Microsoft Tech Ed was a huge blast! I was up to my eyeballs in techno jargon and all the information about Windows Server 2008 a geek could ever ask for. At night the free food and alcohol helped clear the mind of the previous day's mental overload. I also got to see the shuttle launch and a few other spectacular sights while I was there.
 
What? You weren't able to make it this year you say? Checkout my Tech-Ed 2007 Overview for the low down on the cool new changes coming in Server W2K8.
 
I arrived in Orlando a day early so I decided to grab a rental at Orlando Paintball for the day. Due to poor planning on my part and a very useless hotel travel guide I climbed into a taxi on Sunday morning headed to the field. I was prepared to pay a hefty fee for the ride but to my total shock it cost me $75 one way! The cabbie was kind enough to meet me afterwards to pocket another $75 off the meter...what a nice guy! (I was actually very appreciative, I could have been stranded on the other side of town)
 
I was a little disappointed by the turnout and that I forgot to bring a 98 barrel adapter for my rental. I had an Apex barrel in my travel bag but the A5 threads did me no good. The rental appeared to be very poorly maintained but being Tippmann it performed very well considering. I think I spent about $80 on paint and equipment (1100 rounds). Steep but not crazy expensive.
 
Despite the low turnout, about 12-16 players throughout the day, we still had a great time. I had my usually highs and lows...death dealer one moment and cannon fodder the next. The two indoor warehouse fields were great but after a few games they kicked us out due to the heat. The rest of the day was spent on 4-5 outdoor speedball fields. We only played one game on with 10-15 minute breaks in between. It felt like a snails pace at times but I finished the day with enough leftover paint to hook a small group of noobies up with enough for a small 2 on 2 game. Just another day at the field though I wasn't prepared to spend the day in the hot Florida sun; I still have the farmer's tan to show for it.
 
Overall, Orlando Paintball has a good setup for the location. The ref was actively involved though he seemed disinterested in player's field or game requests. The field rules are all hits count and no elimination matches (must have a theme). The speedball fields are on the other side of a busy street. Lots of kids crossing back and forth with loaded paintball markers seems a little reckless. One of the indoor fields had a staging area with an open view of the parking lot, no barrier or netting. Safety still wasn't a big issue. I'd give it a 6 out of 10 (8 for the location). Great place to walk on but I wouldn't make it my home field.
 
BTW: Click here for a fun article in NY Times about scenario paintball.