Randy's right....which means Wes isn't really a turtle? :mg:

Fun stuff! Wish I could join you all.

I wonder how many turtles and cardinals there are on the cove?

In a former life: Here's to Cardinal Puff! :biglaugh:

Randy's buying, so....

To participate, you must answer this question:

"Are you a Turtle?"


Huh? :confused:

C'mon ISO GUY - you keep saying you don't get due respect 'cuz of your age, and your not even a turtle? :biglaugh:

Huh? :confused:

That's okay...you and me and the rest of the young-un's can form a therapy group to help us understand these self-professed turtles and cardinals. :D

Maybe they're speaking in some form of archaic Quality code...known only amongst the original members of ASQ? :read:

C'mon ISO GUY - you keep saying you don't get due respect 'cuz of your age, and your not even a turtle? :biglaugh:


I have been called may of things before but never a turtle!! I must be TOO YOUNG for this one!! :D

Randy's right....which means Wes isn't really a turtle? :mg:

Fun stuff! Wish I could join you all.

I wonder how many turtles and cardinals there are on the cove?I don't remember "sweet" being part of the formula - maybe it was a geographic thing. I do remember what a dog does on three legs, etc. This stuff was all 40 years ago!

For Dave - ever get suckered into demonstrating the Cardinal with malt liquor? I think I lost a whole weekend with a sport parachute club grounded because of weather!

:lmao: :applause: :biglaugh:

(Smilies speak louder than words!)

Edit: Nuts - a few snuck in ahead of me - this was for RC!

Randy's buying, so....

To participate, you must answer this question:

"Are you a Turtle?"

Do y'all recon it has anything to do with what's on the bottom of the jug - "Straight Bourbon" and "Bourbon Whiskey". In the middle of that it's "BEAM" and "100"?

So, not just Jim Beam, but 100 proof - the good stuff.

Still, does this magic potion give one a hard shell finish? If the whole bottle is consumed in one sitting, it might just come in handy.


:biglaugh:

Craig

For Dave - ever get suckered into demonstrating the Cardinal with malt liquor? I think I lost a whole weekend with a sport parachute club grounded because of weather!

Not the same, but similar: We tried it one weekend with 3 cheers and 16 oz. cans. :eek: :rolleyes: :mg:

I don't think anyone was successful, but by the time we were done trying, no one cared. :lmao:

I don't remember "sweet" being part of the formula - maybe it was a geographic thing. I do remember what a dog does on three legs, etc. This stuff was all 40 years ago!

For Dave - ever get suckered into demonstrating the Cardinal with malt liquor? I think I lost a whole weekend with a sport parachute club grounded because of weather!
:beerdive: :nopity: :drunk: (I love the new smilies!)

Maybe we just stumbled on the real answer to a previous thread - something like "How did we get into Quality."

For the young 'uns:
http://turtleville.tripod.com/quiz/quiz.html
Watch it - even real turtles can get tripped up - computers are much more literal than companions in a liquid refreshment emporium. Question number two isn't exactly as I remember it; the answer is, though. I don't ever remember having to wade through all the questions at once. Maybe I fell asleep - you do get a free drink for each right answer.

Now I am really confused, we are talking about Whiskey-Burbon-Scotch, then I get a link that sends me to anwser some questions!

I need to stop sniffing the sharpies!

Isn't the proper response "You bet your sweet a$$ I am"?
Yes. That's the long held requsite response.

Umm, is this evidence I can use for anything? Randy claims he bites... :blowup:

Seeing that an appropriate amount of time has passed and all the proprieties have been fulfilled I have a little lattitude in my contributing to this thread.


"DON"T EVER GET LOCKED UP WITH MARC FOR A WEEK IN A CLASS ENVIRONMENT!!!" :biglaugh:

The man ain't normal...............

Oh, my. Please do explain! Details! Give these kind folks DETAILS!

We're all ....uh, ears? :gossip:

Well, I'm not sure a this moment where I bumped here ;)

Anyway as I'm new let me introduce myself. I'm chemical engineer with 3 years of experience in that thing called "QMS" :) I never knew the ´94 version and how it was working, so I think I don't have some old vicious.

My native language is spanish but I can read english a bit fluent. Im in charge of the QMS in a company with 450 workers from a Palm Oil Mill located at Colombia (Southamerica).

I used to be member in some spanish language based forums, but I need to start to feel acquainted with 9001 english terms.

So, well, nice to meet you all :)....Ahhh I never knew before another guy from my country in english forums, so let's wait how things work here

Let's just say that Marc is a man not short on words and colorful illustration. As for anything else I need to fall back on the confidentiality issue ;)

Honestly folks...Marc made the week go kinda fast and less bumpy than normal. An honest to goodness active participant who sought for and shared knowledge! (he was also teamed with a couple of nice guys)

We had an excellent group. Active, interested. It was a good class for sure. I've been to a few stinkers where I've regretted going. I guess it's sorta 'Luck of the Draw' when one takes a course.

Marc! You forgot to tell everyone how nice I am ;)

OK. Randy was nice.... Depending upon one's definition of 'nice'. :notme:

I've had the good fortune of bumping into Craig Hollingsworth (aka Craig H) on a couple of occasions. I also finally met Graeme Payne in Toronto this year, which was a real pleasure. We saw each other again at an ASQ dinner meeting in Atlanta earlier this summer. I'd certainly like to meet some other Covers in person; I'll be looking out for the opportunity.

Craig

I'm afraid to meet Wes. Who knows what he'll 'have up his sleeve' from what I hear... :rolleyes:

See post 264 in this thread for a short movie of Randy. You can even hear Randy speak!

Here's another chance to hear Randy speak....

OK guys it looks like I'm going on a road trip...

It appears I'm probably going to be instructing an OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor course Nov 15-19, 2004 in San Diego (Embassy Suites in La Jolla actually...managers reception 5-7PM every day :beerdive: and great full breakfast). This is an IRCA accredited course.

If anyone is wanting to take a course on this subject and/or meet me :bighug: it'll be your chance to kill 2 birds with one stone

To maintain proper Cove behavior I won't advertise the provider (you can check some of my previous posts to see who I have given courses for in the past). If you like information just send a PM or email.

p.s There's a PF Chang 100 feet from the hotel...

(this is a duplicate posting)

Hi folks, I'm checking in from Southfield, MI. I would have posted earlier, but my laptop finally caught up with me just today (long story). I'm here doing the IATF class for TS 16949 CB auditors. If anyone in the area wants to do something tomorrow night, I'd love to "bump" into you...

Howste,

Unfortunately, I'll miss you by just a week or so.

I'll be in Dearborn, MI, on October 11-12 speaking at the Outlook on Quality Systems Conference. Will anybody else be there? I would enjoy seeing a fellow Cove Dweller, if that's possible.

Craig

Howste:

Are you teaching or taking? You said "doing the..."

I need input on which TS class to take. If I knew a Cover was teaching....I'm there!

Laura

This time I'm taking a class - But I also teach RAB accredited auditor classes with TS 16949 focus. If you're interested in TS training though, PM or email me and I can give you details of training options I can help with.

The IATF training for CB auditors I'm taking is only available to registrar auditors.

howste - I'm really bummed!! It's too late for me to make arrangements to be out in Southfield tonight. My husband works at a GMC dealership and they stay open late on Thursdays. I really hope to meet up the next time your in SE Michigan!

I'll be in Dearborn, MI, on October 11-12 speaking at the Outlook on Quality Systems Conference. Will anybody else be there? I would enjoy seeing a fellow Cove Dweller, if that's possible.

Won't be at the conference, but what are your after hour plans? Perhaps an early evening coffee or dinner?

You guys better figure something out....Cari is someone you don't mind being seen in public with. :jawdrop:

howste - I'm really bummed!! It's too late for me to make arrangements to be out in Southfield tonight. My husband works at a GMC dealership and they stay open late on Thursdays. I really hope to meet up the next time your in SE Michigan!
That's too bad, I would have liked to meet you. :( It looks like I'll be hooking up with Charmed at about 6:30. Anyone else wanna meet?

Cari,

I am not a morning person, so an early breakfast would be rough. I have fangs and horns before around 9 AM. Dinner would be great, though. About how far are you from Dearborn?

Craig

Cari,

I am not a morning person, so an early breakfast would be rough. I have fangs and horns before around 9 AM. Dinner would be great, though. About how far are you from Dearborn?

CraigGee, Craig, you struck me as the kind of guy who is up at 5:00 am and jogs10K before breakfast. This latest revelation has destroyed ALL my illusions!:lmao:

Yikes - no one would want to be seen with me in public before 9:00 am!! :eek:
(Who loves ya, Randy!)

I meant an early evening coffee - just that it doesn't have to be dinner. Although I'm always up for eating, we can grab coffee, ice cream, a cocktail, whatever.

I'm about 30 minutes from Dearborn from my house, taking I-94. (My Army Reserve unit was on Beech Daily, near VanBorn, so I'm slightly familiar with the area but it's been years.) Cindy is right around that area also. Either evening is fine for me; I'd say the earliest I could be in the area is around 5:30 or 6:00PM.

Anyone else?

howste and charmed - how was your evening?

Wes,

I will occasionally get up at 5 or 5:30 AM for a workout, but it's not much of a pleasure. I'm an afternoon workout guy. My body likes to get started slowly in the morning. Are you a morning person?

Cari,

That sounds great. Since you mentioned cocktails, I'll admit that that's right up my alley. We could meet over near Dearborn or I could come to you. Do you like to run or walk? We could get an easy run together if that's something you enjoy. It makes the beer taste better. Or we could just meet without the aid of sweaty workout clothes. In terms of time, later is better for me. (6 or 6:30 PM +) Can we tentatively plan on Tuesday? The Dearborn Inn has a cool bar with a decent pool table, so that's a possibility. They probably still remember me from last year...

Craig

In terms of time, later is better for me. (6 or 6:30 PM +) Can we tentatively plan on Tuesday? The Dearborn Inn has a cool bar with a decent pool table, so that's a possibility. They probably still remember me from last year...

Craig
Sounds great! As it happens, Tuesday is best for me - but if something changes to move it to Monday that will be ok too. By 6:30p, I'll have worked 9 hours here, driven home, made dinner and fed the kids, and then driven out to Dearborn - I won't be up for anything more physical than a game of pool. :D Would you like to get a run in before? We could move it back to 7:00p if you usually run in the evening.

Wes,

I will occasionally get up at 5 or 5:30 AM for a workout, but it's not much of a pleasure. I'm an afternoon workout guy. My body likes to get started slowly in the morning. Are you a morning person?

CraigOne of the associations I belong to has morning meetings (Mondays at 7:00 am) - the only way I ever make a meeting is to stay up all night.

