Signed up!
See y'all there.
...Mike
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Signed up!
See y'all there.
...Mike
I just flew round trip Baltimore - Dallas for $59 on American.
ATM I should consider all possible ways excluding driving especialy solo
--Displaser has miles to use.. myb we can fly together..NO WAY WILL i NEVER DRIVE SOLO AGAIN.
Which airports are best choice?. To get the best deal when should I try to book? which airline?
ty for any help
Im flying if I go.. I will there to help w/sunday set-up.
If your buddy wants to help out with load-in on Sunday, that would be appreciated. But I can't see a need for any scaffolding. To be honest, we haven't used scaffold at SELEM in years.
We will have the big triangle truss and Wil's smaller box truss available for projectors on the Club-SELEM side of the hall. On the Auditorium side of the hall we will have numerous tripods and glow totems for the projectors. We'll probably use tripods at the back of the room for the graphics projectors and the glow totems up front near the wall (display screen) for any beam projectors. Obviously the venue has tables and chairs in abundance, so no worries there.
Setup should go a lot smoother at Brad's venue than it ever did in Newton!
Adam
JI used Priceline. Nothing special. I have often used Google Flights as well. As far as flying out of Texas, airports I have familiarity with are DFW, Houston Hobby, George Bush Int., Austin and, whatever San Antonio's airport is. Family has used Killeen Regional several times to get to Dallas. For flying in, either BWI or PHL (Baltimore/Washington Int. and Philadelphia Int.). Honestly... the trick is use the various combinations and see what gives you the lowest fare. Be certain to check on baggage because some of the cheapest appearing flights end up costing the same if you're checking 1 or more bags. Most of my trips recently I've just had a backpack and nothing else but, I know that won't work for SELEM. I believe Tuesdays are the best days to do your searches. Personally I tend to go for non stop flights so usually will drive the extra distance to a larger airport. I also periodically will pay the upcharge to select seats and am often offered upgrades to first class for $80-$90.
Much appreciated.
I did not know about the checked bag feeO_o.
Yeah, that checked-bag fee sort of became an industry standard a few years ago, and it still pisses me off. The airlines are always complaining about how much easier it would be if people didn't bring so much carry-on luggage. Well, I might consider checking a bag if you: A) wouldn't throw it around like a damned football, and B) wouldn't charge me $30 to check it.
I will echo Brad's advice about checking the business class and first class ticket prices though. If you are planning to check a bag or two, the cost of those checked bags might increase the price of your "economy" ticket to the point where you would be better off upgrading to the next tier. Usually the higher-tier tickets don't charge you for checked bags. (At least, not unless you have more than 2.)
When we were arranging the International flights to Utila for Caribb-LEM in 2019, we were concerned that the weight of the laser projectors in our luggage would put us over the 50 lb limit for checked bags. In the end we were able to just squeak by (49.5 lbs!), but if we had ended up going over on the weight it was actually cheaper to upgrade to a first-class ticket (which had a weight limit of 70 lbs) instead of paying the baggage overweight fee on the economy-coach ticket.
Short version: airlines suck.
Adam
This is my 'kid' brother-- he just called & I told him about our meet in aug. You may have never heard of him BUT I am sure you have heard him..(unless you have never seen 'Groundhog Day'
Rick did the voice of the morning DJ- 'Rise and shine happy campers---it 'groundhog day' .
Lately he has been doing well-- it is his voice we hear in the Keebler Cookie ad on TV he gets a tiny payment for every time it is aired and it does add up.
So he offered to fund my trip to SELEM- no strings.
WOW I am blown away.
