posted 05-09-2000 08:49 AM            

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

posted 05-09-2000 10:50 PM            

Dave

posted 05-10-2000 08:34 AM            

quote:

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...what do you call a group of WACKOs?

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I submit to you:

A 'whoop' of Wackos.

From Webster:

1whoop \"hup, "hup, "hwup, "hwup, "wup, "wup\ verb [ME whopen, fr. MF houpper, of imit. origin] (14c)
verb intransitive
1 : to utter a whoop in expression of eagerness, enthusiasm, or enjoyment : shout
{A reaction to the introduction of the latest Harbour Lights models.}
2 : to utter the cry of an owl : hoot
3 : to make the characteristic whoop of whooping cough
4 a : to go or pass with a loud noise {Wackos during a Reunion.}
b : to be rushed through by acclamation or with noisy support (the bill whooped through both houses){Bill whooped through both (light)houses.}{Bill whooped through signing events in three cities today.}
verb transitive
1 a : to utter or express with a whoop {What "LOL" sounds like on the other end.}
b : to urge, drive, or cheer on with a whoop {The usual and expected reaction to Bill Harnsburger's latest review.}
2 : to agitate in behalf of {e.g., The Wish List Forum.}
3 : raise, boost (whoop up the price){Secondary market activity.}
(C)1997, 1996 Zane Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. {with appologies to Zane}

Several of these seem to describe our behavior at one time or another.

------------------
-Art[This message has been edited by Art (edited 05-10-2000).]

posted 05-10-2000 08:37 AM            

quote:

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what do you call a group of WACKOs?

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I call them a group of my friends, John.

posted 05-10-2000 07:32 PM            

What do you call a group of Wackos? Fine Folks!

Derith

posted 05-10-2000 10:35 PM            

The only problem I can remember in Providence were the elivators got a little tied up at times. But on the whole...HL ran a fast tight ship and kept things going quite smoothly for the number of persons that attended. I hope that we have one reunion next year, I would hate to miss out seeing some of the very special friends Larry and I made in Providence

Kat

posted 05-12-2000 02:14 PM            

I keep getting the sneaky feeling that the regular reunion will close out so quickly that I and many other HL people will be left out.

A reunion is a great reason to take a few vacation days, hop a plane and enjoy visiting lighthouses with other Wackos.

I envy everyone that made it to Atlanta, and the Cape Hattaras sounds great but we are taking two cars the Thursday or Friday before that weekend to pick up college son & belongings. Both times my husband said why don't you go, but we have the family situations.

So, my hope is that a Wacko reunion will allow all who wish to attend to do so.

posted 05-12-2000 06:35 PM            

All that is needed is a video camera hooked up to the computer. We would all meet in some "super video-room" (similar to a chatroom but with sound and live pictures). Instead of putting money out for airline tickets you could purchase the necessary equipment to do this and have enough left over for one or two Harbour Lights.

Heck, there could even be a photo contest (live) and the entries can be held up for all to see around the country.

The menu would be whatever each of us had in the house at the time. The only problem that I can foresee is how to get the "event exclusive picture" signed by the great saint JC. Maybe John could scan a signed copy and we could all print them out on our home printers (this would be cause for color variations which may make some pictures worth more than others).

Ron
(CT Keeper)

posted 06-06-2000 10:11 PM            

Yes, I really think there should be a wacko reunion each time there is a big HL reunion --- that is when most wackos will be gathered together in one locale.

But how about also having mini wacko reunions each year when or wherever there is an HL regional. Instead of just collectors coming from the immediate area, let's expand the wacko presence by coming from a larger radius around the central location. That would be better than having no wacko get-togethers at all, and would at least let those wackos from that bigger radius get to know each other. It would be nice if a group of wackos near a regional would volunteer to organize a day of activities before the regional and a dinner maybe after also.

See the postings on the HL Regional and store events. I have suggested wackos list their names under the regional(s) they will be attending this year and whether they would come earlier for a wacko get together.

