DC Planning Thread

May 8, 2009 10:04 PM

We need to pick a date and time between July 17 and July 19 and a location. Metro access is important, and in the past we've seemed to favor the Red Line, so I'll assume that's been working for people (Nanny O'Briens).

I have no particular preference as venue goes save that it admit underage patrons. I'd also prefer Friday/Saturday (17/18).

posted by phrontist to Washington, DC at 10:04 PM (283 comments total)

Seconding the underage patrons part. All 3 days work for me. Red line would work best, for me, too.
posted by azarbayejani at 10:09 PM on May 8, 2009

Yes.... any date (friday would be my least fave...but I could always take the day off work) is good for me and actually off any metro line is ok (coming in from the Bmore burbs so it doesnt matter)


and thanks for stepping up to do this, you made my morning.
posted by ShawnString at 4:08 AM on May 9, 2009

Thank you, thank you, phrontist!

I work on Sunday nights, so it's Friday or Saturday for me. I can't wait!
posted by orrnyereg at 7:25 AM on May 9, 2009

We're finally on the board! Thank you phrontist!

Friday is best for me, but any day works.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:27 AM on May 9, 2009

It's far enough in advance that time/date/location will work for me regardless of choice.

As long as I can get a beer, I'll be happy.
posted by Loto at 7:56 AM on May 9, 2009

Yay! I'm going to be in DC (rather than Chicago) this weekend, so I'll definitely try to make it out.
posted by sugarfish at 9:36 AM on May 9, 2009

Can somebody for whom this would be the first meet-up vote on the date? I vote for Saturday night, if so.
posted by Electrius at 11:19 AM on May 10, 2009

Another vote for Saturday.
posted by djb at 11:59 AM on May 10, 2009

Here's a vote for Friday. No preference re location.
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 3:25 PM on May 10, 2009

I'll vote Saturday.
posted by phrontist at 4:58 PM on May 10, 2009

I'll vote Friday, because I have a ceremony to attend on Saturday night, but I feel weird throwing that in since I'm not a local.
posted by sugarfish at 5:59 PM on May 10, 2009

Does it have to be during the night? saturday afternoon/evening could be fun
posted by ShawnString at 7:28 PM on May 10, 2009

This would be my first meetup, but it's so far out either day is fine.
posted by anti social order at 6:03 AM on May 11, 2009

Saturday afternoon/early evening would be good, as I have another event later that night. (Which means I may be showing up in tiki-wear...)
posted by JoanArkham at 6:13 AM on May 11, 2009

Yes, Saturday afternoon would work for me, too.
posted by sugarfish at 6:14 AM on May 11, 2009

Saturday afternoon at the Zoo brown bagging some Old English?
posted by Loto at 5:05 PM on May 11, 2009

I'm about 50/50 between the local meetup and gettin' crazy and taking off for New Orleans instead.
posted by little e at 6:35 AM on May 12, 2009

Sounds like Saturday afternoon is pretty popular. Noon-ish too early?

There are some decent restaurants by Woodley Park/Zoo... indoors may be better as a start-point in case a summer downpour decides to make an appearance.

They feed the giant octopus at 3pm. ;)
posted by zennie at 8:30 AM on May 12, 2009

I'm going to have to vote for Nanny O'Briens, or somewhere similar. I think we have a better chance of finding a section to claim for ourselves than the zoo in July. (Also, I am not a big fan of being outside.)
posted by JoanArkham at 8:51 AM on May 12, 2009

Like I said, there are decent restaurants near Woodley Park/Zoo. I'm assuming we will have to make reservations somewhere in any case. Nobody will have to be outside if the heat is oppressive.
posted by zennie at 9:31 AM on May 12, 2009

If the heat is oppressive?

I can do Nanny O'Briens or the zoo-area. The octopus-feeding sounds intriguing, though.
posted by orrnyereg at 9:47 AM on May 12, 2009

The inauguration meetup in the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery went pretty well: we hung out for a while scaling the size of our party up-up-up, then moved to a local bar when we'd hit a critical mass.

What about Saturday at 4 PM, meet in the Courtyard and then move to a pre-determined venue? Tapas and drinks at La Tasca, or just drinks Bar Louie, at say 7 PM? That way, people with families or other obligations don't miss out on the fun.

