51 Weeks To Go

Now that there is no adrenaline remaining at AI-HQ, The AI Etiquette & Protocol Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Stans who made their way from points near and far to make AI-XXIII one of the best, if not the best, AI in AI history.  Stans came from LA, from Pittsburgh, from Bastrop, from Jim Thorpe, from Brooklyn, from the ATL, from Sarasota, Windermere and down the block.  The grand spectacle of The AI would not be possible without each and every Stan.

The Committee would like to draw special attention to a few aspects of The AI that perhaps are not fully appreciated during the maelstrom. To Reef for the post-AI lunches.  To Wally for his annual culinary gift. To Edie, designer of the iconic AI logo, for her ever enthusiastic help with The AI Tchotchke Department. To Mr. Heimsch for his annual case of wine and to Dr. Bauer for his several bottles of fine champagne.  To Christina "The Baroness von Sidecar" and Tom for generously hosting the annual AI cocktail party. To Nick for his technical assistance and cinematography.  To Sean, Nick & Kate with help from Tony for their heroic work on what was surely the finest Banquet in AI history (the last of which we just finished eating an hour ago).  To Cleo without whom we would be doing dishes until mid-May.

The Baroness von Sidecar                                   Most of The Banquet Staff

   in her natural habitat                                          hoping and praying                               

To Nora for her weeks of work and dedication to The AI Food & Beverage Committee without which we simply could not produce the quality that AI gourmands demand.

And, of course, to The Banquet Director, without whom The AI quite simply would not exist.  Who else would put up with her spouse's personality disorder for XXIII years?

AI-XXIV awaits, god willing and the creek don't rise