Author
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Topic: Spacefest VI, May 2014, Pasadena, California
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Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 07-03-2013 11:19 PM
Spacefest VI will be held May 8-11, 2014, at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, Calif. |
AJ Member Posts: 511 From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 07-04-2013 07:49 AM
Mmm... Pasadena. Great news, thanks! |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 07-04-2013 04:40 PM
We'll all miss Starr Pass, but the numbers are in the big city. We're close to Cal Tech, JPL, Rose Bowl, Mt. Wilson |
Greggy_D Member Posts: 977 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-04-2013 04:42 PM
And "Thank You" for not having it Memorial Day weekend! I'll be there. |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 07-04-2013 06:58 PM
Mother's Day |
ColinBurgess Member Posts: 2031 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 07-05-2013 12:05 AM
For those interstate or overseas visitors unfamiliar with Pasadena, it is a delightful place, filled with plenty of interesting shops and restaurants, including even a Cheesecake Factory (if it's still there), and all within easy strolling distance of the venue. It's quaint, relatively safe, and certainly not as "slummy" as many other California cities, with lots of nice walks and plenty of things to do. I stayed there a lot when I was with Qantas Airways, up until about ten years ago, and it was one of my favourite destinations. This is a great choice. |
David C Member Posts: 1015 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 07-05-2013 01:52 AM
Thanks Colin. I'm very happy with this choice. |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 07-05-2013 01:05 PM
How far/how long to Pasadena for travellers arriving by air at LAX?This is tempting: I always wanted to visit JPL so it looks like I'd better go to Spacefest VI. |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 07-05-2013 01:39 PM
Pasadena is one of the "original" L.A basin towns, so it has an "old town" arts and shopping district which is only a couple blocks away. Paseo Colorado, a huge underground shopping mall, is across the street, though you'd never know it. Lots of restaurants within walking distance Though there's a hotel on the grounds. It's expensive and kind of "tired." The upscale Westin is only a 9 minute walk (or free shuttle ride) away. They've offered us a $99/nightly rate, with free wi-fi. |
Greggy_D Member Posts: 977 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-05-2013 02:23 PM
Does the Westin also offer a shuttle to/from LAX? |
David C Member Posts: 1015 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 07-05-2013 02:42 PM
quote: Originally posted by Blackarrow: How far/how long to Pasadena for travellers arriving by air at LAX?
Depends on time of day, but I'd work on 45 minutes. quote: I always wanted to visit JPL so it looks like I'd better go to Spacefest VI.
Don't think JPL are doing tours any more. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-05-2013 03:46 PM
The JPL Public Services Office offers tours free of charge for groups and individuals on an advance reservation basis.I'm sure Spacefest will organize a group tour as one of its planned side outings... |
DChudwin Member Posts: 1096 From: Lincolnshire IL USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 07-05-2013 07:18 PM
I am very happy that the new venue is in Pasadena and the fact that the event is not over Memorial Day. The only downside to Pasadena is that it is about 28 driving miles from LAX. I am looking forward to attending, especially since my son lives in LA. |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 07-05-2013 07:22 PM
Super Shuttle from LAX is $25, from Burbank airport $21. |
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 07-05-2013 11:32 PM
It's in my calendar now. |
albatron Member Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 07-08-2013 09:05 AM
I think Burbank offers air service also but I'm saying this from memory and not from checking. |
Greggy_D Member Posts: 977 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-08-2013 10:16 AM
Yes, I flew Southwest into Burbank two years ago. I cracked up because the luggage carousel was outside. I had never seen that before. |
albatron Member Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 07-08-2013 11:31 AM
Outside carousel. LOL I just did an airport check, Bob Hope Airport (Burbank) is the closest and is serviced by American, Alaskan, JetBlue, United, US Airways, Delta, and Southwest. Next closest is LAX serviced by every airline known to man. |
Dave Clow Member Posts: 236 From: South Pasadena, CA 91030 Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 07-08-2013 12:14 PM
Burbank's a smaller airport for sure but it's one with an unusually great history. It preceded LAX as the regional hub. Amelia Earhart lived in nearby Toluca Lake and Burbank was her home field. It was one of the origin points for her last flight (she flew Burbank to Oakland and back as the first leg). During WW2 it was Lockheed's test field — the Skunk Works was here — and thanks to Kelly Johnson and his crew, Burbank was the cradle for some of America's most innovative aircraft, including the P-38 Lighting, the U-2, the SR-71 and Project Have Blue. Lockheed tested the F-117 at night — imagine a Warner Brothers Studios employee living in a typical 1960's ranch house next to the airport waking up every night to screaming engines and wondering what in h-ll was happening over there. Spacefest visitors ought to find a moment to visit the Portal of the Folded Wings and the Columbia Memorial at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park near the airport. The Portal is a grave/shrine for early aviators including Bertrand Blanchard Acosta, Richard Byrd's co-pilot on their 1927 transatlantic flight; and Charles Edward Taylor, who helped design and build the first engine for the Wright Flyer. If you can, make Burbank your first stop at Spacefest VI. It's very close to the venue and a lot more fun than LAX. |
Greggy_D Member Posts: 977 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-08-2013 01:28 PM
