December in Chicago - New Year's Jam

[quadgun]

All i know is next years intermediate comp

I hope my knee doesnt fall off by then

[tuomoruutufan]

We need to start a charity to buy mr glass (thats your new name) some new legs.

Get healthy before worlds or else!

Hey that reminds me you get to go to the bars in germany, you better be ready to party dog!

[SandWraith]

Mr. Glass. Heh, quite an appropriate name. ^_^

[bob]

best event of my life. I really wish i had written down what happened every day to have a better record, but for right now it's just one big blur of one of the best weekends in my life.

thanks to all of CIC and everyone that helped out. Huge thanks to zeke and styley riley for letting us crash for free at their place. awesome people, awesome event.

I don't think this event will ever be topped for me.

bob

[CIC flurry]

I made it the following post thoughtlessly. I am making it small instead of deleting it, so people have reference.
There have been some posts here and there setting Chicago against Rochester. In my mind, Chicago was the place to be (since we'd been around for 5 years already), and Rochester was backup for anyone who couldn't make it.

I applaud Matt for taking initiative and making the most out of chilly philly not happening. The Rochester jam sure did blossom into a real nice event it seems (not just a backup).

My main point is: It would have been nice to have everyone together for one big ass New Year's Jam. I hope for this next year. If New York does another winter event, hopefully it will be later so we can go too.

I hope I don't sound like an asshole, I don't mean to be. I just want everyone to be together for a great jam.

[Krafty]

In my mind, Chicago was the place to be...

This jam was the best 3 days ever!! Man, I'm in withdrawal right now! I agree with Bob: I don't think anything will top this event for me.

[shredzilla]

I hope I don't sound like an asshole, I don't mean to be. I just want everyone to be together for a great jam.

Hey Tom, nah it's cool man. I'm sure Chicago was dope. I mean, I thought about that leading up to the event that it'd be sick if all the players were at one place. But since it was winter, and the accomodations, event site, and party spots where we were like the perfect size for the amount of people we had, it really would've been hard to fit any more. It probably turned out to be similar for you guys.

Jorden said he had an awesome time in Chitown and Kolo was tellin me about the event site and how huge it was and how there was other sports stuff going on. It sounds like both jams were fat. Let's all try and make it to a spring jam, Nate should come too!

[CIC flurry]

Yeah, meeting up at a spring jam sounds like a great idea :)

[Johnny]

Yeah, meeting up at a spring jam sounds like a great idea :)

An understatement.

[tuomoruutufan]

We should do some searching for some kind of event

Something alternative sports related maybe a big skateboard compitition or something of that sort.

Really any kind of event with alot of people will do. I cant wait for outdoor shred i miss the fresh air when im shredding.

Something about a hot sun oddly gets me on my game and drives me to push harder

[mosher]

I am interested in putting effort into making a springtime jam happen with all the area shredders.

We should do some plannin.

[shredzilla]

We should do some searching for some kind of event

Something alternative sports related maybe a big skateboard compitition or something of that sort.

Really any kind of event with alot of people will do. I cant wait for outdoor shred i miss the fresh air when im shredding.

Something about a hot sun oddly gets me on my game and drives me to push harder

I 100% agree. Shredding outside rules!

[quadgun]

Just to be a badass im gonna play footbag tomorrow OUTSIDE and with a BROKEN KNEE

[Zeke]

LOST & FOUND:

-White CIC t-shirt, size medium
-Large t-shirt, dark gray front, light gray back
-Small white tank top, black mesh sides
-Cargo khakis, 34x32
-Dark gray pants
-Black Eastpack backpack
-Dull navy blue sleeping bag

PM me and we can arrange the return of these items to you.
I'm off work tomorrow and will be doing a thorough cleaning of the apartment to see if anything else turns up.

[Jorden]

CIC, thanks so much for having Johnny and I out. A truly epic event. Huge props to Davidson and crew for such great organizing! Got to meet (and re-meet) a lot of really awesome people and understand them better. Some very memorable sessions as well. Didn't get around to filming b/c there was to much shred to be had! Next year's is on my must-attend list.

Reille, tell Mary-Anne I give HUGE thanks and owe her margarita mix.

[tuomoruutufan]

Yeah none of us local chicago peeps cant say thanks enough for you and johny making it out to our city, Seeing you guys play in person has pushed me to double my practice time. I will see you at germany and definately hope to see you in chicago again your always welcome in this city!!

even if you are a maple leafs fan LoL........if the hawks didnt suck so bad i wouldnt put this in small print

[CIC flurry]

The first night antics:

We tried to rome McCormick place, but they closed the gate to it (never have before), so we wandered the hotel. We found a dimly lit ballroom with the doors unlocked! It was like what they used for the Wrold's '99 semi-finals i think. We went all along the walls looking for light switches, but all we found was music control.

