As many of you already know via delivery of Pond Boss Magazine, Pennsylvania is the greatest state in the USA.

With the upcoming PB Conference less than (8) weeks away, now is as good a time as any to start our roster of attendees.

If you please, I would like to start tallying attendees by state (which should prove that PA is the greatest state; because the show is in Texas, they must forfeit the title of greatest state as they will most likely have the most attendees).

Let me start: PA - 1

As you add your State and # of attendees, I will start to keep an ongoing tally.

California, the Golden State. I'm bring myself and my wife. That's two.

Ha, we're winning.

TEXIZ, of course

PA-1
CA-2
TX-1

Texas of course - we'll beat all you other guys put together..

GA -1

PA-1
CA-2
TX-2
GA-1

Miss 2 that I know of. If we can count X-pats there will be a lot more.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-2
GA-1
MS-2

"If we can count X-pats there will be a lot more."

You mean Burger?

PA-1
CA-2
TX-2
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2

Sunil there are more .

One from Ohio, please.

Another from Ohio, please. Hopefully Cody will be presenting one and maybe two talks if Lusk eventually approves the topics.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-2
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2

TOTAL: 12

Illinois will be there.

Bing

BIG TX

Two from Indiana.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-3
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-1
IN-2

Total - 16

Bing, I only put IL down for one; is your wife coming this year?

I'm in.

I wish I could make it, maybe next time.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-3
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-1
IN-2
NE-1

Total - 17

PA is hurting right now.

BrianShpock, RobA, don't leave me hanging.

Count another one for Tx

PA-1
CA-2
TX-4
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-1
IN-2
NE-1

Total - 18

At least you be proud as the origin of the Public Address system.

Kentucky only has Jelly.

Theo, Theo, Theo, what are we going to do with you?
I bet you heard that from many of your teachers along the way!

South Dakota looks like at least 6.

Way to make an entrance, Doc!

PA-1
CA-2
TX-4
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-1
IN-2
NE-1
SD-6

Total - 24

2 more from the Republic of Texas.

You did specify "country" in the thread title as an option, right?

Yeah, yeah, We all know you can have your own foreign policy.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-6
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-1
IN-2
NE-1
SD-6

Total - 26

TX and SD tied.

ILLINOIS.
Me and my Bro.

That puts ILLINOIS into 3rd place! Anyone else from the land of Lincoln?

PA-1
CA-2
TX-6
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-3
IN-2
NE-1
SD-6

Total - 29

So far, there's going to be 29 wild and crazy people there.

I will be the representative from Iowa

PA-1
CA-2
TX-6
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-3
IN-2
NE-1
SD-6
IA-1

Total - 30

tjstubbs, am I double counting you? Are you in the good Doctor's numbers for SD?

I know you Pennsylvanians have seen this. Don't leave me hanging! Of course, I can bench press 925 lbs., but don't leave me at the mercy of these other state's attendees!!!!!!!

You do need PA reinforcements. FMcB and I alone add up to more than that. Throw in Wild Bill Cody to help us out, and we'll open a can of whoopin' on you.

Sorry, Sunil, I've been out for a little while. Yes, I did count tjstubbs in the total, and I actually must have hit the wrong key. Only 5 from SD, including him.

Sunil -- maybe we have to split Tyler in part SD and part Iowa?? The wisdom of Sunil?

PA-1
CA-2
TX-6
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-3
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5

Total - 28

Two fins forward, one fin back...it's just a way of life.

Texas! I will be there.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-7
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-3
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5

Total - 29

Let's just keep this fresh in everyone's mind.

2 from Texas, although my wife was born in Michigan and her folks were from upstate New York.

Thanks heybud. We needed that.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-9
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-3
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5

Total - 31

Make that 4 from Illinois. I just noticed that most generous offer of an extra $50.00 for a couple, $150.00 for an individual and $200 for a couple. I called Linda at PB and added my wife Connie who will be attending with me.

Bing

PA-1
CA-2
TX-9
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-4
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5

Total - 32

Thanks Bing. Wasn't Connie there last year too?

Ha Sunil, you can't disqualify us, just look the other direction.

2 more from Texas...annual attendees One with plane fair.

I remember the days...back in the beginning, meeting at DFW Airport...Lusk was very intimidating, telling "us" everything we didn't know! It's always fun to see the different answers to the same question. It all starts with "What are your goals?"

PA-1
CA-2
TX-11
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-4
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5

Total - 34

Thanks Eastland. Looking forward to seeing you. I might need some stocking advice. I'll send you a note.

Sunil:

She was a "lurker". Saturday afternoon's gate security was pretty light.

Bing

Yes Bing, I remember now. You decided not to join us for dinner that first night. As rmedgar can tell you, that was a good choice.

