CommunityBuzz! - dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour... during the Freddies weekend. Friday April 29, 2005

Here we go again.

The 5th annual Brooklyn Tour will take place Friday April 29, 2005; during the FREDDIES weekend in NYC. The Freddie Awards are the day before.

The first 4 Brooklyn Tours were sellouts. Two years ago, due to an overwhelming response, I rented a 15 passenger van. We split the cost, so it's about $15 each.

Who knows this year I may have to rent a Greyhound bus.

Pick up 10:30 Friday morning. Location to be decided.
Besides touring Brooklyn (my home town), we eat, and eat, and eat. Can you say 'real' Brooklyn pizza? Can you say 'delicious' bakery? Just ask any of the folks who have been on this tour. We drive. We tour. We eat. This year, the tour is during Passover.

Open to ALL Flyertalkers.

After we finished the tour last year, we went for dinner. We went to an authentic Italian place in an authentic Italian neighborhood. Lots of jewelry showing.

Figure about $22 a person. This is 1/2 the price of Manhattan, and twice the portion.

The dinner will be open to everyone. If you're not on the Tour, you'll have to take the subway to the restaurant. It's about 40 minutes and $2 one way. I'll start a dinner thread soon.

So whether you come to the Freddies; or just happen to be in NYC on that particular weekend, consider yourself invited. I will control the list of attendees to make sure that Flyertalkers in 'good standing' attend.

If you've been on the tour before and want to go again, please sign up, and consider yourself waitlisted.

Past tour highlights include:

2001...poor AnnaS having a cold.
2002...Lisamcgu making us stop for White castle hamburgers.
2003...mjm insisting on a Starbucks break. After I stopped laughing at him for thinking that Brooklyn would even have a Starbucks... we found one.
2004...gorging on food at marysunshine's house...and this was a snack!

Note:

We rotate seats in the van.
We make plenty of stops.
New Yorkers are 'standby' for the tour. Preference goes to out-of-towners.

NO talking miles and points when I'm (ahem) lecturing on Brooklyn.


mjm will post and host a website for the tour attendees, and the dinner attendees.

It takes a certain type of person to put up with other Flyertalkers for an entire day. If you're going to be in NYC for the Freddies and have nothing to do on Friday, you're invited.

Please post below if you're interested.
FYI, last year, the Tour had a sponsor. This year.... but I'm working on it.


If you're interested in coming along, I need you to e mail me your:

Flyertalk handle and real name.
Hotel you're staying at, when available.
Cell #

Let the fun begin.


So far:

dhammer53
Shirl
GoodKarmaGuy
MileageAddict
SkiAdcock
Rbernheim + 1
Spiff
VPescado + TravelKhatt
holmedown
delacpa plus his lovely wife
lili-dui - you should have read lili's note to me. :o This Flyertalker should go to the top of the list.
JimCoddington + 1
Wireless
wahooflyer
Missydarling
cawhite60156
KathyWdrf
Monitor + 1
jetsetter
gfowler ---------------->>> total 25

I've rented the same wheels we used last year. This is an 'airport type shuttle bus' that's very comfortable.

Tempting...very tempting...okay, I'm in! Put me on the list.

And as promised, here is the site for this grand event:

http://home.inter.net/mjm/realitytour05.html

It will be updated regularly so be sure to check the thread or the website periodically for any information Dan may need to convey to the whole group.

Have a blast everyone and I will be busy in the meantime figuring out how to convince my boss of the necessity for a vacation at the end of April :)

Mike

mr. squeakr that is :)

we are going to try and find a way to come - either by extending our NY stay or coming back

and I know the rules about preference given to folks who have never been on the tour but what would mr. squeakr do w/ out me to translate the brooklynese he will hear?

:)

Aisle seat in Row 1 please :D. Cheers. Sharon

Aisle seat in Row 1 please :D. Cheers. Sharon
unlike UAL flights the tour specifically calls for rotating seats (altho it would be fun to see what happened if airlines did that as well ) :)

Aisle seat in Row 1 please :D. Cheers. Sharon

Oh boy. I'm usually in 1A. Fab. :rolleyes:

Please, please, please, can I use my award miles to secure a seat...? Or even two? ;)

I would like to confirm ralfkrippner +1 to this event... :)

I'm flattered that so many of you that have been on the tour in the past want to come again. Must be my Brooklyn accent. :D

Consider yourself waitlisted. I'll make a waitlisted list :eek: soon.

The reason we rotate seats is so that we all get to know each other. The other reason is that nobody should get stuck next to the guy in 1A. ;)


The dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour is open to < new > and old Flyertalkers.

Thanks again to mjm for hosting the site. ^

Put me on the list, Dan. :)

edit: email sent - add me to dinner list as well :)

Dan, if you haven't already ;) , please add me to the WL as a repeat!

Darn! my sister's graduating that weekend in Boston, otherwise I would be there.

Next year....?

Can you put me down as a possible please - unfortunately will not know until the beginning of April due to work commitments.

I had really hoped to attend this year but the late Passover means that it's Orthodox Good Friday, so none of that yummy food for me as I'll be fasting from anything good. :(

Hopefully next year, or maybe this will become so popular as to become a semi-annual event? <hint, hint...>

Darn! my sister's graduating that weekend in Boston, otherwise I would be there.

Next year....?

and you think your sister's graduation is more of a priority than Dan's tour??????? Wow...just can't figure some people out ;) :D :D

will there be firetrucks on the tour this year?

I'm sooo there!

AA 526 27APR SEAORD 1150P 534A 28APR
AA 394 28APR ORDLGA 700A 1004A
AA 731 30APR LGADFW 1051A 139P
AA1587 30APR DFWSEA 237P 443P

Add me to the list and dinner. Trying to talk #1 son into going, so he is a maybe.

Can we stop at a certified kosher for Passover restaurant?

Help a guy out....

I plan to redeem Hilton points (and I have Diamond status) for my stay in Manhattan. Please tell me which of these hotels is best for accomodations as well as convenience for Dan's van rental pickup. If you could pick your first, second and third choices, it will help me out greatly. THANKS

Hilton Times Square - 234 West 42nd Street

Hilton New York - 1335 Avenue of the Americas

The Waldorf=Astoria - 301 Park Avenue (I assume this will be a popular choice)

Millenium Hilton - 55 Church Street (for some reason, only 35k points a night)

Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square - 1568 Broadway (heart of Times Sq)

Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel New York City - 569 Lexington Avenue

Embassy Suites Hotel - 102 North End Avenue

Hampton Inn Manhattan-Madison Square Garden - 116 West 31st Street (grand opening is 2/7/05)

Hampton Inn New York-Chelsea - 108 W. 24th Street (looks dumpy from the pics)

Please count me in. I managed to stay more than one night this time. :)

unlike UAL flights the tour specifically calls for rotating seats (altho it would be fun to see what happened if airlines did that as well ) :)

Actually the antarctica charter flights do rotate seats half way (shameful plug for my trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395111)).

I had the opportunity and the pleasure to finally meet dhammer53 in person for the first time sometime in December 2004 at his home. Because I was driving from Islip to Syracuse in New York, I made sure to set aside some time to meet the famed (not flamed) and esteemed (not steamed) FlyerTalk member.

Whilst dining on lunch at a “greasy spoon” diner which he regularly enjoys the food, dhammer53 and I had discussed — among a plethora of topics which included (but was not limited to) reminiscing about the olden days growing up in Brooklyn and about FlyerTalk — the possibility of me co-hosting the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour with him this year as long as I was available and if enough people signed up for the tour. If enough people expressed interest, we would have entertained the idea of possibly hiring two vehicles where he would host one and I would host the other.

I was glad that dhammer53 initially expressed interest in the idea. Ironically, as we both grew up in Brooklyn in neighborhoods not far from each other and despite the fact that there is not much of an age difference between us, we had never met each other until last month.

Unfortunately, as much as I would like to join in on the fun and visit my original hometown of Brooklyn, New York (and the Canarsie neighborhood in particular) where I was born and raised, I will regrettably have to pass on the 2005 edition of the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour this year due to a variety of different reasons, all of which result primarily from the date chosen for the tour.

Please accept my best wishes to all who partake in this tour to have the time of their lives and enjoy all that Brooklyn and dhammer53 have to offer. I am just sorry that I will not be able to attend this year...

sorry canarsie won't be able to make it -

and I'm wondering have FT'ers been OFFICIALLY invited to the Freddies? If not then mr. s and I will NOT extend our NY trip to stay for the varuous festivities...

Help a guy out....

