ZapCon 9 - March 2024

[yotsuya]

Hey friends, I’m just giving y’all a heads up - ZapCon will be next year, March 2024. Due to some changes in leadership, combined with some tight timelines, we decided to hold off putting on a show this year because, quite honestly, we just didn’t have everything in place to ensure that the show would be the same quality that you’re used to.

But I’m happy to say that papers have been signed, T’s have been crossed and I’s have been dotted and we are committed to having the next show on March 9 and 10th 2024.

I’d like to use this opportunity to extend an invitation out to those of you who have always wanted to come, but have not had a chance. I know putting out this news that many of the regulars (some who come in from out of state) will be there, but this show gives us the opportunity to come together as a message board and meet each other in person. I’ve made some lifelong friends from this group. I would really love to give everybody the opportunity to meet each other and see that, although many of us know each other from our online interactions of personas, we’re all just really good people. To that end, I’d like to personally invite people like Scott (PL1), Howard, and Leapinlew (but only if he follows through on his promise to face punch Mike A - I got money on it). I know putting faces to name is really humanizes things, and I’d love to meet you guys and have you meet everyone else. Plus Arizona in March means you get to wear shorts.

This past month, I had the opportunity to travel to London on vacation and had a chance to just really see the world out there. A week after I got back, my closest cousin growing up, who was my age, had a stroke and died. This past month. I’ve reflected on life in general and just how short it really is. I really value the real life friendships I’ve made with the people here on this board, I and would love everybody who has spent time here to have the opportunity to come out and meet each other and see how we really are the same. If I can get DeLuSioNal29 and Malenko in the same room, sharing a drink, we can all get along.

So you have a year - save your pennies, and let me know if you’re coming. As always, if you come from out of state, I will do my best to get you a pass for the show, and if you’re local, your continued hospitality in showing our out-of-town guests is always appreciated. If you are a regular, I look forward to seeing you again and participating in all the hijinks with you. And if it’s your first time, I promise we’ll be gentle.

See you soon!

[bobbyb13]

Yes!
Can't think of many things that would keep me from being there- and dragging my genetic legacy with me.

Couldn't ask for a better bunch of folks to be hosts to such an event either.
The local crew there is comprised of some top notch humans.

This time though I'm getting a room on site for us.
 

[Laythe]

Thanks for the update, Yotsuya.

I think the odds are good for me to be at Zapcon 2024.

[yotsuya]

Yes!
Can't think of many things that would keep me from being there- and dragging my genetic legacy with me.

Couldn't ask for a better bunch of folks to be hosts to such an event either.
The local crew there is comprised of some top notch humans.

This time though I'm getting a room on site for us.
 

Looking forward to seeing you and bobbyb13Jr again! Whooooo!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yotsuya]

Thanks for the update, Yotsuya.

I think the odds are good for me to be at Zapcon 2024.

AW HELL YEAH!!!!!

I’ll make sure we have a Hard Drivin’ on site!! If you haven’t seen Laythe play the game, it’s a thing of beauty!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[melvinbates]

I wasn't able to make it to the last one, here's looking forward to 2024.

[yotsuya]

I wasn't able to make it to the last one, here's looking forward to 2024.

Awesome, man! Always love seeing you there! Always appreciated the rides you would give out to the Monastery as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bobbyb13]

I was irritated to learn I couldn't book a flight today yet (I suppose that IS a lot to ask of airport schedules) bit I DID succeed in reserving a room on site.
I will arrive Thursday with my genetic legacy and an assortment of local (here) rum.
 

[yotsuya]

I was irritated to learn I couldn't book a flight today yet (I suppose that IS a lot to ask of airport schedules) bit I DID succeed in reserving a room on site.
I will arrive Thursday with my genetic legacy and an assortment of local (here) rum.
 

We may have to revive the outing to the Monastery just so you can experience it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pbj]

BYOAC Hall of Famer TacoTownCharlie came through Houston for a pre-game Zapcon 2024 warm up.

One of our first stops was legendary record store Cactus Music.  I was shocked to find this and even more shocked anyone other than me would consider listening to it in Current Year:



Then off to the 365 days a year "why do we even have a Houston show anymore" Cidercade which has $10 entry, over 200 games, and unlimited freeplay.  The Cider isn't unlimited, tho.   



---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow--- spinner rather than a roller but where the hell else do you see Major Havoc on location?



Took this picture to impress weeabos on Discord, Tony's son is in the background playing Hyper Sports



Tony just haaaaad to do better than me on Crazy Kong



But I got him back on Godfather.  Interesting game from Jersey Jack Pinball.  They had a repair guy in there that spent over 2 hours on it getting it working.  Not that I was hovering behind him the entire time.



