I know Interior Design is on his way to Germany, and we are all as far apart as we have ever been, but does anyone have a say on where we vacation? I don't want this next trip to end up like Philly for myself personally, as the earlier we book tickets the more solidly committed / planned this trip will be. And if I learned anything from last Saturday night, it would be that snoozing leads to losing. Not to name names, but it would be nice to know what Philanthropy, Maritime Affairs, and a few others that haven't commented directly, feel about the trip.

(This picture is what came up when I typed "Prodigal Son" into a google image search)


I learned something this weekend.  I discovered that all it takes to get out of a bad mood is a spontaneous trip to Santa Monica, drinking games, karaoke, and some late night photography of Competition playing every sport conceivable... that last one will make more sense after an upcoming post (hopefully). 

Now I'm thinking clearly and would still be honored to maintain the responsibility of setting up our next big excursion. 

So, R&S has purchased a ticket to go to NYC for Memorial Day weekend with the hopes that the rest of us will follow suit.  After speaking with several other Ministers, it has become apparent that many of us would not have enough time to save enough money to make the trip happen at that particular time.  Also, M+T will be in NYC visiting his brother two weeks prior to Memorial Day weekend, and it's unreasonable to expect him to make two trips to NYC in a matter of weeks.  So, I hate to break it to our European contingent, but Memorial Day weekend is an impossibility.

Which brings us back to square one.  Here we are, set to go somewhere on Labor Day weekend...  Big Apple or Windy City.  After speaking to R&S and Rousing, they explained to me that traveling to Chicago would be impossible for them.  I encourage them to comment on their reasons why this is the case, as I would probably not be able to accurately represent them here.

So, let's re-open the discussion so we can figure out our destination, and then I'll start crunching the numbers to see how much we will probably be spending on everything: hotel, entertainment, food, etc...

...the ball is rolling.

Sorry bout it.  The last thing I wanted to do was coagulate the syrup.  I made a move with the right intentions in mind, (opportunity to hang out with my friends) but with the complete opposite outcome.  I guess that's what happens when you drown yourself in schnitzel, fresh beir, and frau line limbs.  I am sorry guys did not mean to create commotion.  Baggs:  " I LOVE YOU  BROTHER, and I hope it's not " to late to apologize " ( New popular Germany song jam) for the under-mind-zation jam.  As for me, I am headed out to NY, and will meet up with Er Dog (for those of you that are acquainted) and if I see you out there I will buy you a beer.  Ciao Brothers!

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Passengers

Name	Mr. John Converse
Email	johnwconverse@gmail.com
Passenger 1	Mr. John Converse

Frankfurt (FRA) to New York (NYC) : Departing Thu 22 May

Date	Departure	Arrival	Flight	Duration	Cabin
Thu 22 May	10:35Frankfurt	12:45 New York, John F Kennedy	LH400	8h10	Economy Basic Plus (V)
Mon 26 May	15:55New York, John F Kennedy	05:30 +1 Frankfurt	LH401	7h35	Economy Basic Plus (V)

I know some of you had your hearts set on Chicago....but honestly, I would not have been able to pull it off.  And in the future, it will be done proper.  As for now, we have a date with destiny in the Greatest City on Earth.  Who's coming with me?

Following our last meeting, where the MOM handed out questionnaires for each minister to fill out, and Athletics photographed each in attendance, the road to compiling these assets has been long and full of laziness.  But today, it is not yet midnight as I write this, the About I.F.S. page has now yielded this effort in the form of Minister Biographies.  There were photos for many, or pre-existing photos, but only a few completed questionnaires, six to be exact.  I was forced to fill in the blanks...  If you feel like your information is incorrect, or a poor representation of the unique you, then email me and I will replace it.  Good night and good flapjack.

