Axiom Home Page
Hello everyone!

My name is Amie Lucyk and I'll be glad to help you with any questions you may have regarding the area and what to do while you're here!

The following is a list I'll be updating regularly. Please private message me your plans and I will update the list accordingly.

Please contact our audio expert to give them your credit card information if you haven't already done so. They're on call from 10am-10pm everyday and the number to reach them is 1-866-244-8796.



Confirmed (With Accomodation)

medic8r (Friday to Sunday Lumina/Pine Acre)
tomtuttle (Friday to Sunday Lumina/Pine Acre)
pmbuko (Friday to Sunday Lumina/Pine Acre)
a401classic (Friday to Sunday Lumina/Pine Acre)
R. Devries (Friday to Sunday Spring Lake)
Ray3 (Friday to Sunday Blue Spruce/Cottage #3)
Ajax (Friday to Sunday Blue Spruce/Cottage #3)
chesseroo (Friday-Spring Lake/Saturday-Blue Spruce/Cottage #7)
David Longe (Saturday to Sunday Blue Spruce/Cottage #7)
wheelz999 (Friday to Sunday Blue Spruce/Cottage #11)
sonicfox (Friday to Sunday Blue Spruce/Studio)
BobKay (Thursday to Sunday Spring Lake)
Murph (Friday to Tuesday Spring Lake)
fredk (Thursday to Sunday Spring Lake)
Alan Lofft (Thursday to Sunday Spring Lake)
BBIBH (Friday to Sunday Spring Lake)
Worfzara x2(Saturday to Sunday Spring Lake)
Brent Tombari (Thursday to Sunday Fox Point)
Jean Claude Benoit (Thursday to Sunday Fox Point)


Confirmed (Have Own Accomodation)

MarkSJohnson (Thursday to Sunday Holiday Inn)
onn (Friday to Sunday Dwight Village)
Adrian (Saturday)
FordPrefect (Saturday)
HAY (Saturday)
Kevin Hnatiw x3 (Saturday)
real80sman (Saturday)
bridgman (Saturday)
Michael Baranowski (Saturday)


Really Want to Make It

sirquack
Stereoguy99
DanielBMe
avdude
SRoode


Playing Golf on Friday at BIGWIN ISLAND

FredK
Jakeman
Chesseroo
Friday to Sunday Confirmed

Amie, what does PM mean?
Welcome to the the forums, Amie!
Hi Robert!

"PM" means "Private message"
Thank you Mark! Glad to be here!
Dang, what is the deal with all these HOT Amie's. \:\) I am trying to see what I can figure out. I don't have a passport, so would have to look into that I assume. My wife and kids would love to come, but they will be back in school at that time, so it would just be me...will keep you all posted.
Welcome "other Amie"! \:\)

I'll likely be coming up for the day(Saturday).
Welcome Amie. You can add R A DeVries to the "I'm going" list. I'll let him know.
Read your message DC Rich.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/04/10 01:52 AM
Hi Amie. Post often. That charming smile is bound to brighten our days around here.
All this talk about this meeting has made me miss it here. Unfortunately, since I've joined Facebook, I've neglected this wonderful forum. May I ask what happened to BrenR? I noticed he hasn't posted since March. I hope he's okay!

EDIT: Sorry! I should have posted this in another thread!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/04/10 02:46 AM
Its page two. Hijack away.
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/04/10 05:06 AM
 Originally Posted By: sonicfox
May I ask what happened to BrenR? I noticed he hasn't posted since March. I hope he's okay!

EDIT: Sorry! I should have posted this in another thread!


I was going to ask if anyone had mentioned this to Bren. I would like to meet him, too.
I sent him a PM and I think Tom did, too.
I would love to make it but don't think it's going to happen due to busy work schedule and due to the fact that we are currently saving saving saving to buy a house.

Oh yeah, welcome the other amie! I second what fredk said!


Holy crap.... I just realized the eyes on your lion moved peter... wow I'm not very observant!
You must be too worried about the possible breakup of the Big 12. The Big Ten (Eleven) and the PAC-10 are looking at Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, and the big grandaddy of them all, Texas. Now the SEC is even considering what it will do. It sounds potentially huge, but no one is doing anything for sure yet.

As a Notre Dame alum, I've been following the news closely. I'm actually in the minority of Domers who wouldn't mind us joining the Big Ten. Would be good to build up our grad schools and research, and the money seems good. Plus, our Olympic sports would kick butt every year, even if our football program didn't.
I don't think I understood a single word in that post.

Diagnosis; Canadian ?
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/06/10 02:42 PM
Diagnosis: wrong meds
Awwwww...no kcarlile? I thought for sure Ken would be going. Of course, he has young children to care for.
He has the best of excuses, actually. We'd be ribbing him constantly if not for that. \:\)
Can't we rib him constantly anyways?
Rib him while you still can (see his ribs). He says his metabolism is finally slowing down. \:\)
Amie and others knowledgeable -

Several of us are craft beer aficionados, so would appreciate any guidance you have about where to enjoy a delicious draft pint in/around Dwight.

Any general information you have about local craft breweries would be wonderful.

If there are no good opportunities for a pint at a pub, does the local packie (am I using that right?) have a good selection, or should we get provisions at a larger purveyor closer to TO?

Many thanks!
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 05:16 PM
"Good opportunities" raises the bar much higher than it needs to be! ANY opportunity is a good thing to fill a basic need.

Google Maps indicates that "The Bush Company Bar & Grill" is within shouting (and crawling) distance of the Axiom factory and the Lumina. \:\)
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 05:39 PM
Jack & I just spoke to Amie and made reservations at the Lumina. BTW - she indicates that the Bush Company Bar & Grill has good food and is a nice place.

Anyhow, she told us there are only 6 rooms in the main lodge, but there are several cabins. Jack & I opted for a 2 bedroom cabin with separate bedrooms (AND separate containers for us to be able to soak our teeth overnight).

I mention this in the event you are traveling in groups or plan on seeing someone there you know and wouldn't mind buddy-ing up. For example, I know that Tom, Pete & JP are coming in together.

If you decide to do the cabin with separate bedroom thing and let Amie (the secretary) know, it would make things a bit easier for the "coming by themselves" folks to get at the single rooms.

I hope SOMEONE is bringing an empty cooler. Ya know, just on the off chance there may be beer around that needs to be kept cold.
Well, Ray, I nominate YOU to bring the coolers.
Been on here for years but I don't know how to contact Amie. Do I call or email (what's her email)?

Thanks guys

I remember Moe calling Curly a "Chucklehead", so your in good company Tom!
Miss Amie -

I am unfamiliar with the area. Not real familiar with Canada in general, actually. Other than the Alaska Highway anyway.

What would be the most logical airport to fly into where I can rent a car? According to Google Maps, it would seam that Dwight is a wee bit out in the toolies.

What's the weather like in Sept?

Not sure if I’ll make it, but would like to. It’s right in the middle of my annual armed camping expedition. I’m not sure if my friends could stand to miss their object of amusement and designated pack mule if I bail on them…..
I don't think that we'd need you as a pack mule, but I'm sure that we could use another source of amusement at the Axiomite bash. Along those lines, I hear it is great fun to take all of your firearms with you to the airport. You are allowed seven in your check-in bag if they do not exceed the total dimensions of 8" x 12" x 20".
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 08:30 PM
You can also wear up to 8 strapped to your body under a trench coat. At least, that's my understanding.
Toronto, Mike. It would be cool if you attended.
You have a traveling wine fridge, right?
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 09:19 PM
 Originally Posted By: Ray3
...she told us there are only 6 rooms in the main lodge, but there are several cabins.

UMM, Yes, I initially said Amie said "6" rooms in the main lodge, but I immediately corrected it to what she ACTUALLY said, which was 8 rooms available in the main lodge. (Apologies to all for the misinformation).

And, separate bedrooms or not, if you snore as loudly as your wife says you snore, consider this fair warning. I'm bringing large rubber stoppers and a roll of duct tape.
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 10:19 PM
 Originally Posted By: Ajax


And, separate bedrooms or not, if you snore as loudly as your wife says you snore, consider this fair warning. I'm bringing large rubber stoppers and a roll of duct tape.


Excellent!!!!

I will be happy to stuff them in your ears and wrap the tape around your head. Think of it as a deep woods isolation tank.
Lol, you guys!!
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 10:32 PM
 Originally Posted By: Ray3
 Originally Posted By: Ajax


And, separate bedrooms or not, if you snore as loudly as your wife says you snore, consider this fair warning. I'm bringing large rubber stoppers and a roll of duct tape.


Excellent!!!!

I will be happy to stuff them in your ears and wrap the tape around your head. Think of it as a deep woods isolation tank.
LOL! Not exactly what I had in mind.
Should I Warn Peter and Tom that my wife hears my snoring through her ear plugs?
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/07/10 11:49 PM
No, don't tell them.
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/08/10 01:14 AM
 Originally Posted By: medic8r
Should I Warn Peter and Tom that my wife hears my snoring through her ear plugs?



Hmmmm. I guess we'd need to know what room/sleeping arrangements will be involved before we can answer that.



You guys better bring some bass traps, just in case.
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/08/10 03:25 PM
Hi Michael_d,

September in Muskoka is often warm days, as high as 80F and cool nights (50F or cooler).

Also, beware that if you rent a car, all of Canada is on horrible metric, which I've become used to (reluctantly). All highway speed limits and distance signs are metric---4-lane highways typically 100 kmph (kilometers per hour), about 60 mph. Most traffic moves at close to 120 k or "clicks" as we Canadians say, which police usually allow (about 72 mph). I've never been stopped driving 118 km on 4-lane roads. Two-lane roads are set at 80 kmph.

The speedometers on rental cars will be metric with a smaller inner circle in mph that's often hard to read. I use a portable GPS in my car that I can switch from km to mph, handy for US/Canada driving.

Temperatures on radio weather forecasts are mostly in metric, 20C being pleasant, about 70F. Quick conversion is to double the metric temp and add 30. (20C = x2, +30 = 70F.)

Weights in supermarkets are posted in price per pound and in kilograms, with good ol' pounds being prominently displayed.

Hope you can make it.
Toronto's airport is Pearson, (YYZ).

Cheers,
Alan
Wow....it'll be like being in a foreign country or sumptin'.
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/08/10 03:54 PM
Yup, except everyone speaks English (even in Quebec, which is where most of Canada's French population resides).

Oh, and the gas pumps are in litres, not gallons. Gas is a bit more expensive than in the US, about 91.9 cents per litre this summer (4.5 liters equal one gallon, approx).

Alan
That's imperial conversion, Alan. You need to compare it to those itty bitty US gallons, about 3.8L.
Bob and Doug on metric conversion
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 06/08/10 10:51 PM
 Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Wow....it'll be like being in a foreign country or sumptin'.

Damned foreigners. Get off my lawn!!

Oh, wait, you have a square room. Your OK...
Hi: I'm hoping to come up on Saturday for the day, will know in a few weeks(depends on a buddy of mine if he is able to take the day off work). Looking forward to it if able to show up!
Hi Michael,

Toronto Pearson International Airport would probably be most logical. However, from there, we are a 2.5 hour drive north!

September weather is usually still quiet comfortable with temperatures averaging between 50-70F.

Let me know and I'll update the list!
I'm not able start a new topic in this area, but I wanted to make everyone attending the celebration aware of a t-shirt idea I have for the event.
I hope to be able to attend.. Just need to confirm work schedual in a few weeks.. Sounds like a great time.. I'm only a few hours away from the plant so I will probably come up on Sat and stay until Sun..Do we know where the evening events will be held yet.. Sorr i tried to skim all the posts, i'm a little late to the dance..

Avdude
Hi avdude,

Let me know when you have a definate answer and I'll set you up with a reservation.

Where the event will be held all depends on the weather...if it's nice it'll be on Ian's dock, but if it's raining it'll be held at the plant.
The event surely will be awesome. Wish I could go, but Japan is a little far from Canada and I just can't have this free time to travel. Maybe next year I will be there! smile
Ichigo - Yeah, Japan would be a major road trip. I'm rather looking forward to the day. I spent some time in Japan in the mid 70's (Yokuska, Yokohoma, Tokyo) and was impressed all around. I got my first start in audio at that time; had access to a plethora of electronic stores...Pioneer, Marantz, Teac, Kenwood & Techniques were big. I had all my gear shipped over here and still have it in excellent condition. Pioneer SX-850 stero receiver and Sansui floor stander speakers. My pioneer PL-550 turntable however needs a little work but functional. I climbed Mt. Fuji btw, rather awesome experience.
Speaking about Japan (Nipon), I had a rather unique experience once. In the 70's on a military flight we made a refueling stop in a Tokyo airport and I noticed that the effect of my deodorant was starting to go away, so I bought some spray-on stuff and washed up and used it. Then on the way to the boarding area we had to pass in front of dogs that smelled for drugs, and one of the dogs started barking on me, which I'm attributing to the freshly sprayed deodorant. I was then ushered into a restroom where they performed a strip search on me and went through all of my baggage. Finding nothing I was returned to the boarding area where everyone kept a suspicious eye on me.
CatBrat - how are you enjoying your EP350?
Were you on the military? I know that there are US soldiers on these cities.
Originally Posted By: The Other Amie
Hi avdude,

Let me know when you have a definate answer and I'll set you up with a reservation.

Where the event will be held all depends on the weather...if it's nice it'll be on Ian's dock, but if it's raining it'll be held at the plant.



Thanks Amie, for the info and when i can comfirm i will send pm.. How close to Ian's dock can we get for acommadation's? Is there a list of preferred location's??

Av.
Originally Posted By: R DeVries
CatBrat - how are you enjoying your EP350?


I love it. It works well with my M22's.
Originally Posted By: Ichigo_Kurosaki
Were you on the military? I know that there are US soldiers on these cities.


I was stationed in Korea for 2 years. The only experience I have of Japan is this one in the airport.
Actually I was in the military. Was stationed aboard the carrier USS Midway out of Yokuska. Spent two years in southeast asia. It was a long deployment let me tell you.
Hi Amie,

Please put me in the Close to Confirmed category for Thursday thru Sunday.

Anyone else:
Is anyone looking to reduce expenses by sharing a car or room?

Scott
What wonderful news, Scott! I am so eager to see you again!
Originally Posted By: a401classic
Amie, Please put me in the Close to Confirmed category

Amie: Please put me in the Close to Saying Awesome Category.

Scott: You have to be "fully confirmed" for the true "awesome" reply. Work for it.

We all want to see you there! smile
Hi avdude,

Lumina would be as close as you can get to Ian's dock, however there are no more vacancy's there.

The camp ground behind Axiom would be the next closest place, if you're up for camping!

Then there's Blue Spruce which has 2 bedrooms in a 3 bedroom cabin left for Saturday night.
Originally Posted By: The Other Amie
Hi avdude,

Lumina would be as close as you can get to Ian's dock, however there are no more vacancy's there.

The camp ground behind Axiom would be the next closest place, if you're up for camping!

Then there's Blue Spruce which has 2 bedrooms in a 3 bedroom cabin left for Saturday night.


Thanks Amie.. When I get back to work I will confirm the time off and find something.. Can you walk from Ian's to the Campground??
Originally Posted By: The Other Amie
Hi avdude,

Lumina would be as close as you can get to Ian's dock, however there are no more vacancy's there.

The camp ground behind Axiom would be the next closest place, if you're up for camping!

Then there's Blue Spruce which has 2 bedrooms in a 3 bedroom cabin left for Saturday night.



Hi Amie,

I've got a PM out to BBHIB, but haven't heard back yet. I'll take one of those bedrooms for Sat Night, if you can arrange it. Then if I can get a room at Spring Lake for Friday, my accomodations are set. Vacation time was approved today. I've got flights identified... and a car on hold.

Scott
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Scott: You have to be "fully confirmed" for the true "awesome" reply. Work for it.


Good Job!

Awesome! grin
I'm only ~90%. Hold up on the "awesome" for a little while. Apparently Mike (BBIBH) doesn't know he has room at the inn, so to speak. I've got tentative approval to crash on the floor with tomtuttle, et al on Friday in Toronto (I'm not sure if the other 3 know yet...) and I don't have plane tix in hand, yet. Everything else is a go as far as I can tell.

Stay tuned...

Scott
Damn. Premature Awesome-lation.
For hotel suggestions in Toronto, The Bond Place Hotel is pretty cheap. Also, hotwire.com is a great website to get cheap rates on hotels and cars etc.

Also, I'm only 1.5 hours northeast of T.O and am heading up Friday, so if needed, I've got room for people.
Thanks, Cam. I'll know more as time goes on...

Mark...

Passport? Check!
Flight? Check, check! (one stop in IAH)
Car? Check!
Lodging? One third, semi-check! Waiting to hear back from Amie and/or Mike (BBIBH)

WHoooo Hoooo!

Scott
Scott, I think you;re awesome-worthy now!

Of course, you still have to bunk with a bunch of guys that are going to be giggling while cupping their hands under their armpits making fart noises all night!

At least, you'll HOPE they're cupping their hands under their armpits to make those fart noises all night.....
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Scott, I think you;re awesome-worthy now!

Of course, you still have to bunk with a bunch of guys that are going to be giggling while cupping their hands under their armpits making fart noises all night!

At least, you'll HOPE they're cupping their hands under their armpits to make those fart noises all night.....


That's OK, I don't need my arm pits, either wink

Scott
(working on totally awesome)
Now it's sounding like a party! sick
I can also put up one or two people the night they arrive. I'm about an hour away from the airport so you'll need a car or need to arrange with me for a pickup. Just don't make any rude comments about the dust bunnies.

You might also have to help move the sofa bed somewhere it can open up without hitting the masonry heater, but I probably won't ask you to help me carry it up to the loft. Probably.

I guess I should make plans for accomodation up near Axiom. It seems so close (you can almost see it from here) but it's actually a 2-3 hour drive, which would suck if I had to do it twice a day.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/10/10 02:14 AM
That drive would really cut into the beer and fun time too.
That's why I'm flying in on Thursday laugh

Scott
My pre-Dwight plans have modified a bit.

Joyce has always wanted to see Niagara Falls, So she's going to ride with me to there. We'll spend a day and a half there, and then she'll fly home out of Buffalo while I continue to Dwight.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/10/10 09:52 PM
Cool! Having grown up so close, I overlook Niagra as a destination, but the falls really are very impressive.
Honestly, I've always seen Niagara Falls as something of a kitschy tourist-trap. Not that I've ever been there to give it a fair shot.... rather, it's that impression that has cause me never to go there.

Joyce has always wanted to go, though......

So I'll drop her off Thursday afternoon and go on to Dwight as scheduled, and drive home the Northern route to see if Canada is better than New York! smile
Awesome! I was just there in late June. You can feel the powah of da watahs! Err, sorry.

I didn't go to the Canadian side, but was told the view is much better from there. I also didn't do the Maid of the Mist boat ride. That's probably the best way to experience the falls.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/10/10 11:58 PM
The town itself is kitch, but the falls are impressive. The gardens on the Canadian side are nice if you like that sort of thing.

Northern New York (and PA) is beautiful as I found out after my awesome navigator training failed (here son, you're navigating. Tell me when the next turn is).
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 12:17 AM
Yes there is a touristy aspect to Niagara Falls which is bothersome. However, I found the falls themselves to be absolutely spectacular and a real marvel. There is an energy, an aura about them that is hard to classify. I loved them.

I kept thinking about the very first human being who saw them. He/she,initially, probably became aware of them by hearing this ominous roaring from a long distance away. Then, after walking that long distance, taking who knows how long, he/she parted some greenery and gazed upon one of the greatest wonders of the world. Had to be a stunning moment.
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 12:26 AM
Stunning until you consider how brown their loincloth became.
Living close by, I've been to the falls on many occasion. Maid of the mist is a MUST. Go to the front of the boat and stay there. It shouldn't be too busy that time of year as well, little kiddies are back in school. If $$$$ isn't an issue, the helo ride is also recommended. You get a very nice panoramic of the falls, the river, city of Buffalo and Canada. Maybe if you tip the pilot he'll give you a Molson.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 01:24 AM
All the times I have been to the falls, I have never been on the maid of the mist. Guess I'll have to go again.
All the times I've been to Canada, I've never been past Toronto. Looking forward to Dwight and maybe a nice pair of M22's high-gloss cherry veneer waiting for me.
Posted By: RickF Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 03:30 AM
Whenever the in-laws lived in Erie, PA we would visit them once or twice a year and would go to Niagra Falls just about ever trip, we never missed a ride on Maid of the Mist and I remember the Skylon Tower on the Canadian side. A couple of times we flew our Cessna up from Florida and actually flew over the falls on one trip ... it's an amazing sight.
Well, now I'm looking forward to it! Thanks, guys!
Originally Posted By: R DeVries
Looking forward to Dwight and maybe a nice pair of M22's high-gloss cherry veneer waiting for me.


I'm going to have to deal with Customs in terms of my bringing some camera equipment back and forth over the boarder, but I've wondered:

What's involved in coming back to the U.S. if, say, one of us wanted to come back with a pair of M3's?

or a VP180? grin

Axiom offers a discount for picking up at the factory, if I remember right. Saves them the shipping cost?
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 01:23 PM
Mark
If your camera equipment is high priced I would bring your sales receipts to show customs that you had brought it into Canada and did not buy it here. Just in case. I would also check with Canada customs on rules governing the export of speakers bought in Canada. I would imagine taxes would be involved.
IMO
Posted By: RickF Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 01:39 PM
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson

What's involved in coming back to the U.S. if, say, one of us wanted to come back with a pair of M3's?

Probably depends on the speed Axiom reports the speakers as missing Mark, but I have complete faith you'll make it happen.

grin
Lol, Rick!

umm....you were joking right?
That's pretty funny...I don't care who you are....
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/11/10 03:22 PM
It's also sad that no one cares who I am.
We know who you are... the guy with all the dates of late.... smile
Hi avdude,

It's too far a walk from Ian's to the campground, but it is right behind the plant! smile
Well, it's totally official now. I'm full booked for everything; plane, car, lodging, bars, etc. Although, I am sleeping in a different place every night. Variety and all.

Thanks Amie!

Scott
"Awesome!" grin
You've booked "bars"? And, you're sleeping in a different place every night?