When I was young like you, I routinely got up at 5:00 am to play golf, fish, hunt, make early "power breakfasts," and get in to the office early so I could get stuff done before the phone calls began.

I can still wake at 5:00 am, but it takes me three hours to go through all my morning "routines" before I leave the house. I always read two newspapers every morning with my breakfast - a habit that takes longer as the papers have gotten thicker over the years. My Monday papers weigh as much now as my Sunday papers used to 20 years ago and it's not all advertising supplements. Traveling to any kind of place during the morning or afternoon rush periods is a true test of character. Tuesday, it took me two hours to go 30 miles when I started at 4:00 pm.

I no longer run (knees), but I do walk and bike - problem is I do it to sightsee and gawk, not for the exercise.

Wes.

I had been having some hip troubles when I ran, but they went away when I began taking coenzyne Q10. You might want to check it out. Here's a link to some information on it by the National Cancer Institute: http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/9_16.htm. I usually don't tout things of this sort, but it had a significant affect on me. Maybe it could help your knees.

Craig

Cari,

We'll shoot for 6:30-7:00 PM on Tuesday, Oct 12. The eats and drinks are on me! I'll try to check in with you sometime that day just to make sure everything is on track. I'm looking forward to it...

Craig

Cari,

We'll shoot for 6:30-7:00 PM on Tuesday, Oct 12. The eats and drinks are on me! I'll try to check in with you sometime that day just to make sure everything is on track. I'm looking forward to it...

CraigBe sure to exchange cell phone numbers to cover last minute situations.

Wes,

I don't own a cell phone. I'm the last of the Mohicans...

Craig

Wes,

I don't own a cell phone. I'm the last of the Mohicans...

CraigWell, Uncas, who was originally the "Last of the Mohicans" was actually survived by his dad, Chingachgook. Chingachgook was a pragmatic sort who would have at least inquired of Cari if she had a cell phone which could be reached by a landline (one-way communication being better than no-way.)

:topic: Thanks for the tip about the drug. I'll inquire about it with my doctor when I go in for my flu shot later this month. I may not run again, but it would be nice to walk without pain. Oddly, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bekstra didn't give me any more pain relief than aspirin or ibuprofen. Several doctors have told me that as long as I didn't get an upset stomach from the nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), there was no reason to switch to the expensive super aspirins - hence no sweat with Vioxx off the market.

...inquired of Cari if she had a cell phone...

Nope. Though I won't be able to put it off for long with a pre-teen in the house.
:rolleyes:

See you then, Craig.

Howdy, all:

Here is the address of the Dearborn Inn, where Cari and I will be meeting next Tuesday (Oct 12, 04). Please join us! --

Dearborn Inn
20301 Oakwood Blvd
Dearborn MI 48124
Tel: 313-271-2700
Fax: 313-271-7464

Here is a link to a map, showing the location of the hotel:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=address&searchtype=address&address=20301+Oakwood+Blvd&city=Dearborn&state=MI&zipcode=48124&search=++Search++

You can also just plug in your own address to Mapquest in order to get driving directions.

I don't want to hog Cari's charms all by myself (...though I will do so gladly). Please join the fun if you're within striking distance.

Craig

Is anyone attending the ASQ course cluster in Dallas October 25-29? I'm going for the lead auditor with biomedical focus class and am wondering if anyone here will be attending or teaching.


L

Howdy, all:

Here is the address of the Dearborn Inn, where Cari and I will be meeting next Tuesday (Oct 12, 04). Please join us! --

...
I don't want to hog Cari's charms all by myself (...though I will do so gladly). Please join the fun if you're within striking distance.

Craig


You know, I have a class on that day, but I think I can make it.

Dave,

That's great! Please do.

Craig

Howste,

Unfortunately, I'll miss you by just a week or so.

I'll be in Dearborn, MI, on October 11-12 speaking at the Outlook on Quality Systems Conference. Will anybody else be there? I would enjoy seeing a fellow Cove Dweller, if that's possible.

Craig

I have actually being toying with attending but have not been able to find any input as to how valuable the conference is.

I am the Quality Systems Administrator for a manufacturer of fasteners for the big three. I am responsible for maintance, compliance, and auditing of Q1, TS16949, ISO 14001 and MMOG. Would this conference be of use to me?

Dawn

Dawn,

I think it's a worthwhile conference (...but I'm obviously biased). They greatly expanded the topics this year, so there's definitely something for everybody. Your job sounds pretty impressive! You might attend this year, and speak next year. You can explore the details of the conference here: http://www.patonpress.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=16164&cat=&page=&xid=b653155f09558026cb4ed917c4fc95e8

Hope to see you there,
Craig

db - I hope you can make it! It would be great to see you again. :)

Dawn - if you attend the conference, would you be able to join us for a bite tomorrow evening?

db - I hope you can make it! It would be great to see you again. :)

Dawn - if you attend the conference, would you be able to join us for a bite tomorrow evening?
Cari,

I would be honored to meet several of the "Wisest" people on the internet. What time and where?

Dawn

Dawn,

I think it's a worthwhile conference (...but I'm obviously biased). They greatly expanded the topics this year, so there's definitely something for everybody. Your job sounds pretty impressive! You might attend this year, and speak next year. You can explore the details of the conference here: http://www.patonpress.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=16164&cat=&page=&xid=b653155f09558026cb4ed917c4fc95e8

Hope to see you there,
Craig


Thank you for the compliment ! :thanx:

But don't be too impressed, around here I am just know as the "Dutch Boy", have a problem...just put Dawn there to plug the hole. :biglaugh:

What time and where?
See post #296 of this thread, Craig has posted the Dearborn Inn address and a link to mapquest. Hope you can make it!!

Cari, Dave, and Dawn:

Good morning. I have bad news from my end. A couple of issues have come up at home and my wife asked that I try to come back to Atlanta early. So, after I speak this morning I'm going to bug out of Dearborn and come back. This is heartbreaking for me, as I was really looking forward to meeting and spending some time with you. Please accept my apologies.

Just for your comic enjoyment, one of the issues I've got to attend to is the fact that my two dogs dug under the fence last night and ate the two pet ducks in the neighbor's yard. I've got to mend fences (literally and figuratively).

Craig

I was fretting getting to the cove this morning to post that I had to cancel due to vehicle breakdown. My husband's van died, so he dropped me at work (because I have a buddy here at work that lives in our subdivision and we've given each other a ride home often over the years) and he has my truck.

He's having the van towed to his work (he's a mechanic), fortunately it's just the fuel pump and he can stay after work tonight and fix it. Then he'll bring my truck home tonight, I'll drive him into work tomorrow (which will make me an hour late) and he can drive his van home. One day we are going to own vehicles younger than 12yrs old...someday!

Craig - I hope everything turns out ok back home!

So.. is anyone going to be there tonight? I hate to dine alone. I need to notify the wife as to whether I will be home for dinner.

So.. is anyone going to be there tonight? I hate to dine alone. I need to notify the wife as to whether I will be home for dinner.Might be a good time for preventive maintenance with your wife and take HER out to dinner. Trust me, "an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of correction.":)

Might be a good time for preventive maintenance with your wife and take HER out to dinner. Trust me, "an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of correction.":)

Not MY wife. She does not respond well to "bribery". :mg:

db, Don't forget the 3 little words wives love to hear,
"Lets eat out" :lol:

Before I was married, a friend's words of wisdom to me regarding this type of situation were: It's always easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission." :D

HEY!!!

I'll be in San Diego at the Harbor Island Hilton from Nov 14-Nov 19 teaching an OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor Course. The days will be locked in but my nights are essentially free. It's a new location (the hotel, not San Diego) for me so I don't know anything about it.

HEY!!!
I'd love to come and meet you Randy, but it's too far from La$ Vega$ where I will be teaching an ISO 13485 Lead Auditor class next week.

I should, of course, mention that I "bumped into" Sidney Vianna last week in California. He's a very nice guy, and I enjoyed meeting him. Hi Sidney!

I'll be a presenter during the ASQ national May 16-18 in Seattle. See http://wcqi.asq.org/

I should, of course, mention that I "bumped into" Sidney Vianna last week in California. He's a very nice guy, and I enjoyed meeting him. Hi Sidney!Me, nice guy????
What did I do wrong?http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/smilies/lmao.gif
Just kidding....
It was nice meeting you too, Steve. As I mentioned, next you time you teach around Long Beach, let me know. Did Diane join the Cove yet?
Randy, enjoy San Diego. I am not planning on going there next week, but if something pops up, I'll stop by. I know exactly where the hotel is. Really close to the airport.

Yeah, my balcony will either be overlooking Coronado Bay or the Marine Recruit Depot. Either way it's a nice view.

I haven't taught this thing is 6 months so my timing wil probably be off a bit.

Anybody going to TS Lead Auditor traing by Excel next week at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, GA? I am going to spend the week taking this course. Classes are 8am to about 7pm each day with homework and an exam on Friday. Let me know, and will look for you.

...Did Diane join the Cove yet?She signed up on Thursday, but It looks like she hasn't posted anything. Looking at her profile, she was online here yesterday morning...
http://elsmar.com/Forums/member.php?u=11344

Okay guys, more opportunity to meet good ol' Randy

Dec 6-10 Reston, VA

Dec 13-17 Toronto (that's in Canada for you slow people) 18001 Lead Auditor

Jan 3-7 Totonto (I may have to take on citizenship) 18001 Lead Auditor

Hi All,

I am thinking of planning a vacation through Canada and the US next year for three weeks (just me). I would dearly love to meet up with some of you guys. Any suggestions on itinerary (sights) or the best time of year? It has been over 38 º C here for the last three days (over 100 F) and I think I am melting.

I've always wanted to go the Calgary Stampede (I go to the Rodeo's here all of the time) and Nashville (sorry I'm a C&W fan)

You ain't never been anywhere until you've been to Arkansas!!

You ain't never been anywhere until you've been to Arkansas!! I went to Arkansas once, it was closed.

If you're into natural stuff, I would recommend Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Once you establish your route, let us know. Those of us along the route will surely try to schedule a meeting. And even if there is nothing in Arkansas, meeting Randy alone is worth going to that state. (I was there once...Ft. Chaffee, but that was Army related...so it don't count)

Well, there's the tourist traditionals (Niagara Falls, Toronto Ontario, Quebec City) but I would strongly recommend Sault Ste Marie Ontario in the fall. Take the Agawa Tour Train for the Fall Color Run.

This train runs up through the Agawa Canyon while the leaves are turning color....really a beautiful sight.

What kinds of things (other than the Stampede) interest you?

It has been over 38 º C here for the last three days (over 100 F) and I think I am melting.
You can do a little melting in the summer here too.
I've always wanted to go the Calgary Stampede
My wife and I rode a luge at the Olympic park when we visited Calgary. Nearby Jasper & Banff National Parks are worth a visit. You can hike on a glacier and see lots of moose.

