning is working very well so remember bring a sweater or coat. The work of setting up the conference has been begun. It is hard work but very rewarding. More latter.

Today is the Day

Today is the day we leave for San Diego. I was up early (3 am) to work on the Welcome CD, I finished it at 5:15 this am. I made a copy of all the files and also transferred everything to my laptop, better safe then sorry. After packing computers and other boxes I started loading the car about 6:30 and finished about 8:00. Now waiting on Miss Pris to finish packing, once she is done we will go out for breakfast, then leave for the 2 hour drive to San Diego. Once we arrive we will set up the duplicator to make CDs for all.

550 and Counting

Decided to take a break from working on the “Welcome CD”.  So far the CD has 550 MB of great information on it. Other groups newsletters are on the CD so you  or your editor can compare them with what is happening in your club. It contains software for you download and use. This year it has a new section that can be used for that last minute presenter cancellation. Most important it gives you email links to all the vendors to make sending your thank you notes easier.

House Guest

Having a super model as a house guest has certainly proven to be interesting. She will strike a pose and then hold it for hours. She has posed both with a red Boa  and some very expensive looking jewelry. When she speaks you can’t see her lips move. One of my neighbors came over to visit with her but he went home mad when she refused to talk to him. Her dietary needs are strange, she refuses to eat or drink anything that contains calories,  sweeteners, fiber, vegetables, fruits or dairy products of any kind.

Surprise, Surprise

Earlier today, while working on my computer, I was interrupted by the door bell. When I answered I was surprised beyond belief for standing in front of me was Miss Pris the famous fashion model, who has agreed to make an appearance at SW. To keep her out of sight from the paparazzi, it was agreed she would spend this week with me and my family and then drive to San Diego with us. Wow! What a thrill! My wife managed to take a picture when no one was looking and I have included it here.

Today

Today I fell like the Mad Hatter who kept saying I’m late, I’m late for a very important date no time to say hello, goodbye , I’m late, I’m late. Lots left to do and only a few days left to do it in.

Hot News

After much negotiation with her manager Rachel Clarke, it has been agreed the famous fashion model, Miss Pris would appear at the Southwest conference. She will be modeling Southwest attire with special emphasis given to the proper wearing and display of the badge holder. Miss Pris has promised to pose for pictures so bring your cameras, sorry no autographs. Her next appearance, at the end of the month, will be at Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert. To see the entire Miss Pris story visit http://www.dreamtimers.net/blog/?p=46

John Iasiuolo

A little mouse told me that the Welcome CD which is handed out to each attendee will have a special audio message from John Iasiuolo a friend and supporter of the conference.

24 days left

Only 24 days left and we still have lots to do. Doormouse, some times referred to as TOJ or The Other Judy, has to finish making posters & signs for voting, outside activities, camera ticket sales and others as needed. I still have to finish the computer I am bring for attendee use, finish the “Welcome” CD, and get Miss Priss ready. Patricia and Al are boxing software and equipment they bring to SW, finalizing rooms and room arrangements and preparing for the 2007 conference. Judy is busy with last minute registrations, designing and laying out the hand book, ordering T-shirts and making sure all the contest are going OK.

Busy, Busy, Busy

TOJ, the other Judy has been very busy. She has put together three additional points of interest to tour for those who are interested in outside activities. This brings the outside points of interest to six. I was told to keep my eyes on the message board for any last minute changes or additions.

Favorite Gadgets and Web Sites Work Shop

Everyone has a favorite web site that they go to everyday. It is usually a site that they feel they couldn't live without. I find that I always want to know what other people are looking at, so everyone start writing down your favorite sites. In this workshop we'll share them-put them on the screen-and everyone can see why you like them. We should all come away with new sites to use. They can be for anything-fun, information-a favorite blog-the skies the limit. It is also going to be show and tell time! Bring your favorite electronic gadget for all to see. (Of course I'll bring my favorite Windows Mobile device) Once share time is over we'll have a discussion on how to implement this as a program for your group. This is definitely a must attend workshop.Cheryl Wester

So little time

So much to do and so little time to do it. With only 37 days left until the opening of X3, this years Southwest User Group Conference, I wonder how everything is going to get done on time. As far as major projects go I still have a CD ROM to put together, make copies, print and attach labels. Door Mouse has to set up and display all the significant other activities. Judy Taylour has to finish the early registrations, order the T-shirts, and make sure all the contest are off to a good start. Patricia Hill is finishing up hotel & conference details and make arrangements for all vendor deliveries. Al Hill is preparing and testing all the video & sound equipment he needs to bring

If you can read this

Setting up this blog was my first encounter with blogging and the original set up was basic although setting up a profile for others to view was a minor hurdle. As time went on I learned how post to the blog from within MS Word. Once that was accomplished I learned how to insert pictures. A few days ago I added the ability for readers to email the blog to friends just by clicking the envelope at the bottom of each individual blog. If you are reading this I was successful in posting via email.