Another possibility would be an earlier outdoor picnic at Lincoln Park, followed by Tunnicliff's Tavern?

I'd presume that the bar-tab-paying part of the evening would be reserved for the post-7-PM heavy-drinking crowd.
posted by anotherpanacea at 10:19 AM on May 12, 2009

Any homebrewers in town? I'm pretty sure we should brew Mefi Ale so we'll have something to drink for #11...
posted by grateful at 10:37 AM on May 12, 2009

If the heat is oppressive?

I stand corrected. I forget that not everyone is acclimated; I guess I don't consider 85F and 60% humidity to be oppressive... at least not on a day off.
posted by zennie at 1:02 PM on May 12, 2009

Perhaps two locations and starting times may be in order?

One afternoon location that would allow the younger crowd and those with other plans to meet and one evening location that would allow the rest of us to booze with strangers from the internet?
posted by Loto at 7:02 AM on May 13, 2009

That's what I was thinking, Loto.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:07 AM on May 13, 2009

I think anotherpanacea had the right idea. The jan meetup was right on, from a all ages place directly to a over 21 place worked out really well IMHO.
Hell I would even be up for the same locations. I liked the Rocket Bar (Thanks Potomac Avenue, where is he btw...I was sure he would be chiming in here)
posted by ShawnString at 7:08 AM on May 13, 2009

JoanArkham: I should probably read the thread before I post...

I have no idea where the bars are that you listed, would they be able to handle a group our size? Nanny's was great since we had the back room pretty much to ourselves.
posted by Loto at 7:17 AM on May 13, 2009

Loto, I meant you posted what I was thinking before I could. :)

Although I'm not crazy about the zoo idea (or anything picnic-y or outdoors) I'm up for whatever as long as it's on the Metro.

Never been to Nanny's but I know where it is and they seem to have food options (Including a brownie soaked in Jamesons and served a la mode?!?). Rocket Bar was good, although if there is something going on at Verizon Center that day it could be busy...I think they get more of a late crowd though.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:51 AM on May 13, 2009

although if there is something going on at Verizon Center that day it could be busy...

There's a WNBA game. Shouldn't be an issue...
posted by inigo2 at 9:59 AM on May 13, 2009

I'm cool with anything anywhere.
Wish I could go to New Orleans though but it is far away.
But if we go back to Rocket Bar we can spend matt's money on SKEEBALL HOLLER WHOOWHOO
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:17 AM on May 13, 2009

hells yea...skeeball!
posted by ShawnString at 11:01 AM on May 13, 2009

What about bowling for the afternoon portion? That's something everyone can enjoy, and there will be beer for those of us who like to start while the sun is still up.
posted by Loto at 1:12 PM on May 13, 2009

I am down for whatever - Friday night would work best for me, I think, but I have no problem venturing out of the burbs on a Saturday/Sunday.
posted by kerning at 9:09 PM on May 13, 2009

Rocket Bar is a hell hole. Please not there. If you need skeeball, what about Continental?
posted by peeedro at 10:13 PM on May 13, 2009

Bowling would be awesome, as would the zoo. (In fact, I enjoy zoos probably a lot more than I should.)

However, I have never done a meetup, and may not be able to even make this one, so maybe my vote doesn't count. ("Hey, look at that monkey! What's he doing!? Oh, gross!")
posted by Scattercat at 3:50 AM on May 14, 2009

Just chiming in to say I'll most likely be there, whatever the venue.
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:35 AM on May 14, 2009

I'll probably be there if it's somewhere that admits all-ages. I like the idea of doing something Saturday afternoon.
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 7:49 AM on May 14, 2009

I love skeeball as much as the next mefite, probably more, but I've got to put in my two cents against Rocket Bar. It's not real skee ball even.

I've been busy or out of town for all previous meetups. I'm committed to this one, damnit.
posted by zazerr at 1:54 PM on May 14, 2009

What do y'all say to a meetup to plan the meetup? Phrontist, you're the organizer, what's the deal?
posted by anotherpanacea at 6:07 PM on May 14, 2009

Yeah, let's have a meetup to plan the meetup!
posted by little e at 1:10 AM on May 15, 2009

I agree with avoiding the Rocket Bar. Bowling is much more fun, anyway.

So, where are we meeting to plan the meetup? Do we need a meetup to plan the meetup meetup?