I will be there for sure (unless I am unable to travel)
search Richard Henzel --
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Henzel
^^^ this is just one 'hit'
IF you see a place to email him--to say THANKS on my behalf (even if you may not be thrilled to see me again-- maybe)--among other things he does audio Books- and appears on stage as Mark Twain--has 12 hours of Twain memorized-- at one time Hal Holbrook wanted to sue him--he has some kind of exclusive rights to Twain's stuff
So he attended one of Rick's shows and really liked his work- met with him after-they had a great long talk --so he gave Rick his 'blessings' to carry on-- IF you like Mark Twain you would enjoy Rick's work- it is a joy to experience. it is great to listen to while traveling.. If you do not know Twain well- hear Rick & you will become a fan. He looks/sounds more like Twain than Holbrook does or for that matter Twain.
If I have enough $$ I may get a one-way to SELEM then look for a great deal on a flight to visit Rick and worry later how to get back to TEXAS.
btw
he has fans--more than 2500 FaceBook friends.
Find him there and say you know me--woot!!!
My friend Bruce lives in NJ- can't be too far --yes?
you know how we say the pics do not look at good as being there in person..
ahh
umm
dont know how that could be anyway possible -
-see his pics here:
https://laserpointerforums.com/threa.../#post-1549892
Static eye kandy
I will copy and posts a teaser here in a bit
from brucemir*retardo
Depends on where in NJ.Quote:
My friend Bruce lives in NJ- can't be too far --yes?
From the SELEM venue, somewhere in NJ could be anywhere between 20 minutes and 3 hours away.
appreciate the info-- did you like his photo+? There are MANY more at the other forum
I have checked with TSA==
in CARRY-ON one small container of hand sanitizer is OKay-- In checked bag it is not clear I have offered to set up sanitation stations at the venue so... IF some will bring ONE (in checked (better) or carry on (allowed but...)..I will not need to mail a bunch or take a chance in my checked bag thank you,, a dozen should be plenty..I suggest just one small container in your checked bags.
Allow extra time if you have sanitizer in your carry-on..
IF anyone has a fever -- you need to check for other signs or symptoms .
It may be a good idea if all attending have been vaxxed -- and tested twice (7 days apart)about 10 days later. I can help with that if needed. I am a certified Covid 19 Contact Tracer.. Although very rare --some can be infected even if Vaxxed.
Some have NO or VERY FEW SYMPTOMS and can be infected-- also some vaxxed may still be able to infect others--if they have been exposed within 5 hours..
Also rare-
vaxxed but still COULD become infected. (for the first time or not)
Len
ps
At first there was a short list of symptoms --about six- now that list has doubled.
ALMOST every time a fever is the first symptom . ~100. or higher-- there will be 'no contact' thermometers at each station.
no- where did you get that?
nobody is forcing anyone to get vaxxed. or have temp checked--the sanitizer and anything else will be there for anyone who wants.. shhhish
just suggestions-- nobody will be where this stuff is located. use it or not .
Len... this may come as a surprise to you but, being a banquet facility that has been regularly hosting weddings and other events since August 1st of last year, and has proms with a couple hundred kids in a few weeks... we actually have hand sanitizer stations for those who may wish to use them since early last year. We regularly have bottles on each bar and... I have a case of small bottles available. We're covered. You don't need to worry about trying to bring a supply for everyone at the event. :) We have to and have, followed and adjusted to our states guidelines all along as best as we can. If you feel the need to bring a thermometer and ask to check anyone that gets close to you, that's your prerogative but, the state has never required us to temperature check anyone coming into the facility and, I have only ever been checked entering my dentists office, my periodontists office, my colonoscopy doctors office and, getting my hair cut. TSA hasn't, restaurants and bars haven't, grocery stores, Best Buy, Penneys, Macys, Target, a concert I've been to... all haven't.
As far as bringing hand sanitizer on a plane, yes, they allow you to bring a bottle and, I wish I hadn't simply because it caused me to get pulled out of line and have to wait while they opened a new bottle and tested it. And then proceeded to hand me a bag with a bottled water, bag of pretzels and... hand sanitizer as I boarded the plane.
No... there is no requirement to have been vaxxed or tested in order to attend SELEM. The expectation is the majority of people who are attending will have already been vaccinated and masks will be at each persons own discretion and comfort level.
