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[b] UPDATE:
Unfortunately, the 10 GB bandwith limit was exceeded after just 12 hours. I didn't find any site without a limit, but some people suggested switching to imageshack. Hope it works better. If not, please PM me a good suggestion where to permanently upload the pictures. Sorry for the inconvenience if you could not see the pictures yet. Feel free to do so now  [b]
Warning: This blog contains spoilers of the recent IEM games at the Gamescom 2010 in Cologne, Germany. If you do not wish to be spoilert in any extend, please stop reading now and return whenever you are ready! Also, I want to mention that pretty much every second picture has Demuslim in it, no idea why, but who cares. He is awesome, friendly and just fun to be around. Also, especially in the restaurant, I had huge problems with the light in the room. The standard flashlight of my camera is a total pain and the room was originally too dark to take good pictures without a decent flashlight. This caused some blurriness, I beg to apologize. Also, it's quite a number of pictures (38 so far, more might come later when I have slept)
Before I start giggling and can’t stop writing about how awesome the TL meeting was, I want to thank fishyjoes again for having organized the event, he did the restaurant reservation for a ton of people and he did a real good job overall. Someone has to get a meeting like this started, and he did it well! Thanks from everyone.
Now to the fun stuff:
My original plan was to go to Cologne just to see the IEM games on the Saturday. So, as a good and loyal fan and member of TL.net I prepared myself well for this event. In the hope that during the games the camera men would actually show the cheering crowd, I made little comics for every possible occasion and for every player that I was cheering for:
[spoiler]
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img265/2237/dsc00810fc.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img836/570/dsc00811z.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img685/8523/dsc00812r.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img413/1689/dsc00813g.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img831/1880/dsc00814z.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img838/7862/dsc00815g.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img413/6109/dsc00816aq.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img838/2663/dsc00818g.jpg) [/spoiler]
Unlucky, that neither the commentators nor the cameras could really catch such a thing.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img833/7624/dayhidingbehindmonitors.jpg)
Uhh, who is hiding behind those monitors? Could it be? Really? No kidding?
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img814/2652/itisdayhidingbehindmoni.jpg)
Ya, It is Day and Apollo!!
Day9 and Apollo were sitting with their backs to the crowd and the camera was pointed for 2 seconds at the crowd and that only if they had nothing else to do. Soooo, my pictures were somewhat of a waste, but since I had to kill 5h in the train, I might as well do something, right? Day9 and Apollo were pretty much the most positive aspect of this event. They were a true dream team and I hope they cast more games together!
Due to some fantastic railway problems, I arrived 2,5 hours later, so that I could only see the last three games of Idra vs that unknown Terran. But holy cow, that was a dramatic series. I thought my heart stopped during the first big attack on the last game (Blistering Sands):
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img714/5339/game5idrasarens.jpg)
Dying mutas trying to save the expo, Zerglings dead for ages, Medivacs in the air zapping away, total panic and annihilation in Zerg town. What’s going on in IdrA’s base? Happy-Drone-time. Where every Zerg in the universe had panicked in the face of his immediate defeat, he was super calm, did his thing, survived the attack and slowly secured his quarterfinals.
He stood on the stage during the (quite useless) commentary about his games and the crowd applauded. Well played, IdrA.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img243/4495/idrawon.jpg)
After the games, not much was going on on the stage. Some Quakelive, a strange racing game and Counterstrike, which I thought was replaced by something “modern” but apparently I was wrong. So, I wandered around trying to sneak in a short cue for some good Diablo 3 or Call of Duty games. But waiting lines started from 3-4 hours. So, that was kind of not good to do. I decided to circle around, always keeping the IEM stage in mind just to not miss any SC2 action. Although the IdrA games were the last casted games of that day, I was still able to see some of the players practice right next to the IEM stage. Here are some impressions and players:
[spoiler]![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img682/663/tlocloseup.jpg)
TLO with a pretty darn good shirt...
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img707/1735/retcouching.jpg)
Mister Ret!
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img713/2094/qukaeguyfreakingout.jpg)
MorroW and some weird freaky looking Quakeguy.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img810/7983/practicingaftertourney2.jpg)
More Practice, more practice...