I plan to redeem Hilton points (and I have Diamond status) for my stay in Manhattan. Please tell me which of these hotels is best for accomodations as well as convenience for Dan's van rental pickup. If you could pick your first, second and third choices, it will help me out greatly. THANKS

Hilton New York - 1335 Avenue of the Americas


I stayed at this Hilton for the Football payoff Do a couple years ago .... great location and the room was very nice. It's not a long walk from the Churchill Suites as I recall .... but then, I walked from the WTC to Central Park in November so I would probably be a poor judge of what is considered "walking distance" :D

Dan, count me in! It'll be great to meet you and everyone else in person. I'm a native NYer but live out of state now, and I've never spent much time in Brooklyn. Hope that qualifies me for the confirmed list. :)

I'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt from April 28-May 1 thanks to a Faster Free Nights award. Rumor has it that's where the Freddies will be held, so it'll work out well if that's the case!

Dan: We are SERIOUSLY considering this; will get back to you in a few weeks -- sounds like a perfect "after tax season get-away" :cool:

FYI

We still haven't been invited to the Freddies . So, before you book your travel arrangements, you may want to hold off signing up for the trip.

Nah. The Brooklyn Tour takes place no matter what. It will be a stand alone DO.

In case you were wondering how the tour came about...

When Catman did the CatmanDO3 back in 2001 (with 80 plus attending), I asked him if I could take some attendees on a trip to Brooklyn during the day, just prior to the dinner. Catman had no problem with this. I think the Chief Alleycat appreciated the fact that I was helping to make the DO even more special. That 1st tour was a raw and somewhat nasty Saturday. We were some bunch. we really knocked ourselves out. It was the 1st tour and will always be special. :o

We all had such a good time that I repeated the tour a 2nd time. If you told me back then that I'd get up to doing a 5th tour :eek: , I never would have believed you.

This years tour will present some problems, as it is takes place during Passover. I may have to get my bakery goodies to go.

I'll compose a maybe list soon. I've edited the original post to reflect the definites. Thanks for understanding as no slight is intended.

Carnarsie , consider yourself 'shotgun' on the 6th annual dhammer53 tour.

wahooflyer , since you're an ex-New Yorker, I'll put you on the maybe list.

Betty and Dave, love to have you join us.

Add me as a maybe. (I haven't booked a flight yet.)

Dan, if we aren't invited to the Freddies is there any chance that you would be holding the tour on Saturday instead of Friday?

Count me in. . .assuming we get invited to the freddies and there are still good fares available).

Shhhh.... please do not tell Mr. Hammer that belle was here. ;)

Does NJ count as out-of-town? ;)

Does NJ count as out-of-town? ;)To a true die-hard Brooklynite, yes.

One of these days it's gonna happen! Not this year though... :(

I'll just go eat some BBQ that weekend in your honor! :cool:

Dan - for the first time in the last several years I will actually be around for this one ^^.

I will try to make it for dinner - no sense in my taking up a seat to revisit the neighborhood I grew up in and still visit often ;).

Dan:

Thanks again for doing this. Please sign me up.
Gene

Dan,

Please count me in for the tour. Look forward to meeting everyone.

Count me in. . .assuming we get invited to the freddies and there are still good fares available).

OK, I am a definite. I have bought my ticket. I just hope we get invited back to the freddies!

Has it been confirmed that the Freddies are even going to take place in NYC? If Randy and company has not secured space in NYC yet, then it's probably too late. Freddies have been done in Colorado Springs too...

NYC is shown for '05 on the freddies website.

Add me as a maybe. (I haven't booked a flight yet.)
Don't forget to add me to the appropriate list, Dan! ;)

Should we be concerned if we are not shown as confirmed on the website?

No. :D

mjm updates the website when he can.
After my trade shows are over, I'll create a standby list for returnees and maybes.

Page is now updated. Sorry for the lag, it has been a busy week.

If I have left anybody off be sure to drop a note and I will make the appropriate adjustments in acordnace with Dan's list.

"Maybes" and "local folks awaiting a spot" may get their very own section on the page soon too. :)

Best,

Mike

Has it been confirmed that the Freddies are even going to take place in NYC? If Randy and company has not secured space in NYC yet, then it's probably too late. Freddies have been done in Colorado Springs too...


It appears the Grand Hyatt will be this years locale. Still no word as to our invite status.

I've already bought my ticket, so I'll be there regardless. If there's no spot in the van, I'll meet y'all at the Pizza place for lunch :)

I am finally going to meet Mary2e!!! ^ Well that's something else to look forward to.

I am finally going to meet Mary2e!!! ^ Well that's something else to look forward to.
Same here! There are so many of us that lived within a few miles of each other & have never met.

Can you put me down as a possible please - unfortunately will not know until the beginning of April due to work commitments.

OK have booked the air tix now - so put me down as a definite

I've adjusted the list to reflect additional attendees.

FYI , Randy announced that there was no announcement yet on additional attendees. His post is currently a sticky above.

I for one have to say that mary2e and I will be yaking away; since we'll be new best buds. ;)

I also look forward to meeting (again) jaguar. ;) He spotted my luggage tag. Maybe this time we can chat.

Belle , tick-tock, tick-tock. :p

In the event of the disheartening possibility that the FT unwashed masses are not welcome at this year's Freddies, would anyone else who will be in town anyway for the reality tour be interested in dining here on Thursday night?

Hacienda de Argentina
339 E. 75th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.)
New York, NY, 10021
(212) 472-5300

TravelKhatt and I went hear last May and found it quite to our liking.

If and when it comes to it and there seems to be some interest, I'll start another thread for the subject.

It's official: Mr. & Mrs. DELACPA have purchased tickets and will be joining Tour '05!!

Looking forward to "official confirmation" and further details........... :cool:

Updated .

Bumped, before this thread becomes 'unsearchable'. ;)

BUMP
We're all here, and holding.

Question: how to Priceline hotels. Could I specify areas of Brooklyn, then subway to Manhatten rather than the reverse? I'm trying to get something around $100+ a night with no amenities but not dangerous, although Ive been there and done that and could do it again.

dhammer's Brooklyn Reality Tour got my attention. As a NY novice what else would you suggest? I"m thinking Elliis Island, Ground Zero, a bit of Central Park (although the Gates wiil be gone, sob...) What can one do in in quick 2.5 days?

Page updates have now been done to reflect the most recently added attendees of the greatest tour on earth.

Rewatched Lords of Flatbush again last night to see if I could spot a few familiar places. I think I might have. Your fearless leader on the tour is from that neck of the woods by the way. :)

Mike

dhammer's Brooklyn Reality Tour got my attention. As a NY novice what else would you suggest? I"m thinking Elliis Island, Ground Zero, a bit of Central Park (although the Gates wiil be gone, sob...) What can one do in in quick 2.5 days?

I did the Circle Line boat tour & one of those red sightseeing double decker buses a few years ago.

Rewatched Lords of Flatbush again last night to see if I could spot a few familiar places. I think I might have. Your fearless leader on the tour is from that neck of the woods by the way.Please accept my apologies for the correction, mjm, but I know for a fact that dhammer53 is not from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush.

Although he has revealed elsewhere on FlyerTalk the neighborhood in Brooklyn in which he once lived, I would rather have him reveal it than me.

Better yet, this is a good trivia question: from which Brooklyn neighborhood does dhammer53 hail?

I thought it was just off Flatbush Ave (or similar) and just down the road from the school he attended. I can still see the house, its steps etc. Where oh where was that now? Must have been dreaming of the later to be discovered Brooklyn SBUX. :)

Anybody remember more clearly. Feeling every year of the forty stretching my brain cells.

Please accept my apologies for the correction, mjm, but I know for a fact that dhammer53 is not from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush.

Although he has revealed elsewhere on FlyerTalk the neighborhood in Brooklyn in which he once lived, I would rather have him reveal it than me.

Better yet, this is a good trivia question: from which Brooklyn neighborhood does dhammer53 hail?

I thought it was just off Flatbush Ave (or similar) and just down the road from the school he attended. I can still see the house, its steps etc. Where oh where was that now?
Flatbush Avenue runs from one end of Brooklyn to the other, almost straight through the middle. Almost the entire population of Brooklyn lives off Flatbush Avenue :)

There also is a neighborhood called "Flatbush" and that is what is referred to in the movie.

Dan did NOT live in Flatbush, and neither did I.

Haven't you folks been paying attention during the tour?? Sheesh - neighborhoods in Brooklyn are really really important. :D :D They actually define people ;).

Might I be closer to the mark by predicting between Midwood and Marine Park?

Mike@paid.attention.but.starting.to.suffer.memory. lapses :)

You might be ;). But I'm not telling. :D

Please accept my apologies for the correction, mjm, but I know for a fact that dhammer53 is not from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush.

