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Here’s one for you “3P N WC WM.” Got any idea what that is? Give it a whirl tomorrow morning at WSCTC when you visit one of three of the latte carts, and you’ll be getting my favorite drink! There will be one latte stand by registration and two in the area where we had the Welcome Reception. Were you able to translate my favorite? How about either one in the picture? Enjoy our Seattle passion!
Authored by: Paulette Suddarth, Global Events Marketing Manager, Community and Online Support
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Square Root Day is a humorous holiday celebrated on dates where the day and the month are both the square root of the last two digits in the current year. For example, the last Square Root Day was March 3, 2009 (3/3/09), and the next Square Root Day will be April 4, 2016 (4/4/16). The final Square Root Day of the century will occur on September 9, 2081. Square Root Days fall upon the same nine dates each century.
And speaking of numbers, we’d like to remind you to please fill out evaluations and provide feedback on the sessions you’ve attended. We use your feedback to make improvements to subsequent events.
Please go to http://www.mvpsummit2009.com, log in to the Schedule Builder and select “Evaluations” from the left navigation.
Authored by: Paulette Suddarth, Global Events Marketing Manager, Community and Online Support
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Did you know that we’ve been working on the development of a new MVP member site? There are two Side Sessions you should consider attending. In these sessions you’ll learn about how we’re using contemporary design and development methodologies to build a new system which is based on feedback from users, system, and program administrators.
In the first session, we will debut the prototype demo for the new unified MVP member site, which incorporates a state-of-the-art UI design, architecture and new features designed to improve your experience. This session includes a demonstration and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide feedback.
Title: Prototype Demo & new feature overview of the new MVP Member site
Code: SD19
Time: Day 4; Wednesday, March 4, 14:00 - 15:00
Place: Sheraton Hotel, Ravenna Room
Invited: All MVPs
In the second session, you’ll also have a chance to preview the MVP member site and learn about the key technical solution concepts and wireframes. The presenters will collect your valuable feedback and share future engagement opportunities with you.
Title: The New MVP Member site: Solution Preview & Feedback Opportunity
Code: SD01
Time: Day 4; Wednesday, March 4, 15:00 - 17:00
Place: Sheraton Hotel, Capitol Hill Room
Invited: Targeted MVPs
To enroll in these sessions, please visit http://www.mvpsummit2009.com, select Schedule Builder from the left navigation menu. Log in to the site and then search for the sessions using the filters. You can filter on Side Session or the codes. 
Hope to see you there!
Authored by: Eunju Kim, Sr. Program Manager, Community and Online Support
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If you like Hot Sauce, consider visiting Double DD Meats in Mountlake Terrace. Just 15 miles north of Seattle, this small family owned business is not only famous for great meat and their own special sausage; but they are also the veritable hot sauce capital of the world! With over 2,500 brands to choose 
from, you are likely to discover some hard-to-find varieties! Take Marie Sharp’s brand which is made in Belize…they have it (my personal favorite)! Then there’s the creative names of hot sauces that describe the effects they’ll have on you. Rubs, spices, meat and cheese – this store is packed full of great finds!
Authored by: Paulette Suddarth, Global Events Marketing Manager, Community and Online Support
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Have you been to Seattle before? Think you’ve done it all already? Really? Have you seen a salmon fly through the air or climb a ladder? Have you watched a huge ship ascend a 26 foot vertical hurdle in just a few minutes? Have you witnessed a giant troll grasping a real VW Beetle in his clawed hand that ventured too close to his lair under a bridge? Amaze your friends back home with stories of your fantastic, unusual adventures in Seattle. Be more than a tourist. Become an adventurer. Up to the challenge? Try some of these:
Make a pilgrimage.
Find the final resting place of Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Lee, and Brandon Lee and pay your respects.
http://www.jimihendrixmemorial.com
Greenwood Memorial Park
350 Monroe Avenue Northeast
Renton, WA 98056
(425) 255-1511
Be a pilgrim.
Tread upon the spot there the founders of Seattle first landed in 1851. Touch a piece of the real Plymouth Rock in a monument that marks the spot. How did a fragment of that stone make its way from Plymouth, Massachusetts to Seattle?
http://www.seattlepi.newsource.com/neighbors/alki/todo
Alki Beach Monument
62nd Avenue Southwest and Alki Avenue Southeast, Seattle, WA
Be a scientist.