And one final selfie back home with BYOAC legend TacoTownCharlie and product liability legend Lawn Dart.

[Mike A]

Very nice.

Wish I had been there.

[bobbyb13]

Tony is a top shelf human.
His whole family in fact.
Miss that crew.

Can't believe I had missed the Virgin Prunes and I tried to buy a lawn dart set years ago and finally gave up.

I bet that was a fun time.

[TacoTownCharlie]

Oh my brothers and only friends,

The idea was that if ZapCon would not come to me then maybe I should find ZapCon and go to it.  Or something like that, this was after a few margaritas on the back porch.  So I will go to where my friends are, drink and play all manner of video and pinball game.  Time for a roadtrip!

First, make sure I pack properly, this baby has yet to let me down (or let me get up off the floor).



The plan is to take my newly-minted High School graduate son driving across Texas to visit family and friends and find some ZapCon fun along the way.  First stop is to check out the world's largest roadrunner in the great state of New Mexico.  No sign of the world's largest coyote.


Next stop, check out the world's largest Andy Warhol soup can in the state where everything's bigger, Texas.  Human shown actual size (and a little wide, strange photo effect).


But then disaster strikes, the Trans Am develops engine problems just east of Dallas on I-20.  Eventually the decision is made to ship the Trans Am back home and continue on in a different car.  Nothing will stop my ZapCon quest once we have started.  I let PBJ know we might be a little late to his home arcade room. No problem though, that just gives him time to finish the pork cooking in the backyard.


Get in around 9 or 10 pm to PBJ home, eat and then we stayed up till 3am drinking.  Way to go PBJ.  Next day we drag ourselves out to get lunch and check out the Cactus Music store.  My son asked for a turntable for his birthday this year so he was happy to find the second half of the store was all vinyl. Now he gets to enjoy getting up after 4 or 5 songs to turn the record over, as God intended.

Now for some ZapCon fun, PBJ takes us to the CiderCade.  Finally get in on the Godfather pin only to go down in teeth-gnashing defeat.


A PBJ noted, we found the Major Havoc game.  It just doesn't work with a spinner, you really need the roller.  The game need both a fine touch at times and a lot of spin at other times.  In honor of our last ZapCon special t-shirt, I also played their Super Dodge Ball.  I'll need more time in MAME with that game before I can figure out what the hell was going on  .

The had a 4-way Killer Queen setup and a real skee-ball set.  We were all able to get our Arcade and Pinball fix in for the afternoon.  Then it was time to fight traffic back to PBJ's home for pizza and beer.  A most excellent day.

Next it was time to visit my oldest son in Corpus Christi, Texas.  We were able to park our car on the beach at Padre Island, pretty neat.  PBJ let us in on the secret to parking without a pass; I guess it's mostly a secret since there are no signs on the beach telling where the no-pass areas are, just signs telling you there is a $500 fine for not having a pass.


A little sunburned, we made our way to Quasars that evening.  PBJ says that a forum member owns the place.


Pretty impressive, nice run of classic and new machines.


I must say I was really impressed with the new Stern Foo Fighters pin.  Great theme, great sound and play and it looks like it had a good collaborative development with the band.




PBJ texts the owner before we get there, it's good to have friends:


Looks like I need to break this post up, to be continued...
TTC

[Mike A]

Keep it coming.

[Havok]

Sweet ride! That's a '79, right? I used to have one in college; Smokey & the Bandit version. Had the Olds 403 with the Rochester Q-Jet. Sounded so good when the secondary barrels opened up...

[TacoTownCharlie]

Hay Havok, good eye.  It's hard to tell without seeing the front end by my car is a '78.  Pretty much all they changed from 77-78 to 79-81 was the front end.  And yes, based on the look my son gives me when I open up the Quadrajet, it sounds so good.

Continuing on, PBJ was able to talk me into ordering and IPA at Quasars (trying to get that 10% kick-back).


All the marketing in the world can't save an IPA from a bad taste in my mouth.  But a few grudge match games will put a smile back on my face.  First up, Retro Racoons.  Last time I saw this game was at our last ZapCon.  Really had a fun time in 4-player mode.  Half the battle is just figuring out what the mini games want.  My oldest son beat all of us, giving credit all all the Wario games he has played.


