A Twitter Story

L-R Me, Tammy and Emily

(And no, we didn't plan our outfits!)

If you know me, you know that I always sing the praises of Twitter. Here is a living, breathing experience of why I adore it so much.

I connected with this cool chick, Tammy (@floridagirlindc) on Twitter last spring. In fact, it was on the day of the Kentucky Derby. We were talking about drinking mint juleps and bourbon. She lives in Washington D.C. and quickly became one of my favorite "tweeps" on Twitter.

My lovely friend Emily (@ejhonsa) lives in Cleveland (which is where I am based). I have known her for years*. She was in her last year of law school and was going to be interning in D.C. at NCIS (I'm sure she's sick of Mark Harmon jokes by now).

I told her to make sure she connected with Tammy when she was there. So they connected on Twitter and then on Facebook.

I had no idea that they would become good buddies and I was so delighted to see the two of them together in pictures showing up on Facebook over the summer. Tammy introduced Emily to all kinds of cool people in D.C. and Emily quickly fit into her summer home's social scene.

I was thinking: "I made that happen!" And yes, I patted myself on the back a couple of times.

This past weekend, I got great news - Tammy had a reason to make her first trip to Cleveland - wow, that was so unexpected! - and of course we needed to get together.

So I knew Emily for years, Emily knew Tammy from her summer in D.C., and we all knew each other from Twitter.

I love when different threads of my life mesh like this. Few things are as personally satisfying.

*Four years counts as "years", right?

I'm finally doing it

Doing what?

Getting on the stupid social network bandwagon. I've had a MySpace page for some time, but didn't want to tell anybody about it until it looked better. There are some hideous MySpace pages out there and I didn't want mine to be one of them. It took a lot of fiddling around with backgrounds and HTML code (what, ME playing with HTML? You have got to be kidding!) to get it looking halfway decent. Never mind that it says almost nothing. I'm on Facebook now too. Didn't that used to be for high school kids? Since when is it a relevant business tool?

Ugh. Maybe I'm an old fuddy-duddy (as you can see by my age that I can't figure out how to program out of MySpace), but I still don't quite get it yet.

But I'm learning.

A good time last night

I just wanted to quickly share a pic from my fun little party last night at D'vine. Most of them were too dark (darn you D'vine and your romantic candlelight!)

Clockwise from left top, Lisa Schutt, me, Coach Joelle and Monika Moss.

(The big news of the night - Monika started a publishing company AND finished her first book. I am a jealous, jealous girl!!!)

I love having beautiful and successful friends!

Cheers to us!!!

Kristen is Bored...

And when I am bored, I am more dangerous than usual.

This weekend, despite being super-busy with business concepts that are already in motion and a ton of emails to return, I have decided to begin work on something new.

A couple of years ago, about 6 people and myself started work on the Cleveland Women's Leadership Link. That was about the time I was asked to develop a TV show (which never came to fruition, fortunately!). I had to leave the planning committee, there was a launch at the House of Blues Foundation Room, and then it sort of fell apart.

There has always been a need for something like this, and those who got on the mailing list right at the beginning were ecstatic because there was nothing like it.

Well, I think we were giving ourselves too much work to do, quite honesty. And now, I have asked Coach Joelle and Leslie Carruthers, both powerful women and great connectors, to join me in this new endeavor.

It will be informal, just like I prefer, and since all the events I throw seem to have greater attendance on weekdays, we'll just catch a happy hour and socialize and network and see where the synergies happen to be.

I'll check with the girls and see when we want to shoot for having the first event. I'm guessing mid-January, and then falling into a pattern for the following months.

I'll keep my blog updated, of course.

I'm having a party

Since I've sent out the invite to my whole community, I thought I might as well put it on my blog as well in case any of my local blog readers want to attend. Hey, the more the merrier!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

D’vine Wine Bar

836 W. St. Clair

Cleveland, OH

216-241-8463

www.dvinewinebar.com

(We’ll be on the side with the couches)

5:30-7:30pm

~RSVP~

kkaleal@aol.com

440-742-0385

As always, bring your friends or your significant other,

and we’ll mingle and network and have a lot of fun!