Heck you could rent a car or RV and drive to Alaska from Calagary. That whole area is scenic and much different from Australia, I'd guess.

Or you could drive to Vancouver and take a boat trip up the Pacific coast.

I see that the Stampede is in July. Great time to be in Canada.

But not Arkansas (and why is the state pronounced one way and the river another?). We camped in Hot Springs one July. I don't recommend it. Too hot and humid - hard to sleep.

Well, there's the tourist traditionals (Niagara Falls, Toronto Ontario, Quebec City) but I would strongly recommend Sault Ste Marie Ontario in the fall. Take the Agawa Tour Train for the Fall Color Run.

This train runs up through the Agawa Canyon while the leaves are turning color....really a beautiful sight.

What kinds of things (other than the Stampede) interest you?

The Sault?!?! :mg: Oh well, better that than Sudbury (aka Pittsburgh of the North!). :D Not much else to do in the Sault other than the train...or do they still do the Lock Tours? Talk about excitement with a capital E. :rolleyes:

Ottawa! Ottawa! Ottawa! Especially in the autumn...Gatineau Park (on the Quebec side of the provincial border) is awesome in the fall! Nation's capital and all that stuff. Byward Market....farmers market by day, bar scene by night. Rideau Canal...longest skating rink in the world (obviously in the winter), but used by boats to bypass the rapids. Art galleries, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Civilization (architecturally interesting even if you don't go in!), the Casino De Hull (yes, should be d'Hull, but some folks got offended by the pronounciation Casino Dull), loads of bike trails (you can rent bikes)...okay, I obviously prefer Ottawa over Toronto.

Hey, Randy...what's your schedule again for coming over to T.O.?

What do you know about the Lock tours, RC? I used to skipper the MS BonSoo about 20 yrs ago. Had a great time doing the tours, met some fun people, and it kept a paycheque coming in when I really needed it.

Ottawa is ok, Toronto has more 'tourist' stuff, but it really depends what he is looking for. Maybe he's coming for fishing and hunting (midsummer is NOT the time for that).

You missed me in Toronto Rox...I leave tomorrow. I will be back 2-7 Jan 2005 though.

What do you know about the Lock tours, RC? I used to skipper the MS BonSoo about 20 yrs ago. Had a great time doing the tours, met some fun people, and it kept a paycheque coming in when I really needed it.

Okay, all of that was said tongue-in-cheek. I did the Lock tours as part of some field trip when I was in grade school. Grew up in Blind River, so monthly trips to the Sault (aka "civilization") were the fun and excitement my family had. :rolleyes:

Ottawa is ok, Toronto has more 'tourist' stuff, but it really depends what he is looking for. Maybe he's coming for fishing and hunting (midsummer is NOT the time for that).

Mr. Greg could be coming for fishing and hunting, but he might have an interesting time trying to get his prizes back into Oz. :) Yes, Toronto has more "tourist" stuff...I mean, the CN Tower, the Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario (fabulous Emily Carr area and too bad they redesigned the Group of Seven exhibit), Science Centre, theatre district, Toronto Island, Wonderland, and trying to find a parking spot at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre are all wonderful activities to pass the time. :D But Ottawa is a bit more laid back, more relaxed and has a lot more green space than T.O. All depends in what he's looking for. :yes:

I'll be in Allentown, PA 21-23 Dec performing an EMS registration audit. I'm totally free after 12PM on the 22nd (can't fly out until the morning of the 23rd). I'm staying at the Hampton Inn on Keebler. The # here is 610-391-1500. If you want to try an meet up give a shout and leave a message at the desk.

I'll be in Allentown, PA 21-23 Dec performing an EMS registration audit. I'm totally free after 12PM on the 22nd (can't fly out until the morning of the 23rd). I'm staying at the Hampton Inn on Keebler. The # here is 610-391-1500. If you want to try an meet up give a shout and leave a message at the desk.

You were but today you, Wes and I were sitting in a bar in the Chicago area putting away a few beers.
Are you all jealous? :magic:
Atul, Wes and I had a good Indian meal before, we must meet

Here I sit in my hotel room, it's after midnight, I have a class to teach at 8AM, and I'm on the dumb computer....... :ko: Why am I this way? Because Wes and Howard got tired...

My good friend Wes Bucey and my new personal friend Howard Atkins just left my hotel. Howard has been in the Chicago area working, I'm doing a 14K course, Wes is just doing the Wes thing and we were all able to meet up and spend a couple of quality hours together over some adult beverage just talking. Howard has the greatest British accent and is as pleasent to personally be with as he is to converse with here in the Cove...Wes is Wes.

I'm sure Wes will elaborate more on our evening, but I'll be the 1st to say ... thanks Marc for providing this site that has enabled many of us to develop great friendships from afar and occasionally tighten the bond by actually meeting up somewhere.

Howard! ... You're a prince and a friend

Wes! .. You're Wes!!! :lol:

And I am sitting in my hotel room reading compliments about me in a totally none British attitude allowing my stiff upper lip to tremble.
To be perfectly fair Wes did all the logistics and he is still driving another hour home (now 00:45). So here is a big cheer for Wes for the logistics, Randy for being Randy and Marc for getting us all together (and F**eF*X for checking the spelling)- feel free to edit if that is regarded as advertising

Well it's 1:30 am. I'm home. I'm tired. I feel every one of my years.

There were a lot of firsts throughout the evening:

Howard learned to use WI-FI for the very first time at his hotel just before I picked him up.
I met Howard for the first time - veddy British accent, don't you know:)
I found a new appreciation for Indian cuisine at a very nice restaurant halfway between Howard's hotel and Randy's hotel - my logistics WERE excellent!
Howard managed to appear VERY knowledgeable about Indian cuisine which seemed to get us much better service (TWO waiters and one busboy, all of whom refilled our water glasses each time we took a sip.)
Howard and Randy met for the FIRST time (of many, we hope)
This was the first time I was ever at a karaoke event and sober. Some of Randy's hotel mates were loud and rowdy with Country & Western karaoke. One couple danced to almost every tune (absolute proof us white folk have no rhythm) - I think it was dancing, maybe they were stamping tiny critters.
Howard's kibbutz has a production company in the automotive supply chain AND a production company that makes gourmet olive oil as well as some other things - absolutely fascinating - they don't just sit around and sing campfire songs.
Howard and Randy carried on a sophisticated conversation about people and events from 3,000 years ago which seemed to foreshadow current day conflicts. For once, I just leaned forward and gaped at the display of scholarship. Another FIRST!
We lamented the fact some of our other Covers were unable to join us. Next time, though, I'm going to explore the idea of getting the logistics arranged so out-of-towners all stay at the same hotel (and I convince my wife to let me do a "sleepover" - the sixty mile drive home after such a long evening was tough.)
The one thing that could have made the evening better would have been to have Marc join us for the fellowship (and to pick up the tab!:rolleyes: )

Mr. Greg could be coming for fishing and hunting, but he might have an interesting time trying to get his prizes back into Oz. :) Yes, Toronto has more "tourist" stuff...I mean, the CN Tower, the Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario (fabulous Emily Carr area and too bad they redesigned the Group of Seven exhibit), Science Centre, theatre district, Toronto Island, Wonderland, and trying to find a parking spot at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre are all wonderful activities to pass the time. :D But Ottawa is a bit more laid back, more relaxed and has a lot more green space than T.O. All depends in what he's looking for. :yes:

I'm playing catch-up on this thread, so excuse the late posting...

Greg and Rox, I live about 3 hours from Niagara Falls, so if this ends up on your list, Greg, I'd be happy to motor on up to the Falls and meet you!

Been to Toronto many times, but I've never been to Ottawa. Sounds keen!
Rosie

Atul, Wes and I had a good Indian meal before, we must meet
Nice to know you both enjoyed it! So when is your long promised India tour taking place? Or do we all meet when Marc arranges (and sponsors) a get-together? :tg:

There does appear to be quite a few Cove members in the Toronto - London - Niagara Falls area. Was wondering if any would be interested in meeting face-to-face. I was thinking that Milton is a nice "half-way" point for the Toronto-London group (about a bit more for the folks down towards St. Catharines-Niagara Falls).

There's a Kelsey's in Milton at Highway 25/401, so it's easy to access for folks coming in. Unsure what people's schedules are like but I was thinking maybe supper on March 18th or April 1st (and saying you'll come but not showing up on that day is too cruel a joke!). Around 7:30pm - gives the folks from towards London time to drive in and folks from Toronto time to drive in with rush-hour traffic.

What do the Canucks say that live in the area? Interested? Let me know so that I can book a table.

Nice to know you both enjoyed it! So when is your long promised India tour taking place? Or do we all meet when Marc arranges (and sponsors) a get-together? :tg:

I haven't yet found someone to pay.
I'll have to work harder.
There are growing ties between Israel and India. I have customers in rubber and metal goods who are working in India, I will work on them :agree1:

Or do we all meet when Marc arranges (and sponsors) a get-together? :tg:As soon as I make my first billion US$ I'll fly everyone to Tahiti for a get together... :rolleyes:

I will be in Shanghai next week (arrive 3/23) for an ISO 9000/TQM conference and some other meetings; then to Hong Kong 3/31 for a few days.
Any Covers interested in meeting? In particular, it would be great to meet
anyone in the automotive or electronics industry -- to just get acquainted
or maybe talk shop.

Brad Pritts
Detroit, Michigan

I'm in Knoxville April 3-8...while my days will be spent sitting in a classroom learning how not hurt myself and how to audit others on their ability to not hurt themselves (safety auditor training), I've been told that I'm on my own in the evenings.

Anyone in the area?

In the coming months I will be (Lord willing and the creek don't rise) in the following areas.....and will post more precise schedules later.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cleveland, OH
DC (August)
Oakland (this upcoming week)
Mexico City (summer)

Beyond that I know I have several more trips.....I don't think I am due for Chicago this year though, Wes!

Hershal

In the coming months I will be (Lord willing and the creek don't rise) in the following areas.....and will post more precise schedules later.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cleveland, OH
DC (August)
Oakland (this upcoming week)
Mexico City (summer)

Beyond that I know I have several more trips.....I don't think I am due for Chicago this year though, Wes!

Hershal
Too bad! You ought to make a point of hooking up with Sidney and splitting a cork on a bottle of Cachaca. I have asked my local purveyor of spirits to order a bottle on Sidney's recommendation.

Too bad! You ought to make a point of hooking up with Sidney and splitting a cork on a bottle of Cachaca. I have asked my local purveyor of spirits to order a bottle on Sidney's recommendation.
Wes, just be aware that cachaca is really strong. like aquavit. I am not much of a drinker, but imho, cachaca is good only when prepared as the caipirinha drink I told you about.

Wes,

Good idea......although I have my own twist on it.....