Better yet, this is a good trivia question: from which Brooklyn neighborhood does dhammer53 hail?

Here's a hint for those who were on the tour; it is one of the 7 original villages in what is now known as Brooklyn.

Let's see, 4 years and roughly 45 Flyertalkers. If I don't see a correct answer soon ... you're all in big trouble. ;)

Here's a hint for those who were on the tour; it is one of the 7 original villages in what is now known as Brooklyn.

Let's see, 4 years and roughly 45 Flyertalkers. If I don't see a correct answer soon ... you're all in big trouble. ;)...and if they do not know from which neighborhood in Brooklyn that I grew up, then they are really in trouble!!!

Haven't you folks been paying attention during the tour?? Sheesh - neighborhoods in Brooklyn are really really important. :D :D They actually define people ;).

Is there going to be a test? Should I bring my own #2 pencil?

I've been well-educated on SFO neighborhoods (thanks to a local who explained his city over a period of years and through its recent south of SOMA development) but I didn't see it as "defining people." Perhaps because SF neighborhoods are not so much where one has grown up, but where one has chosen to live for myriad reasons?

Will the Reality Tour not only cover the traditional, but also the Neighborhoods as they are emerging today? (Yes, I am an urban planning geek. I asolutely LOVE cities! and the changes they go through.)

I am so looking forward to this trip... :p :p (that's the FT smiley closest to a Labrador Retreiver puppy, paws up, anxious to please.)

Thank you dhammer for jumpstarting my first visit to NewYawk!

Pat

How come you did not ask me about New York when we were in Venice, lili-dui?

I would have told you all that you needed to know before embarking upon your first trip to New York — and I would have told you in person!

Dan,

Was it not 6 villages?

Anyway, I am going to bet the house on Flatlands. Something about a new version of a Dutch city Amers.....

Grand or Boobie Prize?

And did we not hit one of the other villages around 5:30 where we saw lots of Jewelry though ;)

Mike

How come you did not ask me about New York when we were in Venice, lili-dui?

I would have told you all that you needed to know before embarking upon your first trip to New York — and I would have told you in person!

When in Venice I didn't know AA would have a double miles offer. :) This trip started out as a MR with only an hour at JFK.

Carnarsie you must make this trip just to be sure dhammer doesn't take the Out of Towners to Long Island and pass it off as Brooklyn. How would we know?

And we would like photo CDs..... (Lili ducks and puts hands over head)

BTW, in Venice my sister and son had never heard of Carnarsie, and insisted on referring to you in a psuedo-French accent as Kah-nah-see-ay. They should be sentenced to a 4-day walking tour of Newark.

Carnarsie you must make this trip just to be sure dhammer doesn't take the Out of Towners to Long Island and pass it off as Brooklyn. How would we know?

At risk of showing my ignorance, isn't Brooklyn on Long Island?

VP,

What makes you so smart. :D

Truth be told, Brooklyn and Queens (both part of NYC) are both located on the western end of Long island. Of course, a Brooklynite would never say such foolishness; as we all know the 'real' Long Island is Nassau and Suffolk counties. ;)

At risk of showing my ignorance, isn't Brooklyn on Long Island?

Well, I obviously don't know. Is it?

Okay, I'm going to make a more serious attempt to find a map. Queens, Long Island and Brooklyn are all the same place? So where the hell is the Bronx?

Carnarsie you must make this trip just to be sure dhammer doesn't take the Out of Towners to Long Island and pass it off as Brooklyn. How would we know?




lili-dui If you really want to know the truth, I've been taking Flyertalkers to Queens for the past 4 years. They had no idea.

Note to Carnarsie, please remove the welcome to Brooklyn sign adjacent to the Verrazano Bridge, on the Belt parkway. ;)

mjm's response of Flatlands is correct.

Note to Carnarsie, please remove the welcome to Brooklyn sign adjacent to the Verrazano Bridge, on the Belt parkway....but that sign (or, at least, one of its predecessors which declared Howard Golden as Borough President) has been prominently displayed at the opening of every Welcome Back Kotter episode!

So where the hell is the Bronx?

Da Bronx ( as we say here in NY) is located north of Manhattan.
Brooklyn is south and east.

Did you know that Bronx is the only part of the City of NY that attached to the US mainland? True. Everything else is on an island.

Brooklyn/Queens are on Long Island.
Staten Island
Manhattan Island

Da Bronx ( as we say here in NY) is located north of Manhattan.
Brooklyn is south and east.

Did you know that Bronx is the only part of the City of NY that attached to the US mainland? True. Everything else is on an island.

Brooklyn/Queens are on Long Island.
Staten Island
Manhattan IslandPlease accept my apologies, but I must correct you, dhammer53.

If you look closely on a map, you will see that there is a small piece of Manhattan attached to the Bronx on the Bronx side of the bridge which Broadway crosses over. Therefore, a small portion of Manhattan is also attached to the mainland.

Mere technicalities. :p

Here is one more tidbit of trivia:

Most cities (not metropolitan areas) in the United States are located within a county.

New York City has five counties completely within the city limits, as each borough is a separate county.

Here is a trivia question for Brooklyn Reality Tour alumni:

What is the official county name for Brooklyn?

Bonus question:

Name the official county names of the other four boroughs (Manhattan, Staten Island, Bronx and Queens) of New York.

If you look closely on a map, you will see that there is a small piece of Manhattan attached to the Bronx on the Bronx side of the bridge which Broadway crosses over. Therefore, a small portion of Manhattan is also attached to the mainland.


Ahh...you beat me to it. But I can add the trivia question: Why is a small portion of Manhattan (aka New York County) attached to the mainland?


And yes, I know the answer. :)


Here is a trivia question for Brooklyn Reality Tour alumni:

What is the official county name for Brooklyn?


Kings

Bonus question:

Name the official county names of the other four boroughs (Manhattan, Staten Island, Bronx and Queens) of New York.

New York, Richmond, Bronx, and, Queens.

Obviously I'm in need of education That is the point of this trip.

Brooklyn. A Tree Grows There. Will we see it?

Queens. Will the sorta-UPS guy be pointed out on the tour?

Long Island: Will Iced Tea be offered?

Can I see a real tenament? What the hell is a tenament anyay? Will it be like the SRO places I've stayed at in Boston? Scary. Will it look like my son's rent-controlled apt in San Francisco? Semi-scary.

Do you guys really have impossible-to-understand accents ? (sorry, I can't spell indecipherable) Yeah, Canarsie can fake a regular US accent, but what is his mother tongue when he's not being polite to non-Brooklynites?

That's it, up front, all I know about Brooklyn.

Will dhammer teach us to speak the language?

Huge agenda for one day, but it seems anyone from Brooklyn can do the impossible. Or not. Let's just have fun.

Pat

Carnarsie you must make this trip just to be sure dhammer doesn't take the Out of Towners to Long Island and pass it off as Brooklyn. How would we know?

That would be rather amusing if that were to happen. I'm just passing through and ran across that treasure above.

Well, I obviously don't know. Is it?

Queens, Long Island and Brooklyn are all the same place? So where the hell is the Bronx?

The Bronx is up but the battery's down. :p

NY ConVis is sending me a map. :) Hope it has large print.

Brooklyn. A Tree Grows There. Will we see it?

Queens. Will the sorta-UPS guy be pointed out on the tour?

Long Island: Will Iced Tea be offered?

Can I see a real tenament? What the hell is a tenament anyay? Will it be like the SRO places I've stayed at in Boston? Scary. Will it look like my son's rent-controlled apt in San Francisco? Semi-scary.

Do you guys really have impossible-to-understand accents ? (sorry, I can't spell indecipherable) Yeah, Canarsie can fake a regular US accent, but what is his mother tongue when he's not being polite to non-Brooklynites?

Will dhammer teach us to speak the language?

Huge agenda for one day, but it seems anyone from Brooklyn can do the impossible. Or not. Let's just have fun.

Pat

So many things to respond to. I thought I'd be cute and answer with,
good things come to those that wait; but then again I could just answer the questions, as I realize that some folks would really like to get an answer to these pressing questions. :p Well, all I have to say is tough knuggies. ;)

Oh, so what does that mean? Come on the tour and find out. :D

I will answer one of lili's questions. I will teach you the language. But you have to come to chat tomorow night for a lesson.

Do you guys really have impossible-to-understand accents ? (sorry, I can't spell indecipherable) Yeah, Canarsie can fake a regular US accent, but what is his mother tongue when he's not being polite to non-Brooklynites?People ask me all the time from what part of the United States I originate.