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img532/3796/practicingafterthetourn.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img835/982/demuslimbeeingsexy.jpg)
Demuslim looking friendly and awesome as always! Sorry if you feel over-represented in the pictures, but my camera, my rules :p
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img835/778/mrhandsomhimself.jpg)
If I may repeat myself, Artosis: "Not nearly as handsom as you and your shirts..."[/spoiler]
Shortly before the assembly at 8 pm, I met 7mk, talked about sc2, the games, the event and all the good stuff. The TL people met at the south entrance and this is what it looks like when 40 TL guys are standing around waiting for more awesome people to come:
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img409/3655/finallythemeetingbegins.jpg)
On the way, we sort of lost the more important second half of our crowd (which is the players), so a little panic going on, but everything turned out ok and we proceeded. Just a couple of minutes later, we arrived the restaurant:
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img833/2114/marchingintothecave.jpg)
And guess what: I got a perfect seat right next to Demuslim, Nazgul and TLO. Oh my, had I red cheeks:
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img829/9562/igotasweetspotgiggle.jpg)
The whole restaurant was literally TL property right now and the mood was awesome. The players were so open and friendly and blended in perfectly with the mortal casual gamers. They answered pretty much everything, laughed, drank beer and had a good time. Yea sure, we had to wait for ages until our food came, but who cares if you can sit next to so awesome people and wander around and take pictures, right?
[spoiler]![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img90/6254/moartlidiansday.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img409/181/moartarson.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img715/9349/justawesometlpeople2.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img580/4600/foodfinallyarrived.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img267/8800/demuslimandfishyjoe.jpg)
Demuslim with Fishyjoes!
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img833/2899/day9talkingtosomeeeeeon.jpg)
Day9 talking to someeeeeeeone....
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img94/1383/dayplanninghisgirlappro.jpg)
Now, whatch what happens if Day9 is feeling totally comfortable... he sees a friendly lady, talks nice to her and then...
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img409/1383/dayplanninghisgirlappro.jpg)
... busts out the big nerd heart. Isn't that romantic? You are such a cutie, Day.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img832/1430/bierklauguybeingawesome.jpg)
Haha, Oh jeeez. I will never forget this funny standing guy. Something with BierKiller-Something? Looking forward to play some games with you!
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img827/6965/awesomemorrowinthehouse.jpg)
Tarson and MorroW on one table.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img688/4339/apollobeingmadaboutsmth.jpg)
Apollo screaming something to someone. Problably complaining about the never coming food :D
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img638/2738/allofthemaretlidians.jpg)
Pretty bad photo, but the light was too bad and the flashlight is super bad. Just to see the "endless table of Teamliquidians".
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img202/8632/theawesomeidracloseup.jpg)
IdrA up to for a chat and some T-Shirt signing later on.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img801/7659/tarsonandartosisbeingaw.jpg)
Tarson and Artosis.
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img638/4113/supersecretdiscussions.jpg)
Uh, what a fresh new photo with... Demuslim!
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img829/8230/duckloadbeingawesome.jpg)
Who cares about your name, if you can just be THE MAN. Hope you got home safely...[/spoiler]
So, of course I took opportunity of this relaxed environment and let everybody sign my fake TL shirt that I had prepared the night before. Never in the world will I sell or even use this shirt again. It shall remain a silent witness of the most awesome community on the planet. Thanks everyone for singing and exchanging sc2 names and stuff
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img715/8158/dsc00802q.jpg)
Ignore my right foot there... You got enough pictures without any feet...
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img138/2605/dsc00804p.jpg)
*Giggle*
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img90/3641/dsc00805c.jpg)
The IdrAling is my painting, but Artosis is just right about his comment. No reason to argue here. Just true man-respect :p
Unfortunately, at around 2 am the group began to fall apart. Some players still had to play tournies the next day, some were just dead tired (like a certain mister Plott, who looked like a dead sleepwalker anyway, which didn’t affect his aura and his charisma at all) and some just stayed a little longer in the restaurant. I had to wait 1,5 h for my train back, but I had warm memories in my heart and on my shirt
Thanks Teamliquid for an awesome meetup.
Artosis: You are smaller than I expected, but you truly are the most handsome Nerd on the planet. It was so nice meeting you and your signature has a sweet spot on my shirt. Never stop giving content to TL. You are awesome!
IdrA: I didn’t lie when I said that I cheered for you to win these games! I totally believe that you will win this tourney. I really wish you best of luck for all things you do!