Fun on Friday

Went out last night with fellow image consultant Erica Torres-Dudziak. We started out at D'vine and then went to the Best of Cleveland party at the Map Room. I toasted Kel's birthday with a glass of sangria at D'vine and then a Washington Apple. The latter is my drink of choice in the fall. It just feels like fall to me. I didn't drink enough margaritas this summer, and now it's time for the fall drink already.

I haven't been partying like I should be. This is not good. (I have vowed to make up for it this summer. I have promised myself.)

Saw Kelly Wiggins, who works for Cleveland Magazine, who was throwing the happy hour Map Room event.

Dee didn't show. What's up with that?

Anyway, Erica ate, I drank. It was a good night :)

Image Consultants Invade Cleveland

It was my pleasure to host a 3-day retreat here in Cleveland this weekend as president of the Association of Image Consultants Ohio-Pennsylvania Chapter!

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime life and business transforming event.

We had people come to town from Cincinnati (Hey Lisa and Jill! So glad you were here!!), Columbus, and even Pittsburgh!

The weekend started with a trip on Lolly the Trolley. As I was getting my hair done earlier that day, my hair stylist Julia told me that Lolly the Trolley was "so retro." It is? Hilarious! I remember taking a trip on it in 6th grade. So I guess it IS retro!

We had the best time on the trolley and it gave the folks from out of town a quick perspective on our host city and gave those of us who were born here a lot of facts we didn't know. (Chef Boyardee is from Cleveland? As is John Heisman, for whom the Heisman Trophy is named.)

My dear friend LisaMarie Luccioni then led us in an etiquette dinner at the Metropolitan Cafe and Kelly and I went to the Velvet Dog afterward. I stayed out a little late, with the full knowledge that Saturday was going to be one long day.

Saturday was amazing. Our day started out with Coach Joelle who had us drawing and dancing and somehow we formed a conga line and were conga-ing around the conference room at the Downtown Marriott. (KK is one girl who hates looking like a dork, so this was an interesting experience!) We then heard from Leslie Carruthers, The Search Guru on search engine optimization. SEO is such a mystery to most of us image people. But I'm learning! (I'm trying to learn HTML with a book whose main character is a 3.5" floppy disk illustration with a face - HTML for kindergartners. I promise not to tell Mr. Floppy that he is obsolete.)

After presentations from Kelly Smith on hearing Martha Stewart speak about business in NYC and Debbie Carney on business organization, I did a program called "Getting to the Next Level Now: Platform Building for Impatient People!"

After our day of learning, we laughed, drank and dined at Ponte Vecchio on the Superior Viaduct and went to Sunset Lounge for salsa dancing! I think I almost broke my ankle twice in my 2" platforms, with Leslie leading and me following - badly.

Sunday, we had hairstylist Jen Gonzalez, who studied with Nick Arrojo, from TLC's What Not to Wear. That was quite eye-opening for me. I admit I know far too little about doing my own hair, let alone someone else's. And YAY! LisaMarie let her own hair down and graciously allowed Jen to play with it - transforming her into LML v.2.0 - hot and gorgeous!

Then we heard from my friend Samuel Hilliard, Jr. from Jos. A Bank Clothiers at Legacy Village, who discussed the importance of building partnerships with clients and vendors and explained the specifics of menswear.

All in all, it was a thoroughly fabulous weekend for all of us who attended and presented and we are looking forward to doing it again next year!

Save the Dates

Following on the heels (hehe, SHOES!) of Style & Cocktails are three events I would like to tell you about.

September 27 - Style in the City

Another informal cocktail party - yes, the drink of choice will be cosmopolitans.

Guys are welcome too, of course!

November 3 & 4 - “A Kick in the Closet”

Do you have clothes you want (or in my case, need) to get rid of? This will be a sort of clothing sale and swap. If the styles are current, new or almost-new, you are welcome to sell. If they just need to get out of your basement (like mine), we will create a “give-and-take” opportunity.

Whatever is left can be taken home or will go to charity.

December 11 – Candy Canes & Cocktails

Our holiday get together!

We are still working on all the details, including venues, but please put these dates in your calendar and I will keep you posted!

Connected in Cleveland

I knew I had a fabulous party last week downtown. Style & Cocktails was a great time. I invited my friends, associates, past and current clients, and the readers of my newsletter.

I have had comments rolling in since the day after the event. People want to know when we are going to do it again.

