Topic: Chicagocon '09 - The Internet Invades the Midwest (Read 96404 times)

Barmymoo · « **Reply #400 on:** 19 May 2009, 05:32 »

You are all missing out, that is all I can say, and if you ever come to the UK then I advise you to get an open return ticket from somewhere to somewhere else and get out of the train as often as possible to look at the little villages and then catch the next train on from where you are (make sure there actually is a next train, it is possible to be come stranded in Little Higginsworth-on-the-Wyne for five days and there are no shops and no pub and basically nothing at all except three churches and an inexplicable barber's shop).

Trains are the best thing.

Lines · « **Reply #401 on:** 19 May 2009, 06:22 »

Barmy, I've been on subways before, just not an actual train above ground.

Will · « **Reply #402 on:** 19 May 2009, 07:16 »

I believe that one of Obama's ideas for "stimulus" in America involves a renewed interest in rail infrastructure. I can remember as a kid that there were multiple routes daily running through the Pittsburgh Amtrak stop; now, your choices are limited to the Capitol Ltd (Chicago->DC) and the Pennsylvanian (Pitt->Philly) and those trains only run once each per day.

It's a shame that passenger rail traffic has gone the way of the buffalo...it's a wonderful way to travel, and I'm insanely jealous of you fine folks in Europe, Australia, and other countries who were smart enough to invest in and maintain their rail system. I wish I could hop on a train and ride about the country.

Liz · « **Reply #403 on:** 19 May 2009, 07:21 »

I'm pretty sure they're planning on running a rail system from Minneapolis to Chicago, which will be fantastic. From what I've seen of Chicago (been there three times for just a short time period) I really like it, so now I will be able to get there more easily! Too bad it won't be open before Chicagocon...

Barmymoo · « **Reply #404 on:** 19 May 2009, 07:28 »

From my relatively limited knowledge of European rail systems, ours is pretty shocking. There's always one major section of the line closed for no particularly good reason, you're almost certain to end up on a rail replacement bus at one point during your journey if it happens during a holiday or the weekend, and particularly if you're travelling anywhere near Chester you will miss your connection, you will end up stranded at a station for several hours with no idea what's going on, and you will be late. But the upside of travelling by train here, and it's a big upside, is that train lines have a special knack for travelling through the most beautiful part of any area and letting you see all the different parts of countryside. My favourite section of train line is the one that goes through Middlesborough (I was trying to find the name of the line but interestingly a Google search for the word "Middlesborough" elicits a content filter rating of 2375 [for reference, a search for "kitten porn" only gets a score of 2845]). Not only are the trains fairly punctual and the scenery nice, but the tables have built-in chess boards and Monopoly sets.

Oli · « **Reply #405 on:** 19 May 2009, 07:33 »

Quote from: Will on 18 May 2009, 06:02

So who wants to meet me in Pittsburgh and take a train to Chicago? It's hells of fun!

I have of late begun formulating a plan to fit a trip to Pittsburgh into this adventure because a good friend of mine lives there and it seems like a waste to go to the states and not see her and she has a broken hip! This does depend on a couple of things such as money and how easy it is to get from Fort Wayne to Pittsburgh, but I was planning on either flying or getting the train from Pittsburgh to Chicago.

If I did I'd be in Pittsburgh for probably a maximum of 2 days, but maybe would only be able to meet you at the station before getting the train because I would be staying with a cripple and her husband and it might be a bit weird.

Also this is very very far from definite.

Will · « **Reply #406 on:** 19 May 2009, 07:44 »

I was looking up ticket prices last night; a train ticket from Pittsburgh to Chicago leaving July 30th and returning August 4th will run you about $150 round trip, plane fare for roughly the same dates will be $125. If you're planning on making Pittsburgh a layover stop before Chicago, I'd say the extra $25 is worth the trip. The Capitol Ltd is a red-eye train that leaves Pitt at roughly 11:55pm and arrives in Chicago at 8:40am the next morning. Plus, unlike either Midway or O'hare, Union Station is right in downtown...literally, you walk two blocks from the Canal St. entrance, and you're already in The Loop.

Keep me posted, for sure!

Zingoleb · « **Reply #407 on:** 19 May 2009, 19:55 »

Damn, I really wish I could go. Oh, well. Some other year, perhaps, perhaps.

Tyler · « **Reply #408 on:** 19 May 2009, 20:36 »

That and it is a good idea to first build a better repertoire with those in attendance so they feel friendly with you.

Barmymoo · « **Reply #409 on:** 20 May 2009, 02:57 »

There are a few changes to the situation with the house, so I've changed the accommodation post but I'll post it here too.