Bar-B-Cue, Tex-Mex, Steak, how many different restaurants can we hit this year? I've even been to that BBQ restaurant in Ft. Worth on White Settlement Road that the Texas Mafia was going to meet at early this month, I think it was Angelo's.

Bing

Thanks for the reminder. Me & my stomach are ready for a rematch.

Hey Bing, I can take you to a really good Meskin food place. So authentic that your hub caps are guaranteed to get stolen.

Angelos is OK BBQ but isn't in the same league as the Main St BBQ in Euless.

This is gonna be fun. Texas is well known for having the best Mexican and the second or third best BBQ in the nation.

Bing

Hit 'em where it hurts, Bing!!!!!!!!!

HURTS??? I thought I was bragging on them.

Bing

I don't rate by state. I have had B'BQ all over the country (KC , Carolina , WY , TN , Calif ,MS , Ill , LA , Colo , Pac NW , GA , TX , NM , East Coast , Mid-West ,you name it - even Canada ). The place DD1 picked out is in the top 3 in the country.

You know, what I've never understood is the BBQ sauce. It seems to me if the meat is good, you don't need the sauce. If the Q needs sauce, I don't eat there.

Oh yeah, the place we're talking about is $12 for all you can eat of ribs, brisket, pork, chicken, sausage, beans, cole slaw, potato salad, peppers, etc. Water or tea and bring your own beer.

I never use the sauce. Just salt and raw onions.

Any time I'm flying through George Bush Intl. in Houston, I alway eat at the one Q place in the terminal.

The other place I always eat at when in Houston is west of Houston on Long Pointe. It used to be called Larrys, but then some Korean or Vietnamese folks took it over. It still rocks though. Come to think of it, the place in GBI might be run by some oriental folks also.

My favorite, all-time, perfect for me BBQ place was Todd's Rip Roarin' Ribs in Canoga Park, CA (L.A. area). Unfortunately, they were closed down by the Board of Health some years ago.

The place DD takes us to is a close second, and has not been deemed a health risk.

Y'all miss the point to sauce, DD. First, you eat all the BBQ you can with just a great rub on it. After you're full, you get another couple plates of food with sauce, for desert.

I think I've only had BBQ twice in Texas. Once at Angelo's that we have discussed in Ft. Worth and the other is the one DD1 is suggesting. It was great at both.

My reference to Texas's ranking in BBQ is that it seems that so many states claim each is the best. (Size you can prove, the "best" is more subjective). Missouri (KC), Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, etc. all feel they are the best. I once had a fellow from Iowa claim theirs was the best. He took Connie and me to two different new restaurants one Fourth of July weekend for the best BBQ in the nation. We went back to Des Moines one year later and they had both closed.

Bing

Texas has the best BBQ. I have proof. Got my Texas monthly mag yesterday with the yearly 50 best places to eat BBQ. Heck I didn't see any place listed out side of the Lone Star state. Give it up. It's ok when you come to the conference you will get to enjoy some too.

World's best barbeque, my back yard. Ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken, and fajitas...but, I admit to being out of practice since the boys got all growed up and left. I used to cook 2 times what I thought we needed due to ever swinging teenager around showed up. My kids harass me now when they see the gas grill; they say, man you used to be a tee totaler wood cooker. I aint got 10-12 hrs to tend to it anymore just for me and the wife.

All I'm gonna say is City Market Luling, Texas

Burger, count you in?

Count me in, but I wont be cooking fish or BBQ, but I will buy you a combo plate and Lone Star at the Main Street place. City Market is also a good one.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-12
GA-1
MS-2
WV-2
OH-2
IL-4
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5

Total - 35

Great news Burger. I haven't yet started hinting about some of you Texas folks to do a fish fry. I'll start in on that in about four weeks.

Burger great news. I am looking forward to visiting with you. Sunil another X-Miss guy.

dittos, EW. Not X.....just misplaced. East Tx. is sorta like Miss., but not Houston.

Hey Sunil you need to add Burger to the Miss total and not the TX total.

Since my name tag said Arkansas last year I will go with that.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-11
GA-1
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-4
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1

Total - 36

Who is number 37?

I have a special prize for you.

We will have a bunch of prizes and neat stuff in addition to the auction items - but you have to be present to win ! !

Im gonna show up twice so Im #37

OK TOM G, we'll have a different boobie, I mean door prize for you.

So....who is lucky number 37?

PA-1
CA-2
TX-12
GA-1
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-4
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1

Total - 37

james holt is LUCKY #37. PLEASE NOTE: The door prize for being LUCKY #37 may prohibit you from operating a motor vehicle.

Brettski?

#38. Illinois.