TLO: Actually, you are smaller than I expected as well, but who cares if you are THAT awesome?! Really liked your open and friendly mindset. I really hope you enjoy your time in Korea and that you remain as fun and creative as you are.
MorroW: You are a beast! Best of luck in all tournies you participate. If theres a Swedish lan around and you are playing, I will come over and lead the crowd :d
Dimaga and WhiteRa: God, why are you all so friendly? I didn’t really have the time to talk to you much, but you are a bunch of awesome guys and I hope that will never change.
Day9 and Apollo: Oh snap, why didn’t I listed you earlier? Probably because its 1 pm and instead of sleeping after having to wait for the train all night, I am writing this blog and upload pictures. But, I just want to say what everyone knows. You two are sooo brilliant.
Tarson: You don’t suck, never write that on my shirt again! You played good games, its fun see the games, you are a super mannered friendly guy. You shall rock, remember that
Enough! I need sleep. Really. Thanks for all the people that came. I can’t name you all, but I will truly remember you all! And hope to see you guys (and 3?) girls next time!
![[image loading]](http://a.imageshack.us/img825/7896/finishpicture.jpg)
Best wishes
Kai "lopper" G.
PS: Might be edited later for some more pictures, typo reduction, etc. <3
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Wow really nice blog. I'm glad you took so many pictures and got pretty much everyone there. Awesome to see TL assembled.
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Very nice read, it seems you had a great time good for you!
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very nice blog i will upload my picture now =)
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Kennigit
Canada19447 Posts
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very jealous, looks like a great time
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Very sweet =) Love the cheap shirt, very nice added touch with the mispellings.
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51414 Posts
is that thebigone with the gg shirt? him and tlo look like identical twins heh.
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"Your smart" LOL :D
I love the non-official TL shirt XD
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Kennigit
Canada19447 Posts
Kid with GG shirt is clearly apollo
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![[image loading]](http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/misterG420/2010_08%20TL%20Meetup%20IEM%20Cologn/DSC00811.jpg)
LMFAO this is great
too bad all pictures are hosted on photobucket, they will go down soon 
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![[image loading]](http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/misterG420/2010_08%20TL%20Meetup%20IEM%20Cologn/DSC00818.jpg)
does this read "i love rape"? lol
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5673 Posts
Hahaha nice, sounds like you nerds had a blast! ^^
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Awesome pictures, sounds like you had a great time!
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Great blog and nice pictures.
I love the fake t-shirt
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Looks like you guys had an awesome time, great blog 5/5
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Great blog, thanks for the pictures.
Too bad I couldnt make it to cologne.
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Too bad I couldn't make it
Thanks for the writeup, awesome blog!
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I only looked at the pictures, but seeing this makes me want to go to a SC social event so bad!
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You realise you have a tipo on your shirt? 
So sad I couldn't make it this year. I hope next year will be as good. See you there.
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Yea, the typo doesn't really matter :d
Is there a better way for posting pictures? Some one in a older how to thread suggested photobucket.
No oroblems posting the pics again on a different plattform.
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I learned that progammers wear fancy pants.
Great blog, love those pics.
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Looks like so much fun! Wish i could have been there.
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Awesome pictures, really wish I had been in Germany this weekend, but alas I'm stuck in Iceland! Grr!
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Hahaha!! awesome pictures man
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moooaaaaar ! :D
cant get enough of this !
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thats so awesome!
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is awesome32274 Posts
Is that Ilvy speaking to Day[9]?
also
![[image loading]](http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/misterG420/2010_08%20TL%20Meetup%20IEM%20Cologn/Retcouching.jpg)
Hi zatic!
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That guy is Zatic? Really? Aww.. not it's too late for autographs Ret looked so much diffrent. I think the break from Broodwar did him a lot of good. Maybe one day he will return and stream some good games.
Also, I heard it wasen't too difficult to get a press pass. Does anyone have experience or tipps? If I should go next year, I'd like to get closer to where the players are.
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On August 22 2010 02:13 lopper wrote:That guy is Zatic? Really? Aww.. not it's too late for autographs Ret looked so much diffrent. I think the break from Broodwar did him a lot of good. Maybe one day he will return and stream some good games. Also, I heard it wasen't too difficult to get a press pass. Does anyone have experience or tipps? If I should go next year, I'd like to get closer to where the players are.
Holy shit, that's Ret? Looks so different!
