With Penguicon 6.0 behind us, it's time we mix things up a bit and get out of the usual hangout. So, I'm having everyone over to my place for a cookout. The plan is to have this get-together rain or shine. I've got plenty of space inside, so if we get poor weather, we can stay in (except for the griller). Please dress appropriate for both the weather AND mosquitoes. In the spirit of Penguicon disclaimers, prior bathing IS required for all :).
You are welcome to bring a guest, but Windows users or non-geeks attend at their own risk.
Food:
I have two whole (and somewhat large) King Salmon fillets that were caught in Lake Michigan last fall. These have been frozen in whole just waiting for this event. This should feed several people, but once it's gone, that's all there is. I planned to pair this with something simple like plain rice and corn on the cob.
From there, you are encouraged (not required) to bring something to pass. Suggestions include a lettuce salad (I have dressings and such covered), egg/potato/pasta salads, tortilla chips (I have salsa) or other munchies, some form of fruit or dessert, etc.
If this doesn't meet your dietary needs, please bring something that's grill-friendly (or even Microwaveable... eww...) and we'll cook it up for you (some raw meat, hot dogs, fresh veggies, etc). I have a fairly large propane grill (in part thanks to Eduardo and Charles), but please keep in mind it might take a while to cook everything.
I'll have water, limited pop, and some form of non-carbonated, non-caffeinated drink on-hand. Otherwise, please bring your own beverage. Bringing beer, etc. is fine as long as the consumer is of legal age (sorry Steven...).
Miscellaneous:
One thing I am really low on is seating (isn't everyone with a first house?). If you could bring a clean chair and or card table, it would really help. Worse case, we might just end up sitting on the floor with a larger crowd.
As always, laptops or other random electronics are welcome and 802.11g Internet access will be available. I have a Wii system that we can mess around on, but only one guitar. If you could bring a Wii guitar controller, that might go over well, too.
An atypical game with simple rules that doesn't require four hours of play time could be a hit. Would any of our tabletop gamers care to bring one? Please note, D&D or similar games played really fast do NOT count :)! I've got a random selection of board games, but few things particularly unique (STTNG: CCG and an Original Trek Trivia game are all that really comes to mind -- not really played either). Pin the tail on the Mac-Fanboi would probably get a little too violent.
If possible, please bring some form of government issue photo ID (preferably two). We are still working on getting everyone set with CAcert.org, so even if you don't particularly want it, giving the assurance does benefit beginning assurers such as Karl.
Location:
I live just north of Eaton Rapids, so it it is a bit of a drive, but it shouldn't be too excessive (~25 minutes or so from the regular spot). From what I understand, a carpool will be leaving the ACD.net/Ideal Solutions building (where we used to meet), so I encourage you to coordinate rides on the mailing list.