I have found that creating a strong sense of community is important for people - especially women. For those of us in the business community, there are a lot of networking opportunities, but not a lot of chances to build really strong social networks. Networking relies on symbiotic business relationships, whereas social networks needn't be as selective. We just gravitate toward certain people.

I have noticed that all of my friends and those I associate with most all have some key ingredient of their personality or spirit that is similar to mine - whether ambitious, generous, energetic, sympathetic, kind or funloving (those are the ones that spring to mind). I never noticed that I was doing this, but when I look at my social landscape, it is quite evident that this has been happening all along.

I know perhaps a handful of people in Cleveland who feel a strong need to connect people on a social level in the same way I do. To me, that is a little sad. If those precious few of us were not creating opportunities to come together, then no one would.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not patting myself on the back for this. It's an inherent part of my being that I have a strong need to bring people together. It hasn't always been there, but the need is especially strong now.

My next step is to take my career onto the national stage with my book, so business networking locally isn't really necessary these days. I don't have to plan parties, but I feel a certain satisfaction when I see four people who never met before sharing drinks and laughing and enjoying each other's company. Why there isn't more of this in Cleveland, I will never know.

At the party, in addition to the usual suspects (Kel,Wendy, Joelle) there were two other image consultant friends of mine and other beauty industry people, a nurse, lawyers, people in the publishing industry, techies, a radio traffic anchor (Hey, Sandy!), lots of entrepreneurs, etc. An ecclectic bunch, to be sure. And yes, my ego was happy that the common thread for everyone there was me, but to see them finding other common ground and making plans to communicate beyond our little get together was what truly delighted me.

My mom even came all the way from the east side, had two chocolate martinis (got a little tipsy) and a wonderful time that she is still talking about. I think she finally understood what it is that I do (besides my style seminars she has attended). Now she sees the wonderful people I am privileged to call my friends and the marvelous sense of community that is possible when someone takes the initiative to make things happen.

So many of us gripe that there is nothing good happening in Cleveland. Sometimes I'm one of them. Sometimes it's easier to believe the bad stuff. But it's a much more pleasant place when you know that there are good people living here with whom to connect. Grab a cocktail, and share a fun conversation.

I would like to put out the call to everyone in town (and everyone who reads my blog as well). Learn to be a catalyst that brings people together. Whether it's your co-workers, a group of old friends, or your friends who don't know each other who might enjoy each other's company. It's doesn't have to be large scale. It can just be a little gathering of a few.

Other people can add spice and interest to our lives. I realized that in the six short years that I have been back in Cleveland what a lovely and diverse group of friends I have acquired. And I love them all.

Our next "official" opportunity to get together will be ~

on September 27th.

Check back for details!

Fun in the City

I haven't been blogging this past week because I am deeply entrenched in another event I have the privilege of hosting here in Cleveland.

The Association of Image Consultants International OH/PA Chapter (I am the prez!) is having an education retreat here August 17-19. Very exciting for those of us attending and presenting. We've actually opened it up to local business people or anyone interested in image as a profession. This is our first stab at something so ambitious. We have invited the worldwide organization, booked some fabulous speakers (ok, most are my buddies, but fabulous nonetheless), and are just going to have an awesome time. Image consultants can PARTY! And we look really good in our party clothes!!

Here's the link.

I will admit I am the most excited about the stupid Lolly the Trolley sightseeing tour. I haven't a clue why. All this great stuff we have planned and I want to ride around on a trolley in the city I'm in every day.

So anyway, speaking of fabulous times, my party, Style & Cocktails, this past Monday was a big hit. Can't wait till the next one!

Here is a collage of pics from it! For the full event details and to put names with the smiling faces, check out ClevelandWomen.com!

Style & Cocktails

If any of the readers of my blog are in the Cleveland area and are interested, Kelly, Wendy and I are hosting a party this Monday, in conjuntion with ClevelandWomen.com ~

Monday, July 30, 2007
5:30-8pm
Ponte Vecchio Ristorante
2100 Superior Viaduct Suite 520
Cleveland, OH

Specials include $5 martinis and half-price wine and cocktails till 7pm

There will be prizes and giveaways including:

A Power Style Session with Kristen & Kelly

Makeup Session with Wendy

Two hours with Coach Joelle

Organization Materials
from New Order Organizers

Unintentional Insights

What an exciting weekend! As I mentioned, Saturday was my party at Sunset Lounge, which ended up moving to Nighttown in Cleveland Heights. I rolled in at 4am after breakfast. It was a fun night.

