NYC FlyerTalk Party Report
 

Writing to you from Punki's fabulous place in NYC, here is a review of the great NYC get together.

FIrst: think PIP!

So far, so good for this great weekend get together. I will post in detail what has happened but here are the highlights:

*The first shock of the weekend: NO CYNDY! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif just this guy who looked very familiar. I was speechless that it was just old Premex! I was sssssoooo disappointed (NOT that he showed up but CYNDY did not! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
*I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful and talented essxjay and have converted her to loving the official donut of Flyertalk: Krispy Kreames.
*The Talkies were a great success. There were some surprises and Boomer did a great job putting it together and introducing some great catagories. I will have HIM provide the details.
*Wishing you well Scott the Flyer and I hope to see you soon.
*DOC: You are missing such a great time! So SORRY you could not come.
*After some sightseeing with Burkey and AnnaS, we are enjoying deli lunch at Punki's with Andrea and Premex (when he comes)
*It's great weather, which makes me relieved. That's all I need is for pouring rain while we're going around.

This afternoon: probably lower Manhattan then drinks at the Marriott Marquis and dinner at West Bank with SCL Flyer and husband and flyme2 and his wife.

I'll post more Sunday afternoon.

Wingless: Good job keeping the mice & sheep off! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks for the kind words, I'm really bummed that I didn't make it. I am feeling a lot better today Thanks for the concern, I hope everyone has a great time. http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Cheers Scott

OK< here's the UNCENSORED but G rated version of the NYC FLyertalk weekend!

22 October: It started with me seeing this vision of beauty walking through the lobby of the Marriott World Trade Center. It was essxjay and we talked and laughed about cats and the news business and stuff. I said "OH I hope CYNDY doesn't mind being around all of these Flyertalkers!"
Then "CYNDY" walks in in a men's polo shirt and slacks. It was PremEx. I asked what he was doing there and he said "I'm CYNDY!" Then the cat got my tongue.
Boomer then joined us a few minutes later and we all headed to Krispy Kreame to introduce essxjay to the "unofficial donut of Flyertalkers" (like Sam Adams is the unofficial beer and PEPSI THE OFFICIAL COLA OF F-T!" We talked of miles and travel and customer service and ate donuts and felt good.
Some sightseeing on tap: nice walk to the Woolworth building, along b-way, we wanted to go to the top of WTC but I had my Chuck Taylors on and they refused to let us in. RATS!
After walking the lovely essxjay to Chinatown where she picked up a subway to her next stop , the boys and "CYNDY" went to Tennesee mountain. Burkey got out of anesthesia early so he joined us at 6p. Then RichG appeared and we all went upstairs for awesome ribs and beer and laughs and other stuff.
Boomer: You are a fine host and good luck on the Talkies.He gave us the rundowna nd some interesting results and analysis!
Punki and her associate Andrea joined us where they had healthy food. Nice to have more beautiful women gracing our presence.

It was late and while Boomer went off with "CYNDY" and RIchG had to get home... Punki, Andrea, Burkey and I went to the Sheraton NY's bar where I did a classic job of ordering a martini, Quiet Lion style (ROAR! You got me hooked on them good friend!) It was late, and We all retired for frequent sleeping points!

The Saturday adventures on another post. (HEY! I'm almost at 4K! I must get there!)

The Saturday chronicles!

23 October: After commuting back and forth NYC-JC to check on the mess my contractors made to my apartment (and WHAT A MESS, but that's too OMNI for here) met up with Burkey and ANNAS who surprised me wtih nice chocolates and a book about one of my favorite attractions, the COWS on Parade in Chicago (The Flyertalk cow is on the cover!)


We did some walking around ROckefeller Center to the rink to Fifth Avenue to the overpriced 57th Street, then went to PUnki's place at the Manhattan Club to see the lovely hostless and the fun Andrea. (PremEx had business and would join us at dinner!)

Lunch was a fine cornacopia of deli sandwiches, cheese and cucumbers, perhaps one of teh best white wines I ever had (from Washington state) and PEPSI for me. there were mroe laughs and flyertalk talk and myself trying to work on Punki's nice lavender colored laptop!
We decided to take the bus down to South Ferry and see the Statue of Liberty. Well the bus stops at Macy's and Punki and Anna go off cosmetics shopping. Burkey and I stay in the background but then I show Andrea the souvenier shop downstairs. Punki and Anna don't show so I as host go hunting for them. About 10 minutes later we all meet up, avoding my asking security to page "two missing members of the Secret Society of Flyertalk women!"

