Reporting Live from LA

[Casey H]

Well, I'm no Phil Youin but I wanted to say hi from LA. I got in yesterday afternoon and had the pleasure of seeing a number of our friends who also got here early. Typical east-to-west coast travel... I went to bed nice and early but found my eyes wide open around 5:30 AM... (Maybe that explains being on the forum at 7AM!)... Thank God for free in-room Starbucks coffee makers. If you don't already know, the internet cafe, about a block away has very reasonably priced meals-- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you exit the hotel, make a right and walk down a long block, you'll see it on a corner. Today, the thing to do is get on the registration line very early- as early as 12:30 or 1:00, even though registration officially opens at 5:30. Last year they opened it early which was great. Hanging out on registration line is part of the fun here. You meet people & some even jam having brought their guitars to the line. Also, the earlier you register, the better your selection for a mentor--- you get one 10 minute meeting with your chosen mentor.Make sure you put a dot on your badge, especially if it's your first time and we won't necessarily recognize you! If you need a dot, I am selling them for $25... just kidding... got plenty of extras. My cell number is on my website if you need a dot or are just looking to connect with forum folks.Can't wait to see you all! Casey

[10westmusic]

Yeah I have a bunch of extra "dots" too if anyone needs one. They come 300 to a package, and I only need 1. Although they come in different colors, so maybe I'll just dot up my entire badge like a Christmas tree since I have such a large supply. Haha. Heck, the holidays are just around the corner!

[10westmusic]

Holy crap Casey -- you have almost 5000 posts!!! I think you deserve a diamond encrusted dot to stick on your badge!

[tedsingingfox]

wooHOO! Dots are slowly trickling in already. Lots of hugs (and triple lattes...it's early. And there are two people already standing (well, OK, sitting) in line!?! Registration doesn't open for nearly 7 more hours. By 3 o'clock, there will be 50 people in line. By 4, there will be HUNDREDS. ML told me there are around 2300 people registered. Wow.We promise to keep y'all posted.Ted

[Casey H]

Nov 5, 2009, 7:58am, 10westmusic wrote:Holy crap Casey -- you have almost 5000 posts!!! I think you deserve a diamond encrusted dot to stick on your badge! I have no life.

[japaneseprincess]

aww i wish i could be there... im stuck in London. please give my hugs to people.

[christoffer]

Hi Casey!Better get down to the lobby soon then (just gotta take a quick nap since I´m pretty jetlaged after a 18 hour trip from Sweden) to hang with you guys!! See you soon!Christoffer

[christoffer]

BTW does anyone know where I can find the info about the mentors? Thanks!Christoffer

[tedsingingfox]

Oh, brother. There are already more than 30 people in line. While I understand wanting to get the mentor of your dreams, five hours in one spot seems a little crazy to me. But, that's just me. And considering they're sitting on hard-but-carpeted concrete floors, my old, boney ass just ain't up for it. So I'm sitting on the cushy sofa watching everybody file in the front doors and playing Wal-Mart greeter.

[Casey H]

Nov 5, 2009, 10:58am, christoffer wrote:BTW does anyone know where I can find the info about the mentors? Thanks!Christofferhttp://www.taxi.com/rally/index.htmlEverything is there.... Lool for "Rally Info PDFs" on the lower left of the screen. Casey