You wouldn't happen to be a college student, would you?
Naw. Mid-40's, mid-management, but I just wanted to make sure the bars were well stocked wink

Scott
These New Orleans people don't miss a trick when it comes to partying....
Laissez les bons temps rouler !!
::pointing:: That Super Dog talks all funny and stuff!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/15/10 06:35 PM
Things I am most looking forward to at this get together:

Watching Mark speak in double colon quotation marks.
Dude, I can do things with a double colon that you HAVE to see to believe.

Jeez, I just crossed a Micah line and grossed myself out.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/15/10 06:51 PM
Are there no bounds to your talents?
There are no talents to my bounds....
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 07/15/10 07:24 PM
No talents, no bounds. You sir have much potential.
Impotential?
See Alice.
Bars, you say, Scott?! Who else is going?!
Originally Posted By: The Other Amie
Hi avdude,

It's too far a walk from Ian's to the campground, but it is right behind the plant! smile

Thanks Amie.. That makes it easy to find... smile Having driven by the plant many times and toured it once I should be able to find the campground without much trouble ..
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/08/10 07:03 PM
If I don't go, will I ever hear the end of it?
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/08/10 07:29 PM
NO!
No.
Enn Oh.
It's too late, you're already on the confirmed list. It's mandatory now.

Scott
There are people who really want to meet you, believe it or not. I have it on good authority that at least one of those people is a woman.
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/09/10 03:02 AM
I think you may have doubled my fear.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/09/10 03:40 AM
If it helps any, we'll let you type out all your conversations on a keyboard. It'll almost be like we're not really there.
The, the Conveyance of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen awaits. Or it will, once I finalize the rental car details.
Woo hoo! Not we just need a Toronto hotel, right?
You guys are staying in Toronto Thursday night?
Originally Posted By: medic8r
The, the Conveyance of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen awaits. Or it will, once I finalize the rental car details.

CLEG? I thought it was the Periodically Hilarious League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Mutterrers, or PHLEGM for short.
Originally Posted By: pmbuko
Woo hoo! Not we just need a Toronto hotel, right?


Wait! You mean there's no room yet? Well, there's always the car for a night...

I'll still buy a round, as promised.

Scott
I think I've got car rental duty, and Tom's our hotel finder. Peter and CV are just along to look pretty.
Someone has to hold the keyboard while Charles types. wink

Scott
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/09/10 06:06 PM
laugh
Peter was going to do it after he got back from vacation, because I'm incompetent. Or at least indecisive.
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/09/10 08:28 PM
You lazy, lazy people. Shame!

What's that the monkey is singing?

(listens closely)

I think I can just make it out ... sounds like a commercial jingle of some sort ...

"I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner ..."
Amy L. told me there are 22 people confirmed. Can they accomodate that many people in three rooms at the Super 8?
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/27/10 05:35 PM
Hey, in going to Stripgenerator today as I had the sudden urge to make fun of something, rare as that is, I realized I practically came up with the idea of this upcoming get together back in March of 2009.

OK, I'm sure someone came up with the concept before then but I was probably the first to visualize it.

Say hi to Regina for me Charles.


Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/27/10 05:56 PM
I always knew Rick was the evil one.
Hmm. I was planning on staying here but looks like they're full up... guess I'll have to see what other accomodation is available for Saturday night... and maybe finally get around to moving my butt from "almost confirmed" to "confirmed".



I'm sure this is how my friends envisioned my new house... wood fired hot-tub out front, deer hanging around the side... no money wasted on girly stuff like windows...
Looks like the house I grew up in.
You're not related to Jed Clampett by any chance, are you?
Originally Posted By: Adrian
You're not related to Jed Clampett by any chance, are you?


Just grew up on a poor farm in Missouri countryside. When I was born, was when an indoor bathroom went in. We had a barn, a couple of old sheds and a one story old farm house. Lots of cats, and a couple of old dogs I was told to stay away from. My nearest neighbor was about 1/4 mile away, but I only got to see them about 2 or 3 times a year. Mostly, I just played with my cats.
Jed Clampett would be a good name for a cat.
Or a (welllll) doggie.
Originally Posted By: CatBrat
Just grew up on a poor farm in Missouri countryside.

How about that - my wife grew up in very rural Missouri - Van Buren, to be exact.
That is rural! Looks like out in the middle of no-where.

Me, about 5-7 miles east of Lawson, MO. Although I was about 40 miles away from Kansas City, I never seen it until I was about 7 years old, then only once, until I was much older. I couldn't contain my excitement and parents probably decided to never to that again.
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/31/10 07:15 PM
Fate: Can't say as I believe in it, but sometimes things just seem almost spooky.

I just got a call from my boss who asked if I would attend a CSE conference on the 14th, 15th and 16th in guess where of all places??? Deerhurst Ontario. I didn't put in the exact location of the factory but Googlemaps tells me the driving distance from the Deerhurst Resort where the conference is to Dwight in general, is a whopping 22 minutes!

I'm going to see if they will let me take an earlier flight and then I'll pay for the extra days of lodging myself. I wasn't planning on making it, but this is just too much of an odd coincidence to not take advantage of it.

Is there a final date Axiom needs to have a commitment to attend?
I should have this confirmed by the end of the week.
AWESOME, Murph! I hope it can work out!

A newsletter that went out today asked for a 9/7 RSVP....
Murph, that would be GREAT! Make it happen!
+1 to Mark and Tom. Hope to see you there!
Woo hoo! Now you'll be able to buy me a beer for paying you such an awesome compliment the other day. laugh
Hey, do attendees want me to make "sticker" name badges (no holes) for Saturday? I can do them like I did Scott's:



If so, I'll need you to PM me your name (as you want it to appear) and your hometown location. Also, I would need a higher-quality version of your Avatar than the 80 pixel-square size that is used here.... but contact me first via PM and I'll give you my email address for sending the avatar graphic!
That's cool Mark- I'd want one if I was going, for the record I do want to be there but can't make it work. Please take lots of high quality photos (Mark doesn't take any other kind) for those of us who can only wish we were there. Thanks.
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/31/10 11:31 PM
Originally Posted By: Murph
Fate: Can't say as I believe in it, but sometimes things just seem almost spooky.

I just got a call from my boss who asked if I would attend a CSE conference on the 14th, 15th and 16th in guess where of all places??? Deerhurst Ontario. I didn't put in the exact location of the factory but Googlemaps tells me the driving distance from the Deerhurst Resort where the conference is to Dwight in general, is a whopping 22 minutes!

I'm going to see if they will let me take an earlier flight and then I'll pay for the extra days of lodging myself. I wasn't planning on making it, but this is just too much of an odd coincidence to not take advantage of it.

Is there a final date Axiom needs to have a commitment to attend?
I should have this confirmed by the end of the week.


Great news Murph
Hope to see you in a couple of weeks. smile
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 08/31/10 11:36 PM
Awesome news Murph. I hope it works out and we see you.
I've been trying to track down a business card sized (?? MArk,how big are these?) vinyl holder with supermagnets to hold the stickers. I have bad luck with stickers staying on my shirts; the edges roll up and last about an hour before falling off. I'll supply the holders, if I can find them, for those that wish to go this route.

Scott
Posted By: grunt Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/01/10 06:35 AM
You can officially scratch me off the “Really Want to Make it” list as I will be working that weekend. I would love to have seen the Axiom facility and met those attending but given the date 9/11 if figured it was unlikely from the start. frown
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/01/10 06:25 PM
Confirmed!

I just sent a PM to Amie confirming my attendance. My plan is to fly into Ottawa on Friday, rent a car and drive to Dwight. I'll return the car when I go back to Ottawa at the end of the week for the Board meetings. Works out nicely and I'll be able to charge the middle days to my Company while I'm at the conference in Deerhurst.

I can't believe it. I went from choosing not to go because we were allocating more mad money to our (wife and I) first year of shared vacation time in ages.... to going plus having my flights payed for! What are the odds I'd get booked for a conference in a spot, well, oddly far from the usuall big cities AND that just happens to be under a half an hour from where I really wanted to be, that very same week???

Lodging looks like it was becoming an issue. I've asked Amie to send me some options that might still be free. The Deerhurst Lodge where the CSE conference takes place seems to be less than a half hour away but at with rooms starting at $250 a night, I'm hoping for something a bit less expensive.


Yay! This is good news.
Murph.... totally AWESOME news!
Uh oh, Mark switched to his Valley Girl personality again. Someone smack him on the head, Fonzie-style, until he's back to normal.
Great news! The more the merrier!!

Scott
Originally Posted By: medic8r
back to normal.


Normal?


Silly, silly man.
Yeah, the avatar says it all, I guess.

* makes note to increase the dose of that surprise injection Mark's gonna get in 10 days *
Originally Posted By: Murph
Lodging looks like it was becoming an issue. I've asked Amie to send me some options that might still be free. The Deerhurst Lodge where the CSE conference takes place seems to be less than a half hour away but at with rooms starting at $250 a night, I'm hoping for something a bit less expensive.


Looks like there is a cottage or two free at the Logging Chain Lodge, which seems to be just up the road from Axiom. $159 a night for a "3 bedroom" (aka 2 bedroom with a third bed sitting out in the hallway ;)). I was thinking about booking one of those...
Originally Posted By: Murph
I've asked Amie to send me some options that might still be free.

Some possibilities are shown at Hotels.com....
I will be there on Saturday. I am writing this on an iPod So please bear with me.
I would love a name tag but am limited to this one message, my name is Wayne, my current avatar will Bo ok simply blown up.
I soldmy house in Burlington on Friday and am now living in Ancaster Ontario BUT I am currently visiting Friends in New Brunswick.
No, I haven't finished unpacking my furniture at the new address.

Looking forward to meeting you all and I hope someone passes this info on to the right people

Wayne

yes it is the most confusing thing I have ever posted

oh yes my Internet access is limited to the extreme.
MUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPPH!
Posted By: RickF Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/02/10 12:47 AM
Hopefully you folks who attend will take lots of pictures for those of us who are unable to make it but would love to go.

OK?
I second that motion.

This would probably be of no to little interest, but one of the things I would like to know is, what people thought of the sound of on-wall M22's (and/or bookshelf M2's) mounted just above the bookshelf M22's, with sub. But, I'll probably never know.


I also want to hear regular M22's w/ a sub and... I also want to hear jerry's sibilant M3's! wink

Scott
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/02/10 04:57 AM
We'll stuff extra s's in the ports just for you.
I heard port stuffing is one of the events on Saturday.
Who's number one in the latest world rankings? Is it still Big John?
I'm lost.........
Yeah, this was a running gag from a few years back, where it was noted that various things could be inserted into the ports of speakers. Children are known to throw toys in there, and adults with prurient senses of humor talked of stuffing other things in there.
Yes, I remember now, however I'm still miffed at who Big John is smile .
I thought I should mention that the weather is very unpredictable in September. Expect tempratures anywhere from 8 to 22 degrees celsius, which is 46 to 71 degrees fahrenheit. Although I'd love to see it on the warmer side, you can never be too sure! smile
Originally Posted By: The Other Amie
I thought I should mention that the weather is very unpredictable in September.


This is why I got flight insurance. Being in the catcher's mit of hurricane alley, September can be dicey. So far so good, though.

Scott
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Yes, I remember now, however I'm still miffed at who Big John is smile .


Did someone say bigjohn?

His last post was 5/24/06...about a year before you joined the site.

Here is a classic post from the big man:

Quote:
i have the burnt sienna grills on my custom classic oak M60's, and in the initial pics i posted, the flash made the grills appear to have a 'pink' tint to them.. they dont, OF COURSE.. the flash was just playing tricks. but, i made the mistake of mentioning it, and it has stuck ever since. my bad..

rumor has it that i like to grope woofers and do un-natural things with gorilla ports too.... its all lies, LIES I TELL YOU!!!

bigjohn





Ha Ha! I remember that picture. grin
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/02/10 07:43 PM
Things continue to progress in an unnaturally smooth way for a guy where the laws of his last name usually apply double. I should be booked for the Spring Lake Resort thanks to the delightful Amie.

Cam, you better be bringing your beer drinking, Jenga game with you! Although, if we play teams, I call dibs on Tom.

Mark, you better be bringing your Ultra Man costume. errr, umm, well, maybe not. Ahh, what the hell. Bring it along!

Originally Posted By: Murph

Cam, you better be bringing your beer drinking, Jenga game with you! Although, if we play teams, I call dibs on Tom.


Murph, it's my friends drinking Jenga game but I'll do my best to get it! smile .
Originally Posted By: The Other Amie
I thought I should mention that the weather is very unpredictable in September. Expect tempratures anywhere from 8 to 22 degrees celsius, which is 46 to 71 degrees fahrenheit. Although I'd love to see it on the warmer side, you can never be too sure! smile


Here's the 14 day forcast:
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/fourteenday/caon0203?ref=qlink_st_14day
Weather forecasts are as relevant as me simply throwing a dart at a board with varying forecasts on it; and I can't even hold a dart, let alone throw one. If I tried, it would end up in my leg.

I'd rather see a handicapped person throw a dart into their leg repeatedly, than I would some meteorologist bark out some forecast that's most likely going to change, thus aggravating me.

At least the former is funny!
If the weather's crappy, we'll just have cocktail hour(s) in the anechoic chamber.
Or play drinking Jenga on an EP800 to test out it's sound isolation.

Is that even the proper term for a sub's vibration if something is on top of it?
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/02/10 10:19 PM
Soooo - any word from Ian relative to festivities or events.

Where will the Friday night bacchanal be held?
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/02/10 10:23 PM
According to Weather.com (nearest reporting station - Dorset, Canada)

Friday - Mostly cloudy, Hi = 65F, Lo = 53F, chance of precip = 20%

Saturday - Showers, Hi = 62F, Lo = 53F, chance of precip = 60%

Of course, this far in advance, that forecast could change by the time the weekend arrives.
Originally Posted By: Ray3
Soooo - any word from Ian relative to festivities or events.

Where will the Friday night bacchanal be held?


Ray, I believe on Saturday there's listening tests and a tour of the plant, then a barbecue followed by festivities at Ian's dock or the plant; depending on the weather.

I don't recall any mention of debauchery or gathering of any sorts Friday night. I was wondering if there's a bar close by.
I've been really tied up lately, so haven't done any of the name badges.... but I'll get them done this weekend.

I was wondering if some of us would like a list of each other's cell phone numbers?

Certainly, we can all trade individually, but I can compile them and create a .PDF, text files or whatever. I'd say if you give your number, you get the list of numbers.

PM me...
Great idea, Mark.

Wait, did I just say that? grin
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/03/10 09:45 PM
No need for my cell #. Just pick up the tin can with the string and shout into it...
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/03/10 11:42 PM
Everybody should check with their service provider. I checked with mine (Sprint) and found that calls would cost me 59 cents a minute, texting would not be charged extra, and I was told, in no uncertain terms, to turn off my data. The Sprint rep told me of people traveling internationally ending up with $2000 to $3000 bills from using the data link when roaming.

However, they have a $2.99 per month plan for international travel that drops the cost to 21 cents per minute for phone calls. I only had to pay for the one month.
Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check AT&T...

For those of us coming from the states, here's an elementary primer on the highlights of C-A-N-A-D-A, enjoy!

Scott
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
I was wondering if some of us would like a list of each other's cell phone numbers?


Further, if people think it'll be helpful, I can list (rough) arrival day/times and departure day/times, and which hotel people are staying at.

Let me know if that sounds good.

Note that I'm leaving early for a few days in Niagara Falls, so I have to wrap this up by Monday!

PM me...
This is what I had in mind:



I haven't gotten much of a response to the initial "cell number" inquiry, though.... is this something people are uncomfortable with?
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
I don't recall any mention of debauchery or gathering of any sorts Friday night. I was wondering if there's a bar close by.


Yeah, I'm wondering also if people who arrive in time want to get together somewhere on Friday night. Here's a listing of some local eateries/pubs/bars: http://www.huntsville-on.worldweb.com/RestaurantsBars/.

Maybe if Amie can use her local knowledge to recommend a specific place, we can just plan on a gathering there for Friday night at 6PM for whoever wants to come by?

I was originally wondering about this place when this whole thing was just an idea: http://www.onthedockspub.com/main.htm. Their website kind of sucks, but a Google street-level photo made the place look enticing:


I wonder if that upper deck has enough tables... and elevator access for Cam. Dinner and drinks overlooking the water. Nice!

Scott
Good question! I was thinking that the "Main deck level" might be bigger, but the truth is, you can't tell HOW big it is.

Also, on their website, I see that they have bands on weekends. As much as I love live music, it may not be a great choice if we all have to "shout" all night! smile
Firstly, thanks guys were thinking about my accessibility.

I just spoke to a lady at "On the Docks Pub", and they are wheel chair accessible (there entrance is street level). The one thing that sucks is that they don't take reservations. Even though I told her that it would probably be a group of 12 or so people from all over North America, she wouldn't budge and told me that I would have to speak to the manager.

I would imagine that reservations would be somewhat important for us, as we don't know the area. I forgot to ask if they have live music on Fridays, but I'm also not a huge fan of having to yell to each other to have a conversation

Hope that helps.

PS. Mark, I'm one of the guilty parties who hasn't sent you my cell phone information. It's a great idea, so I'll fire you off a PM now.
I'm sure there are lots of good places where we could get together Friday night. I was just looking at a street-level view around my hotel and saw this place: Kelsey's.

Of course, I have no idea if the food/beer is good, and I can't find much info on the web, but this Facebook page says they're "good for groups"! smile

I think local knowledge will be king here. I'll PM The Other Amie in case she doesn't follow this thread.


Kelsey's is a chain (we have one here in Peterborough). I've been to the restaurant numerous times, and although I've had good experiences, I've heard it's gone downhill recently (has very little bearing on the other restaurants in their chain), but thought I would mention it.

It is however a very good place for groups.

Edit-I know it's come up on the forum before, but Huntsville is a 20-25 minute drive from the Axiom plant. Just thought I'd give those that are staying near the plant, like me, a heads up.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/04/10 11:15 PM
Quote:
Of course, I have no idea if the food/beer is good, and I can't find much info on the web, but this Facebook page says they're "good for groups"!

Only impulsive groups.
Even though I've only been living up in Muskoka since January, I can help everyone out with this dilemma!

The first thing to decide is where you want to have the get together. Huntsville is about 20mins from Dwight and you can pretty much forget about cabs to get back and forth. It's not that they don't exist, just that they are hard to arrange and very expensive.

In Huntsville the best pub/watering holes are the already mentioned "On the Docks" pub and the Cottage Waterfront Grill (http://www.huntsvillecottage.com) which is just across the bridge from On the Docks. The Cottage is probably the best choice for a big group. On the Docks is pretty small, unless the weather is nice enough to sit outside, and on nights with a band it gets even more crowded. They also don't have a fryer for those that are fans of deep fried food!

If you'd prefer to get together somewhere closer to Dwight there is Muskoka on the Rocks (http://www.muskokaontherocks.ca) in Hillside, about 10mins from Dwight, and the Bush Company (http://www.thebushcompany.com) which is only 2mins by car from Axiom. Both have excellent food with Muskoka on the Rocks being a great place for steaks, ribs, etc. Bush Company has great wings, sandwiches, fries, etc. In terms of beer selection, Muskoka on the Rocks has some usual suspects like Keith's, Coors Light, along with Boddingtons and some microbrews like the local Lake of Bays IPA and Big Rock Brewery Ale, from Alberta. Bush Company only has Bud, Coors light, and Keith's and Keith's white on tap with a larger selection of bottled domestics and imports.

If anyone has any questions or would like more details, please feel free to ask.

Andrew
Thanks for the info Andrew.... great help! smile

I'm not sure that anyone attending won't have a car... designated drivers might be an issue for some, though!
Amy L. hasn't yet told me where I'm staying.

Depending on where that may be, I can provide transport for 6 people (factory sound system, low end, sorry).

I'm purposely taking the Odyssey with all seats installed so I don't have enough room to bring really BIG stuff home!

I'm arriving Thur night and leaving Sunday a.m.

Oh, and I've never consumed alcohol, so I'm used to being the designated bus. Just don't ralph on the upholstery. OK?
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 04:22 PM
Can we woof instead?
An FYI #.

Last word from Amy L., I think there are going to be about 25+ of us, though I'm sure some snotty cliques will develop rather rapidly, splinter off, and drive 90 miles to a strip club.
NO! There will be no "gakking" sounds emmanating from behind the sober driver!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 04:40 PM
Woof woof...
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 04:57 PM
Andrew, any thoughts on which of the spots you've mentioned (thanks for providing the info, by the way) would be best for reasonable volume levels so we can converse comfortably without having to scream at each other (which we may do anyway grin ) ?

I know it's a sign of my age, but when I was young I wanted to be "where it was happenin'!" Now, having been there and done that, the last place I want to be is "where it's happenin'." Peace and quiet and good company go a long way at my age. However, I would never rain on the younger generation's parade. Old? YES! Have I forgotten? NO!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 05:00 PM
That's gonna be a problem Jack. Our table is where its going to be happening on that weekend.
Originally Posted By: BobKay
Amy L. hasn't yet told me where I'm staying.



Amie has been a busy girl. Every time I see her on the boards, she is reading a PM. I found out where I was staying by checking the confirmed list on page 1 of this thread well before she had time to give me a PM. She still just has your days listed so far, however. I'm sure she'll take care of you.

Scott
Thanks, Scott. I've spoken on the phone with her, so I'm not concerned. But I really appreciate the heads-up on the "list." I didn't know it was there.
Jack: I'm game for a Q-tip clique! Somebody's gotta clean up the mess after the young-uns party, or call for the EMT's.

Whaddya think? More than 50% gray, or less than 50% follicles remaining to qualify?
Wouldn't Saturday at Axiom be better without a hangover?
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 05:48 PM
Originally Posted By: BobKay
Jack: I'm game for a Q-tip clique! Somebody's gotta clean up the mess after the young-uns party, or call for the EMT's.

Sounds like a plan to me! Good thinking.

Originally Posted By: BobKay
Whaddya think? More than 50% gray, or less than 50% follicles remaining to qualify?

Well, I certainly qualify for the gray spec. While still having more than 50% of the gray stuff (hair not matter) it is rapidly retreating. Ray qualifies under the hair follicle spec. We're both in!!!!! Like you, I'm non-alcoholic, but Ray is a lush!!!!!! wink
Easy. That way, there'll be two people the next morning to tell (lie to) him about all of the horrible things he said and did. You know his weak spots better than I, so you can feed me some good info during his 6th one! Unless you're joking and he's not a lush at all.
That's what Rufinol in for. grin
Originally Posted By: BobKay

Oh, and I've never consumed alcohol


How the hell did THAT get by here w/o a big kafuffle?
You just can't believe everything you read on the internet! wink

Scott
I think I can get in on the follicle spec.