The rental company have either made a mistake or got confused and our contract appears to be for July 31st - August 3rd, which is one day fewer than we had thought. Obviously this will mean that things are cheaper but it will also mean that anyone who was planning on staying the Monday night may need to make alternative plans. As soon as things are settled I'll post again.

I know it's a while off yet but in terms of arriving at the house, we can't get there before 5pm and it would be better if most people aimed for a bit later, in case of eyebrow-raising over the number of people staying. We can sort this out properly closer to the time but please try and factor this into your plans

We need to check out on the day we leave (it looks like the Monday at the moment) by 11am.

Jace · « **Reply #410 on:** 20 May 2009, 03:12 »

Oh hey, also, I'm not able to go to this anymore. Interest waned and I have other stuff I have to spend money on.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #411 on:** 20 May 2009, 03:51 »

All of this train-talk leads me to believe that the next thing the various con-interested forum members should be organising is Orient ExpressCon. If you'd like I can even organise for one (1) member to be murdered on the train!

Lines · « **Reply #412 on:** 20 May 2009, 05:13 »

I do not want to be murdered. Someone was almost murdered last year and while funny to remember was actually not so funny while it was happening.

Also that is kind of lame about the house. But hey, a house is better than no house and that helps a bit with travel plans.

Slick · « **Reply #413 on:** 20 May 2009, 06:36 »

Quote from: Tyler on 19 May 2009, 20:36

build a better repertoire

rapport?

Tyler · « **Reply #414 on:** 20 May 2009, 06:48 »

woops

Will · « **Reply #415 on:** 20 May 2009, 07:56 »

Quote from: Barmymoo on 20 May 2009, 02:57

There are a few changes to the situation with the house, so I've changed the accommodation post but I'll post it here too.

The rental company have either made a mistake or got confused and our contract appears to be for July 31st - August 3rd, which is one day fewer than we had thought. Obviously this will mean that things are cheaper but it will also mean that anyone who was planning on staying the Monday night may need to make alternative plans. As soon as things are settled I'll post again.

I know it's a while off yet but in terms of arriving at the house, we can't get there before 5pm and it would be better if most people aimed for a bit later, in case of eyebrow-raising over the number of people staying. We can sort this out properly closer to the time but please try and factor this into your plans We need to check out on the day we leave (it looks like the Monday at the moment) by 11am.

If I come, I'll be arriving at Chicago around 8:40am, but my usual modus operandi when visiting Chicago is to get off the train, grab a CTA pass, and wander about the city anyway. I'll most likely amuse myself all day finding things to do, and then try to meet up with everybody later that night.

For anyone staying at the house whose travel plans involve arriving in Chicago ass-early in the morning, the Museum of Contemporary Art opens at 10am and can easily eat up several hours of your day. Anyone feel like organizing a group walk-through?

Liz · « **Reply #416 on:** 20 May 2009, 08:26 »

Also, we do have a few forumites in the city, so maybe if you ask them nicely they will let you drop your shit off at their place, and maybe hang out for a while. No guarantees, though.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #417 on:** 20 May 2009, 08:44 »

Quote from: Barmymoo on 19 May 2009, 04:05

Quote from: Linds on 18 May 2009, 12:18
take a train for the first time ever

...

seriously?

I can't comprehend living in a country where trains are not a regular part of life. I hadn't even thought about this but does America have inter-town trains? Like, trains that stop at each little village along the way? Or does the ubiquity of the automobile make it unnecessary? (I am so pretentious today)

Wow. Ever so often something reminds me that America is a whole other country, not just some kind of British clone a few thousand miles away.

This is actually something I did for the first time about two months ago. The current governor of my state made it a priority to get cheaper, more efficient inter-city travel up and down the Rio Grande and launched the Railrunner, a passenger train that covers about 100 miles of the major metropolitan areas of the state. Unfortunately, the southernmost end is about 40 miles from my town, which is incredibly frustrating because taking a train up to downtown Santa Fe for a day is super rad.

0bsessions · « **Reply #418 on:** 20 May 2009, 09:59 »

Quote from: David_Dovey on 20 May 2009, 03:51

All of this train-talk leads me to believe that the next thing the various con-interested forum members should be organising is Orient ExpressCon. If you'd like I can even organise for one (1) member to be murdered on the train!

You know, this actually sounds like a lot of fun. Just take a week, get a bunch of people together and take a train from one place to another, spending a day in each destination. You don't need hotel accommodations if you're sleeping on a train. Maybe make it a three stop mobile meetup.

Metope · « **Reply #419 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:05 »

EuroCon 2010

0bsessions · « **Reply #420 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:09 »

I was actually just checking the same thing in the US: US Amtrak Map.