Then I had to leave home at 9:30am for my drive to Columbus. The weather was a little scary, but I arrived safely. A day and a half later, I still haven’t crashed like I believed I would. I think that’s a good sign.

The crash is probably coming though. And I have to be ready when it does.

I think the two main insights I got this weekend were:

1) Don’t drink a huge pink martini just because the bartender suggests it. I will get drunk regardless - even though I’m not trying to. And I won’t be able to let go of the wall for the salsa lesson with Coach Joelle.

2) From our speaker at my AICI meeting, corporate image consultant Linda Thomas. It wasn’t so much what she said and what she taught us, but what she made me realize about my own business.

I’ve realized I am working toward something that is greater than myself. I have my ideas about what that means, but I am not crystal clear about it yet. What I know for sure is that getting my message out to the world is paramount. I have something to say. A real void to fill. It’s all about being smart about we wear, taking the power away from those who try to devalue us, and using our appearance to get what we want out of life – whatever it may be.

I have many ideas but will keep them to myself for the time being. They need to continue to gestate.

Good to see all my friends this weekend! I promise we will do it again soon!!

In the meantime, beware of giant pink martinis!!!

Meet the Mayor

Again, I am writing my “society” column, as Wendy calls it, instead of anything truly related to style. I can’t help it, but at least I am blogging, right? That’s the main thing. It’s all about the blog.

I went to the Meet the Mayor Young Professionals event Friday night at the Botanical Gardens. Kelly and her friend Brittany were in tow – literally, they followed me there and back from Lake County. It was kind of a jungle to find parking and make our way in, but the first people we saw were William and Jason from Calyx. (will refrain from usual comment, William - I believe we are finally past that!!) Once we got in, we first saw Mayor Frank Jackson and then ran into the Great Lakes Geek himself (and I must mention Mr. ClevelandWomen.com of course), Dan Hanson wearing his “geek” shirt in all its glory. (note from Kristen the image consultant: geek shirts are NOT recommended for most, but Dan pulls it off especially well)

My friend Peter the creative director found us and we all hung out for awhile. Saw bodybuilders and proprietors of Octane Cafe Valerie and Patti as well as Patrick Manfroni executive director of (i)Cleveland for just a second. Hanna Fritzman was running around and socializing. As part of the Civic Innovation Lab (love the new logo by the way), she was one of the parties responsible for the event.

Got drinks – an apple martini for me to start –

And then we met more people, including Matt Ziaja of BusinessWire and Brandon Sweeney. Matt is a lot of fun – I love people like him who never stop talking (but are always entertaining). A hilarious butterfly comment was made that he was trying to live down all evening. I was wearing a skirt with butterflies on it. That’s all I’m going to reveal.

Saw the Tech Czar and his evil twin. Still not sure what that is all about. The Tech Czar was planning to bug the Hatchery Chicks (ooh! I hope everyone is calling them that!!). I definitely thought it was imperative for Kel to meet the Chicks since she is moving back to NYC in the fall to return to FIT. She can help them in their campus marketing there if they want her to.

Michelle White-Grady from my gang and her husband arrived after a fight to find a parking space and almost leaving. Glad I convinced them to look harder for a spot. Love Michelle and her energy. Hard to believe she is a techie. She doesn’t fit the mold.

Mayor Jackson was on stage answering questions for some time. I couldn’t hear a thing he was saying except at one point when Kel, Brittany, Michelle, and I were in the butterfly garden looking at bugs and we all heard him say….as clear as a bell…..

“Holiday Inn”

?????????????

Later, I was ordering more drinks when Sandy Scott from Channel 3 found me. Sandy has been my connection to getting on the air there….so I totally love her, of course!!

We were taking a breather just before leaving when insurance agent and fellow fashionista Rhonda Nash came over and introduced herself. She’s a cool lady and I’m sure we’ll hang out sometime again. But it was late and I was getting eager to make the next stop on the party tour.

Which was…..The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights. I used to hang out in that area when I was at JCU, but I don’t remember that place.

Got to experience something purple and scary. Was it Barney? Or worse??

It was a purple velvet smoking jacket.