Sidney, we should do wine tasting in Temecula, discuss the virtues of 9K and 17025 for the wineries as we kill some brain cells......

Oh, I will also be in Atlanta this year.....and always try to get to Vegas a couple of times a year.....

Hershal

I'm staying in Herndon and working in Reston, Virginia all next week tutoring a 9001 Lead Auditor course.

Mar 27-30 I'm in Muscatine, IA and Mar 30-Apr 2 I'm back in Herndon/Reston again.

Busy, busy.....

I'm in Knoxville April 3-8...Anyone in the area?
I really wish I was. You be sure to post if you're ever closer to southeast Michigan!!

Wes, just be aware that cachaca is really strong. like aquavit. I am not much of a drinker, but imho, cachaca is good only when prepared as the caipirinha drink I told you about.

:topic:

Caipirinha's are amazing! But, yes, strong. And I'm learning to discern the good ones from the bad ones. Toot my own here, but I'm thrilled with the ones that I make even if the only cachaca I can obtain is the cheap stuff. :)

I really wish I was. You be sure to post if you're ever closer to southeast Michigan!!

Will do! Unsure if we have any depots or fabrication shops in your area...need to investigate further. :)

I'll be in Isle of Palms SC this weekend. I'd be more than happy to meet with anyone on the golf couse or club house!!!!

Wish I could. I'm so jealous! We got another 2 inches of snow last night. I need to head south.

Is anyone going to attend the Quality Expo 2005 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL? I'll be there on Wednesday, April 20th, for the day. We could have a bite of lunch, if you are free. It would at least be fun to say howdy and chat for a few minutes.

--Jodi

Is anyone going to attend the Quality Expo 2005 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL? I'll be there on Wednesday, April 20th, for the day. We could have a bite of lunch, if you are free. It would at least be fun to say howdy and chat for a few minutes.

--Jodi
I hadn't planned to go. Let me check my calendar and make a few calls to see if I can rearrange things. Are you driving down from Milwaukee? If so, be prepared for "sticker shock" at the tollroad prices beween Wisconsin border and O'Hare exit. Coming alone or with a crowd? Any special exhibit you want to see?

Wes:

I am attending on my own. I expect to arrive around 10 AM. With parking, walking, waiting in line to get in, I should be inside by 10:30 AM.

Yes, I am aware of the new prices for the tollway. I already own the I-pass. I grew up in IN, so I-294 is my second home! How I love the 2 hour lines to get into IN................

--Jodi

Wes:

I am attending on my own. I expect to arrive around 10 AM. With parking, walking, waiting in line to get in, I should be inside by 10:30 AM.

Yes, I am aware of the new prices for the tollway. I already own the I-pass. I grew up in IN, so I-294 is my second home! How I love the 2 hour lines to get into IN................

--Jodi
OK. I registered for the Expo, even though I don't have my schedule cleared, yet.

There is one event on Wednesday which might be interesting for any other Chicago area Covers to attend as well (Free with advance registration at http://cl.exct.net/?ffcd16-fe4f157673640d747c1c-fe0c15717764077f70167177)

Here's the event:FREE: The ASQ “Future of Quality” Café Experience
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 -- 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm in Room 12
Register for FREE Admission to Quality Expo, and Conference Discounts! (http://www.qualityexpo.com/app/Campaign/Act_ExternalReg.cfm?appname=100170&moduleid=0&campaignid=5261&iUserCampaignID=17009657)
Please join us in exploring the future of our profession and the global quality movement!

Based on the experience of hundreds of ASQ members, leaders, and non-member quality professionals, we’re sure you’ll thoroughly enjoy the experience of engaging peers in lively dialogues about issues that really matter to you, as we collectively chart a course to the future we envision for ourselves and Quality.
Here is how one “Future of Quality” Café participant summed up her experience:
”The café discussions are a great tool for “instant” cross-communication on many levels: catharsis, networking, idea-generation, and vertical and horizontal communication. It’s well worth the time to talk.” Muriel Sasaki, Chair, Los Angeles Section

Feedback we received from other participants:

“Good cross-dialogue”
“Enjoy open café setting”
“Informative, very good”
“New approach to discussing issues”
“Great dialogue”
“Very interactive, pertinent to everyone’s future!”
We have consistently had an enthusiastic response to this refreshing opportunity to talk about the most important issues facing us in our profession and to define a new path to the future of the quality profession and the global quality movement – using a very innovative conversational tool, a Café. Many people have been so engaged in talking to each other that they have continued to dialogue beyond the established end time. Some enjoyed the experience so much they asked to be notified of upcoming Cafés because they wanted to participate in another one.

Business professionals across the nation have appreciated the opportunity to learn a new means of hosting productive dialogues that are also fun for the participants, and have requested the kit offered to help them create Cafés around other subjects of interest to local members. You may also find that you can add one more tool to your “quality toolkit” – a Café approach to connecting and engaging people around meaningful questions and to harvesting the rich collective knowledge that emerges.

Given this record of success, we can promise you a memorable experience – a sense of satisfaction that you are making a real contribution to our collective future, a great chance to connect with many of your peers, and a bit of fun thrown in. After all, who says we can’t have fun while doing something productive. You’ll wish that all the meetings you attend were more like this!




A second event the same day which might also have interest:
FREE Quality Digest Panel: Surviving Outsourcing
Moderator: Dirk Dusharme, Editor-In-Chief, Quality Digest
Wednesday, April 20 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Room 12

You can't dodge it. More and more of your customers are taking their business overseas. What can you do to identify and exploit your company's unique qualities that make it a more viable choice than an overseas vendor? Our panel of companies who have successfully fought the outsourcing dragon will tell you how.

If you are attending the Conference on Wednesday, you may as well stay for the ASQ Café because the traffic will be absolutely horrendous in that area from 4 pm through 6:30 pm anyway. I have no idea who will be in attendance to represent the ASQ, but I'll find out before the event.

I'll look into attending. Some of you may want to meet the "Marc Behind the Curtain".

But I have to ask - Why don't you folks put this stuff on the forum Calendar?

I'll look into attending. Some of you may want to meet the "Marc Behind the Curtain".

But I have to ask - Why don't you folks put this stuff on the forum Calendar?
Frankly, I hadn't planned on going. It's primarily a commercial event, but they do have a couple of free conferences that could be interesting. (If they are not, I may just make an effort to ridicule them later.)

The idea of meeting a goddess has me "ideating":rolleyes: (my wife, of course, just thinks I'm senile.)

Once I looked into it, I discovered the ASQ event. I've been beating up ASQ about NEVER being invited to one, despite my "senior" status (like Marc's - merely a reward for surviving 10 years or more in the industry.)

Have any of you out there attended one of these ASQ "cafè" things before?

As the time approaches, we'll count noses. Maybe we can have a "thing" - Rosemont has several interesting places to spend an evening of food, beverages, and conversation.

I recall going to the "cafe" at the Quality Expo when it was in Detroit (Novi) a few years ago. I don't think it was much more than a rush/grab for a free drink and snacks after the conference - I don't recall any organization, speakers, etc. I could be thinking of something else though.

....despite my "senior" status (like Marc's - merely a reward for surviving 10 years or more in the industry.)Actually, it's weirder than that. Kevin Mader, a few years back, attempted to get me annointed as an ASQ 'fellow'. His reasoning was that this web site was such a valuable asset to the quality community. I thought he was nuts. I mean, we had some good conversations and such here, and we 'shared' a lot of documents and thoughts, but I didn't see it as a big thing. I think that was during 2001. At the time, from the conversation I *thought* Kevin was trying to get annointed as a 'fellow' himself. At one point Kevin e-mailed me and basically said "Hey dummy, I'm wanting to get YOU to be annointed as a fellow, not me!" Actually, I dropped my ASQ membership for a number of years because I didn't feel it was of significant 'value' to me, but joined again and now - Well, I pay my dues every year. I think it was 1999 that I 'joined' again (and can't remember the reason) so I've only been a member, technically, for about 6 years. Anyway, the ASQ said not enough time in the ASQ for fellowship, or something - I can't remember much about it but there were a bunch of papers I had to fill out and I remember reading what the qualifications were but I don't remember them today. So - I ended up as a 'senior' member because of Kevin Mader.

Saying all this, I miss Kevin. He was a very valuable asset here and a very smart, sharing person. But, after the kids started coming, Kevin moved on to a 'real life'. I miss Don Winton, too. He was a great fellow. And I mess - Well, I could go on, but you get the idea. This was a very interesting place in the 'old' days - Not that it isn't still, but - well - it was 'different'.

I've been a member of the SAE for 17 years but I see the SAE differently. I do some volunteer work for them now and again - I helped out at the last Dayton air show, for example. I've also been a member of the IEST for about 18 years. I'm a senior member of the IEST and have been for years. I was 'nominated' for senior membership by several people in the local chapter back in the early 1990's. I also see the IEST differently than I do the ASQ. I see more value and less profit motive in the SAE and IEST. But that's just my view. I know the ASQ helps a lot of people in various ways.

I used to help out the ASQ local doing some volunteer CQE and CQT tutoring and classes, but I was travelling so much back then I quit doing that. The last class I gave I had driven back from Philly just to do the class, got out of Philly late, ended up in Cincy about 2 hours before the class started, was tired, I had to drive back to Philly the next day and just said 'this is enough'.

Oh, well.

I'll look into attending. Some of you may want to meet the "Marc Behind the Curtain".

But I have to ask - Why don't you folks put this stuff on the forum Calendar?

Now on the forum calendar. I figured it out all by myself. I'm as proud as my 3-year old when she gets herself dressed successfully!

If you plan to attend, Marc, let us know. I would be honored to meet you. I am available during the day to meet up and have a chat. That night I have some other plans.

--Jodi

PS: to Wes -- on meeting a goddess -- I think I told you the story for this nickname. One of those things I'll probably never live down!

I filled out the form and checked the map. Haven't been to Chicago in a while. I also thoughfully checked my calendar here and have a dentist appointment to have a crown set the day before, but I'm sure I can change that. I have to be i Midway, KY for the crown prep so I'll reschedule it then.

I'm looking at Wednesday 20 April someplace near O'Hare - Have I got the location approximate? Hmmmm.... From Cincinnati I'm guessing a 4 or 5 hour drive. I haven't done a road trip in a while.

I want to hear the story behind the 'goddess' nic.

Oops - AC guy is here. More later.

The venue for the event is The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on River Road in Rosemont (a tiny town tucked in between Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.)

There is a map on the town webpage (http://www.rosemont.com (http://www.rosemont.com/)) showing location of convention center, hotels and parking. It is VERY convenient to O'Hare.

I'm including a graphic copied from the town website and can answer questions about the area if you have them.