Next up, Guitar Hero.  I think in another 5-10 years this will be the game that everybody wants in their retro arcade setup, even more than Golden Tee.  Now this was an interesting match up.  My oldest, on the left is now a Band Director with the Corpus Christi school system after graduating last year with a Music degree.  His younger brother just played a 2+ hour session with his High School Jazz Band (on bass mostly); he told us later that he left all his music at home so he just had to wing it.  All hail to Ms. TacoTownCharlie for giving my progeny such great musical talent 


Finally back to my oldest's bachelor pad to get that IPA out of my mouth and check some Tears of the Kingdom.  Well the car is back in Phoenix and so am I so I guess this ends my first adventure to make ZapCon this year.  I'd like to do some more traveling this year so we'll see what happens next - MikeA and BobbyB13 are on notice!

What really made this trip special was the overwhelming hospitality of PBJ.  Staying up till 3am drinking and eating some great cooked pork ranks up there as one of my best ZapCon memories.  I hope everyone will make an effort to meet other BYOAC members IRL.  ZapCon is a great way to do that but don't let that be the only way.  Post back here with your meetups and let us know what is out there.

Thanks for reading this and I hope to see everybody at the next ZapCon in 2024.
TacoTownCharlie

[bobbyb13]

Would be awesome to see you and any of the family out here TTC!
Stoked to block off the guest house for you guys when we can find a time window that works.
 

I'm trying to sort out being able to pull off a legit lu'au dinner over there for ZapCon 9.
Have to figure out where we could do it and how many would want to attend.
Could be fun.

[TacoTownCharlie]

I'm trying to sort out being able to pull off a legit lu'au dinner over there for ZapCon 9.
Have to figure out where we could do it and how many would want to attend.
Could be fun.

I will dig a pit in the backyard and work with PBJ to circumvent the Bacardi import blockade. We will have the finest rum as we roast the tastiest pig that I will now purchase and raise to maturity.  ZapCon deserves nothing less.
TTC


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bobbyb13]

My plan was a bit more subdued really, aiming to try for some laulau, lomi salmon, and chicken long rice.
 
That was going to be tricky as it was I think.
Although I bet digging an imu in the backyard could work as long as we could find enough rocks!

We'll need to up the ante on rum if we hope for help from jawhn though.
 

I'm trying to sort out being able to pull off a legit lu'au dinner over there for ZapCon 9.
Have to figure out where we could do it and how many would want to attend.
Could be fun.

I will dig a pit in the backyard and work with PBJ to circumvent the Bacardi import blockade. We will have the finest rum as we roast the tastiest pig that I will now purchase and raise to maturity.  ZapCon deserves nothing less.
TTC


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[pbj]

So, I can’t speak for the dunes of Phoenix, but I can get an entire halal goat here from CostCo for ~$150 and I think about it every day.  I doubt I’m gonna leave this earth with a married man of good moral standing pointing me towards England and telling me it’s all gonna be irie.  I suppose we can arrange to ship a pig to Phoenix if necessary…

 

[harveybirdman]

damn his mullet is fire... Mine pales in comparison.

[Nephasth]

Been doing a lot of thinking lately about travel plans for early March next year...

[Mike A]

Do it.

[nitrogen_widget]

My plan was a bit more subdued really, aiming to try for some laulau, lomi salmon, and chicken long rice.
 
That was going to be tricky as it was I think.
Although I bet digging an imu in the backyard could work as long as we could find enough rocks!

We'll need to up the ante on rum if we hope for help from jawhn though.
 

I'm trying to sort out being able to pull off a legit lu'au dinner over there for ZapCon 9.
Have to figure out where we could do it and how many would want to attend.
Could be fun.

I will dig a pit in the backyard and work with PBJ to circumvent the Bacardi import blockade. We will have the finest rum as we roast the tastiest pig that I will now purchase and raise to maturity.  ZapCon deserves nothing less.
TTC


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

what kind of rum?
lite, golden, dark, dark spiced?
i prefer dark & spiced.
But golden isn't bad for sippin' either.
lite though, just buy it if i'm mixing.
I might know of someone who can get some ready by then. 
TSA says 5 liters in checked luggage max.
wtf is a liter?

wonder how i'd transport it?
mini keg?

Now that my kids are old enough i've started taking RV trips to kentucky with friends for the bourbon trail in october and should recover $$$ wise by March
could def. see myself heading to AZ for Zapcon.

Plus i have family around Phoenix i haven't seen in yrs.

[Nephasth]

wtf is a liter?

Roughly the equivalent of a large Farva.

[nitrogen_widget]

wtf is a liter?

Roughly the equivalent of a large Farva.

hold the spit.

[pbj]

It has been ten weeks of absolute hell here since Tony left. My backyard is ash and I pay stronger men to rake some of it up every week. 

I did sneak off to Cidercade in the interim to play Foo Fighters.  I mean, it’s creative.   

[yotsuya]

Been doing a lot of thinking lately about travel plans for early March next year...

