Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Sir, Scott. my apologies .. I'm cross posting this to both VM and VMWKSHOP groups lists for now. I just spoke to Univ. Plaza Hotel . Is there a 'group code' that we can use ?.. else it's $102.xx plus taxes per day. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Len Diegel Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 3:25 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels That's the correct address and University Plaza is the Conference Hotel. In a message dated 6/28/2011 2:21:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time, j...@thethomasresidence.us writes: Could somebody please confirm the Union Facility's address to be 1739 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Do we have a common hotel that most (if not all) are going to be staying at ?. University Plaza, Varsity Inn, Blackwell Inn ??. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Walter Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:06 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels I'm the one who mentioned bed bugs on this list. That was only after seeing customer reviews reporting it on TripAdvisor, see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50226-d223766-r93110651-Varsity_ Inn-Columbus_Ohio.html But the 'reported' problem is not confined to that hotel. In looking for the report pasted above, today I happened across the following. But please note that this site appears to report that there are many reputable hotels in Columbus with bed bug reports: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:96qas41VFmwJ:www.raveab le.com/oh/columbus/bed-bugs-in-hotels/l5302+varsity+inn+south+bed+bugs+colum bus+ohiocd=7hl=enct=clnkgl=ussource=www.google.com The hotel I booked has one reported bed bug incident on that site, too. It doesn't seem as if there will be any way to avoid bed bugs across the country until a better insecticide is discovered. Bed bugs are not a sign of a bad hotel, just the fact that someone brought them in from somewhere else. Without DDT (long banned for good reason) they are very, VERY difficult to eradicate. I agree that competitors and disgruntled customers have been known to lie about conditions. Take reports with a grain of salt (and a good flashlight). :-) There's no good way to know how significant the problem is, or... was. The problem may have been corrected since the first report. Life's undercertain, eat dessert first! ;-) Mike Walter Aon Corporation The opinions expressed herein are mine alone, not my employer's. -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Chip Davis Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:38 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11 _ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
I'm the one who mentioned bed bugs on this list. That was only after seeing customer reviews reporting it on TripAdvisor, see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50226-d223766-r93110651-Varsity_Inn-Columbus_Ohio.html But the 'reported' problem is not confined to that hotel. In looking for the report pasted above, today I happened across the following. But please note that this site appears to report that there are many reputable hotels in Columbus with bed bug reports: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:96qas41VFmwJ:www.raveable.com/oh/columbus/bed-bugs-in-hotels/l5302+varsity+inn+south+bed+bugs+columbus+ohiocd=7hl=enct=clnkgl=ussource=www.google.com The hotel I booked has one reported bed bug incident on that site, too. It doesn't seem as if there will be any way to avoid bed bugs across the country until a better insecticide is discovered. Bed bugs are not a sign of a bad hotel, just the fact that someone brought them in from somewhere else. Without DDT (long banned for good reason) they are very, VERY difficult to eradicate. I agree that competitors and disgruntled customers have been known to lie about conditions. Take reports with a grain of salt (and a good flashlight). :-) There's no good way to know how significant the problem is, or... was. The problem may have been corrected since the first report. Life's undercertain, eat dessert first! ;-) Mike Walter Aon Corporation The opinions expressed herein are mine alone, not my employer's. -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Chip Davis Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:38 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Maybe the workshop can provide a website to share such things.. I think it's fine to announce these events here -- but all the attendance, lodging, etc type details should be discussed elsewhere (IMHO). Scott Rohling On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Mike Walter mike.wal...@aonhewitt.comwrote: I’m not so sure… this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. ** ** My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we’re pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better… don’t let the bed bugs bite! ;-) ** ** (Now I’m all itchy!) ** ** Mike Walter ** ** *From:* The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] *On Behalf Of *Scott Rohling *Sent:* Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM *To:* IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU *Subject:* Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels ** ** Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? ** ** Scott Rohling ** **
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Could somebody please confirm the Union Facility's address to be 1739 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Do we have a common hotel that most (if not all) are going to be staying at ?. University Plaza, Varsity Inn, Blackwell Inn ??. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Walter Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:06 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels I'm the one who mentioned bed bugs on this list. That was only after seeing customer reviews reporting it on TripAdvisor, see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50226-d223766-r93110651-Varsity_ Inn-Columbus_Ohio.html But the 'reported' problem is not confined to that hotel. In looking for the report pasted above, today I happened across the following. But please note that this site appears to report that there are many reputable hotels in Columbus with bed bug reports: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:96qas41VFmwJ:www.raveab le.com/oh/columbus/bed-bugs-in-hotels/l5302+varsity+inn+south+bed+bugs+colum bus+ohiocd=7hl=enct=clnkgl=ussource=www.google.com The hotel I booked has one reported bed bug incident on that site, too. It doesn't seem as if there will be any way to avoid bed bugs across the country until a better insecticide is discovered. Bed bugs are not a sign of a bad hotel, just the fact that someone brought them in from somewhere else. Without DDT (long banned for good reason) they are very, VERY difficult to eradicate. I agree that competitors and disgruntled customers have been known to lie about conditions. Take reports with a grain of salt (and a good flashlight). :-) There's no good way to know how significant the problem is, or... was. The problem may have been corrected since the first report. Life's undercertain, eat dessert first! ;-) Mike Walter Aon Corporation The opinions expressed herein are mine alone, not my employer's. -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Chip Davis Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:38 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Scott, I can't speak for the unpaid volunteer organizers of the VM Workshop, but that certainly sounds like a fair and a good idea. Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:11 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Maybe the workshop can provide a website to share such things.. I think it's fine to announce these events here -- but all the attendance, lodging, etc type details should be discussed elsewhere (IMHO). Scott Rohling On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Mike Walter mike.wal...@aonhewitt.commailto:mike.wal...@aonhewitt.com wrote: I'm not so sure... this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we're pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better... don't let the bed bugs bite! ;-) (Now I'm all itchy!) Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDUmailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDUmailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
There used to be a VMWKSHP list at Marist. Dunno if it's still active.