I appreciate your zealousness to want to help and yes, COVID has been a challenge for all of us but, SELEM wouldn't have even been a consideration if we felt it couldn't be held safely. And much of that was covered long before the sign up thread was created.
What about urine samples? Will those be required? *retardo
After having a nice chat and tour of the facility by Brad, I think of coming over again, but not sure if i am allowed to travel out of the country.
I looked up tickets and they are between 1200-1500 euro, which is 1400-1700 USD. A bit steep, but still interested.
The Holiday Inn sounds nice, as i like the one near SELEM too in 2019.
What would be latest i could sign up and still get a shirt (would like a souvenir).
But buying ticket now, being unvaccinated and travel restrictions still in, seems premature.
I will reschedule my holiday already so, when travelling is allowed at least the holiday is not any of my worries anymore...
Looking forward seeing you guys again.
Went ahead and paid--I have a good feeling about this one--TY buffo and brad
I might go as well. Dunno how I feel about it yet. Maybe by july I'll feel better about going. I still nervous about covid even though I've been vaccinated
Money sent for my father (saltydog) and my self. Shirt size large for both of us.
Got you and Tom added to the list, Jason! :cool:
Adam
I'll be there :)
"I fully recognize that there are dangers and risks to which I may be exposed by participating in the 2014 South Eastern Laser Enthusiast's Meeting....."
Looks like there's a get-out clause that means I may be able to finance my entire trip courtesy of my legal team (Dodge em,Bodge it and Scarper PLC). :p
Can't believe I missed the typo in the waiver! It's fixed now though. (Thanks, Richard, for pointing it out.)
Still a couple weeks left before the cost goes up... Take advantage of early registration while you can!
Adam
Sign up soon.
It is not easy to imagine all the good things that happen at LEMs.
There is no end to the list AFAIK & LEMs are one of the very few ways we can meet, in person, lots fellow members. Things happen that you cannot put a 'price' on. On-line friends become in-person buddies. do it
For me at least, paying early makes going much more likely.
AFAIK There are no refunds. No single day 'tickets'. Some pay early every year even if they are not sure they can go.... They like LEMs (and the forums) so much that they are very willing to support them. That sez a lot IMHO. If you have never attended SELEM you have already missed two chances meet our 'GURU" Laser Sam. And since this year SELEM will be much closer to where Sam lives (Philly).. it is very likely he will be there. Many members helped-- chipping in on some of the expenses.
Some provide rides--some pick up the 'tab' for a meal Sam has-- some help with the cost of lodging--some help with the transportation. Its a big group effort-- w/o buffo--it would never happen. Be sure to thank Adam.
At Sam's Classifieds-- you may find something you want. For me it was a yellow HeNe-- Sam hand delivered. That made the 6mW gas laser even more special. Unless I cannot attend --you can see my yellow there.
IN FACT--Sam has a few items listed as 'Free to a good home'
one of my fav prices.. AND no cost to ship. IF it can be done by hand at SELEM.
Last-- most everybody is welcome (afaik)-- no need to own a bunch of projectors or even just one. BUT I must warn you.. These meets are as addicting as the lasers we love so much. I only waited a few months to host a mini/popup LEM in Freeport TX--,it was short notice--just one day/night and only 3 projectors and 4 forum members. The other 15 attendees were local friends..
There was already some gatherings planned for that weekend.
so my turn-out was small, but with the short notice I consider STEXLEM a success. My friends still ask about the next one. :Plainum and Adam turned us on to Expertly done Tunnel EFX & LIQUID SKY very safe if done correctly-- these are but two of the photo ops .
Adam arranged 4 chairs in a diamond shape and centered in PJ around four of us. He made sure we were safe . The tunnel was awesome- we were in the middle of non stop color changes and sizes of circles. DO IT
Jonathon set up his muti-Watt 532 just above our heads. do that too.
Lots of fog/smoke looks great when we placed our hands in to the LIQUID SKY (LINE) FAT beam..