Yes, do it! You missed me wearing my Ocho jersey last year.

7 months away! Can’t wait to see the lot of you!

[yotsuya]

Be there!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yotsuya]

Paging [mention]Titchgamer [/mention] , are you coming this year bro? After all, I made the trek out to merry olde England in March. The least you can do is reciprocate. Bring your Henry VIII gear!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike A]

Paging [mention]Titchgamer [/mention] , are you coming this year bro? After all, I made the trek out to merry olde England in March. The least you can do is reciprocate. Bring your Henry VIII gear!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But you didn't meet up with him.

[yotsuya]

Vendors have been contacted, game lists are coming in - who’s in??? Let me know, I have to start planning out the goodies!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike A]

Possible maybe.

[pbj]

Rest in Peace, Quasars. 

[Nephasth]

Waiting to see the room rate before pulling the trigger.

[yotsuya]

Room rate is gonna suck, they’re gouging the spring training visitors. Best bet is to get find a close AirBNB or something like that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pbj]

Room rate is gonna suck, they’re gouging the spring training visitors. Best bet is to get find a close AirBNB or something like that.

Oh god.  Been there, done that.  Anyone within 100 yards of that place got contact drunk.

[yotsuya]

Yeah, but I heard good times were had by all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nephasth]

$322 a night... Good god...

[yotsuya]

OK, its that time! Lists are being made, hijinx are being planned - who's in? Let me know your status, and I will update it, or add you to the list if you're not on there.

YES
Yotsuya
JulesWallet
Aceldamor
Toxicwes
Jawhn
Arcadenut
HaRuMaN
BYOAC First Ballot Hall-of-Famer TacoTownCharlie
DeLuSioNal29 +
bobbyb13 & Lil' Bobby +
Harveybirdman and fam +

PROBABLY, JUST WAITING ACTUAL CONFIRMATION
Melvinbates
Laythe +
Bperkins01 +
Nexusmtz +
Rablack97 (my man!) *+
Gamepimp *+
Vigo and Gozer +

ONE DAY, MAN, ONE DAY... I KEEP HOPING
Leapinglew
HowardCasto
DaOldMan
PL1
Xiaou2

TIREKICKING
Ark-ader +
BYOAC Soul Brother #2 SFII Arcade1Up

WTF EVER HAPPENED TO
RetroGreg
Jdbailey1206
Slippyblade
Gilrock
Titchgamer

NOPE
Malenkno +
Mike A +
BYOAC Soul Brother #1 Neph +
PBJ +
Arroyo +

* Denote rookie
+ Denotes Out-Of-Towner

[jawhn]

Happy to see I'm already on the list. It's time for my semi-annual BYOAC visit!

Tire kickers need to just Nike it. My very good friend Larry just passed away in December, he was ex military and in great shape and the same age as me - 53. Heart attack at home. There's always the chance that there is no "next year", folks...   

Ready for Bobby's luau. Ready for moving heavy games. Ready for drinking. Ready for Yot's amazing BadgeBadge fun. Ready for drinking. Ready for shenanigans. Ready for our stumbling-distance AirBnB Bobby found for an amazing price, only 0.4miles / 8 minute walk away. Ready for drinking. Ready for Level 1's newest location that's CRAZY close to the venue, and finally checking out their recently opened basement secret speakeasy. Excited about this, you have to enter from the alley side of the building that looks nothing like an entrance... READY FOR EVERYTHING

Also, MikeA, getcher ass out here.

[jawhn]

Oh, damn. I somehow killed this poor thread.   

[yotsuya]

Oh, damn. I somehow killed this poor thread.   

Naw, that was a great speech.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yotsuya]

Found out that THE JROK (yes, that Jrok) will be at ZapCon this year, and I think he's donating one of the Willams and Mystar boards as prizes as well. He's a really cool guy. Come on out and meet him!

[yotsuya]

Thanks for the update, Yotsuya.

I think the odds are good for me to be at Zapcon 2024.

Any update? If yes, I'll find you a Hard Drivin'!!!

[bobbyb13]

My plan was a bit more subdued really, aiming to try for some laulau, lomi salmon, and chicken long rice.
 
That was going to be tricky as it was I think.
Although I bet digging an imu in the backyard could work as long as we could find enough rocks!

We'll need to up the ante on rum if we hope for help from jawhn though.
 

I'm trying to sort out being able to pull off a legit lu'au dinner over there for ZapCon 9.
Have to figure out where we could do it and how many would want to attend.
Could be fun.