We ended up at the Map Room on W. 9^th, more drinks, more fun, etc, etc. Got to hear about the Cleveland Rat Pack idea: Sophisticated alcoholics go out and drink around town. Brilliant.

Then it got to be entirely too late and I was totally crabby.

Finally rolled in at 3am.

Ingenuity Party (okay, clearly not the most exciting title on the planet)

I seem to be writing about my social life a little more than my fashion life lately. I’ve had some interesting stuff going on – I guess it's hard to separate the social life from business right now. They seem to be one in the same.

I was so busy on Thursday that I only ate a box of raisins – all day. Then I drank a bunch of margaritas at the Ingenuity party – clearly not a good idea.

I had a three hour meeting which turned from doing some branding work into acting as a business consultant in negotiations with a billion-dollar comapny. More on that later, but suffice to say that it is a BIG deal and there are many doors that can be opened through this opportunity. Yay me.

I had to rush off to the Ingenuity kickoff party at Fat Fish Blue. Sorry, it was an Ingenuity/Tech Czar party. Gotta give credit to the Czar - the guy can attract a crowd.

It was a terrific event. I was able to meet a lot of tremendous people.

I met Dan and Katrina Lallo. Dan’s older sister Melanie and brother-in-law Dave went to John Carroll with me. I knew that Dan and Katrina were recently married because of the pictures I receive regularly of Dave & Mel’s daughter Rowan (who shares my August 7th b-day - she's going to be 1 in a couple of weeks. And I will be.....?). I got to see several pictures from the wedding with the Rowan pics so I recognized "Aunt" Katrina. How funny.

Dan has a new job and is new to the world of networking so I was glad to be able to introduce him to people. Hey, that’s my job and I do it well :)

I met Peter Chakerian from Cool Cleveland. Finally I could put a face with the name. We’ve been trying to connect for my CC interview for months - literally. Finally, maybe – just maybe – we’ll do that interview this coming Tuesday. Let’s hope.

Saw the Czar, looking bureaucratic and GQ as always. At least someone in this town has good taste....besides me!! I saw George from Brewed Fresh Daily (hey, George! I’m blogging...look!!!), I finally met the man himself, Thomas Mulready, founder of Cool Cleveland and co-founder of Ingenuity. I’ve been seeing a lot of Jeff Friedman of Webtego lately. Last night he was without his wife Joelle. She is a life coach and one of the coolest and most centered people I have ever met. The life coach thing fascinates me, but that is an entirely other blog. I saw Brad Kleinman, who happens to be one of my Monday meetings this week. Brad is fascinated by robots. Apparently I missed the robots walking down Prospect. I got to see the robot video recap on Brad’s phone. Yes, Brad, fascinating……

Got to hang with my friend Michelle White-Grady as well as Patrick Manfroni.

(L-R) Brad Kleinman, me, Patrick Manfroni

All in all, it was a fun time and I’m really looking forward to the festival this weekend.

I had to be in Midtown the next morning for a Midtown Mornings meeting at Nead Brand Partners. Once again, I saw Jeff Friedman, this time with Joelle. I was specifically there to meet with Mark Nead about ways we can work together. They have a lot going on and I do as well, so it will be beneficial to bring some of the things we’re doing together. I’m very excited to see what happens.

For Henry, George & the Czar

I went to a Tech Czar event last night at the Happy Dog on W. 58th & Detroit. The party definitely follows Mr. DeAloia. It’s amazing - I can only hope to have that kind of a following one day. Personally, I think it’s gotta be the cool title. I need a cool title. “Style Maven” works but isn’t too original. I think my title needs to involve the word “princess” and I need a matching tiara for every outfit – to go with my super cute shoes, of course!

I invited some members of the Cleveland Fashionista Society (the CFS – I just made that up) to the event. Kelly (http://kellystyle.blogspot.com) and I met up with Wendy (http://makeupjunki.blogspot.com) and later we were joined by Mary Stewart McGovern and her husband Pat. It doesn’t surprise me that Pat is just as quiet as Mary is chatty and bubbly. Your hair looks great, by the way, MSM. I'm diggin' the bangs.