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Thanks Mike. We're going to be using Varsity Inn North as one of the hotel options. (Rate $62/nite) According to the manager there, there have been no issues with bugs. However, Varsity Inn South did have a water bug issue and that was taken care of immediately. Somehow that got reported on the site. I think we're okay with Varsity Inn North. It's will be listed on the VM Workshop web site (_www.vmworkshop.org_ (http://www.vmworkshop.org) ) but this is the site for the hotel for those that are interested. I believe people can tell them it's for the VM Workshop to get the rate. It should be in their respective systems by tomorrow, if not sooner. Conference Hotel ($84/nite) : University Plaza - _www.universityplazaosu.com_ (http://www.universityplazaosu.com) Varsity Inn North ($62/nite) : _www.varsityinnosunorth.com_ (http://www.varsityinnosunorth.com/) I hope this helps. Regards, Len In a message dated 6/28/2011 1:18:54 P.M. Central Daylight Time, mike.wal...@aonhewitt.com writes: I’m not so sure… this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we’re pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better… don’t let the bed bugs bite! ;-) (Now I’m all itchy!) Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling =
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
scott, i'm sure you are right. on the other hand, stranger things have been discussed on this one. :-) In a message dated 6/28/2011 1:08:34 P.M. Central Daylight Time, scott.rohl...@gmail.com writes: Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Talking about VM and talking about bugsso, what's the issue??? B-) R; From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@listserv.uark.edu] On Behalf Of Len Diegel Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 4:10 PM To: IBMVM@listserv.uark.edu Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels scott, i'm sure you are right. on the other hand, stranger things have been discussed on this one. :-) In a message dated 6/28/2011 1:08:34 P.M. Central Daylight Time, scott.rohl...@gmail.com writes: Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling Confidentiality Notice: This electronic message transmission, including any attachment(s), may contain confidential, proprietary, or privileged information from Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). If you have received this transmission in error, be advised that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Please destroy all copies of the message and contact the sender immediately by either replying to this message or calling 614-447-3600.