What about wireless? I've tried to check at Lumina (no answer, I'm not optimistic). Are there other places we might be able to connect? I'm primarily concerned with sending a periodic message home to the family, but I don't need to lug a laptop along if there's no way to use it.

On the phone front...

Please list me as text message only. Verizon says I can text away for free (but no pictures, please) while data is a no-go and calls are $0.69/min.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 07:17 PM
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Please list me as text message only. Verizon says I can text away for free (but no pictures, please) while data is a no-go and calls are $0.69/min.

So I shouldn't send you those pictures I found on the internet of Bobkay pisstank drunk in the middle of the road hanging a moon at cars going buy?

Oh, wait, I'm not supposed to believe everything I see on the internet.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 07:18 PM
So, is anyone else arriving on Thursday night?
Well, I think there is a pretty clear data dispensation for nudity, though I'd prefer Teri's to Bob's.
You know. I read...."I'd prefer Teri's to Bob's" fast and thought it said "I'd prefer Teri's Boobs". shocked
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle


What about wireless? I've tried to check at Lumina (no answer, I'm not optimistic). Are there other places we might be able to connect? I'm primarily concerned with sending a periodic message home to the family, but I don't need to lug a laptop along if there's no way to use it.


I have a CICI long distance calling card that I purchased 5 months ago and expires next month. I haven't even used the thing because I got it for my ex. So whomever wants to use it, you're more then welcome; the 400 minutes are yours to use.
Originally Posted By: fredk
So, is anyone else arriving on Thursday night?

Fred, I think the only "Thursday Niters" are you, me, and BobKay.
Unfortunately, Teri isn't coming. She's received a promotion, so it would have been very difficult for her to get the weekend off.
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 09:13 PM
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
What about wireless? I've tried to check at Lumina (no answer, I'm not optimistic). Are there other places we might be able to connect? I'm primarily concerned with sending a periodic message home to the family, but I don't need to lug a laptop along if there's no way to use it.

Tom, I believe Ray checked and the Lumina does NOT have wireless. PM him to be sure. If you only need to send a brief message, you might check with Axiom to see if they have a wireless network. At this point, I guess I'm just going to leave my laptop at home.

On the phone front, did you ask if Verizon has a plan that would allow the 69 cent rate to come down some? As I said, I had to pay 2.99 for one month of cheaper rates, but my rate went from 59 cents per minute to 21 cents per minute. I will feel comfortable making relatively brief calls.
Same with me, Jack. Joyce changed the plan for this month only, (making calls reasonable enough) then will change it back.

Cam, you're about to watch the attendance fall off the proverbial cliff. smile
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 10:23 PM
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Cam, you're about to watch the attendance fall off the proverbial cliff. smile


Hey, Mary's still going, right?
Who knows? She's gotten real quiet lately.

If not, Ray sure is gonna look awkward in that dress we have for him.
I just found Ian's post stating what consists of the festivities on Saturday. I was wondering if non Axiom members are invited too (my family), and what we are supposed to bring (our food and/or our drinks). Maybe a silly question but I really have no idea.
Lumina has no signal. This is the great wild north we're talking about. wink
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/05/10 11:17 PM
Hey Cam. Tell Terri congrats and we are sad that she is not coming. I think she has become a member of 'the family' here and a lot of people really wanted to meet her.
Hi Jack,

My guess would be that Muskoka on the Rocks would be the best environment to converse and hoist a few. The place is divided up into rooms, so I'm sure with 12 or so people you'd likely have the bulk of one room to yourselves. On the Docks is probably a bad idea given the band and I'll have to check with Bush Company to see if they have live music on Friday night.

Cheers!

Andrew
Tom,

There is a cafe/restuarant about 5 mins from Axiom called the Moose Cafe. I understand that they have free wifi, so you could pop in and grab a coffee and check your email.

Andrew
Originally Posted By: Andrew
My guess would be that Muskoka on the Rocks would be the best environment to converse and hoist a few. The place is divided up into rooms, so I'm sure with 12 or so people you'd likely have the bulk of one room to yourselves.


I vote for that.... 6PM on Friday. Feel free to come by, anyone!

(There. Does that help so we have a plan, or was I just a jerk? smile )
Please, please, please tell me there's a Starbucks nearby? I'm all for Moose Cafe on Friday, do they serve Mooseheads?
Originally Posted By: fredk
Hey Cam. Tell Terri congrats and we are sad that she is not coming. I think she has become a member of 'the family' here and a lot of people really wanted to meet her.


Fred, I just relayed that exact message to her on Facebook smile .
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Originally Posted By: Andrew
My guess would be that Muskoka on the Rocks would be the best environment to converse and hoist a few. The place is divided up into rooms, so I'm sure with 12 or so people you'd likely have the bulk of one room to yourselves.


I vote for that.... 6PM on Friday. Feel free to come by, anyone!

(There. Does that help so we have a plan, or was I just a jerk? smile )


I think that's a great plan...........jerk! grin
Wow, all y'all are a helpful and newsy bunch.

Cam, what Fred said. Happy for Teri.

Andrew, thank for the Moose Cafe referral. That should work great.

Jack, I did check, but it's complicated. Like Peter, I'm on a corporate plan, so changing it requires more than just MY will. I think I will foresake my laptop, too, especially since I have a Droid phone. It will connect via wifi.

Rich, it's Muskoka on the Rocks Friday - Moose Cafe is the coffee/wireless.

Mark, um, whatever. grin
I just emailed the place to find out if they can accommodate an informal group of 10-20 and what their accessibility is....
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
I just emailed the place to find out if they can accommodate an informal group of 10-20 and what their accessibility is....


You're a good soul, Mark. But I consider myself a "formal handicap'"! Just sayin.....
Dude, is that where the purple pimp hat comes in? grin
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle


Mark, um, whatever. grin


laugh laugh laugh
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Dude, is that where the purple pimp hat comes in? grin


HEHE. Hmmmmmm, I wonder if I still have that? wink
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 12:41 AM
Originally Posted By: Andrew
Hi Jack,

My guess would be that Muskoka on the Rocks would be the best environment to converse and hoist a few. The place is divided up into rooms, so I'm sure with 12 or so people you'd likely have the bulk of one room to yourselves. On the Docks is probably a bad idea given the band and I'll have to check with Bush Company to see if they have live music on Friday night.

Cheers!

Andrew

Many thanks for the heads-up, Andrew.
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 01:02 AM
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle

Andrew, thank for the Moose Cafe referral. That should work great.

Jack, I did check, but it's complicated. Like Peter, I'm on a corporate plan, so changing it requires more than just MY will. I think I will foresake my laptop, too, especially since I have a Droid phone. It will connect via wifi.

Rich, it's Muskoka on the Rocks Friday - Moose Cafe is the coffee/wireless.

Yes, The Moose Cafe opens at 8 AM and stays open til 9PM Thurs. through Sunday (closes at 4PM the rest of the week) and has a nice looking breakfast menu. If it has WiFi it will definitely mean those of us with Droid phones or a computer can check our email, inspect our favorite A/V forums,

So, for me, it's Muskoka on the Rocks Friday night and The Moose Cafe for the internet and breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning.
Originally Posted By: CV
Hey, Mary's still going, right?


Yes, thanks for asking, CV!

So, just confirming...it's Muskoka on the Rocks Friday night, right? As for breakfast, wasn't it supposed to be included at the Lumina? Just curious.
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 10:00 AM
Originally Posted By: sonicfox
So, just confirming...it's Muskoka on the Rocks Friday night, right? As for breakfast, wasn't it supposed to be included at the Lumina? Just curious.

Yes, I believe it was, but the Lumina doesn't have WiFi and I can't be separated from the internet for more than 24 hours or I break out in a rash (is that pathetic, or what!!!).
Are there many people going up on Thursday? I'm afraid that's the best day for me to head up, unfortunately my brother's work shift(continental) is full Friday thru Sunday, but I'd like to hook up with as many of you as poss on the Thursday....any early birds?

Also if anyone wants to do a bit of touring around the Toronto/Niagara area, after the weekend, let me know...you can join Tom(Tuttle) and myself for some sight seeing early in the week. I'm located only a few miles from Pearson Int'l which would be convenient for anyone flying out of YYZ. PM if anyone's interested.
Well, I just PM'd Amie to put me into the confirmed column! Looking forward to meeting you all!

As a side note, for those of the group spending time in Toronto, be sure to hit the Bier Markt. Over 100 beers from 24 countries. Go early. (I will check with my neighbour on which is better - the one on Esplanade or King West.)
Awesome, Shawn!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 04:49 PM
Did you book an extra room for your hair?
No pets allowed.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 04:57 PM
Dang! Thats one big Tribble.
You wouldn't beleive the trouble it gives me!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 05:00 PM
laugh
Shawn, I am SO glad you are attending!
Posted By: Ian Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/06/10 10:42 PM

Hi Cam,

Everyone is welcome for the Saturday evening BBQ and festivities on the dock. There is no need to bring anything, except your jacket. We have it all looked after.
That is very gracious and very generous of you, Ian. I am very eager for the festivities next weekend.
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 12:06 PM
Hi folks,

I've been ignoring the Internet this weekend but I would have gladly given Mark my cell number for the list. I'll be arriving sometime Friday evening but I'm unsure as to exactly what time it will be. I have a meeting in Ottawa just shortly after lunch and then it's a four hour drive or so from there.

I'll look for the crowd at the pub as I hope to get there early evening. How late do most of you plan on staying? Actually, it would be great if one of you felt brave enough to PM me your cell number so I could check to see if you are all still there or to see if maybe you had to make a last minute change of locations.

I'm picturing myself going up to everyone in the bar and saying "Hi, I'm Murph! Are you doin the Axiom thing?". I'm not sure how well the company name is known around there but I figure it would be good for a few strange looks.

Finally, is anybody sticking around Sunday? Another round of golf perhaps? Well, golfing is a poor choice of words when I do it. Because of the conference I'm attending in Deerhurst on Tuesday, I'm actually staying through Monday. I planned on working from the hotel on Monday but if there is no Internet access, then it might be yet another day to explore. If I sat in a coffee shop all day for free wifi, I'd likely collapse from heart palpitations from the all caffeine I'd consume.
For those of you who've never been to Canada before, I did a little googling and found a picture (from a book cover) that best sums up what you can expect.


Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 02:26 PM
A very pissed off cat, apparently.
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
That is very gracious and very generous of you, Ian. I am very eager for the festivities next weekend.


I second the motion!
That's odd. So kids get married when they are 10-12 and they have cats instead of kids. It also looks like the wife is in control with that bat she's carrying.
Originally Posted By: Murph
Hi folks,


I'll look for the crowd at the pub as I hope to get there early evening. How late do most of you plan on staying? Actually, it would be great if one of you felt brave enough to PM me your cell number so I could check to see if you are all still there or to see if maybe you had to make a last minute change of locations.



Murph, I can't see myself leaving any earlier than 12, but it depends on when my family wants to leave. It also depends on when everyone is showing up at the plant on Saturday; anybody have any ideas?

Also, send a P.M to Mark, and he'll give you the entire cell phone list.
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 03:00 PM
Thanks Cam,

Turns out he had already given me his cell number in a PM over the weekend. For anyone else who needs it, you can now find it on E-Bay under "Professional Male Model Services -- Willing to do theme parties."
Awesome pic, Peter, and good followup by everyone. First good laugh of the day.

Looking forward to seeing everybody. I'll be the confused one just looking to tag along.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 04:07 PM
That is a funny picture! It is one of those books that you see in the book stores, aimed at tourists.

I don;t know any Canadian that actually owns one - although I can't say I know all 30 million Canadians personally!
I recall seeing a tourist guidebook at Coles Bookstore several years ago about Toronto, written and printed in the States no less. Anyway they had some pictures of the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls calling it the "CN Tower" as well as several other picks of "Toronto"...actually the city of Niagara Falls(80 miles from T.O. and perhaps 1/30 the size).

Ah pity da poor fool who bought dat guide!!
Originally Posted By: Ajax
I can't be separated from the internet for more than 24 hours or I break out in a rash ...

I think that describes most of us on this forum.
Originally Posted By: medic8r
Originally Posted By: Ajax
I can't be separated from the internet for more than 24 hours minutes or I break out in a rash ...

I think that describes most of us on this forum.


Yep.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 06:54 PM
I just checked coverage for my mobile internet stick, and there is coverage!!
I can also tether my Blackberry if I need that as well.
Posted By: JC2 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 07:25 PM
hello, I'm new to the forum but I read the forums for some time, I would hope that all those who will be present at Axiom this weekend to have fun and do not forget to post your comments and especially photos so that we can share your fun bye bye!

Sorry my english is not perfect blush

JC (I'm not working JC at Axiom) smile
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 11:33 PM
So, has anyone received info on the final arrangements? I got a PM from Amie last week, but no final details.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 11:42 PM
Originally Posted By: Murph
Finally, is anybody sticking around Sunday? Another round of golf perhaps?

Hey Murph. I'll be in no rush to leave as its only a 3.5 hour drive home for me. I can always be convinced to play another round of golf.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/07/10 11:45 PM
Checking the weather, its a bit of a mixed bag this week. Cloudy but reasonably warm Friday, Sunny and warm Saturday, cloudy cool and possibility of showers Sunday.
Hey guys:
I'm in Niagara Falls and will keep this short (there's a hot tub waiting for me).

I wrote to Muskoka on the Rocks the other day to check accessibility and availability. I heard back from them today while I was on the road today:

"I would need a better idea of how many people you have in your party. Friday nights are usually very busy for us and we already have a large group booked. We would be unable to keep 20 seats open and possibly only have 5 or 10 show up. I hope you understand."

Certainly, I do, but there's really no way for me to guesstimate how many people will actually be there Friday night.

To check all our options, I just called The Cottage Waterfront Grill to check on THEIR availability and there was no answer....just a machine (7:45PM local time). I left them a message with my cell #, but don't know when I will hear back from them.

So...... we can either try to get a real "head count" for Muskoka on the Rocks or we see what happens when the other place returns my call.

Unfortunately, I don't use a Blackberry. I'll have email capability when I get back into the hotel tomorrow (Wed) night, but if anyone wants to step in and make a decision....feel free!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 01:21 AM
Friday night headcount.

One (thats me)
Two (that's me wink ) What are we doing again?

I may see what I can do to get one of Lumina's $12 waterski rides on Saturday morning... been a while since I've done some decent slalom. Man, I can't even turn my boat on for $12 !

Scott
Me + 4.
Sense I won't be there you have to subtract 1.
I can't getaway until Saturday morning, wish I could be there on Friday night, but I will see everyone on Saturday afternoon!

paul
+1 I'm in for Friday night!

I'm in.
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 10:47 AM
+2. Ray and I will be there, wherever "there" is. That's 10
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 12:01 PM
I will be there, I'm just unsure of the time. I'll be shooting for 7:00 to 8:00pm.
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 12:10 PM
Originally Posted By: fredk
Originally Posted By: Murph
Finally, is anybody sticking around Sunday? Another round of golf perhaps?

Hey Murph. I'll be in no rush to leave as its only a 3.5 hour drive home for me. I can always be convinced to play another round of golf.


That's great Fred!! With two days to kill, it will be awesome to have some company and you will benefit from the healthy act of laughing as I continually slice off the tee until I get frustrated and admit I have to switch to using the three iron. The rest of my game is not bad. Well, that is to say, I'm not embarrassing with my irons or putter.

In your next post, I see you mentioned the weather might be iffy, although it's way too far out to know for sure. We can play it by ear and hopefully it will turn out nice.
If you see this thread and plan on attending a casual get-together Friday night, PLEASE copy and paste this list and add your name to this the bottom!

It just might be that the second restaurant won't allow us without reservations as well, so the more confidence we can have in the number of attendees, the quicker we can confirm a location. Otherwise, we're all going to end up in my van in the woods somewhere! And no one wants that! smile

Friday night head count:

1-FredK
2-a401classic
3+4 Wheelz
5-Real 80s
6-Tom
7+8 Ray and Jack
9-Murph
10-MarkSJohnson
Friday night head count:

1-FredK
2-a401classic
3+4 Wheelz
5-Real 80s
6-Tom
7+8 Ray and Jack
9-Murph
10-MarkSJohnson
11-pmbuko
1-FredK
2-a401classic
3+4 Wheelz
5-Real 80s
6-Tom
7+8 Ray and Jack
9-Murph
10-MarkSJohnson
11-pmbuko
12-medic8r
1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6 Tom T
7/8 Ray & Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. PMBuko
12. Medic8r
13 Bob K.
Hi Ajax,

We have wireless internet at the factory! Spring Lake & Blue Spruce also has WI-FI!

Thanks,
Hello All,

I have the "final" list posted at the begining of this thread.

For those of you who haven't contacted my self or the audio experts, can you please do so by the end of today? The number to reach them is 1-866-244-8796.

Just 2 more days until the big event!! Looking forward to finally meeting all of you!

See you soon!
You can move medic8r to confirmed. Tom and I are driving up with him.
I added myself as well.

1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6 Tom T
7/8 Ray & Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. PMBuko
12. Medic8r
13 Bob K.
14 Sonicfox
Posted By: cb919 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 03:38 PM
I still really want to go, but unfortunately a work trip has come up and I head to Barcelona tomorrow for a week.

Have a great time everyone! I look forward to reading about it.
Barcelona sounds nice.

Maybe we can move the Axiom GTG there?
Anyone else nervous? I sure am!!! Both nervous AND excited! smile
Yeah, me too.
I am both, Mary!

Any Axiom staff joining us for Friday night?

Amie, Mary (Sonicfox) should be on the "Confirmed" list....

Did anyone get a schedule or times for Saturday?
I'd be less nervous without Mark's avatar.
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Barcelona sounds nice.

Maybe we can move the Axiom GTG there?

Can it move to Bucharest, Romania the week following? I'll be there.
I just heard back from Lumina. They do NOT have internet for patrons. We'll just have to go to the moose cafe.

Scott
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Amie, Mary (Sonicfox) should be on the "Confirmed" list....


She just sent me a PM because she didn't have my billing address which is probably why I'm not on the confirmed list. I replied as well as called her, leaving a message with the info.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 04:48 PM
Originally Posted By: sonicfox
Anyone else nervous? I sure am!!! Both nervous AND excited! smile

Giddy as a school girlboy. I'm looking forward to meeting everybody in person, though I admit its going to be hard talking without a keyboard.
chesseroo asked me to add him to this list.

1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6. Tom T
7. Ray
8. Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. pmuko
12. Medic8r
13. Bob K.
14. Sonicfox
15. chesseroo
+1

My wife is even making fun of me. She says I've got nerve talking about her facebook time.

Scott
You think YOU'RE excited - Peter misspelled his username.
OK guys, I'm sorry for the "matter of fact" post, but I heard back from Blair at The Cottage waterfront Grill and he can accommodate us as well. They are open till 10pm and there are no accessibility issues. Please check out their website. They taught "good for groups" and evidently have a large "dock" where we might hang (I believe it's supposed to be fairly warm). It's in Huntsville, though, likely a ~20 minute drive.

The Muskoka on the Rocks is also accessible, and the "kitchen closes at 9:30PM". Please check out their website. They're closer to where most of you are staying.

It seems like either can accommodate us if we have a "reservation", so we can probably wrap this up late tonight or tomorrow morning, depending how quickly you guys vote!
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 06:34 PM
I think a consideration for you guys that are attending would be if either one (both, hopefully!) is accessible for Cam.
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 06:36 PM
1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6. Tom T
7. Ray
8. Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. pmuko
12. Medic8r
13. Bob K.
14. Sonicfox
15. chesseroo
16. onn
Thanks to Mark, Mary, Amie, Ian, and the others who are taking the lead on these things. Usually at gatherings, I'm the responsible one and have to do all the planning. It'll be nice to just follow people around carefree and just show up for a change.
Originally Posted By: kcarlile
I think a consideration for you guys that are attending would be if either one (both, hopefully!) is accessible for Cam.


Thanks, Ken smile . You guys/gals pick and I'll go wherever.

Originally Posted By: onn

1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6. Tom T
7. Ray
8. Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. pmuko
12. Medic8r
13. Bob K.
14. Sonicfox
15. chesseroo
16. onn


In the list, it looks like I'm only talking one more person (my caregiver) but my mom, dad and sister are going as well (as far as they have said); it's a family getaway for us. So, it's 5 people including me (I did say 1+4 originally but I should have been more clear).

Oh, MAYBE 6 if we're lucky smile .
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
OK guys, I'm sorry for the "matter of fact" post, but I heard back from Blair at The Cottage waterfront Grill and he can accommodate us as well. They are open till 10pm


10pm? That's a bit early, isn't it? Not that I'm used to partying until the bars close anymore, but...

Anyhow, I agree with Ken...where ever we go, it should be accessible for Cam.
I think Mark said both of those places are accessible.

Mark forgot the "don't care - thanks for doing this and just tell me where to be" button.
If the one place closes at 10pm, maybe we should buy more beer at the packie in Barrie on the way up...
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 08:57 PM
Count me in for Friday!!
I am good anywhere that Cam is looked after.

1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6. Tom T
7. Ray
8. Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. pmuko
12. Medic8r
13. Bob K.
14. Sonicfox
15. chesseroo
16. onn
17. BBIBH
Originally Posted By: kcarlile
I think a consideration for you guys that are attending would be if either one (both, hopefully!) is accessible for Cam.

I'm sorry I wasn't more clear: To be frank, the fact that I listed both as "accessible" meant specifically for Cam. I asked at both places.
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 09:24 PM
Oh. I missed that bit. Nevermind...


1. Fred
2. 401
3/4 Wheelz
5. Real 80's Man
6. Tom T
7. Ray
8. Jack
9. Murph
10. Mark
11. pmuko
12. Medic8r
13. Bob K.
14. Sonicfox
15. chesseroo
16. onn
17. BBIBH [/quote]
18, 19, 20. Cam's family
Is Dwight ready for all of us?! What if that wedding party shows up at the same place?! shocked
You have seen The Wedding Crashers, haven't you?

