Touchdown....we are at the ACA

Hi all, we made it to the hotel around 1100 this morning and got checked in. Been hanging around watching everything being setup for the event. Its around 730pm now and the hotel is really starting to look fishy. ;D ;D
Looks like it is going to be a first class show, in a first class hotel. I've been running around in a ratty t-shirt and shorts walking by people dress to the nines...................Once the event gets going tomorrow and will start trying to keep everyone better updated.
A lot of fish tanks being brought into the hotel, I hope the floors hold out. HAHA
Randy

[Don_Lee]

Cool Randy! Keep us updated, sounds like you are on your way to an awesome show.

Don

[gump]

Good to here that Randy!! Glad you guys made it OK.. Keep up the good work!! Have lots of fun & post often LOL
Pierre

:)
Go Randy Go !!!!!!!
Keep us posted and enjoy.


Miles

Glad to hear the rest of the trip went better and you made it safe.
Keep us informed on the show and have a great time.
Take care, Matt

[SLY]

Ya keep us informed about the event and we want pictures man. Have fun. ;)

[DarkDiscus]

Sounds like a blast! I hope the hotel is ready to clean water spots off the carpets!

John

Morning all, Well we called it a early night last night and got some sleep, might be the last we get for awhile ;D ;D
The buses just pulled out for the Tenn. aquarium tour a few minutes ago for those wanting to go. I am getting a little scared, while I was down getting breakfast for the family I was watching two bell hops trying to roll a 180 gal tank toward the elevator, I hope he is not in the room above me :-*
The show should start opening its doors soon, they were having problems trying to get the room and tank water warm enough to start putting fish in last night. The hotel is kept at about 65 degrees..............
The weather here is lousy, cloudy, foggy and cool. I thought this place was called Hotlanta. If it keeps this up I'm going to have to go buy the family some warmer clothes
Will try and post some pics when everyone gets here this afternoon.
Randy

Greetings all,
We got side tracked and didn't post last night. We got some pictures taken today and decided to post. The gang got together today and I was able to get a group shot. I even got some working shots of Joe working! Cary, John, Jason and Randy are here now because they are the only ones still standing, the animal bin has been very busy! We are busy getting the lipstickand nail polish on them now. We are having trouble getting any fish pictures because of the lighting. We will contine to try and get some good shots. Enjoy the pictures here and we will add more.

Tracey

Here is Randy and Cary

Joe at work

Cary Strong

Joe, Randy and Christine bagging show fish

Jack Wattley, Randy and Christine

The Gang
Mench, Lee, Gary, Joe, Danny, John, Jason and the back row Randy, Christine and Cary.

[Don_Lee]

Wow, now I really wish I had gone! Great pics guys, thanks for sharing.

Don

Nice Pics.
Looks like everyone is having a blast.
I will not miss the next one!!! You can bet on that!

Miles

Hi Guys..
I'm coming down tomorrow from Chattanooga. Who's got nice looking discus for sale? Where should I start?
Bill

[SLY]

any german soccer fans here? Cary looks like Rudi Voeller in one of the pics where he holds the mobile phone lol ;D ;D Looks like u guys have fun.

[Carol_Roberts]

MORE PICTURES --- MORE PICTURES--- MORE PICTURES

Carol :heart1:

Morning all, wow what am I doing up this early its not even 10 oclock......Edibill, come on down, most of the discus are long gone. But Joe and Danny still have some nice ones left. They started out with over 250 discus.
they have over 525 gals of tanks just in their room. I will post some of the fish pics later on.
We had a wild party last night in Joe, Cary and Danny's room last night, any and everyone was there. Even the man himself Mr Jack Wattley joined in on the fun for awhile, it was quite a treat. I have alot of pics and will post them later today when my mind and body starts to work as one....................Some how still alive Randy ;D ;D ;D

Edibill, forgot to add I am in room 333 and Cary and Joe are in room 1304, you will find us in either room or down in the fish show area or maybe passed out some where along the way. It sure is going to be an ugly 600 mile trip home come Sunday or Monday................................

[Ardan]

WOW Randy,
Thanks for the pics and send more! IT looks and sounds like a great fun time! 8)

Ardan :sun:

[lkleung007]

WOW sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun.....wish I could be there but maybe next time.

Would love to see more pics.

Regards, Lester

[Jeffery_Doty]

Randy, Tracey,

Thanks so much for the great pictures and narrative! It looks like so much fun.

Thanks again, please keep up posted.