I didn't know if Brettsker wanted to make his usual grand entrance. Oh well.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-12
GA-1
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-5
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1

Total - 38

I am planning on fireworks, cheerleaders and ponies for my entrance...and thats just for the walk in from the parking lot.

I'll have the bench press set up just inside the convention floor so you can prove your worth.

Can we do the festivus feats of strength, AND the airing of grievances???

3 more from Illinois!
One of my employees and 2 clients!

I think we have exceeded the number of people allowed in Texas from Illinois at one time. That probably goes for Pa also, even if it is just one. We all know which one that is, right.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-12
GA-1
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1

Total - 41

Needless to say, we're hurting in and around Pittsburgh this morning.

If you count all of my personalities then the California count should be 17 or 18 at least.

Judging by my calendar, we are now officially (30) days out from the show.

Seeing as we have approx. 4,213 forum members, we need one more person to voice their attendance so we can say that we have 1% of the forum attending.

Can I get a witness?

Amen brother.

Thanks JHAP. If one of your alter/bizarro personalities will pay to attend, he/she can be #42.

I wiegh as much as two people..should I count twice?

Attendance voiced. Registering now.

-
you gotta pay?

Way to go Aaron!

OK! Well, B.I.S.A. is going to be there in full fighting force.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-12
GA-1
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 42

booked the flight today, so mark down me as well as Matt. might even bring a second employee. So let me know how many beers I owe to everyone. Wasn't there a baseball game TH night? We will be there by 4 pm.

I never received my card, yet I seeded 50 smally smallies a few weeks ago. Is there a training session that I must complete before full honors?

Glad to hear you are making it Greg, and Matt too. We'll add your third guest when confirmed.

Brettski, I might be a little pissed right now. Did you not tell us about the smallie stocking when it happened? If so, you are hanging around Covert-Stocker-#1 too much.


PA-1
CA-2
TX-12
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 44

OK Brettski, my fault. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I see where you showed us about the stocking of the greatest fish in the world.

Somehow I missed it. So YES, you are a card carrying member of B.I.S.A. now (even if we don't have cards).

When I had originally commented in the previous post, I thought you were taking on the ways of Condello (who is Covert-Stocker-A#1, which would have made you Covert-Stocker-A#2).

Greg,just leave your credit card on the bar...we'll let you know when we're done

Greg, I'm so glad to hear that you are gonna make it. Get to the bar my friend and I will gladly buy you a beer.

Note to other forum members: Greg is one class act. Shortly after my father died Greg (who lost his father just a couple of weeks before me) invited me to call him, which I did, we had, what was for me, a very comforting conversation. Although I've never personally met Greg, he is a stand up guy in my book.

People who care - that is a common thread among our PB group. There are many examples like that revealed here and many , many more that are never mentioned just greatly appreciated.

[quote=ewest]People who care - that is a common thread among our PB group. There are many examples like that revealed here and many , many more that are never mentioned just greatly appreciated.

Eric, you mean like you.
You would never, ever, ever call attention to yourself, but you are the one constant on this board and truly the "backbone' of this forum. Thanks for all you do.

Thanks Randy. I recall a guy at the Atlanta meeting doing a bunch of work . A great host - I think that guy was rmedgar. Also helping at the Conv. last year.

Like I said - there are a bunch of good people here - shining examples of what is good and right - Randy you are one of those points of light.

Anyone getting excited?

I am. My belly-button has been puckering and unpuckering all month!

Its time for all you guys to get signed up. The program is great. Lots planned in addition to the program.

My dad will be attending so add another one for Texas.

I think some curried smallmouth would be a good change of pace.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-13
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 45

Oh but burger, if only I could stand to clean a fish or even cook for that matter, we'd eat some curried smallmouth. As it stands, I think we are still going to pull off a fish fry.

I've just learned that this year's theme is Disco Inferno.

I knew I should'a saved my black spandex slacks, silk shirts, and gold chains.
...shoot!

My wife and I signed up via e-mail / credit card / PDF Registration Form a while back, but never received any kind of acknowledgment. Did anybody else get one? We'd sure hate to be turned away at the door.

. . . especially if we are going to have curried smallmouth!



Ken

Not a chance, pardner! Just tell 'em you know Theo. They'll roll out the red carpet!

Burn baby burn.

I will have to borrow a shirt from Bruce.

Then you'd better start fasting, Fattay.

this year I have been going in the opposite direction. I wanted to fulfill my name this year ande really come rolling into the convention!!

Catman, when I called and paid via CC, the girl (not Becky, she must be relaxing in LL II, wouldn't you!) said to just show up, they will have everything there when we arrive...sounds like a the typical convention setup, they know we are coming and will be waiting!

