Crazy 8's: London, April 30th 2014

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 20:09 Mon 07 Apr 2014

I'm looking for volunteers to join me for Port in mid to late April, and particularly on May 2nd or 3rd. Any takers?

Updated:
Theme: Crazy 8's -- Vintage Ports with an "8" in their vintage year.

Date & Location:
Wednesday 30^th April 2014, Table 6 in The Bung Hole at 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, +44 20 7831 8365 (streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk, bing.com)

Attendees and Ports:
1. SushiNorth (Guimaraens 1978)
2. JDAW1 (Graham 1980)
3. Tentative: WS1

Post by **jdaw1** » 20:14 Mon 07 Apr 2014

I expect to be available on either Friday 2^nd May or Saturday 3^rd May. But most of us have better availability Monday to Thursday.

FYI, our usual venue is The Bung Hole, recently given the bland corporate moniker “Davy’s Bar and Grill, Holborn”, which is at 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, +44 20 7831 8365 (streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk, bing.com).

Edit: current draft of the placemats.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 20:24 Mon 07 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:I expect to be available on either Friday 2^nd May or Saturday 3^rd May. But most of us have better availability Monday to Thursday.

FYI, our usual venue is The Bung Hole, recently given the bland corporate moniker “Davy’s Bar and Grill, Holborn”, which is at 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, +44 20 7831 8365 (streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk, bing.com).

Mon-Thurs is fine as well, and we can certainly find an ideal day there at the end of April. First -- volunteers?

Post by **flash_uk** » 20:26 Mon 07 Apr 2014

Hand raised in the air. Me. Tues 29 and Weds 30 looking OK.

Cedars28 · Post by **Cedars28** » 20:55 Mon 07 Apr 2014

Count me in. Prefer 30th if possible.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:38 Mon 07 Apr 2014

Cedars28 wrote:Count me in. Prefer 30th if possible.

Hello Cedars28. Please do introduce yourself, so that we might know who is joining us for port. Ideally by starting a thread in the Introductions section. Thank you.

djewesbury · Post by **djewesbury** » 21:39 Mon 07 Apr 2014

Cedars28 wrote:Count me in. Prefer 30th if possible.

Hello! Welcome to TPF. Do say hello in the Introductions thread. Look forward to meeting you.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, you look familiar...

Post by **DRT** » 23:23 Mon 07 Apr 2014

Weekends are difficult so I much prefer mid-week.

I'm in.

What is the theme?

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 13:33 Tue 08 Apr 2014

DRT wrote:Weekends are difficult so I much prefer mid-week.
I'm in.
What is the theme?

Unless someone has a better plan, Crazy 8's. Any bottle, provide there is an 8 in it's vintage.

I'll be bringing Churchill 85 and Fonseca Guimaraens 78. let me know if we change the plan, as I'm only carrying 2 bottles from NY.

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:55 Tue 08 Apr 2014

SushiNorth wrote:Crazy 8's. Any bottle, provide there is an 8 in it's vintage.

Ridiculous theme — splendid idea.

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 11:56 Wed 09 Apr 2014

I'm up for this-week nights are better for me.

Post by **DRT** » 21:47 Wed 09 Apr 2014

idj123 wrote:I'm up for this-week nights are better for me.

Ditto. In fact, at this time, Monday to Thursday evenings are the only possibilities. Just as a heads-up, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday might be difficult due to unreasonable demands on my presence at things for which I am paid.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 09:56 Fri 11 Apr 2014

DRT wrote:
idj123 wrote:I'm up for this-week nights are better for me.
Ditto. In fact, at this time, Monday to Thursday evenings are the only possibilities. Just as a heads-up, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday might be difficult due to unreasonable demands on my presence at things for which I am paid.

DRT, JDAW, I'm a bit confused... which nights would you each like to aim for?
Mon 28th
Tues 29th
Wed 30th
Thurs 1st
Fri 2nd

Post by **DRT** » 10:10 Fri 11 Apr 2014

I have demands on my time that mean I might not be able join you, even if at the moment it looks possible. Please pick a date. If I can join you I will.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:14 Fri 11 Apr 2014

I expect to be available. I expect more others to be available Monday to Thursday.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:53 Fri 11 Apr 2014

30th April is probably my best chance of making it into London that week.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 20:48 Fri 11 Apr 2014

AHB wrote:30th April is probably my best chance of making it into London that week.