Jeff
Oregon

Good Morning All, I wasn't here when Randy posted earlier, had to run out and get breakfast for the family. It was my turn! Had a great time last night and really looking forward to the party tonight!!!! Here are some other pictures taken late last night.
More to come later ... lots more!
Tracey ( the only woman brave enough to hang out with these guys ( children!))




This is the gang hanging out in Joe's room last night Danny, Mench, John, Gary and Jason

The man and DA man
Jack and Cary

The man and the other DA man
Jack and Joe

[Don_Lee]

WOOHOO now those are some pics! Awesome to see Cary and Joe with Jack, now I REALLY wish I had found a way to go. I am sitting here in Illinois with rain and grey skies. Good for you guys, have more fun and keep those updates coming. Good thing you are there to keep all of those younguns in line Tracey!

Don

:o :o :thumbsup: :wave:

[Goldfish_in_a_bowl]

ALL I CAN SAY IS "WHO" is missing in the Pictures!!!....................................... .........
:waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa:
:furious:
Keep the updates coming!
You guys have a great time!! and WATCH MENCH for me! Man you just cannot take that guy any where!!! Nice shirt Mench! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

:gorgeous:
Cary.... Call me later at "HOME!!!" ;) :-*

Hey Tracey....

Look's like the crew are having a blast. I only wish I could have found someone to take that long ride with me..... my bags were packed and ready to go until that so called friend of mine backed out at the last minute....

I don't want you to say I told you so Cary :flame:

I guess I'll just sit back and cry :'( and only wish I were there.

You guys enjoy yourselves and keep us updated.... we can have fun through you guys ;D

The pics are Great..... keep em coming ;)

Beth <------- Sooooo Broken Hearted :'( :'( :'(

[roclement]

UAU! :o :o! Must be an outstanding event!!! Will not miss next year!

Thanks for posting guys! Makes me feell a litlle bit better...

Keep the pictures coming!! ;D

Rodrigo Clement

Hi all, we all just got back from hearing Jack speak. I wish everyone could of been there he spoke quite a bit about blackworms and why he believes in them.
We are now all off to the pool, 20 drunks in the pool ;D ;D ;D
The Hilton will never be the same 8) 8) 8)
WHO WANTS PICS HAHA....................Later
Randy

[Willie]

You guys should be here. I saw some of the nicest leopard snakeskins ever up in room 1304. The Blue Diamonds and the Flame of the Forest strains are not too shabby either! If only we can sober up enough to take pictures of the fish.

Willie

[Don_Lee]

Come on Willie, you are killing us now! LOL-thanks for the updates. Whose fish were the LSS and BD, in room 1304? Sure wish I could have heard Jack talk, I have great respect for him. Someday I am going to get my pic taken with him too, I hope, and I will frame that pic!

Have Fun Guys,

Don

[Dennis_Hardenburge]

Really glad every one if haveing fun.
But the rest of us want fish pictures.
Come on Tracey.
Never mind just tell the party in room 1304 to send me a dozen fish.
Dennis

Hey, are you guys sure you weren't hallucinating through your ears when you were listening to Jack speak? Was anybody not hung over enough to ask him a question, say like, why don't you use them in your hatchery, Jack? Or, why do you always recommend in your column not to feed them because they are known to carry pathogens? ;D ;D

Didn't recognize you John without the dress. Good pics, esp. Jack and Cary's shot.

Glad you are all having fun. ;)

Mat

[Don_Lee]

It has gotten suddenly quiet from Atlanta? Can anyone say HANGOVER?? LOL, hope you guys are still having fun, keep those updates coming.

Don

[Discus_KC]

I envisioned this last night.

Quarts of Alcohol, bottles of beer. As the bottles got empty, phrases like this were blurted out.

"I love you Man"

"Your the best F&@#ing breeder out there."

"I can't stand" (Such and Such)

More "I love you Man"

"I am going to buy 6 hundred thousand new tanks"

"His fish look like crap"

"I could of gave a talk far better than that guy. He don't know Jack squat about Discus"

"Your my bestest Buddy"

"I love you Man"

Picture it, guys passed out, drool coming out their mouths.

Another day in the life of a Discus Professional ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I would not expect it any other way LOL

Jack

[SLY]

LOL that sounds like someone familiar and it's sure funny ;D ;D ;D

[April]

hmmmm......looks like i should've been there to guard those fish......and issue the beverages......
cool pics......
so whos the winning fish?????
we want pics..
;D

Whoa..I didn't hear the blackworm part..He told about a experiment using tubifex worms once compared to other foods. I didn't hear the word blackworm during the talk.