With time ticking away we decided to subway it down to South Ferry. it's windy and we spent a little time walking about before heading back uptown to change for dinner.

Here's where I almost had a stroke from worry (have to say I wanted this weekend to be ppurrfect!) It's 6:05 and only PremEx is by what I thought I told everyone was the meeting place: bank of elevators in lobby of Marriot Marquis. Premex called me and said he was at the lobby: on the 8th floor! YIKES!
Go back up and down twice to find the rest of the guests. Burkey finds Premex and after 20 minutes we go to the revolving bar on the 8th floor.

Problem is: I did not realize there are TWO revolving bars. Flyme2 went to the top bar then came and found Burkey and us. (sorry you could not join us SCLGAL and your husband, maybe next time!)

Then Anna, Andrea and Punki joined us, they too went to the 8th floor. I was so upset!!! But I buried my stress in a Martini!

Off to the West Bank Grill. Took a while for a table but once we got it there was good fine, wine, laughs, good times and my relief when everyone appalded me.

Nice walk to the Plaza Oak room for a nightcap. Then It was about 1am when I hit the sack for a 4:30am wakeup for work on Sunday! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

But thank you, everyone for coming. Special thanks to my doctorate professor Punki for assisting me with things to do in NYC. I hope I made the grade and will get my P-H-P (Philosopher in Happy Partying!)

I guess I"m ready for the PIP!!! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Think PIP!!!

As noted, I was only able to attend the Friday festivities, but I want to commend Catman for his arrangements, and Boomer for a nice job with the Talkies, which do, as will become clear, include some surprising results.

"I am soooooooooooooo jealous!" http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

sooooooooooooo is © Rudi http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Sam Adams is the unofficial beer ... and the official one is .... Beck's http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

OMNI for Rudi... Actually and now i've discoverd this from an old entry in my diary...

BECKS is also the Cat's OFFICIAL BEER on U-A flights!

Excellent brew!!! And it's named for one of the most dashing and fun loving Flyertalkers!

Well I definitely think the Cat deserves his P.H.D. (Party Hosting Doctorate) for the wonderful time he showed us all here in NYC. It was a fabulous opportunity to see my old friends, Catman and Anna, and meet the new, PremEx, Boomer, RichG (who in case you haven't noticed has a wonderful quirky sense of humor), Burkey (whose real name isn't David) and Flyme2. Sadly I did not get to meet essxjay, though we spoke on the phone and discovered that our Portland offices are quite near to one another so I may see her next week, nor did I get to meet SCLGal whose office is no where near mine, so I will have to make a special trip to go visit her.

Dinner Friday was very fun, as was sitting at a window seat at the Sheraton drinking martinis and watching New York walk by. Catman has his martini order neatly printed on a card to read to the waitress. Is it another FlyerTalk Cat's business card? http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Saturday began, for us, at lunch my place where the extremely smart Anna hooked up my new lavendar computer (which exactly matches the lavendar Fembot Matt Mobile) so Catman could post to Webflyer. We then proceeded to Columbus Circle to buy fun passes and wandered around New York. Catman did panic briefly when Anna and I got temporarily misplaced in the Potions and Unguents Department at Macy's but since the Cat is a male and a native, he was probably unaware of an obscure City Ordinance that requires all gorgeous female visitors to the city to spend at least 30 minutes lusting over the secret beauty treatments uniquely available only in Paris and New York. http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I am sure essexjay knows these things.

I am actually quite certain that the mix-up at the Marriott visa vis the rotating bars was a clever Cat Plan to allow us the view of Manhattan from two slightly different perspectives. We certainly enjoyed them both.

Dinner at the West Bank was great. The most generous PremEx treated us to some very nice red wine, which I just tasted because as a weird vegetarian, I have special wine rules--white wine 'til Halloween and then red wine 'til Easter (unless of course you are on a trip to somewhere warm like the PIP). It is very strange but it works.

The walk to the Plaza was wonderful, as is any walk through New York on a beautiful evening with wonderful friends. And, of course, the Plaza is the Plaza. Andrea and I did dance.

Unfortunately Andrea had to go home early because of an emergency so I was briefly stuck with 2 tickets to Les Miserables and only one me (all the FlyerTalkers had to split before theater time and Catman had to work all night and was almost dead. My friend who lives in the Village, however, is hosting a young Swedish film producer who had not seen the musical so he became my most handsome and charming escort. A truly wonderful production that I am delighted I finally made time for. Wonderful day--a little shopping, great theater, a bite to eat with great company and now I am ready for rest. Two cross country red-eyes in the same week are a bit much for an old lady like me. http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Tomorrow I must get up very early and work hard to deserve this fabulous weekend in New York. Thank you very much, my favorite CAT! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 10-24-1999).]