I will dig a pit in the backyard and work with PBJ to circumvent the Bacardi import blockade. We will have the finest rum as we roast the tastiest pig that I will now purchase and raise to maturity.  ZapCon deserves nothing less.
TTC


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

what kind of rum?
lite, golden, dark, dark spiced?
i prefer dark & spiced.
But golden isn't bad for sippin' either.
lite though, just buy it if i'm mixing.
I might know of someone who can get some ready by then. 
TSA says 5 liters in checked luggage max.
wtf is a liter?

wonder how i'd transport it?
mini keg?

Now that my kids are old enough i've started taking RV trips to kentucky with friends for the bourbon trail in october and should recover $$$ wise by March
could def. see myself heading to AZ for Zapcon.

Plus i have family around Phoenix i haven't seen in yrs.

Holy crap, has it been THAT long since I really read this thread?!
I prefer dark rum and I think Jawhn prefers...
rum.
Getting stoked for this journey!

[jawhn]

Hmmmm... Reply is not quoting your comment for some reason.

>Holy crap, has it been THAT long since I really read this thread?!
>I prefer dark rum and I think Jawhn prefers...
>rum.
>Getting stoked for this journey!

It's been so long that these folks aren't even aware of my newfound sobriety.

On weekdays, anyway. Since May 18 of last year, I've had less than 20 drinks total. (Not counting the ones I had in Hawaii, that's vacation booze and doesn't count. I'm not vegan.)

However, have no fear, the booze will be in my bloodstream that weekend. Gotta uphold tradition and all.

Spiced rum is my favorite, Kilo Kai is the top notch, Captain is my go-to, Kraken is also a favorite, Caliber is my cheap choice, and Bacardi isn't even worth lighting on fire. I don't know how anyone can drink that keroseney garbage...

I'm excited as well, but am beginning to sweat as it draws closer. Imma try and get 28 of my games there this year...

[jawhn]

Bumping because Zapcon knows if you've been naughty or nice.

[HaRuMaN]

 

[jawhn]

Monday bump. Have we started a tally yet of all BYOAC attendees?

[bobbyb13]

Seeing as I have been both naughty AND nice does that mean I still get to go?!
I recall Gilrock mentioning that his workplace considers this particular forum "video gaming" and has thus put it on the no-no list so he doesn't chime in but he said he is coming.

Notable absences would be... Mike A and Arroyo?!

Who else should we be pestering?

And you appear to have missed this one Jawhn-

OK, its that time! Lists are being made, hijinx are being planned - who's in? Let me know your status, and I will update it, or add you to the list if you're not on there.

YES
Yotsuya
JulesWallet
Aceldamor
Toxicwes
Jawhn
Arcadenut
HaRuMaN
BYOAC First Ballot Hall-of-Famer TacoTownCharlie
DeLuSioNal29 +
bobbyb13 & Lil' Bobby +
Harveybirdman and fam +

PROBABLY, JUST WAITING ACTUAL CONFIRMATION
Melvinbates
Laythe +
Bperkins01 +
Nexusmtz +
Rablack97 (my man!) *+
Gamepimp *+
Vigo and Gozer +

ONE DAY, MAN, ONE DAY... I KEEP HOPING
Leapinglew
HowardCasto
DaOldMan
PL1
Xiaou2

TIREKICKING
Ark-ader +
BYOAC Soul Brother #2 SFII Arcade1Up

WTF EVER HAPPENED TO
RetroGreg
Jdbailey1206
Slippyblade
Gilrock
Titchgamer

NOPE
Malenkno +
Mike A +
BYOAC Soul Brother #1 Neph +
PBJ +
Arroyo +

* Denote rookie
+ Denotes Out-Of-Towner

[yotsuya]

Notable absences would be... Mike A and Arroyo?!

Who else should we be pestering?

Yeah, they told me they’re not coming. They got other places to be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jawhn]

Maybes:

Melvinbates
Laythe +
Bperkins01 +
Nexusmtz +
Rablack97 (my man!) *+
Gamepimp *+
Vigo and Gozer +

Any updates from these fine folk? Only about a month away, better get to plannin if you don't want to experience the ol' FOMO.

[Laythe]

Thanks for the update, Yotsuya.

I think the odds are good for me to be at Zapcon 2024.

Any update? If yes, I'll find you a Hard Drivin'!!!

Update:

I'm in.   

Any word on the actual passes or the hotel room block?  We're getting close and I haven't seen those come up yet.  I would like to put my money where my mouth is.   

[yotsuya]

Thanks for the update, Yotsuya.

I think the odds are good for me to be at Zapcon 2024.

Any update? If yes, I'll find you a Hard Drivin'!!!

Update:

I'm in.   

Any word on the actual passes or the hotel room block?  We're getting close and I haven't seen those come up yet.  I would like to put my money where my mouth is.   