I tell them to guess.

Many people guess that I am from the Midwest or California.

When I tell them I was born and raised in Brooklyn and lived there for greater than 25 years, the result is usually disbelief and astonished looks.

I have never had a thick Brooklyn accent, although it may get pronounced occasionally while I am driving.

People ask why I do not speak with a Southern drawl since I now reside in the Atlanta area. I respond that if I did not develop a Brooklyn accent after being born there and living there for 25 years, there was no way I was going to develop a Southern accent.

In other words, if I did not go around saying “Hey — what’s your freakin’ problem? Whaddya, stoopid or sump’in?”, then it stands to reason that I am not currently going around saying “Y’all have a good tahm”...

The “accent” (or lack thereof) that you heard from me, lili-dui, is the real thing and the way I have always spoken.

The “accent” (or lack thereof) that you heard from me, lili-dui, is the real thing and the way I have always spoken.

Ok, so you're not perfect. :o

Will be arriving too late for the tour which since I have already done twice would most likely put me way down on the wait list anyway.

But do want to hook up with the survivors of the tour for dinner.

I guess I'm coming, because I've booked a flight now! :)

I guess I'm coming, because I've booked a flight now! :)


Woo-hoo! That's what we want to hear. :)

I'm learning to say "Whacha doon?"

Yeah,(or is that yah?) need some background.

Neither. It's Yo.

dh

Neither. It's Yo.Hey! is also considered acceptable...

dhammer53, I am the new kid on the block, but please include me on the Brooklyn Reality Tour on 4/29.

I am coming to New York to visit my father out in Long Island, and I look forward to mingling with other frequent fliers.

Jim Coddington :)

Mike
Please change me to 2 for the tour and dinner.
Thanks

I guess I'm coming, because I've booked a flight now! :)
Just a reminder.... I'm coming, so please add me to the list for the tour and dinner!


Also, that's an interesting tidbit about NYC containing counties! Guess I never realized that the NYC boroughs are actually counties.

Of course, everyone already knows ( ;) ) that the place I live in is the City and County of San Francisco. That's right, the City and County are one and the same.

Ron, the page is now updated.

Note to everybody:

I will add anyone and everyone to dinner, but the tour attendees page is updated when Dan indicates in a post here or in an e-mail to me that someone is officially added. He plans the van/bus size based on attendee numbers so please hold tight for a moment. Your posts are not going forgotten. Hey, I just work here :)

Mike

Mike-san and others,

Anyone who has been on the tour in the past; or any locals that are interested in joining the tour, are waitlisted.

A waitlist will eventually appear when I have a few extra minutes. If you want to know who's waitlisted right now, just scan back over the thread. :p

I'm still trying to find a tour sponsor.

If enough people sign up (more than 13 but less than 25, I can hire a 'airport shuttle' type vehicle. That would run roughly $30 per person. If the tour departs with less than 13, figure on $15 per person. If the tour is sponsored , no cost to anyone.

Mike-san, consider yourself still 'on-the-job'. (He works cheap). :D

Anyone who has been on the tour in the past; or any locals that are interested in joining the tour, are waitlisted.

A waitlist will eventually appear when I have a few extra minutes. If you want to know who's waitlisted right now, just scan back over the thread....so, in other words, potential participants are being wait-listed to be wait-listed?...

Members of the press are welcome to come along for the ride.

This would make a great human interest story. Imagine, first timers to the states; or first timers to New York City, and they go to Brooklyn. :eek:
This tour must have some reputation. :o

Members of the press are welcome to come along for the ride.

This would make a great human interest story. Imagine, first timers to the states; or first timers to New York City, and they go to Brooklyn. :eek:
This tour must have some reputation. :o

I happen to BE a Member of the Press. And it IS a great story! Unfortunately my editors think that going to NYC for a Brooklyn tour is as insane and perhaps as suspect as the gold/platinum challenge I did a few years ago. But they did allow the time off, so maybe there's room to talk.

What we need is a NYT reporter we can take to lunch and afternoon drinks :)

~Pat

Members of the press are welcome to come along for the ride.

This would make a great human interest story. Imagine, first timers to the states; or first timers to New York City, and they go to Brooklyn. :eek:
This tour must have some reputation. :oIn all seriousness, you could contact the Canarsie Courier (www.canarsiecourier.com). Founded on April 22, 1921, the Canarsie Courier is Brooklyn’s oldest continuously-published weekly publication.

I was once the art director of that publication years ago and re-designed that newspaper, whose design has progressively lapsed since then. I know the managing editor there. I can almost guarantee you will get coverage.

I wish I were able to join all of you on this trip. I could write the story myself and get it published!

Sure — I realize it is not exactly The New York Times, but let me know if you are interested in having me contact the managing editor of the Canarsie Courier to cover the Brooklyn Reality Tour as a story.

Sure,

Knock yourself out! :D

One national newspaper already turned me down.
I'm currently working on the telly. ;) National would be fine. International would be better. :o

Another Brooklynite known to these boards sent an e mail to the 'people in power' in Brooklyn.

This is the 5th Brooklyn Tour. Surely someone must think this is important. Anyone know the real Kramer? I'd love to have him along.

Dan

IWhat we need is a NYT reporter we can take to lunch and afternoon drinks :)

~Pat

Don't count on it, Pat. The NYT will just pretend to go for the ride. Do expect them to write about the experience they never had. ;)

dhammer53, my dad also wants to go, so that makes two of us.

Thank you, Jim & Stewart Coddington :)

dhammer53, I am the new kid on the block, but please include me on the Brooklyn Reality Tour on 4/29.

I am coming to New York to visit my father out in Long Island, and I look forward to mingling with other frequent fliers.

Jim Coddington :)

OK, I'm ticketed to NYC for this. Is there still space?

Thanks!!

(hmmm, and I wanted to come to NY the following weekend to see the A's play the Yankees)

Details: I arrive at 6:30am from SFO into EWR Friday morning. yay. I don't drink coffee, but this might call for Starbucks.

but we will not be able to attend this year.

Please put us n the wait list for NEXT year!

squeakr and mr. s.

Just curious...any trend to where everyone is staying?

Just curious...any trend to where everyone is staying?
Still waiting (and hoping & crossing my fingers) to find out if I clear the list ... :)

Just curious...any trend to where everyone is staying?

TravelKhatt and I will be at the Westin Times Square (aka the Westin Port Authority). Staying on Points.

I don't suppose anyone is staying in town beyond Saturday morning, eh? I can't get off from work on Friday, but will be in NY that weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for another Broadway theatre run. Sweet Charity and Little Women are on my agenda, while Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Monty Python's Spamalot, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are on the "alternatives" list.

I'll be open for breakfast on Sunday, May 1st, although, of course, nobody knows who I am! :eek:

Last year, several of us (including Alysia, Peterpony and Mark, Debua1k and I think Canarsie) had a post Freddies early dinner at a great little French bistro called La Bonne Soupe. It's a very good, moderately priced place with one of best Onion Soups in the country.

http://www.labonnesoupe.com/menus.php

If there's enough interest maybe start a post Freddies/Dan Hammer tour thread for lunch or dinner.

Thank you Tribe Flyer (and Alysia) for reminding me of this great place.

Dan: if you were holding a spot for me release it... I had to decide using a Vacation day fo rthat and a major trip I have planned for later this year. I have to work that Friday so I can get the time off for big trip later in the year.

Have fun!

I don't suppose anyone is staying in town beyond Saturday morning, eh? I can't get off from work on Friday, but will be in NY that weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for another Broadway theatre run. Sweet Charity and Little Women are on my agenda, while Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Monty Python's Spamalot, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are on the "alternatives" list.

I'll be open for breakfast on Sunday, May 1st, although, of course, nobody knows who I am! :eek:

Hey....I know who you are AND I've had dinner with you before! :) (Of course in some circles that would be enough to get you kicked out!) If I'm in town that weekend, will definitely let you know & it would be great to see you again!

Hey....I know who you are AND I've had dinner with you before! :)

You are a rare gem. :cool:

I wont be flying out until 8am on Sunday morning - so will be around.

Hey....I know who you are AND I've had dinner with you before!
Ditto, of course! ;)

I'll be around the whole weekend also.

And I was at La Bonne Soupe as well last year.

We'll be in the Big Apple until noon on Sunday 1 May :cool:

Staying at the Doubletree on Lexington Ave and leaving Saterday afternoon.

I don't know if there's any "trend" to where people are staying, but I'll wager a lot of people are trying to Priceline/Hotwire the Grand Hyatt.... @:-)

My current plans are to stay at the Sheraton Russell, where I've had good success scoring suite upgrades thus far, and another FTer will be rooming with me there a couple of nights.


