Greetings everyone!  This is hte last post (maybe)  for a week as I am headed to the desert.  If I can, I will post during the week but I wouldn't count on that but its still possible.
To all that are headed west, please take you time, drive carefully and have a safe trip.
I look forward to seeing all my friends and family and meeting new friends to become my family.

See you in the desert...

Dear friends and family...
I will be heading for Terlingua tomorrow and this is probably the last post until after TICC.  The week ahead is about to be filled with gatherings, reunions, parties and the kind of fellowship that one rarely has the privilege of being a part of.  There will be many seasoned cooks and many first time cooks and visitors to our beloved Rancho CASI de los Chisos  this next week and it is my wish for all that old relationships are further enjoyed and new friendships are established.  We come together once a year for the largest gathering in the desert for one cause...chili...we are looking to crown a new champion...we are looking for those friends we only get to see once a year...we are looking for nothing other than enjoying the time we spend with friends and family.  I wish safe travels for all and good journeys ahead.  See you all VERY soon.

  Greetings,
As I'm sure you are aware, the new CASI computer system, CASI Member System (CMS), went live a week ago. It is accessed through www.casichili.net. One of the new features of this new software is how cookoff results are submitted to the TallyMaster. Here is an overview of how this all (should) work.

 
Getting started. This new software uses a new cookoff numbering system - random numbers. It would be a good idea to locate your event in the CASI Events tab, and write it down. The pre-printed forms you receive should have this number on them, starting last week. You should already have made an electronic file of the cookoff paperwork.
It all starts at the "My Member Log In" tab. You will use the same user ID and password as you did with CIS. Upon logging in, you will be presented with two choices (options) on how to submit the results. Option 2 is the same as we have been doing it for the past few months. e.i., Attach the file(s) and pay by credit card or mail a check. (Noting that you are mailing the fees.)
Option 1 is new and more fun. Here is where that CMS Event number will be handy. You can search by date, but if you have the number, you can go right to the page to enter information. There are a number of information boxes to be filled in; some will already be complete. Once the information has been completed, you can indicate whether or not you will be paying by credit card. Then you will attach your electronic copies of the chili and show entry lists. Although you are going to submit the results online, it would not hurt to include the results sheet copy as well; just to be safe.
After the forms have been attached, you will see a tiny button; checking that indicates you are ready to proceed. Be sure you have everything you need to proceed, because after you enter the security code and click on the update button, there is no going back. If you don't follow through to completion, the system will think you're done and lock that file. I trust the IT team will work on that area, and have a solution before I get to try it again in January.
On the next page you will enter in the winners. The name areas have auto-complete so it will be quick, unless you're searching for a Johnson or Smith. When done, you should be given an opportunity to review and make corrections.
Hopefully, you will have results to submit soon, so give it a try and let me know how it wor

As we get closer to the big day at the Ranch, here are several more opportunities to join your fellow cooks for some fun fellowship. There are MANY little things that help to make this week and the cook off a success and the members are at the heart of all this.  If you can find some time, jump in with both feet.......the water is fine.

Every year the weather takes its toll on the Old 320 cooking arena.  All the markers have to be located, the cooking and show sites marked and get the arena roped off.  This takes place on Wednesday morning around 9am.  Bob Steinle, Pam Clark and Mike Park could sure use help taking care this.  Wear your comfortable shoes and clothes and pop over to the 320.  Refreshing beverages are served to the helpers.

Getting the main concession up and running is task in itself. On Wednesday morning at 9am, ALL the shirts that are to sold have to folded and sorted by size.  With lots of help, it takes about and hour and half.  Shirt folding takes place in the Anicra Pavilion. Susan Armand and crew would love to see your bright, smiling, happy face that morning.

It takes a lot of cheese and celery and go through five rounds of judging.  On Thursday, November 3 in the Mexene judging pavilion, bring a cutting board and your favorite knife and join in the veggie cutting. This task takes about an hour and half with lots of help.  So grab your utensils of destruction and join Cindy Noe and friends for a couple of hours.

Highway clean up is scheduled for Thursday, November 3.  Meet at the Ranch entrance at 8am. The effort is not difficult at all and there will be chase vehicles to shuttle folks back and forth.  Slow paced, nice leisurely stroll and no one will walk very far.  There are roadside markers that you want to collect as you are picking up the rubbish. These markers are for prizes that are redeemed at the end of the walk. If you want to know more get in touch with Bud Barrick at barrack-bud@comcast.net

This is an unusual one.  Many Pods donated funds to help defray the costs of the porta cans again this year. Pick a porta can, decorate it however you would like. However, there are several rules furnished to us by the owners of the porta cans. Please do not use any kind of paint, duct tape or drill holes in the porta cans. This could be a lot of fun, There are endless possibilities here to have some fun and make these unique and different. C'mon folks, use your imagination. 

The CASI Online Store has many items to help you look your best this year at our 5oth Anniversary. Among the items available for purchase is the limited edition CASI 50th shirt designed by our own Michael Watkins.  The shirt comes in two colors and is available EXCLUSIVELY online.  These shirts will not be available at the Ranch.  Order today to have them in time for Terlingua.

 http://www.casichilistore.net

After the Tequila Rose and Tequila in Terlingua parties, the festivities continue with the first night time lighted golf cart parade.  Starting on the side road to the stage, we wind our way through the ranch ending up at the Krazy Flats where the party continues with a 50s Costume party at the Si Brown pavilion.  The parade is open to cooks as well as the spectators.  Its going to be a great night.

After a relaxing day on Wednesday, the night begins to heat up with two great parties.  The Tequila Rose Party to be held in the Ancira Judging Pavilion and the Tequila in Terlingua Gentlemen's Gathering behind the main stage; Both events begin at 7pm.  Hope to see you there.