This year I hope they dont spell my name "Fatty Mac Butter Pants"

You guys please go ahead and register if you have not done so because Bob needs a count for aprons , lunch , chairs etc.

Ken I checked - you and Mrs are all signed up and good to go.

Almost under (20) days now.....

Yikes!

Is there anybody in this area not going to the convention? (We'll be gone for a whole week -- off to see our son and daughter-in-law in OK City after the convention.)

We need to find somebody to care of the cats, the pond fish, the aquarium fish, the chickens and Mr. Rooster, the worms, and the garden. I'm sure the birds and the ground hog would like a little company and extra food too.

I'm a little far away, Cat, but IF I was staying home, I'd offer to "take care" of your groundhog for you.

(17) days and counting down....

Sunil, One more for Texas.

Huzzah!

PA-1
CA-2
TX-14
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 46

We're going to need to start finalizing some plans for the fish fry. We need some fresh fish suppliers and a few folks who want to try some of their recipes.

I'd love to go and get that PA count up to 2 - BUT I'll be in Montana riding horses, hiking and wading in the Madison River trying to convince a very large trout to eat a fly so that I can possibly see Cecil work his magic again.

I'd love to get the PA count up to two also. I'm losing legitimacy here!

Anyway, I will work out details, but who can bring some fish to cook?

Does anyone want to participate in the actual cooking?

Sorry Sunil, I don't eat fish.

Well...there ya go
Fatty McFryerpants

Don't worry, Fattay, I'll have some mystery meat available for you.

My wife and I can help cook -- bluegill fingers, catfish chunks, etc. Any ideas on how, where, and how many people?

I don't think I'd want to try and bring a box of dead fish on the airplane with me. But, even if things got really bad, COSTCO always seems to have decent and fresh catfish fillets.

Ken

I'm still hashing out some details, Ken, so I'll have more info. as we get closer.

I do know that Fattay prefers liver, kidney, or sweet breads (as well as head cheese), so we'll need some special recipes for him.

I think you guys are nuts - my kind of folks...!
I might be able to help....what does the BOSS say?

I do not have a booth this year, Sorry Bob. Only one talk so I have been behind many a propoan cooker. I will volunteer to cook fish fillets if some are avaialble.

Im in ------------- Don't drink beer but maybe a lil Red Wine [ it goe's with fish to ]

PA-1
CA-2
TX-15
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-2
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 47

Harvey, long time, no posts. How've you been?

Here is an idea of some of what to expect. What a great line-up.

Dale Hall—U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director - Tales from the Top of the Food Chain

Ray Scott—What About Ponds

Bob Lusk—Warning Signs from the Pond

Greg Grimes—Fertilizing a pond

Dr. Mark Griffin—What’s the Big Deal with Feed Trained Bass?

Mark Cornwell—What the Heck is “Water Quality?”

Bill Cody—Microbial Use to Manage Water Quality

Bob Lusk—Pond Fish species

Mike Otto—The Great Pond Creation—Today’s world of building ponds

Dan VanSchaik—Wildlife—How Attractive is your Pond?

Ken Hale—What’s All the Fuss About Tilapia

Dr. Bruce Condello—A Sunfish is a Sunfish, or is it?

Bill Cody—Effectiveness of bass predation on green sunfish.

Dr. David Willis—Methods and Interpreting Fish Populations

Dr. Jeff Slipke—Throw Tradition Out the Window

Melissa Wuellner—Competition? What’s that?

Bob Robinson—Move water to clean it.

Bob Lusk—The Latest and Greatest Feeding programs

Leonard Jirak—Feeding Huge Fish—Great Expectations…and Consequences

Jim Liner—Capturing Wildlife on Camera—How to Shoot Better Photos

Ed Rogers—Soft Plastics

Eric West— A Sense of Time & Place - How to protect it.

Ray Scott—Philosophically Speaking


Additional events


Visit with the vendors - booths and products on display

George Glazener and fisheries biologist and pro Fly Fisherman Brandon Powers, Temple Fork Outfitters —Fly Fishing Your Pond

Aquatic Plant workshop—hands on—Panel of Experts.

Aeration Panel Q&A

Smorgasbord - One on one Q&A with speakers

How to find answers on the Internet—Pond Boss Forum Moderators

Silent Auction for fisheries research at SDSU

Moderators' Booth filled with surprises - come by and visit.

And here is a sampling of the after-hours topics:

Sunil Ramchrandran - Clandestine Pond Stocking

Dr. Bruce Condello - Dress for Success

Theo Gallus - What Kind of Cows I Have

Fatty McButterpants - What Larry the Cable Guy is Like Backstage

"Bill Cody—Effectiveness of bass predation on green sunfish."

We will be monitoring this presentation for heretical blasphemy.