Thanks, edibill. ;) But then, anyone who ever read his column or talked to Jack Wattley already knew he would not be promoting the use of blackworms at a convention. ;D

Mat

[DenverDan]

Hi All

I hope the pictures won't be a blurry as I bet some of the eyes are ;D

Can't wait for the pictures, I'm sure there will be pictures of the next hot strain that I will have to have. Thanks for keeping us posted

Dan

[Andromeda]

It was a pleasure meeting everyone at the ACA Convention especially the opportunity to talk to Jack Wattley for a minute or so. He is a gentlement with a very good sense of humour. He is simply the greatest.

We party a whole lot at room 1304. It was great meeting Anand, Randy, Tracey, Ron, Gary, Willie, John, Danny, Cary, and Joe.

In terms of fish in room 1304, I brought home some baby San Merah. I wanted the Red Melon but sold out. Yes, Willie is absolutely correct... the Leopard Snake Skin were simply awesome. Even Jack said nice fish! I did not stay for the Award Banquet because I was really exhausted with all the partying. Besides that, I couldn't wait to bring the baby San Merah back home.

Peace..... Jason G.

[Willie]

OK, I'll do the best I can. I'm far from a professional photographer. I'll start with the show entries.

Willie

[Willie]

I don't know all the owners and no names were provided. Note that the pictures sometimes bring out the best in lesser fish and less in better fish. this is an entry in the show competition.

Willie

[Willie]

Another picture of the Snow Flake Discus.

Willie

Good luck with the San Merahs, Jason. I like this variety of discus alot.

Mat

[Willie]

The fish looks better than the picture, but the pattern is novel to my eyes.

Willie

[Willie]

Another entry similar to the previous one. This was a larger, better formed fish, with a more pleasing shade.

Willie

[Willie]

The only wild discus in the competition.

Willie

[Willie]

A Marlboro Gold that won the competition last year. This fish was certainly not up to last year's form.

Willie

[Willie]

What can you say, except to drool...

Willie

[Willie]

Third place finisher from Joe @ Enchanted Discus. I thought this was the best fish in the competition.

Willie

[Willie]

Same fish again. I think Joe's taking this one to Duisburg.

Willie

[Willie]

Second place finisher.

Willie

[Willie]

First place in the Discus Category.

Willie

[Willie]

Stuff that could be swimming in your tank if you had come to Atlanta! Can you afford to miss Cincinnati?

Willie

[Willie]

Are you kicking yourself now? I wasn't kidding!

Willie

[Willie]

This is what Jason and I were talking about.

Willie

[Ardan]

Nice Job and Thank You, Willie!! :thumbsup:

Ardan :sun:

[redlines]

Willie,

Thanks for posting the pics!!!

Andy

Greetings All,
We made it home safe and sound it took 12 hours door to door thanks to road construction and accidents! I'm sure it will take Joe longer to get home not sure what time he left hotel but it was well after us.
Thanks Wille for posting fish pictures yours are a whole lot better then the ones we took. We still have tons of pictures that we will look at tomorrow and get them edited and posted before we leave for our vacation in the outer banks.
Still have lots of stories and lies to tell. ;D ;D but we are beat and still have to unload the van. Take care and we will post tomorrow.
Tracey and Randy
Discus 1304

[Andromeda]

Randy,

I'm glad that you and your family got home safely. Did you get any fish from room 1304? Sounds like the guy needs to change his website to www.discus1304.com... LOL!

Jason G.

Jason it was nice meeting you. No, I was going to bring home several but decided to wait. Cary and I am working out a deal between us and will be getting some at a later date.
Joe and Danny sure have some super sweet fish and it was sure hard to let them go and see someone else buy them but I am going to try and do a road trip up to Joes here in the near future so I can pick some out then.
I know Joe and Danny sure sold alot of fish. Lee almost talked me into buying 6-8 discus several times but I was able to hold out I didnt want to bring them home and have to worry about them as I am only home for 2 days and am gone again for a week. If I was done with my traveling I would of picked up a dozen or so....I hope yours does great and post some pics of it when you get a chance....
Talk to you later, Have to go rest these red eyes, my body hasent seen a bed much in the last couple of days
Randy
1304

[RichieE]

Reasons Im going to try to go next year:

1) Jack was there. :)

2) Discus were there :D

3) Joes shirt. I want one. 8)

4)I saw beverages on that table. :)

5) Id like to meet Cary the Father of my Discus. ;D

Hi all, We have been looking at all the the pics we took at the ACA and have picked out the best ones and are resizing them. I hope to get some of them posted tomorrow afternoon or evening...............