Yes, the Cat has perrrrfected and fine tuned his social director skills and is ready for the PiP (only wish I could have made it there-- next time!) So a big Bravo for the Cat.

As others have said, we had a wonderful time, and had a great host, although Cindy was a little on the masculine side for my taste... http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif and I'm happy to report for *shim* that the hang-nail is healing just fine.

It was great to see those of you who I previsouly met for the second or third times, as well as those of you who it was the first time.

Rudi: If QuietLion uses a different number of "o"'s then there's no copyright violation. http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Punki: You are... too kind.
Also: Although I was not with you folks on Saturday, you should also be aware of a very old City Ordinance that prohibits Macy's and Bloomingdales from installing anything of any nature on their ground floor that will occupy in any way the attention of male customers while their female friends shop for potions and unguents. This is a local, but well-known, form of torture which was instituted, I believe, by Susan B. Anthony.


[This message has been edited by RichG (edited 10-24-1999).]

No further statement about my sooooooo-© until I have spoken with my lawyer http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

A grateful thanks to that most genial of hosts, Catman for purrforming his hosting duties with such charm and panache that he will now have surely earned his PHP.
Catman, I salute you and hereby nominate you to join the few who wander the hallowed halls of the Honour Society of FTU. You are in a league of your own!
As has been previously reported, SCLgal, her husband and my wife unfortunately couldn't make the NYC get-together, but on the upside, that meant more of that great wine that Premex so generously provided for the rest of us.
The evening began at the Broadway bar in the Marriott Marquis after a detour at the hotel's other revolving bar (what a great view). I recognized Burkey from a previous meeting and Catman from his photo, but I must say I was taken aback by the startling good looks of the enchanting Cyndy. Such a deep voice with those come-hither looks...sort of like Lauren Bacall, but without the same hair...or face...or hips... or, I guess most parts. But what a great personality!
After drinks and some enjoyable conversation, Punki, Andrea and AnnaS joined us and we were on our way to the West Bank Café.
Upon arrival, we had a short wait for our table and I made good use of it getting another Sam Adams from the bar and bargain shopping and travel tips from Punki. She does know her stuff.
Once seated, the conversations at our table were so lively and engaging that all eyes were us. I don't think any of the other diners had ever witnessed the spectacle of a FT get-together...and they say New Yorkers are jaded!
Premex is one very entertaining fellow, and I'm looking forward to enjoying his company at the PIP. I know he's too modest to admit this, but after a drink or two, get him to tell you how in one fell swoop, he saved Vienna from sinking. I was impressed. I do want to see his picture of Dorian Gray one day. I think he keeps it in his attic.
Burkey is such a nice guy, you wish all doctors could be that way. Earnest, good natured and down to earth.
Punki is...well what isn't she? She's lived a fascinating life and tells a mean story. She is a live wire and her boundless energy is infectious. No flies on Punki. She is a shrewd and savvy traveller.
AnnaS is smart, lively and can speak some French. A perfect candidate for a Montréal FT get-together. Her gregarious nature mimicks that of her mid-west roots. Looking forward to talking with her at the PIP.
Andrea, Punki's work associate, is beautiful and delightful in a manner that bespeaks her Iowa roots. Although not an official FT'er, there was some knudge, knudge, wink, wink between her and Punki that arroused some suspicion. Hhmmm.
A great meeting was had by all, and after photos and applause and cat calls, we all made our way out into the New York evening air, where I had to beg off and part company in preparation for an early morning drive back to Montréal via Jersee.
Once again, KUDOS to Catman for a job well. It was a GREAT pleasure meeting you all, and we'll talk more about an upcoming Montréal get-together at the PIP. See you there!

I believe that there is a special Flyer Talk clause that allows all really good phrases and idioms (even though copy righted) to be used by all full Flyer Talk Members. I believe it is found under "Duplication is the highest form of flattery!" or replication or something like that.

Think PIP! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Rudi: I am soooooooooooooo sorry! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I'm crying so hard right now that the cats are now cleaning the floor of the water! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

THank ALL OF YOU for makign it all possible. I would not be the person I am now without the support and spirit and respect of my many friends, my wealth in life!!!

I have the space on the wall for the P-H-P degree. I guess I will get it at the PIP (in the form of Yards of BEER, which I do want to try!)

Flyerme2... Whenever you want to do an F-T Montreal get together I can be there, since it's one of the few great cities I have NOT been too! Maybe for a special time of the year so we can see the fun side of Montreal!

