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Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: wolfter on October 29, 2010, 11:44:17 pm

Title: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on October 29, 2010, 11:44:17 pm
I apologize if there's already a link concerning this, but I couldn't find it.  This sounds likes something I'd be enterested in.  Is there somewhere to read more about what happens and so forth?

Thanks in advance!
Greg

Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 29, 2010, 11:49:33 pm
I apologize if there's already a link concerning this, but I couldn't find it.  This sounds likes something I'd be enterested in.  Is there somewhere to read more about what happens and so forth?

Thanks in advance!
Greg


Check out the AM Gatherings topic area on the left of the screen - you can see some of the activities that happened at past AMGs --- Mexico City, London, the Vegas (unofficial gathering), etc. --- It is basically a bunch of members from the Forums who come together and meet face to face - share laughs, new experiences, rememberances, etc.   Hope you can come -- The next one will be my first one that I'll be attending - and I can't wait.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on October 29, 2010, 11:59:02 pm
Guess I'm just being me.  I wasn't sure if it is affiliated with a larger organization or such.  I found a lot of info on the previous ones, but didn't read too much on those.  I will, as it might give me some insight.  It sounds like a nice time and it might help me coming back to life....(melodramatic)....lol  I've been mourning Bill's death for almost 5 years and I think I am finally coming to grips with it.  It'd be fun to me around a group of people where you don't have to analyze every word before you speak.

thanks again!
greg
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 30, 2010, 12:09:27 am
Guess I'm just being me.  I wasn't sure if it is affiliated with a larger organization or such.  I found a lot of info on the previous ones, but didn't read too much on those.  I will, as it might give me some insight.  It sounds like a nice time and it might help me coming back to life....(melodramatic)....lol  I've been mourning Bill's death for almost 5 years and I think I am finally coming to grips with it.  It'd be fun to me around a group of people where you don't have to analyze every word before you speak.

thanks again!
greg
Yeah Greg I originally thought it was affiliated with an organization - but it's not - it is just a group of members who wanted to share their joys and support with each other in person - completely organized by members of the forums, with input and voting by members, etc.

I had to laugh when you said being around a group of people where you don't have to analyze every word you speak --- LOL - reading through some of the threads on here and some from AMG planning you will probably (hopefully) laugh too at what you said.  Try to come - and PM me if you want more details - as well as watching the threads going on related to planning of this year's event.  And, definitely contribute to the planning.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: aztecan on October 30, 2010, 02:00:21 am
Well, you need but ask! ;D ;D ;D

While, as a result of circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to attend either the AMG or the unofficial gatheing this year, I have attended four others: Montreal, San Francisco, Mexico City and Boston.

May I say I have never had a better time. While the locales have been spectacular, the real treasure and joy for me was getting to know the great people here - face to face and, sometimes, even other body parts.  ;)

We drink, eat, dance, laugh, even cry sometimes. We tour, cavort and explore new places.

Not only have I had a great time, I have made some very good friends.

Who could ask for more?

HUGS,

Mark

(Who hopes you will be able to come.)
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on October 30, 2010, 11:12:35 am
2 in the north/northeast, 2 in the west/southwest.  There's never been an AMG in Atlanta, New Orleans, or say Austin?
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Miss Philicia on October 30, 2010, 01:59:18 pm
Montreal isn't the "northeast" it's in a foreign country.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Ann on October 30, 2010, 02:19:30 pm
Montreal isn't the "northeast" it's in a foreign country.

Last time I checked, so was Mexico City.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Miss Philicia on October 30, 2010, 03:38:30 pm
Last time I checked, so was Mexico City.

Silly girl -- you know that the teabaggers believe that Mexico and the US are actually one country.  Now build that dang fence!
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on October 31, 2010, 12:45:30 pm
Thanks all!  I wish I would have joined these forums just a tad sooner.  I'm starting to revel in the love of life.  I'm so fortunate, and yet so so desperate..  It's hard to be the queer amongst a Southern Baptist family.   At least I graduated from a Christian University so I can pretend.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Basquo on October 31, 2010, 06:29:28 pm
2 in the north/northeast, 2 in the west/southwest.  There's never been an AMG in Atlanta, New Orleans, or say Austin?