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
That's the correct address and University Plaza is the Conference Hotel. In a message dated 6/28/2011 2:21:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time, j...@thethomasresidence.us writes: Could somebody please confirm the Union Facility's address to be 1739 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Do we have a common hotel that most (if not all) are going to be staying at ?. University Plaza, Varsity Inn, Blackwell Inn ??. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014 (res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Walter Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:06 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels I'm the one who mentioned bed bugs on this list. That was only after seeing customer reviews reporting it on TripAdvisor, see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50226-d223766-r93110651-Varsity_ Inn-Columbus_Ohio.html But the 'reported' problem is not confined to that hotel. In looking for the report pasted above, today I happened across the following. But please note that this site appears to report that there are many reputable hotels in Columbus with bed bug reports: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:96qas41VFmwJ:www.raveab le.com/oh/columbus/bed-bugs-in-hotels/l5302+varsity+inn+south+bed+bugs+colum bus+ohiocd=7hl=enct=clnkgl=ussource=www.google.com The hotel I booked has one reported bed bug incident on that site, too. It doesn't seem as if there will be any way to avoid bed bugs across the country until a better insecticide is discovered. Bed bugs are not a sign of a bad hotel, just the fact that someone brought them in from somewhere else. Without DDT (long banned for good reason) they are very, VERY difficult to eradicate. I agree that competitors and disgruntled customers have been known to lie about conditions. Take reports with a grain of salt (and a good flashlight). :-) There's no good way to know how significant the problem is, or... was. The problem may have been corrected since the first report. Life's undercertain, eat dessert first! ;-) Mike Walter Aon Corporation The opinions expressed herein are mine alone, not my employer's. -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Chip Davis Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:38 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Scott, thanks. The info is on the website. We've tried to do nothing more here than point to it. Sorry about the other discussion, but the thread was started over here and hopefully ended. Frankly, this is the best place to get info to the VM community and we've all seen our share of more useless threads. Regards, Len In a message dated 6/28/2011 2:11:06 P.M. Central Daylight Time, scott.rohl...@gmail.com writes: Maybe the workshop can provide a website to share such things.. I think it's fine to announce these events here -- but all the attendance, lodging, etc type details should be discussed elsewhere (IMHO). Scott Rohling On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Mike Walter _mike.walter@aonhewitt.com_ (mailto:mike.wal...@aonhewitt.com) wrote: I’m not so sure… this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we’re pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better… don’t let the bed bugs bite! ;-) (Now I’m all itchy!) Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:_ib...@listserv.uark.EDU_ (mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU) ] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM To: _ib...@listserv.uark.EDU_ (mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU) Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Sir's Mike / Scott / Et'al, Forgive for interrupting . this will be the first time I'm coming close to speaking and listening about VM in about a decade. Further, I am not familiar w/Ohio at all. Forgive me but, any and all directions I can get for the conference, is most valuable and appreciated (IOW. I will be grateful) by myself. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Walter Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:34 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Scott, I can't speak for the unpaid volunteer organizers of the VM Workshop, but that certainly sounds like a fair and a good idea. Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:11 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Maybe the workshop can provide a website to share such things.. I think it's fine to announce these events here -- but all the attendance, lodging, etc type details should be discussed elsewhere (IMHO). Scott Rohling On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Mike Walter mike.wal...@aonhewitt.com wrote: I'm not so sure. this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we're pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better. don't let the bed bugs bite! ;-) (Now I'm all itchy!) Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling _ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Sir, Thank you for your efforts … a question if I may.. any way to tell where ‘most’ of the people are staying and of course, which on is the closest to the … umm .. where ever the VM work shop is being held ?. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Len Diegel Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 3:09 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Thanks Mike. We're going to be using Varsity Inn North as one of the hotel options. (Rate $62/nite) According to the manager there, there have been no issues with bugs. However, Varsity Inn South did have a water bug issue and that was taken care of immediately. Somehow that got reported on the site. I think we're okay with Varsity Inn North. It's will be listed on the VM Workshop web site (www.vmworkshop.org ) but this is the site for the hotel for those that are interested. I believe people can tell them it's for the VM Workshop to get the rate. It should be in their respective systems by tomorrow, if not sooner. Conference Hotel ($84/nite) : University Plaza - www.universityplazaosu.com Varsity Inn North ($62/nite) : www.varsityinnosunorth.com http://www.varsityinnosunorth.com/ I hope this helps. Regards, Len In a message dated 6/28/2011 1:18:54 P.M. Central Daylight Time, mike.wal...@aonhewitt.com writes: I’m not so sure… this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we’re pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better… don’t let the bed bugs bite! ;-) (Now I’m all itchy!) Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling = _ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Sir, Thank you. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Len Diegel Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 3:25 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels That's the correct address and University Plaza is the Conference Hotel. In a message dated 6/28/2011 2:21:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time, j...@thethomasresidence.us writes: Could somebody please confirm the Union Facility's address to be 1739 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210. Do we have a common hotel that most (if not all) are going to be staying at ?. University Plaza, Varsity Inn, Blackwell Inn ??. Kind Regards Jim Thomas 617-233-4130 (mobile) 636-294-1014(res) j...