Well then, as this is the first preferred date, let's aim for Wednesday April 30.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:07 Fri 11 Apr 2014

I have booked, for Wednesday 30^th April 2014, Table 6 in The Bung Hole at 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, +44 20 7831 8365 (streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk, bing.com).

‘Luke’ said that the Function Room is busy, but we can hope that Helen will rescue us.

Post by **DRT** » 21:23 Fri 11 Apr 2014

I am currently available.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 23:42 Fri 11 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:I have booked, for Wednesday 30^th April 2014, Table 6 in The Bung Hole at 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, +44 20 7831 8365 (streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk, bing.com).

‘Luke’ said that the Function Room is busy, but we can hope that Helen will rescue us.

What time are we scheduled for?

Post by **jdaw1** » 06:24 Sat 12 Apr 2014

SushiNorth wrote:What time are we scheduled for?

Usual start time is 18:30.

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 06:36 Sat 12 Apr 2014

Weds 30 April is good for me.

Post by **flash_uk** » 07:02 Sat 12 Apr 2014

And me - did you want advanced announcement of what people are planning to bring, or blind?

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 07:17 Sat 12 Apr 2014

Hi,

I am interested; like the theme. If it is 30th and work comittments allow I am in.

regards

WS1

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 07:24 Sat 12 Apr 2014

Hi,

just to get this right; assuming a possible vintage range of the last 200 years theme allowed vintages are

1814-1899 and then 08, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 80-89, 98 and 08.

Correct?

regards

WS1

Post by **jdaw1** » 08:33 Sat 12 Apr 2014

flash_uk wrote:And me - did you want advanced announcement of what people are planning to bring, or blind?

Our host has announced (FG78 and Ch85), so I will as well: G80 (as I don’t have many 8s to hand).

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 09:08 Sat 12 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:
flash_uk wrote:And me - did you want advanced announcement of what people are planning to bring, or blind?
Our host has announced (FG78 and Ch85), so I will as well: G80 (as I don’t have many 8s to hand).

not sure yet; have a Dow 78 floating round but will also think of replacement bt since cork prone

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 09:20 Sat 12 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:
flash_uk wrote:And me - did you want advanced announcement of what people are planning to bring, or blind?
Our host has announced (FG78 and Ch85), so I will as well: G80 (as I don’t have many 8s to hand).

Don't forget that you have a good number of "8s" in my wine fridge!

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 10:32 Sat 12 Apr 2014

flash_uk wrote:And me - did you want advanced announcement of what people are planning to bring, or blind?

Unfortunately I've already given away what I'm bringing -- we could do it blind from here on, but given the scatter-shot ports that will arrive I'm not sure it is meaningful to ask people to guess the house and year with no direction.

Edit: Nevermind this:
---
Perhaps we could keep the vintage secret. "I am bringing a Graham's with an 8 in it's year." Now the game is to guess the year

---
I typed too slow and all was revealed

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 10:35 Sat 12 Apr 2014

WS1 wrote: just to get this right; assuming a possible vintage range of the last 200 years theme allowed vintages are
1814-1899 and then 08, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 80-89, 98 and 08.

That's the idea

Post by **jdaw1** » 10:45 Sat 12 Apr 2014

Josh’s most recent post covers yes and no and most possibilities in between. So I have no idea what is going on.

“What’s new?”, you might well ask.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 13:08 Sat 12 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:Josh’s most recent post covers yes and no and most possibilities in between. So I have no idea what is going on.

“What’s new?”, you might well ask.

If you mean regarding "blind" -- we are not doing it blind. By the time I finished posting "Hmm, interesting idea, how about like this" there were two more reveals. So at that point, it didn't make any sense.

Post by **flash_uk** » 13:18 Sat 12 Apr 2014

In that case, I'll bring a Gould Campbell. 80 or 85, not sure which yet.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 18:52 Sat 12 Apr 2014

I will be travelling down to London from Crewe so my timing will be at the whim of British Rail. If I get the chance to drop a bottle off at TBH prior to 30th April I will do so - but I have no idea yet what it will be.

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:12 Tue 15 Apr 2014

In the [url=http://www.theportforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=74027#p74027]second post of this thread[/url] jdaw1 wrote:Edit: current draft of the placemats.

My computer has only one font containing the string ‘Crazy’, so it had to be used.

Post by **DRT** » 19:10 Fri 18 Apr 2014

Sorry, chaps, I will be unable to join you.

Have fun.

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 08:17 Sat 26 Apr 2014

As we've determined to go 'open' on this I'm going to chance bringing a QdN58-but given I have some reservations about the bottle, I may bring a G85 as back-up in addition.