Since we have not been invited to have an official booth, the GSA may have an unwelcome/unauthorized booth next to the Pond Boss booth. We intend to offer free pokes in the eye. Limit one per customer please. Must be over 18 to participate.

blasphemy - shasphemy. And I suppose the free pokes in the eye will be with a dorsal fin spine plucked from a rambunctious green sunfish. ewest warned me about you guys. Bring your best teammates to the convention. You ain't been challenged till you've come up against a siliceous diatom carrying armored Dinoflagellate packin live bait on a 2x tippet. We'll send the GSA back to chasin whimpy YOY fathead minnows.

As always, attendees will get some enlightening new information.

Jeff - bass predation on green sunfish - that is what is going on in your pond - right.

I have no idea what the heck that means but I must admit is sounds scary. However the GSA looks fear in the face and laughs and not one of those high pitched squeaky girl laughs either.



That Sir will never happen. No matter how much you barrage us with multi-syllable highly technical scientific words that we don't understand.

Yes, but the GSA's position on this is that the magnificent GSF is surrendering it's life for the betterment of the pond as a whole and accordingly is actually a pond hero.

Actually, speaking now as JHAP and not the Seargent in Arms of the GSA, I'm really looking forward to hearing your presentation Bill as well as many of the other presentations listed above.

The caliber of this conference is fantastic.

Im going to set up a booth right next to Jeffs and have cold beverages for the eye poke victims,er,particpants.

Someone going to whip up some calf fries????

I am going to try to bring a legal pad with pond questions on it this year so I sound like I is more starter than I be.

I dont even want to go there.......

Folks, we have a solution to our fish fry dilemma.

Young Man (Chris Steelman) has informed me that his grandparents only live a mile from the show, so if we can't cook on the grounds, we can cook at his grandparents place.

Outstanding, Young Man!

He can also bring one or two propane cooking rigs.

Condello and james holt are working on the fresh fish, so we are golden.

If anyone wants to bring fish also, feel free.

Dang...
Sorry; I can only get Chicago pizza

Let's just hope Chris' grandparents don't read this forum .

Well, all I can say is that if Young Man is 21 years of age, he will be blessed as Young Blood in a few weeks for his Outstanding performance.

This is fantastic. This will be better than Altamont 1969. This will be better than Woodstock 1969. Uncle Sam had me under his wing during both, so I didn't get to either -- but friends tell me that they didn't have a fish fry at either one.

My wife and I will get in a little late on Friday morning, but we'll be willing to help with anything that needs to be done. Just post, or send me a PM, to let me know how we can help.

I wasn't planning on getting a rental car this year. Is there a possibility of some kind of transportation?

And, we need to think of something nice we can do for Chris' grandparents.

Do we need a sign-up sheet? If so, put us down.

Ken

I can see the PBCon08 rockumentary now - "Gimme Structure"

See 2 days and 3 nights of extreme fish management mayhem! See the heavy-handed security provided by Hell's Anglers - their fee? $500 worth of cold bee moth larvae! See Green Sunfish verbally abused on stage! See the brutal tagging of bluegills by a crazed man wielding a floy gun!

See the fateful Arlington concert that lobotimized epitomized a generation! With performances by A School of Fish, Hot Tuna, and Pond Boss' own Rolling Spawn, featuring lead vocalist Mick Butterpants and guitarist Keith Ramchandran at the top of their game (such as it is)!

Dang. I can't wait!

Here the renewed 'Fish Cheer'

Impromptu appearance by 'JHAP and The Left Coasters', with their infamous "Deep In The Heart of Taxes"

'Greg and The Moderators' slouching around the campfire of dried FA, sipping K-Tea, and sniffing fish curry simmered in a disc wok. All the while, in the background, skinny dipping in the Conf Center forage pond. (Pray for a heavy bloom).

'Dow Jones and The Industrials' are bound to crank up "Ten Thousand Again".

Here the 4:30 AM fishing report by the 'Metromess Geezer Squad'.

Great line...

Mick Butterpants singing "Gimme Structure"? I'd show up just for that. Wouldn't even matter if there was a conference going on.

"WHY ARE WE FIGHTING?!!??"

Uh, FMB I guess I'm gonna need my wire mesh jock strap back, I never perform with out it.

I usually appear as the opening act to "Dave and the El Dorados" and he slays the audience with his live rendition of "I know it's only rocks and stones by I like it."

Oh and as and also and besides if I'm involved in the dip in the hotel's forage pond it could hardly be called "skinny" dipping. More like fat dunking.

Whose fighting?

mick jagger quote...

Ken, I don't know how tied up I'll be on Friday morning, but I'll have a rental and might be able to get you and your wife from DFW.