Afterwards, we tried hitting moves off of footbags thrown from one floor above. Reile, Jorden, and me a little. Pretty fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unfortunately I was too busy running the event to kick as much as I wanted to. I barely kicked with anyone at all. I hope to have the organization down pat next year, so I have more free time. As long as everyone else had fun, then I'm not so concerned wiith myself.

I competed in the events this year, just cuz it's our event this time. By the way, what a good job we did - no entry fee, so many competitors, and pimps getting prizes! I originally didn't want any events at all, but they seemed to bring each day together. No Shred 30 next time? I'll post results soon too...
...so I competed, but not really, just showcased. I'm happy people like my toe set reverse swirling toe move, as well as my pdx ripwalk attempts. I also did well in four square. I realized that I'm not very flashy, but sometimes get the job done. I ruled in the semi's. I wish we had footage so we could make highlights.

The funnest time I had was the night after the event when we were alll chilling at Zeke and Reile's, after some good Pan-Asian Cuisine. We kicked on their squeaky ass floor so much (no symp moves) that they might get thrown out, with John Mahood's loud laugh too . We tried all these weird thing like staling it on the side of our knees. jeremy had lots of ideas. We also tried stalling 2 footbags on knee and foot - fun. Then crothchfire.

People

Emily and Mike Hansen: happy to see my good chums (start calling me friend Mike! and then you will know the wonders of JAKOTA.)
Amelia: made me feel really comfortable and joyous. Whenever we were chilling I was having a good time.
Jeremy: such a fun and nice and creative guy. Such a good tip giver - in person and on the forums. funny noises on near-miss shots in crotchfire. I really love to see you dude; It's so awesome to have you around.
Dat: Finally met Dat. I've always heard good things, and now i can confirm them! Dat told me about footbag stitching a little, and how much was involved - gather, etc. Bannana Phone.

Johnny: Such a cool pimp - at one point I was talking about pizza with someone and was subconciously feeling how cool Johnny was, I turned to him and said, "this is off topic, but you're a really cool guy, just wanted to tell you before you left." Soo good at footbag. I'm really happy he came. Such a real person - no fakeness, and automatically seems familiar and friendly. Plus I'm motivated to shred cuz of him.
Jorden: When I first met him it was weird. From the (small) vids I thought his face looked a certain way - in my mind it was a cross btwn what he really looks like and Juan Rangel. His voice was different than I expected too - slight canadian accent, and higher pitch. I didn't talk to Jordache much. He was quiet. I got a vibe that he was uncomfortable at times - but prolly just his quietness, hopefully no misunderstandings - I was afraid you didn't get my/our sense of humor sometimes. After reading your post, I feel alot better. I really wanted to kick with Jorden but only got to watch a bit. I'm so glad you played 4-square!!

Matthieu: Way cool guy - chilled and nice. Good at Foursquare. I read his blog now! I'm glad you had fun, hope to see you at the next jam pimp!
Kolo: Funny ass guy! Awesome 4 square player (neck stalls!). Down to earth, and doesn't hold back his humor - u must get used to it (i love it). Thanks for the shirt donation! Sorry for rolling you footfighter 2x.

Henry, Zach and Brian: I basically never talked tyo you guys. I wish I coulda gootten to know Zach and Brian better. I kicked with Henry once - he's gotten so much better! I'm scared for the next 1-2 years. Henry is locked into the cool and close zone with me (and zeke too), I wish I coulda chilled with you more dude.

West Virginia: I totally feel like WV is our brother club now. These guys are so fun and cool. John: same pimp as usual. A-Yah! Glad you're down with the crotchfire. Bob: I've developed a great liking for this fellow. He is so nice and cool! And on his toes when it comes to throwdowns! Brad: I really wanted to kick with you (next time). Ur a pimp - everyone including me thinks you're such a nice guy. We didn't talk too much - so get to know you more next time. I like how you watch over drunk John. I hope the pizza lived up to your expectations.

Josh Elmer: So happy you stayed with us, Josh. I loved our convos on who's kneecaps we might have to break...let's kick soon!