....And for those who are United 1K members, there's a new option (just got the e-mail): you can redeem your United miles for Marriott and Radisson stays (as well as Hertz and Avis car rentals):

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51237,00.html?jumpLink=%2Fhotelawards

Maybe not the best redemption rate, but an option for those with plenty-o-miles to burn.

I don't know if there's any "trend" to where people are staying, but I'll wager a lot of people are trying to Priceline/Hotwire the Grand Hyatt.... @:-)

I am not sure why. The Grand does not have a great reputation, and although Hyatt gives elites benefits on PL stays, you will be competing against a lot of folks (including Hyatt executives) for upgrades.

I would just like someone to remove the question of if we are invited (and if so to which parts) as well as what time the festivities will be.

I am not sure why. The Grand does not have a great reputation, and although Hyatt gives elites benefits on PL stays, you will be competing against a lot of folks (including Hyatt executives) for upgrades.

Admittedly, I've only seen one room at the Grand (and upgraded at that), but it was quite nice. Also, I understand there's been a lot of recent refurbishment (though whether it covers all the rooms or just some I don't remember).


I would just like someone to remove the question of if we are invited (and if so to which parts) as well as what time the festivities will be.
I've decided to go to NYC, and if I don't end up going to the Freddies, well, c'est la vie. I'll have no problem occupying the time with activities in either case! ;) (Anyhow, I used my 15% off UA cert, got a good deal on roundtrip p.s. service SFO-JFK, and am confirmed upgraded to Biz in both directions. :) )

Unfortunately it seems I can't stay for the tour. So another place on the waitlist frees up... :(

You will undoubtly have great fun together. I look forward to the 6th tour in 2006 now... :)

I, too, have to cancel my participation in the tour. I have been called up for "Grandma" duty that day :) as my DIL has to go out of town. Dan, you have another opening on the van but I will be there in spirit.

Altho I spent a great deal of my growing up years in the East Flatbush section and also lived downtown when I went to Brooklyn Law School, much of my knowledge about it has become obsolete and I would very much like to be added to the tour. Franny however may qualify for a confirmed seat because she is from Philadelphia and has virtually no knowledge of Brooklyn.
If Dan can confirm two of us, we will make it a point to be in NY that weekend to join in the fun.

Altho I spent a great deal of my growing up years in the East Flatbush section and also lived downtown when I went to Brooklyn Law School, much of my knowledge about it has become obsolete and I would very much like to be added to the tour. Franny however may qualify for a confirmed seat because she is from Philadelphia and has virtually no knowledge of Brooklyn.
If Dan can confirm two of us, we will make it a point to be in NY that weekend to join in the fun.
And I hope you and Franny join the dinner afterwards as well! :)

And I hope you and Franny join the dinner afterwards as well! :)
Of course. Don't you know me well enough to figure that I wasn't going to miss any event that involves eating?

Of course. Don't you know me well enough to figure that I wasn't going to miss any event that involves eating?
:D

See you at dinner! ^

Am I still waitlisted for the waitlist? :( :( :(

I've given up on using Priceline to snag the Jersey City Hyatt and have booked a room at the crappy Newark Airport Hilton. Oh well, at least I'll earn a few HHonors points and 500 miles. To top it off, I'm flying into EWR on a deee-lux CO regional jet! Woohoo! I arrive Thursday at dinnertime, depart Saturday around 1pm....

Any feedback on how the Newark Airport Hilton treats Diamond members?

After Dan's tour...will anyone be heading back to Newark? Maybe I can travel withyou or bum a ride if you have a car...

Many of you already know me and know I watch my calorie intake like a hawk. It's going to be fun to see what New York temptations make me fall off the wagon...lol

I'm already craving a slice of real NY pizza...ahhhh!!!!

I am running on basically no sleep and still need to unpack/repack after the PSP Gayla II. I usually pack for business so this thing of packing for pleasure is weird! That and did you know that candles are really heavy and UA will not waive the weight limit even though the Prem Exec benefits web page says..... oh right... :D back on topic:

So I am cheating by not reading all the posts. :rolleyes:

(I HATE it when people do that :mad: :P )

So please waitlist me, (Waitlist I think? Right?), for whatever is happening. I will read all the posts in the next 24 hours. There is a tour and then a dinner? Right? Ok, ok, ok... I will read it. (KathyWdrf on the east coast? Woohoo!)

A waitlist will eventually appear when I have a few extra minutes. If you want to know who's waitlisted right now, just scan back over the thread. :p
:D

Hope this answers your question Kathy. :D
Psst, don't worry; you're protected .

Mike-san,

MarySunshine is out. :(
GoodKarmaGuy is in. :cool:

Please put me on the repeaters list. I am assuming we will get invited to the Freddies.

While I don't think I can take the whole day off from work to go on the tour, I am hoping to join you guys for dinner afterwards!

After some gentle nudging from our official photographer in 2003, I created the waitlist that is located in the original post back on page 1 of this thread.

Since we're currently in the mid-20's, I will confirm the same wheels we had last year.

Now read this...


The cost (to be verified) will run about $25. a person.
I was a little reluctant to do this; but after discussing a $25 cost vs a $15 cost with a few people (thank you) I decided that a larger, more comfortable vehicle is the way to go. After all, a Greyline tour can cost $75 or more for a full day. Not that I'm suggesting that the Brooklyn Tour is cheap. :o

So if enough of you agree with me, I'll book our transportation later this week.

Paypal details to follow so that nobody gets stuck paying anything additional.
Just to clarify, we share the cost of the van.

Dan

So I guess that means you don't accept credit cards :D

PM me address & check will be in the mail..........

Just wondering if I've missed anything. Haven't heard a word about whether we are invited to the Freddie's. If it's a matter of cost, we can always make it a pot luck dinner :D. That refers to FOOD IN A METAL POT!!!

MarySunshne ,

Are you suggesting that we all have dinner at your house in Brooklyn (if we're not invited to the Freddies)?

And if so, can we have a sleepover for the out-of-towners. :D

Dan

There's a sticky on the top of the thread, we are all on standby at this time waiting.

Hey I just did my first ever eBay bid & Paypal thing yest (color me an analog person living in a digital world...). But you can set up Paypal for cc's. Think the recipient gets the $$ & probably doesn't care where it comes from, but you can toss it on your cc vs your bank acct, which for something like eBay is what I'd do cuz of the cc protection thing (not saying I don't trust Dan :p :D ). Cheers. Sharon

Hey I just did my first ever eBay bid & Paypal thing yest (color me an analog person living in a digital world...). But you can set up Paypal for cc's. Think the recipient gets the $$ & probably doesn't care where it comes from, but you can toss it on your cc vs your bank acct, which for something like eBay is what I'd do cuz of the cc protection thing (not saying I don't trust Dan :p :D ). Cheers. Sharon
Sharon, a little correction to this: "Think the recipient gets the $$ & probably doesn't care where it comes from, but you can toss it on your cc vs your bank acct...."

The recipient most definitely DOES care where it comes from. Most casual/occasional PayPal members just have Personal accounts and CANNOT accept cc payments; to do so, they must upgrade to a Premier or Business account and pay transaction fees.

It's best to check with the recipient as to what forms of payment they can accept. Perhaps we'll be lucky and our gracious host, Dan, will let us earn miles (at his expense) by using cc's.... :p

(not saying I don't trust Dan :p :D ). Cheers. Sharon


Sharon,

You've just been waitlisted. :p

If Dan doesn't want to set it all up, I would be most happy to take credit cards through my paypal account and get the money to dan.

...The recipient most definitely DOES care where it comes from. Most casual/occasional PayPal members just have Personal accounts and CANNOT accept cc payments; to do so, they must upgrade to a Premier or Business account and pay transaction fees.
It's best to check with the recipient as to what forms of payment they can accept. Perhaps we'll be lucky and our gracious host, Dan, will let us earn miles (at his expense) by using cc's.... :p
The paypal fees aren't that much and if Dan chooses to use a premier account, people could always throw in an extra dollar or two (Dan could let everyone know in advance what the fee is, as we did last year with the "Randy & Julie gift") to cover it rather than expecting Dan to pick up the expense. I don't think that's too much to ask given all the work Dan puts into planning the tour.

Dan -- any news on how soon the pax on the WL will (or won't) clear?

Dan -- any news on how soon the pax on the WL will (or won't) clear?