Metope · « **Reply #421 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:10 »

Let's all get filthy rich and do both!

pen · « **Reply #422 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:11 »

I vote Europe. Is there a vote? There is now.

0bsessions · « **Reply #423 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:13 »

I'd like the idea of DC to Chicago to Denver to San Francisco, that'd be epic.

But I'd be more than open to Europe if a vote went that way.

0bsessions · « **Reply #424 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:25 »

The Europe one looks more fun by a WIDE margin, but it'd take a severe time and monetary commitment from anyone interested, plus, it'd be ass expensive for us Americans. We'd have to buy individual fares, since only European citizens can get the global pass (which seems idiotic, as this entire thing would be mostly beneficial for tourists). If I were going to go for a rail ride in Europe, I'd want to check out more than one country. It seems kind of pointless otherwise, honestly.

Will · « **Reply #425 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:33 »

Quote from: 0bsessions on 20 May 2009, 10:13

I'd like the idea of DC to Chicago to Denver to San Francisco, that'd be epic.

But I'd be more than open to Europe if a vote went that way.

DC to Chicago to Seattle would be amazing too...the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle is considered by train buffs to be the most beautiful route through the US of any mode of transportation, period. The History Channel had a short lived series called "Extreme Trains" that did an episode on that route...it's breathtaking even on TV; can't imagine how epic in must be in real life.

0bsessions · « **Reply #426 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:40 »

That also sounds delightful. I'm primarily thinking it based on QCer locations. Can't attend a con? We'll bring the con to you! Either way, this would be one that'd probably take over a year of planning, as it would be hella expensive (I just priced the route, it's only $275 one way if you wanna sit in coach the whole time, but it jumps to $1500 if you go with one of the basic sleeping rooms and over $2,000 for one with a private shower. Monetarily speaking, the best bet would probably be to take a two day layover in each stop and get a hostel/hotel for one night at each to give time to explore the city for a full day while staying coach the whole way, but the option of a bed would be there for anyone not keen on that.

Metope · « **Reply #427 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:40 »

What, only Europeans can buy the global pass? Yeah that's pretty absurd. Well, I guess the whole thing requires too much planning and money from everyone interested to be a success anyway, seeing how night trains usually requires paying extra to get a comfortable place to sleep, and you often have to order the ticket a day or two before getting on the train. Setting up a route everyone is happy with can also be a challenge.

I'm doing this in a couple of weeks with a few friends anyway, so I'll let you know how it went. I'm super excited!

pen · « **Reply #428 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:48 »

Also seems more time consuming than just a week, depending on the route. If we tried to get too many places in with a couple days at each place, that'd add up fast, and not everyone gets good vactation time from their companies.

0bsessions · « **Reply #429 on:** 20 May 2009, 10:52 »

Right. Upon reevaluation, this'd probably be a two week venture and probably not the best for most of the forum. I'd still like to try it at some point anyway, just get a group together and try it.

jhocking · « **Reply #430 on:** 20 May 2009, 13:31 »

Quote from: Will on 20 May 2009, 10:33

the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle is considered by train buffs to be the most beautiful route through the US of any mode of transportation, period.

crap and I've already been doing too much traveling the last couple months

0bsessions · « **Reply #431 on:** 20 May 2009, 14:19 »

If this idea actually ends up getting off the ground, it'd be in excess of a year off at best.

Lines · « **Reply #432 on:** 20 May 2009, 16:49 »

If I took the train, I'd have to arrive on either the 30th or the 1st arriving there around 10am and leave on the 4th and get home around 3am. If I take the Megabus, I can get to Chicago (on the 31st) at 6:20am or 2pm and then leave (on the 3rd) 8am, 3:30pm, or 10pm. And if I did the super early time, my round trip would cost me at most $25. ($45 if I did the latter arrival time.)

So...I think I may be taking the bus again because the train schedule just does not want to work for me, unless someone doesn't mind me spending the night Thursday night? I'm definitely not going to be taking the train home, but if someone doesn't mind lending me couch/floor space, I will most definitely take the train up.

jodizzle · « **Reply #433 on:** 20 May 2009, 18:08 »

Guys my plane leaves on the Tuesday from Chicago so we will have to work something out if we can't stay Monday night in the house!

I am organised to go and pay for my tickets tomorrow oh my god that means this is really happening AAAAHHHHHH

calenlass · « **Reply #434 on:** 21 May 2009, 01:08 »

woooooooo

Barmymoo · « **Reply #435 on:** 21 May 2009, 01:59 »

Quote from: PantsFTW on 20 May 2009, 03:12

Oh hey, also, I'm not able to go to this anymore.