You do NOT want to be in Austin in July, August, or even September. It's unbelievably hot and humid and is pretty miserable. Also, public transportation is marginal at best and although there's cool stuff around not all of it is accessible by public transport. The city has extensively marketed itself and is oversold all the time for conventions and the like, and hotels downtown are quite pricey.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 31, 2010, 06:32:20 pm
You do NOT want to be in Austin in July, August, or even September. It's unbelievably hot and humid and is pretty miserable. Also, public transportation is marginal at best and although there's cool stuff around not all of it is accessible by public transport. The city has extensively marketed itself and is oversold all the time for conventions and the like, and hotels downtown are quite pricey.
good thing it isn't one of the sites up for vote (those are Seattle, Sante Fe, and New Orleans)....
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Miss Philicia on October 31, 2010, 07:20:28 pm
I think the main reason AMG's not been in anywhere in the South is because it's always been in August, and it's atrocious that time of year.  Doing Savannah, Charleston, etc. in March would be great (IMO) but nobody's going to go for that timing.

People should keep in mind that people have immune disorders (duh) attending this event and (some of us) easily wilt in weather extremes. 

If AMG was regularly held in January nobody would ever suggest having it in Chicago, Boston, etc. 
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on October 31, 2010, 07:34:17 pm
How about my home state of West Virginia in Janurary?  We could all be holed up together in a holler for a whole month.

I'll be happy regardless.  Never been to the west coast though and that's a far way to drive.  (I don't fly).  But I'll make an adventure of the drive.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: WillyWump on October 31, 2010, 08:17:48 pm

 the west coast though and that's a far way to drive.  (I don't fly).  But I'll make an adventure of the drive.

Oh hell no, driving across the continental US would surely be an ordeal. You should take the train, and on your way stop and pick up Aztecan in N.M, he's a big train rider. Trains are cool

-Will
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Jeff G on October 31, 2010, 08:33:29 pm
I wish there was a little bit more of lobbying going on for New Orleans this year ... anytime in the spring or fall that is . 
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: ElZorro on October 31, 2010, 08:38:51 pm
I wish there was a little bit more of lobbying going on for New Orleans this year ... anytime in the spring or fall that is . 

http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/New_Orleans.html (http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/New_Orleans.html)

http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/French_Quarter.html (http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/French_Quarter.html)

http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/Garden_District.html (http://www.inetours.com/New_Orleans/Garden_District.html)

 8)
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on October 31, 2010, 08:47:47 pm
New Orleans is cool.  Bill and I went there a few times.  We had friends who lived in Slidell.  Not sure if that's LA or across the border.  I hate this stereotype, but I was the typical wife in that respect.  He ALWAYS drove and I loved that.  If it wasn't for GPS, I wouldn't leave my local area.

Anyways, our last visit to NO was the summer of 04 and it wasn't really that bad weather wise. 
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 01, 2010, 01:36:15 am
New Orleans is cool.  Bill and I went there a few times.  We had friends who lived in Slidell.  Not sure if that's LA or across the border.  I hate this stereotype, but I was the typical wife in that respect.  He ALWAYS drove and I loved that.  If it wasn't for GPS, I wouldn't leave my local area.

Anyways, our last visit to NO was the summer of 04 and it wasn't really that bad weather wise. 

Slidell is across lake pontchartrain from new Orleans and is still in Louisiana.  I actually think the temperature/weather element is being overblown a bit.  Granted I live here, but I just have never had any terrible reaction to the heat.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: ElZorro on November 01, 2010, 04:39:42 pm
Slidell is across lake pontchartrain from new Orleans and is still in Louisiana.  I actually think the temperature/weather element is being overblown a bit.  Granted I live here, but I just have never had any terrible reaction to the heat.

I spent a week there this past July and was fine, but, I'm from Florida...your mileage may vary  :P
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Basquo on November 02, 2010, 11:16:54 am
good thing it isn't one of the sites up for vote (those are Seattle, Sante Fe, and New Orleans)....