Shouldn't be a problem. laugh
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 09:55 PM
Hi Mark,

Just catching up on this thread. You can add me to the list for Friday night.

Cheers!

Alan
You played drinking Jenga before, Alan? laugh
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Originally Posted By: kcarlile
I think a consideration for you guys that are attending would be if either one (both, hopefully!) is accessible for Cam.

I'm sorry I wasn't more clear: To be frank, the fact that I listed both as "accessible" meant specifically for Cam. I asked at both places.


Yep, Mark has looked out for me since day one smile .
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 11:15 PM
Carefull Cam. Mark worked hard to develop a rep as a noodler and generally unhelpfull guy around here. You wouldn't want years of effort to go to waste would you? wink
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 11:16 PM
Fred, when are you leaving KW?
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 11:18 PM
Thursday early afternoon. I'm staying Thursday through Sunday.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 11:21 PM
Gotcha....I am leaving UW about 3pm Friday
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 11:29 PM
Too bad we couldn't share the drive.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/08/10 11:42 PM
Yeah, I am planning on heading to Parry Sound on Sunday before trekking back to Cambridge
Originally Posted By: fredk
Carefull Cam. Mark worked hard to develop a rep as a noodler and generally unhelpfull guy around here. You wouldn't want years of effort to go to waste would you? wink


True Fred, very true. laugh
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 12:56 AM
Wohooo!! Sunny and 21 Friday. Perfect for a round of golf!

Sunny and similarly warm Saturday. Lets hope the stars stay aligned.
Does anyone know how far Muskoka on the Rocks is from the factory?
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 01:20 AM
Looks like maybe 10 minutes to me.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 01:21 AM
Two questions for Amie:

1. Are we all still having breakfast at the Lumina? If so what is the time on that?

2. What tee off time do we have for golf on Friday?
It looks like the score is 5-3 with Muskoka on the Rocks in the lead. If no one has any objections by tomorrow AM, I'm going to confirm with them. I'm afraid if we wait too long, we'll miss out on BOTH places!

Mr. Noodle-Head.
Originally Posted By: R DeVries
Does anyone know how far Muskoka on the Rocks is from the factory?

Yes, Andrew posted that it's about 10 minutes.
Leavin' on a jet plane...

Whooo Hooooo!!
Safe travel, everyone!
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 11:35 AM
Originally Posted By: sonicfox
10pm? That's a bit early, isn't it? Not that I'm used to partying until the bars close anymore, but...

Anyhow, I agree with Ken...where ever we go, it should be accessible for Cam.


Good Point Mary, I might be a bit of a late arrival so I'd hate to get there and have to leave in an hour or so.
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 11:41 AM
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
You played drinking Jenga before, Alan? laugh


The full question should read
"You played drinking Jenga
Click to reveal..
with Island Moonshine
before, Alan?
HEHEHE........Love it Murph!
Posted By: Ian Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 01:58 PM

Hi Everyone,

The time for the festivities is near. This post should bring together some of the loose ends around the events and their schedules.

We are spread out between Lumina Resort, Blue Spruce Resort, and Spring Lake Resort. Amie has listed the exact locations for everyone on the first page of this post. Both Lumina and Spring Lake serve breakfast and it is included. For everyone at Blue Spruce we have organized your breakfast to be at Spring Lake; also included. There is WiFi at Blue Spruce and Spring Lake but not at Lumina. If you have a 3G stick however, it will work at Lumina.

For the few that are arriving on Thursday and want to get together we can meet at 5:30 pm at Spring Lake. If the weather is good we can boat down to Dorset for dinner and drinks otherwise we can go to the local pub (Bush Co).

It looks like there is a big get together brewing for Friday evening at Muskoka on the Rocks. This sounds like fun. For those who want to golf on Friday the plan is to be at the factory by noon and meet up with John. The golf course is on an island so we will need to head over in the boat at 12:30 (tee off is at 1 pm).

On Saturday things begin at the factory at 10 am. Debbie will be doing factory tours all day long so we can keep it to manageable sized groups. Amie will set up a buffet style lunch around 11:30 in the factory and then everyone can just eat at their leisure. We have a blind listening test set up and will have a sign up sheet for it. The test is done one person at a time and we will keep the score sheets confidential until the end. At 3 pm we will reveal the test and announce the results. Andrew, Alan, and myself will be conducting some round table talks through the day; our plan is to begin at 10:30 with one on distortion types and myths; at noon with one on microphones, brains, and off axis response; and the final one at 1:30 on subwoofer measurements. It would be great if everyone could let me know if they are interested in attending any of these round table discussions and which ones.

We will wrap up at the factory by 3:30 or 4:00 pm so everyone has an hour or so to relax before meeting at my dock at 5 pm. We have a BBQ starting at 5:30 and we have a bar set up on the dock. The after party on the dock includes a special event. I would suggest that everyone car pool as much as possible from each resort. We have a Red Nose set up to get everyone and their vehicle back to their resort at 11 pm. Remember your jackets as we are outdoors and near the water (perhaps a bathing suite for those that are feeling adventurous).

I am really looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend; it should be a pile of fun.

Cheers,
Has it been mentioned what time everyone is meeting at the plant on Saturday?

Thanks
Hi Fredk,

For those staying at Lumina, breakfast is available both Saturday and Sunday mornings.

For those staying at Blue Spruce and Spring Lake, Spring Lake has offered to serve breakfast for Saturday and Sunday morning as well.

The tee off time on Friday is set for 1:00pm

See you soon!
FYI - for those who have verizon wireless, the short-term Canadian plan isn't too bad. It's $.69 per minute with no dreaded roaming charges. I was advised by Verizon customer service I need to *228 then option 2 to activate the Canadian cell system.
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 02:37 PM
Originally Posted By: Ian
Andrew, Alan, and myself will be conducting some round table talks through the day; our plan is to begin at 10:30 with one on distortion types and myths; at noon with one on microphones, brains, and off axis response; and the final one at 1:30 on subwoofer measurements. It would be great if everyone could let me know if they are interested in attending any of these round table discussions and which ones.

Ian, I am interested in attending all 3 round table talks.

10:30 - distortion types and myths
Noon - microphones, brains, and off axis response (I'll do fine on the first and the last. The middle topic might be a problem for me crazy)
1:30 - subwoofer measurements

May I bring a pad of paper and a pen to take notes?

Originally Posted By: Ian
We have a Red Nose set up to get everyone and their vehicle back to their resort at 11 pm.

OK, I don't speak Canadian. wink Can I get a translation of "Red Nose" as used in this context? confused

Originally Posted By: Ian
I am really looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend

I think we who are attending have you beat in this category.

Ian, would you make clear your wishes regarding cameras and cell phone photographs? I'm sure all will be happy to comply.


Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 03:04 PM
Jack, as a proud Canadian, I think he means a designated driver to get you and your vehicle back to your hotel.

I will admit to never having heard that term either...so maybe it is a local saying LOL
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 03:07 PM
Hey BB. .

Yep, new to me as well. I grew up in Southern Ontario and I've never heard it until now.

Cheers,
Alan
Yes, "Red Nose" is a non-profit organization that accompanies drunk drivers using their own vehicules. They are financed in part with donations at the time of the retrieval. Their operations varies greatly depending on location and time of year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Red_Nose
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 03:57 PM
Well, since I can't drink, for medical reasons, I guess my nose won't be red and I can drive one car back to the Blue Spruce. However, it won't be my car. I don't want a bunch of drunk axiomites ralphing on my poor old dilapidated Toyota. grin
Jack, you can drive "The Blaze of Glory" (my van) smile . There's quite a few of us staying at Blue Spruce, and from this street view via Google maps, it looks like a nice spot!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 04:25 PM
Woohooo!!! Almost fun time.

Ian. Those of us arriving tonight had planned to meet at the Swiss Chalet in Huntsville at around 6:00 pm. Not sure we can redirect at this point, but thanks for the offer.

I will be heading out very shortly.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 04:26 PM
Oh yeah. Would love to attend all 3 round tables.
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 04:29 PM
It didn't say it in the Wikipedia entry, but is the name based on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 04:35 PM
Or Santa. . .

Alan
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 04:39 PM
I'm certainly interested in all of the activities, including the three round tables.
Murph, are you flying in tomorrow or are you already here?

Sadly I couldn't get drinking Jenga frown .
Originally Posted By: CV
It didn't say it in the Wikipedia entry, but is the name based on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Yes, it is. In French, "nez rouge" is hard not to associate with a reindeer (their logo is a red-nosed reindeer).
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 07:32 PM
Hmmmm, with the folks that will be in attendance, I figured there would be PLENTY of red noses without having to add more. grin

So this would really be non-red nose Red Noses... Oh, never mind.

Ian - I'll likely do all three of the round tables and, without doubt, the BBQ. I am looking forward to seeing how many folks it will take to get a moose on the grille. BTW - Jack likes his antlers crispy.

Hey Ken - neener, neener, neener!!!! laugh
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson

Any Axiom staff joining us for Friday night?


Hi Mark,

I'm hoping to join you, but last minute party prep might have me tied up. I'll just show up if I find myself free. No worries if there isn't enough room, I can happily drink while standing! grin

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Andrew
Andrew, I'd gladly give up my chair for you anytime; just ask grin .
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/09/10 07:58 PM
Peter and Tom,

Since you are either already there or will be shortly, the rest of us have a simple request.

Please do NOT consume all of the beer in the area. We will be thirsty when we arrive.
Originally Posted By: Ray3
Peter and Tom,

Since you are either already there or will be shortly, the rest of us have a simple request.

Please do NOT consume all of the beer in the area. We will be thirsty when we arrive.


Good call, Ray!
Ian, I also am interested in attending all 3 round table talks.

I just got back from New Brunswick and still have a LOT of unpacking to do (moved Aug 27th) I'll be driving up Saturday morning, it's a bit less than an 4 hour drive so I should easily make the 10:30 session, can anyone bring donuts? smile

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Esp. the old guys!
HA! I'm Dwightful as of ten minutes ago.

Well, technically, I'm Huntsvillian. smile

I confirmed with Muskoca on the Rocks for Fri nite at 6PM. We have a reservation for our group.

Ian, I would also love to attend all three.

Off now to meet Adrian (who thankfully brushed his teeth I see), FredK, BobKay, and maybe Alan at the Swiss Chalet! grin

I'll try to get a few photos before anyone needs that Rudolph express!
Glad to hear you guys made it safe!

Good times!
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 12:13 AM
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Murph, are you flying in tomorrow or are you already here?

Sadly I couldn't get drinking Jenga frown .


No problem Bud. I'm sure we will be busy enough that we won't miss it.

I'm flying out tomorrow morning. However, I'm taking a bit of a detour for a meeting in Ottawa. I'd rather not explain why 'online' just yet, but it's nothing truly covert. The time has been pushed back though so it could now be as late as 9:00pm or so before I arrive. I'm hoping to find you all at the bar where I will be in need of a well deserved cold one.
Murph, text or call one of us if you think you'll be later. Safe travels pally!
Posted By: Murph Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 12:50 AM
Thanks Man!

Hey, I'm just preloading locations into my GPS. Does anyone have the civic address for the Axiom Factory? The websight just says Highway 60.

Not a big deal. My GPS maps are so old, they don't even get down to a civic address level for hwy. 60. I'm just looking stuff up on Google Maps and guestimating to drop a waypoint pin on my GPS map.
Originally Posted By: Murph
Does anyone have the civic address for the Axiom Factory? The websight just says Highway 60.

I would say "follow the sound of the subwoofer"... but those are non-directional! smile
Posted By: JohnK Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 01:14 AM
Ian, a technical question: if the participants in the blind listening tests are all hung over because of the Friday night activities, would this affect the reliability of the test results?
Posted By: Jc Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 01:50 AM
Hi Murph,

It is 2885.
Originally Posted By: JohnK
Ian, a technical question: if the participants in the blind listening tests are all hung over because of the Friday night activities, would this affect the reliability of the test results?

It didn't seem to affect the distortion tests. The results were remarkably independent of... um... hung-over-ness.
My last post until tomorrow. I'm outta here at 0600 hours Friday. Looking foward to seeing everyone at Muskoca on the Rocks in the evening.
At dinner tonight, the world's problems were solved including politics, religion and colonoscopies.

Yes, we talked Politics and Religion and no fights broke out.

Yes, we talked colonoscopies.

Bet you all feel like you missed out now, huh?

And, serious partiers that we are, we closed the place. (We're not mentioning that it was a Swiss Chalet restaurant and that "closing the place" means 9:30).

Alan, FredK and BobKay enjoy a laugh:


Adrian (right) and his brother Chris striking similar poses:

I wish I could be there. I'm stuck in San Francisco for work... It's depressed me for the last month or so knowing I'd have to be here. Please keep posting pictures, this set made my day today!
We're not too far away in Toronto (Med, tom, pmbuko, a401)...

A good time was had by all. As were a few of the local brews.

Hasta manana.

Scott
I am with Steve, well not in San Fran but with the sentiment, wish I could be there and looking forward to the pics of the event. I was actually excited for everyone earlier today.

Any chance of some postings of the round table discussions?
Posted By: Ian Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 11:42 AM

JohnK, perhaps we can put that to the test on Saturday. We will just need to add a hangover scale to the bottom of the score sheet. "Rate your hangover on a scale of one to ten". One being "did not drink at all last night" and ten being "do not recall how I got back to my room last night".
It's always better when it goes to eleven: "I never did make it to back to my room last night"

(Says the guy who will probably have all of two beers tonight!)
Hi All,

I try to avoid posting but I was told in no uncertain terms that if I wanted to join in the fun at Muskoka on the Rocks, I had no choice. If it's not too late, I would love to attend!!

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and finally putting faces to the names that I have heard for so many years.

Cheers,
Absolutely, Debbie.

We had 20 confirmed at the time, but I made the reservation for 20 to 24 attendees...

It'll be great to meet you!
There is a 30th anniversary celebration?? A bit of early warning would have been nice! wink For all those in attendence, ENJOY! smile
Just want to wish a great week-end everyone. I really wanted to be there but unfortunately i could not. Anyway hope all of you will enjoy this great experience.
Phil.
It was great to meet up with you guys last night, Mark, Bob, Alan and Fred...was just a lot of fun and laughs...and some very serious matters like trading Justin Bieber for Sarah Palin or something like that.
Which the U.S. is still willing to do.......!
But we're NOT taking Larry King!
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 02:21 PM
Likewise, Adrian. Sorry you couldn't stay longer. Great fun last night. And thanks to Mark for posting the photos so quickly. I just remembered the name of the satirical Canadian TV show that parodied a CBC TV news operation. I was trying to recall what it was last night: "The Newsroom". It's very funny. I think you can rent it on DVD.

Alan
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 02:28 PM
Just packing now...AX3's in the trunk, music in the CD changer....should be hitting Huntsville by 6pm!!
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 02:38 PM
Finally finishd checking into my motel room. I may stop by Axiom just to see the lay of the land before supper tonight. I got to stop taking the red-eye flights. I almost fell asleep a couple of times on the drive up from TO in the rental car. frown
Didn't you sleep on the flight? Glad to hear you made it safely.
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 02:46 PM
Originally Posted By: jakewash
Didn't you sleep on the flight? Glad to hear you made it safely.


The plane ride was a bit bumpy and I almost fell asleep a couple of times but it didn't happen.
I wish I could sleep in a moving vehicle. I have no problem while I'm driving but if I stop and pull over to get a short nap there's no way I can fall asleep. I'll just lay there with my eyes closed and that's it.
I want to catch a nap in my room right now but I'm too hyper. Old age sucks.
Originally Posted By: onn
I want to catch a nap in my room right now but I'm too hyper. Old age sucks.
So that's my problem!
I got a lousy night's sleep for some reason, and all I had to do was just lie there!!!
It was the Ricard's fight'n with the hot chicken sandwich.
Same here - crappy sleep as well - even with my CPAP machine.

Funny thing is, is that I can fall asleep just about anywhere, anytime. Hence, why I am on the CPAP!

Should be packing up within the next hour or two!
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 03:49 PM
Mwa ha ha, my curse worked! Other than the fact that I was up half the night, too, with 2 cranky toddlers.
I'm leaving in 20 minutes!

See everyone in a bit!
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 04:37 PM
Must have been all that pure air!!

..or the bears roaming around in the woods...LOL
So Ken what's it going to be tonight for those at the party? Perhaps some bad dreams about their beloved Axioms turning into Bose cubes?
On the way back from Huntsville, Thursday night, the R.I.D.E. program had Hwy 9 blocked off in both directions. Aside from the obvious dangers of drinking/driving, just a reminder for everyone to use a designated driver if you will be drinking up in Huntsville tonight. Be safe.
I'll be heading up early tomorrow AM... looking forward to meeting everyone.
Hope everyone has a great time, I am very sad I was unable to work the trip out, maybe in another 30 years. smile

Cheers to all!!!!
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/10/10 11:33 PM
There's about 30 of us here right now.
If Mary shows her tweeters, we want pictures, Mark! wink
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 12:08 AM
No sign of Mary

Edit: Murph has just arrived!
Originally Posted By: sirquack
Hope everyone has a great time, I am very sad I was unable to work the trip out, maybe in another 30 years.


OK, next summer everyone goes to your place laugh
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 12:46 AM
Mary has finally arrived. smile
Is there a live cam? smile
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 01:06 AM
Originally Posted By: sirquack
Is there a live cam? smile


I tried to use my cameras video function but its too dark for that. smile
Sounds like a great get together...wish I was able to attend..."have fun everybody"!!! (Dr. Nick Riviera voice)
Posted By: JohnK Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 01:30 AM
Have a great time guys(and Mary), but keep in mind that the listening tests tomorrow morning are supposed to be blind, not blind-drunk.

I've heard that the first comparison will be M80 vs Bose Cubes. Obviously this could be embarrassing, and we're all counting on you to uphold the honor of the forum membership.
Originally Posted By: sirquack
Is there a live cam? smile

Yes, he was supposed to be going up today....OH! you meant...carry on!
Everyone have fun and take alot of pictures!
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 04:04 AM
Well, the Muskoka party disbanded, and Jakeman was kind enough to invite people to his meager cottage (meager being a beautifully appointed chalet.)

Well, he started playing on his M80 V3's....they are AMAZING!!
Those in attendance were stunned.

Anyway, there was a ping pong game going on when I made my way back to the hotel.

Great night, and great folks!! Thanks John!!
Posted By: HAY Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 12:42 PM
Finally getting ready to hit the road! See you guys at lunch!
Okey Dokey.... I have some photos from last night. I wanted to get these uploaded last night, but due to a re-install of Windows on this laptop, I don't have Photoshop on here AND every time I'm online, the laptop has been slowed down installing Service Pack updates (now turned off!).

Anyway, forgive me if I identify someone wrong below. We're all friends, yet in some respects it was still a room of unfamiliar faces!


The room as a whole:




(L-->R): Amie (the original!), JC, Mel (Onn), Carolyn (Mary's friend), Mary (Both of which broke out of a Toronto jail to be there!), John (JakeMan) and Brent:



(Bottom, then counter-clockwise): JP (Medic8r) waving, Scott (1401classic), Mike (Chesseroo), Tom (TomTuttle, praying that Ray3 doesn't tell another joke), Ray3, Mike (BBIBH)with his back to camera:



(Counter-clockwise, starting bottom right): Mike then Tom then Ray again, BobKay (mostly hidden), Peter facing camera (pmbuko), Mike (BBIBH) in foreground:




Cam and his caregiver (sorry, forgot her name!) with Jack (Ajax) standing on the back left:



(L-->R) R DeVries, FredK and JP:



(L-->R): Jack, BobKay (back to camera), Ray and Peter:



(L-->R) Our waitress, Ian, Debbie (Axiom) and Alan:



Ray considering what his head will feel like today:



Andrew (Axiom, with analog rabbit ears) sits with his two brothers, JC and Debbie standing:



Ian right after he passed the check to Alan, Amie avoids eye contact with Alan:



(Right, dark shirt): Andrew (Murph) arrived late so I got him back by making him a little out of focus smile :


I'll shoot more today, but it's slow going on this laptop, and I've got an early and long ride back tomorrow, so I'm not sure if 'll be able to upload them tonight or tomorrow morning!
And now, to hop in the shower because things are starting in 40 mins at the factory (10am)!
Wow, my head is shiny.

See you at the factory in a half hour!
This is news? smile
Great pictures! Muchas Gracious! It's nice to have a face to associate with the people on this forum. Mine? No, you don't want to see mine.
It looks like a reunion of old timers! Sounds like a lot of fun!
Great pictures, looks like fun. Thanks for putting faces to names.
Originally Posted By: EFalardeau
It looks like a reunion of old timers! Sounds like a lot of fun!


LOL good one. Now that I see the pictures I have to agree. I din't notice it last night though.

Jakeman.
Posted By: RickF Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 06:09 PM
Looks like everyone is having a great time, thanks for the pictures Mark!
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 06:21 PM
Awesome stuff. It looks like you all had a great time.
I canot BeeLive there ar so many Amiomoes in my faktory now. pmbucko is in listening room with TRU vynil rocking TRU world sound see.

REFLECT

AHA! I always thought it was you all along Debbie!! laugh
Just got in from mowing, man I still wish I was there...wife just said I told you to go...yeah right now she tells me. wink
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 07:20 PM
AAAAha!
Posted By: RickF Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 07:49 PM
Originally Posted By: Debbie
I canot BeeLive there ar so many Amiomoes in my faktory now. pmbucko is in listening room with TRU vynil rocking TRU world sound see.

REFLECT

laugh laugh
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 08:58 PM
Just back from the day at the factory.

Off to Ian's for the evening bash

Cam, great idea for use of the chamber! LOL
Posted By: LT61 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/11/10 09:05 PM
Quote:
I canot BeeLive there ar so many Amiomoes in my faktory now. pmbucko is in listening room with TRU vynil rocking TRU world sound see.


Now, THAT'S funny!
Killer photos!
AWESOME! Thanks for posting Mark!
Originally Posted By: Debbie
I canot BeeLive there ar so many Amiomoes in my faktory now. pmbucko is in listening room with TRU vynil rocking TRU world sound see.

