KoyaanisCABsi

Logan could turn out to be a Tuba player. Was he born on the 17th? Yesterday was Doty's Birthday! (If you want to know how old he is, let me know if you want that in real time or Muchacho years!) Congrats Jen & Russ!

Don't think for a minute I don't have a plan for when the $5,200 runs out. But let's give the boy a chance, and me a few months of peace, before I make my list.

I promise. See you next week! And don't forget...my new outfit fell into the 2007 non-budget!

I did this last year and it was over 10k. In fact, given the fact that there is a gas guzzling land yacht involved (still cheaper than hotels), and a beer guzzling participant, it averaged out to about 1K per month. As I am the one who meets with the financial advisor, I took a lot of heat for this and I don't even participate anymore. Factor in the hard feelings generated because there was no money left for me to pursue something equally fun to do on weekends, and it's not hard to imagine our negotiations this year. We're moving on to Part B of the experiment. On January 1, 2008, our marching member will have his ATM and credit cards taken away. I'll deposit $5,200 in a separate account - that is $100 per week for the year. This is fair considering there are a number of weeks throughout the year where there isn't any travel (or excess beer). And this year the marching member will have to figure it out. No arguing, no lecturing, no BS. It's a win-win arrangment if you put it into perspective. It goes without saying that he won't quit. A divorce would cost both of us a second income (our salaries are the same). A tempting compromise, but in reality, then neither of us could afford a pricey hobby (or retirement). Win-lose would be to keep going the way we have in the past. Any married person can tell you the joys of living that way. But get this...no matter how tough this first year of Plan B will be for Mr. Money Grows on Trees, with the help of our financial advisor, I can turn every 5K saved into 10K in about 5 years. As we are considerably closer to retirement age than most drum corps folks, this is huge. Win-win. Now where are my travel brochures...

Bill and I are shocked and saddened by this news. Konga exemplified the spirit of family in DCA. He always had a smile and a kind (or funny) word for everyone, both as an individual, and as a competitor. He had room in his heart for all of us, no matter how big the activity grew. It's easy to be upbeat in good times, but most impressive about Konga was the dignity and grace with which he weathered the bad. He was truly a key factor in the many times Sky was voted "Most Entertaining." This just doesn't feel right. Our thoughts go out to his family and the entire DCA extended family.

As it is my job to "ice down" that probable vet tuba player in preparation for Sunday (is this the year he will finally be the oldest dude marching?), I want to remind you, Andrew, that Doty lives in South Jersey and often works in the Dover area. Catch the ride North with him...you couldn't get a better Caballero Orientation. I know - been through it - got the medal and ring (championship, not wedding) to prove it!

Ditto. I can watch anyone's show once per season and appreciate it, but as a fan, that's not what keeps me coming back week after week - it's witnessing that amazing transformation from June to Labor Day Weekend. This year was exceptional, but I can't remember any year championships ceased to amaze me.

Hmmm. I don't know...seems to me if someone is in a position to see Minnesota, or CorpsVets, or Renegades, SoCal, Carolina...the list goes on, they're getting the same entertainment value as seeing the Northeastern corps. I really don't think "bringing someone in" changes anything in that respect. If I were a non drum corps person, I think I'd be every bit as attracted to the activity by seeing any of these corps. If I went to a show in East Podunk, and I happened to see the Cabs, and I happened to be so blown away by them it changed my life, I'd still only want to join or support the Cabs...not the Podunk Prancers. Anymore, there isn't a huge spread among the corps once Rochester rolls around. Marketing-wise, entertainment-wise, I don't think anyone who isn't already married to the activity even pays any attention to points, much less tenths of a point. They cheer for who they like. Eventually I think we can all look forward to a time when DCA weekend will rotate among the different DCA regional locations. Personally, I think that would be a blast. But for now, I guess someone would have to prove to Big Daddy DCA that they wouldn't lose an enormous well-established fan base and lots and lots of money. That's a pretty big party they throw each year!

I think costs have a lot to do with this. The "Big Boys" have a show every weekend of the season. A lot of the regional corps do not. We can't possibly be suggesting that there is no cost associated with moving a 120+ entourage 200 - 800 miles every weekend, can we? So is the immediate answer to give up a couple of those shows each year to make one 2,000 mile trip west or south? And wouldn't that essentially reduce the number of fans that get to see them that year rather than increase it?

Didn't vote, but very interesting topic. I actually sat with some knowledgeable DCI folks at finals and asked them to make a fair, unbiased comparison to the DCI corps each of the DCA finalists were most like (total package - not just show concept). Without rehashing the whole discussion, which BTW was very complimentary, Martybucs nailed the gist of it. Given equal practice time, the ability to choose your players from auditions that occur very early, yada, yada yada. I think it's great that DCA keeps raising the bar & has adopted an all-age mentality rather than just a place to go when you age out. There are a lot of great performers out there who have to hold down day jobs! In that respect, DCI's loss is DCA's gain.

Thanks again guys and gals. More excellent reporting!

It always drove us into a frenzy! What a love-fest!

Have they played any of the solos to the competing corps in the stands? Always a touching moment.

I was confused too, until I saw your "drum sheet." Nice review. Thanks for your hard work. Getting it out there so quickly adds to the excitment of the weekend. VERY MUCH appreciated!

I heard that is a real Monet. Such a great tribute to Maynard...in my heart it IS, whether it is or not. LOVE the fire extinguishers! Don't ya love the surprises this weekend? As always...the FANS win!

:lolhit: They are way to savvy to get a two pointer.

Thank you so much guys!

Oh yeah...and Jami buys!

Awesome score!

Can't wait to hear if drinks are on Jami!!!!

Empire hasn't beaten Cabs yet this year. And the beat goes on...

Yay Cabs!!!!

There's Tubaguy - in the middle!

Me too, Terri, but I marched with Fusion today & couldn't time it right.

I'm out of here too. See y'all at the love fest next week!