SO 'show us the STEXLEM pics/vids'.....??
that is a sad ending to the story-- Evil 300's Dad attended and brought a new and VERY nice Cannon Digital 'SLR'. he took lots of pics and vids.
After they left to go to Houston (at 4AM) where they had a room..
Their rent car got broken into-- that camera was stolen. bummer!
Hope to see you at SELEM 2021.
I see good deals on flying there if you book now- cheaper that the cost of gas and MUCH quicker. SWAir allows two 50lb checked bags and two 'carry-ons' ('checked' bags must be no bigger than the size requirements -iirc- 62 inches--L+W+D) .
btw-- 'travel agents' do not book SW- they get no commission.
You need to book the travel yourself if going by SW.
Looks like flying on Sat. gets you the best price. SO hak needs to get rides to and from the airports on Sat (7th and 14th aug) I can get same return cost for Sun -Mon & Tue--but need a place to stay.
Looks like all will leave the HIE on Friday or Sat.--IF you are staying that long lets work on a affordable place to stay the extra day(s)--
you must be present to win anything via the Door Prize Drawing) that ATM looks like Thursday the 12th ~5pm. Each paid attendee gets one chance and they MUST be present so BE SURE to be there.. (AFAIK) Anyone can add an item to the pool and I suggest that if you can. ALSO AFAIK any non-forum member attendee can still pay the full attendee cost and be included in the prize pool. I got super lucky by winning two door prizes worth >$500..my first two SELEMs===SWEET!
Len
ps
Contact me about lodging and rides (& Sam). NOT too soon to work on these. PHL Airport is the closest at about 40 min away from the venue. Wear a SELEM black polo shirt (if you have one) to be found easier at the airports.
Some of the 'roads' have 'spendy' Tolls-Brad can help with avoiding these. also please let me know asap if I have errors in this post... tyvm
making a new post.
see Sam's stuff here
https://www.repairfaq.org/sam/sale/
The list is LONG
some items are priced low (like 25$)
some are between 1$ and 5$.
some TBA or 'ask' or make offer etc.
some are free or cheap w/ other purchase. ( but possibly waived since there may be no ship cost)
ONCE in a while Sam forgets to remove an item that was sold-
SO be sure to ask.
AND atm we are not sure Sam can attend.. only time will tell.
BUT buying things from Sam may help convince him to attend..cannot hurt.
Sam will entertain offers---but please do not insult with a $10 offer o a $100 item.
I'll pop in with Lyra for a few days and instead of bringing the usual 20 watt /30 watt projector, we will bring a few beam brush units for everyone to get to play with instead. Just will need to find a good spot to set them up when we get there.
Just booked rental car and hotel and flights, see everyone then?
Really looking forward to seeing you and Lyra this year, Ryan! The beam brush units are just icing on the cake! :)
Just a reminder to everyone: This Friday is the last day for Early Registration. After that, the price goes up. Don't wait!
Adam
I booked my room at the Holiday Inn yesterday. The person taking the reservation say only 1 other person has booked so far. I find that shocking with the number of people that have signed up so far.
Also, since my Cessna is in the shop and most likely won't be done in time to fly it to SELEM I decided to book a flight on South West. They allow 2 bags checked in for free.
Their prices were as good if not better than Frontier once you add in all of the checked bag fees Frontier charges.
Chris
I already booked for Lyra and I at the Holiday Inn but used the corporate discount offered by another company I used to work for.... I was able to get a couple of suites for less money than a standard double occupancy room in SELEM room block
48 hours left for discounted SELEM registration! Look.... you KNOW you wanna.
Woohooo...just paid, just in time within the pre-reg period. Shirt size L please.
Not sure if i am allowed to fly / travel, but hey, SELEM is good and i enjoyed my stay so much so i just booked.
If i am not able to make it, put my money down for a round of drinks for the crew building up.
Coming home after such an awesome week in 2019 was a bit of a downer (being in the middle of a breakup).