-M+T

Last meeting was cut short, the cabs are coming, the cabs are coming, and we were unable to deal with some important matters.  While we need to get new shirts for new ministers, calling you about this soon Wardrobe, most importantly, we have a glorious new minister without a name.  What better way to figure this out then with a poll, they are so hot right now.  Here's how it will work: this poll is active until midnight of next Friday.  I've inputted four options, these can be changed, so either vote or comment with your own idea for a title, and hopefully by the end of next Friday we will have Persons' new minister position.

Yes, everyone, Big Bear is REAL and less than a month away.  I've discussed these plans with many of you, but for those of you who are not caught up, here's what we've planned:

1) Three nights stay at the Lakeview Mansion in the heart of Big Bear - 1 mile from the slopes and a couple hundred yards off the main road through town.  We have the nights of the 29th, 30th, and 31st booked, with a morning/afternoon departure on the 1st of 2008.  This is the mansion:

2) The Mansion is strong.  It sleeps 16, but has room to sleep many more - the representative said upwards of 26 comfortably.  It is three stories high, with wrap around balconies overlooking the lake and the surrounding nature jam:

The interior features a jacuzzi, a pool table, a Pac Man arcade, an Asteroids arcade, a pinball machine, a big screen, a bar, a couple of fire places, a massive kitchen and a golden eagle:

3) Great location.  We'll be a quick drive or tram ride to the mountain, so picture drunken skiing or, if you want to get SICK, drunken snowboarding (540 McTwist Bra!!  Scratchin'!!!).   Also, we'll be walking distance from town, so a night or two at the local bars will be easy to swing.  There's also plenty of restaurants in town, a couple of which I know are strong from experience (one is a badass haunted prime rib joint).

4) The money.  It is $100 total for the three night stay.  All expenses beyond that are up to you - but figure transportation, food, booze, and rentals, if you are skiing, or snowboarding (Jason!  Sick!!!). 

5) Who's going?  Here's who:

Also, we have 11 more of Team IFS scheduled to go - with a few maybes.  So, this should be very strong - and I'm sure they serve flapjacks somewhere in Big Bear.

With all of that said, the money is due Monday.  So far, MOM, Competition, Interior Design, M+T, Letters, and myself have paid (I'll also be covering Revelry & Spirits).  Also, there are about five of you who have said that you were in, but have not yet paid the $100.  We need to work this out ASAP, otherwise, Amanda will be covering for you, which would be the opposite of strong.  If you haven't yet paid, call me, and we'll figure something out.  If you'd like to mail a check to Amanda, here's the address:

Amanda Farrell
3424 Lambeth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

For everyone else who hasn't yet joined in on these plans, call me and let me know if you're interested.  This will make for a very strong New Year's Eve celebration...Spray Jam in the snow.

- Rousing
(805) 453 - 1103   

In Santa Barbara, the last weekend in November (Nov. 30-Dec.2) culminates with grand showing of events and I propose we add the anniversary meeting to the list.

First, Friday night, November 30th, Velvet Jones brings us

                                                      

Second, Saturday night, December 1st, our own Bernie Baggarly has helped to bring another favorite to Velvet Jones

                                       

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, the following Wednesday, December 4th, is yours truly's 25th Birthday, and I would love to celebrate it the previous weekend with you all and a little friend of ours, THE HEAT, downtown.

                                                      

As usual, we should try and have the meeting on Saturday morning so travelers don't have to worry about getting crunk and driving.

                                                       

Please comment on your availability. Hopefully this weekend would give people a little advanced notice so we can have a strong showing for the anniversary meeting.