I realize that not everyone re-reads the original post on page 1 of this thread; cause if they did, they'd be in for a surprise. ;)

WOW -- we're all going AND we get to meet Mrs. dhammer53 :cool:

I realize that not everyone re-reads the original post on page 1 of this thread; cause if they did, they'd be in for a surprise. ;)
Thanks Dan!!! (when I looked a few days ago we hadn't cleared yet, I should've checked this morning... :o )

Let me know where to Paypal and how much (if any) fee to add in if you have the "premium" paypal account.

WOW -- we're all going AND we get to meet Mrs. dhammer53 :cool:
To coin a cliche, that's awesome!

Thanks, Dan! :)

Website to be updated in 24-36 hours. Just arrived back from SFPO and I am Bushed. 'Night all......

Mike

WOW -- we're all going AND we get to meet Mrs. dhammer53

Okay. Screw the bus tour. I'd fly into NYC just for this. And if she brings dhammer53's baby and teen photo albums, I'd pay walk-up full fare Economy if I had to. ;)

I've edited the first post on page 1 of this thread.

New signer-uppers are standby

PremEx,

Sorry, but P.S. service isn't provided on this tour. If the Chief Alleycat can fit a private tour into his schedule, you can consider yourself invited. <<< Mrs. dhammer53 will consider bump opportunities. :p

Paypal payment info to follow.

If you prefer to mail a check, PM me.

Put me on the maybe list for the tour. Due to problems at work, it is likely I won't be able to come up until Friday afternoon. I am definitely still on for dinner Friday evening though.

It's official. My friend cordelli is the official treasurer for this event. He's in charge of collecting $25 per person for those of you using Paypal. There is a fee associated with using Paypal, so include that additionally.

cordelli will post the necessary info.

If you prefer to mail a check, PM me for my address.

Dan

Hi all.

You can pay online with paypal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover at

dhammer53.com

or

www.dhammer53.com

which both forward to

http://s90570816.onlinehome.us/hammer/dhammer.htm

Credit Cards are processed through paypal.

It takes 24 hours for the forwarding to get all over the internet, so until Wednesday morning it may just be easier to click on the last link and not see if it's working or not.

If you prefer paypal for a straight transfer from your account, you can do that direct to mike@cordelli.com

I'll keep Dan up to date as the funds come in.

Mike

Mike -- is the paypal account for your e-mail deducting a fee as well? Just want to make sure I have it covered. Thanks!

Mike -- is the paypal account for your e-mail deducting a fee as well? Just want to make sure I have it covered. Thanks!


Do it for the $25 and call it even, I never consider the fees they really don't add up to that much. I'll cover the fees, mainly because I'm too lazy to break them out. It's really no big deal at all.

Just tried and paypal is down ..... "but will be back working shortly"

Just tried and paypal is down ..... "but will be back working shortly"

Aarrgghhh! I broke it :eek: But it said it sent my payment.

Updated below

It was received - lili-dui
Marks Payment is in too.
Elizabeth's is received

FYI: Mark and Elizabeth don't appear on the confirmed list. Please apply their payments to VPescado and TravelKhatt respectively.

Aarrgghhh! I broke it :eek: But it said it sent my payment.

updated list below

It was received - lili-dui
Marks Payment is in too.
Elizabeth's is received
Mark is in for two

I have to figure out why it's not passing the FT names over


Well...there doesn't seem to be a place to enter one's handle :-P

Also, are there two mark's that sent money in? The one mark I know only sent in his money once.

updated below

Mike C, I just sent payment. Thanks for letting us use a credit card and earn points/miles on the transaction! ^

Updated Below

One and all,

The webpage is now updated.

http://home.inter.net/mjm/realitytour05.html

I think I have the two lists (Tour and Dinner) correctly compiled but have a look and if I have inadvertently left someone off please post here or shoot me an e-mail and I shall fix it straight away.

Have fun you lucky dogs,

Mike

Can you add Cordelli and Mrs Cordelli to the dinner list too? We've made space for it in what is a very busy weekend. We'll be direct attendees

Cordelli- YG$

Look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!

Mike (mjm) -- Thanks for all your work and contributions to the Tour organization & planning; sorry we won't be able to get together this time :(

Cordelli- YG$

Look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!


Thanks, it was received.

cordelli,

Page has you and the Mrs. shown now. HAve a great feast.


delacpa,

We will, somewehere, somnetime. (ac)Count on it! :)

Monitor,

Have adjusted the name shown. Have fun Franny, and hoist a glass of vino for me at dinner. :)

Mike

Mike (mjm) -- Thanks for all your work and contributions to the Tour organization & planning; sorry we won't be able to get together this time :(
Ditto!!!!!

So, whew, I have finally got through all the posts.

Paypal is not able to process so I will try again in a couple days. (Easter is a little busy at the Ritz!)

Please make me a +1 for dinner. My friend, MontanaMary now lives and works in NYC and will join as my guest! She was afraid that I would need time to catch up "with old friends" and I just laughed and said, "Oh, Mary, I haven't even MET most of these folks!" Hahaha. She didn't understand, of course. :D

(I cannot tell you how amazing this is that I will get to see her for the first time in, like, 10 years! So sit us apart and she and I will catch up later.)

Payment made via Paypal! Please let me know that you got it.

^

Updated below

i just sent mine too :)

Payment sent. I do not have hotel yet.

Does anyone have any info that we will be invited to the Freddies this year?

Flight Info:
UA 6517 Apr 27 08:35 AM depart PHX Apr 27 09:55 AM arrival LAX 08B
UA 0904 Apr 27 11:20 AM depart LAX Apr 27 07:29 PM arrival JFK 16D

UA 0655 Apr 30 07:45 PM depart EWR Apr 30 09:24 PM arrival ORD 10C

UA 1477 May 01 08:20 AM depart ORD May 01 10:09 AM arrival PHX 01C

No upgrades since this was a VDB bump ticket I got on last year's Freddies flight.

Updated below

phew

payment sent :D

Just got back in town--paypal payment sent.

This is shaping up to be a great group--can't wait!

Updated Below

Somewhere in this thread, I think the pickup place was mentioned?

Can you please tell me again? :confused: Sorry.

I land at LGA at 819am and will figure out the best way to get there from the airport. I have taken the city bus before and do not mind (it is an adventure for me!).

ME:

APR29 UA 5670 IAD-LGA 706AM-819AM 8B
APR30 UA 5683 LGA-IAD 430PM-555PM 8B

(staying at my friend's apt.)

Can you please tell me again? :confused: Sorry.



GKG,

Click on mjm's link on page one of this thread. The pick-up address is posted for all the world to see. No, not that kind of pick-up. :p

I've updated the original post on page 1. So far, just one person can't make it.
And as far as I can tell, looks like all of you have paid, with one exception that I know of.

MileageAddict asked for directions from the westside; and this will follow.

Dan

Somewhere in this thread, I think the pickup place was mentioned?

Can you please tell me again? :confused: Sorry.

I land at LGA at 819am and will figure out the best way to get there from the airport. I have taken the city bus before and do not mind (it is an adventure for me!).

ME:

APR29 UA 5670 IAD-LGA 706AM-819AM 8B
APR30 UA 5683 LGA-IAD 430PM-555PM 8B

(staying at my friend's apt.)

Exit security and make a right and go to the newsstand. Buy a one day Metrocard.

Go outside and follow the signs to the MTA busses. Wait for an M60 bus (should be around every 10 mins at that time of day). Use your Metrocard when you get on.

Get off at 125th and Lexington. This should be obvious as you will have crossed into manhattan and will likely see a lot of folks getting off here (The bus ride will take about 45 mins).

Go into the subway and use your metrocard to enter. Get on a Southbound (Downtown/Brooklyn) 4 or 5 train. You can get on a 6, but it will take longer as it is not an express.

Get off at Grand Central Station (should be 3 stops if you took the 4 or 5). I do not remember the layout of Grand Central enough to direct you to the correct exit, but ideally you will exit onto 45th Street (north side of the station).

Walk East on 45th (assuming you exited at 45th, you will make a right to do so) until you the next cross street where will make a left (now heading North) to get to 46th Street. Make a right on 46th (Eastbound again) and find 234 E. 46th St. (Churchill Suites).

The bus should be parked in front.

In order to be at the bus by 10:30, I would advise against checking luggage.

