[BGB] Historicon?

[rohn at ix.netcom.com]

-----Original Message-----
>From: rohn at ix.netcom.com
>Sent: Jul 27, 2006 2:55 AM
>To: tballou at comcast.net
>Subject: Re: [BGB] Historicon?
>
>Hi All,
>   Didn't get leave approved until Thursday afternoon, drove down on Friday. (took about 10 hours given my bad leg and traffic re-routes)
>   Played a couple "after session" games and imbibed in "adult beverages". <big surprise>
>   Saturday, recovered from a nasty work week, travel and previous night. Spent better part of day at pool. Actually, most time on socializing. Dinner with "Whitey" (missed the 40th birthday party), and a good talk with Ed P., amongst others.
>   Quite refreshing.
>
>   Observations/recon:
>
>   One of the better conventions, ever,  do you think it might have anything to do with Bob Giglio being back in charge?
>   Reports of the best flea markets ever! Repeat ever! Space taken from ancients tourneys (declining attendance?), allowed for roomy flea market area. People not jammed in. 
>   Dealer area reported to be very good.
>   Seemed to be a good turn-out. Noticed, confirmed by others, a MUCH larger number of teenage players. Maybe the "greying of the hobby" has turned around?
>   The Host (hotel) has taken a VERY aggressive stance on upgrading the facilities. Many rooms were under renovation, tinted window installation the most obvious. Taking rooms out of service during peak season underlines the effort!
>   Food service seems to have reached a new level(good), not just hot dogs any more. Just not certain if I want to see a certain gamer stuffing a plate of pulled pork (or enchiladas) down his sweat pants! But, I digress.
>   MANY new faces!
>
>   Politics rears it's ugly head:
>   The ancients group, annoyed at being marginalized, attempted a coup of HMGS. Sadly, they resorted to chicanery. (printing out bogus ballots, etc.) One elected HMGS director deposed.
>    Caught!
>    The ancients crowd has threatened to leave HMGS and Historicon.
>    From what I saw this last weekend, the space could easily be used for other games/dealers/flea market. HMGS has agonized the last few years about expanding to another facility. The fiasco in Baltimore, only underscores the difficulty of moving elsewhere. It might take a couple of years, but the Host is flexible on space.
>   In other words, if the ancients crowd wants a different venue, or more space,
>GOOD RIDDANCE!
>
>   Patting myself on my back:
>   VERY, VERY happy to see some of my suggestions as Cold Wars Co-director finally come to fruition. 
>   1) The level of technology/automation, 
>      people can actually register and pay online. You would not believe the animosity level in discussing this about five years ago, at the BoD (board of directors) level. I feel SO vindicated. Hopefully this will be the "baseline" norm, and HMGS can continue to progress. 
>   Would like to see it to the point where you can scan your HMGS barcode, get your badge, and go off to play games. Those who remember standing in line for 2 hours can appreciate!
>   2) GM (game master) support person,
>      They actually went overboard on this one, YES!! Had suggested a support person, much like a "beach master" to resolve any table conflicts. You would not believe how many people set up games on the wrong table.  :(  
>      HMGS actually has a table staffed just for GM problems/support. Need a dolly to carry your stuff to the game table? They find it! Very GM friendly.
>
>   Again, didn't play many games, but looked like a good turn-out. 10 out of 10!
>
>   Primary reason for trip was to see my mom, she isn't dong too well, but in good spirit.
>
>   Also, got to see Pete E., and family, at Seneca Lake ( 3 hours driving on cruise contrlol vs. 5 hours stop and go traffic, no brainer with bad leg). Water warm, great swimming and boat trip. Taught the girls (Rachel and Nicole) firearms basics. Both got bullseyes with air rifles and real pistols!! 
>   Trounced Pete at Axis & Allies D-Day. Then smoked him on the re-match, not a single German piece left on the board. Thanks to Vic for showing me the winning strategy. Pete made me sit in the sun, then reversed table so I was looking into the sun, plying me with rum all the time. He is 0-8 on this game. (easy pickings!) Please, ask him to play, otherwise Rachel or Nicole will have to play him!
>
>Later,
>Rohn
>
>
>   
>
>-----Original Message-----
>>From: tballou at comcast.net
>>Sent: Jul 24, 2006 3:35 PM
>>To: BattleGroup Boston <bgb at battlegroupboston.org>
>>Subject: [BGB] Historicon?
>>
>>So How was it?
>>
>>--
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>>
>>"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president,
>> or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is
>> not only unpatriotic, and servile, but is morally treasonable
>> to the American public."
>>
>>--Theodore Roosevelt
>>
>>"Never drive a car when you're dead."
>>
>>--Tom Waits "Telephone Call From Istanbul"
>>
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