It is within an easy walk from the train station (the famous Chicago "El") which goes into O'Hare Terminal. From this train station, one can connect with anywhere in Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority sells a one day unlimited pass for trains, buses, for a small fee.
http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/fares.html#e
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Otherwise, fare is $1.75 each way. Train stations have vending machines to buy pass with cash or credit card
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I want to hear the story behind the 'goddess' nic.
This happened a number of years ago. I have typically worked at manufacturing companies as a process engineer and quality manager. I usually was the only female in the dept. At one company, when I was the quality manager, I was at a strategic planning meeting with the "big boys". I had recently had some success solving a problem for one of the VP's. At the meeting, he said something like, "You are the god of quality!". I replied that I was actually the goddess, and said something about holding court at my office later that day. To my chagrin, the nickname stuck. It was pretty funny one time when the Chairman of the Board called me quality goddess. Now I use the nickname, because I figure no one else will.

--Jodi

I was QS 'Queen' for awhile - when things were going well, which easily converted to Queen "B" when I was, shall we say being a little pushy.

I was QS 'Queen' for awhile - when things were going well, which easily converted to Queen "B" when I was, shall we say being a little pushy.
No way! I thought you left that behind you in Cleveland :lol:

I was teaching a class this morning. On one of the pages, I list resources including the Cove. One of my participants indicated they visit often, and are even registered. However, they did not want to give their registration name (perhaps because they knew who I was! :mg:

Anyway, whoever you are, it was nice talking to you. :bigwave: You really will have to meet us for lunch someday. Speaking of which.....it's about time.

An update on my schedule, in case there are folks near where I will be.....

Goshen, IN first week of May
Vancouver, BC week of May 16
Portland area and Corvallis, OR time roughly May 25 to June 4
Cleveland in mid-June

....However, they did not want to give their registration name... Well, we all have our paranoia level...

I was teaching a class this morning. On one of the pages, I list resources including the Cove. One of my participants indicated they visit often, and are even registered. However, they did not want to give their registration name (perhaps because they knew who I was! :mg:

Anyway, whoever you are, it was nice talking to you. :bigwave: You really will have to meet us for lunch someday. Speaking of which.....it's about time.


If anybody sees me "RANDY" it's RANDY or RANDALL DAILY!!!! Big guy, nice smile, wife and a cat.

Makes me paranoid when folks don't say hi. :bigwave:

In your case, with your history, you have a lot to be paranoid about, Randy.

Do you realize it's been just about a year since we met for the first time? We definitely need more frequent meetings with lots of fellow Covers. Coming up later this month - Quality thing in Rosemont, IL with Quality Goddess and maybe Marc. Who else can spare the time?

I think it will be a year on the 21st. I had a very quick 1 day (2 night) trip to Lisle last week. The evenings were booked so I knew we couldn't meet up.

I'll be back for some more conversation :drunk:

The venue for the event is The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on River Road in Rosemont (a tiny town tucked in between Chicago and O'Hare International Airport.)

There is a map on the town webpage (http://www.rosemont.com (http://www.rosemont.com/)) showing location of convention center, hotels and parking. It is VERY convenient to O'Hare.

I'm including a graphic copied from the town website and can answer questions about the area if you have them.

It is within an easy walk from the train station (the famous Chicago "El") which goes into O'Hare Terminal. From this train station, one can connect with anywhere in Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority sells a one day unlimited pass for trains, buses, for a small fee.
Otherwise, fare is $1.75 each way. Train stations have vending machines to buy pass with cash or credit card

So - who is attending? What days? Let me know by PM with your cell phone number and I'll respond with mine so we can hook up. Then I'll send a PM to all with each of our cell #'s and agendas so we can work out our hookups. I'm still looking over the schedule and I may attend at least these events:
Tuesday
FREE Panel: AIAG, NIST, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler
Global Harmonization efforts to achieve metrology interoperability
Tuesday, April 19 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Room 12
Panelists: Robert Waite, Manager, Advanced Metrology Group, DaimlerChrysler; Glenn Allen, Supervisor, QC Inspection Department, Ford motor Company; Akram Yunas, Program Manager, AIAG, Collaborative Engineering & Product Development Initiatives; John Horst, Metrology Interoperability Project Manager, NIST, U.S. DOC .
The Automotive Industries Action Group, Metrology Interoperability Project Team (AIAG, MIPT) has active participation from many of the key dimensional metrology software providers, CMM vendors, and OEMs worldwide. MIPT develops and enables plug and play within dimensional metrology systems, so that open, common, and fully functional interfaces exists between all the subsystems commonly found in dimensional metrology systems. This panel will discuss the progress made toward achieving the goal of metrology interoperability and unveil future plans.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
FREE Quality Magazine Panel
Lean and Six Sigma: Can They Work Together?
Moderator: Thomas A. Williams, Publisher, Quality Magazine
Tuesday, April 19 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Room 12
Lean manufacturing focuses in increasing efficiency in productivity by streamlining as many processes as possible and maximizing available resources. Six Sigma places an emphasis on analysis and understanding a process in great detail. These two practices--seemingly at odds with each other--can be used together to create an ever improving, efficient production environment. The panel will include practitoners and experts in both Six Sigma and lean manufacturing who have experience in using these systems together.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
FREE Quality Expo Networking Reception
Tuesday, April 19 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Conference Lobby Area
Join your peers for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages while Mike Micklewright, President of QualityQuest, entertains you with a comedy routine that makes fun of fellow quality professionals and relates quality concepts to everyday life. Then, join Quality magazine for their presentation of their inaugural "Quality Plant of the Year" award.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Wednesday
FREE Quality Digest Panel: Surviving Outsourcing
Moderator: Dirk Dusharme, Editor-In-Chief, Quality Digest
Wednesday, April 20 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Room 12
You can't dodge it. More and more of your customers are taking their business overseas. What can you do to identify and exploit your company's unique qualities that make it a more viable choice than an overseas vendor? Our panel of companies who have successfully fought the outsourcing dragon will tell you how.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
FREE: ASQ "Future of Quality" Cafe Experience
Wednesday, April 20 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm in Room 12
Join others to explore the future of quality, the possible implications to Manufacturers, and perhaps the implications of the changing landscape on you. We're sure you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience of engaging peers in lively dialogues about issues that really matter to you.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
and maybe, on Thursday (only a "maybe")
Thursday April 21, 2005
FREE Quality Digest Panel: The Future of the Quality Professional
Moderator: Dirk Dusharme, Editor-In-Chief, Quality Digest
Thursday, April 21 10:00 am - 11:00 am - Room 14
The times they are changing. Downsizing, outsourcing, automation and globalization all impact the scope (or life) of today's quality professional. Our expert panel will provide you insight into what changes to watch for and how you can steer your career development to make yourself more valuable to your company or perhaps another company.

Just a "bump up" since the thread got lost in the weekend doldrums. Who is attending the Quality Expo 2005 Tuesday and/or Wednesday, April 12/20?

Well.... That's this Wednesday and I plan to stop by there on the 20th if we all agree on a time and place to meet. For me - I'll be driving up from Cincinnati and probably staying in a hotel for the night - But haven't booked one yet (hoping someone will take me in for a night being cheap?) waiting to see what the scoop is. I only planned on going because a few folks said they'd be there and my schedule was clear. A few things have come up to complicate matters some, but I can make it if several people are going to show up.

So I'm sorta on the bench. We need a plan... And quick...

I got a PM on this... Folks, I was KIDDING about someone taking me in for a night!

Well..... I don't like to do this but since I started looking at this a while back a number of things have come up which will make it a bad time to leave Cincy for the day (well 2 with a stayover). The major reason is I am getting things together for a trip to Thailand in a couple of weeks to meet with Paul Robere whom I've been in intermittent contact with since about 1998. The course I did last week was 'last minute' and I'm cleaning up the ashes from that (tests are graded and such but I still have to print and laminate certificates, etc.). And my lawn mower of about 10 years decided to putter out on me this morning. And a lady friend has topped things off with some requirements she has. And <insert more excuses here>.

I'm sorry I won't make this one.

And my lawn mower of about 10 years decided to putter out on me this morning. And a lady friend has topped things off with some requirements she has.

Can't she take care of the lawnmower?

Ummm.... She has a pickup truck to pick up a new one if I have to. I think this one is pretty well done in...

As to the whether she can take care of it.... I'll let YOU ask her that...

Lovely meeting with Quality Goddess today. Wow! She's TALL!

See my other comments about the ASQ "cafe" at ASQ "cafe" - is there hope? (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showpost.php?p=106248&postcount=1) (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showpost.php?p=106248&postcount=1)

For any of you who have ever wondered about Wes Bucey and his seemingly unlimited knowledge of all business things, including quality: I had the pleasure of chatting with Wes for 2.5 hours yesterday in Chicago. He is "all knowing and all seeing".

Wes, it was fun. I'm looking forward to more stories of you and famous people. I will keep you posted about the business idea.

--JM
(and I'm only 6 feet tall)

Of course, that explains why Jodi didn't get to see the entire show - shooting the breeze with an old fogie in the Conference lounge.

(and I'm only 6 feet tall)Ummmm, only 6', eh? ;)

For any of you who have ever wondered about Wes Bucey and his seemingly unlimited knowledge of all business things, including quality: I had the pleasure of chatting with Wes for 2.5 hours yesterday in Chicago. He is "all knowing and all seeing".

Wes, it was fun. I'm looking forward to more stories of you and famous people. I will keep you posted about the business idea.

--JM
(and I'm only 6 feet tall)


I' :D m fun too!

It may be too late, but I'm in Tempe Arizona right now. Anybody in the area want to meet tonight?

I would have posted sooner, but I had a glitch with my laptop and I couldn't get online. :o

I' :D m fun too!

yes, Randy, you do brighten my day with your tactful posts and repartee - and have become my favourite Registrar. I am still waiting for that beer together. :beerdive:

yes, Randy, you do brighten my day with your tactful posts and repartee - and have become my favourite Registrar. I am still waiting for that beer together. :beerdive:
Tactful? Poor ole Allan J has gotten Randy mixed up with Claes!:lmao:

yes, Randy, you do brighten my day with your tactful posts and repartee - and have become my favourite Registrar. I am still waiting for that beer together. :beerdive:


I will be in Detroit from May 8-12 providing training to a client company. I will be spending my confinement during the evening at the Holiday Inn on Dearborn in Detroit.

In 39 pages of posts did anyone ever answer "you bet your sweet @$$ I am!"? I'm too blinking lazy to review all 39 pages...

Or does anyone know what I'm talking about????

:beerdive:

In 39 pages of posts did anyone ever answer "you bet your sweet @$$ I am!"? I'm too blinking lazy to review all 39 pages...

Or does anyone know what I'm talking about????

:beerdive:
Oh sure! I did, and got roundly hooted for getting some of the questions bollixed when I tried to repeat the entire "catechism."