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On August 22 2010 01:01 NIIINO wrote:
moooaaaaar ! :D
cant get enough of this !
Check my latest blog entry. I posted some pictures as well.
5/5 for this blog indeed!
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WAOH RET! Starting to get handsome dude! =>
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I really enjoyed this evening so much. Tank you for the organisation and the nice time there.
Looking forward to the next meeting.
Greetings from Cologne. ;o)
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so sick :D
nice pictures man
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Taiwan619 Posts
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White Ra actually has 2 livers; he's fine.
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Wow...ret looks really nice in that picture. Nice shirt xD.
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Hahaha TLO ballin in the last pic xD.
Also, wow ret looks waaay different!
Nice pics/write up  .
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On August 22 2010 01:25 IntoTheWow wrote:Is that Ilvy speaking to Day[9]? also Hi zatic!
Yes Into, it was me to talk to the "Handsome " :D
It was a cool party, thanks to the organizer, just too bad i had to go home today and can´t join the ESL party ;(
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It was such an unbelievable experience for me to join this meetup and I enjoyed every moment! Thx to all of u TL Guys. u r an awesome community! Hopefully we will come together next year again
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so awesome!
Very jello of your visit.
thanks for sharing!
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ret just owned the TL Fitness thread
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On August 21 2010 20:49 lopper wrote:And guess what: I got a perfect seat right next to Demuslim, Nazgul and TLO. Oh my, had I red cheeks. ![[image loading]](http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/misterG420/2010_08%20TL%20Meetup%20IEM%20Cologn/Igotasweetspotgiggle.jpg)
Is Nazgul the guy second from the left?
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On August 22 2010 06:20 Babel wrote:Show nested quote +On August 21 2010 20:49 lopper wrote:And guess what: I got a perfect seat right next to Demuslim, Nazgul and TLO. Oh my, had I red cheeks. Is Nazgul the guy second from the left?
Indeed :D
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Sick pictures lopper.
TL meetups look so fun.
Awesome Idra ling.
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Nice pictures! Looks like everyone had good time, now only if Canada had some international tournies to bring everyone in...
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On August 22 2010 06:20 Babel wrote:Show nested quote +On August 21 2010 20:49 lopper wrote:And guess what: I got a perfect seat right next to Demuslim, Nazgul and TLO. Oh my, had I red cheeks. Is Nazgul the guy second from the left?
yeah and i am the guy sittin next to him haha
ill upload all my pics from IEM and TL Meetup tomorrow guys!
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is awesome32274 Posts
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is awesome32274 Posts
On August 22 2010 02:13 lopper wrote:That guy is Zatic? Really? Aww.. not it's too late for autographs Ret looked so much diffrent. I think the break from Broodwar did him a lot of good. Maybe one day he will return and stream some good games. Also, I heard it wasen't too difficult to get a press pass. Does anyone have experience or tipps? If I should go next year, I'd like to get closer to where the players are.
Yeah, the left guy in the pic :D
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Am I the only one that can't see the pictures? :s
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On August 22 2010 11:36 FlopTurnReaver wrote:
Am I the only one that can't see the pictures? :s
I can't either. I was able to earlier today though.
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On August 22 2010 11:55 Whole wrote:Show nested quote +On August 22 2010 11:36 FlopTurnReaver wrote:
Am I the only one that can't see the pictures? :s I can't either. I was able to earlier today though.
Bandwidth exceeded for the day for photobucket.
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On August 22 2010 12:02 I_Love_Bacon wrote:Show nested quote +On August 22 2010 11:55 Whole wrote:On August 22 2010 11:36 FlopTurnReaver wrote:
Am I the only one that can't see the pictures? :s I can't either. I was able to earlier today though. Bandwidth exceeded for the day for photobucket.
no no, the pictures are really good!
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Anyone have a mirror for the pictures?
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Saw the pictures earlier and forgot to thank you for them. Think there are quite a few posters (myself included) that would have been to awe struck to remember to take any. Sounds like everyone is having a blast, even IdrA is smiling.
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Pictures are down
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You should host these on imageshack instead. =( Stoopid photobucket. Good read though!
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OMFG
I think I'm a bit too late, cuz all I see are "bandwidth exceeded" pictures
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Ok, I only find pages with 10 GB limit. Where the heck can I upload the pics?
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Ok, will try imageshack, but I thought they got a limit as well.
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Thanks for the pictures New hosting works for me, for now.
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it was an awesome event! meeting all the people was great.. keep the pictures coming!
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great pictures I wish I could go to this, it'd make me so happy.
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This is why Team Liquid, players, esports and the Starcraft community is so epicly awesome. Great thread, great pics and cheers for a fantastic event! =)
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grrr makes me angry i live 45minutes away and had to work
looks like you had a good time tho
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amazing how much love and time you spent on this. Thank you =)
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Was an awesome meet up, good pics!
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
wow ret, nice
i'm going to take all the credit
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Awesome ! wish I there
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On August 23 2010 04:16 Rekrul wrote:
wow ret, nice
i'm going to take all the credit
Share your secrets
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The meeting was really nice :D i enjoyed beeing there, with all of you guys!! hope everyone paid for his food ^^
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Derbi, since you are the only Guy from Austria: Are you the guy that I mysteriously thought was a progamer? Right next to me, Demuslim and TLO? If so, let's play some games!!!
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Dam! Pro/Amateur gamers are really weak and out of shape. You guys need to start taking some steroids and lifting some weights.That would give new meaning to IdraRage.
With the exception of Ret. Now that he lost a bunch of weight, he looks like he can crush some noobie skulls irl.
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The meet-up was awesome, thanks for the fantastic dinner guys.
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WOW, mind blow on Ret... Is that him? How much weight he lost after came back from korea? @_@
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Amazing writeup and pictures thanks for sharing wish I was there.
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On August 23 2010 20:01 fathead wrote:
You guys need to start taking some steroids
O-o .. really? steroids??
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nice job kai =)
really good pictures. I was actually doing a pretty terrible job at taking pictures, glad that you werent.
Gonna work on my blog tomorrow
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the white-ra pic is awesome.
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i'll just use this thread to show a few of my pics which are worth uploading enjoy!
![[image loading]](http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/601/dscf0036qn.jpg)
Huk and Naniwa
![[image loading]](http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/682/dscf0038.jpg)
Morrow and Huk, in the background Tarson with WhiteRa
![[image loading]](http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8958/dscf0050mx.jpg)
HuK, Apollo, Morrow, in the background Tarson, Artosis and diejule
![[image loading]](http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/3632/dscf0051t.jpg)
HasuObs
![[image loading]](http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/7462/dscf0053g.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4563/dscf0048e.jpg)
Idra
![[image loading]](http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1198/dscf0047c.jpg)
the toughthammer!
and last but not least the best:
![[image loading]](http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/91/dscf0052c.jpg)
love this pic
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^ haha epic
he looks like some drunk screaming bum :p
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Calgary25977 Posts
WTF ret lost like a million pounds holy shit. I'll check the rest of the pics when I'm home but I needed to comment on that.
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Whoa Ret is in a nice shape =)
Is he playing SC2 these days?
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When this was happening I was stuck in a gridlock in Poland trying to get there. FML
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holy shit ret ...what happened
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fuck you, I'm jealous! :D
but i think i saw your great signs when i was at the esl booth
and wtf, IdrA smiling?!
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It was really a very nice evening with you guys, thanks to everyone who participated.
For myself the real surprise of that evening was ret. I mean, wow, this man didn't just lost weight (saw him 1,5 years ago in rl), he's also just in perfect and healthy condition. How did he do that?o_O
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lol lopper you drew some nice pictures and also made an awesome t-shirt :D
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On August 24 2010 05:20 Enox wrote:
and theres goes the typical day[9] screaming?! ROFL
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On August 25 2010 07:41 aqui wrote:Isn't the third guy on the pic dimaga? + Show Spoiler +
Yeah it is, but oh my Ret looks in good shape :o
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Looks amazing wish I was there.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/misterG420/2010_08%20TL%20Meetup%20IEM%20Cologn/JustawesomeTlpeople2.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img687.imageshack.us/i/dscf0036qn.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img825.imageshack.us/i/dscf0038.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img339.imageshack.us/i/dscf0050mx.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img843.imageshack.us/i/dscf0051t.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img824.imageshack.us/i/dscf0053g.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img214.imageshack.us/i/dscf0048e.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img827.imageshack.us/i/dscf0047c.jpg/)
![[image loading]](http://img838.imageshack.us/i/dscf0052c.jpg/)