Three cheers for Catman! Hip, hip, meow! Hip, hip, meow! Hip, hip, meow!

Well done old chap. Enjoy your PHP.

Now enough about all this Cyndy nonsense. Remember that I never claimed to be anything but good 'ole lovable PremEx. It was that charming Essexjay that seemed to have single-handedly mislead you all. Shame on her.

And Flyme2, only glad to have been able to save "Vienna" from it's watery grave. But remember, I couldn't have done it without you! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

hark...did I hear "Yards of Beer"?

I am awake now! Catman, we served you Ales, Porters, and Mimosa's and now you are learning the fine art of martini's. You have already tried and hopefully will stay away from Punki's dirty martini. The QuietLion knows about the perfect dry martini!

So now we have to acquaint you to the fine art of Yards. Please let Shadow, auh20, and myself show you the way in that heaven called the PIP. Even though you will be the cruise director that weekend, I am sure we can pull you by the paws over to a nearby watering hole for at least one yard.

Ok, I'm going back to sleep now.

One round trip ticket PDX-EWR (not including upgrade): $321.

A dozen Krispy Kremes and cawfee for four: $11.86.

The look on Catman's face when my pal "Cyndy" arrived in the lobby of the Marriott WTC: Priceless.

http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I just want to preface this trip report by begging Catman's forgiveness for fibbing about the true identity of Cyndy. It was with the best of intentions that PremEx roped me into his naughty little plan to surprise you. I hope you know that.

I really hate keeping secrets, but when PremEx emailed me about a month ago that he wanted to surprise Catman for the NYC FT get-together, I knew I had to hold up my end of the bargain no matter how convoluted the cover story. The toughest part was that I couldn't actually attend any of the dinners, but somehow had to get PremEx in on the head-count. Thusly, the alter ego of Cyndy.

Fast forward to the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 22. There was the indefatigable Catman, prowling the lobby of the Marriott when I raced in from a morning of mad errand-running. I can't remember who on this board said it, but Catman has a heart as big as NYC and a grin about a mile-wide, and it was my honor to finally meet him.

The plan was to wait for Boomer and then the three of us would head out for my baptism at the WTC Krispy Kreme where "Cyndy" would be waiting. I made a brief trek to my room to deposit my bags and it was a good thing, too: PremEx rang to ask exactly which Krispy Kreme in the WTC were we supposed to meet. Foiled! PremEx's backup plan was to give me 5 minutes to get back down to the lobby and he would stroll in right after.

When I returned, Catman asked about "Cyndy's" whereabouts. I was about to utter my final fib when "she" showed up. It was a scene fit for a MasterCard commercial.

The venerable Boomer joined us and I was soon acquainted with the joys of what cannot be described as "just a donut." I would step over my own mother for one of these . . . yum yum. http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly, details of which have been documented in previous posts. My only regret is that I couldn't clone myself and be in two places for the rest of the weekend, if only to witness the conga line of tanked FTers waltzing up Broadway to Central Park. I heard even the KKK was terrified! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Seriously, thank you again, Catman, for putting together such a wonderful afternoon. I look forward to seeing you - and Boomer and PremEx and all the others I missed - real soon.


[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 10-25-1999).]

Catman: I may be crazy, but I like Montreal in the middle of February.

#1 good thing about Montreal: Impossible to find a bad meal!

#2 good thing about Montreal: Cheapest taxis in North America!

Dear essxjay: it was wonderful that instead of resting from your busy trip that you decided to spend some time with a puurfectly strange Catman, a brilliant and witty Boomer and of course a personal hero of mine, PremEx the great Surpriser.

Essxjay: I hope you can come up again and we can spend more time discussing Krispy Kreames and Cats and other fun stuff. I'm glad you kept the surprise because I'm still happily stunned by it!

Premex: for someone to come all that way (even with all those U-A miles!) give a nice surprise, that's a true sign of friendship. MAHALO BRUDDAR!

It was one of the highlights of my weekend
(YES FOLKS! I DO LIKE SURPRISES! GOOD SURPRISES! I HAD A FEW BAD ONES IN MY LIFE AND ONE THAT ALMOST KILLED ME THAT WANDERLUST, AUH20 AND MILECRAZY KNOW ABOUT AND I MAY SHARE AT THE PIP!)

Flyme2: how is Montreal in February? is that Valentine's weekend?

Catman,

I want to apoligize for not showing up. We had some problems and we couln't go. I didn't have the name of the restaurant or your telephone number with me and that's why I didn't tell you I was not going.