Meetup.
posted by Loto at 5:41 AM on May 15, 2009

Not sure about Metro-accessible bowling other than that yuppie place that has a dress code.

"Tuck-ins are not permitted". I don't even know what that means...

I'm still for sticking with Our Fearless Leader's original suggestion of Nanny's (meeting around 6 or 7PM), and tacking on something more "family-friendly" earlier in the afternoon (meeting around 2 or 3PM).
posted by JoanArkham at 7:22 AM on May 15, 2009

Yes, I would attend the meetup to plan the meetup, the meetup to plan the meetup meetup, as well as a meetup meetup to plan the meetup meetup. What I am saying is that I don't know a lot of people here please provide me with as many social events as possible.
posted by little e at 7:25 AM on May 15, 2009

Huh, I've been to the yuppie place but I didn't realize they had a dress code. Probably because I was, as ever, overdressed and intoxicated. What does "MC colors" mean? Anyway I didn't like it very much and I will be wearing construction boots for the meetup so that won't work.
posted by little e at 7:32 AM on May 15, 2009

There is a dress code to go bowling? What the hell, life? Why do yuppies ruin everything I love!?

JoanArkham, I think you are right on with the plan. Nanny's at night, something during the day. Bring your own street beer and newspaper.

So who wants to go to Adams Morgan tomorrow to plan the meetup to plan the meetup for planning the meetup?
posted by Loto at 7:39 AM on May 15, 2009

MC colors = motorcycle club colors, like Hell's Angels jackets. No, I don't know why a bunch of Hell's Angels would want to go bowling in Chinatown...
posted by JoanArkham at 8:50 AM on May 15, 2009

I might could go to a meetup-planning meetup.
posted by zennie at 10:41 AM on May 15, 2009

I'd be more likely to come if it wasn't at a bar or alky-hol-centric venue. As perhaps the only teetotaler in the group, I absolutely understand if that's what the group settles on. Just registering a preference. I wish I knew DC better so I could offer suggestions, but I'm so NOVA I'm really useless in that respect.
posted by wowbobwow at 6:51 PM on May 15, 2009

FWIW, I don't need alcohol. Do need food though. I hate having to resort to my sugar tablets. Or sugar packets. :p
posted by zennie at 8:29 PM on May 15, 2009

I'd be more likely to come if it wasn't at a bar or alky-hol-centric venue.

Do you have any suggestions? Even if you just give a list of places in NoVa that might get somebody's brain working along the same lines to come up with a similar DC location. This might be especially helpful because there seems to be a consensus developing for a daytime, all ages event plus a nighttime drink-a-thon.
posted by peeedro at 7:20 PM on May 17, 2009

NOVA-native, here, also a coffee-totaler, but I'll be attending both phases of the party.

One of the problems with Nanny O'Brien's is the location: Cleveland Park. It's not really in central DC, at the juxtaposition of different metro lines. That makes it great for Marylanders and various Red Line folk, but less good for we Virginians and anybody else.

That's why I think we should aim for Gallery Place. I don't have a bar in mind, if Rocket Bar, La Tasca, and Bar Louie are all out, but there's a list here.

Alternatively, someplace near the Farragut stations south of Dupont would cover a lot of bases. I was at Science Club on Friday, and they'll let you reserve a large table and keep it as long as you're drinking. It's directly accessible by Red, Blue, and Orange lines, generally low key and they have tasty vegetarian food, wines by the glass or bottle, and Pabst Blue Ribbon in a can for the hipster ironist. How would that be?
posted by anotherpanacea at 8:53 PM on May 17, 2009

Kogod courtyard (at the Portrait Gallery) for the all-ages portion, then Metro over to Science Club?

Sounds very educational, at least.
posted by JoanArkham at 6:32 AM on May 18, 2009

JoanArkham, I've never been to a MeFi meetup that wasn't oddly educational. Can't be helped. ;)

So, is that latest plan reasonably acceptable? If so, maybe we can get Taken Outtacontext on board (if he's not already), and make sure these spaces will actually be available when we need them.
posted by zennie at 7:37 AM on May 18, 2009

JoanArkham's latest idea sounds good to me; a little something for everyone.

I agree we should try to somehow reserve space or get there early enough that it isn't an issue.