Michigan
Greg: I asked him how he got started in freestyle and told me tis great story of how MTV had an event in Michigan (sponsored by Mountain Dew), and he met Scott, and Andy Linder there. And what moves the best peeps were htting at the time. Me and Zeke were sitting there like schoolkids listening to a good book.
Scott: Chill fellow, good at poker. I liked hearing about your job actually.
Zach: Great guy. I didn't really remember you from last time, but this time you are one who I remember most. I appreciate you hooking up some loochi for miscellaneous food - you totally didn't have too. i gave it to Zeke (since he bought extra sammiches), and we were both like, "what a tits guy." Also for getting a shirt. Congrats on 1st place all around! I talked to you often, and I'm glad. I kicked with you a bit, and like what i see. Nice moves - I wanna see more string length with those teets moves next time and I'll do a backflip.

Shawn: The thing that makes me most happy about this event, is that you loved it. Next time you stay at the hotel, I plan on having Zeke and Reile nearby...that's when the fun and antics start.

Dan: You da man. Thanks for bringing music. Didn't get to hang out much or kick with you at all...Hopefully we can hook up in miami in a few months.

Kaushik, Kyle and Jeff: Glad to meet Jeff, finally. Kaushik and Kyle: it was awesome when we were chilling in the suite for a few minutes by the window talking about train times and when you guys should leave. i dunno why. I wanna come up there and kick with you guys. I hope Kyle enjoys his Mirken!

Mike Marczyk: Missed you on the last day, dude. You would've been good at the 4 square event. Glad to see you and Ryan. I didn't get to show you pdx ripwalk.

Brian (CIC): I may have posted b4, but Brian is a big pimp for offering help many times during the planning phase of this event, and contributing lots of money. CIC playa!

Jake and Josh: I didn't get to see you guys much. Your prize bags were hella sweet. I'm anxious to see how your stitching progresses.

FTB
Pimps as usual. Reid and Eric are super pimps...will is still quiet. Hi to new guy (Kevin?). I heard lots of peeps liking Will 's shred. Reid, I didn't know you were so good @ 4-square. Eric - dude, your Sick 1 was amazing.

Lane
I'm happy you guys came. We were representing on some 4 square. i told everyone Zeke trained an army.

Guys from MN
I recognized S*, but I didn't know how far you guys came from. You guys seems so enthused and that's fucking awesome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was the first event I planned. Sometimes I was unmotivated (especially cuz of winter and no kicking), and I couldn't wait for NYJ to be over, so I could stop worrying. I know that the event is awesome, and kept on it. The results of this year were a determining factor on whether I'd work on this event again next year. That's why I'm so glad everyone loved the event. It's my favorite event, and I'm so happy we can pspread the love.

This year was pretty big, but i think most of the promotion was just groundwork for next year. Watch out NYJ 2006-2007!

[bob]

I've received the pictures from lisa!!!!

now all i have to do is host and put the stories behind them. however john's camera is still missing and i'm gonna be gone for a couple days, but expect a lengthy writeup for a lot of pictures.

bob

[Zeke]

Best 6 days of my life! <----- click

[mc]

I applaud Matt for taking initiative and making the most out of chilly philly not happening. The Rochester jam sure did blossom into a real nice event it seems (not just a backup).

My main point is: It would have been nice to have everyone together for one big ass New Year's Jam. I hope for this next year. If New York does another winter event, hopefully it will be later so we can go too.

I've been kinda holding my tongue on this post for a few days, but I just want to say a few things...

First off, my event didn't start as backup and blossom into anything. We had a full-fledged East Coast tournament from the get go, and, although it did end up being bigger than my expectations, it was never intended to be a sideshow, and I don't know why it would be regarded as such.

about the next part, specifically the blue part... Surely, you don't mean to imply that I prevented this from happening this year. Do you think that all the freestylers who came to my event would have been in Chicago if it hadn't been for our jam? There may have been a few people who had posted that they were interested in going to Chicago who then ended up coming to my event, but on the other hand, a lot of those people from the East Coast who had expressed interest in Chicago most likely wouldn't have been able to afford it, and subsequently bailed, just like some of them did for my tournament AND yours this year.

I'm glad I threw this tournament, and I'm glad there was one closer to the midwest for the players in that area. I honestly feel that there was enough space between them that there couldn't have been more than a SMALL handful of players that actually had to choose (and I'd be curious to know who that was). If I'm in the Western NY region next year at this time, I'm going to throw it again.

I'm glad the organizers of the Chicago jam have been diplomatic and cooperative with my event, but I've got to say, I don't like the sentiment behind the post I quoted, and I DEFINITELY don't like some of the bullshit that was posted in this thread and mine by some of the Chicago attendees.

Sorry to toss this down amidst the positivity... but, gimme a break. I put on an awesome event, I gave over 50 freestylers a place to stay and party and shred on the new year, and I did it practically by myself. I don't know how any of this rivalry bullshit got started, but it's pointless and baseless and it pisses me off.

[/bitch]