REFLECT


Can we get the "Submit" button for posting changed to "REFLECT"? Or better yet, the "Preview" button!
Great pic's .. keep them comming..
[s][/s]Want to shadre my pics from my phone guyd....drinking Murphs moonshine...o

Wheelz...out 'o control. laugh MORE PICS!
Still downloading Cam's avatar... not even close to seeing pictures yet... the joys of Low Speed Internet ;(
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 06:36 AM
Well. Ian's party lasted until 1am...we hit Murphs room to clean up his fridge....and the beer left...230am and we are getting close!!!
Damn... and I thought I was drunk tonight. LOL. Glad you all had fun. Great pics Mr. Mark. I hope to see many more.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 07:54 AM
4am...and the last official Axiom party just broke up.....

Damn, 5 hours until the unified conference on breakfast at Silver Lake~
Anyone visited Mark's room to witness that it is truly as square as he has been claiming for years? wink
No ona actually saw Marks room, but we heard about it.

Man my head still hurts... Watch out for Murph's 'shine.

A great time was had by all.

Scott
Got back an hour ago. No Toronto traffic on Sunday, that was nice. Awesome weekend for sure, good to meet everyone. Thanks Ian. Btw we brought back your boat on time, may need some fuel though. And, Alan is a party animal... couldn't keep up.
Sitting in Toronto airport now waiting to go home. As far as I KNOW, I was a good girl. If I wasn't, please don't remind me of it! I don't wanna know! grin

Had a wonderful time!!!

PS...At least I didn't show my tweeters! shocked
Sonicfox - Have a good flight and yes everyone was good. That's what I was told
Posted By: alan Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 08:43 PM
SonicFox,

Have a good flight back. Sorry I didn't get to say "au revoir" to you and CJ last night, but this "party animal" faded at 10:30pm and left the dock party.

We had a meeting (myself, Ian, Andrew, JC, Brent, AmieC) today at Ian's house until 3:00-ish. Just drove back to my sailboat and all is in order. Wonderful time meeting everyone from the forums.

Cheers,
Alan
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 09:41 PM
Many thanks to Ian and Amie for being wonderful hosts and thanks to the Axiom Gang (Brent, JC, Debbie, "Amie the Other", Debbie) for allowing us to foul their workplace and ruin their routines.

A few random musings after the long drive home.

Not having been as active on the forum as I was when I first signed up a few years ago, I was more familiar with the the folks who have been around awhile folks and was really looking to meeting them. Jack & I visited the cabin the was being shared by Pete, Tom and JP (Chesseroo logged in as well) on Friday afternoon and it was the first time we were all in the same place seeing each other in person.

It was an unbelievably comfortable mass introduction and instantly settled into comfortable conversation like we had been sharing beer in each other's back yards for years.

There was lots more cameras and flashes that have been reflected here so far, so I am guessing there is much more to come in the way of art.

The only thing that could have improved this weekend would have been the addition of some of the missing folks. Of course, their absence DID provide the opportunity to talk about them.

I'm a bit worn out from the 6 hour drive today, so I'll let somebody else get a word in. Thanks to everyone who attended, because the total contribution was nothing short a a superb experience.
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 09:44 PM
Originally Posted By: sonicfox


PS...At least I didn't show my tweeters! shocked


Ummmm, Mary, how well do you handle surprise and disappointment?

Hey - missed you and CJ and didn't get to say goodbye today. Have a safe trip and I'll get that file put together for you soon.
I wanted to thank Ian, Amie, and the entire Axiom staff for all their hard work and hospitality. I had an absolutely amazing time. Being able to meet the staff, as well as so many fellow board members was a one of a kind experience, that I will cherish forever. Mary - Thank you for all your work with the shirts! I was amazed that you had one for me, even though I didn't confirm until last minute.
Thanks Ian and everyone else that was involved with this weekend, my family and I had a blast. You guys don't know this, but Ian got Mike to build me a ramp to get into the cottage I rented. Mike and I worked together so that I could go in and out freely; he's a good soul.

It was REALLY nice meeting everyone. Last night just topped it off {from what I can remember anyway). Ian sure knows how to throw a party!

Here's my pictures of the plant, and the party last night. You'll have to excuse the quality of some, as I haven't figured out how to use the camera on my phone.




















Continued....

Mary standing beside one (of four) of Ian's EP800 VaSSallo's.




Me



The "painting garage".









Wall of the anechoic chamber that I want to hot box grin .





Group pic.


The party at Ian's dock....

Shania Twain's house, directly across the lake from Ian.



Ian BBQing a meal suitable for a king.



The keg........very cool idea!



The bands setup.



Yep, those are M80's; eight of them to be exact. And powered by four A-1400's cool shocked



The stunning Debbie on the left, and the beautiful Amie with her back to the camera smile .



The cake.



Death in a bottle grin



Amie and I dancing (I luckily got more than one dance}.



Is this Chesseroo cutting a rug with me (I don't remember this)? Too funny!




I know that's a lot of pictures, but I thought the more the merrier for those who couldn't attend.
Wow! Thanks for all the pics cam
Yeah. Thanks for the pics.
Thanks to everyone who made the trek up to Dwight this weekend. We all had a fantastic time and it was great to meet the people who make our forums such a great community. I have attached a few shots from the festivities for those that were unable to attend. smile






















Great pictures Andrew!
Chesseroo won the dance contest by doing a split both ways, no joke. These are awesome pix.

I just finished some buffalo wings at the Buffalo airport with pmbuko. Earlier, he, I and tomtuttle travelled down to Adrian's place and went to the biggest Chinese buffet in the world, or so it seemed.

Great end to a great weekend.
Posted By: RickF Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 11:08 PM
Awesome pictures ... looks like everybody had a heck of a good time, glad to see it!
Posted By: JC2 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/12/10 11:30 PM
There is a lot of small red containers on the photos, was it the new custom wood sample for the speakers?
whistle
Of those who participated in the blind listening test, can someone tell me what B&W model was up against the M3 V3? Was it the 805?

http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/b-and-w/bookshelf-speakers/nautilus-805/PRD_320651_4290crx.aspx

As I understand it, the B&W was number 1 and the M3 was number 2 in the test. Voting was close with the nod going to Axiom overall. Looking forward to the official, published test results.

Great exercise.
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 12:54 AM
Thanks for the photos, everyone. It definitely looks like it was a great time.
I think you are correct, Nautilus 805 at a mear $2000 per pair.

http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/168/index.html
I stil can't get over listening to a live band through 8 M80's!

That was just cool, they really sounded great! I own these speakers, but I was still impressed at how well they handled the bass and kick drum.

The band was excellent too, great guitar playing and very solid bass playing.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 12:59 AM
Just got back from Dwight. What a Blast!!!!

First off some thanks.

Fisrt to Mark because he had the idea originally.

Next to Ian for allowing it all to happen.

Then to all the folks at Axiom for working so hard to pull it all together so us geeks could have such a great time.

Lastly thanks to Mary for: a) showing up so it wasn't an all male geek-a-thon, b) putting in the effort to organize the shirts.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 01:11 AM
After this weekend, I think some forum members need to change their screen names.

Bobk should be psycho-bunny: the Mad TV version of the energizer bunny.

Chess: (party) animal. folks, the cute dog avatar is a cover. Who knew.

Alan: Perfesser sidetrack. Alan has had such a varied career and knows so many people in the audio community its impossible to have a linear conversation.
Great pictures everyone! Captures the mood for sure. Am I the only one that thinks Alan looks a tiny bit like Emperor Palpatine? (Oops, was that my outside voice)
Another huge vote of thanks to all the folks at Axiom who made this weekend possible. I wasn't able to stay for all the festivities but from the descriptions so far it sounds like the "trip of a lifetime" for everyone here. The band on the dock with the M80s is probably one of those things everyone read about and felt they would never have a chance to experience - Ian thanks for proving everyone wrong laugh

The seminars were exceptional, with just the right amount of "wandering off topic to cover all the interesting stuff" -- I had read about Andrew joining the company but it didn't really hit me until yesterday how much knowledge and experience he brings to what was already an exceptional company.

It was wonderful being able to meet both forum and Axiom folks in such an open, friendly environment. I'm still amazed and thankful that so many people were able to attend. Sounds like I missed a heck of a party !
Ditto all that Fred said! Sooooooo cool! Every last bit of it! But glad to be (flick, inhale, hold it-----hold it----hold it, exhale) home.

Ottowa and Montreal were, as the Answer Grape told me, NOT the route to go home. But, hey, 790 miles, that's like 37,000 keelomeeters or something, in 10 hours ain't half bad, though I am half dead.

xxoo, Psycho Bunny
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 01:59 AM
Dang bridgeman. I just realized you were there and I never had a chance to talk to you.
Better man than me, Bob. I crapped out and got a hotel in Burlington, VT. I didn't think 'd make the last three hours. Though you obviously got an earlier start than me!

"Answer Grape"? I have no idea what you're talking about. You either "held it....held it" too long or I'm too tired!

Can't post about the weekend yet.... but in short, awesome!
Likely not. Just still (to my great surprise) the road warrior I used to be. 24 hours straight in a truck 5 or six times a month for 3 years was a great break-in. Though I have driven from BOS to Dallas, more than once, in two days. Coast to coast in 3. I guess I AM PsychoBunny! Much more about all tomorrow----way late in the afternoon!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 02:12 AM
So here's my rundown of the weekend.

I arrived Thursday afternoon figuring I would have a few hours to myself before meeting up with Mark, Adrian and Bobk only to find that Bob had already arrived (something about a tail wind) and Alan was also staying at Spring lake. We decided to sit down for coffee and much conversation about art, theater, music, and speaker designers ensued. Ended up being a little late meeting up with Mark Adrian and his brother.

As Ray3 wrote, its amazing how comfortable we were as a group within minutes of meeting face to face for the first time. Nobody looked anything like I expected, but everybody's personality really comes through in their posting here. We had a lot of laughs.

Friday I arrived at the factory a little early for the meet up for golf. I met some of the folks at the factory and Ian came in to introduce himself. He looks at his watch, notes I'm early for golf and asks me if I'm ready to do the blind listening session: bang, right to the brass tacks.

Let me tell you, for such a simple process, it sure is hard the first time. I was given a sheet with some rating categories, shown the ab selector, volume knob, told there is no right and wrong and off I went. I'll go into the listening session in another thread.

John (jakeman) was kind enough to arrange for a round of golf at one of Ontario's finest golf courses: Bigwin Island. Many thanks John! The course is a scratch golfers wet dream. Needless to say, the course ate me up and spit me out. John convinced me (didn't take much) to walk the course after pointing out there was quite a bit of elevation change. THAT was an understatement. I was really huffing after some of the uphill climbs.

The course is absolutely beautiful the way it is carved into the island. The view down from the 18th tee over the last hole, the clubhouse and the lake is stunning.

John, it was great to talk to one of the guys involved in the Craigsub sub-woofer shootouts to hear first hand how they went down.

After golf I met up with everyone at the steakhouse. When I left Thursday afternoon there were 20 people on the list. When I showed up, there were over 30 there. What a crowd! Only one waitress!! She did an amazing job.

More to come...
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 03:04 AM
Originally Posted By: fredk
Only one waitress!! She did an amazing job.

More to come...


Yes, I want to hear more about this waitress.
Guess it's my turn, eh, ya hosers?

What an amazing weekend. My trip started out Thursday with a morning flight to Buffalo where I met up with tomtuttle and medic8r. We rented a car and drove up to Toronto.



a401classic flew in to Toronto and met us in the city at Bar Volo where the rest of us had already started our beers. smile Before we had the beers, though, we discovered the storefront of one of Ian's side projects:



After a few beers and some tasty food, we walked south for and hour and ended up at C'est What where we all had more beer and a great plate of poutine. (yum!)

After spending the night in the city, the four of us hit the road in the morning to meet up with chesseroo in Barrie. He and I have been trying to meet for a number of years, and it was great that it was finally going to happen. When we arrived at his friend's place, chesseroo answered the door wearing only boxers with a beer in his hand. This was only a taste of things to come (which have already been documented in this thread). smile

We his a breakfast place and a beer store on the way out of Barrie and then caravanned the rest of the way up to Dwight together. When we arrived, tomtuttle, medic8r, a401classic, and I checked into our cottage, Pine Acres, at the Lumina Resort. We had no idea how perfect it was for our needs.






We made immediate use of our deck by opening some beers, kicking back, and enjoying the quiet scenery. Ajax and Ray3 dropped by and joined us, too. Ray already mentioned it, but I'll repeat it. It was as if we'd all been friends for a long time. We settled into comfortable conversation quickly. (Has the triumvirate image left your mind yet, Ray?) We had to cut our deck party short to make the dinner that Mark had arranged at Muskoka on the Rocks, where the fin continued.





After Muskoka on the rocks, jakeman invited us over to his "cottage" to listen to his new pair of M80v3s. Medic8r, tomtuttle, a401classic, Ray3, Ajax, and I took him up on his kind offer. We all had a blast putting the speakers through their paces. They are completely amazing. When Ray3 and Ajax left, we continued the party downstairs. Medic8r and I played ping pong and then jakeman schooled us all in foosball. Thanks again for having us over, jakeman!

The next day was the factory tour and party. I'll post the rest of my shots next.






































Awesome pictures guys and thanks for posting it. It seems everybody were having a great time. How was the sound of the V80s during the live concert??
Originally Posted By: fredk
Dang bridgeman. I just realized you were there and I never had a chance to talk to you.


There's a lot of you that I didn't get to talk to, which really sucks frown . There were so many people on the dock that I couldn't really move.

What's George's moniker on the forum? We had a couple conversations together and he's a really nice guy.
Originally Posted By: DaMagicman
Awesome pictures guys and thanks for posting it. It seems everybody were having a great time. How was the sound of the V80s during the live concert??


Amazing! 8 M80's driven by 4 A-1400's at head rattling levels and they didn't break a sweat.

My headache is finally gone, but I don't think it was from the band wink

Scott
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 11:37 AM
Here's my feeble attempt at post pics and videos.

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/13743999_BVC6D#1005166694_FHSrN

Videos from my camera at the party Saturday night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXDOALC4a6Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yrU_oIGhWk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtSLno6WtPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNuP1WJ3kLQ
Wow!! just went through all the postings and pictures with Tom here. Everyone had a great time!!

We're on our way out for some sight-seeing in T.O. and I'll make Tom an honorary Canadian by buying him a Double-Double Timmies!!
Tom- order it with EXTRA back bacon! smile

On the road again...... (man I wish I could sing!).....
Originally Posted By: a401classic
My headache is finally gone, but I don't think it was from the band wink

Same here. I made a point of eating spicy food yesterday to try to clear the stuffing out of my head. It seems to have worked. smile
Only thing is, "Spicy food in, spicy food out", so your troubles may only be moving south.

Thanks for the pics. I'll be getting my rolls of film developed today. Yeah, my camera is older than Jack and Ray.
Is there a chance that someone could add everybody's name and forum nick to the group picture I posted? It would be really nice knowing who everyone is.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 02:05 PM
Cam, since John (Jakeman) and I are missing from the group shot, we must have been in the listening room torturing the speakers!

Peter...what about me? I was at jakemans!! sniff, sniff....nobody remembers lil ol me!! LOL

Not sure what people are referring to with Murph's Island moonshine, I had 2 glasses, and thought it was delightful!

I have several hundred pics...but I miss my babies...I left my AX3's for testing! Had to resort to Mission 701's aftert I returned from Parry Sound Sunday afternoon.
Hello all!!

Thank you all for an amazing night! It was so nice to meet everyone...I'm feeling a tad sad that it's all over so soon!

Hope everyone enjoyed them selves as much as I did!

Take care,
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Is there a chance that someone could add everybody's name and forum nick to the group picture I posted? It would be really nice knowing who everyone is.

I was just in the process of doing that. Wild.



From left to right:

Kneeling (1st row): MarkSJohnson, Murph, chesseroo
2nd Row: Adrian, sonicfox, Ian, a401classic, real80sman, Alan, FordPrefect, wheelz999
3rd Row: Andrew, Ajax, ray3, pmbuko. tomtuttle (making his own 2 and a half row), medic8r, fredk, and RDevries

Pretty sure that's all correct, though I'm wondering if I got the right Devries.

Great shot. This may go on my wall at home.
Mike, I had a feeling I was missing someone. So sorry!
For the lazy, here's an annotated photo (that I was working on at the same time as JP):


What a spectacular, memorable weekend!

Hey Fred thanks for the fun round of golf. I'm glad you liked the Bigwin course.

Meeting old and new friends at Muskoka on the Rocks, was the highlight of Friday. And the impromptu M80v3 /beer/ping pong/beer/fusbol/beer session with Medic8r, tomtuttle, a401classic, Ray3, Ajax, and Pmbuko was so much fun! By the way guys on Sunday, I ran some sweeps and amazingly the M80v3 curve looked like the one posted. No wonder the big Japanese drums on "the Fight between the Tiger and the Bull" sounded so good! Even without the sub turned on.

While the Saturday partying at Ian and Amie's place (and it was a blast) has been well chronicled, the earlier Saturday seminars and blind testing deserve special mention. Ian and Andrew did a terrific job of presenting somewhat technical material in a enjoyable way. Hearing about Axiom cutting edge research and Ian and Andrew trying to understand whats going on beyond the measurements was very educational. Well done guys.

And last but not least that blind test with the B&W 500 and the M3 was an ear and wallet opener. While I was one of the listeners that ultimately chose he B & W 500 by a hair after playing the same track 12 times, with the M3s at 15% of the price the choice is a no-brainer.
John,

What was that drum track that we all enjoyed so much at your place. I've got to try that on my system.

Thanks again for opening your home to us the other night. Very generous of you.

Scott
Hey Scott. Its on a soundtrack. I'll get you the exact name and album when I go home tonight. Great meeting you,too!
Posted By: bdpf Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 02:39 PM
I would like to thank all the folks for the great pics. WOW it looks like everyone had a blast. I feel kind of sad that I wasn't able to make it though... Maybe for the 40th anniversary smile
Yeah, I'm gonna get that track and torture Mrs. Medic8r with it.
Originally Posted By: medic8r
Yeah, I'm gonna get that track and torture Mrs. Medic8r with it.

Er... If you're Mr. Medic8tr, shouldn't she be Mrs. Medic8ed?
Now, there's a thought.
Thanks for the group pictures guys. I unfortunately didn't meet onn either, which is a shame.
So for those of you who hadn't heard the M-80v3 model before your party, how'd they sound compared to the v2 model?
Originally Posted By: BBIBH

Not sure what people are referring to with Murph's Island moonshine, I had 2 glasses, and thought it was delightful!


Mike, the moonshine almost melted the cup I was drinking it from. I certainly hope they didn't contain bisphenol A because the moonshine definitely changed the chemical structure of me smile .
Originally Posted By: kordeo
So for those of you who hadn't heard the M-80v3 model before your party, how'd they sound compared to the v2 model?


To be honest, I'd really have to do a comparison of the two in the same room. With John's setup, the v3's were amazingly smooth. My first impression was that they sounded cleaner than my v2's, but our rooms couldn't be more different.

Obviously not a big help to you, but maybe others can chime in on the sonic differences.

Scott
Posted By: onn Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 03:51 PM
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Is there a chance that someone could add everybody's name and forum nick to the group picture I posted? It would be really nice knowing who everyone is.


BobKay and myself were on a tour so we are not included as well. frown
Originally Posted By: onn
BobKay and myself were on a tour so we are not included as well. frown

Someone could photoshop the missing people (but who were there) in with the group?
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 03:58 PM
A special shout out and thank you to chesseroo, who thus far has been understandably conspicuous by his absence.

After Murph cautioned everyone to NOT open the moonshine bottle near an open flame, chess, in a selfless example of concern for everyone's safety, took it upon himself to transfer the moonshine in a safe storage area (his stomach) to avoid any possibility of explosion.

By now, I expect he may have regained consciousness, as well as full command of his vowels and consonants. I am sure he will contribute as soon as he finds his way out of the woods.

Given the camaraderie of the weekend, I think it only fair that we band together and help chess fill in the major memory gaps he is experiencing. But please - speak softly.

grin
Looks like a great time was had by all. Nice to have more faces to go with the names. I can only hope to be able to make it for the next big Axiom event.
Sorry Cam wasn't in it, but as you'll see from the couple of shots I AM in, that it's a good thing for everyone, really. AND, I look drunker than anyone....... and I don't do alkiehol!
No, no, no! You help fill in a souse's memory with information of your own invention! How do you think a non-alky, non-druggy could get though music AND art colleges!
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
Thanks for the group pictures guys. I unfortunately didn't meet onn either, which is a shame.


Mel was just as "there" as the rest of us. I did the tour with him. He was on the dock all night! He's just very quiet and unassuming. He probably makes a living off of blackmail. How'd you think he can have EVERYTHING in high gloss rosewood!

He was wearing Al Bundy's shoes with toes. The idea came to him in a vision from God. (Bundy, not Mel.)
Originally Posted By: Ray3

Given the camaraderie of the weekend, I think it only fair that we band together and help chess fill in the major memory gaps he is experiencing. But please - speak softly.

grin


I'm not going to be any help. I don't remember anything after dancing with Amie. My sister told me that I had to be pushed into our cottage. Mind you, it's not uncommon for me to require someone to push my chair around when I've been inebriated smile .

Chess is my hero.
Originally Posted By: a401classic
Originally Posted By: kordeo
So for those of you who hadn't heard the M-80v3 model before your party, how'd they sound compared to the v2 model?


To be honest, I'd really have to do a comparison of the two in the same room. With John's setup, the v3's were amazingly smooth. My first impression was that they sounded cleaner than my v2's, but our rooms couldn't be more different.

Obviously not a big help to you, but maybe others can chime in on the sonic differences.

Scott
Scott nailed it. Cleaner and smoother is the best way I can describe it. Seems to extract more detail.


OMG...chess was hilarious! Did he drink too much of Murph's moonshine? I had a few sips of a "weak" drink, according to Murph. It actually went down fairly smooth, but I was too paranoid to drink it all. However, I think what I DID drink of it boosted me slightly over the edge. Let's just say, it's good that I left the party when I did!
Posted By: Ray3 Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 11:48 PM
chirp , chirp , chirp.......
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/13/10 11:55 PM
The crickets weren't invited to the party.
Posted By: Brent Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/14/10 12:11 AM
I finally have made it back to my lair. Slowly reading the posts and looking at all the pictures from the weekend. Having huge chuckles as I try to clarify to my spouse Nancy, just what was transpiring at the particular time the photo was taken - my memory has a slight lag as well.