And hey, some of us like the taste of PBR. It's not Schlitz, but it'll do.
posted by Loto at 8:01 AM on May 18, 2009

I like Kogod Courtyard for the all-ages portion.
posted by azarbayejani at 8:17 AM on May 18, 2009

3rding or 4thing what ever... about Kogod Courtyard.
posted by ShawnString at 8:58 AM on May 18, 2009

I am crushed that I'll be out of the country for the meetup - I've been trying to get up the nerve to go to one for a long time. Nonetheless, this thread has been helpful: Friday night I went to a movie at the Regal Gallery Place, and read that dress code sign. I clearly remember thinking, WTF are MC Colors? And now I know. Thanks JoanArkham/MeFi!
posted by CaptApollo at 9:56 AM on May 18, 2009

Psst... CaptApollo... there's definitely time for a meetup or two between now and The Tenth Spectacular. Care to initiate?
posted by zennie at 11:26 AM on May 18, 2009

Kogod Courtyard is cool, we could message the dude who Helped Run the Inauguration Meetup to maybe score us some kind of hookup. (Like permission to sneak through that glass sculpture on the top floor?)
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:30 PM on May 18, 2009

Just doing a bit of scout work....

SAAM (Kogard) is hosting "Nationals Baseball Family Day" on July 18th, 11:30am-2pm. The Nationals will be making an appearance and the courtyard will be full of kids. But the event is expected to end promptly, so we should be OK if we want to meet after 2:30pm or so.
posted by zennie at 1:25 PM on May 18, 2009

If attendance is anything like the games, crowds will not be a problem.
posted by Loto at 2:47 PM on May 18, 2009

Loto I was thinking the same thing. its not as bad as the o's but close.

Seriously. SO is the Kogard good for everyone? Lets say 3pm?
posted by ShawnString at 3:34 PM on May 18, 2009

Huh, we might be able to come.
posted by NortonDC at 6:25 PM on May 18, 2009

Hey, I'm there.
posted by brownpau at 4:30 AM on May 19, 2009

I'm not sure how much of this I'll be able to actually make it to, but I'm good with 3PM at Kogod, then moving on to Science Club. Think we should reserve space?

I guess phronist needs to check in and make it official, since he was the one willing to get things started...
posted by JoanArkham at 6:20 AM on May 19, 2009

I've e-mailed Science Club about reserving their second floor. If there were 30 of us, we'd have some spillover, but how can that be bad?
posted by anotherpanacea at 8:05 AM on May 19, 2009

Just found this place called Tryst on 18th St NW, maybe too late to be making new suggestions? If so plz disregard!
posted by wowbobwow at 10:52 AM on May 19, 2009

Just found this place called Tryst on 18th St NW...

They seem to have 2 locations on 18th St... which did you see? Or are they actually together?

I emailed the Science Club a day ago (curious about how they book large parties) and they haven't responded. Maybe anotherpanacea is cool enough to get an answer? ;)
posted by zennie at 12:55 PM on May 19, 2009

Just found this place called Tryst on 18th St NW...

There's the coffeehouse, and the diner. Both are usually crowded, not good meetup places, in my opinion (that said, I usually just walk by, don't go in).

I emailed the Science Club a day ago (curious about how they book large parties) and they haven't responded.

In the past, they let you rent out the upstairs; not sure on cost. They used to let you just plug your Ipod in there, which is kinda neat.
posted by inigo2 at 1:12 PM on May 19, 2009

If we get lucky, ChurchKey might possibly finally be open by then. It's supposed to serve "over 550 beers representing over 100 styles and 30 countries. 50 beers will be on tap, half of which will be American, and 30 of which will rotate out weekly. ChurchKey will also feature something "five authentic hand pumped cask conditioned ales representing rare English and other international styles." With Engert, who serves in the same capacity at Rustico, beer connoisseurs are clearly in good hands.
posted by grateful at 1:32 PM on May 19, 2009

If variety of beers is a key, Stetsons (16th and U) just redid their taps; they've got 20 now (plus an assortment of cans/bottles).