Of course those are the sites up for a vote, you started the final vote thread, remember? In this thread, I was responding to Hell's musings about other locations and in particular Austin.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 02, 2010, 07:53:39 pm
Of course those are the sites up for a vote, you started the final vote thread, remember? In this thread, I was responding to Hell's musings about other locations and in particular Austin.
LOL
I'm sure whichever site is picked it is going to be the right one.
I caught on to your post - that's why I said (jokingly) that it was a good thing those weren't the locations picked -
Hope you took it as being humorous - as that was the intent.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Cliff on November 03, 2010, 04:25:09 am
I think the weather is probably being made a bigger issue than it actually will be in practice.  Yes, it tends to be hot and humid along the gulf coast, but it's not unbearable.  You get used to it and for a one week it's actually fine.  Though, having said that, I would probably prefer to hold it in Seattle than NO.  The city is much more liberal and so you can feel a bit more comfortable being open than in N.O.  N.O. has more culture and history, but Seattle I find to be very beautiful and laidback.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: David_CA on November 03, 2010, 01:48:56 pm
I think the weather is probably being made a bigger issue than it actually will be in practice.  Yes, it tends to be hot and humid along the gulf coast, but it's not unbearable.  You get used to it and for a one week it's actually fine.  Though, having said that, I would probably prefer to hold it in Seattle than NO.  The city is much more liberal and so you can feel a bit more comfortable being open than in N.O.  N.O. has more culture and history, but Seattle I find to be very beautiful and laidback.
Comfort is one thing, but bear in mind that the Gulf Coast is a prime hurricane target, and August and September are the worst months for them. 
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: peteb on November 03, 2010, 03:13:17 pm
Comfort is one thing, but bear in mind that the Gulf Coast is a prime hurricane target, and August and September are the worst months for them. 



good point
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Jeff G on November 03, 2010, 04:11:55 pm
Comfort is one thing, but bear in mind that the Gulf Coast is a prime hurricane target, and August and September are the worst months for them. 

Washington State has volcano's and earth quakes that are terrible in August and September .

New Orleans on the other had is a centrally located fun filled city that rarely has hurricanes except for the delicious ones served in the French Quarter .         
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on November 03, 2010, 05:56:00 pm
OK, couple of more questions.  I decided to do some prelim research on trains.  Still too terrified to fly and common sense dictates that I wouldn't make it out of Ohio driving.  Did I check the site correctly in that you can get from Ohio to Washington in 10hours?  There was another one that took 2 days.  Why would someone choose the longer one when they're both the same price?  I was pleasantly surprised by the cost.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 03, 2010, 06:43:56 pm
Washington State has volcano's and earth quakes that are terrible in August and September .

New Orleans on the other had is a centrally located fun filled city that rarely has hurricanes except for the delicious ones served in the French Quarter .         

I was giggling about that as well.  Did someone really bring up natural disasters as a point of detraction?  As for cultural acceptance I'm going to assume whoever said Seattle is more open to gay folks and the HIV+ has never actually set foot in NOLA.  The French Quarter is literally covered in gay bars and pride flags.  Southern Decadence which is one of the largest gatherings of gay men in the world also takes place in New Orleans (Labor Day Weekend, by the way).
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 03, 2010, 06:52:56 pm
I was giggling about that as well.  Did someone really bring up natural disasters as a point of detraction?

Yes, your fellow coastal Southerner David_NC.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 03, 2010, 06:54:15 pm
Yes, your fellow coastal Southerner David_NC.

NC and LA are comparable?  That means that by living in the Northeast you must be the same as a Rhode Islander, right?
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 03, 2010, 08:11:18 pm
NC and LA are comparable?  That means that by living in the Northeast you must be the same as a Rhode Islander, right?

Jesus you're not very bright.

Where do hurricanes hit the most at the height of the season?  Gulf Coast and Outer Banks of NC perhaps?

What's up with all of the bitterness and portraying yourself as some sort of victim?
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 03, 2010, 08:40:43 pm
Jesus you're not very bright.

Where do hurricanes hit the most at the height of the season?  Gulf Coast and Outer Banks of NC perhaps?

What's up with all of the bitterness and portraying yourself as some sort of victim?

I just think that saying that because David knows about NC implying that information would make him more knowledgeable about NOLA is a bit of a stretch.

http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2010/teams/neworleans1/hurricane%20history.htm

Some information about the history of New Orleans concerning hurricanes.

I'm not bitter but you definitely seem to perceive me as attacking you when all I'm doing is responding to you.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: David_CA on November 03, 2010, 08:51:45 pm
I was giggling about that as well.  Did someone really bring up natural disasters as a point of detraction?  As for cultural acceptance ...
Indeed.  Just the threat of a hurricane has people cancelling flights, reservations, etc.  It's ruined many a vacation (including some of mine).    