OH HELL YEAH!!!! This makes my show!!!

There won’t be any blocks. The hotel is notoriously stingy with them to begin with, but since ZC is taking place during Spring Training, they’re not offering anything.

The Azure Hotel is nearby and at last check was $60 a night cheaper, if that helps.

RE: passes, is it for you and NTJ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laythe]

OH HELL YEAH!!!! This makes my show!!!

There won’t be any blocks. The hotel is notoriously stingy with them to begin with, but since ZC is taking place during Spring Training, they’re not offering anything.

The Azure Hotel is nearby and at last check was $60 a night cheaper, if that helps.

RE: passes, is it for you and NTJ?

Good to know.  No prob on the hotel allocations, glad to know I should quit waiting.

Re: passes - yes sir!

[harveybirdman]

I plan on going to George's Wildberries and T.C Eggingtons for brunch. 

Not to mention I gots to get me some Republica Empanadas and of course some Cheba Hut...

My favorite thing to do at Zapcon is eat.

[yotsuya]

I plan on going to George's Wildberries and T.C Eggingtons for brunch. 

Not to mention I gots to get me some Republica Empanadas and of course some Cheba Hut...

My favorite thing to do at Zapcon is eat.

Good to hear, got confirmation there’s gonna be some food trucks again this year too


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pbj]

Only thing that poor soul has in Oklahoma is Braum’s, admittedly damned good, and Cattleman’s, also admittedly damned good.  Other than that, it’s fried bull testicles at a Toby Keith restaurant.  Show him something besides canned green beans and mashed taters and his mind will be blown.

Wish I could make it but it’s out of the cards this year.

[pbj]

I’m also not sure why this keeps happening, but Zapcon bros keep showing up on my doorstep.



 

[Nephasth]

Worth the trip! Thanks again PBJ! 

[Ond]

Room rate is gonna suck, they’re gouging the spring training visitors. Best bet is to get find a close AirBNB or something like that.

Oh god.  Been there, done that.  Anyone within 100 yards of that place got contact drunk.

Someone brings Vodka, I'm gonna drink it. 

[yotsuya]

Room rate is gonna suck, they’re gouging the spring training visitors. Best bet is to get find a close AirBNB or something like that.

Oh god.  Been there, done that.  Anyone within 100 yards of that place got contact drunk.

Someone brings Vodka, I'm gonna drink it. 

TacoTownCharlie is probably going to have to drink himself to near death to make up for all the out-of-towners lost booze sales.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[harveybirdman]

Dan Ond is coming?  Nice.

[yotsuya]

Dan Ond is coming?  Nice.

Not that I’m aware of!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ond]

Dan Ond is coming?  Nice.

Not that I’m aware of!!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Umm, no not this time, harveybirdman, I was just mentioning fun times had by all at the Airbnb - BBQ and Booze night at a previous Zapcon.  I remember the next morning ... TacoTownCharlie carefully guiding me to a Taco and Dr Pepper hangover treatment. Jeebers I was totally MUNTED that night!   

[pbj]

Literally ran out of all mixers in the house and it was straight McCormick vodka out of the freezer.  And Elvis karaoke.  Some dude started talking about selling monkeys.

 

[bobbyb13]

Geez, I'm sorry I missed that one.
I can say that there should be whiskey made from Hawaiian honey and a fair amoint of rum at this coming one!
And nice to see you up for air Ond.
Sad to hear you won't be attending #9

[Nephasth]

That Arzach pin looks badass!

[jawhn]

Umm, no not this time, harveybirdman,

Dammit. I have some interesting vodkas I was prepared to bring.

Bobby landed a sweeeeeeeet AirBnB right next to the convention center, an 8 minute walk. But the people that run it claim that they have surveillance cameras and will call the 5-0 if they see more than 4 people there / any partying.

Soooooo... Unless someone with a room at the $$$Marriott$$$ wants to host, we're stuck drinking at The Diamond bar or Jawhn's CarBar.      It'll be interesting to see how cold booze can stay in the back end of my xB inside an ice filled cooler... At least the weather will be a lot more hospitable than previous Zapcon dates.

[Alpha-tron]

Got my volunteer schedule. I will streaking through zapcon in a red shirt. I missed socializing last time due to other people's behaviors. So I am flying solo so to speak.

I was informed that someone ran out of thier diabetes medication and hasn't been taking it for the past 2 weeks. This has put a wrench in my plans.

[pbj]

When I went to Zapcon, I went up to that upper balcony level.  Some random woman stopped me and I said, “nah, Steve said it was okay” and she backed off.  I’ve met a lot of 55 year olds named Steve.  Apparently she has, too.