I can't believe this, the even had to be canceled :eek:


Why? I can't understand it? I been looking forward attending it, but if this one gets canceled, who knows if Dan will continue to organize it :(

I know this isn't a good thread to post this but ... the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour had to be cancelled because several Flyertalkers PM'd me to cancel due to not being invited to the Freddies. :mad:

Dan

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3887482&postcount=33

Sorry. Couldn't resist. My quote above was posted in an April Fools thread in Omni. :D

I can't believe this, the even had to be canceled :eek:
]

<<<fainting>>>

Sorry. Couldn't resist. My quote above was posted in an April Fools thread in Omni. :D

<<<picking himself up off the divan>>>

Revenge is sweet, my friend. ;)

<<<fainting>>>

It worked :D
<evil laugh>
BWWWAAAAAA HAHAHA HAHA HA HA HAH HA HA HA HA HAAAAHAA AAHHAAHHA HAAHA AHHHAAAAH HHAAAAA
</evil laugh>

It was Dan's idea, he put me up to it :p

jfe and GoodKarmaGuy,

In high school I learned one important thing; and that's deny deny deny. :p

If anyone is counting, less than 4 weeks till the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour.

dhammer53 & cordelli, I have paid via paypal.com for myself, jimcoddington, & my father, Stewart Coddington. Please make sure we are confirmed for the incredible, most outstanding, trip of the century, etc....

Thank you, Jim :)

Hi all.

You can pay online with paypal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover at

dhammer53.com

or

www.dhammer53.com

which both forward to

http://s90570816.onlinehome.us/hammer/dhammer.htm

Credit Cards are processed through paypal.

It takes 24 hours for the forwarding to get all over the internet, so until Wednesday morning it may just be easier to click on the last link and not see if it's working or not.

If you prefer paypal for a straight transfer from your account, you can do that direct to mike@cordelli.com

I'll keep Dan up to date as the funds come in.

Mike

Lili Dui
Updated

vpescado
travelkhatt
rbernheim for two
Jimcoddington
Holmedown
KathyWdrf
Spiff
CA White 60156
Mileage Addict
Wireless
MissyDarling
gfowler-ord-1k
GoodKarmaGuy
delacpa for two
Shril
Stewart Coddington, son of jimcoddington

www.brooklynpix.com

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Thank you dhammer for not cancelling the Brooklyn Tour! despite April 1 rumors to the contrary.

That same day the NYC Greeters informed me they were flat out of greeters, which I think was reality. I really wanted them to help me begin to understand the Hassidic community which turns out to be in Brooklyn! anyway. I should have known.

Hope we get a brief glimpse of the traditional and emerging Williamsburg neighborhood. If not, hell, we'll just eat, and eat and eat.

DAN Thanks for the "sneak peak" -- I'm sure we won't be disappointed :cool:

3 weeks to go.


Dan

Well, actually for us out here on the Left Coast......

It's THREE weeks and THREE hours :cool:

THREE weeks, THREE hours and THREE thousand ff miles.

THREE weeks, THREE hours and THREE thousand ff miles.

Dang...I'm only getting 2919 eqms each way. :)

Does anyone know what time canal street "opens"? I was hoping to be able to pick up a new purse before meeting the tour....

Missy,

My guess is that they'll be open early. Even if they open at 9:30 or 10, my guess is that it'll take you some time to find just the right bag. :p
Do you plan on cabbing it back to midtown just in case you're running late? :p

FYI , The dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour will push back on time at 10:30.

Dang...I'm only getting 2919 eqms each way. :)

Did this country shrink? As I child I got it in my head it was 3,000 miles wide and 2,000 up and down.

Turns out I will only get 2444 miles each way (but times two, as I ticketed under the double miles bonus)

www.givechocolate.com

Bribes accepted to sit 'upfront'. ;)

I've got a bribe for ya.

;)

www.givechocolate.com

Bribes accepted to sit 'upfront'. ;)

http://grubcobait.netstorekeeper.com/index.cfm

Be a man! I thought you were a tough New Yorker....

www.givechocolate.com

Bribes accepted to sit 'upfront'. ;)

For the whole trip or just until the first stop?

For the whole trip or just until the first stop?

I wonder if the owner of that site ;) has any Kosher for Passover goodies? :)

I wonder if the owner of that site ;) has any Kosher for Passover goodies? :)

Oy!! A non-Kosher bribe during Passover would probably put one in the back of the bus.

I just had a breakfast meeting with the Vice President and he will create a page featuring Kosher chocolates, but probably not until tomorrow. Taking advantage of his slacking, I negotiated a FlyerTalk discount code which I will send as soon as it's working.

never mind

Randy also posted a "Hint/Tip" this morning in the Sticky on the Freddies at the top of this forum.

Well, with search almost having a suitable solution, I suppose it's on to the next project and it looks like this:

http://www.freddieawards.com/invitation/

(please - no shoving and pushing, you'll all get a chance to register....)

Whoo Hoo!

Thanks Randy!!!!

My flight gets into EWR at 610pm. By the time I deplane and get into Manhattan, will it be too late to attend the Freddies? If so...anyone else going to be late? Want to go see a Broadway show or go have a bite to eat instead?

Thanks, Randy!
^ ^ ^

This really makes my first trip to New York super special.

The Brooklyn Reality Tour! Thank you, dhammer
The Soupe Do! Thank you, Catman
And now the Freddies! And thank you Randy Petersen!!

(The double miles are pretty good, too :) )

I am really looking forward to this trip to NYC.

See you at the Freddie's.

Jim :)

Mr. & Mrs. delacpa have responded to the invitation and are both happy to be able to attend this event :cool:

My flight gets into EWR at 610pm. By the time I deplane and get into Manhattan, will it be too late to attend the Freddies? If so...anyone else going to be late? Want to go see a Broadway show or go have a bite to eat instead?

MA,

Last year we were at the Freddies till 11 ish. Some even longer. ;)

MA,

Last year we were at the Freddies till 11 ish. Some even longer. ;)

If my flight arrives on time...drop bags off at the hotel and get into Manhattan...I should be there by 8pm.

Dress code? Jacket and tie?

If my flight arrives on time...drop bags off at the hotel and get into Manhattan...I should be there by 8pm.

Dress code? Jacket and tie?

Black tie, of course.

Black tie, of course.

No, seriously... Am I going to stick out like a sore thumb if I'm wearing business casual? I don't even own a tux... :)

Going to the Freddie website and looking and pictures of previous events, I gathered the following as general rules:

Gentlemen from the industry (with one exception) wear suits.
Ladies from the industry wear business/office attire of varying formality.
FT'ers seem to run the gamut from suits to business casual (to business casual minus).

I will probably wear a jacket and tie (and pants :)) or a suit.

Dress code? Jacket and tie?

Thong and tie.

Thong and tie.

If you're wearing only that I'm cancelling my RSVP, bypassing the Hyatt and going straight for my train at GCT! :p

Thong and tie.


Flyertalk thong of course! http://www.cafepress.com/ftbb.9726173 :cool:

Thong and tie.

A thong and tie event? Damn! I knew I should have booked a ticket!

seeya was kind enough to email me re: randy's post, knowing i'm in major crunch mode for bizness (no, not irs-related!) & rarely checking ft until the weekend of the 22nd. so i'm signed up now for the big event (and the freddies too! ;) ).

was going to use one of those fly3/fly 6 F tickets but so many restrictions gave that up & am actually using miles (the horrors - not book rev & give up miles!) cuz jetblue may be cheap, but ua sure ain't. so going to try ua's new ps service in f...and go to ord using the other cert, which will be an excuse for an ft get-together there :)

will be scrambling to make freddies though - landing after 3:10 jfk & it starts at 4;30 this year - will change on plane (not into black tie, though goodness knows i have plenty of evening gowns; biz attire instead). and alas, i head out at 8;55am on sat, so will be dragging after the infamous danhammer brooklyn tour...hey, isn't that what ps is for - sleep on the plane?!

now on to booking hotel - probably using points too given manhattan prices. going to stay at hilton chain - figure hyatt can't be that far for goodness sake. anyone else in manhattan at hilton chain?

look forward to seeing everyone! cheers. sharon

Black tie, of course. :p :D

Mileage A, this is what to expect on the tour. :o

will be scrambling to make freddies though - landing after 3:10 jfk & it starts at 4;30 this year - will change on plane (not into black tie, though goodness knows i have plenty of evening gowns; biz attire instead). and alas, i head out at 8;55am on sat, so will be dragging after the infamous danhammer brooklyn tour...hey, isn't that what ps is for - sleep on the plane?!

now on to booking hotel - probably using points too given manhattan prices. going to stay at hilton chain - figure hyatt can't be that far for goodness sake. anyone else in manhattan at hilton chain?

look forward to seeing everyone! cheers. sharon

Be sure to have some champers. Toodles.

If I thought I had a chance to go to the Freddies, I would have come in a night earlier. :( Darn, darn, darn.


Somehow I thought it was by private invite only? Man, I am always missing something. I used to think it was 'cause I am a blonde, but the lady at Walgreen's says I am just buying the COLOR, not the BRAIN that goes with it.