I will be in Detroit from May 8-12 providing training to a client company. I will be spending my confinement during the evening at the Holiday Inn on Dearborn in Detroit.
Hooray - let's pick a night!

I will be in Detroit from May 8-12 providing training to a client company. I will be spending my confinement during the evening at the Holiday Inn on Dearborn in Detroit.

How's Tuesday at, say, 18.00? And will you be wearing your helmet so I can recognize you! :D

No helmet, but a nice grey mustache

No helmet, but a nice grey mustache

I do not have a moustache. Nor do I suspect does Cari - if she is also coming!

I do not have a moustache. Nor do I suspect does Cari - if she is also coming!
It is as you suspect - I do not have a moustache! :lmao: Nor do I have a helmet - I turned mine back in to Supply in 1995. :tg:

Tuesday sound great to me!!

I can't imagine Cari in a helmet...with a baseball hat she's a cutie though ;)

It is as you suspect - I do not have a moustache! :lmao: Nor do I have a helmet - I turned mine back in to Supply in 1995. :tg:

Tuesday sound great to me!!
You are young, yet. Wait 20 or 30 years, you may have a moustache then! I don't have any battle helmets, but I have a collection of hard hats in colors and styles from the last 45 years, plus a few "bump caps" I picked up along the way.

:topic: Around here, the Emergency Room employees have a nickname for motorcycle riders who ride without a helmet - they call them "organ donors."

I'm at the Holiday Inn (right across from Ford headquarters in Dearborn)

Mon-Wed evening will be OK...I don't know my way around, but there appear to be some places here in the low rent disctict (low rent, yeah right) :lol: .

The hotel # is 313-336-3340. If you come by don't use the Mapquest instructions....the hotel runs off of 153, exit 7 MI-39.

Would love to meet you all for a chat. Spent enough time in Detroit and Deerborn to know that its nice to have friends there. Last time I stayed near there I was at the Ren Cen, drove to Milford and Pontiac to see friends. Love that traffic! I would be there in person if I could...

I am now in my room, Alan and his wonderful wife Sue are driving home at this time.(oops :o ...I meant Sydney ....short term memory problem here)

Meeting Alan for the 1st time was more than a pleasant event, but Alan including his wife made it even more so enjoyable and fun.

We started out here at the hotel with the usual get to know each other conversation over the ale of our choice chatting like long lost friends bringing each other current with our activities and lives. I have met 2 of the best conversationalists I have ever encountered. To say we bonded as friends would be less than honest.

After a bit in the hotel's adult beverage boutique we decided to get a bite to eat. I had mentioned that we could just get a bite here because I was only interested in a burger, but Sydney (who is a native of Dearborn) suggested we go to Miller's on Michigan in Dearborn for the best burger around....she was beyond being right. The atmosphere, the aroma and the company combined with an excellant burger, fries, and onion rings turned chomping on some ground cow into more than just another meal. I don't really care for steak and I don't like stuff I can't identify, but I know and love burger's and Miller's is on my top 10 list now.

I'll not elaborate much more than what I already have (got to leave space for Alan). Don't pass up the chance to meet up with Alan if the opportunity presents itself. Also don't pass up the chance to meet some of the other folks as well.

I am now in my room, Alan and his wonderful wife Sue are driving home at this time.

Meeting Alan for the 1st time was more than a pleasant event, but Alan including his wife made it even more so enjoyable and fun.

We started out here at the hotel with the usual get to know each other conversation over the ale of our choice chatting like long lost friends bringing each other current with our activities and lives. I have met 2 of the best conversationalists I have ever encountered. To say we bonded as friends would be less than honest.

After a bit in the hotel's adult beverage boutique we decided to get a bite to eat. I had mentioned that we could just get a bite here because I was only interested in a burger, but Sue (who is a native of Dearborn) suggested we go to Miller's on Michigan in Dearborn for the best burger around....she was beyond being right. The atmosphere, the aroma and the company combined with an excellant burger, fries, and onion rings turned chomping on some ground cow into more than just another meal. I don't really care for steak and I don't like stuff I can't identify, but I know and love burger's and Miller's is on my top 10 list now.

I'll not elaborate much more than what I already have (got to leave space for Alan). Don't pass up the chance to meet up with Alan if the opportunity presents itself. Also don't pass up the chance to meet some of the other folks as well.

Yes, it was indeed a most pleasant evening and I hope my wife, Syd, does not wonder who is that Sue woman I was allegedly with in Dearborn last night?

I had always wondered what might Randy look like without that helmet. We did cover a wide range of topics of interest and he did enjoy his Miller Burger, fries etc, as we did ours.

But, where was Cari? We thought she was coming along as well.

I see lots of people posting here from Ontario *Canada*.

Do any Covers attend the AQS London meetings? Anyone going to be there tomorrow?

I am a bit off the beaten track in Sarnia, but would make a journey if there was interest in a Cove gathering.

Anyone up for a Canadian Club Cove get together this summer?

Rochester NY is only a few hours away - and we have this big boat called the Fast Ferry - which for locals means a complete 'bomb' - but scheduled to set sail to Toronto again this summer.

I barely make it to the KITCHENER meetings, never mind London (grin). However, I wouldn't mind an Ontario get-together (presuming it's in the S Ontario area). The Golden Triangle should be the logical spot, since there is a predominance of automotive and automotive support manufacturing in this area, but London isn't out of the question at all. Just please PLEASE not Toronto (well, ok, if you insist, I can make another trip there, and check out the bars on Yonge St. again...just to be sure they're all still there. Purely in the interests of research, you understand.)

But, where was Cari? We thought she was coming along as well.
I'm so bummed I couldn't make it! We are having our kitchen re-done and the cabinets and countertops came in on that day so I needed to get home. Ironically - our phone lines were going in and out at work and I was unable to get online to get Randy's cell phone number from the PM he sent. I'm not online at home either.

Forgive me, Randy?

I'm so bummed I couldn't make it! We are having our kitchen re-done and the cabinets and countertops came in on that day so I needed to get home. Ironically - our phone lines were going in and out at work and I was unable to get online to get Randy's cell phone number from the PM he sent. I'm not online at home either.

Forgive me, Randy?

Flimsy excuse! :D

Flimsy excuse! :D
I know - I couldn't think of anything better! :lmao:

I am sorry I missed meeting you and your wife - now that I know you're a local, we'll meet up eventually. :bigwave:

now that I know you're a local, we'll meet up eventually. :bigwave:

That would be nice. Randy spoke highly of you and you will have noted from the upper LHS of my posts, we live in Brighton. (The MI one, not the real one.) :bigwave:

Randy spoke highly of you...
I'm quite fond of him too. That just goes to show, there's no accounting for taste... :tg:

Hey guys...I'm in San Jose, CA all next week (arriving Sunday June 5) tutoring an OHSAS 18001 LA course.

This is kind of an early post, but a couple of us Covers are going to be in Miami, FL October 3-4. We're presenting at the Outlook on Quality Systems conference sponsored by Quality Digest/Paton Press. Check it out! For those of us in the north, a chance to hang out on a beach for a day is too good to pass up. Oh, right, I'm going for the presentation experience! :biglaugh:

Wonder if they have a really long extension cord, and we can meet outside on the beach?? Now that's a lecture -- a pina colada and chatting about quality systems. Can life get any better??

--Jodi

I'll be in Hilton Head golfing Oct 4 - 10!!! Now that's better than a conference.

Anyone in Cleveland, besides Howard the Duck? I will be there next week for an assessment.

Hershal

Attention Canadians, especially you folks in Montreal
coming to your country soon (next week actually June 20-24) Randy!

I'll be in Montreal 20-24 June with another edition of the Randy Daily show, AS9100 Internal Auditor version.

I'll be staying at the Novotel - Montreal Centre, 1180 rue de la Montagne.

If you're in the area let me know, evenings are free as far as I know.

Attention Canadians, especially you folks in Montreal
coming to your country soon (next week actually June 20-24) Randy!

I'll be in Montreal 20-24 June with another edition of the Randy Daily show, AS9100 Internal Auditor version.

I'll be staying at the Novotel - Montreal Centre, 1180 rue de la Montagne.

If you're in the area let me know, evenings are free as far as I know.
I hope you have (or take) an opportunity to do a little sight seeing. Montreal is beautiful. Don't stick to your usual habit of holing up in the hotel during your entire stay. Get out, eat at a fine restaurant, ride the Metro, see a live show! Heck, just walking around town day or evening can be interesting. Be sure to buy a souvenir or two for the folks back home - take advantage of the spread between Canadian and US Dollar!

Hey.....anyone in Chicago or NE Indiana? Will be there next week.....Wes, we can meet at the same place.....will have a colleague with me, so we may have to be cool.....

Let me know.....

Hershal

Hey.....anyone in Chicago or NE Indiana? Will be there next week.....Wes, we can meet at the same place.....will have a colleague with me, so we may have to be cool.....

Let me know.....

Hershal
I'm booked Tues 6-28 and Thurs 6-30, otherwise clear - let me know.

Anyone else available in the Skokie area next week? Hershal stays at a place near Old Orchard and the Edens Xway.

Hershal - we have to eat at someplace better this time!

I'll be staying at the Hilton in Concord, CA 26-28 June.

Wes,

I agree, somewhere better to eat.....open to suggestions.

I am scheduled to be in Chicago night of the 26th.....then again night of the 30th.....night of the 30th I will stay near O'Hare.

HEY! for any Metrology folks, let's plan on meeting together during NCSLI in DC in August.....

Hershal

Wes,

I agree, somewhere better to eat.....open to suggestions.

I am scheduled to be in Chicago night of the 26th.....then again night of the 30th.....night of the 30th I will stay near O'Hare.

HEY! for any Metrology folks, let's plan on meeting together during NCSLI in DC in August.....

Hershal
Sunday, the 26th, be at same Skokie hotel? What time do you get in? Will you have traveling/work companion that night? I will find us an excellent place once I know time of day.
(I suppose you work Monday and fly out Monday evening?)

Thursday, the 30th, is complete SNAFU for me.

The 26th will be same place.....my colleague and I get in late though.....should be there between 10:30 and 11 pm.....not good for dinner I suppose, but we can have a beer.....

Pity the 30th is not available.....we'll have more time then.

Hershal

If so, look me up and say hi.....I have booth 802, along the back wall.

We can have a cup of coffee.

Hershal

July 26-29 Concord, CA (staying at the Hilton)

Aug 1-4 Longmont, CO (near Denver they tell me) (staying at the Marriott Courtyard Boulder Longmont)


There it is!

If anyone is going to be at NCSLI August 7-10 in D.C., come by booth 802, see me, let's talk metrology.....

Hershal

BEWARE! See NRLB Redefines 'Your Own Time' to ban off-duty coworker 'fraternization' (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=12953)

The Metrology world is in big trouble...............................