I've got to say that the weekend experience with you all was incredible - the Axiom family is in very good hands. Your kind words and complimentary nature were much appreciated.

A toast to all!
Originally Posted By: a401classic
John,

What was that drum track that we all enjoyed so much at your place. I've got to try that on my system.


Scott


Its from a Hong Kong drum competition called Fight Between Bull and Tiger 牛鬥虎 on an obscure promotional cd by Usher called The Diamond Revolution . Email me your address.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/14/10 02:00 AM
The Main Event

Saturday was a LOT of fun. The three round tables were excellent. I was fascinated by the discussion on the design of the VP 180. Long story short, measurements (a whole family of them) are important, but in the end, the ears have it. Axiom does blind listening tests on everything they develop and for the VP 180 it was a non-traditional design that ended up sounding the best.

The other interesting thing that came out is that Ian still feels there is a lot to learn in the audio field. There is lots out there that we don't know and that seems to excite the folks at Axiom.

The plant tour was cool. I've been through once before and I'm still impressed by those big CNC machines they use to cut all the cabinets. I'm surprised nobody else posted about the creepy anechoic chamber because being inside one of those is, well, just creepy.

One thing I noticed this time around is that everyone at Axiom has a very well developed sense of humor. I asked Alan if they had a 'sense of humor' section in their interview process.

The REAL Main Event

The dock party was amazingly awesomely good: great food, great people, live band, lots of excellent beverages. I hear the moonshine Murph brought was pretty good. I write 'heard', because apparently you needed to get to it before Chess did.

The band was really, really good. They played a range of covers and a bunch of their own stuff. Best song of the night: I Hate Winnipeg.

The pictures cover the event pretty well.

After the Party.

Being so close I stuck around Sunday for some more R&R. Murph was there for a seminar on Tuesday so we played a round of golf at North Granite Ridge, another very nice course. The weather was dicey in the morning with lots of cloud and some showers, but it cleared up nicely and we had sunshine for the back nine.

We grabbed a very late lunch at the docks before I headed back home.

You would think that 3 days would be plenty of time to spend time with everyone, but I feel like it would have taken another three days to do that.
WHAT the HELL did Murph put in his moonshine?!!




Doesn’t he know that formaldehyde is illegal in this country?
Then again, so is making MOONSHINE!! (with the apparent exception of those crazy bastards in PEI).
http://www.experiencepei.ca/experiencepei/experienceDetails.cfm?id=113



Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/14/10 03:51 AM
He lives. grin
Since so many others have eloquently designed a follow up summary of the weekend, I will present my verbose version.

Chapter 1: Day One and a Long, Strong, Brown Beginning
(pictures will follow later, if any made it back without burning))

It all started “early” on Friday in a little town called Barrie. On a crisp and sunny morning, I was awoken by a strange buzzing noise that equated to my first ever received text message!
And from pmbuko no less! (Considering I never owned a cell phone before and still don’t, that is an amazing feat).

After a brief text ‘discussion’, the travelling troupe of four cleverly found their way to my temporary lodgings for our rendez vous. Three nonsensically tall lads (pmbuko, medic8r, TomTuttle) and the fourth cohort, oddly tranquil, almost somber (note that says “somber” and not “sober”; a401classic) arrived to meet me at the door as I was wearing nothing but my trusty and slightly torn Joe Boxer tighty whities with a near empty can of Lowenbrau nestled in my left hand.
Wait…scratch that last part; they were my Joe Boxer’ black briefs (they show less stains).

After a brief hand shake and intros, I proceeded to don some pants and went shirtless down the stairs to
  • 1) let out my buddies’ dogs to urinate in the faint hopes of scaring away the nighttime skunks which sprayed his youngest pup two nights before (no Tom, that wasn’t skunky beer you were smelling, it really came from petting his dog); and
  • 2) to show the traveling troupe my friend’s basement audio setup consisting of yep, you guessed it, Energy speakers (Connoisseur C7s and matching surrounds).

It was somewhere about this point that after an evening of beer ‘tasting’, the lads decided breakfast was a must (apparently shopping for beer while hungry causes you to buy more beer). I suggested Tim Horton’s for a bagel B.E.L.T. but ultimately figured that Cora’s had a wider selection the incorporated fresh vegetable matter to help these boys get their intestines functional again.
After a hearty breakfast AND a conversation that ironically was REPEATED again on Saturday morning during the latter half of the first seminar (general topic re: the lost personal audio magic when a double blind test removes the myths that X sounds different from Y), we proceeded in a typical, Northern Ontario fashion to The Beer Store.
Why typical?
Because the store only opened barely an hour before our arrival at 11 AM, AND the store already had a lineup of customers forming at the cash register.

The lads and I entered into what is the Mecca of many; a completely refrigerated store in which to shop for your beer (i.e., everything is already available cold!). We browsed some of the usual giant company selections and quickly shuffled past into the microbrews and regional beer fare. Tomtuttle grabbed no less than 6 different brands, which was nicely rounded out as the rest of us picked up no less than another 4 or 5 different brands each. After dropping something in the range of $200-$300, and with pmbuko wondering not only what the hell a “hot smoothie” was, but contemplating his strangely incredible porno name (“Peter Buko”), we finally got on the road to Dwight.

Unfortunately our shopping venture and morning breakfast put me at odds with the golfing game I was to attend. I sadly had to miss out on the Bigwin course but had I known that Ian was intending on only playing the back nine, and hence heading out to the lawns a bit later in the afternoon, I probably could have attended. I would say that missing the game was my loss, but in lieu of the golf game, a few of the newly minted Axiomite clan sat down on a beautiful Muskokas day, sipping new and tasty beers, enjoying the sun, each others company and a gorgeous view of a non-frozen freshwater lake that doesn’t making loud lapping sounds.
At least, there were no lapping sounds until Ray3 and Ajax showed up and then all the sipping, farting and general drooling just broke up the awful quiet of nature.
Oh if there were two guys that could break the laws of nature, I think it is Ray3 and Ajax. I do know that I damn near bust a gut laughing with Ray. The man has a sharp wit that could slice the two inch steak we were gnawing on at Saturday’s …oh, wait now.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Ray3 and Ajax are too fine old fellows. I had reminders of sitting on the porch drinking beer with my grandfathers…when I was three.
Ah good times, good times.
Hey, when was dirt invented anyway? I don’t think Jack ever answered Ray’s question.

Next up…
Chapter 2: The Afternoon Blurs to Evening

This is gonna be good...
Originally Posted By: chesseroo
... and the fourth cohort, oddly tranquil, almost somber (note that says “somber” and not “sober”) a401classic.


That didn't last long wink
Hey fredk, the blind listening test sounded like fun. Do you know if a speaker shuffler was used?

Is there any set of measurements on that B&W speaker, which one is it? It would be interesting to note if the idea of "preferred sound is scientifically measurable" help up in this blind listening test.
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=4652
Dr.,

The speakers were set up in stationary positions behind a black curtain. Switching was accomplished via an instantaneous electronic switcher that listeners activated with a remote control. You could switch back and forth as often as desired. Personally, I found that the often subtle differences were more evident with rapid back-and-forth switching.
Originally Posted By: bridgman
This is gonna be good...


Oh, those box lids, the box lids!

Are you kidding? So many box lids got jostled ajar, knocked sideways, knocked off, torn off, or became completely soggy and collapsed. However, most were incinerated beyond dental-record-ID with a host of alcohol-based accelerants.

There was so much bleeding-from-the-heel, that now the fun can really begin! Information is power.

Game on!

This should have been emoticon-laden, but I've publicy repudiated their use.
Hey, at post # 401, I guess that was my only chance at "a classic."
Originally Posted By: chesseroo
Since so many others have eloquently designed a follow up summary of the weekend, I will present my verbose version.

Chapter 1: Day One and a Long, Strong, Brown Beginning
(pictures will follow later, if any made it back without burning))

It all started “early” on Friday in a little town called Barrie. On a crisp and sunny morning, I was awoken by a strange buzzing noise that equated to my first ever received text message!
And from pmbuko no less! (Considering I never owned a cell phone before and still don’t, that is an amazing feat).

After a brief text ‘discussion’, the travelling troupe of four cleverly found their way to my temporary lodgings for our rendez vous. Three nonsensically tall lads (pmbuko, medic8r, TomTuttle) and the fourth cohort, oddly tranquil, almost somber (note that says “somber” and not “sober”; a401classic) arrived to meet me at the door as I was wearing nothing but my trusty and slightly torn Joe Boxer tighty whities with a near empty can of Lowenbrau nestled in my left hand.
Wait…scratch that last part; they were my Joe Boxer’ black briefs (they show less stains).

After a brief hand shake and intros, I proceeded to don some pants and went shirtless down the stairs to
  • 1) let out my buddies’ dogs to urinate in the faint hopes of scaring away the nighttime skunks which sprayed his youngest pup two nights before (no Tom, that wasn’t skunky beer you were smelling, it really came from petting his dog); and
  • 2) to show the traveling troupe my friend’s basement audio setup consisting of yep, you guessed it, Energy speakers (Connoisseur C7s and matching surrounds).

It was somewhere about this point that after an evening of beer ‘tasting’, the lads decided breakfast was a must (apparently shopping for beer while hungry causes you to buy more beer). I suggested Tim Horton’s for a bagel B.E.L.T. but ultimately figured that Cora’s had a wider selection the incorporated fresh vegetable matter to help these boys get their intestines functional again.
After a hearty breakfast AND a conversation that ironically was REPEATED again on Saturday morning during the latter half of the first seminar (general topic re: the lost personal audio magic when a double blind test removes the myths that X sounds different from Y), we proceeded in a typical, Northern Ontario fashion to The Beer Store.
Why typical?
Because the store only opened barely an hour before our arrival at 11 AM, AND the store already had a lineup of customers forming at the cash register.

The lads and I entered into what is the Mecca of many; a completely refrigerated store in which to shop for your beer (i.e., everything is already available cold!). We browsed some of the usual giant company selections and quickly shuffled past into the microbrews and regional beer fare. Tomtuttle grabbed no less than 6 different brands, which was nicely rounded out as the rest of us picked up no less than another 4 or 5 different brands each. After dropping something in the range of $200-$300, and with pmbuko wondering not only what the hell a “hot smoothie” was, but contemplating his strangely incredible porno name (“Peter Buko”), we finally got on the road to Dwight.

Unfortunately our shopping venture and morning breakfast put me at odds with the golfing game I was to attend. I sadly had to miss out on the Bigwin course but had I known that Ian was intending on only playing the back nine, and hence heading out to the lawns a bit later in the afternoon, I probably could have attended. I would say that missing the game was my loss, but in lieu of the golf game, a few of the newly minted Axiomite clan sat down on a beautiful Muskokas day, sipping new and tasty beers, enjoying the sun, each others company and a gorgeous view of a non-frozen freshwater lake that doesn’t making loud lapping sounds.
At least, there were no lapping sounds until Ray3 and Ajax showed up and then all the sipping, farting and general drooling just broke up the awful quiet of nature.
Oh if there were two guys that could break the laws of nature, I think it is Ray3 and Ajax. I do know that I damn near bust a gut laughing with Ray. The man has a sharp wit that could slice the two inch steak we were gnawing on at Saturday’s …oh, wait now.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Ray3 and Ajax are too fine old fellows. I had reminders of sitting on the porch drinking beer with my grandfathers…when I was three.
Ah good times, good times.
Hey, when was dirt invented anyway? I don’t think Jack ever answered Ray’s question.

Next up…
Chapter 2: The Afternoon Blurs to Evening







OK, this is where we start with shorter reporting based on massive gaps in memory and consciousness. Or is that Unconsciousness?
Originally Posted By: BobKay
Hey, at post # 401, I guess that was my only chance at "a classic."


Bob, you will always be a classic!

Scott
Thanks for all the wonderful pictures and descriptions of all the events. I'm looking forward to the Chess diaries volume 2 and more pictures from Mark.

So wish I could have gone, and would have but am just too broke at the moment. I would have had to sell my Axioms to attend and that would just be too ironic. As already said, maybe I can hope for the 40th anniversary get together.
Originally Posted By: dllewel
So wish I could have gone, and would have but am just too broke at the moment. I would have had to sell my Axioms to attend and that would just be too ironic. As already said, maybe I can hope for the 40th anniversary get together.


Now that I've finally met a lot of you, another 10 years seems too long to wait for another get-together. I hope we can manage to arrange another one sooner. I had too good of a time!
Originally Posted By: sonicfox
Originally Posted By: dllewel
So wish I could have gone, and would have but am just too broke at the moment. I would have had to sell my Axioms to attend and that would just be too ironic. As already said, maybe I can hope for the 40th anniversary get together.


Now that I've finally met a lot of you, another 10 years seems too long to wait for another get-together. I hope we can manage to arrange another one sooner. I had too good of a time!

Yea how about sometime during the winter months, that's about the only time I can pre-arrange any substantial time off throughout the year.

The weather in South Florida is awfully nice in December and January. wink
I was kinda thinking of something closer to Sirquack and dllewel (mid-westy-southy) but I agree that it would be nice not to have to plan the get-together around snowplow schedules wink
That might not be a bad idea John, y'all would certainly be entertained if I was anywhere around with snow on the ground. laugh
Okay. It's done. Everyone on Rick's boat this January....WOO-HOO!!
Originally Posted By: sonicfox
Now that I've finally met a lot of you, another 10 years seems too long to wait for another get-together. I hope we can manage to arrange another one sooner. I had too good of a time!

I completely agree Mary. I never really got much of a chance to talk to you and I REALLY wanted to be able to get to know everyone there.

The dock party was a lot of fun, but I unfortunately can't filter out the music enough carry on a conversation once the volume goes above easy listening.
Wadya say Fred? grin
Originally Posted By: Dr.House
Hey fredk, the blind listening test sounded like fun. Do you know if a speaker shuffler was used?

Is there any set of measurements on that B&W speaker, which one is it? It would be interesting to note if the idea of "preferred sound is scientifically measurable" help up in this blind listening test.


I plan to start up another thread to put up my thoughts on the listening test.

On the measurements, I think Ian put it very well during the talk on the VP180 when he said that measurements are absolutely essential to proper speaker design, but they only get you so far. You would need a full family of measurements and probably some knowledge of how things might show up to make any sense of anything. Honestly, I have no idea how the differences between the two speakers might show up.
Originally Posted By: real80sman
Wadya say Fred? grin

Hey Shawn. Fully recovered yet? Your hair sure looks a lot longer and fuzzier when I'm sober.
Originally Posted By: fredk
Originally Posted By: Dr.House
Hey fredk, the blind listening test sounded like fun. Do you know if a speaker shuffler was used?

Is there any set of measurements on that B&W speaker, which one is it? It would be interesting to note if the idea of "preferred sound is scientifically measurable" help up in this blind listening test.


I plan to start up another thread to put up my thoughts on the listening test.

On the measurements, I think Ian put it very well during the talk on the VP180 when he said that measurements are absolutely essential to proper speaker design, but they only get you so far. You would need a full family of measurements and probably some knowledge of how things might show up to make any sense of anything. Honestly, I have no idea how the differences between the two speakers might show up.


Good stuff. Floyd Toole goes into great lengths in his book discussing and explaining this very thing if you are interested. I'm sure you discussed sound power and such. cool
Originally Posted By: bridgman
I was kinda thinking of something closer to Sirquack and dllewel a401classic (mid-westy-southy) [That's New Orleans, y'all] and we get enough snow to watch melt


Just a suggestion. I mean, can y'all see Mary on Bourbon Street?
laugh wink

Scott
No. Why, is she there? And she didn't invite us!
Chapter 2: The Afternoon Blurs to Evening

And I say blur because my week started the previous Saturday. After working 67 hours in 5 days, flying 2500 km, arriving at midnight, staying up till 2am visiting (and sipping a few brew including the aforementioned Lowenbrau), then having Peter wake me up with a most disturbing sound the next morning from 80 km away…I was mentally shot.
The afternoon on the deck could have easily turned into a 22 hour siesta and the boys could have laid me out in a ditch halfway to Ottawa with me being none the wiser. On the upside Doug Schneider (from www.Soundstage.com) may have spotted me on his way down to the Axiom bash but whether he had enough sympathy to pick me up, who is to say?

But, we trudged onto dinner as I gained my second wind.
It could also have been the cool fall north wind breezing up my left short pant leg so I switched to pants for dinner.

Friday night dinner was cordial. There was superbly fine deep fried food (pickles, perogies, potato skins, and some kind of spring roll that I never did take the gamble tasting, although the boys at the end of the table did and I’m glad I was in a solo room that night). Most people moved around the room, hand shaking and trying to figure out who was really who.
Then, things turned colourful.
BobK was apparently forced at gunpoint to turn our quiet start into the opening of an AA meeting (Axiomites Anonymous). It always gives you that standing in front of a large crowd at the national gathering of the Mickey Mouse Club feeling.
Hi I’m Charlie…I’m Jimmy… I’m Timmy…I’m Bob and I’m one cute and funny little bunny… (BobH that is, not BobK…he’s just plain funny and he will comment on his own fuzzyness if he wants to).

After the round table intros that almost left out Andrew Parker and both his brothers (I thought at one point the Wheelz family and Parker bros. were going to rumble in the parking lot…jus kiddin), it was about that point where people realized the only women to attend this gig were Axiom employees and Cam’s entourage.
Very quickly the tone of the meeting turned into a 10th anniversary flip book of Where’s Waldo except with the subject of Where’s Sonic?

Hey where is Sonic?
-Isn’t Sonic here yet?
--Is that girl at the bar Sonic?
---Does anyone have Sonic’s number?
----Jack don’t you know Sonic?
-----I think MarkSJohnson has Sonic’s contact info?
------Should someone PM Sonic?
-------Maybe Sonic is reading the forums. Someone post to Sonic.
--------Ian must have Sonic’s number. She bought stuff from his company.
---------Ask Ian where Sonic is.
----------Hey, where is Ian?
-----------Isn’t Ian here yet?

Sonic (and CJ) decided to make an Iowa entrance with a Plains, Trains and Automobiles story about her and CJs eventual arrival. It was the clichéd calm before the storm because Sonic and CJ decided to show up late again the next evening and everything just went crazy roller coaster from there. In fact, I’m not sure who got a more boisterous applause when entering the room; Ian or Sonic. What I do know is that Sonic did it twice!!
Lesson learned Ian.
To get a louder applause for your product releases, you must release them much later than anyone expects and do it more than once!

Cheers to Sonic and CJ for making it through the travel ordeal. Personally I just had a Seinfeld moment at the car rental desk for excitement.
CHESS:
“You don’t’ have any midsized cars? But I made a reservation. What’s the point of making the reservation if the car isn’t reserved?”
RENTAL LADY:
“You have a good point sir, but all we have are four by fours.”
CHESS:
“You have what other options? A broken down Ford Escape or a Soprano’s Special Edition Denali? Hmm, should I choose 3mpg or 3.25 mpg?”
[I ended up with an Impala and I wasn’t kidding about being offered a Denali]

So where were we?
Oh right, dinner.
There were more potatoes in my fries than Iowa [these references to Iowa kept coming up but I couldn’t recall which state Sonic was actually from. Iowa, Ohio? Some place with a four letter word that didn’t start with F or G.], and there were great battered whitefish (and I’m not talking about the old guys’ at the end of the table who apparently brought their own blenders for their steaks). The main course was tasty, which is more than I can say for Steamwhistle beer. I appreciate that you appreciate that beer Tom, but I appreciated it more when you took the next one that was served to me since I had asked for a Boddington’s.
Way to take one for the team Tom!!
Atta boy!

Did I yet mention that Murph finally showed up? He didn’t get applause. I guess you need to grow some bigger tweeters Murph.
This was really an ironic beginning of the end for me I think but that realization came in a small package…and his name was Murph.

After dinner broke up, it was clear that some people were past weathering the events of the day to the bitter end, so some went to bed (a choice I should have made for my mental health) while some others were gratefully invited over to Jakeman’s pad at yep, another cottage by another lake.
We tend to have a lot of those in Ontario.
God loves us.
Too bad I live in Manitoba. smirk

We pulled into the driveway after a dark and narrow stretch (thanks for believing the speed sign was actually reading 60 kph and not 60 mph Ray) and everyone shuffled inside; all but myself.
The fresh air was inviting.
So was the big bush.
I had a revelation gazing upon the gorgeously clear, unearthly star speckle in the sky while taking a bladder evacuation break beside a silver birch. It was the spooky sounds of tree crashing, no doubt from a porky falling out of a poplar, which snapped me out of the reality that I was urinating uphill while staring awkwardly upward in awe of the universe.
I proceeded to eagerly run inside to tell the city boys of my experience (the sky, not the pee) that if they really wanted a great Canadian outdoors experience, to head onto John’s oversized deck and view the milk in the Milky Way.
That never came out right when I said it to them either.

The only thing missing were some northern lights (Aurora borealis) and they would have experienced a complete day in the Ontario woods (except for lack of meeting a black beer but there were tons of deer). Did I say black beer?
I meant black BEAR.
The boys saw tons of black BEER.

The evening moved onward as Jakeman et. al. placed some new M80 V3s into locales on either side of the fireplace inside his high V peaked ceiling, wood walled interior with a moderate medium pile rug; glass walls to the right and open space to the rear leading to the dining and kitchen areas.
A hard room?
Certainly no different than your average Joe’s place and very similar to the Axiom listening room, albeit much larger.
The sound was excellent.
The music selection well suited and varied.
By far the most impressive was the “Fight Between Bull and Tiger” Chinese drums beating in synchronicity.
I only wish I knew who won. frown

As the night wore on, so did Jack. Something about young pups and whippersnappers followed by the discovery of fire, and then I caught a ride with Ray and J back to the crib for some long required rest. It was on the way out that noticed the rest of the boys headed down into the underbelly of Jakeman’s basement.
I never did hear any stories of what happened…down there…in that room under the cabin, like the one under the Pine Acre cottage at the Lumina Resort that a has a door, covered over by stringy and oversized cobwebs with the rusted title above the door that read: “Caretaker”… (no, i'm not kidding about this either).

Coming next,

Chapter 3:
Saturday’s Are Always Gay
(my grandmother loved that saying and apparently it all rhymes with Ray)


And…pictures of Saturday including a 3+ min video of the band and guest singer from Lowest of the Low if i can get the damn thing loaded up at all
Posted By: HAY Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/15/10 05:06 AM
Originally Posted By: wheelz999
What's George's moniker on the forum? We had a couple conversations together and he's a really nice guy.