Ahh, stupid me, Altamont Music Festival, December 1969. I guess I was a little slow on the uptake.

Well , Sunil I've just been [ lookin an listnen ] Can't keep up with you guy's . Harvey

That's most likely a sign of good mental health, Harvey.

We'll accept, if it works with your schedule. Lynda and I don't get in until late Thursday night, and we plan to stay at the DFW Wyndham. Our alternate plans are to take the Wyndham shuttle back to DFW and call for the Sheraton Sheraton's to get us to Convention center.

I'll PM you with current contact info.

Ken

Let's add one more Indiana boy to the list as of today. Cecil, let's represent! See you there.

Sunil, I'm coming to collect on that round of drinks that we talked about on Sept. 10th Can't wait!

PA-1
CA-2
TX-15
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-3
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 48

Great news, Blaine!

Its lookin like Texas is gonna smoke everybody else

Guys go tell your fishing friends to come join us. Tom TX should have about 200.

Just a few days now...............

Anyone else getting fired up?

I am SO looking forward to this conference. I've already begun packing...

Shorts - check
T-Shirts - check
Toothbrush - check
Toothpaste - check
Shoes - check
Socks - check
Cavity search lubricant - check (I had a misunderstanding with airport security a couple of year ago and have received "special attention" ever since, yet another one of JHAP's adventures. By the way my wife was not particularily amused by this adventure but on the plus side I no longer have to pay for a colonscopy and I think I'm better prepared for any potential prison stint).
Swimtrunks - check
Deodorant - check
Cologne - check
Sunglasses - check
GSA spy gear - check

Yep I think I'm ready.

Jeff, I almost had one of those airport misadventures. About 4 years ago, Lusk, Otto and I headed to Atlanta for a mini conference.

I arrived and went to check in. They told me to please step aside. It appears that Dave Davidson is on the terrorist list. I showed my ID as Samuel Zeno Davidson Jr and explained that Lusk, Otto and everybody associated with Pond Boss were idiots and had made the arrangements in my nick name. It was a tense 45 minutes but I made the flight.

I am!


Dave-
Is it Friday evening that we're going for BBQ? I can't come until Friday, but I should be in Arlington by about 6 pm. I hope I can make supper.

I'm gettin' fired up to see you all!

Im trying to get fired so nothing interfers with me coming,however,being a business owner,its a tough sell

Yeah, Friday nite sounds OK to me.

TOM G, PM me your phone number and I'll call in and fire you.

Here's our up-to-date list of Forum members who are attending.

Can we get this number to (50) before Thursday?

PA-1
CA-2
TX-15
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-3
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 48

Tom G, don't back out now, we have ways of hunting you down.

Two more people for an even 50, that should be doable.

Jeff,hopefully everything is in the works,if Sunil doesnt back out

On an aside,if it doesnt work out Ill have my people contact your people and get the GSA to burn down my shop!!

Our GPS guided Laser Cannon is standing by for your convenience.



Makes me think we need a new motto for our weapons division.

"Instant fire is our business, and business is hot."

I'll have to think on it some more.

Just FYI, I've terminated TOM G from his own business. He's been fired for misconduct so he'll have no chance at unemployment compensation. He will, however, be rehired at 6AM on Monday morning, but don't tell him that; let him sweat it out.

Life is good,PBers are on the job.I just got a phone call from Pa.Seems Ive been terminated for misconduct. :D Gonna lock the place up and go get ready

Good job Sunil.

I guess I can take my finger off the "Burn, Baby Burn" button and stop playing the Ohio Players video...

FIRE, FIRE

Hey, FMB, I think that guy is wearing your hat in the video.

Thanks JHAP, I linked to that video, and then had to watch Billy Preston, Sly, WAR, etc, etc and there goes about an hour. What great music - like I told my kids, they quit making music in the mid-70s! Country sold out, and the rest is just crap.

"If everyone liked the same thing, they'd all be living at our house" - A Rod

You Sir are my kinda guy!

My wife and I have seen War in concert 3 times. What a great show band!

Add in some hard core 70's Rock and Roll and that's livin.

Oh and as an also and besides one of the greatest performers that I ever had the pleasure to see live was James Brown. Legendary, truly legendary.

I'm stoked, psyched, ready, thirsty. Where is Sunil when you need him?

Surrogate? Does this count as 1/2 from MN?

Convention Auction Notebook

War? Hmmph?! Good, God, y'all - what are they good for?

Aren't those four of the seven dwarves?




Last I heard he was doing a lube job and oil change on the gasoline powered blender. That bad boy has got to be in tip top condition in order to go the distance.

By the way I was referring to the blender here not to Sunil.

Based upon rumors that I have heard I have no doubt that Sunil will have no problems going the distance.