There's also a new place opening soon that sounds kinda awesome: H Street Country Club. "the much-anticipated H Street nightspot -- which includes an indoor mini-golf course, pool tables, Skee-Ball, and a Mexican menu designed by chef Ann Cashion -- should open to the public on May 27."
posted by inigo2 at 2:26 PM on May 19, 2009

Better link to H Street Country Club.
posted by inigo2 at 2:27 PM on May 19, 2009

Okay, barring any really persuasive arguments I'm going to declare Kogod Courtyard as the definite venue at 3pm for the "all ages portion", followed by Science Bar. My only hesitance about Science Bar is that I'd like it to be cool with the 18-21 crowd, and that it charge little or nothing for upstairs.
posted by phrontist at 11:03 PM on May 19, 2009

I've heard back from Science Club. Looks like there's no charge for the room, but they'll do food platters if we want.
posted by anotherpanacea at 4:34 AM on May 20, 2009

Sounds to me like we have a plan.

H Street is cool, and is more convenient to me than any venue in DC, but it's not the easiest place to get to via Metro. We definitely do need to hit the Country Club at some point, though.
posted by MrMoonPie at 5:49 AM on May 20, 2009

phrontist: It's a bar on the weekend so I doubt they'd be too happy with anyone under 21 there. I thought the idea of the non-booze related venue during the day was to accommodate those that couldn't get into a bar later?

Maybe anotherpanacea can email and check, though. They might just give you the straight-edge kid Xs and call it a day, especially if we are reserving a room.
posted by Loto at 5:54 AM on May 20, 2009

We definitely do need to hit the Country Club at some point, though.

Post-meetup meetup!
posted by anotherpanacea at 5:54 AM on May 20, 2009

Re: under-21, they ID when you order, not when you enter.
posted by anotherpanacea at 5:55 AM on May 20, 2009

I've heard back from Science Club. Looks like there's no charge for the room, but they'll do food platters if we want.

I actually heard back today as well, but not sure we were told the same thing. Copy/pasting:

On Friday and Saturday nights we charge a small flat fee to reserve semi private space/tables. Our fees range from $50-$150. For a group of 20-25 I would recommend 1/2 of our back lab (area by the dj booth) for a flat fee of $50 or 1/2 of our 2nd floor (a bit more quite/private) for a flat fee of $75. For both of these spaces we do staff a cocktail server to be devoted to your event and take care of your guests, insuring speedy drink service. ... All of our platters serve about 20 guests.

(I had estimated around 25 people.)
posted by zennie at 7:16 AM on May 20, 2009

FWIW, what zennie heard is more in line with what I've heard in the past. They'll cancel the fee for people doing fundraisers/non-profit events there, but they did charge a fee otherwise. (That said, $75 is super cheap for this sort of thing...)
posted by inigo2 at 7:27 AM on May 20, 2009

Can we use our MeFi Drinking Subsidy to reserve the room?
posted by JoanArkham at 7:30 AM on May 20, 2009

I'd be more than willing to throw down the cash to reserve whatever area is decided best.
posted by Loto at 7:33 AM on May 20, 2009

Retrospectively, I think my guestimate of 25 is a bit conservative, considering we had almost that many at the informal inauguration meetup. They probably charge $125-150 to reserve the whole 2nd floor, if we'd need that.

If you guys think this is a good place, a couple of us could go scout it out. And maybe see if we can haggle on the soft costs (such as reservation fees).
posted by zennie at 7:48 AM on May 20, 2009

Not sure if we can get a break for a Saturday night, but mid-July is kind of a dead time in DC and it will be early...like 6 to 9? The hardcore drinkers can go on from there. (I'll probably need to leave around 8 myself.)

I like the idea of having a whole floor, and I'd certainly be willing to kick in something.
posted by JoanArkham at 8:06 AM on May 20, 2009

I'll go. Consider mine a vote for Kogod/Science Club on Saturday, 18-July.

Although - why not consider a double meetup? Is that overkill? (Some can make one; some can make the other; those who can't get enough can make both. Are there rules against this?)
posted by ostranenie at 8:46 AM on May 21, 2009

We just added bonus meetups to the site, so phrontist can now add a 2nd meetup for Science Club if that's where you're headed.
posted by pb at 10:22 AM on May 21, 2009

Science Club says we can have the entire 2nd floor for $150.

I spoke to my cohort and he and I agreed - if ya'll are interested in an evening meetup there, We Love DC will sponsor it and pick up the $150 reservation fee.

