ArVaGuy

Ford likely has an eye to the future in making this decision. In ten to fifteen years the market for privately owned vehicles will diminish almost entirely. Huge fleets of autonomous vehicles will become the primary transportation operation in developed countries. These fleets will be owned by investor groups, the automakers, and some private entrepreneurs. The investor groups are already forming and making plans to enter the marketplace right now. An SUV is going to offer greater flexibility in passenger accommodation than sedans. A sedan can comfortably accommodate four passengers including the driver. A small SUV, such as an Escape, can accommodate five passengers. The full sized SUV can handle seven to nine and way more luggage as well. Time will tell if Ford is making the right bet on the car market of the future. The key indicator will be if the competition follows suit and eliminates sedans from their product lines. I can foresee Toyota, BMW, and GM making similar decisions or certainly projecting future trends and determining strategies for that future automobile market.

Let’s keep in mind he’s using an agency for his bookings and thus a percentage of the rate is going to them. Could be as low as ten percent or up to twenty five. Paddy has always been a favorite of mine, I’d pay the two hour rate.

Amen!

So, @WmClarke , does that mean Palm Springs or Vegas??

@stevenkesslar I’m not clear if you’re suggesting to formally contract a block of rooms or just making a group of advance reservations. There’s a lot of pros and cons and financial risks in this proposal. As a business events professional hotel contracting is a major component of my work life. I’m not sure if this is a practical idea or not given the nature of our group. I’m willing to review any terms and conditions involved in any agreement with Canyon Club if anyone wants to explore this idea any further. How many rooms were booked at Canyon Club this year and last? How many room nights? What are the rates? Establishing how much our business is worth to Canyon Club would be helpful in this discussion.

I provide a brief description with age, height, weight, and a few other attributes. Can’t and won’t provide a photo.

InnDulge allows you to book exactly 365 days out on your full reservation. They also give priority to guests who have stayed there previously. This was my first time staying there and I was impressed. Accommodations are nice and well maintained. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. There’s an evening social hour hosted by the owners of the property every day. Plus there’s a breakfast each morning where everyone gathers for relaxing and conversation. I met a couple of people from DC that I’d seen around town but never met. I had a “superior” room which is the basic level. It was nice but a little smaller than I would have preferred. The next level up is “deluxe” which is larger and has a small kitchenette. I booked a deluxe room for 2019. There are 31 rooms on property which makes it one of the larger resorts. Each room has a different configuration so I’d suggest asking them about room types when you book. The vibe is entirely different from Canyon Club there’s not the level of action going on at Inndulge. It’s a resort and some guys are clothing optional but just as many are not. Some you don’t mind seeing “optional” and others you wish were a bit more modest. The hot tub gets active and frisky after people have returned late from visiting the clubs around Palm Springs. It’s directly across from La Hacienda. I hope this is helpful in making your hotel choice.

Well said, @azdr0710. Trust me, there is never an ideal set of event dates that pleases everyone. All an organizer can effectively do is choose the dates, set the schedule, and notify those interested in attending. Then let individuals decide if they can attend or not. There’s very little likelihood that any weekend in season isn’t going to conflict with some other larger event. The market compression on hotel availability wasn’t all that bad as it’s the mainstream properties and Airbnb that draw the bulk of Coachella crowd. PSP isn’t inexpensive to fly into for sure but the airlines increase capacity and utilize larger jets (A320s or 737s) instead of those blasted regional jets. In this instance there’s a full year’s notice and that is great for planning purposes. I’m already figuring out which escorts I’m going to hire and what manner of shenanigans we’ll get in to as well. Can’t wait. Many thanks to @Oliver for making all this possible.

Already made my reservations at InnDuldge before I left. Can’t wait for next year!

I was staying at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans in January 2014. In the wee hours on the morning of the 14th my sleep became restless. At 17 minuets before 2:00 I awoke to a sudden chill accompanied by a draft in my room. I felt a touch down at my legs. There was a familiar presence in my room and I knew then that my 87 year old Aunt had passed away. She had been sick for a while and was suffering from dementia and complications of a broken hip. She was in a hospital in Bossier City 300 plus miles away. Not long after 2:00 my phone rang, it was my cousin calling to inform me that our Aunt had died. I told him that I knew that it had happened at 17 minutes before the hour as she stopped by my hotel to let me know. A few days later after the funeral, several of my cousins were talking about her and I related this experience that occurred. One cousin from Dallas related the exact same experience at precisely the same time had occurred to her. Another in Enid, Oklahoma and another from Cleveland each had the same experience, restless sleep, sudden chill, a draft, touch on the leg, and the feeling of a familiar presence. My Aunt had no children and thus the nieces and nephews were her kids. She was a funny and vibrant person who was our surrogate parent. The family stories of her shenanigans are legendary. I miss her as much as my own mother. I’ve seldom related this story outside the family as some would dismiss such an experience.

Read and duly noted. Thanks for updating.

This was some years back but I recall a female escort saying “Republicans pay up and the Democrats haggle.”

I was not aware there was photography at this event.

Well said Steven. An excellent assessment of our community and this event. Thank you.

Flying back to IAD tomorrow and really don’t want to leave. It’s been an incredible fun filled weekend meeting old friends and making new ones. This was my second year and I thoroughly enjoy the experience. Have already booked Inndulge for next year. And plan to extend the dates as well. Many thanks to @Oliver and @Epigonos for all the hard work and dedication in making this entire weekend possible. We are in your debt for the fun times and new friends we have all made this weekend. Thank You. Can’t wait for next year.

Happy Birthday Sexy Man!

As a Business Events Professional who has organized conferences and such for over 25 years, I can state unequivocally that there is never the “perfect” set of dates, location, accommodations or rates to satisfy any sized group. Someone will always complain about some aspect that inconveniences themselves without much care or regard to other attendee sentiments. An event organizer could go mad trying to please every attendee peccadilloes. It’s not worth the effort. Announce the dates, set the schedule, and let people decide if the can attend. And furthermore, ignore the assholes who complain.

Happy Birthday!!!

Same here, DC can’t decide if it’s Springtime or still late winter. Looking forward arrival tomorrow afternoon.

I hired Aiden while he was working for SC back in 2012-13.

Wall Street Journal reports this action may not be directly related to the recently passed legislation. This is part of an ongoing previous investigation. As far as I know the president has not signed this bill. It’s not officially law yet and federal action under would not be possible. Of course this is just supposition on my part. However, if the law has been signed then perhaps an announcement is forthcoming. I think there are plans for a signing ceremony, this is one of those bills the political class love to tout so they look good come election time.

Got it. Thanks. :):):)

Given the circumstances related to future of our community due to SESTA/FOSTA, I’m taking a moment to announce that I will host a weekend luncheon gathering during MAL 2019. If anyone is remotely interested in attending please send me a PM with your email address and cell number. A communication will be sent in mid to late October with details. The MAL dates are 18-20 January 2019. Our luncheon event will be held on Sunday 20 January at around 12:00 Noon. The venue is already on tentative hold. Here’s the MAL site for details about the event itself. http://www.leatherweekend.com/ This luncheon event is open to members of this forum who wish to attend. This is a private event and only those on the guest list will be allowed to attend the gathering. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones in January. Thanks

I don't think this legislation has officially been sent to the president for signature according to congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1865 Therefore the pocket veto clock is not not ticking at this time.

Lots of Democrats voted for this legislation. To call out only one party for its hypocrisy is just as hypocritical.