Hey Cary how did you get a room for next year already, I tried to book one of the owners suites this afternoon and was told I would have to wait and speak to the hotel planner tomorrow as that person was off today..........Do you have someone on the inside and holding out on me ;D ;D ;D
Randy

[Steve_Warner]

Hi all,
Where is the show next year?


Steve

[mench]

Hi Steve,it is in Cinci.Oh. July 17,18,19,20.

Mench

[April]

willie thanks for posting the pics of the fish. they are good pics. looks like a good time had by all.
think i ought to plan.....too bad its at my busiest time of year....

Hi all, ok its time for a few more pics, some are good some are so so but here they are

The first one is the outside pic of the hotel where the now famous room 1304 was located, I'm sure the Hilton will never be the same...

here is one of the many vendors that were there

A pic of the Guy Jordan board, this is where everyone posted info of the fish that they were selling in their rooms

Dinner time.....Lee, Joe and Danny

Dinner time part 2....Joe, Danny and Cary

[gump]

Great to see the Pics coming Randy. So far they look good. However, in this case there may be a fine line between "famous" room 1304 and more than likely infamous room 1304!!! LOL Wish I was there!
PIERRE

Dinner time part 3......me and the better half

dinner part 4....Danny, Cary and his date for the evening my daughter Christine

Last one for awhile........ here is Joe with the 2nd of this Two awards.......many more to come including lots of fish pics........................................Randy

[Ardan]

Great Pics Randy! Thank You!

Is that hotel leaning a bit now? ::) ;D

Looks like you had a great time!

Ardan :sun:

Hey Ardan,I'm not sure we woke up late Sunday and flew out of the hotel so fast I didnt even look back, I can tell you that enough water was spilled on the carpets that they are cleaner than new :)


Well here is some more pics.....you guys wanted them and here they are..................................


Here is one of Willie

Here is Mench, is he smoking or what...well maybe not smokimg but he is on fire ;D ;D ;D

here is some more of the gang in the animal bin...notice the wall to wall tanks :o :o :o[hr]

Here is Cary and his newly adopted daughter Christine......hey Cary you can start sending those child support payments anytime you want :o :o :o

Here is da man and da wife......Cary and my wife Tracey........Hey Cary how did you get in all of these pics.....you big ham :D :D :D :D

Notice the nice clean room 8) 8)

OK enough of the people pics how about some discus pics.....not that great but just look at all of those super nice discus Joe and Danny had for sell

And more

Some more

Are you drooling yet....well there is more.......

I told you there was alot of discus in the room, over 500 gallons....here are some more............

Are you kicking yourself for not going yet??

HEE HEE not done yet..............

Ok I will stop... you have been punished enough for not going.........WAIT..... one more ;D

How about some pics of the show fish area

Show fish area again....there is Mench again in the pic...you are getting as bad as Cary 8) 8) 8)

Another view of the show room

Look at the discus................

Another view

And one more

This is a pic of the room set up with rental tanks that you could put your fish in to sell

Well everyone that is it as far as pics from me YAAAAAAAA!!!!!! I'm sure there will be many more from everyone else that was there the flash bulbs were going off all week long. I hope this help bring the ones that could not go a little closer to the action................My family and I had a blast and met some great people from this board and others.
I cant wait till next year and hope that many many more will be able to attend next year. It is a mild to wild time.
I hope I didnt bore to many of you with the pics but I know a few wanted to see them badly.
Randy

OK OK One more just to drive Cary crazy

[SLY]

Nice pics Randy..thanks for sharing ;)

[Dennis_Hardenburge]

Tracey and Randy
Thank's so much for taking the time and putting the effort into bringing it all to us poor souls that couldn't go.
We love ya
Dennis

Yes, thank you from me, too. I enjoyed the reports as well as the pics. :)

I heard Cary order 5,000 coffee mugs with his and JW's pic on them and will be on sale soon. ($7.95 plus S&H) ;) ;D

Mat

[Carol_Roberts]

Hi Randy:
Thanks for the pictures and write up. I almost felt like I was there! (only without the hangover)
Carol :heart1:

[Jeffery_Doty]

That was great! Thanks again for sharing! Sure makes me want to be at next years.