Which one of you is Steve?

 

[jawhn]

Collecting huge pieces of cardboard from work. In exactly one week I'll be sandwiching them between my games and strapping them inside a volunteer's 20' enclosed trailer. Gonna take at least 2 trips. Hoping it doesn't rain that weekend.

Can't wait to hang with y'all!

[pbj]

The ---fudgesicle--- you stealing boxes for? What you trying to build, a clubhouse?

[yotsuya]

Got my volunteer schedule. I will streaking through zapcon in a red shirt. I missed socializing last time due to other people's behaviors. So I am flying solo so to speak.

I was informed that someone ran out of thier diabetes medication and hasn't been taking it for the past 2 weeks. This has put a wrench in my plans.

Can’t wait to see you there, my brother!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yotsuya]

When I went to Zapcon, I went up to that upper balcony level.  Some random woman stopped me and I said, “nah, Steve said it was okay” and she backed off.  I’ve met a lot of 55 year olds named Steve.  Apparently she has, too.

Which one of you is Steve?

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TacoTownCharlie]

Soooooo... Unless someone with a room at the $$$Marriott$$$ wants to host, we're stuck drinking at The Diamond bar or Jawhn's CarBar.      It'll be interesting to see how cold booze can stay in the back end of my xB inside an ice filled cooler... At least the weather will be a lot more hospitable than previous Zapcon dates.

We’ve used the red TacoTown cooler in past years, just parked it outside. It also makes a good seat for Ms. TTC.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jawhn]

Man oh man I wish that parking right behind that photo wasn't so risky... It's right by the front doors!

It's owned by the church (or something like that) right behind it, and even though they're not known for towing people out of there, they easily could.

I will likely park my toaster just north of there, hopefully not too far away... And I need to remember to bring a small table and some folding chairs.

[Gilrock]

Yep I’ve bought my ticket to ZapCon and plan to stay with Bobby and Jawhn.  Yeah my work blocked this website and I always forget to look at it when I’m at home.   I’ve mainly been looking at posts on KLOV since they haven’t found that one yet…lol

[jawhn]

So much excite.

Just a hair more than 24 hours from now I will be loading about 14 games outta my house into my carport...

[HaRuMaN]

So I haven't heard anything about plans for Friday night dinner... and since it's somewhat of a tradition...  the wife and I will be having dinner at The Monastery Friday at 6PM.  Hopefully you all will come and join us.  Let me know!   

[Gilrock]

Yots on KLOV asking me where I been….lol.   This forum is so dead he hasn’t even read me reply here 4 days ago.

[yotsuya]

Yots on KLOV asking me where I been….lol.   This forum is so dead he hasn’t even read me reply here 4 days ago.

Heh.

Yeah, there is not going to be much of a BYOAC presence this year. Will do it up for next year!

My games got loaded up and taken yesterday. I will be there all day tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to it, it should be fun.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laythe]

Preparations underway, just in case...



SOON.

[HaRuMaN]

Soo... anyone gonna make it to the Monastery?   

[TacoTownCharlie]

Soo... anyone gonna make it to the Monastery?   

Due to the very decentralized nature of our ZapCon social planning I don't have a definite answer to that. 

Based on my conversations with BobbyB13 I think there is a plan to hit Starfighters Friday night for their regular Friday 7-11 session.  So hitting the Monastry before that around 6:00 sounds like a good idea.  I'll tell everybody I talk to that we should go to the Monastry and Starfighters Friday evening (and maybe hit the convention space to help out if we can).  I'm packing up the coolers now so we can have refreshments wherever we are.

If @Jawhn see this, let us know when we can come out to your place to help you load/move.  I'd be happy to help anyway I can.

Looking ahead I think we're trying to plan a group buffet on the convention grounds (just outside on the covered patio) Saturday evening.  Everybody can be on their own for lunch Saturday to support any food trucks   BobbyB13 can share more details if he wants to spoil the surprise

I like to bring some pizzas Sunday for lunch.  I think that worked out really well the last time we were together.

Everrybody chime in with any plans you've heard about or would like have happen.  Like I said, we don't have a central planner so we will need to just talk it up with everybody as we go.

[TacoTownCharlie]

Also, if anybody needs a ride to/from the airport I'll have the official car of Arcade Gaming pick you up and put a cold beer in your hand for the trip into Mesa.  Just PM me for my cell #.
TTC

<edit> OK, I think the picture got a little stretched

[bobbyb13]

Well I would be in for a trip to Starfighters and the Monastery on Friday of course.

Was hoping to see as many people as possible for the luau style buffet I've been hoping to pull off which we will do somewhere (current plan is the CC patio or parking lot) on Sat evening.