Post by **jdaw1** » 10:30 Sat 26 Apr 2014

idj123 wrote:As we've determined to go 'open' on this I'm going to chance bringing a QdN58-but given I have some reservations about the bottle, I may bring a G85 as back-up in addition.

Very kind, thank you sir. And added to the placemats.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 12:56 Sat 26 Apr 2014

still on schedule to make it but due to work comittments I may need to drop out on very short notice.

regards

WS1

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 23:04 Sat 26 Apr 2014

Unfortunately, given my work commitments in Crewe combined with a tube strike I have decided it would not be sensible for me to struggle into and out of London on the 30th so as to travel by train. Apologies, but since I will be driving to Crewe I will not be able to come to an offline - consuming large quantities of port and driving is not recommended!

Post by **flash_uk** » 07:10 Sun 27 Apr 2014

Sadly I too need to withdraw. My word now requires me to be somewhere far away on Thursday morning so Weds travel required. Have fun with the 8s.

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:00 Mon 28 Apr 2014

Who is to print the placemats? I could, but might (and might not) be late.

On Tuesday I will phone The Bung Hole to give the option of us being in a smaller space, and to request a mere 36 glasses.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 09:35 Tue 29 Apr 2014

I've updated the list, but our numbers are now greatly diminished. Is there a "London Tasters" list that I can Private-Message to alert them we are still drinking tomorrow night?

Post by **jdaw1** » 10:41 Tue 29 Apr 2014

SushiNorth wrote:I've updated the list, but our numbers are now greatly diminished. Is there a "London Tasters" list that I can Private-Message to alert them we are still drinking tomorrow night?

No. Brits generally pay attention to their drinking arrangements — no PMs needed.

jdaw1 wrote:On Tuesday I will phone The Bung Hole to give the option of us being in a smaller space, and to request a mere 36 glasses.

Indeed, TBH might need the Function Room for a larger group, unless their plans are confounded by the tube strike. So we are probably on table 6.

jdaw1 wrote:Who is to print the placemats? I could, but might (and might not) be late.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 11:27 Tue 29 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:Who is to print the placemats? I could, but might (and might not) be late.

[/quote]

To be or not to be...

correction

To print or nortt to print this is here the question...

can print if required, but please let me know instructions for the printer; I remeber there was a setting not to miss....

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 11:43 Tue 29 Apr 2014

WS1 wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:Who is to print the placemats? I could, but might (and might not) be late.

To be or not to be...
correction
To print or nortt to print this is here the question...
can print if required, but please let me know instructions for the printer; I remeber there was a setting not to miss....

Why don't I print? JDAW, the placemat PDF is up-to-date? Good to print?

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 12:26 Tue 29 Apr 2014

Gentlemen, I'm struggling to join you tomorrow night on account of this confounded Tube strike.I need to get from Paddington to TBH and then on to Waterloo at the conclusion, but the service currently does not seem conducive to this. What is frusrating is that had this tasting been on Thursday I'd have been up in Town in any case and the Tube strike would have finished!

I don't wish to let down an already diminishing field and so I will convey a final decision this evening.

Ian

Post by **jdaw1** » 12:33 Tue 29 Apr 2014

The tube strike is proving to be a big problem. JES: can it be Thursday?

SushiNorth wrote:can print if required, but please let me know instructions for the printer; I remeber there was a setting not to miss....

The usual error is described in the first bullet.

The manual wrote:
The print dialogue box probably controls scaling: set to “No automatic page scaling”, or scaling of 100%, or equivalent. (Automatic page scaling can be very wrong, scaling to invisible and irrelevant artefacts in the PDF.)

On some Konica Minolta printers, and perhaps others, checking “Choose paper size by PDF page size” means the output is very small, a mirror image, and on paper of the wrong size. This is not good. On other printers this setting can be useful—experiment as necessary.

…

Print single-sided—obviously duplex wouldn’t work.

Use toner not ink, as a single drop of wine or water causes ink to smudge.

SushiNorth · Post by **SushiNorth** » 13:01 Tue 29 Apr 2014

jdaw1 wrote:The tube strike is proving to be a big problem. JES: can it be Thursday?

Could it be Friday or Saturday?

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:15 Tue 29 Apr 2014

I can’t do Friday, alas.

But decision time is imminent. If a change is being considered, PM everybody who has replied to this thread asking what you need to ask. For some decant o’clock is 6am Wednesday.