I'm glad you all had a great time at the dinner and again, sorry for not going.

Claudia.

Catman, Montreal in F-f-february will be f-f-f-f-freezing!

I love my city, but even my hometown pride couldn't make me say that Montréal is the place to be in February. It's cold and slushy with not much going on because most of us are down south warming our frozen buns. I could never inflict such torture on my fellow FT'ers. Spring is lovely, summer even better but September is my personal favourite. Montréal does go festival crazy in the summertime, though, and you can partake in anything from jazz or comedey to hot air ballooning, film, gourmet food or my wife's favourite, the international fireworks competition. Of course, the more popular the festival, the higher the hotel occupancy rate. February, in that respect at least, would pose no problem.
September/October offers good hotel rates, autumn foliage, moderate temperatures with plenty of sunshine and more elbow room at your favourite watering hole.
Don't forget that current exchange rates mean that your US$ saves you at least 33% on all your purchases. Ex. Ritz Hotel at $250 CAD = $167 USD, Centre Sheraton at $189 CAD = $126 USD, Wyndham at $109 CAD = $73 USD, 2 l. bottle of PEPSI at $0.99 CAD = $0.67 USD
And if you save all your receipts of $50 CAD or more, totalling at least $200 CAD, you'll be able to get back all our GST/PST (value added) taxes...including your hotel stay. What a deal! So what are you waiting for?

SCLGal: Please do not worry about missing the get together. I was so disappointed not to have met you and your husband but I am sure you will coem back to NYC )or I will come to S.A.) and see you both then.

As I said Flyme2, you are the master of Montreal and I nominate you to organize the Montreal F-T get together. Basically you select several dates, find enough people to come on one date and have FUN FUN FUN!!!

I HAVE MADE A VOW TO GO TO MONTREAL NEXT YEAR. JUST DON'T REALLY WANT TO GO ALONE.

I knew you'd all say I was crazy about February.

I always wanted to go to the comedy festival. I nominate that.

Sorry this has been a bit delayed but here goes...

10/22
My flight was supposed to leave at 7PM in the hopes that I could hook up with fellow FlyerTalkers for after dinner drinks but that was not to be. The flight ended up being delayed about 1/2 hour due to waiting for the pilot who was still in transit. Flight was pretty smooth and with the wind at our backs, we came in about 15 mins. late. I didn't expect the EXTREMELY long taxi line at LGA so by the time I got to my hotel (which was very nice & they had checked me in prior to my arrival since I was so late), the after dinner drinks were winding down so we made plans to meet up the next day. The Sheraton Russell was very nice although off the beaten path from everyone else. I was given a nice suite which was almost as big as Punki's condo! Sometimes Platinum status helps (but no welcome amenity http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif )

10/23:
A wonderful day of sightseeing with Catman, Burkey, Punki & Andrea filled with sights, shopping & deli sandwiches! A truly fun-filled day already described by everyone else. Dinner was at the fabulous restaurant chosen by Mr. Cat with great food, great friends (including one very masculine-looking Cyndy! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ) and my very first Cosomopolitan (yum!!). The walk over to the Plaza was just the ticket to settle dinner & prepare for a very nice nightcap. A terrific evening all around!

10/24:
Got to LGA earlier than I planned & attempted to get on the 12PM flight rather than the 1PM but no such luck since it was completely booked. So, I went to the RCC again, thinking just how worth it the membership was to be away from the crowds at the gate! Flight was jam packed but uneventful & even managed to get in 15 mins. early.

Thanks again especially to Catman for setting up this get-together & doing such a wonderful job hosting. Mr. Cat, you are more than ready for your duties at the PiP! Thanks to everyone else for a great weekend of old & new friends!

------------------
Regards,
- Anna

The Just For Laughs comedey festival usually runs from July 15 or so until the 25th. Hotels are usually jam-packed so if this were to become the Montréal FT get-together time frame, things would have to start rolling well in advance. Montréal in summer is very much like Paris. You take your refreshments and/or meal at an outdoor bistro (café) and watch all the beautiful French women (or men, for those who prefer that species) saunter by in those clingy tanktops and hip-hugging shorts. I may be biased, but I still find Montréal women to rank near the top quartile. They are equally stunning in February, but who can tell with all those layers they have to wear to ward off the cold.
I dare you FT'ers to prove me wrong! You'll have to come down and judge for yourselves.

Flyme2, may I propose that you pick a few dates for Montreal for next year, post it under community and see which one gets the most interest.

I know it's early but it would allow a LOT of us to plan.

Thanks and can't wait to see the "sights" in Montreal (female and otherwise! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif