New York, New York Barca Boy says Thank You.

its great you had such a good time,  from afar it looks like the best cult meet up ever.

In case any of you that weren't there are wondering, Derek is everything you'd expect and so much more in person. The guy had me in stitches every time he opened his mouth. He is all smiles and good cheer all of the time. He told hysterical stories about Irish family rivalry street brawls and questioned the authenticity of a basket of "Irish" bread that a Bulgarian waitress set before us, "This is Irish bread? My family owned a bakery for 80 years and I've never seen bread that looked like this." Sorry about dragging you to so many "Irish" pubs in New York City, by the way. I don't quite know how that happened. I can't even think of all the times he made me laugh. One night, he ate like 4 bags of Pepperidge Farm cookies and was like, "Milk and cookies? That's an American thing, right?"

So, ya'll see where I'm going with this...right?

Oh, and I don't have an accent, YOU have an accent! Ha, ha! Just kidding!

I am so sad I didn't get to spend any time with you derek! i'm sorry i couldn't make it... from what i hear though, and this is just to quote some of it...

derek is...

hysterical

charming

kind

"could talk to a brick wall, and it would probably talk back"

interesting

sweet

a great listener

a wonderful storyteller

world's easiest friend-maker

utterly loveable

and all around nicest dude ever

these are things people have actually told me... so that is quote an impression you made there... derek, the cult wuvs you too!

derek remains the heart and soul of the cult - i suggested a european meetup, in either gallway (tuam) and/or london with alex, but we'll have to see - i was lucky to convince the wife to let me go to NYC, not sure on london! HA

AWP is in Chicago next year, so start planning now (in Feb) or maybe we should do it in the summer, with Blues and Jazz fests, and the Taste of Chicago food extravaganza

great to meet you bro, GO BARCA

Tuam - pronounced two-aahhhhhhhm

And yeah, Derek really is beyond awesome.  I loved listening to the guy talk.  It was ridiculo-cool.

Also, Bess...I wish we got to hang out more.  Your greeting was the best - running across the street squealing with arms open and pouncing on us with the group hug.  You rock - you and your non-regional diction.

I figure I'll single other people out as they post here...it's easier that way.

Oh, and I was really glad to meet Richard - another person I hadn't talked to much previously.  So unbelievably nice.  I get the feeling that he'd give someone the shirt off his back if they asked.  It was great getting to hang out with him and talk to him in person.

All of these threads make me weep. WEEP! WHY FATE? Why couldn't I make it to New York?!

I'm happy it went so well. Chicago meetup would be awesome. As would LA...if anyone ever wants to come out here...anyone? No? Just me and Cassun and DrinkingMercury and Dennis? All right then...no meetup.

Thank you, Derek, for being the catalyst for something so unique and wonderful.  I know we'll be getting together again.

It was amazing.  There was a time when I thought I must be crazy for boarding a plane to go and meet a bunch of strangers from the internet.  When I got there, though, it didn't feel that way at all.  Saying, "Nice to meet you" seemed kind of odd because I was with a group of people I'd had the opportunity to get to know in a very real way. 

I vote for another meet up - this time some place warm. 

Sounds like you charmed them all Derek. I'm delighted you all had a great time, but in future you know, there should be more pictures, 200 pictures every hour for those who aren't there. Congratulations all! And I think a European meet-up would be great.

Yeah, Derek was ridiculously great and friendly and pretty much it's all already been said, but it's worth reiterating.  And really, everyone was as cool as I expected them to be, or moreso.  I'm really glad I got to finally meet people that I've been interacting with for so long (I mean, I've known some of you dudes for years).  It was nice.

I'm jealous, sounds like a great time was had by all!

Thanks brother, right back atcha.  The king of cool, stylin' and beguilin', and a gracious host to boot.  Much thanks. 

I know, Alex's posts are so much funnier now that I can hear her voice.  I'm using KNACKERED as often as possible.

I'm glad you all had such a great time!

I miss you already! DEEEEREEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did you all really take to calling him "Drank Frank?"

live webcam!

Derek, thank you for my gifts.  I'm putting them to good use already:

[IMG]http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc316/myownmessiah/IMG_1955.jpg[/IMG]

The process of taking this picture in a mirror was not as easy as I'd hoped.  Too bad there wasn’t a video camera recording my contortions.  We would all laugh and laugh.

Derek, I thought I was going to meet up with you all on Sunday for brunch, so I had these on to show you my appreciation.  Sadly, I couldn’t make it.

Later that day, I attended a Super Bowl party and bumped into a young lady I had dated on and off recently.  After the Giants won, the party got a little [i]extra festive[/i].  Let’s just say that the word ‘puzzled’ would be an understatement when she saw me wearing these boxers. She had a lot of questions for me.  In the heat of the moment, I forgot I still had them on, and I couldn’t stop laughing through her interrogation. So thank you for providing great entertainment for myself and for one very confused woman.

☺
 

sorry you couldn't make it, we did an intensive together, would've been nice to meet - and bar americain was delicious, maybe next time - you writing?

With such rave reviews, I can't wait to meet each and every one of you. I'm up for a European meet-up next year. Come to think of it, I'm up for any kind of meet-up next year.

 I am too tired to read this thread, but I wuv you too.  No, eff that, I love ya.  I do.  I'll talk about how great it was later because for me the meetup isn't quite over (and i'm really tired).  The important part of it is, i'm still not home yet.  I'll post for real when I get to Shreveport tomorrow night.  

:kiss:

 I had the pleasure of sharing a room with Derek. I was a little apprehensive at first because I didn't know if this whole meet up was ruse to get me to NYC, share a room with him just so he can kill me, rob me of my money and organs then leave town with them. I know it would have been an elaborate plan, had he gone through with it, with you know all the gifts he sent, calling me, texting right before the meet up and even the gifts when he arrived would have been a great way to lure me into his trust.

 When I woke up the first morning and found out I was still alive, I knew this meet up was going to be great. Derek and I got to bond quite a bit. We even have matching BFF rings he got made in Ireland. He told me in the airport after he had passed out books and underwear he had another gift for me, but would give it to me when we were alone, because according to him, "It's kind of gay." As gay as it was, I thought it was really fucking nice. I wore the ring earlier today. 

 We didn't get any real alone time until the third night, because the first night I stayed out a little bit longer, and Derek was asleep when I got in. Initially I thought he had gotten up when I got in, because we actually talked for a minute. He had asked me who was still out and if I had a good night. I told him who was out and that I did, in fact, have a great first day. We small talked for another minute or two then went to the bathroom for presleep rituals. When I came back out he was asleep. The next morning when we got up he asked me the same questions he asked me the night before. He hadn't remembered us talking! I thought it was funny. 

The next night there was no way we could have talked as I got really drunk and he had left an hour or two ahead of me. If we had talked, I wouldn’t’ve remembered anything. On the third night, we had a quiet night. Jenn and Jay left as they had a long drive and we, unfortunately, sort of fucked Top Gun (Dave) over because he was all gung-ho about hanging out and partying, but we were all just too tired. Derek had gone ahead to the hotel about an hour before. Kevin took off and so did Dave. Alex walked me to the corner of my street and she went on to the subway. Thinking back, I should have been a gentleman and at least walked her to her to the subway. I dropped the ball on that.

I got into the room and found Derek reading. We talked a minute and then asked if I was hungry. He got on some clothes and shoes and we went out. We got to the pizza place a block and half away ended up talking about random stuff. We each had a couple of slices and went back. We stopped at a mini-mart and he got smokes. While waiting for his change, he was eyeballing the candy they had there. I guess sort of like comparing what they sold to the stuff they sold at his place. I thought it was funny. We got back to the hotel and we proceeded to talk until after 2AM. I won’t go into detail about what we talked about, but we bonded. I think everyone who hasn’t met Derek, really needs too. It should be law. 

 Edit: Fuck, why can't this shit ever post right?!?

Everyone who hasn't met Frank also needs to.  Frank is way awesome.  I got to talk to him a lot, and on Friday, we got pizza, just the two of us.  Super nice dude, and lots of fun to hang out with.  And Drank Funk is hilarious.

I think a Tuam/ Galway meet up would b a great idea but maybe not this year. If there is a meetup anywhere in America I will certainly make the effort to get there. I think Im hooked on the US. My parents mentioned how much more happy and less highstrung I am after my trip. Everyone is delighted I had such a great time.

About Frank, that guy is great, I mentioned to him that if he lived in Tuam we would be best buddies. I was a bit nervous about sharing a room with him. As you know Im insecure and was worried I would be getting on his nerves but it wasnt like that at all. The best moment ws Saturday night when we sat up chatting and gossiping like two highschool chicks.

I have a really bad flu right now so when that goes away I will be making a trip to the postoffice and getting in touch with all you guys. Once again Thanks so much for making my trip the best ever. We are no longer internet friends, you guys are my friends in real life now.

Derek you're so awesome, just one of the most kind and generous people I've ever met. Helped me out within 5 minutes of meeting me when you heard I lost my wallet. I'll definately have to send you something from chicago. I really enjoyed meeting you.

Also maybe you can make it out for this:

www.chicagotribune.com/about/custom/events/printersrow/

Derek, I already started reading The Fuckup and it is awesome.  I'm about 60 pages in since starting last night (I only read on the train to and from work) and I love it.  It's funny to see all the strange looks I get when I read standing up in front of a person who is sitting down...they see the book with "FUCKUP" across the cover and just stare at me, and I pretend I don't notice and try not to laugh.  So yeah, thanks very much for that Derek (as well as the underpants, of course!).  Fair play to ye!

ohhh i love The Fuckup ...it's a great book

i love you guys more now bc you have/are read/ing it...