The paleontologist in you will exclaim "Look at the size of those teeth!" as you examine the mighty Allosaurus fossil skeleton the the Burke Museum. Don't forget the 140 million year old Stegosaurus either in this natural history museum.
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum
Located on the University of Washington Campus
Corner of 17th Ave NE and NE 45th Street
Be a politician.
View the 16 foot high, 7 ton bronze stature of Vladimir Lenin direct from the Czech Republic. Why is there a monument to Lenin here? Enjoy the craftsmanship employed to make this monumental statue.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/9056
Bronze Vladimir Lenin Statue
600 North 36th
Seattle, WA
Be a folklorist.
Learn about trolls. However, you may tremble in fear as you see the gigantic troll living under a huge bridge. Don't get too close. Just look what he is doing to that Volkswagen!
http://www.arfarfarf.com/troll
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1402
North 36th Street under bridge
Be an anthropologist.
Study the case of genuine human shrunken heads, compliments of the Jivaro Indians from the Amazon. Or be a forensic investigator after you have your picture taken while standing next to Sylvester the mummy (He's only wearing a loin cloth). Can you find the bullet hole? Those spots that look like freckles aren't freckles. What are they?
http://www.yeoldecuriosityshop.com
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
1001 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 682-5844
Take a birds-eye-view.
Take off from the water, fly over Seattle and then land back on the water in a float plane.
Lake Union Terminal on Lake Union
950 Westlake Avenue North
Seattle, WA
(206) 441-3825
Kenmore Air Harbor
6321 NE 175th St
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 486-1257
Ride on a Duck.
It is a WWII vintage amphibious vehicle. Tour downtown Seattle and annoy pedestrians with your duck call noisemaker. Then plunge into Lake Union and see the houseboats and yachts from the water.
http://www.ridetheduckofseattle.com
Blend in with the locals.
Eat a simple meal with the common folks. Stand in line for a hamburger and a shake like Seattleites have done for years. Most customers order at least two or three burgers at a time at Dick’s Drive In.
http://www.ddir.com for locations
Don't like burgers but still want to blend in with the locals? Try the Wing Dome. It's big, It's Bad, It's intimidating. Chicken wings of all kinds. If you can eat a No. 7 wing (really hot) you get your picture on the wall. (One of Paulette’s favs!)
http://www.TheWingDome.com
7818 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 706-4036
Witness an engineering marvel.
Visit the Hiram Chittenden Locks--it's free!. Watch a huge ship descend 26 feet from the fresh water Salmon Bay to salt water Puget Sound. Vessels traveling the other way rise 26 feet all in a matter of minutes. Walk across the huge lock doors to the fish ladder. Watch migrating fish negotiate the incremental steps of the fish ladder to get from salt water to fresh water.
http://www.seattle.gov/tour/locks
3015 NW 54th Street
Seattle (Ballard district), WA 98107
(206) 783-7059
Travel back in time.
Enter the 1914 vintage elevator. The only manually operated elevator in Seattle. Watch the floors go by through the open grate door as you ascend to the observation deck of the Smith Tower. The bird’s eye view of south Seattle and Elliott Bay are astounding.
http://www.smithtower.com
506 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
I know you must be a prankster!
That's why you need a rubber chicken. Already have one? Then try the boxing nun puppets (approved by and used by real nuns). A must see for your strange and unusual accoutrement needs.
http://www.mcphee.com
Archie McPhee
2428 NW Market St
Seattle (Ballard district), WA 09107
(206) 297-0240
Hunt for druids.
Go to the top of kite hill and find the giant sun dial. Who else could have made all of those magical runes and symbols? You will love the view Seattle from across Lake Union and marvel at what is left of the huge machinery used to convert coal into gas .
http://www.seattle.gov/parkspaces/gasworks
http://www.vrseattle.com/pagaes/browse.php?cat_id=64
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 684-4075
Complete that list and you’ll be declared more than an MVP…you’ll be an adventurer!
P.S. Originally we had listed the Lenin statue as having come from USSR. But one of our readers, Mosha Pasumansky, who grew up in the USSR explained it was actually Czech Republic. Thank you for the correction Mosha!
Authored by: Terry Suddarth, Paulette’s husband
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Twitter will play an important part in this year's Global Summit. Many MVPs are already discussing their Summit plans over Twitter. However, many are finding the hashtag, #mvpsummit2009 too long for their tweets. A large proportion of Twitter users are already using the smaller hashtag of #mvp09.