Kel and I got there early, which I definitely wasn’t planning. I hate getting to parties early. I usually choose to be fashionably late. We made incredible time coming in from the far east side. We were the second ones there. The first to arrive was Henry Gomez from the Plain Dealer. I could say something mean (yet hilarious) that Henry is a nerd for being there first, but I do enough psychological damage to the poor guy about his clothes (it’s all in fun, buddy, I love the sad puppy dog face:( Henry was then joined by Brandon Glenn from Crain’s (hey, Brandon, get me in Crain’s!) and they were then joined at the bar by Kel & me.

Wendy, Kel, and I were supposed to be interviewed by Peter from Cool Cleveland, but his mom is in the hospital in pretty serious condition, so we still haven’t been able to connect for our interview. It was probably better that way as we wouldn’t have been able to hear over the music.

I was asked a few times about updating my blog, so here it is Henry, George and whoever else asked me about it. I didn’t realize that anyone was reading this stuff. I feel honored that they are, but it’s really a frivolous blog. My hair, my clothes, my clients, my quest for awesome shoes, etc. Not really what guys are into. Or maybe they are and just don’t want to admit it.

Back on the tiara subject, Mary said she saw one in NYC for me – it says “It’s all about me” in pink rhinestones. That’s a catty in-joke about the Style Maven. MSM and I take out the claws and let the fur fly sometimes and it’s always hilarious. We can be a couple of mean chicks when we want to be. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of our cattiness!!!

Let’s see….who else was there last night? William was there minus the Members Only (oh, sorry, GAP) jacket and I saw George from Brewed Fresh Daily (here’s my updated blog!! Get off my back dude!! :) I met Richard from Pantek, who was One 2 Watch in Inside Business a year or so ago. So it was like a little One 2 Watch reunion last night since the Czar was also one a couple of years ago. We’re in an exclusive club, I suppose. (Actually, I’m perturbed by all the guy attention that article has received. Hey, I’m a serious business person, not eye candy – hence the Smart Blonde shirt last night). Special thanks to Richard for thinking Kelly is older than me. You made BOTH of our nights!!! Hee hee. Let’s just say that Kel is WAAAY my junior.

I had a really fun time (although I must admit it may have been partially due to the margaritas) and I’m glad that my friends enjoyed themselves as well. Kel didn’t know what to expect but she had a blast. It was a great group and a great time and now I have a reason to update my blog!!!

KK~

p.s. Best wishes on the real estate beat, Mr. Gomez, and I’m looking forward to your rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings….in your sombrero, of course!

Confidential to Mr. D: Who's your daddy?

l

Hatchery Chicks

I went to the eTech Hatchery official opening Thursday night downtown on Star Plaza. Despite the rain, an excellent time was had by all. The “Hatch” is a relatively small one-room building with glass walls right on the plaza. It was devised by Tech Czar Michael DeAloia as a place for small eTech companies to have a place to start and grow. The inhabitants change every six months. The first are the Portfolio Magazine Online (portfoliomagazineonline.com) girls Andria Trivisonno and Julie Fink. PMO is a great concept where college students can put their portfolios online for prospective employers to view. Since I’m involved with the college market quite a bit, I think we can do some cross-promoting eventually, especially with the Midwest Association of Colleges & Employers (MWACE) conference coming to town in a couple of months.

I call Andria and Julie the “Hatchery Chicks”, which I think is quite funny. My friend Alex had to remind me that I say a lot of things that could be perceived as offensive to females, but can get away with them because I’m a girl.

The Alex I’m talking about is Alex Michaels is from Prelude2Cinema. In addition to him, I saw Mr. ClevelandWomen.com (I bet he hates me calling him that), Dan Hanson. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I was seeing Dan for the second time in the span of a week. I saw Josh Thomas, events coordinator from (i)Cleveland and of course the Hatchery Chicks and Tech Czar. I met a bunch of new people including George Nemeth from Brewed Fresh Daily (Hi George! You’re probably reading this) I was super impressed that he knew who I was because of my blog. He’s the king of the Cleveland blogosphere.

Thanks to Peter from Cool Cleveland for sharing it with him.

I met Matt Ziaja from BusinessWire, Melissa Zujkowski a litigator for Ulmer Berne (velcro rollers are my secret weapon!), David Stack, Henry Gomez from The Plain Dealer, and a bunch of people whose names I can’t remember including the guy with the hideous Members Only (oops-I meant Gap) jacket.

Thanks to Michael for inviting me along with the Tech Czar Posse to the Union Club afterward. I had a great time hanging out with you guys.