Jesus you're not very bright.

Where do hurricanes hit the most at the height of the season?  Gulf Coast and Outer Banks of NC perhaps?

What's up with all of the bitterness and portraying yourself as some sort of victim?
Miss P speaks the truth.  If they don't go into the Gulf, they zip up the coast and hit Cape Hatteras (i.e. Outer Banks).  That, incidentally, is what sends the Gulf Stream out across the Atlantic.
From www.hurricanecity.com/city/wilmington.htm (http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/wilmington.htm) - Wilmington, for example, is affected every 2.67 years
and www.hurricanecity.com/city/neworleans.htm (http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/neworleans.htm) - New Orleans is affected every 3.66 years.  

I'm thinking we should plan AMG to be held in Upstate NY in January... just pay no mind to all that white stuff.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: David_CA on November 03, 2010, 08:59:40 pm
I just think that saying that because David knows about NC implying that information would make him more knowledgeable about NOLA is a bit of a stretch.http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2010/teams/neworleans1/hurricane%20history.htm

Some information about the history of New Orleans concerning hurricanes.

I'm not bitter but you definitely seem to perceive me as attacking you when all I'm doing is responding to you.
Hurricanes are hurricanes wherever they hit - NC, SC, GA, AL, LA, Mexico, Cuba.  I probably have more first-hand experience with 'em than most who haven't live on a coast for 26 years, unfortunately, and they're quite tiresome and expensive (you should see the doubling and tripling of homeowners' insurance for wind coverage). 
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 03, 2010, 09:00:26 pm
Indeed.  Just the threat of a hurricane has people cancelling flights, reservations, etc.  It's ruined many a vacation (including some of mine).    
Miss P speaks the truth.  If they don't go into the Gulf, they zip up the coast and hit Cape Hatteras (i.e. Outer Banks).  That, incidentally, is what sends the Gulf Stream out across the Atlantic.
From www.hurricanecity.com/city/wilmington.htm (http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/wilmington.htm) - Wilmington, for example, is affected every 2.67 years
and www.hurricanecity.com/city/neworleans.htm (http://www.hurricanecity.com/city/neworleans.htm) - New Orleans is affected every 3.66 years.  

I'm thinking we should plan AMG to be held in Upstate NY in January... just pay no mind to all that white stuff.


I mean if we want to bring personal experience into the equation.  I've been through Gustav, Andrew, Hugo, Ivan, Katrina, Rita in 30 years.  Only lost power with 2 of them.  Most of these occured in mid to late september although the standout (Katrina) was August 28th if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: bocker3 on November 03, 2010, 09:11:44 pm
I'm not sure why you are taking all this so personally.  No one has said anything bad about New Orleans.  They have simply stated that August might not be the best time visit.  I have visited New Orleans in August and I concur.....  Way to humid for me and I live in Richmond, VA, not known for mild summers.  It was difficult to spend the day out exploring the city -- it's an incredible city that should be explored.  I don't like to be out dripping while playing tourist.  The heat and humidity are facts -- you may be used to it because you live there -- others won't be so used to it.

Now - we all get to vote on the city for AMG (in another thread).  If N.O. wins, some may choose not to come, but I suspect most who truly plan to go will still attend and deal with the weather.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 03, 2010, 09:25:49 pm
I'm not sure why you are taking all this so personally.  No one has said anything bad about New Orleans.

srsly... in all of the years here I've never seen someone who lived in a potential AMG location act this way.  It's rather startling frankly.  It's like he's bullying.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Dachshund on November 04, 2010, 07:58:14 am
There's a reason people in the South vacation at the beach or the mountains in the summer. It's to escape the heat and humidty. Not to embrace it. I love NO, been a zillion times, but I wouldn't choose to sweat it out there in August.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Ann on November 04, 2010, 10:09:26 am
Well, all I can say is that if the AMG ends up being held in August in NO, I won't be attending. I've been living for the past twenty years in a place where it's considered a heatwave if the temperature goes over 72F for more than a day. I'm too acclimatised to cold and damp to ever consider going anywhere hot and humid for a holiday. I'd wilt.