Thanks Cam, it was great to meet you as well. I normally go by Graeme but I had such a kick out of you calling me George with such conviction I may change it ha-ha. We definitely need to arrange a night out in Peterborough.

One of the highlights for me was Cam signing Chess' Axiom shirt, if the angle was right (well wrong) it was quite the picture.

Like others have said, so many nice people (Real80sman, Fredk, Worfzara, Murph, R Devries) but it was hard to get around to talk to everyone especially with those 8 M80's powered by the 4 A1400's...of course they were worth it though! Wearing my white Axiom golf shirt I got at the 25th threw off the Axiomites as they thought I worked there as most staff wore the same shirt. The Axiom staff were perplexed too so I tried passing off that I was picking up Ian's new equipment for delivery but they caught on wink

Fordprefect and Jakeman really nice to meet you guys and a shame we're so close and haven't met until now. Jakeman if you ever need to find a home for a retired sub let me know smile

Ray and Bobkay you guys were like a live stand up show, Chess you put on your own show too and I must say you only got better with booze. Not often someone can have that much fun (booze) without doing something of regret, or is that just me? I thought for sure you were going to go in the lake at some point ha-ha that would have been good.

I forgot my camera so thanks for everyone posting the pics. The party this time round was a little crazier than the 25th

I ended up leaving very tired around 1am and decided to stop at Casino Rama on the way home...smart move as I needed the break and walked out with $300 extra dollars. Some shopping money for the wife after sticking her with the kids most of the weekend = a free pass for me to go out again.

Thanks again to Ian and everyone at Axiom for an awesome time. Much like with everything you guys do in audio and business, you work hard, you plan properly, you treat people well and you have a good time while doing it.
Nice meeting you too, Hay, What subs are you currently using? I always have several around. Let me know when you are coming into Toronto.
Originally Posted By: HAY
One of the highlights for me was Cam signing Chess' Axiom shirt, if the angle was right (well wrong) it was quite the picture.

laugh My mind is usually the first the enter the gutter, but I honestly didn't think of that until you mentioned it. I was standing right there as Cam signed the shirt, and Chess was even complaining about weak knees the whole time, too. blush
Here's a link to my pictures. They are mostly of me with some of the guys, but I thought you might want to check them out anyway.
It is utterly hopeless for me to adequately express the joy and gratitude I continue to feel from this weekend's events.

From my life experiences over the last decade or so - including and especially interactions on this forum - the priceless value of friendship has been repeatedly underscored. There are few activities I find more satisfying and invigorating than making new friends. Consequently, events of the Axiom 30th Anniversary constituted some of the greatest days in my life.

I will attempt in the coming days and weeks to publicly and privately communicate a few observations if I can add value to any of the wonderful, articulate and mostly true stories already being shared.

I am tremendously grateful to all of you who became a slightly larger part of my life this weekend. You are all precious to me, and I am eager for "next time", whenever it comes.
As always, Tom said it better than I ever could.

I've held back from posting my overall impressions of the weekend, as a matter of fact, because I simply can't do it better than what has been posted by others.
Originally Posted By: a401classic
Originally Posted By: BobKay
Hey, at post # 401, I guess that was my only chance at "a classic."


Bob, you will always be a classic!

Scott


How kind of you Scott. But people will alwys ask, "A classic what?" And two words quickly come to my mind!
Originally Posted By: pmbuko
Originally Posted By: HAY
One of the highlights for me was Cam signing Chess' Axiom shirt, if the angle was right (well wrong) it was quite the picture.

laugh My mind is usually the first the enter the gutter, but I honestly didn't think of that until you mentioned it. I was standing right there as Cam signed the shirt, and Chess was even complaining about weak knees the whole time, too. blush


Okay, okay guys laugh laugh laugh .


Chapter 3:
Saturday’s Are Always Gay [b]

I've always thought so, but I add 5 or 6 more days per week to that, just to keep things consistent.

And "warm & fuzzy" are not likely to appear on my gravemarker.
Did anybody fart in the anechoic chamber? If so, I'm really interested to know what it sounded like.
Ray3 did. I heard (!) it was a silent killer.
And nobody gave a warning to the tours that followed? Glad I couldn't make it up into it!

So Ray, what's your feedback from your "test"?
Posted By: Ajax Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/15/10 06:40 PM
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
It is utterly hopeless for me to adequately express the joy and gratitude I continue to feel from this weekend's events.

From my life experiences over the last decade or so - including and especially interactions on this forum - the priceless value of friendship has been repeatedly underscored. There are few activities I find more satisfying and invigorating than making new friends. Consequently, events of the Axiom 30th Anniversary constituted some of the greatest days in my life.

I will attempt in the coming days and weeks to publicly and privately communicate a few observations if I can add value to any of the wonderful, articulate and mostly true stories already being shared.

I am tremendously grateful to all of you who became a slightly larger part of my life this weekend. You are all precious to me, and I am eager for "next time", whenever it comes.

I've been reading everything but haven't said much. I've been waiting for someone to post the way I feel so I could just use these smileys. I should have known it would be the ever-eloquent, ever-articulate, TomTuttle from Tacoma, Washington.

Truly one of the best get-togethers I have ever attended. And, as always, the reason is the people who attended.
Posted By: BBIBH Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/15/10 06:41 PM
Yes, Cam, I have those shirt signing pictures, and will post in the coming weeks!

You expected sooner? Heck, it took me 8 years after registering on this forum to post my 1990 tour pics!!
I'll embarrass myself for now; here's the one that I have smile .


Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/15/10 07:16 PM
You Nailed it Tom. I was REALLY looking forward to meeting everyone and I wasn't dissapointed. My only regret was that there was not more time to talk and get to know people.
Originally Posted By: Ajax
Truly one of the best get-togethers I have ever attended.


ONE of ? ONE OF ?

Well, let's do this again till we get it RIGHT!
Yeah, an extra half to full day would have been nice. But those I did talk with made the time we did have worth it.

Scott
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/15/10 07:34 PM
You know, I think its a good sign that the get together left us all wanting more.
Originally Posted By: fredk
You Nailed it Tom. I was REALLY looking forward to meeting everyone and I wasn't dissapointed. My only regret was that there was not more time to talk and get to know people.


My thoughts as well. I'd like to thank you all for making me (and my friend) feel so welcomed and comfortable amongst a male dominated event. I felt like such a lucky lady being surrounded by all of you. smile You really ARE a bunch of fine gentlemen. I had a wonderful time...so much that I'm looking forward to meeting you all again. Soon, I hope!
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/15/10 07:49 PM
Sonic. One of my favourite pics is of you standing next to that EP800.
Actually, the 800 was standing next to her!
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Actually, the 800 was standing next to her!


The EP800 is huge! To put it into perspective, I'm 5'2".
It was on a trolley, so don't feel too bad, Mary.... grin
I think the EP800 weighs more than Mary, too.
Well, I would have much preferred that the chamber canceled out olfactory senses rather than auditory.
Originally Posted By: Ray3
Well, I would have much preferred that the chamber canceled out olfactory senses rather than auditory.


Only the NRC has one of those.

The rest of us make do with exhaust fans.
Got a PM from BobKay mentioning that the absence of some of us regulars was discussed. I would love to have been there to meet everyone though I’m sure I would have been absent for a few hours each day to do some running in what I imagine is a beautiful and right now much cooler area.

Unfortunately the nature of my job meant that 9/11 was going to be a non-starter for me from the beginning. A coworker is fond of saying that we aren’t paid the good money for what we do day-to-day, which honestly isn’t much compared to our civilian counterparts, but rather for what we know how to do when it’s crunch time.
Hopefully the rest of us regulars will be able to make it to the next GTG.
Apparently, I missed at least two regulars that were there this time... frown

I'm going to have to do a better job of getting around the crowd and introducing myself.

Scott
I didn't make it, because the timing fell too close to another trip I had been planing for five years.

I'm off to Romania in about six hours! But first a two hour drive to the airport to arrive at least two hours early so I can sit in the terminal and wait.
HURRY!

Have a great trip, Chris!
Have a safe trip Chris
Posted By: HAY Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/17/10 03:24 AM
Originally Posted By: jakeman
Nice meeting you too, Hay, What subs are you currently using?


I've been using a single HSU VTF3-MK2 but would love to add another or a different brand to the mix.
The video from the Axiom weekend was just posted on Axiom's Facebook page...
For those that don't have a Facebook account-

Part 1

Part 2
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/17/10 09:24 PM
Originally Posted By: HAY
Originally Posted By: jakeman
Nice meeting you too, Hay, What subs are you currently using?


I've been using a single HSU VTF3-MK2 but would love to add another or a different brand to the mix.

I say we convince jakeman to buy an ep800 so we can all visit and 'evaluate' it. Ian's been telling him he needs one anyway. wink
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/17/10 09:25 PM
So is there no way to view the video if we are not on Facebook? I have pretty much decided that I don't trust them with any account info.
Originally Posted By: fredk
So is there no way to view the video if we are not on Facebook? I have pretty much decided that I don't trust them with any account info.


Clicking on Cam's links take you to YouTube.
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/17/10 09:35 PM
Nope, sorry. Too easy. blush
It's truly amazing what you can find on YouTube. Not just one video of a turntable playing an album, but a whole lot of videos of the same turntable playing different albums :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IlUjyqrG-c
Those we some good videos. Note it was "pre-party". Good thing I suppose.
I thought it was interesting about what Ian and Andrew said about Audyssey. I have only had my Denon for a few weeks. Before that I had a Rotel and a Yamaha neither had any type of auto setup.

Has anyone liked what Audyssey did with there systems?
I've used Audyssey and found it worked well on my setup. Tom, Peter, and JP heard my system and thought it sounded very good, but maybe I should let them give their own impressions. I know Alan does not particularily like auto setups, until I get myself an SPL metre, I'll make do with Audyssey which works in my situation.
I have received great results using Audyssey, but then I've said that before. It is clear when you cycle it on/off from the various seating locations that it makes the already great sounding Axiom speakers even better, and I use multiple subs which is iceing on the cake.
Posted By: CV Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/18/10 04:00 AM
Thanks for the video links. Great stuff. Nice to see you guys in motion in the background. I now know famous people.
Yes thanks for link..that was wonderbar
I've tried Audessey many times and always thought it made things sound worse. One of the basic problems with receiver based Audessey systems is the lack of processing power necessary to run all the complex iterations. Essentially, receiver based Audessey programs takes a finite sample size and then plot results based on canned fuzzy logic algorythms. Those preset algorythyms usually come with the famous Audessey rolloff in the high frequencies. Something which I suppose may be beneficial in a lively reverberant room but which may screw up the speakers FR and introduce coherency problems and ringing. I can see there may be some benefit with non-linear speakers but not great speakers like Axioms.

Having said that I think the latest Audessey programs using notebooks to run the program look more promising. They take a much larger sampling size and can run the necessary complex iterations for much longer. I'm still not convinced that they can cure time domain problems. Indeed the real issue with electronic equalization is not so much in the frequency domain as in the phase shift artifacts they introduce to the signal.

A friend of mine in another audio manufactuer calls them speaker correction systems which have been effectively marketed as silver bullets. I've always gotten better results by leaving Audessey off and playing with room treatments, seating and speaker positions.

As always YMMV and if it works go for it. Or as Alan usually zings when we can't resolve a difference of opinion, " If that's the reality you want to believe, that's OK too."
I haven't liked the Audyssey corrections, but I keep it "on" with essentially a bypassed EQ because I love the Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume features.
IN MY ROOM, Audyssey made a positive difference. I don't have a lot of flexibility relative to speaker placement or listening position. Likewise, it is a ginormous room open to basically the whole house, so room treatments are pretty much a non-starter. I absolutely agree with John that these non-signal-path methods are better initial approaches.

I thought Adrian's system sounded really wonderful. His room is very different than mine, but apparently, we both benefited from Audyssey.

Worked for me. YMMV.
Regarding the videos, while I did enjoy the Soundstage versions, I am eager to see the Axiom forum member interviews even more. Although I wish I had been smarter in mine, there was a particularly tender moment with Murph that I am looking forward to.
Crap, they're gonna publicly post those??? I never would have agreed to do it. Those of you w/ small children or pets, please be sure that they are out in the yard (or, better, a neighbor's yard) if you run it. Even w/ my voice-made-for-emails turned off, someone could be severely traumatized----like 'need JP' traumatized!

I have destroyed many a CRT in my day---thankfully in very small markets. Imagine ME being the public face AND voice of city cultural institutions?? I barf when I watched 'em. At least I had days to prep in every one of those instances. The voice and the face didn't change (I did sport dapper attire, though), but at lest I knew exactly WTF I was rambling on about.

My sincere apologies. Can I still use the word "sincere" here w/o you hideously snickering?
Oh, I don't KNOW that they're going public, Bob. My understanding from conversing with the videographer is that the content really was at Ian's request.

I'm working WITH the meds, and have pretty much achieved post-Bob balance, now. wink

::hideously snickers::

grin
I showed my kids. "Look, Daddy's on Youtube!"

"Dad, you put me on Youtube when I was a little kid."

"Oh, yeah."

Kids these days have no idea how magical this all is. smile
How about "look kids, daddy has posted 19333 comments on the internet for the world to see!"
Posted By: fredk Re: Attendees; 30 Year Anniversary Celebration - 09/19/10 08:55 AM
Nah, 91333 is much more impressive. wink
Heck, 5000 is really impressive.......when you get there grin .
Aww crap, he’s writing again.
Too bad.
Suck it up princesses.

Chp 3 and the final chapter up today.
Chapter 3: Saturday WAS truly gay
(Oxford dictionary definition: carefree, bright and showy).

The end.






Ya right.
If Saturday ended that quickly, there wouldn’t have been 148 emails in my inbox on Monday morning all with the title…”Axiom 30th Anniversary…”. Quite ironically, so many people from the forums were at the event talking instead of posting, that the forum posting rate dropped by 97%!! (with the remaining 3% taken up by Ken apparently).
I’m kidding though. wink
That’s a number I just pulled out of the air, kind of like the number 10% [wink wink to all those who attended the first morning session and recall what in St. Murph’s name I’m talking about].

My morning started off with a breakfast at the table of no other than Mr. Doug Schneider (www.soundstage.com) and the ever so reckless Murph (www.crazymurph.ca). Breakfast was hearty and apparently free (thanks Ian and co.!) but not without its abundance of flies. I’m pretty sure it had nothing to do with Murph’s hair gel.
No really,
Murph doesn’t wear hair gel.

The conversation with Doug was interesting, although I’ve heard something similar before. My brother in law has argued something similar in the past, and he too is a computer guru. You know, the kind of guy that designs and builds his own printed circuit boards custom ordered from Japan, builds a custom van from a used ambulance and outfits it with the cutting edge computer equipment, onboard server, wifi accessibility and satellite system, aside from a part engine rebuild and complete formulation of new epoxy molded interior all because dropping out of university was the best thing for a person who was simply bored with the mundane content?
That kind of guy.
You tend to listen to THOSE kinds of guys.
But I don’t know Doug; you have an interesting point, yet from a science method perspective (proof must be proven with significant numbers), I’m not sure I’m convinced with your take on ‘digital is different’ (show me more proof).



I will agree that comparing different digital formats is difficult as each format may involve something different in the mixing that is unique to each sound engineer.
Why is it that engineer’s have to get in the way all the time?
Can’t we remove them as a variable?
Ian, let’s get to work on applying the scientific method for removing the engineer as a variable!
Dammit, these speakers should just build themselves!

But I digress.

Breakfast ended on a fun note. As I busily swatted about with the flies, I caught wind of a verbal content in the air that Alan and BBIBH were trying to figure out my name (real or otherwise). I think one of them (likely Alan), came up with the idea of a double blind ‘calling’ (the reverse of a double blind listening) which produced results, and they had their answer.
I had to chuckle.
Barely twenty four hours in, they had no alcohol related blackouts to my knowledge, and already they didn’t remember my name.
Hilarious (or I’m just that unimportant I guess).

From the Blue Spruce restaurant, the flock of seagulls meandered down to the factory and eventually we all conglomerated in the Axiom parking lot. The last time I was in the lot was in spring of 2004 and it was mud coated. This time, nothing but sun and dry weather, but I was greeted by a disturbing human blood clot of blue.
Sonic and CJ, having decided to be double fashionably late and showing up the fashionably late Axiom owner the night prior (see Chapter 2), opted for a ridiculously early morning and brought along Sonic’s idea of the weekend: blue, Axiom engraved (hmm, perhaps that should read embroidered) polo shirts. These shirts were perfect for writing all over, just like a kid with a marker and that funny looking drawing paper pulled from daddy’s wallet.

The shirts were a brilliant idea, to keep all us school kids together in Ian’s easy sightlines. If you weren’t in a blue shirt, you must’ve been working for Axiom!
Just like Hay…who came to the party in a nice WHITE Axiom polo shirt.
For about the first 5 hours, everyone thought this young strapping fellow was either the bouncer for the day or Ian’s private secret service. It was only when people started asking him really technical questions like “When’s lunch?” or “Where’s the cool bathroom with the gravity fed pull flush unit?” that Hay revealed his true self.
Hay wasn’t the only one in off the wall garb that morning. It apparently was too chilly for most folk (at 19C!), to be wearing shorts….except for Onn (and myself).
Way to go Onn!
Winter doesn’t arrive in this area of Ontario until at least December.
Come on people, it was 19 Celsius and sunny!!! (well later in the afternoon anyway).

Moving on from the people blueberry festival, the parade went indoors.

This is where things get blurry.

No, I haven’t had a drink yet and I imagine the old boys’ cataracts produced the same effect (that would be Ray3 and Ajax), but still, I was giddy as the proverbial school girl and frankly, I admit I did giggle like one at least once!
Perhaps it was Peter’s endless antics that had me rolling in the aisles or the fact that he did almost electrocute his upper lip, I can’t say.



Twice now I’ve been to the factory and twice I’ve become so excited at all the things I want to ask and see that my mind becomes a blank. There were so many people to speak with, so many topics to cover, that I started my babbling at the Cora’s breakfast the day before but abruptly ended a lot of it after entering the factory.
I think at one point I had a verbal diarrhea with Sonic and CJ about how Axiom was applying scientific method but that’s really all I recall about intellectual conversation most of the afternoon.
I just did a lot of listening.

I really don’t recall the first person I met at the factory that morning, but I do know my first drink of the day was apple juice followed by a lovely iced tea (thanks to “The Other Amie”; she tried to serve me coffee, of all the nerve eh?).
She served me other liquids later.
What a nice girl.




A few things that were by far highlights:
  • The double blind test (DBT)
  • Conversation with Alan about the DBT
  • The Debbie Tour
  • Anechoic chamber (more on this)
  • Conversation with Alan about the M60s
  • Ian’s go at explaining distortion with four distorted lines and a very small piece of chalk, to a room full of blue people.
  • Chris and his little boy pushing BBIBH’s vintage Axiom speakers down to the QA centre (the little boy part in this picture is being played by BBIBH).

  • Chat with Ian about my first factory tour and my friend coming up later that day and his ‘wedding gift’ M40s
  • Conversation with Alan about the choice of listening music being selected all morning (I will never listen to the Eagles – Hotel California EVER, AGAIN…Tom had it right; a Big Lebowski moment!), and,
  • The people


Ok so now you’ve got me sobbing.
My thoughts on the DBT, pretty much the same as I read in the other thread posted on the subject; however, I will say a few things:

The listening room needs work.




Axiom knows this and they are presently addressing it by building a new room.





The left and right shifting of the sound during A/B switching was in itself a “difference” and I think this should be removed from the testing. Single speakers in mono, sitting at a distance of 15 feet or more will remove this issue. The concept of mono usage vs. stereo was suggested to me from Alan years back when I first started switching in house during equipment comparisons.
I’ve tested that setup and it works very well.

The A/C unit in the room made whooshing noises which made it hard to listen to quite passages and of course the general background noise of the factory is an issue as well.

Lastly, I actually don’t like the switcher. I found it slow to react and not instantaneous enough to flip back and forth. An actual switch instead of a button and IR system I think would be quicker (and again, I’ve tested this and instantaneous is the word to use).





There are more discussions on the DBT that are endless. Incidentally, I was one of the minority that chose the B&W Nautilus 805s over the M3s. I didn’t like the M3 bass hump and found the vocals more recessed. The M3 sounded edgy at higher SPL.
Both marked similarly close overall which is the key message to take home in the end.

Continued...


Chapter 3: Saturday WAS truly gay... Continued...
(Oxford dictionary definition: carefree, bright and showy).


The factory tour was similar to the one from 2004.
The main difference, the ANECHOIC CHAMBER.
It was everything that I thought it would be; quiet
Your ears would start ringing once the (26”?) door was closed.
Smaller than I expected, but similar to the photos, it has a bunch of sound absorbing wedges and that’s about it. A speaker stand and cables for mics.
Simple, yet complex.
And somehow Cam elegantly decided that hotboxing would be a superb secondary function to the room.
I’ll ask Ian about that the next time I’m down there, most likely next summer.
He is after all a dedicated life choice smoker. The multiple book copies on his desk said so. If anyone preaches to him, he’ll likely hand you a copy of the book in his right hand and swat you upside the head with another copy from the left side.
Aren’t cigarettes considered vegan (all plant material)? That’s healthy right?
smile









Lunch was served about noon and unfortunately I was one of the last to get lunch. I had spent time flitting about, chatting and touring, that I forgot about eating. I managed to snarf down half a sandwich and cookie plus another apple juice (kindly supplied by the folks at Axiom…they seem bent on feeding my family for which I’m always grateful) before my attentions were turned to the DBT room.
In all this excitement, I missed seminars #2 and #3, but, I didn’t really miss anything.
I saw so much more and during the tour,
Debbie helped to point it all out.


Did you know she’s been to China more than most China people have been to Canada?
That’s a lot of travelling!
Well, that’s what a little birdy told me anyway.
Perhaps that bird was a lying pigeon who embellished on the truth.
It is known to happen in the audio discussion circles….from time to time.