Why can't we be friends, why can't we be friends..

Hot fun in the summertime - oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

and to anyone that has any doubts, Sunil (our social chairman)
will be the last man standing!!!!!!

Ugh...
I just had dinner in Galveston. 97 degrees and 140% humidity (ok, maybe not 140%....just call it a high ick-factor)
Dallas is much cooler...right?

I wanna thank you falletinme be mice elf again.....

Probably not but I'm sure the hotel and convention center are air conditioned and the bar, well my understanding is that it is pool side.

What would ya do if I sang outta tune...
I can now speak Cocker

Wow, I had no idea that Joe Cocker and I had so much in common.

I'm also afraid of my lazy boy AND Probiotics changed the way I feel as well.

Hmmm, go figure.

You? Perhaps.

Now, take the Cisco Kid - he was a friend of mine.

Not much cooler from the forecast I saw for this weekend. Lower humidity, I am sure.

Just a day and a wake-up now!!!!!!!

I'd like to ask a favor of everybody.

If I only met you at last year's conference, please don't feel weird about reintroducing yourself.

After 15 months there is a very legitimate chance I will lock up when it comes to coming up with the name/face connection.

I see so many faces in a year that my brain gave up in 2003.

Me to Bruce. When some of you guys have 3 names (real , pen and pseudo) it really gets hard - at least for me.

For identification purposes, please note that I will NOT be wearing a red carnation on my lapel.

I could wear five of them, but you wouldn't be able to tell because of the shirt.

Hi Dr. Bruce.

I am fatty, your BIGGEST fan...... (hands box of chocolates)

Fattay, what time are you going to be there tomorrow?

Add 2 more attendees from Texas.

The Mrs & I will look forward to learning from and meeting others at Arlington.

PA-1
CA-2
TX-17
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-3
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 50

Hey!!!!!!!! We just turned '50' today!!!!!!!!!!!

See you at the show Lucky Larry!

one more from texas its going to be my first convention and am lloking forward to meeting lots of people and learning and taking in lots of information.

Lucky Larry and LOVELACE LAKE! Look forward to seeing you!

Bruce

PA-1
CA-2
TX-18
GA-3
MS-3
WV-2
OH-2
IL-8
IN-3
NE-1
SD-5
AR-1
AZ-1

Total - 51

What the heck...can we turn '60' today?

We are arriving around 3:00pm tomorrow at the Sheraton. Anyone else arriving tomorrow afternoon?

Cody and I should be blowing in at 4:00-ish with our limo driver, Dario Ramchandran.

George and I should get there around 4ish.

Here I am sitting in the Arlington Sheraton lobby/computer area and I'm looking around and I don't see any Pond Boss folks.

My wife and I got in today around 1:30.

Walked around the pool, had a rum and coke, and now I'm bored.

I'll be looking for you folks tomorrow.

Packed up and READY TO ROLL......
Cross-town journey to Son's abode in Bedford mid-morning.
Dave and I'll see y'all in the afternoon.

Nice Texas balmy weather...
It ain't got hot yet...

JHAP, see how many koi you think are in the hotel pond. Then calculate what kind of forage base would be needed for one black crappie, one gar, two LMB, and three sunfish in that same pond.

More importantly, don't tell anyone what you're doing; if confronted, just act mentally challenged.

Hey Jeff, WELCOME TO TEXAS...!!!!

This will be our first chance to verify that you're not one of Theo's alter egos.

PM me your cell number!

JHAP, Lusk is at the hotel now and he wants to talk to you.

Check your PM for his cell phone number.

OK so who's getting pumped up???

We already have JHAP and Lusk on-site although they might not have connected just yet.

So the stories will be starting soon...

I dont know what day/time I will be headin gout that way. Friday morning of course. But I dont know about anything tommorrow....should I be aware of something tommorrow night?

Just good times for Thursday night, but it could get crazy.

"...I will be headin gout that way.."

No. Don't bring any gout. Please.

You must come on Thursday, Fattay.

what are locations and times?

Sunil, Bob wants to meet me? What'd I do??? Are my posting priviledges gonna be suspended? I just got off the phone with the Boss. He's meeting me in about 15 minutes. My palms are sweating like a school girl going to her first prom.

George, thank you for welcome to Texas. I really look forward to meeting you.

Bruce, I often forget what I look like. So if you see me remind me who I am. Also, how do you really know that Theo is not one of MY alter egos.

if i wasnt here with my kid falling asleep on my lap I would comeup there and have a beer with you and Bob...I guess I will just have to wait to met ya .

Wow, that took a while. There are 197 Koi. 91 males and 106 females. Oh and the hotel staff wasn't too happy about me catching and sex typing the koi.

I'm currently working on a graph to illustrate the koi color breakdown.