I have a comment for ROCK on his 5/12 posting. THe Harbour Lights Rhode Island reunion DEFINITELY did NOT suffer from large attendance (except for the unfortunate elevator situation). I have been to many large conventions -- over 3000 attendees--- and this one of 700 that HL ran was the best I have ever attended. The events went off in fine order; the trips were well organized and all had a good time; the food was delicious (well above the usual food one gets at a large gathering); the extra perks and prizes were generous; and the Younger family and staff made themselves present and a part of the reunion, mingling with all of us for the whole weekend. I don't think it could have been better; and after talking to many who attended, I heard no major complaints other than the elevators. The worst thing that could happen would be to raise the price and limit those who could afford to attend; and to curtail the numbers who would be able to register. This elitist attitude will not promote the good feelings we all have towards our hobby. We should all be able to equally enjoy our collecting hobby by being able to sign up to attend.

Keep the Flame and hope to see some wackos in Milwaukee at the regional.

posted 06-07-2000 01:54 AM            

Refreshments will be furnished by the Pig Man and I.O. who will serve burgers and dogs. The burgers will be medium and the dogs blackened, no exceptions please. Jaker's mom will make chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Everyone else bring a dish to pass.

Bob M will be the official greeter.

Paul will be bartender/photographer. He will sell limited edition group pictures in order to finance the purchase of a replacement shirt. St. John will ensure that everyone is correctly identified so it may take longer to get your pictures than the next Legacy.

Fred, the Ancient Mariner, will be on board to regale us with yarns of yore.

Rod will be trip narrator, you are guaranteed to see many lights you've never heard of. He will also point out architectural gems along the way.

Tim, Mark and Art will be recreation directors. Don't forget to bring your glove and a dictionary if you want to understand the rules. Name That Tune, Lightning Rod Counting and various mind games are sure to be on the menu.

Time permitting we will stop by a few retail stores for R@R Rick.

Anyone who says glow during the course of the trip will have KP duty.

The yacht will depart California, with Capt "Beav" Thompson at the helm, travel north to Washington, making a U-turn south and proceed east through the Panama Canal. It will continue up to Texas and points east. Rounding the tip of Florida it will travel the inland waterway proceding north up the Hudson River to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. Everyone who says "WOW" three times will be entitled to a five minute tour and a 10 minute potty break. Retracing our route south the yacht will jog east to Long Island and the New England States. From there it will enter the St. Lawrence Seaway where we will make another stop at Sisters Island Lighthouse. Should we tell the owners we're coming or just show up? Proceeding west to Oswego, it then will take a southern swing down the Oswego River to the Erie Canal and proceed westerly to Buffalo. From there it will continue through the rest of the Great Lakes.

Reservations are not required. If you want to jump aboard just tie a balloon on your mailbox, stand out front wearing your Wacko pin and hang 3 cameras and binoculars around your neck.

There is no limit to the number attending. However pets are not allowed. Rates will be based on how many miles you log and how many cookies you eat. If you catch a virus you will be sent to the brig.

The special event piece will our course be an Anchor Bay HL Yacht on a plywood base, shrink wrapped in pink saran wrap. BY will engrave them with a specially equiped dremel tool.

Please take a few moments before disembarking to complete the evaluation form and return them to ladylightkeeper.

Enjoy the ride!

posted 06-08-2000 12:32 AM            

Has the HL Yacht been inspected by our Coasties (Rich, Torch & Sean) for seaworthiness & compliance with all applicable regs etc?

posted 06-09-2000 12:01 AM            

quote:

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...I can assure you that the Captain turns the boat around so both sides of the boat have the perfect photo opportunity.

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Speaking of the skipper, will this be just a 3 hour cruise?

Looking forward to the Great Mombo Exceptional Lighthouse Trip, Done for Our Wackos and Newbies (MELT DOWN)