BEWARE! See NRLB Redefines 'Your Own Time' to ban off-duty coworker 'fraternization' (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=12953)
The Metrology world is in big trouble...............................
Yep. Don't most of them (Metrologists) have fluency certificates in Klingon?:rolleyes: This may mean they can no longer attend Trek Fests.

We'll have to change over to the Ferengi Confederation.........

I don't know, I've always liked the word Empire over Confederation. Just has more umph in it.

NLRB or not, I'll be in Jacksonville, Florida 21-25 Aug (next week for you quality guys). I've got 3 9K surveillances and a 14K Stage 1, but the evenings are mine.

Randy,

Make sure you get down to the Riverwalk.....good restaurants on both sides of the river.....

Anyone coming to Chicago for the Assembly Technology show at the Rosemont Convention Center?
Exhibition: September 27-29, 2005 Conference: September 26-29, 2005
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont (Chicago), IL

There is at least one free keynote address which interests me:
FREE Session: Outsourcing Should Be Your Absolute Last Resort
George Elliott, President Elliott-Luepker & Associates
Tuesday, September 27, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

While outsourcing is certainly one of many cost savings alternatives, it is also one that forever alters the basic "value fabric" of an organization, while often times delivering far less than expected results. In addressing this timely and important issue, Mr. Elliott will present a hypothesis, and supporting data, that except for the largest of all organizations, in the toughest of internationally competitive markets, that the decision to outsource is also a decision to walk away from the very strength of the organization. This session, presented by a vastly experienced international operating executive and consultant, will present a provocative alternative to outsourcing,

Participants will be welcome to listen and then challenge Mr. Elliott hypothesis and experience that says there is a far better alternative to outsourcing and that management’s can do more to avoid “outsourcing one’s legacy”.


and another which piques my interest
FREE Panel Discussion: The Human Side of Lean
Chair: Pascal Dennis, P.Eng., M.Eng, Lean Productivity Systems
Wednesday, September 28, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Panelists Include: Ford Motor Company, Stoneridge, Lean Affiliates

Lean implementation has proven harder than expected. Lean is 90% people and 10% tools. A panel of lean professionals will share their experiences on how lean has changed the way they do business. You will hear compelling discussions on their successes and failures and on what their Lean journey has taught them. Experiences will vary from small to large companies and from six months to many years of lean practice.

Won't be around Wes I'll be in TORONTO!!!

Won't be around Wes I'll be in TORONTO!!! :bigwave:

I've got an 18001 Lead course to give that week.

Anybody in the area (TORONTO) I'll be at the Valhalla Inn around 7PM or so every evening.

For you unlearned out there Toronto is in Canada. Ontario Provence actually. Nice place full of strange people and when I get there it will be a bit stranger. :lol:

Wes,

I would be interested in hearing your perspective of "the human side of lean" when you get back from this lecture.

I thought lean was 98% people and 2% tools, but I have never really compiled the data to to support this statistic.

Anyone coming to Chicago for the Assembly Technology show at the Rosemont Convention Center?

I will be there on Tuesday and Wednesday (good Lord willing and the creek don't rise). I will be looking at AOI and X-ray equipments as well as what the latest developments are in laser etched bar codes.

I too am interested in the outsourcing keynote address, since I have recently been given the responsibility for this effort at our plant (and am totally against it at this time).

I thought lean was 98% people and 2% tools, but I have never really compiled the data to to support this statistic.

It depends on your definition of "Lean". I've made the comment on a number of platforms that "lean" started as an operations research problem - minimize the total cost of inventory. If you can get the administrative ordering costs down, and the shipping uncertainties under control, you can drop your inventory levels without risking stock-outs. To do this, you may actually have to hire more truck drivers for example.

"Lean" now seems to have morphed into a general "Fat-cutting" exercise. Just as we make claims that all Congressional projects outside of our own district are "pork", it is interesting the definitions of "fat" that are not supported by tools or data.

It depends on your definition of "Lean". I've made the comment on a number of platforms that "lean" started as an operations research problem - minimize the total cost of inventory. If you can get the administrative ordering costs down, and the shipping uncertainties under control, you can drop your inventory levels without risking stock-outs. To do this, you may actually have to hire more truck drivers for example.

"Lean" now seems to have morphed into a general "Fat-cutting" exercise. Just as we make claims that all Congressional projects outside of our own district are "pork", it is interesting the definitions of "fat" that are not supported by tools or data.
I am a charter member of Lean Enterprise (Forum/Division) of ASQ.
In point of fact, we are in the process of trying to create a Body of Knowledge for Lean.

If you have ideas or comments, you can address them to me or to the BOK chair

The interest in creating a Body of Knowledge for Lean is on the rise. George Alukal, Past Chair, is heading up that committee. If you are interested in helping please contact him at galukal (AT NO SPAM) hotmail.com

All current and prospective ASQ members interested in Lean are encouraged to add this Division to their membership.

If ya'll are looking for "lean" don't look to Wes...he makes me appear slim and trim :lmao:

If ya'll are looking for "lean" don't look to Wes...he makes me appear slim and trim :lmao:
the image I was looking for was "rough and tough and hard to bluff!" not "fluffy and puffy!":rolleyes: Must have been garbled in translation:lmao:

I'll be in the Dayton/Cincy area from the 10th-13th (this weekend).

Mostly family stuff, my brother and sister live there - but will have 'free time.'

It may not be easy - but if anyone is around and wants to try and meet in person - let me know. Thurs PM is a definate possibility.

Laura

Hey, I'll be in Dayton on Friday for an all-day auditor meeting at Eagle Registrations. Unfortunately I'll be coming in late Thursday night and I probably won't have time to meet. :( I may be able to catch an earlier flight on Thursday though...

I haven't posted in this thread lately, but here's where I'll be traveling over the next little while:

Now~Thurs. Tulsa, OK
11/13~18/05 San Diego, CA
11/27~29/05 Tupelo, MS
12/11~15/05 La$ Vega$, NV
12/19~22/05 Vienna, VA

Eagle Registrations? Who are they:lol:

I'm going to be in Memphis the week of 5 Dec 2005 for an 18K Lead course.

Right now I'm at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama (the city is booming!).

I'm in Huntsville at least once a month. Next trip possibly week before Thanksgiving, definite week after. By booming do you mean expanding rapidly or exciting? I've never found much excitement there. I would like to get through the space center at some point, but they close too early during the week.

Expansion!

A new HQ for Northrop is going up on the Old Madison Pike, lots of other building around the airport. The Arsenal is expanding because of BRAC. You can feel positive vibes.

This has been my 1st visit and I'd like to come back.

I will be at an ASQ conference in El Paso - Juarez on November 30. Also, it is shaping up that I will be at the Los Alamos Lab for December 6 - 7.

Also, I cut out the drawing made of me as part of the ASQ get together in Milwaukee catching one of my finer moments:mad:

If anyone is near where I will be.....

In December.....a little fuzzy on dates.....

Portland, San Antonio, Corvallis, Missoula, Edmonton, Vancouver.....

Hershal

Will anyone be at the Honda All-CAN meeting in Monterrey, Mexico on January 17th to 18th?

I'll be in the Washington DC area next week. Flying into Baltimore and staying in Vienna, VA. Anybody around going to be around there?

I won't be around there, but I hear there is an amazing Wegman's grocery store in Vienna that is a "must see"...2 stories with a wine cellar. Wegmans was #1 on the Fortune 100 Best Places to Work survey last year.

I'll be holding an impromptu meeting for Covers tonight until 9PM or so (the plane is running late) in the Admirals Club at the Philadelphia Airport:(

Drop by for a brew or two:beerdive:

I should have had a Cove meeting yesterday as I sat in the Las Vegas airport for seven hours... :frust:



Maybe I can make up for it next week as I shop for groceries. ;)

I'll be in San Francisco at the airport Crown Plaza Jan 22-27 teaching an EMS-LA course.

If you're around drop by. I'll be free all Sunday evening (Jan 22) and after 7PM the other evenings except for the 27th (I'm flying then)

Randy -

When, oh when will you be back in SE Michigan?:(

I don't know. Hard as I try I can't seem to get there. I'd like to get there before you grow old and decrepit. (Oh yeah and I guess I need to meet the hubby to and thank him for letting you meet a stranger).

I also need to get to Millers in Dearborn and get me another burger or twelve.

Anyone going to be in Elkhart or Hammond, IN week of 13-17 Feb?

Or in Portland, Montreal, or Boston the week of 6-11 March?

Hershal

Greetings and Salutations fellow Covers!! Special hellos to my fellow Michiganders!!!

I'm thrilled to be back at the Cove, loved it in the '90s and think it has only gotten better with time.

I've scanned through this thread and my, my - Mr. Randy sure gets around!!!

Looking forward to sharing experiences, what works and what doesn't and occasionally venting.

Later

Greetings and Salutations fellow Covers!! Special hellos to my fellow Michiganders!!!

I'm thrilled to be back at the Cove, loved it in the '90s and think it has only gotten better with time.

I've scanned through this thread and my, my - Mr. Randy sure gets around!!!

Looking forward to sharing experiences, what works and what doesn't and occasionally venting.

Later
Hello, Cindy! Belated welcome (or welcome back):bigwave: It is always good to have another person from our area on board. We Detroit area folks are probably overdue for another get-together. So, let's check our calendars.

I'll be teaching an AS 9100 class in Southfield, MI the week of March 6th and in Sterling Heights, MI the week of March 20th. Any Michiganders care to meet for coffee or other beverage of choice in the evening?

I'll be staying at the "ultra-fabulous" corporate suite belonging to my client...!:rolleyes: translated means there is no food in the refrigerator, the phone will ring incessantly, they will know where to find me every moment they feel the need to pick my brain.... but the space is nice, the view is terrific, and the bathroom is bigger than a postage stamp

I'll be teaching an AS 9100 class in Southfield, MI the week of March 6th and in Sterling Heights, MI the week of March 20th. Any Michiganders care to meet for coffee or other beverage of choice in the evening?

Does the inventation extend to Uppers and Trolls equally:lol:

Does the inventation extend to Uppers and Trolls equally:lol:

Well... if the Uppers want to make the trip -- sure, why not? Now, on the Trolls... I may have dated a few trolls back in the day... Wait, maybe we're not talking about the same trolls...

Well... if the Uppers want to make the trip -- sure, why not? Now, on the Trolls... I may have dated a few trolls back in the day... Wait, maybe we're not talking about the same trolls...