I'd go to NO in the spring or fall, but the height of summer? No way.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: WillyWump on November 04, 2010, 10:02:31 pm
Well, all I can say is that if the AMG ends up being held in August in NO, I won't be attending. I've been living for the past twenty years in a place where it's considered a heatwave if the temperature goes over 72F for more than a day. I'm too acclimatised to cold and damp to ever consider going anywhere hot and humid for a holiday. I'd wilt.

I'd go to NO in the spring or fall, but the height of summer? No way.

Slight derail.

Ann the markings on your Puss are divine! very beautiful, love it.

-W
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: carousel on November 05, 2010, 10:00:49 am
New Orleans sounds a blast in August, frizzing hair and sweat patches a plenty.  Count me in.

I understand that AMG is not just a Gay thing, but was wondering what the scene is like in New Orleans.  The cultural bit sounds great, but a man likes a drink with other men, when on holiday.  Not knowing the place and all.

If Ann were able to attend, I think that there are a lot of people who would want to help make that happen, as some kind of payback for everything she does around here.  If she is committed to the idea of coming that is.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: wolfter on November 05, 2010, 05:14:49 pm
I hope most of you notice, I usually apologize before i make any post.  I was just trying to ask a few questions.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: David_CA on November 05, 2010, 11:35:36 pm
I mean if we want to bring personal experience into the equation.  I've been through Gustav, Andrew, Hugo, Ivan, Katrina, Rita in 30 years.  Only lost power with 2 of them.  Most of these occured in mid to late september although the standout (Katrina) was August 28th if I recall correctly.

Ha!  I got you beat!
Diana, Gloria, Emily, Fran, Hugo, Bertha, Bonnie, Floyd, Kyle, Bonnie (name used again), Charley, Ernesto, to name a few... all in 26 years.  I didn't list any that didn't actually effect me or that only resulted in rain.  Now, what's next in the 'mine is bigger than yours' contest?   ;)
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: leatherman on November 06, 2010, 12:58:34 am
Now, what's next in the 'mine is bigger than yours' contest?
in my 24 yrs in the South, between "vacationing" at Myrtle Beach and going to college in Pensacola, I've been through 8 hurricanes.
in my 24 yrs in the North, between living in Cleveland and Canton, I've been through 8 blizzards. (w/ over 1/2 on my bday in Mar ::) )

 :D I say "vacationing" at the beach in jest as way too many trips resulted in being boarded up into hotel rooms during those hurricanes wishing we had picked a different week for our trip. LOL
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 06, 2010, 02:07:55 am
Ha!  I got you beat!
Diana, Gloria, Emily, Fran, Hugo, Bertha, Bonnie, Floyd, Kyle, Bonnie (name used again), Charley, Ernesto, to name a few... all in 26 years.  I didn't list any that didn't actually effect me or that only resulted in rain.  Now, what's next in the 'mine is bigger than yours' contest?   ;)

You're completely and totally right, North Carolina does get a lot more hurricanes that affect you than New Orleans does.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: David_CA on November 06, 2010, 10:03:03 am
You're completely and totally right, North Carolina does get a lot more hurricanes that affect you than New Orleans does.
You're no fun.
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: Hellraiser on November 06, 2010, 10:09:46 am
You're no fun.

Au contraire  ;D
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: aztecan on November 08, 2010, 12:47:53 am
Well, I have narrowed my decision to two, either Seattle or New Orleans.

I have been to Santa Fe many times and wouldn't mind an AMG there, but, I would prefer going someplace I haven't been before.

I once visited New Orleans - for a day one January with two tea totaling young women who were not much fun, so I don't count that as a real visit.

I have never been to Seattle.

On the travel front, it would be easier to travel to Seattle by train, which I would prefer. I could fly, but would prefer not to if I don't have to.

But I would also love to see New Orleans.

Time of year would be important though. I have been to St Louis in the summer. If New Orleans is anything like that, it could be problematic.

I will make up my mind shortly.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: More information about AMG
Post by: weasel on November 09, 2010, 07:05:39 pm
There's a reason people in the South vacation at the beach or the mountains in the summer. It's to escape the heat and humidity. Not to embrace it. I love NO, been a zillion times, but I wouldn't choose to sweat it out there in August.

Well they DO NOT come to the OZARKS   to escape   HEAT  :o

 Missouri  is living in HELL from late June until   Late  September   ::)

 I find the Coast   VERY  NICE   compared   to the Heartland  .

                                              Weasel