Therefore, to ensure that we are able to follow the conversation, please use #mvp09 in your tweets. Remember, all session content during Summit is bound by your NDA!
Thank you for your feedback.
Authored by: Jas Dhaliwal, Social Media Specialist, Community and Online Support
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During last week’s live Countdown events, we had some questions that we promised to follow-up on and share with you regarding logistics at the MVP Global Summit. While some of these may have already been answered in other venues, I am still including them here for completeness.
Will there be a baggage check/coat check at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (WSCTC) on Sunday and Wednesday?
Yes, there will in room 4C at the WSCTC both days. Hours on Sunday will be 3:30-9 PM and Wednesday from 7 am- 2 PM. If you arrive earlier in the day and need baggage check, our recommendation is to check your bags at your Global Summit hotel.
Will the Microsoft Company Store still take my VIP pass for software and hardware after the MVP Global Summit?
Your VIP pass (available at registration) permits you to spend your own money at employee prices for software and hardware up to 10 days after its indicated date. While we will have someone to let you into the restricted area where software and hardware is located during the two days the Global Summit will be on Microsoft’s campus, you will need to make separate arrangements with a Microsoft employee to enter that section on other days.
As an additional note: we are anticipating a large number of Microsoft employees in the company store during the MVP Global Summit due to a major software release next week. Our recommendation to US MVPs is that you make use of your ability to use your VIP pass online rather than dealing with crowds at the company store.
What if I have to change my hotel or other registration information at this late date? How would I do that?
For registration and hotel changes at this late stage, you should use the email and phone contact information on the registration site to reach the Summit Registration Team (CRG Events) directly. If registration changes occur after Friday, the 27th, you will need to make them in person at the Global Summit registration desk (WSCTC on Sunday and Wednesday, Microsoft Conference Center on Monday and Tuesday). Similarly, hotel changes will need to be made directly with your summit hotel.
What days will the working lounges be available for use?
Great question! For MVPs who are room sharing but don’t wish to disturb their roommate, these lounges in each hotel are set up with both wired and wireless access. So if you need to work on that blog, catch up on your email or generally need a quiet place to hang out, they are available to you. Working Lounges are open from Sunday night, March 1st, through Wednesday morning, March 4th. More information on the working lounge locations will be available at registration.
Will we be getting a copy of the Countdown presentation or some way to keep all these bus schedules and deadlines straight?
Absolutely! The recording of the 2009 MVP Global Summit Countdown is now available through the MVP Event Calendar and the slides can be found on MVP Connect. Your best resource for bus schedules and routes is the Pocket Guide you will receive at registration. This amazing booklet is available now in electronic form linked from the Registration/Summit Builder pages once you sign into on the Global Summit Registration site.
Authored by: Brian Boston, MVP Lead, Americas, Community and Online Support
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If you haven’t already submitted a question to me via email for one or more of our keynote executives, you can now do it via our Keynote Question Manager. Please log in to the site at http://www.mvpsummit2009.com and select “Schedule Builder” from the left navigation menu. Use the same login credentials that you set up during attendee registration. Once logged in, you’ll see “Ask an Exec” in the left-hand menu.
Authored by: Paulette Suddarth, Global Events Marketing Manager, Community and Online Support
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Last year, 900 MVPS from over 70 countries took the challenge from Steve Ballmer about using Live Search. You gave us in-depth feedback and we definitely took it in.
Come chat over lunch March 1st, Sunday, 12-1 pm, Side Session SD24, with the product team members who used your opinions to make a difference in how Live Search works and will work in the future.
To add it to your schedule, log in to the Schedule Builder at http://www.mvpsummit2009.com, pick Schedule Builder from the left navigation menu, and then filter on Side Sessions. Find SD24 and add it to your Personal Schedule!
Join us for lunch and a great discussion!
Authored by: |  |  |
| | Betsy Aoki,
Live Search | Andy Oakley,
Live Search |
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We have two surprises planned for you during the keynotes on Wednesday, March 4th.
The First Surprise
For the first one, I have to keep it a surprise and you’ll just have to trust me that it will be great, exciting, and fun! However, to prepare for that surprise, I need your help! We need to ask you to sign a Permission Slip to participate. Don’t worry, we won’t be asking you to scale walls, do “trust falls” or anything like that, but it does involve cameras. Just in case you’re not up for participating, we have a plan for that too.