Are we talking about "Upers" or "uppers" (amphetamines)? Or Upers on uppers?:mg:

Does the inventation extend to Uppers and Trolls equally:lol:I LOVE this word inventation!
First, you invent a reason for meeting, then you ask folks to come! This may rank as one of the better malaprops of the week, Randy. Thanks for the lift to my day!:biglaugh: :applause:

Fiddles...We need as spell checker in here. I've been writing and editing a course for last last couple of weeks and my brain is definitely fried....I of course meant "invitation"

I hate you Wes Bucey:lol:

Fiddles...We need as spell checker in here. I've been writing and editing a course for last last couple of weeks and my brain is definitely fried....I of course meant "invitation"

I hate you Wes Bucey:lol:We wouldn't tease you if we didn't love you. Seen Brokeback?:lol:

... and in Sterling Heights, MI the week of March 20th. Any Michiganders care to meet for coffee or other beverage of choice in the evening?
I'd love to but my sister, a girlfriend and I are going to Florida that week. A long overdue vacation for me.

I'm sorry I'll miss you, especially since you'll be right in my neighborhood. I enjoy your contributions here and am sure you are delightful company.

Do you get to Michigan often since you're just in Ohio?

Do you get to Michigan often since you're just in Ohio?

Cari,

Have a wonderful time on your vacation! I am in the Detroit area at least once a month. We'll get together one of these days.

Maybe Marc would like to host a Meet-n-Greet at his place... we could all camp out on his front lawn (saves airline and hotel points for other uses)... Wait, that's what I do on those bike trips -- Pedal to the Point, GOBA, etc... Is there a "Pedal to the Cove" in the future?:cfingers:

I thought the term was "yoopers" not uppers.

I met Dirk VanPutten last night :D Great guy & very knowledgeable.

Here's my schedule for the next few...
I'm in Sunnyvale, CA right now - leaving tomorrow night.
Next week I'll be in the Mukilteo, WA area teaching an AS9100 lead auditor course.
The week after I'll be in Vienna, Virginia.

If anyone's around on these dates/locations let me know...

I'd love to but my sister, a girlfriend and I are going to Florida that week. A long overdue vacation for me.

I'm sorry I'll miss you, especially since you'll be right in my neighborhood. I enjoy your contributions here and am sure you are delightful company.

Do you get to Michigan often since you're just in Ohio?

What part fo Florida are you going to?

I thought the term was "yoopers" not uppers.
...


Whatever...down here they're all still stinkin' Yanks:lmao:

Tonight - Charlotte, NC (a little late, but feel free to stop by.... I'll be asleep)
Tomorrow - Gastonia, NC then home
This weekend - Habitat for Humanity, bring your paint brushes... the more people, the bigger the party!

Monday, Tues - Solon, OH
Wed - Fri - Portsmouth, OH (OK, so it really is Upper KY)

Weekend - HOME! and not entertaining!

Tonight - Charlotte, NC (a little late, but feel free to stop by.... I'll be asleep)
Tomorrow - Gastonia, NC then home
This weekend - Habitat for Humanity, bring your paint brushes... the more people, the bigger the party!

Monday, Tues - Solon, OH
Wed - Fri - Portsmouth, OH (OK, so it really is Upper KY)

Weekend - HOME! and not entertaining!Good to see you are working (or you have an incredibly diverse dating habit;) )

Good to see you are working (or you have an incredibly diverse dating habit;) )

Dating?!?!? What's that?

I'll be teaching an AS 9100 class in Southfield, MI the week of March 6th and in Sterling Heights, MI the week of March 20th. Any Michiganders care to meet for coffee or other beverage of choice in the evening?
I am booked both weeks, but might be available for coffee.

I am booked both weeks, but might be available for coffee.

Don't do it without and escort Ann...I wouldn't.

Thank goodness I had Cari Spears to protect me:lol:

Don't do it without and escort Ann...I wouldn't.

Thank goodness I had Cari Spears to protect me:lol:
Let's see there has to be a joke in here somewhere. A big tough Marine needs a former Army Reservist MP for protection from a different Army Reservist MP (and an officer to boot!). :rolleyes:

Although assigned to an MP unit, I belonged to the Repair & Utilities section. I was a Carpentry and Masonry Sergeant.:D

Although assigned to an MP unit, I belonged to the Repair & Utilities section. I was a Carpentry and Masonry Sergeant.:D
Carpentry and Masonry Sergeant?! Randy, you are worse off than i thought! :eek:

OK.. so now you need an "escort".... LMAO, I think I should increase my "hourly rate".... Well, I am certainly flattered that I could fit into the "escort" category... teee hee heee... a cursory review of the local ecomony sugests I shoud be charging in the $200 per hour range... makes me $1600 per day.. I AM liking THIS!

Now, please tell me how I can justify this very delightful rate to my customers!



>>> counting all my potential $$$$$<<<<<<


OK, db, we can do coffee, wthout the "regular" rate and I'll even spring for the bill.

OK Boys and Girls, now that we have Ann and Dave happily on the road to coffee bliss I have an announcement....................

I'll (that means me, RANDY) be in Des Moines, Iowa on the Feb 16th. I'll be at the Holiday Inn across from the airport. I'll just be there overnight after spending a couple days in Creston doing an assessment.

Noescorts required..........:lol:

OK Boys and Girls, now that we have Ann and Dave happily on the road to coffee bliss I have an announcement....................

I'll (that means me, RANDY) be in Des Moines, Iowa on the Feb 16th. I'll be at the Holiday Inn across from the airport. I'll just be there overnight after spending a couple days in Creston doing an assessment.

Noescorts required..........:lol:Sure - no escort needed in Des Moines - no Libertarians there!;) A good thing about Iowa - free WIFI in all the Interstate rest areas - COOL!

I survived the blizzard conditions in Iowa and am bound for Eau Claire, WI March 7-9 for an audit. I'll be at the Hampton Inn. Friday March 10th I'll be over-nighting in Minneapolis at the Holiday Inn (near the airport)


March 12-16th I'm in Houston (gotta get hold of my Houston buddy Lucinda). I'll be at the Marriott (Hobby airport)

Is anyone taking any ASQ courses at the NYC course cluster April 3 -7? I've signed up for 2.

Sure - no escort needed in Des Moines - no Libertarians there!;) A good thing about Iowa - free WIFI in all the Interstate rest areas - COOL!

Some of don't need the wifi.....the new nationwide wireless broadband works pretty well.

Hershal

Some of don't need the wifi.....the new nationwide wireless broadband works pretty well.

Hershal
Some of you road warriors are SO COOL with such cool toys! I was in a meeting last Saturday and I was the only guy in the room without a picture/camera phone!

Hey Wes!! I'm coming back:lmao:

May 22-26—Chicago, Illinois

This is tentative based on attendance and I don't know the venue yet.

What part fo Florida are you going to?
Oops - missed this.:D We'll be in Leesburg - we're flying into Orlando. Can't wait - it's getting close!

Houston was nice, but no Lucinda (on vacation with family she said:( )

Mar 19-24 I'm in the Reston/Herndon, VA area doing the EMS-LA course thing.

As an aside...Ann Morgan (QualityPhD) and I are meeting up in Fort Smith on March 27th. She's going to be in town doing an assessment and I'll be working from home that week.



Is anyone located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin? I have 4 days in April I'll be in town.

I'll be in Williamsport, PA doing a gap analysis 3/27 thru 3/30. If there's anyone in the area that wants to meet for coffee/drinks, let me know - life in a hotel room is boring:nopity:

As an aside...Ann Morgan (QualityPhD) and I are meeting up in Fort Smith on March 27th. She's going to be in town doing an assessment and I'll be working from home that week.

Not only did Ann and I meet up, I couldn't pry her away from Judi (my wife for you initiates). It was like those two were long lost bud's or something...:lol:

We spent a couple pleasant hours eating and talking (she can only be beat by Wes when in comes to talking...however she does make more sense). Folks we are talking about an interesting and great conversationalist here...world class! The next visit will most likely be at the Daily Dining Facility in Greenwood (even if I'm not here)

Thanks Ann....and Judi says "Hi":bigwave:

Not only did Ann and I meet up, I couldn't pry her away from Judi (my wife for you initiates). It was like those two were long lost bud's or something...:lol:

We spent a couple pleasant hours eating and talking (she can only be beat by Wes when in comes to talking...however she does make more sense). Folks we are talking about an interesting and great conversationalist here...world class! The next visit will most likely be at the Daily Dining Facility in Greenwood (even if I'm not here)

Thanks Ann....and Judi says "Hi":bigwave:
Yes! But can she do magic?:magic: :biglaugh:

She made dinner disappear pretty good:lol:

She's not really a magician, but she does speak six languages, is well read and traveled.

I, on the other hand, can only read menus in six languages, provided they have pictures like a Denny's menu:tg:

Well folks, never let them tell you there's nothing in Arkansas!

Randy and his lovely wife, Judi, were kind enough to entertain last night. We had good food, great conversation and an "all around good time"! Thank you Randy and Judi !!!!! :D

Wes, sorry I cannot compare with the magic show... no talent here.

I was a few minutes late for dinner, attributed to the stealth mission --- hiding in the bushes waiting for the "auditor in the boots, helmet and j.s...." Don't let him fool you, Randy is a charming fellow -- even took off his helmet during dinner, and never did his boots leave his feet!

I had a really neat time in Ft. Smith. Began with dinner with the pilots from the Thunderbirds - the airshow was in town... went to see the gallows and Judge Parker's Court.... and best of all was Miss Laura's :cool: They even gave me a "Clean Bill of Health":applause:

This place is really pretty, steeped in history and the people are just down-right nice. I'll keep it on my short list of places that I'll be coming back to.

Thanks again Randy -- give my best to Judi:thanx:

Take care,

Ann

Wed - Fri, March 29th - 31st... Edwardsville, KS

April 3 - three days later...???? Southington, CT then on to Burns Harbor, IN

Any takers for coffee?

Wed - Fri, March 29th - 31st... Edwardsville, KS

April 3 - three days later...???? Southington, CT then on to Burns Harbor, INBut, according to the Cove calendar, today is your B-Day. So, :hbday:

ANN!!!!

How could keep a secret like that from Judi?


Happy Birthday and I'll pass it along:bighug:

Ann,

We could meet in Cleveland sometime. I grew up in So. Euclid. Next time I'm there is Mother's Day weekend. But it'll be busy. I"m not sure if I get there Thursday or Friday - Saturday I'm hosting my sister's shower.

I'm in Dayton 2 weeks earlier - April 27th-30th. Anyone else around? Again - some family stuff, but I'll keep my options open. Haven't made travel plans yet.

Laura

Laura,

S.Euclid?!?!?!?! I live in University Heights.... just down the road! My number is on my User CP, give me a call when you are in town and we'll get together for a chat.

Ann

ANN!!!!

How could keep a secret like that from Judi?


Happy Birthday and I'll pass it along:bighug:


Well... I didn't think that showing up for dinner in my birthday suit was appropriate :lol:

and thank you for the birthday wishes!