Science Club is our go-to watering hole and we feel kinda warm and fuzzy about it, so I thought this would be a nice gesture.
posted by phearlez at 10:52 AM on May 21, 2009

Hmm, that probably should have said "We Love DC will sponsor it BY picking up the $150 reservation fee."
posted by phearlez at 10:53 AM on May 21, 2009

Well...that's awesome! Thanks!
posted by JoanArkham at 11:10 AM on May 21, 2009

This is weird. On the one hand, I'm grateful to phearlez for agreeing to foot the bill. On the other hand, Science Club still hasn't told me that they expect to be paid for the reservation. In fact, just the opposite. So I'm wondering if we're all competing with each other, driving the price up?
posted by anotherpanacea at 1:13 PM on May 21, 2009

I got the impression their prices are set. But hey, if you can get them to give you the room for free....
posted by zennie at 1:36 PM on May 21, 2009

Are you both asking for the room starting around 6? Maybe they charge after 9 or something but keep it free beforehand.
posted by JoanArkham at 1:39 PM on May 21, 2009

a 6 pm time for the science club meet would be awesome. Time between to go get some food before alcohol.
posted by ShawnString at 2:27 PM on May 21, 2009

I've spoken with them again and it appears that there is, indeed, a charge, but only for Fridays and Saturdays, and we were discussing JUNE 18 rather than July 18th. Oh, well. phearlez, if you're going to foot the bill for the space, perhaps you should be our point person with them from here on out?
posted by anotherpanacea at 2:29 PM on May 21, 2009

Hah. Mystery solved.

I would like to make a special MeFi cake. Maybe it will be blue. And gold. But mostly blue. With chocolate mousse filling. Hm?
posted by zennie at 4:08 PM on May 21, 2009

Yeah I'll handle the reservation so I can give em my credit card (or just drop the coin on them the next time WLDC has a meeting there).

Let's commit to a time and I'll reserve it. July 18, 6p - 9p? Or is that too early if the plan is Kogod from 3-6?
posted by phearlez at 9:11 AM on May 22, 2009

Oh, ShawnString - if you want food you OWE it to yourself to try the veggie burger at Science Club. It's pretty amazing, and I say that as an omnivore. So no need to eat before-hand - their kitchen serves up pretty good food.
posted by phearlez at 9:12 AM on May 22, 2009

ok...sold.
posted by ShawnString at 9:59 AM on May 22, 2009

July 18th is the first day of my long-awaited solo vacation in DC, wandering the museums and doing some research at the Library of Congress.

And now it turns out that it's also the day of the multi-national Mefi meetup, which will be taking place at great DC places with incredibly cool DC people.

This is shaping up to be the best vacation ever. Thanks for planning all this; I can't wait.
posted by MrVisible at 11:54 AM on May 22, 2009

Let's commit to a time and I'll reserve it. July 18, 6p - 9p? Or is that too early if the plan is Kogod from 3-6?

I don't think that's too early, phearlez. Not everyone will be going to Kogod (including me, if I'm transporting a filled cake in mid-July), and it's not far between venues. Plus, I would expect that several people will be staying at Science Club well past 9pm, so I wouldn't worry about people who can't get there until 7 or 8pm.
posted by zennie at 11:58 AM on May 22, 2009

My plan is to get to the Kogod at about 330 or so and then hit the Science Club. This will be fun.
posted by ShawnString at 12:12 PM on May 22, 2009

including me, if I'm transporting a filled cake in mid-July

If you're planning on bringing the cake to Science Club, check with them first. A lot of bars won't allow outside food. (They claim it's due to some law, but I'm (cynically) convinced it's just to protect their revenue.)
posted by inigo2 at 1:12 PM on May 22, 2009

Good point, inigo2. I'm checking with them.
But I prefer the plan where I just show up with the cake and dare them to kick me out.
posted by zennie at 2:05 PM on May 22, 2009

you could bribe them with a piece of cake
posted by ShawnString at 4:47 PM on May 22, 2009

But I prefer the plan where I just show up with the cake and dare them to kick me out.