:confused:

If I thought I had a chance to go to the Freddies, I would have come in a night earlier. :( Darn, darn, darn.


Somehow I thought it was by private invite only? Man, I am always missing something. I used to think it was 'cause I am a blonde, but the lady at Walgreen's says I am just buying the COLOR, not the BRAIN that goes with it.

:confused:

You can always see if they will let you standby the day before. Use that GoodKarma (tm) and its associated charm.

I wonder if the owner of that site ;) has any Kosher for Passover goodies? :)

Kosher they've got. Whether it's Passover Kosher I don't know. But if you give it a try, there's a FlyerTalk coupon code FT10 on checkout for a 10% discount.

Hi,
I attended the 2004 tour, and would like to come again space permitting. Thanks..

Jetsetter,

Consider yourself confirmed. You can bring your $25 the day of the tour.
See you then.



Dan

dhammer53
Shirl
GoodKarmaGuy
MileageAddict
SkiAdcock
Rbernheim + 1
Spiff
VPescado + TravelKhatt
holmedown
delacpa plus his lovely wife
lili-dui - you should have read lili's note to me. :o This Flyertalker should go to the top of the list.
JimCoddington + 1
Wireless
wahooflyer
Missydarling
cawhite60156
KathyWdrf
Monitor + 1
jetsetter
gfowler ---------------->>> total 25

Here's the final list. MJM, please add Jetsetter . Looks like 5 returnees. Must be the food. :D



edit 4/26

Jetsetter added to the webpage now.

You guys are a week away from an awesome weekend. Would love to join, but will settle for lots pictures and follow-on posts..... :)

Mike

I miss the Brooklyn I once knew.

Dan, any way to take me off the standby list and put me in that last confirmed seat? :)

I'd love to come along on the tour.

Has the pickup location been determined yet?

Dan, any way to take me off the standby list and put me in that last confirmed seat? :)

I'd love to come along on the tour.

Has the pickup location been determined yet?
Full details of the tour and dinner are here:

http://home.inter.net/mjm/realitytour05.html

wahooflyer,

Be patient for a couple of days and lets see what happens.

Note:

Just in case you, all 23 of you, don't have my cell phone #, now is the time to pm me.

If you're going to be late (see Kathy's link above to the mjm website spelling out all the details). @:-)

Now if you think the tour will wait for you, you're incorrect. :p
I will be happy to provide subway details on how to get to our lunch location.
Don't be the first person in 5 years to miss the bus.

7 days.

Dan

Easy question for those who know the dinner area - Drive from manhattan, park and drive back to Connecticut, or leave the car in the lot in Manhattan, train it out and back, and drive back home from there?

It's too nice a car to park out on the street, so that isn't an option.

Cordelli,

Not a problem. They only steal old cars in this neighborhood. ;) The restaurant does have a private lot for your car. Otherwise, street parking is safe.

Thanks again for all your help. ^

Dan

Many thanks.

Someone asked about hotels. Apparently there is a Freddy/Inside Flyer rate at the Grand Hyatt for approximately $175. When I checked it was sold out Thurs, and avail Fri night. Let me check again as that was days ago..now they advise group cut off date was 4/8 and that no group rooms are avail now. I always wonder when calling and you tell them conference "freddy awards," if the reservations agent knows what the Freddys is, but if they do, they give no indication of knowing :).

I also tried Priceline for around $140 in the NYC MTE (mid town east) area, and the bid was not accepted.

I think I will get a hotel out by the airport for about $80 a night on Priceline. I can't see spending $200-$400 a night when I won't be in the room that much. There are also deals to be had at the Jersy City Hyatt on Priceline and perhaps outside of PL.

What have others done re hotels?

Someone asked about hotels.
I think I will get a hotel out by the airport for about $80 a night on Priceline. I can't see spending $200-$400 a night when I won't be in the room that much. There are also deals to be had at the Jersy City Hyatt on Priceline and perhaps outside of PL.

What have others done re hotels?Well something has happened to the pricing at the Jersey City Hyatt and reports are that a couple of weeks ago the price just jumped dramatically for almost all dates.

I just got the Doubletree Club Suites in Jersey City for $72 on PL for Friday night. Posted the winning bid on betterbidding.com (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?act=ST&f=119&t=12607&)

I'm at the Doubletree at JFK on the Saturday night as have an early flight back Sunday morning.

I miss the Brooklyn I once knew.

I miss the Canarsie section of Brooklyn that I once knew. It was some place when I (we?) lived there...

I'm what made it special and I'm still here :D

Can't argue with the above poster. :cool:

Anyway, for those of you coming on the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour, or those of you who are interested, read this www.geocities.com/buddychai/Bio/Bio04.html

On the bottom of each page, just click and move to the next page. Read 3 pages.

This should get you in the mood. :p
================================================== =========

I have a United free domestic tix available for trade from the Fly3/FlyFree promo.
Must ticket 2 weeks in advance. Must ticket no later than June 1, and complete travel by June 15. Saturday night stay.

Profile name: S*PMO/FLY3/FLY6
Ticket designator: F3FE

I'm looking for a domestic ticket later this year; or UA/US $200 vouchers.
Please PM me rather than respond to the thread.

Call UA first to check availability.

If I may detract from the topic for a moment, I think we should think about having a special “Return to Brooklyn Reunion Tour” for us native Brooklynites in addition to the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour.

FlyerTalk members such as dhammer53, meducate, Marysunshine, monitor, me and others should get together, eat, reminisce, eat, play Brooklyn games such as stoop ball and stickball, eat, go to Coney Island, eat, and visit each other’s old neighborhoods.

Did I mention that we should eat?!?

Brooklyn pizza, bagels and bialies, New York City tap water, Chinese food, Nathan’s hot dogs, Kosher delicatessen (well, we may have to go into Manhattan for that one) and other delicacies await us.

Fellow Brooklynite FlyerTalk members, what do you think?

Now back to the original topic already in progress...

FlyerTalk members such as dhammer53, meducate, Marysunshine, monitor, me and others should get together, eat, reminisce, eat, play Brooklyn games such as stoop ball and stickball, eat, go to Coney Island, eat, and visit each other’s old neighborhoods.

Fellow Brooklynite FlyerTalk members, what do you think?

Now back to the original topic already in progress...

Uh, who could say no to such a wonderful offer? Count me in...perhaps someone should start a new thread on the topic.

Oh, as for good kosher deli, I worked at one when I was in high school (South Shore, class of '82) and I believe that it is still open -- Mill Basin Deli on E 58 Street and Avenue T.

So...on with it!

Meducate-owitz

Sorry to report that while the Mill Basin Deli is still in business, the food is not terribly good. We stopped going there several years ago. As to a Brooklynite Do, I am right there.....Oh no, wait..........I AM RIGHT HERE --- still in Brooklyn and still in Canarsie :)

Uh, who could say no to such a wonderful offer? Count me in...perhaps someone should start a new thread on the topic.

Oh, as for good kosher deli, I worked at one when I was in high school (South Shore, class of '82) and I believe that it is still open -- Mill Basin Deli on E 58 Street and Avenue T.

So...on with it!

Meducate-owitzLet me guess — you worked at Joe’s South Shore delicatessen, which was once known as Appy’s. It was a triangular-shaped building (due to the shape of the street corner) on the corner of Ralph Avenue and Glenwood Road.

The Mill Basin Delicatessen (www.pastrami.net) is still at its location on Avenue T near Ralph Avenue, but while its food is quite good, it is nowhere nearly as good as Katz’s Delicatessen (http://www.katzdeli.com/) in Manhattan.

Still, I would eat at the Mill Basin Delicatessen.

For the record, I miss a good New York delicatessen potato salad (and, for that matter, macaroni salad). The Publix supermarket near me in Marietta does a somewhat decent job, but it tastes like it is missing some major ingredient.

As far as starting a new thread on this topic, I intended to do so but wanted to get some feedback first. I do not know why I did not think of this idea before. Perhaps I will...

...by the way, please accept my apologies for once again interrupting this thread.

Well the trade show is done, but I'm still buried w/ work stuff this week, so just taking a quick look to see final details. Will start hitting FT more regularly after I return from this week's Freddies/Dan tour.

Just remembered I fly out Thurs & still haven't booked hotel - yikes. Better do that today. Again, I'll look for a Hilton in Manhattan.

Looking forward to seeing everyone - and dan, this year I'm telling my clients that I'm off for 2 days, so no early wake-up calls/catch the first flight back to LA for crisis/cancel attending the famous tour.

See you all soon! Cheers. Sharon

Marty - is it decent champers in PS F?