The Second Surprise
Regarding the second surprise, you may have noticed that we didn’t tell you who the Technical Leadership Team panel is during S. Somasegar’s keynote. I decided you should know now, because once you know, I bet you’ll have specific questions you want to ask! The panel will be all comprised of Technical Fellows!
What You Need To Do
| | Surprise #1 – During Mike Nash’s Keynote |
| | |
| | Microsoft will be filming during the first Keynote Session held on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. This extra activity requires MVPs to sign a Permission Form to grant Microsoft rights to use and reproduce any of the film or video taken during this Keynote session for promotion purposes. The form will be made available for MVPs to sign during the on-site Summit registration at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (WSCTC). However, your MVP Lead will also provide a blank copy of the form via email. If you want to speed up the on-site registration process, you can print and sign the form ahead of time and then simply return it when you arrive to register on-site at the MVP Global Summit. Please let your MVP Lead know if you have any questions or concerns about the Permission Form before you arrive at the MVP Global Summit. You can also check the FAQ below for more information on this topic. |
| | FAQ Q: Why do I have to sign a Permission Form for the MVP Summit this year? A: This year, there will be some special filming done at the first Keynote on Wednesday, March 4th. Because the filming may be used for external Microsoft marketing purposes, your permission is required to allow Microsoft to repurpose the filming for promotion purposes. Q: Can I print and sign the Permission Form in advance? A: Yes. MVPs who wish to speed up their registration time can print and sign the Permission Form in advance. Simply return the Permission Form at the time you complete on-site Summit registration. Q: Can I return the Permission Form electronically? A: No, electronic return of the Permission Form will not be accepted. However, MVPs who wish to speed up their registration time can print and sign the Permission Form in advance. Simply return the Permission Form at the time you complete on-site Summit registration. Q: What is Microsoft planning to do with the film that is taken? A: Microsoft may reproduce all videotaping or photography for promotion purposes in an online marketing campaign. Q: What happens if I elect not to sign the Permission Form? A: If you elect not to sign the Permission Form, you may still attend MVP Global Summit. However, your entry to the first Keynote scheduled on March 4th will be denied. Q: Are there other options to view the Keynote if I elect not to attend the session live? A: MVPs who do not attend the Keynote session live can view the session on-demand after the Summit concludes through MVP Connect Services. |
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| | Surprise # 2 – S. Somasegar Keynote & Technical Fellows Panel |
| | |
| | You have a unique opportunity to pose questions to Technical Fellows during this panel. Please submit your questions now.
|
Authored by: Paulette Suddarth, Global Events Marketing Manager, Community and Online Support
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Have you heard about Fix it? Would you like to know how you, as an MVP, can be directly engaged with Microsoft’s new automated solutions initiative?
As recognized experts in the community, MVPs can play an important role with Fix it. We are excited to announce a new portal for MVPs to directly contribute recommendations for automated solutions, interact with the Fix it team, get feedback and status for submissions. You will have chance to learn more about this initiative during a side session at the 2009 Global MVP Summit.
The Fix it overview will be presented twice during the following sessions for your convenience, as noted below:
| Title | Product Quality and MVP Feedback 1 |
| Session Code | SD02 |
| Time | Sunday, March 1st between 12:30 and 15:30 |
| | |
| Title | Product Quality and MVP Feedback 2 |
| Session Code | SD04 |
| Time | Sunday, March 1st between 14:00 and 15:00 |
Make sure you include one of these sessions in your agenda to learn about this important opportunity. To add it to your Personal Schedule, go to http://www.mvpsummit2009.com and select Schedule Builder from the left hand navigation. Find the sessions by filtering on Side Sessions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Authored by: Leonardo Tolomelli, Program Manager, Community and Online Support
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Thanks to many of you for attending the Global Summit Countdown webcasts over the last 24 hours. We had a great time at both live webcasts with a little bit of drama (like when I forgot to prepare the voting poll slide and had to do it on the fly in Session #2!), a lot of great questions and a lot of information around logistics at the 2009 MVP Global Summit…and we have winning hat!
What was interesting about voting this time around is that those of you who voted during Session #1 trended much differently in your choices than those of you who voted during #2. So I didn’t know what hat was the actually the winner until the total votes of both session were combined.
The winner is… A Tie!
Both the Sombrero and the Rasta Cap (with Dreadlocks) took top honors! Since the prospect of wearing both hats simultaneously would detract from the experience, I will wear each hat at a separate event:
 | Welcome Reception on Sunday, March 1st |
| | |
 | Attendee Party on Tuesday, March 3rd |
You might see me in other hats during the week; I will definitely be in these hats for those events!