Jeff
Oregon

[fishfarm]

Thanks Guys! I want to say we had a great, but exhausting time putting on the show. It was a lot of work, but well worth it. Willie, I'd like to let you know who owned the fish you posted pictures of. The Tanchos are a pair and belong to me as well as the Gold that won in 2001. She is old and I have given her to Anand to fatten up. He hopes to get a few more spawns out of her before she passes on to discus heaven. The First place fish belongs to Ray McCaleb and is a blue cover from Chung Wai Sheng I brougnt back from Hong Kong as a 2" fry. I should have kept that one! He also owned the snow white (which died in a tank crash while he was out of town) It and the Tanchos came from Koay Lock in Penang. All the other fish you showed I believe belong to Joe. The discus in the Rental room were mine, But I was so busy running the show I did not sell very many and about half of them went back home with me. I look forward to invading this years "1304" and enjoying myself and getting to know all of you guys better!!!
:guitarist: :drummer: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I have a bunch of pictures I'll try and post in the next few days. Y'all all need to come to Cinci. I'd like to see a Discus take best of show. It has never happened before!

Ken Davis, President , The Atlanta Area Aquarium Association
ACA 2002 Convention Chairman

Randy, Thanks--Lets hope we have a better turnout to see the burnouts this year! We gotta keep cary from bustin up the ghetto blaster and see if we can burn up another Sunbeam Blender--Margaritaville. Room 1304 has been interned in the Discus Hall of Fame. You'll find us on the Guy Jordan Board---or just follow your nose!!! Joe 8)

Joe any idea of what the room situation is... are they still available?

Mike

Mike, I think all of the two room suites are booked but you should still be able to get a regular room, but I wouldnt wait to much longer............Randy

http://www.bestwestern.com/prop_36113

Mike, You can reserve with some plastic. It is not charged until you arrive! I got mine last September. My advice is to scurry! Joe ;)

[fishfarm]

I booked my room today (1/31/03), still some left. Ken

Thanks for the heads up Ken. Joe ;)

[mench]

Mike,ya can bunk with Gary and me if ya can't get a room...that is unless Red,April ,Beth or any other of the discus gals need a place to bunk 8) 8)
Have to cater to the ladies first.........

Mench

Mench---What a Perve! I can see it now cold clammy sweating palms! Your genetic disfigurement ( 20 fingers and 12 inch hands coupled to an arm reach of 5 feet !! ) and your eyes walking all over the ladies -- that greasy smile! SHAME ON YOU!!!! Go get a cleaner copy of Hustler! Joe :o

just a quick reminder that there are only 64 days until this years ACA in Cinnci......I know alot of people plan to attend this year that could not make it last year......
Lookinh foward to seeing everyone again


Randy

[CARY_GLdiscus]

Dam Thats Fast!
Thanks Randy!

YEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWW!!!!! ;D ;D

I just ordered a 125 gallon tank just to makesure I have room for the those neverland fish from HANS!!!! ;D ;D maybe a few from joe cary and everyone else who has fish there.... ::) ::)

[mench]

Yep I got about 300 gal worth of empty tanks just waiting for some fishies....64 days huh.let the countdown begine.....My travel bud has the van ready and rearing to go,and so are we!!!!!.

Cinci in 03..be there or be square

Mench (Flame on 8))

[gary1218]

Ron,

Steve and I voted, you have to leave the infamous flame shirt home ;D

GARY

[mench]

Sorry, no can do ..I just gots toooooo many of them ;D ;D

Mench

[mitch1313]

What events can i participate in if i am not registered and what am i excluded from if i go. i might go but just overnight 1 day. what would be the best day?

Anand and Mench, yep I just about have my new wall unit build myself so it will be ready for a bunch of new discus also.
Mitch, without being registered I dont think there is much you will be able to do except look at the show fish, as far as the ACA event itself is concerned...But heck the ACA is just a reason to get everyone together...the real parties take place in everyones rooms...or as far as most of us are concerned just one room/floor...Us discus crazies have reserved just about the whole suite floor of the hotel so feel free to stop on by and toss a few down.....And if your looking for some new discus to buy.....Will be 200-300 in just one room alone for sell...................
Makes no different when you stop buy it is a non stop party from Thursday thru Sunday morning

Randy

[Tracey]

Hey Mench, you can wear those flame shirts any time you want around me! :D 8) Can't wait for July to get here! ::)


Tracey :bandana:

[gary1218]

Sure Tracey, easy for you to say. You don't have to room with Ron. Those shirts keep the room lite up ALL night. I can't get any sleep ;D

GARY

Hey Gary I don't get it????? Mench told me you were scared of the dark and carry a little discus shaped nite light with you on your trips anyway so his shirts "glowing" at night should make you happy ;D ;D ;D ;D


Randy

[gary1218]

Randy - LOL :) :D ;D

GARY