I succeeded in smuggling some Hawaiian food that you can't get here through the airport and then have plans to make a few other dishes too but it would be great to get a feel for a head count so I know how much to prepare here at the house.

I'm aware of about a dozen so far that I hope to see but please chime in if you'll be around and can make it!

Soo... anyone gonna make it to the Monastery?   

Due to the very decentralized nature of our ZapCon social planning I don't have a definite answer to that. 

Based on my conversations with BobbyB13 I think there is a plan to hit Starfighters Friday night for their regular Friday 7-11 session.  So hitting the Monastry before that around 6:00 sounds like a good idea.  I'll tell everybody I talk to that we should go to the Monastry and Starfighters Friday evening (and maybe hit the convention space to help out if we can).  I'm packing up the coolers now so we can have refreshments wherever we are.

If @Jawhn see this, let us know when we can come out to your place to help you load/move.  I'd be happy to help anyway I can.

Looking ahead I think we're trying to plan a group buffet on the convention grounds (just outside on the covered patio) Saturday evening.  Everybody can be on their own for lunch Saturday to support any food trucks   BobbyB13 can share more details if he wants to spoil the surprise

I like to bring some pizzas Sunday for lunch.  I think that worked out really well the last time we were together.

Everrybody chime in with any plans you've heard about or would like have happen.  Like I said, we don't have a central planner so we will need to just talk it up with everybody as we go.

[HaRuMaN]

I'm outside at the Monastery in a bright red Atari hoodie

[HaRuMaN]

Now moved inside because of the thunderstorm

[Laythe]

Update:  I am in town with Not That Jennifer.  We'll be hitting Starfighters in a bit, hope to see you there!

I'll be the bald guy in black with a BYOAC shirt on.  Some of you I recognize, some of you I surely will not, feel free to say hi.

Re: decentralized planning, we are head count 1 for luau - Not That Jennifer is on board.

[yotsuya]

Update:  I am in town with Not That Jennifer.  We'll be hitting Starfighters in a bit, hope to see you there!

I'll be the bald guy in black with a BYOAC shirt on.  Some of you I recognize, some of you I surely will not, feel free to say hi.

Re: decentralized planning, we are head count 1 for luau - Not That Jennifer is on board.

I tried calling you, but I don’t know if I have your most recent phone number. I’ve got your passes on me, just hit me up. Are you planning to come tonight for contributor night?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laythe]

I tried calling you, but I don’t know if I have your most recent phone number. I’ve got your passes on me, just hit me up. Are you planning to come tonight for contributor night?

That is my current number, and, oh hey, I have a missed call.  Did you know, Starfighters is pretty loud inside?...  Sorry about that!

I think we're in for the night, but we'll there tomorrow, 9am! 

[thatpurplestuff]

Hope you all have a blast, wish I could have made it!

[yotsuya]

Hope you all have a blast, wish I could have made it!

Plan for next year. It’s ZapCon 10 and it’s going to be a big one


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laythe]

I did indeed have a blast.  I'm at the airport headed out now, but I'm thinking I'll likely be back next year.

Thanks Yotsuya for making sure everybody out there has a good time - always good to see you, man.  Enjoyed hanging out with you, Jawhn, Gilrock, TacoTownCharlie and the crew.

I think the highlight of my trip was having some time to meet bobbyb13 in person and geek out about our respective experiences of the hobby.  Mad respect for what you've been doing, keep up the good work. 

Hope to see you again one day.   

[Ond]

I'm thinking of getting to ZapCon 10... hmmm. Did Neph go this year?

[HaRuMaN]

No Neph this year...

[yotsuya]

Thanks for everyone that came out. ZapCon 9 will always be remembered as the one with the night where Jawhn almost died and the cops had to come out to bust up Bobbyb13’s luau. Good times!

Once I get confirmation to ZapCon X, I’m going to start the hype train. For X, we’re going to do it up old school style - BYOAC t-shirts, badges, stickers, hijinx, and meetups. It’ll be !

[Nephasth]

I really wanted to go this year, but it wasn't in the cards. I'd like to see X pushed back to April/May, but that's not for me to decide. Hotel prices were nutrageous this year. Also just closed on a house a week ago, again timing this year wasn't right for a trip for me. There were a lot of games I wanted to check out this year! And I hope those who did attend had a ton of fun! Perhaps next year... my vacation bank doubles in May, so it's probable.
 

[yotsuya]

Some pix from this show…











Post whatever pics you got, fellas!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pbj]

Nice pics, Paul, thanks for sharing.

 

[Mike A]

Looks like you guys had fun.

I am sorry I could not make it.

I will be there next year.