 "Could talk to a brick wall and it would probably talk back."

I said that, and I think I still believe it.  They would probably become fast friends.

it´s great to hear that you had an awesome time, derek.

of course that´s all nothing compared to the fun you will have hanging out with ludwig and me in march.

Whatever.

you know you are invited to join us anytime.

Ok guys, heres a lttle date on Barca Boy post New York.

Before I made the trip and for the last few years whats been getting me down is living in this small town doing the same shitty work for the past 6 years. I spoke with my Mum and she agrees on two things:

1. I should get a regular job (preerably in a bookstore) and move to a bigger city where I can meet more people and

2. If my good form continues maybe I dont need to make another trip to Rehab. Im going to see my doctor in Dublin next week and tell him the whole story then whatever he recomends I will do.

Getting back to New York I know Ive said it already but I hope you guys understand what a great time I had because of you. Each and every one of you have made me enjoy life a lot more. Thanks to ye Im loving life again.

I speaking with Melody and a few others about a Tuam/ Galway meet up quite possibly for my 30th Birthday next year. Its a landmark birthday for me and I couldnt imagine spending it with better people than my fellow Culties along with my Irish friends. So think about it. Plus ye guys would finlly get to meet the infamous Cujo!

Over the next few days I will be in touch with Barbara and Ludwig about visiting them in March. I really cant wait, but if that happens it deserves a thread of its own.

Take Care Folks.

Derek (slowly getting his mojo back).

 Glad we could help you love life.  But really, how could you not love life when you get to spend time with people as amazing as us??

I really hope I can make it to Ireland next year, that would be incredible.  Even if the meet up is just you, Cujo, and me, I'm sure it will be fantastic!

Looks like I'm going to have to get my ass in gear and get a passport sooner than I thought.

you and me both frank.

i need a passport, and this is the perfect excuse to make it happen!

Wanna go halfsies on one? We can get our picture taken together! Our zombie us's.

Damn, an Ireland meetup would be awesome.  Not because I live there, I don't, but I've always wanted to go.

Actually, I might be studying in Dublin for a summmer or semester...how crazy would it be if they coincided?

If everyone in Ireland is even just a fraction of Derek, I doubt I'd ever wanna leave...I have never met anyone with such a lust for life and living.

Just to save any confusion I wont be turning 30 until March 30th 2009. But seriosely if you want it to happen then let me know! The Cult shall take over Tuam. Oh Yeh I know the editor of the local newspaper maybe he can print an article on us?

Haha, thats hilarious. First Ronaldinho makes the front page now the Cult!

Dude, for serious! That needs to happen. I can see it now:

Ye Ole Irish Paper headline: "Internet Cult Takes Over Small Irish City,  Re-Names it to Cheeky Chuck's Cultie Renunion (C.C.C.R. for short)."

Town Formally Known As Tuam, Ireland - 03/31/06 - 03:42 AM -

It seems that a moderately large internet community who praises over gay satanical authur, Chuck Palahnick, calling itself "Teh Cult" has taken hold an Irish city earlier this night. Barricading the enteraces with large signs with messages that depict this crazy mob's pointless, mundane, daily activities, they have successfully bored to death anyone attempting to fight them. Reports from those able to get close enough to see what was going on within (and survive to make it back) suggest that the Cultists are, in fact, eating the Tuam Natives in what appears to be a search for "THE GODDAMN CANDY. WHERE THE HELL IS THE GODDAMN CANDY, YOU LEPRECHAUNS?!?" Also, they seem to be forcing feline creatures to breathe nitrous oxide - aka, laughing gas - calling them "LOLCATS."

The Irish Military seems to be of no use, either, as it appears that there was mysterious explosion in a Guiness factory across the country, raining down Guinness beer, and the whole military has gone to investigate. On a side note, the cause of the meltdown is uncertain, but there are reports of two strangely dressed men calling themselves "Shrimp" and Tit" escaping the scene.

The whole town is being held hostage for seemingly no reason, but there are also reports of the Cultists raising an Tuam Native, Derek Hynes, raising him high up in the air, chanting "Bark-A-Boy." The meaning of this title is presently unknown. American officials are preparing to send in troops sometime in the next two months to search for webmasters of much desire - aka, WoMD. Only one such WoMD is know of, a man who goes only by DENNIS.

More to come as the situation progresses.

god, aren't you people over this yet.

duuuuuuude!

I say, West Coast or bust, next year (month, week, whatever).

What moonie said.   

fer realz.

Jay and I are in for Ireland next March 

i can do this too, i would love to go to ireland, they sort of speak english there.

I'm working on convincing my wife to go.  We were supposed to go to Italy this year but it didn't work out.  We want  to see Venice before it sinks into the sea, but I'm pretty close to convincing her we have at least a decade or so before that happens, so we can do Ireland first.  And besides, I've heard Venice smells kinda bad most of the time anyway.