$TAY a little bit longer

Many people go to a special event like a concert or ball game and leave just as its ending in order to beat the last minute rush which sometimes causes them to miss some last minute excitement.

Well if you are not rushed to leave the conference on Sunday, don’t mind a thirty minute drive and would like some last minute excitement stop by the concierge desk and ask for directions to Barona. Not only will they give you a map but a discount coupon that is good for valet parking and $25.00 cash. This is not a gambling credit but real US currency you can put in your pocket and take home with you. However if you are like most of us you will leave it and probably a few dollars more with the nice people at Barona

Cold Nights?

I went to San Diego with Doorman and visited some of the sights. We took the trolley for a little tour around the city. We saw where Old Town was and it is really easy to get to from the Towne and Country- only two stops and you are right there. The weather was really nice but the wind comes up so you need to have a sweater or jacket with you. It is better to have one and not use it than not have one and need it.
We got a voucher from the concierge when we left for Barona so we went there and played the slot machines and had lunch. They had a very nice buffet with all kinds of foods.
See you in August.

Virtual Tour

While wondering around the Town & Country web site I discovered they offered an online tour of the entire facility. If you would like to see the Town and Country for yourself click here and enjoy the tour.

F O R E !!!

Extra efforts are being made to have some interesting activities for that significant other who doesn’t enjoy computers as much as you. Arrangements are being made for reduced fees at the adjoining Riverwalk Golf Club.
Steeped in a rich tradition of golf legends past, the course offers a classic golfing experience like no other. Formerly known as the Stardust Country Club, the course entertained a myriad of golf's legends while hosting the PGA tour during the 50s and 60s. Now, golfers will once again be treated to the challenge and drama of the original course at the newly reborn Riverwalk. What was once flat now features undulating fairways, waterfalls and well-protected bent-grass greens. Water comes into play on 13 of the 27 holes with a spectacular waterfall surrounding the green of the signature hole. The San Diego River is a prominent feature of the layout, contributing to the beauty and challenge of the course.

Trolley Ride

Our tour of the Town and Country proved to be very interesting. First we discovered a new covered area next to the “towers” that allows guests to drive up close to the elevators for loading and unloading baggage, a very convenient addition since last year. We used the new pavestone walk way, located in the rear parking area, to reach the Trolley station where we boarded the “Green Line”. Two stops later we were at Old Town a local tourist attraction. We then transferred to the Blue Line and four stops later found us at the Santa Fe Depot home of Amtrak. If you rode to the end of the Blue Line you would find yourself at the Tijuana Border, however because we had further meetings to attend we only went part way. The cost for this afternoon adventure was a mere two dollars per senior for a round trip ticket.

Monday, Monday

Here it is Monday morning early a.m. and I am in my room at the Town & Country finalizing plans for my part of a very busy day. My wife Judy and I arrived yesterday afternoon which was spent in meetings with Patricia Hill, Her Husband Al and Judy Taylour. Today we have a 9 a.m. meeting scheduled with convention staff. This is where the five of us will discuss the room, tables, chairs and other staffing requirements for the conference. Once that meeting is complete Al and I will meet with the Audio Visual department and work out the arrangements for the PA system, various screens, internet access and any other special AV needs we may have. Because our next meeting with the catering department is not until 3 p.m. we decided to divvy chores. To enhance the visit for significant others who may not be interest in attending the conference, Judy and I are going to check the local transportation and come up with suggestions for alternate entertainment. Al will be meeting with the golf pro to see what deals he can arrange and Judy T. and Patricia will go finalize the menus for the meeting with catering.

SW Workshops

I think it would be helpful to post what workshops are set up so people can comment on them, or perhaps even volunteer to help or present one.

All of the meals except for Sunday lunch are sponsored -- earliest that's ever happened. Panda sent me an e-mail on Wednesday that they were interested in sponsoring part of the conference, I forwarded it to Patricia and she sent them her standard sponsor info e-mail and she heard right back -- first time it has happened so fast.
JT

Things are Happening

For a while it seemed little was happening but now things are really starting to move. Patricia has started securing vendors for the conference and has secured discounted hotel rates for attendees. Judy has updated the web site and will be making changes as more information becomes available. The web site as always will have the latest information available including rules for the Newsletter, Web Site and the newly established digital photo contest. The registration form was created so it can be filled out on screen using your computer. Once you have filled in the blanks just print it and mail it in. We hope this will eliminate some errors when trying to read some of the registrants’ hand writing.

2006 SW Workshops

SW Attendees -- please let me know what workshops you would like to attend at the 2006 SW UG Conference. New to date: Blogging and an all-day Website creation workshop featuring presentations on different products.

Judy

Spark of Life Community Service

Jerry, your Spark of Life CS project at your December meeting sounds great. Good for the Long Beach group to take this on.

Judy