The afternoon petered out at the factory and all the blueberries gathered once again where we started; in the parking lot. We took the now famous (or infamous?) picture that will probably haunt us for some time. A few folks were missing but no doubt, Mark S. Johnson will have all the spare time in the world to Photoshop them into the picture probably next to Bill Clinton and Bill Mahr.
Please note, if you look closely you will see both JohnK and 2x6spds in the background, both dressed in black, against the black factory walls.
No kidding.

From there, the crowds went confused back to their hotels awaiting Debbie’s superior directional guidance to the dock party.
Once again, Sonic and CJ decided to go AWOL.
Actually this time it was Ray and Jack’s error as their combined mental powers resulted in them knocking on the wrong cabin door and hence, Sonic and CJ didn’t know when to come out and play.
Where’s Waldo started all over again in the Axiom parking lot.
Where’s Sonic?
Hasn’t anyone seen Sonic?
Does anyone have here number?
Mark will wait here for Sonic….
I swear it would have been better if we were all lemmings following one blind mouse to Ian’s place.

The evening started off with a great kick.
Axiomites were “interviewed” by one of the Parker Bros. over the course of dinner and partly into the evening. Many of those interviewers were interrupted by, hmm, how can we best say this, snuggles and kisses and gentle caresses (Tom and Murph know EXACTLY what I’m talking about…well maybe except the kisses part).
An evening of great, thick, 2” steak bbq (and a lovely Caesar salad caked in luscious bacon bits plus fresh corn on the cob and finished with a tasty, no doubt seasonal, cake), out on the Colquhoun’s dock, with a Murph, a Ryan, and a Macdonald plus a band and PEI “legal” moonshine, made for one heckuva Irish party!

The bbq turned into talk and song as the band, Laganza ((http://www.myspace.com/laganzamusic) and special guest singer, Mr. Stephen Stanley from one of my personal favorite bands, Lowest of the Low (http://www.lowestofthelow.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/lowestofthelow ), put on a great show. The great show that by now has been mentioned by many as being powered forth by no less than EIGHT M80s in pairs of 4 bundles under the boathouse.




For the first short while all I heard sound was from the Algonquin M3s? in the boat area, but then the M80s were plugged in and oh joy, the neighbors must love the Colquhouns.
(I guess that is why the cutoff time was somewhere around 11 eh?)

A 2 minute vid of the dock party band hard at work

I had a friend arriving from Sudbury, about 3 hours to the northwest of the Muskokas. This friend was gifted a pair of M40s during the discontinuation sale a few years back, plus a Pioneer receiver and all the hookup cables, as a wedding present from myself and a few buddies back in the city.



He drove from 5PM for 3 hours in pitch black down to the Muskokas to make the party and I had the distinct honour of introducing him to Ian along with just about every Axiomite I could find in eyesight on the dock.
This of course was before I started dancing.

Yes, the band was excellent.
Yes Stephen Stanley is a personal favorite (http://www.myspace.com/stephenstanleymusic).
But getting into the song “What can you do with a drunken sailor” is a classic for any true blue Irish or east coaster.
For the record, there was no drunk in my alleged Drunken Sailor Dance but rather a side effect of the thousands of years of Irish genetics that kicked in. Hell, we were talking about going into the lake even before dinner started!
What I don’t quite recall as I was busy dancing, was if Murph was out on that dance floor!
I’m going to have to call his mom if he wasn’t.
What Irish descendant (another Canadian band; http://www.irishdescendants.com/) or true blooded east coaster wouldn’t jig to that classic?
Hey, Ian brought the party, I just added to the circus.

Did I really dance with a pole? (medic8r just added 10 pages to my ‘file’).

Somewhere in the mix an idea was formulated to enshrine a piece of the party into something more firm (i.e. proof that people actually attended and Axiom didn't pay Mark S Johnson to Photoshop the whole damn thing!).

I had my buddy from Sudbury snag a Sharpie marker (every scientist’s right hand tool) on his way up and any Axiomite I could find jotted down their John Hancock on the shirt. Cam got a little nasty and started getting a bit low for my liking but he was tickling me darn it.
Weak in the knees, that’s one way of putting it.

Did anyone see where Ian was TRYING to sign!??
(He knows and we’ll keep that one between us).

Here are some pictures of the final product.




Note how the pictures I took the next morning had two extra signatures on it.



I told you they were there Sonic!!
Didn’t you talk to them?

We may have kept our clothes on and no tweeters were shown abroad on Saturday, but I am certain that through the blue flaming shot of Murph’s moonshine that I saw JohnK and 2x6spds hanging out around the dark side of the dock.
They allegedly snuck into our cabin and they signed the shirt! (They must’ve had way more than I did cuz that 2 looks more like a French ‘s’).

Speaking of Sonic, I do apologize for my ironic take on your personal pictures. I realize you wanted to have a pic with all of the great folks you met over the years, but as for the one you requested with me, all I wanted to do was to have an equal level head height shot so I ‘shrunk down’ to your size.
That’s all I was really trying to do.
Honest.
The fact you made me do the splits twice though was just sadism.
All I have is this photo of Tom.
It was the best I could muster.



As the dock party winded up and Debbie frantically tried to corral drunk folk into the van for transport back to the cottages. Do you know what it is like to push a motorized wheelchair with its brakes on?
Well Cam does cuz he was so hammered two of his helpers couldn’t move the thing out of the van once we did get back to Blue Spruce.
I couldn’t help but laugh, but his mother wasn’t quite as pleased.
Cam should’ve had three moving violation tickets and been issued a 24 hour suspension on his wheelchair driving.

Where did the party go from there?
Well, for my Sudburian buddy and I, back to the Blue Spruce and up until 6AM sipping some lovely Wellington Iron Horse Strong ale (hey, they are having an anniversary party soon too...hmm, ideas....).
I know it was 6AM that we crashed because i texted Peter, but the content of what exactly I may have texted is one thought that I can honestly say I don’t recall. I do recall that we put on a fire, and then put it in the fireplace for safe keeping though.


The next day I awoke to a campground owner banging on our door at 12:30 telling us that we passed the checkout time.
Hmm, with a flight at 4:30 at the TO airport, I’m GLAD this fellow was as diligent as he was at getting our sorry rears out of there. I made my flight with about a whopping 5 minutes before boarding.

All in all the Axiom Anniversary party was a blast to etch into my memory for ages.
Many folk here have already professed many eloquent thoughts on the graciousness of our hosts, the camaraderie of the Axiomites and the willingness to do it all over again. My words pale in comparison to the sense of all emotions that existed that weekend and hopefully the small elements that I could have added to the experience for anyone who attended.
I hope to see everyone AGAIN, sometime.

Ian, Amie and Axiom folk demonstrated the true essence of Canadian living and generosity and they still manage to maintain one of the rare Canadian business success stories (i.e., a privately Canadian owned company yet to be consumed by a huge international conglomerate).
My passion is for your science and sound but my humble sense of Canadian pride extends to your business accomplishments!

I’m honestly not sure if Ian and Amie will ask me back (again may I say that NO ONE got naked and jumped in the lake or swam to Shania’s place), but if they do want me back, I promise not to leave my dinner in the back of their car.
I’m pretty sure that as of Tuesday morning, I recalled I left a piece of steak in the back of Ray3s car while I moved my backpack to another vehicle. I couldn’t recall for the life of me where I put that dinner plate down, until 48 hours later.
Ray, I REALLY hope you’ve noticed the blow flies by now! (I just hope I didn’t leave my red wine glass in your backseat as well).

This final chapter in my overly extensive blog on the weekend really opens the book on many more.
Very profound, I know.
Tacky cliché is more my style.

Take care Axiomites.
Let’s do this again in another ten years.
Originally Posted By: chesseroo
As the dock party winded up and Debbie frantically tried to corral drunk folk into the van for transport back to the cottages. Do you know what it is like to push a motorized wheelchair with its brakes on?
Well Cam does cuz he was so hammered two of his helpers couldn’t move the thing out of the van once we did get back to Blue Spruce.
I couldn’t help but laugh, but his mother wasn’t quite as pleased.
Cam should’ve had three moving violation tickets and been issued a 24 hour suspension on his wheelchair driving.


BAHAHAHA! You came back with us? So who left the open beer bottle in the back seat (we found Sunday morning).........?

Hammered, yep. I don't remember anything after dancing on the dock, let alone you trying to move my wheel chair. Dang it, I wish someone took a video so I could see your struggle grin !
Originally Posted By: chesseroo


Take care Axiomites.
Let’s do this again in another ten years.


Or sooner!

If I can get away to travel, I'm staying in Canada and I'll be heading to the east coast, and slightly west smile .

I do think it would be great if the Ontario boys could get together once in a while. There's four or five of us, I believe, that don't live too far from each other.
Posted By: onn Re: 30 Yr Anniversary Celebration: The AfterMath - 09/19/10 07:32 PM
Chess
You do have a way with words. grin
I forgot about the rock 'n roll version of Drunken Sailor. That was great!

I agree about getting together Cam. Actually, I like the idea of heading slightly south of the border next summer for another get together with the 'crew'. Lots of people came a long way for this. It would be nice to shorten the trip for them next time.
Originally Posted By: chesseroo
It apparently was too chilly for most folk (at 19C!), to be wearing shorts….except for Onn (and myself) Way to go Onn!


Ahhh...Hemmm....



Signed,
Your friendly neighborhood Fact-Bot
Posted By: CV Re: 30 Yr Anniversary Celebration: The AfterMath - 09/19/10 08:00 PM
That's cheating, Mark. You're wearing a rectangle, too.
Us real Canadians save our macho short wearing for January. wink
Originally Posted By: onn
Chess
You do have a way with words. grin

I have a 'way', but i don't know about the words part.
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Originally Posted By: chesseroo
It apparently was too chilly for most folk (at 19C!), to be wearing shorts….except for Onn (and myself) Way to go Onn!


Ahhh...Hemmm....

Signed,
Your friendly neighborhood Fact-Bot

You were in Dwight??!!!
laugh
Yeah, I'm the guy with the neck issue that's "hunched" in all the photos! smile
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Yeah, I'm the guy with the neck issue that's "hunched" in all the photos! smile

Igor. Is that you?
That's EYE-gore.

Chess, thank you so much for the time, wit, wisdom and care you devoted to chronicling our adventures. It was grand.
Originally Posted By: chesseroo
You were in Dwight??!!!


He was on good behaviour. I barely recognized him wink
I never realized so many of the audio buffs were so tall.

Genetic quirk?
Posted By: CV Re: 30 Yr Anniversary Celebration: The AfterMath - 09/20/10 03:25 AM
I'm average, but my shadow was super-tall, so that's why I went into hiding instead of attending.
Thanks for the excellent write-up. It helped me relive the weekend without all the negative part, such as having to go to bed and miss out on some extra partying. smile
Hey folks,

It's been over a week now and I never posted about how much I enjoyed myself at what was by far, the most rewarding gathering I have had in a long, long time. Before I get too far into it, let me tell you why I have been ignoring you all week. It begins after the party. I've been going solidly non-stop since the Axiom Gathering. Any spare time at all was used for survival sleep.

Sunday
Fred was nice enough to stick around and go golfing with me to pass some time. Beautiful course full of scenic views, young deer and great company. Had a late lunch with Fred in Deerhurst. Thanks Fred, I had a great day!!

Back to hotel, I was going to ask to get moved to a new room where I could actually get WiFi. Right after I sit on the bed for a moment.... ZZZZzzzzz

Monday
Slept in. Had breakfast. Needed more coffee & had to do some work so I hung out in the Moose Cafe for their Wifi. Got my stuff done after a few hours but I think my coffee and lunch purchases were wearing thin as I was getting the "are you ever leaving?" look, so I packed up. I did some exploring. Beautiful, beautiful area. I am definitely planning a vacation here someday. Back home, still no wifi in the new room they moved me to. Maybe I should....Zzzzzzzzz

Tuesday,
Drove to Deerhurst Resort for the CSE conference. Logged onto the Internet long enough to read some posts and look at pics but had to rush off to the intro meetings. They kept us busy with seminars and social activities until late. Open Bar sponsored by Cisco & Casino night. Won lots of chips but no prizes.

Wed.
Up early, more seminars, more late night social events. Watersking demo (very funny show) and another open bar with a live band.

Thur.
Up early, more seminars, lunch and hit the road. My flight got in at midnight and I was too wired so I didn't sleep until two.

Friday
Had to work. Worked from home & quit a bit early for a nap. My wife's good friend was up from Florida to visit so we went into the Seafood Festival with her, her husband and family. Then to the "Old Dublin Pub", relived our youth at the Chinese Food restaurant we always used to go to, then home and in bed by 3:30am

Saturday
I'm pretty sure there was a Saturday in there somewhere. I remember going to Charlottetown for groceries and other errands with my wife but honestly, the day was one big battle to stay awake.

Sunday
Grass cutting, mini barn repair, cleaning up garage after lending use of my router to a Buddy on Saturday and he decided to leave a thank you note on my garage floor spelled out in all my wrenches, encircled in a ring of empty beer bottles. Very impressive!

Monday (today)
At work. Feeling guilty about not posting so typing this up during lull points in some conference calls.

I wish I could put this in better words but...

THANK YOU!!! So Much!!!! to Axiom for hosting such an amazing event. From start to finish it was such an unforgettable experience. So interesting but yet so fun. Everyone at Axiom managed to not only show us their operation and teach us many things but most impressively, they treated us like we were visiting family instead of just customers. Hat's off Everyone at Axiom (I started writing names but I'm afraid I'm forgetting someone.) who made this such a great weekend.

Equally fabulous... Meeting all of you in person was incredible, and like many of you have mentioned, it became very important to me. The connection always seemed to be there with so many of you on this forum and now meeting you in person has solidified that connection forever. I was a bit nervous about what it would be like to meet everyone in person but it was uncanny how comfortable I felt with everyone. Almost like I have been chatting with you for years. wink

I could talk for hours about this trip (just ask my wife) but I best get back to the work.

Thank you everyone for a very special event. There is not a single person I met last weekend who is not welcome to come visit us at my home at any time. I'll keep the shine chilled.

Thanks again and we will see you next time!
Hey hey, there he is! Glad to hear you made it home safely, buddy!
Chesseroo's way of getting down to my height. OUCH! shocked
Great photo of everyone, including the wild man, Chess.

Speaking of whom, I must defend our new switching system for the double-blind comparisons, remote-controlled and absolutely instantaneous. The only reason Chess may have found it difficult is having fat fingers, swollen from too much drink!! Those of us in control, with slender fingers, had no trouble with the two buttons on the remote.

p.s., the B&W was too forward, making Holly Cole's vocals quite sibilant. Her vocals were smooth and natural on the Axiom M3. The B&W's forwardness--dare I say brightness?--also made the soundstage more 2-dimensional, moving it forward, with less depth than Axiom's M3v3, especially noticeable on large orchestral works.

Cheers,
Alan
I'm glad you made it home in one piece Murph. I'm so happy my conference days are done. Those things can really wear you out.

Quote:
Fred was nice enough to stick around and go golfing with me to pass some time.

Took so much arm twisting too. wink For a day that started out looking so gloomy and wet it turned out to be a beutiful fall day in the north. Golfing with you at that course on such a nice day: I couldn't have asked for a better end to the weekend.
Quote:
The B&W's forwardness--dare I say brightness?--also made the soundstage more 2-dimensional

Interesting. Maybe thats what I described as the instruments like the cymbals and tamborine as sounding smooshed (I believe thats the correct technical term, right Johnk?) together.

Coming out of those listening tests, I thing that I would describe the perfect speaker as being a combination of the two... for the price of the M3... playing down to 40 Hz... with...
Thats a great picture Sonic.
...with plenty of Go Cups.
G cups?
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
...with plenty of Go Cups.


That's - Geaux - At least it is down here in N'awlins
wink
Fred, "smooshed" is indeed the correct technical term for what Alan and you described. Dr. Toole defines it on p.567.
See. I' learning! grin

Speaking of which, maybe its time I actually got that book.
I know, I know..I have not posted my thoughts or pics.

Sorry gang, I have been busy! Spent today chatting with the Provost and Associate Provost of the university. I also sat and discussed world events with the outgoing president and incoming Govenor General of Canada.

Hey, it took me almost 9 years to post the first visit....I have some time!! LOL
Well La di da! And next week its tea with the Queen. You'll have to give us her thoughts on audio and room response. wink
ummm....the Govenor General is the Queen's representative in Canada.

Besides, I was at both Windosr Castle, and Buckingham Palace this summer....and she would not come out and play! LOL
Man, I'm sorry I missed the event....looks like fun.
Originally Posted By: BBIBH
the Govenor General


A superfluous position, who doesn't do ANYTHING except eat our tax dollars. The Queen has absolutely no influence over our affairs. It's just a lucrative position that has, and will, remain because it's supposedly part of the fabric of Canada.

I can't stand/sit either of them, it aggravates me mad .

Sorry, Mike smile .
Hey! Quit hijacking my hijack. Were talkin' bout hangin' with the big boys and girls. The GG is small fry.

Says, your not one of them there Loyalists are you Mike?
Cam and Fred,

no offense taken, and no, I am not a government activist!

I do however have a new appreciation for the history of monarchies, after spending the summer in Europe.

I also believe there are many wasted dollar positions and activities in the government - like we send 200 athletes to the Olympics and 300 political wannabees.....

Oh, and David is a wonderful man, and actually we are paying less for him in the GG role than we were as Prez of UW!!

Anyway, I will see what I can do to post pics and comments soon!
Quote:
no offense taken, and no, I am not a government activist!

Activist?? Round where I come from the loyalists were a bunch of old ladies with big hats. blush Oh, ok, that insinuation might be a little offensive. wink

Hey, its cool that the outgoing prez took some time to talk to you!
Very well articulated article Alan in the latest Axiom Newsletter regarding the well-attended double-blined listening test. BTW, do you where the B&W's came from?
Yes, I especially enjoyed reading Alan's blind listening score sheet. It'd be great if he could also share similar test sheets that he's done with other Axiom models in the past.
Originally Posted By: JohnK
Yes, I especially enjoyed reading Alan's blind listening score sheet. It'd be great if he could also share similar test sheets that he's done with other Axiom models in the past.

I hope they don't scan and post Tom's scoresheet.
I drew X rated doodles on his sheet after he left it behind in the listening room, before i handed it in on his behalf.
grin

Incidentally, i think Alan's scores were almost exactly the opposite of my own (i gave the B&W the nod over the M3s in the tests primarily because i didn't like the oomphy bass and i found the M3 to be edgy at higher SPL, and i liked the more forward vocal).
You know how Ian said there were no wrong answers? That was before he saw your sheet, chess.
Originally Posted By: pmbuko
You know how Ian said there were no wrong answers? That was before he saw your sheet, chess.

Funny thing, the guys over at the B&W forums said they've never seen so many right answers before.
grin
Chess, I think it was cool that you felt comfortable sharing your homemade porn hobby. I've never seen "stick figures" quite that suggestive before.
Posted By: CV Re: 30 Yr Anniversary Celebration: The AfterMath - 11/02/10 04:56 AM
Sticky buns?
Originally Posted By: tomtuttle
Chess, I think it was cool that you felt comfortable sharing your homemade porn hobby. I've never seen "stick figures" quite that suggestive before.

This forum taught me everything i know.
And to think I used to believe you were smart.
What ever became of the video interviews that were done? Was anything ever produced, posted, Hell...up for sale? There was some pretty good material from what I recall.
I paid Ian a stupid amount of money to keep them off broadband distribution.
smile
They're going to show it at the 35th Anniversary get-together.
Originally Posted By: pmbuko
They're going to show it at the 35th Anniversary get-together.


Just after they release the V4.
I saw it. It was on another website.... There was a guy there who has a website that reviews equipment I think.... I don't remember the site...
Part 1

Part 2
I still want to see the drunken interviews on the dock before the band arrived. smile
You have to wait for the Deluxe Drunken Director's Cut release, which includes "alternate scenes"...
Sadly, I wasn't interviewed frown .
That's what you get for rolling over his foot.
Thanks for finding and posting Mark.

And Yes, i was hoping that they would release some interviews from the participants. I expected Tom's photobombing effort to make me burst out laughing on camera would have at least made the blooper reel, if not made for an award winning Axiom commercial.

They did film you dancing Cam. Yet another cherished memory lost to the editing floor.
Posted By: onn Re: 30 Yr Anniversary Celebration: The AfterMath - 03/15/11 06:00 PM
Originally Posted By: Murph
What ever became of the video interviews that were done? Was anything ever produced, posted, Hell...up for sale? There was some pretty good material from what I recall.


I guess someone should ask Ian what will be done with those interviews. The soundstage videos have nothing to do with the interviews Axiom was filming.
Considering they were done while most everyone was well involved with the gracious open bar, I suspect they have little professional value. I myself though would love to have copies and have no problem with my own interview (guest starring Tom) being posted for a few laughs.

Realistically, that might have been the only time I ever get to meet some of you in person and I'd love to retain all the memento materials I could.
It was magic.
Next Axiom (unofficial) Meetup should be on PEI...
Peter, there's this cool internet thing that has free maps. You should check it out. wink

I'd love to visit PEI some day, but I think Murph is one of the most remote Axiomites in North America.
It's closer than Seattle to me. smile
I'll gladly volunteer the backyard. It has hosted live bands before. Free muscles and clams a stone throw away, dirt cheap lobster and legal moonshine, what more can you ask?

I don't think I'm the most remote. I'm actually relatively close to the New England states. Less than a 4.5 hour drive to Main. I recall a frequent poster from Alaska for a while but I can't recall the name. Quiet far for you West Coast folk though.
Originally Posted By: Murph
Free muscles and clams a stone throw away, dirt cheap lobster and legal moonshine, what more can you ask?
.

I guess it depends whose muscles they are.
wink
Mike_d is in Alaska. Which IS closer to me than PEI.

But, yeah, cheap lobster and moonshine sounds pretty great.

ONLY 4.5 hours to Maine?!?!
Originally Posted By: pmbuko
Next Axiom (unofficial) Meetup should be on PEI...


July 3-5 ...
Does PEI have Ontario Dock Spiders? cry
No dock spiders. Lots of jellyfish though.
Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
Does PEI have Ontario Dock Spiders? cry

There was one attached to your bumper when you left Axiom last fall, Mark.

WHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!

"New Hampshire or Bust!!"

I'm pretty sure I saw two. Gotta take the girl on road-trips you know.
She must have been the one with the nice legs.
Dunno. Lets ask Mark.
I believe I can do well, and refueling. Thank you for your help



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