@thethomasresidence.us (Email) -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Walter Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:06 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels I'm the one who mentioned bed bugs on this list. That was only after seeing customer reviews reporting it on TripAdvisor, see: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g50226-d223766-r93110651-Varsity_ Inn-Columbus_Ohio.html But the 'reported' problem is not confined to that hotel. In looking for the report pasted above, today I happened across the following. But please note that this site appears to report that there are many reputable hotels in Columbus with bed bug reports: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:96qas41VFmwJ:www.raveab le.com/oh/columbus/bed-bugs-in-hotels/l5302+varsity+inn+south+bed+bugs+colum bus+ohiocd=7hl=enct=clnkgl=ussource=www.google.com The hotel I booked has one reported bed bug incident on that site, too. It doesn't seem as if there will be any way to avoid bed bugs across the country until a better insecticide is discovered. Bed bugs are not a sign of a bad hotel, just the fact that someone brought them in from somewhere else. Without DDT (long banned for good reason) they are very, VERY difficult to eradicate. I agree that competitors and disgruntled customers have been known to lie about conditions. Take reports with a grain of salt (and a good flashlight). :-) There's no good way to know how significant the problem is, or... was. The problem may have been corrected since the first report. Life's undercertain, eat dessert first! ;-) Mike Walter Aon Corporation The opinions expressed herein are mine alone, not my employer's. -Original Message- From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Chip Davis Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:38 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11 _ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1388 / Virus Database: 1516/3731 - Release Date: 06/28/11
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Len, thanks for the update. The Varsity Inn manager wanted to know the source of the negative information, Yahoo! Travel has several negative reviews at this web page: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-367432-varsity_inn_osu_north-i Note that the bedbug review was from April 2011 but the other three reviews are old, from 2005 and 2004. But perhaps the manager should be aware of them anyway because they might influence people, I dread bedbugs. If you happen to pick up bedbugs in your luggage you could wind up introducing them to your own home. Worse yet, if you visit family or friends before you return home (as we plan to do after the workshop), you could introduce them to their homes. But the poor hotel could be a victim, too. All it takes is one guest bringing in bedbugs in his luggage. Even a very conscientious hotel might not find out right away, leaving enough time for another guest to be infested before the hotel takes action. I should note that there were a number of very positive reviews on TripAdvisor.com and no mention of bedbugs that I saw. Kent Taylor - Original Message - From: Len Diegel To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 12:57 PM Subject: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Thank you for your post, Chip. The news media has made me paranoid about bedbugs. Before I retired about 20 years ago, I travelled a LOT on business, but bedbugs were not an issue then. We have not had occasion to stay in hotels for a number of years, so this is our first hotel stay since the bedbug flap started. As a result I have no perspective on the realities. Therefore your post is extremely valuable to me because you have presented the case that the flap is overblown. Again, I appreciate your input, Chip. Kent Mongo Taylor - Original Message - From: Chip Davis c...@aresti.com To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:38 PM Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Sadly, it's become common practice to trash competitors in reviews on most online sites. So much so that there are companies that will (for a fee) look for them and delete them for you. (For all I know, the trashing is being done for a fee as well.) Quite the opportunistic little eco-system. I travel a lot and stay at a variety of low- to mid-tier properties, albeit usually ones affiliated with national brands. I have never seen a bedbug, much less been bitten by one. And yes, I've stayed at hostel-grade properties in NYC, Chicago, and LA. You stay where your budget will allow. I think the whole hotel bedbug infestation publicity is blown out of proportion, but I could be wrong. -Chip- On 6/28/11 16:57 Len Diegel said: I just had a discussion with the manager at the Varsity Inn locations ($69/night). She has been there 2 years and they've had no issues as described in earlier notes. She has no idea why this came up on someone's site and would like to know the source. We will be leaving that hotel option on the site. I also had a conversation with the manager at University Plaza. They are a full service hotel with free parking and breakfast. The rate is $89/night and we will be listing this as the Conference Hotel. I hope this helps with those still in the process of deciding on rooms. Regards, Len
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Well, Scott, where do you suggest the discussion be held? I would think that the Workshop is a suitable topic for this board and lodging considerations are an essential part for most everyone but locals. Perhaps if you have no interest in these posts you could simply ignore them Mongo (Kent Taylor) - Original Message - From: Scott Rohling To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:08 PM Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling
Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels
Scott, I, too, agree a website would be a useful place for such discussions. Is constructing such a site something you could volunteer to do? Mongo - Original Message - From: Mike Walter To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 3:34 PM Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Scott, I can't speak for the unpaid volunteer organizers of the VM Workshop, but that certainly sounds like a fair and a good idea. Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:11 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Maybe the workshop can provide a website to share such things.. I think it's fine to announce these events here -- but all the attendance, lodging, etc type details should be discussed elsewhere (IMHO). Scott Rohling On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 12:18 PM, Mike Walter mike.wal...@aonhewitt.com wrote: I'm not so sure. this is regarding lodging for the VM Workshop. VM is definitely the direct point of this list. My initial report was to share what I saw in concern for those attending the workshop. My reply today was to answer the question asked about the source of that report. But I think we're pretty much done now if that will help you any sleep better. don't let the bed bugs bite! ;-) (Now I'm all itchy!) Mike Walter From: The IBM z/VM Operating System [mailto:IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU] On Behalf Of Scott Rohling Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:09 PM To: IBMVM@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Re: Varsity Inn North South University Plaza - VM Workshop Hotels Gentlemen -- I'm sure there's a better place to discuss hotels, bed bugs, etc? Scott Rohling