Hmmm, it was really easy convincing them that I was mentally challenged...... go figure.

i'll live vicariously through the JHAP man.......have fun bro, i'm sittin in dense smoke and 109 degrees sweatin my near future.

Dude, I'm so very sorry to hear that. I'll call you tomorrow morning.

After some very intense calculations, I figure that 54 Lop Eared Rabbits ought to do it. 30 females and 24 males (talk about a male Lop Eared Rabbit's dream).

JHAP, I'm leaving in the morning, be there about 3ish. Hang on buddy, we are coming.

I'll call you a little later, since you're obviously about to get dressed down by Lusk.

I'll be honest with you. The first time I met him, he beat the holy daylights out of me. He said it was a "welcome to the family".

Now, after knowing him for a couple of years I understand why he did it. He wanted to make absolutely certain that I'm wholeheartedly committed to the Pond Boss team.

Be prepared.

Fattay, just come to the Sheraton for cocktails.

I've PM'd you my cell.

I've just done multiple toasts via cell phone with JHAP, his wife, and Lusk.

They are having a blast and there's only three of 'em there.

Does that mean JHAP survived the "initiation"?

I will show up after I goto "pizza Garden" with the family...then off to Arlington ..hopefully by 630-700

PM sent.
-TheoJHAP

Beer will be around forever. Your kids only fall asleep in your lap until they are 35 or so.

...please don't forget to zip the fly on your ghillie suit this time
-
-
It's 10 o'clock; I just landed at the ho in Plano. JHAP, if you're bored tomorrow, I'll pick ya up at 8 and you can help me peddle metal. On second thought...

Thankfully my spies told me that there would be an initial ceremony that may involve a serious beating. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I lured Bob Lusk to the lobby bar on the guise that I would buy him a drink or three. He took the bait.

We are now holding Mr. Lusk hostage. Unless our conditions are met Mr. Lusk will go through a brain washing proceedure in which he will forsake his love of ponds and now be interested in managing squirrel ranches. Pond Boss will be changed into Squirrel Boss. Fear shall grip the nation. Life as you have known it shall cease to exist.

Condition number 1: A new thread must be created in which the almighty Green Sunfish is praised to epic proportions.

Condition number 2: In this new thread, a minimum of 50 forum members must proclaim their love for the almighty GSF and vow that they shall NEVER post disparaging comments about this magnificant species again. 49 members will not save Mr. Lusk. 50 or more or it's all over.

Condition number 3: Ninty one dollars in unmarked bills shall placed into a Flintstones Lunch box and shall be left at a location that we shall disclose in the future. More funds shall be requested as the bar bill ransom requirement increases. Prepare to open your wallets for the cause.

We shall post additional conditions in the very near future.

WE HAVE SPOKEN!

...you grabbed Otto, you boob

How could one tell the difference?

NEWS FLASH! JHAP IS SQUIRRELLY!

Whoda thunkit?

"...you grabbed Otto, you boob"

That is classic.

Signing off.....see you at the show!!!!

Sunil,getting fired didnt take.The wife said I had to work today so Ill see you guys late tonite or in the morning

Update:

We had a very close call with Otto. We grabbed him by mistake but he scared us so much we set him free.

In addition, Bob escaped last night, I guess I fell asleep after several drinks and he walked out of the confinement room.

So now we have an entirely new plan.

You see we're gonna lure Sunil to the bar with a few drinks..........

Get here as soon as you can. Think sooner rather than later.

OK, at the hotel. I'v seen Cody and Theo, heybud and his wife Bonnie, JHAP and his wife Ricki, the Guvnor (Dave Davidson), george glazener, Matt, Chad & Chuck Fikes, Debbie Lusk, ewest, Young Man (Chris Steelman) and his Dad, several PB staffers, and......I've had a few drinks and I might be forgetting someone.

I'll update the list soon.

I got at the Courtyard about 7PM after many detours due to Rangers parking, closed streets. Came to the makeshift bar at the Sheraton to get a free drink. It was dead. Now I have a hankering for chicken wings. There happens to be a Hooters just down Copeland from me. I looked at my calender and the rest is history. I hate it when that happens.

i just got a loud drunken call from my good friend JHAP. i think i talked to mr. mcbutterpants, brettski, and heybud, but wasnt too sure.

y'all knock one back for me, as i am about to do as we approach cocktail hour...

here's how guys,



sorry i cant be there witchya

I wish you could join us too, Dave.

I'll be there tomorrow evening...hopefully in time for supper and some drinks. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again!

burger, how'd we miss you?

Heady evening...more to follow....new thread most likely.

+1. Unlike Mrs. McCave, we have too few Daves!

-Theo (on ewest's computer)