So SELEM was an awesome getaway and i was feeling thankful for having met so many likeminded, crazy, awesome totally cool people like you bunch. The Saturn scanners have not seen much work, but the pancake house mapping job (more like a castle) was featured by Pangolin and was a great job. Interested to see the beambrush and the kinetic plugin still has my interested.
Looking forward seeing you all.
Kind regards from the Netherlands.
Got you on the list, Dimitri!
Just a reminder folks: Today is the last day for Early Registration. Sign up before the price goes up!
Adam
[QUOTE=hobbybob;357068]Woohooo...just paid, just in time within the pre-reg period. Shirt size L please.
Not sure if i am allowed to fly / travel, but hey, SELEM is good and i enjoyed my stay so much so i just booked.
If i am not able to make it, put my money down for a round of drinks for the crew building up.
Coming home after such an awesome week in 2019 was a bit of a downer (being in the middle of a breakup).
So SELEM was an awesome getaway and i was feeling thankful for having met so many likeminded, crazy, awesome totally cool people like you bunch. The Saturn scanners have not seen much work, but the pancake house mapping job (more like a castle) was featured by Pangolin and was a great job. Interested to see the beambrush and the kinetic plugin still has my interested.
Looking forward seeing you all.
Kind regards from the Netherlands.[/QUOTE
Great to hear this---sorry I did not get to SELEM 2019 & missed meeting you.
Meeting 'Masterpj' was great (around 2012)-- 1)meeting him and 2)enjoying a special treat -- Stroopwafels.
One was not enough-- SO you cannot bring us TOO MANY- I KNOW many have never heard of them-- SO GOOD with morning coffee-- I will be glad to 'chip-in' so get an extra dozen(s) and I will have some CASH for you.
SEE YOU THERE---Hak
I had wanted to attend but it seems like SELEM usually conflicts with a get together I have with some of my old Navy buddies, who are like brothers to me, and always take priority over pretty much anything.
Have fun guys. Being in a different place and not stuck in quarantine should be a lot of fun.
sO I just booked my flight, and thought to book a hotelroom in HIE on Elkton road.
Had to spell my name in Nato Alphabet, then she asked 3 times for my name again, then saying she doesn't understand Nato alphabet. Why didn't you say after the first time, takes me ages to spell my name. goddamnit!
Then when she finally managed to get my name correct, i gave the group code and then the lady said: Oooh that can only booked through the hotel operator ??!??! Who am i talking to now then ? Goddamnit again.
Well she transferred me to April, a very nice lady, who couldn't hear me because i got transferred.
So i called again and then April picked up right away the whole circus started over again : Delta India Mike India Tango Romeo India etc...
But if all went well i got a room confirmation will come in! I have already asked the confirmation number.
April was of great help.
So got my flight booked, got hotel booked. It's almost 2 AM now. So tomorrow continue.
Tomorrow i will look for a rental car on BWI airport and then i have to request a new ESTA, seriously the previous one expired because i thought: Corona, can't fly this year and then things started looking brighter again, managed to get the week of from work. My ESTA expired 1 week before i decided to go to SELEM2021, goddamn for the third time... but hey ... i will request a new one.
So it is happening! YES! looking forward to see you, get my vaccinations on the 11th of june and 16th of july, so am protected (2 weeks after last shot) when i come to you guys.
Yihaaaa... quite happy.
SEE?? Now THERE is someone who understands the value of coming to SELEM (and why it's an event not to be missed). :) If Dimitri can do it... YOU can do it!
Looking forward to seeing you again Dimmers!
Wow Dimitri! Sorry you had to go through all of that. Worth every ounce of stress.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
No stress here man, just a bit disappointed that she let's me spell it out 3 times and then hears the group code and says i don't know, someone else has to handle this.
I also sent an email since my confirmation is stalling somewhere.
Just have applied for my ESTA so within 72 hrs we know if i can enter the USA ;-)
Update:
That was quick:
Your travel authorization has been approved and you are authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.