I met Tom in July. He is a really cool, eccentric guy. As I got to know him, I realized that politics played a large role in his life. At first I was a little leery, as he seemed very fanatical about it. He has a routine in the morning before work-coffee, Bartcop, coffee, Buzzflash, coffee, Ann-slanders, coffee, Michael Moore.....you get the picture. But as I listened to him and starting reading, it dawned on me that our country, our world, is in trouble, serious trouble, largely because of this one little, evil man and his agendas. I was one of the people who stuck their heads in the sand and hoped for the best. Some of the stuff I was reading literally made me sick! I tell you this because this was my introduction to Bartcop.
Tom had already planned on attending Bartfest,
so he asked me if I'd like to come along. I thought, "What the hell".
I've always wanted to go to Vegas but I was hesitant
about attending the party. What would I talk about, would I look
stupid and uneducated if I couldn't participate
in the conversations, do they have a secret handshake I don't know about
and I'll instantly be labeled as an outsider?
Nothing could have been farther from the truth. As soon as we walked into
the suite, I felt at ease. Everyone was smiling
and seemed genuinely interested in knowing who we were. I have never encountered
such a friendly, intelligent group of people before. I admit, I didn't
participate in many of the political conversations, but I listened and
absorbed. It is SO refreshing to encounter people who have opinions, who
share
a passion for their cause. Too many people complain
about the government but don't even VOTE, much less attend
rallys, gatherings, or contact their local officials.
I had a blast at the party. I was one of the "smokers",
so I spent a large part of my evening in the hall, then in the ladies bathroom.
I met Holly & Al from Minnesota. Al whipped out the "Bonnet De Douche"
(showercap) from the supply in the bathroom after talk turned to some of
us partaking in the wonderful jacuzzi tub with a great view. Another hour
and a few
more shots and the suds would have been rollin'
into the other room. Julio and his friend and provided lots of interesting
conversation and laughs. (Sorry, I can't remember everyones name either).
I met Steve the camera guy and his lovely "wife", Bana and Nick, Will,
Mrs. Bartcop, Baconslab, Tommy, Tom, Brew, John of Ann-Slanders, Alan from
Houston......these
are a few that stick out in my mind. I met so
many great people I wish I could remember all the wonderful moments I had.
After the festivities, we headed to the roulette wheel where I was lucky
enough to be the BIG Weiner, oh,um Winner!
Which was a thrill and there again, everyone
was so genuinely happy, it was like their number had come up too.
We were all winners, just by virtue of us being
able to meet each other and spend some time together.
Tom & I then headed to Alan from Houstons'
suite for a little after-party. Baconslab, The Brew, John of ann-slanders
and Will were all in attendance. Boy, what a
conversation! Will & I had to step out of the "ring" a few times. I
don't know about him, but my brain was just way overstimulated!! But it
was a joy to see these guys in action and Tom was in his
glory to be participating in such a discussion.
After a while, the boys went to Gold Coast to gamble and I hit the hay.
I was mentally & physically exhausted and
it felt damn good.
As far as Vegas goes, we drove there and I'll
never forget cresting the hill before town and seeing the glow of all the
lights,
then driving down the strip, just takin' it all
in. I've seen Vegas on TV plenty of times, but seeing it in person was
the BOMB! We went to see Penn & Teller, took a white knuckle ride in
an airplane over the Grand Canyon (can you say turbulance?), went to Fremont
St and did fairly well on the blackjack tables
I am so glad I attended Bartfest. It inspired
me to want to become more knowledgeable about our government and made
me realize that we can make a difference. I am
a Registered Nurse and I see the affects these policies have on my patients,
especially the elderly, every day. When a person has to decide weather
to eat or take their medication, that is just plain WRONG. They end up
hospitalized when they could have just taken their pills properly, how
is that saving money?
Of course, I could go on and on and on and on.........
I am really looking forward to the next Bartfest.
Thank you, Bart, for what you do.
Allyson from Ohio