For definite?

jodizzle · « **Reply #436 on:** 21 May 2009, 03:34 »

dammit, there has been a slight hiccup with my tickets, just when I thought it was sorted. Apparently in order to use the cheaper around the world fare I need 3 stops. I ccurrently only have 2, Chicago and London. wah, what should I do?

Barmymoo · « **Reply #437 on:** 21 May 2009, 05:51 »

You could fly into somewhere else in Europe on the way, possibly?

Jace · « **Reply #438 on:** 21 May 2009, 07:29 »

Quote from: Barmymoo on 21 May 2009, 01:59

Quote from: PantsFTW on 20 May 2009, 03:12
Oh hey, also, I'm not able to go to this anymore.

For definite?

Unless I get like $3000 dollars in the next month or two, yeah, I can't go. I mean, it's entirely feasible that I do get that money, but I mean, I don't have a job right now. And I might not get one for a bit, and even if I do, I won't get any money from it for a month, depending on the job. Things were supposed to be in place at the start of this month, but that didn't work out. If it is all set up by middle of June, I can go, otherwise, its a no go. Unless I found a way to drive up there and bum around for the days, my current situation stops me.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #439 on:** 21 May 2009, 08:11 »

Quote from: jodizzle on 21 May 2009, 03:34

dammit, there has been a slight hiccup with my tickets, just when I thought it was sorted. Apparently in order to use the cheaper around the world fare I need 3 stops. I ccurrently only have 2, Chicago and London. wah, what should I do?

Albuquerque!

Boro_Bandito · « **Reply #440 on:** 21 May 2009, 10:58 »

Where the towels are oh so fluffly! And the air smells like warm rootbeer.

Umm yeah, I'm in Pants' situation, can't go unless I get a job, since I don't have one now and I'm down to near desperate level with what money I have left. My maybe is becoming more and more probably a no.

jodizzle · « **Reply #441 on:** 21 May 2009, 21:21 »

It has to be a different country Jordan!

Stupid COMPLICATIONS

Liz · « **Reply #442 on:** 21 May 2009, 22:09 »

Bangkok.

hee

jhocking · « **Reply #443 on:** 21 May 2009, 22:48 »

real mature

jodizzle · « **Reply #444 on:** 22 May 2009, 00:17 »

ok guys. I am officially booked in for this as of today. I have paid,. I am set. Liz, I will be seeing you in Fargo on the 20th of July at like, 10:something pm.

I got around the other stop thing by adding a few days in Paris at the end of my trip. Who would have thought I would be all, oh yeah, why not, chuck Paris in there too why don't you?

So I'm set, I will be at Chicago! I hope you all appreciate how fucking broke you are all making me. Dicks.

LiterSize · « **Reply #445 on:** 22 May 2009, 07:48 »

So the facebook link just takes me to the main facebook page. Is there a planning/meetup event page, too?

Lines · « **Reply #446 on:** 22 May 2009, 08:07 »

Don't think so, so I'll make one up.

Lines · « **Reply #447 on:** 22 May 2009, 08:24 »

Group is made. It's locked, so if I didn't invite you it's just because we aren't friends on facebook, not because I hate you or something. So those who I did invite, fill in the gaps, or the people who I didn't invite can find me on facebook and I'll send an invite on over.

Just for various reasons, we'll talk about the exact details, like where we're staying, over there.

Wait, I found the event page. Which I forgot existed.

Liz · « **Reply #448 on:** 22 May 2009, 09:15 »

yayyyy Jodie! We will have fun times, I promise!

From my thinking there are two options we have for a schedule:

1) Spend Tuesday doing whatever in Fargo. Wednesday morning, wake up and drive to Minneapolis. Do fun things in Minneapolis. Stay Wednesday night in Minneapolis with cousin/brother/friend. Thursday morning, ass out of bed and drive to Fort Wayne. (Could also maybe stay in Chicago overnight Thursday if the drive gets too long). Roll into Fort Wayne either Thursday night or Friday morning.

2) Spend Tuesday morning/afternoon doing whatever in Fargo. Head to Minneapolis Tuesday night, sleep. Wednesday morning do fun things in Minneapolis. Drive to Chicago. Stay overnight Wednesday with random forumite (necessary for plan two). Continue to Fort Wayne Thursday morning.

Both would work well, it just depends how much fun we are having, I guess.

Will · « **Reply #449 on:** 22 May 2009, 11:44 »

Linds, I responded to the Facebook event thing for this, so my FB link is there somewhere. William James, look me up so you can add me or something.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: Chicagocon '09 - The Internet Invades the Midwest (Read 96404 times)

Zingoleb