If you missed webcasts, you and your fellow MVPs can access the our recording through the MVP Member site’s Event Calendar, along with the 30 minute Special Edition Recording where we focus just on transportation to Seattle, Summit Hotels and other event Locations. In addition, the slides from the Summit Countdown are also available to MVPs as a download through MVP Connect Services
We had some great questions the MVPs in attendance and other points raised by veteran summit attendees. I will share those in a follow-up blog posting.
Authored by: Brian Boston, MVP Lead Americas, Community and Online Support
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Since a number of blockbusters are often released first in the US before hitting other countries, why not capitalize on this opportunity to see a new movie and check out a local movie theatre?
Downtown Cinemas are as follows:
1. Regal Meridian 16 http://www.fandango.com/regalmeridian16_aabfy/theaterpage?wssac=58&wssaffid=11481_REGWebsite
1501 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 Tel (206) 223-9600 8
2. AMC Pacific Place 11 http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?exid=amc&house_id=5235&r&edata=mw_theatreinfo
600 Pine S., Seattle, WA 98101 Tel (206) 652-2404
3. AMC Cinerama 1 - This has the largest http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?exid=amc&house_id=5881&r&edata=mw_theatreinfo
2100 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 Tel (206) 441-3080
4. Big Picture http://www.thebigpicture.net/movies/cinema_showtimes.htm
2505 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 Tel (206) 256-0572
A family owned little cinema with comfy seats and cocktails.
Check out movie ratings at the following locations:
1. http://www.metacritic.com/
2. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/
Enjoy watching your blockbuster!
Authored by: Karen-Anne Young, Marketing, Events & Program Manager , Community and Online Support
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Looking for some great Chinese cuisine during your stay in Seattle? While one of the first places people think of when “Great Chinese Food” comes to mind is the distinct International District, there are a few other places serving surprisingly good food in town if you’re willing to drive a few places. Whether you are in downtown Seattle or on the Eastside (on the Microsoft campus), there are plenty of options available to you.
As the MVPs are leaders in their communities, how about hearing from other communities about favorite restaurants in town?
CitySearch 2009 Chinese Restaurant Winners in Seattle Region (includes Downtown and Redmond)
Yelp’s Top Rated Chinese Restaurants in Downtown Seattle
Yelp’s Top Rated Chinese Restaurants in Redmond
Authored by: Jason Tillman, Program Manager, Community and Online Support
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It’s fascinating how much discussion you can generate by just asking the question, “How do you travel from and to the airport?” Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), its only 15 miles away from downtown Seattle, but the numerous opinions on airport-to-downtown-transport make it seem longer. The best choice depends on how important cost, time and flexibility are to you on your arrival at SeaTac. Here’s a quick guide:
Comfort and style: Shuttle Express is a very popular choice for travel from the airport throughout the Seattle metropolitan area, but this can be an expensive choice because shared van rides (their primary services) are not offered to the downtown Seattle hotels, including the ones we are using for the MVP Global Summit. Instead you can use their “exclusive service” limousines and town cars. If you like to travel this way, arrange to meet with your fellow travelers at the airport and travel together to split the cost. A town car for up to three people is around $59 one-way, $108 round trip.
Fast, simple, but not cheap: Taxis are the best way if time is of essence and money isn’t a great concern. A typical taxi ride is $33-35 regardless of cab company because King County regulates cab fares. Traveling from Seattle to the airport is a fixed cost of $32 because Seattle requires taxis to charge a flat rate.
Reliable and Affordable – Gray Line of Seattle’s Downtown Airporter loops between downtown hotels and SeaTac 18 hours a day for $11 one-way, $18 roundtrip. It’s not fancy, but Gray Line has provided this service for decades.
Cheap and Adventurous – Seattle’s Metro Transit offers two bus lines between SeaTac and Downtown Seattle. You can’t beat the price ($1.75 to $2.50), but the trip can be a bit more unpredictable. The 194 route uses the freeway and route 174 uses city streets but they both get there. This would also be an option for the adventurous who would like to see Seattle off the tourist track.
Okay that’s the overview, but as I said before, everybody has an opinion or, possibly, an option that I haven’t included above. This is your turn to offer it:
“What is your favorite method of
airport-to-Seattle travel?”
Authored by: Brian Boston, MVP Lead, Americas, Community and Online Support