-Athletics

In just two days, we will be uniting to form the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL.  For those of you who missed the first post, we will be uniting to form the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL at Amanda's house in Los Feliz this Saturday night.  Here's her address:

3424 Lambeth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Here's a "Breakdown" of who's coming and which Kurt Russell they will be portraying:

- Minister of Media and Technology will be Jack Burton from "Big Trouble in Little China." 
- Minister of MOM will be Snake Plissken from "Escape from L.A."
- Minister of Competition will be solar explorer, Col. Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neil from "Stargate."
- Minister of Rousing will be Dean Proffitt from "Overboard."
- Minister of Interior Design will be Coach Herb Brooks from "Miracle."
- Minister of Letters will be Michael Zane from "3,000 Miles to Graceland."
- Minister of Defense will be McCabe from "Vanilla Sky."
- Future Minister and IFS blood relative Ryan Maughan will be Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey from "Backdraft."
- Longtime Friend of IFS and forever welcome Guest Member Ben Persons will be Captain Ron from "Captain Ron."

That's nine Kurt Russells by my count, just shy of double digit Kurt Russells.  Now, I know that Health/Trade will be attending the party - so if he dresses up as a Kurt Russell, then we'll have ten Kurt Russells total.  Also, Philanthropy is attempting to shift his work schedule around so he can make it as well.  International Affairs, Maritime, Athletics and Shwayne, we haven't heard anything from you four so please comment on this post with your status.  Younger/Taller/Athleticer and Letters will be coming down from SB, and Media will be coming up from the OC, so finding a ride should not be a problem.  Also, here's some last minute costume suggestions that should be easy to throw together:

- As Jeff Taylor in "Breakdown," Kurt wears a Ralph Lauren polo tucked in to khakis, and cool sunglasses:

- Kurt wears a tux in "Executive Decision" and a black suit in Poseidon (granted, you'd have to jump in a shower for this one).
- Wyatt Earp - we still  need one.  Calls for a taller man with a strong mustache and a cowboy outfit, so I'm thinking Esteban.  Whoever takes this role, the all black getup would be the right way to do it.
- "Dark Blue" would be easy.  Black collared shirt, leather jacket, light blue jeans and black sneakers:

Anyways, just some ideas.  Like Competition commented earlier, this seems destined as Kurt Russell made a strong appearance on South Park last night.  I hope everyone can make it.  The more Russells the better. 

- Rousing

Ministers, it's time.  It's time to transform an exciting idea into a harrowing reality.  On October 27th, we will unite to become the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL.  Most of you know about this concept, and hopefully you are excited to be a part of it.  For those of you who are out of the Russell-loop (Shwayne), here's a few reasons why we will soon be uniting to become the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL:

1) Kurt is HANDSOME

2) Kurt is STRONG:

3) Kurt is NICE:

So, now that you know the WHO (KURT RUSSELL) and the WHY (ABOVE), here's the WHEN, the WHAT/WHERE and the HOW:

WHEN: October 27, 2007.  The Saturday evening before Halloween.
WHAT/WHERE: Halloween Party at Amanda's home in Los Feliz.  Call me for directions.
HOW:
1) Choose one of Kurt Russell's roles (some costume suggestions included as well): Stargate (buzz cut, army fatigues), Tombstone (strong mustache), Backdraft, Escape from New York (eye patch), Escape from LA (eye patch, surf board), Soldier, Captain Ron (hawaiin shirt, speedo), Breakdown, Poseidon (tuxedo, step in the shower), Big Trouble in Little China, 3,000 Miles to Graceland (Elvis costume and machine gun), Miracle, Death Proof, and many more - full listing and pictures here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000621/. 
2) This has to be an organized process, otherwise, we'd have 8 Captain Rons showing up to the party.  So, when you have selected your Kurt Russell role, please comment on this post with your name and your desired role.  This will be a first come, first serve basis; if someone has picked Captain Ron, then you CANNOT be Captain Ron.  Maybe you can be Stargate or Vanilla Sky instead.
3) Create your costume and wear it to the party.   All costumes will require strong hair (some of you have this, some of us will need wigs - modified mullet wigs should work).
4) Take pictures with the other Kurt Russells at the party.  These pictures will be very strong.

The more Kurt Russells, the better, so I hope that all of you can make it.  Please comment with your picks, and with any questions that you may have.  Hope to see you all there.

- Rousing