I agree. Burbank is a nice little airport. When I departed, it literally took me about 90 seconds to go through security. Quite a change from the behemoth known as LAX. Also, I didn't use a jetway to enter/exit the 737. They rolled up the old-school steps to the doorway of the aircraft.As an added bonus, the flight into Burbank was cheaper than LAX (obviously your mileage may vary). I did use the Super Shuttle service mentioned above for both arrival and departure. No problems whatsoever with the service. |
onesmallstep Member Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 07-10-2013 10:50 AM
Oh, nice! A perfect reason now to go to Southern Cal to also visit shuttle Endeavour. When I went to LA many years ago, I took a side trip to Pasadena to attend an astronomy convention at the same venue where Spacefest VI will be held. They also had two actors from the TV series Star Trek Voyager.As far as getting to/from LAX (or LA itself) to Pasadena; they have a dedicated FlyAway Bus service that stops in Union Station in LA where you can take the Gold Line light rail route to South Pasadena. Union Station also serves Amtrak and regional Metrolink commuter trains. I write all this because one of the highlights of my trip was riding a light rail line to Long Beach and taking a Metrolink train to Anaheim, being the railfan that I am. As a non-driver, it's also cheaper. And Colin, I'm sure you'll be getting a lot of replies to your 'slummy' California cities remark! |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 08-23-2013 05:31 PM
Okay. Reservations are now being accepted at the Westin-Pasadena, the host hotel for Spacefest VI. Despite being 9 stories, there are only 350 rooms, and half of those are for our guests and staff, leaving only 175 or so. At $99/night, these will be gone soon. $240 and up regularly.Make reservations at 800-937-8461 or or call (626) 792-2727 Fax: (626) 792-3755. You can also book online. |
DChudwin Member Posts: 1096 From: Lincolnshire IL USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 08-23-2013 07:28 PM
Just made my reservation on-line. The $99 rate is a great bargain for an LA area hotel of that quality. If you know you are going to Spacefest VI, don't procrastinate in making a reservation. There is no penalty if you have to cancel before May 7. |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 10-02-2013 03:09 PM
Our host hotel, the Westin, is reserving a number of rooms for us at $99 per night. They regularly go for $229 and up. The Westin is a four-star luxury hotel, which will also host a few of our events, like the banquet and VIP reception. We also get complimentary wi-fi in all guestrooms.I've been laid up for the past few weeks, and the Europeans and Aussies that follow us on Facebook have snapped up most of the available $99 rooms. There are still some left, but if they sell out, here are some recommended alternatives: Spacefest tickets go on sale Nov. 1. |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 10-24-2013 02:17 PM
Bobak Ferdowsi (the NASA mohawk guy) has accepted our invitation to speak at Spacefest. |
xlsteve Member Posts: 391 From: Holbrook MA, USA Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 10-28-2013 08:28 AM
quote: Originally posted by Spacefest: Bobak Ferdowsi (the NASA mohawk guy) has accepted our invitation to speak at Spacefest.
That's great news. This will be my first Spacefest. Really looking foward to it. |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 10-28-2013 04:31 PM
Why not invite cosmonaut Howard Wolowitz, who lives in the area? |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 10-29-2013 06:37 PM
We changed our minds, and are beginning SPACEFEST VI ticket sales at 3:00 p.m. (our time, MST) Sunday, Nov. 3. There was an issue with time changes, and our IT man being here, to address any "health.gov"-type problems.Also, the Westin has SOLD OUT of $99 rooms, except for a few on Saturday and Sunday (nights). If you ask for Friday, you will be told they are ALL gone. |
stsmithva Member Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 10-29-2013 06:53 PM
quote: Originally posted by Dave Clow: Burbank's a smaller airport for sure but it's one with an unusually great history.
What a fascinating write-up. Thanks! |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 10-30-2013 03:57 PM
Flight Director Gerry Griffin is coming to Spacefest. That's FOUR trenchers now. |
Smokeynick New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 10-30-2013 06:57 PM
Excellent news! |
Smokeynick New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 10-31-2013 10:39 PM
What are the chances of getting Joe Kittinger or Felix Baumgartner to attend? A talk or a day of signing by either of these guys would be a great addition. |
Steve Zarelli Member Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 11-01-2013 02:33 PM
I was planning on attending in 2014, however the Mother's Day weekend timing nixed those plans. As much as I'd like to attend, family comes first. I don't think my mother, mother-in-law, or my wife (the mother of my children) would appreciate it. |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 11-03-2013 05:36 PM
quote: Originally posted by Smokeynick: What are the chances of getting Joe Kittinger or Felix Baumgartner to attend?
Felix is too expensive ($60,000+), and an idiot (read here). |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 11-03-2013 05:44 PM
Tickets now on sale for SPACEFEST VI. |
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 11-03-2013 06:25 PM
quote: Originally posted by Spacefest: Felix is too expensive ($60,000+)...
I support that decision from more than one perspective, and leave it at that. How about David Brin (he lives in San Diego) and/or Jon Lomberg?
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Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 11-03-2013 06:55 PM
Working on Brin. Jon Lomberg is at odds with one of our major guests. That happens. Can't sit certain astronauts next to each other either. |
Smokeynick New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 11-03-2013 09:05 PM
quote: Originally posted by Spacefest: Felix is too expensive ($60,000+)
I see. Well, thank God it's not $70,000.
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mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 11-03-2013 09:12 PM
quote: Originally posted by Spacefest: Jon Lomberg is at odds with one of our major guests.
Understand. These things happen. |
Buel Member Posts: 649 From: UK Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 11-07-2013 01:35 AM
What would be the chances of getting either Gene Kranz or even Chris Kraft? |