I did that at another bar with cupcakes. It worked, thank goodness, but not before extensive convincing. Science Club seems like they'd be a bit more lenient with stuff like this, fwiw.
posted by inigo2 at 5:08 PM on May 22, 2009

(The cake is a lie!)
posted by onlyconnect at 1:43 AM on May 25, 2009

oh i was hoping no one would say that (but I almost did...lol)
posted by ShawnString at 4:53 AM on May 25, 2009

It's hard to overstate my enthusiasm!
posted by orrnyereg at 6:42 AM on May 26, 2009

OK count me in. I know that I said I'd make it to the last one, but I got shy at the last minute (and it was unseasonably hot). So the 10th anniversary will be my first meet-up, but I'm thinking that it might be a big enough event to draw out some other first-timers.
posted by kaybdc at 12:52 PM on May 27, 2009

I will be there. It's right next to my office.
posted by parmanparman at 8:13 AM on May 28, 2009

Okay, I've put in the reservation request for July 18th from 6pm till at least 9p. We'll have the entirety of the 2nd floor. We Love DC will cover the $150 reservation fee - drinks and food are your own lookout :)

I'll let you know as soon as I get a confirmation from them.
posted by phearlez at 1:49 PM on May 28, 2009

awesome. thanks phearlez and We Love DC.
posted by ShawnString at 4:13 PM on May 28, 2009

Space confirmed and paid for!
posted by phearlez at 7:24 PM on May 28, 2009

Thank you so much phearlez!
posted by phrontist at 9:06 PM on May 28, 2009

OK, so the schedule rests at:

Saturday, July 18th

Act I:
Kogod Courtyard , 3pm to ~6pm
Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery

Metro directions to the American Art Museum: Take the Red Line to Gallery Place/Chinatown. Exit at the 9th Street exit. As you take the escalator up you will see the museum building to your left. At the top of the escalator make a 180 turn and you will be at G Street. Enter the museum at its G Street entrance, go straight forward to the Kogod Courtyard. (directions provided by Taken Outtacontext)

Act II:
Science Club, ~6 pm to 9 pm
1136 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (Google map)

Those coming from Kogod can pick up the Red Line at Gallery Place toward Farragut North (it's a 3-minute ride).

From Farragut North station: Walking, go Notrh on Connecticut (toward L St), turn left on L St NW, turn right on 19th St. The place has a very understated facade, and is between the Singapore restaurant and Mezza Luna.

Metro help for the unfamiliar: http://www.wmata.com/
posted by zennie at 6:27 AM on May 29, 2009

There's a pretty decent pizza place right near Science Club, if I'm remembering correctly. Just fyi.
posted by inigo2 at 9:11 AM on May 29, 2009

If I can work it out I'm bringing a surprise. It is sketchy and awesome and you should be excited yet a bit fearful.
posted by little e at 7:45 PM on May 31, 2009

Hmmmm, turtlegirl and I will be in town for a huge party in Wheaton that day, but there is a chance we may swing by Science Club on our way back to our host's place. I used to work at 21st & M and don't recall Science Club, so perhaps it is new.
posted by terrapin at 6:01 AM on June 3, 2009

turtlegirl and I will be in town

So that's little e's sketchy and awesome surprise!
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:11 AM on June 3, 2009

I resemble the sketchy part of that equation. Doubt the awesome, part.
posted by terrapin at 5:41 PM on June 3, 2009

hey MrMoonPie....are you actually coming? You arent on the list
posted by ShawnString at 7:56 PM on June 3, 2009

Little e is a pharmacist--I think we can expect something WAY sketchier!
posted by orrnyereg at 6:25 AM on June 4, 2009

The RSVP thingy is out on the 'Washington' page, here.
posted by zennie at 6:30 AM on June 4, 2009

Yup, I'll be there. I'm really, really looking forward to zennie's cake.
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:57 AM on June 4, 2009

I will be headed out for the beach that Saturday, but I'm going to try for some Kogod Courtyard meetinup beforehand. This revelation/conjecture about pharmaceutical and/or cakely surprises has me rethinking my whole schedule though.
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 7:20 AM on June 4, 2009

I love it when a plan comes together.

I may have to leave early, but I'm planning on being there for at least some of both parties.
posted by JoanArkham at 7:21 AM on June 4, 2009

> If I can work it out I'm bringing a surprise

Are you bringing sixcolors? Or maybe coming as sixcolors?

I've got a surprise, too, but it probably isn't anywhere near as exciting.
posted by ostranenie at 11:58 AM on June 4, 2009

Disappointingly for many reasons, I was unable to obtain the surprise and it is unlikely I will have another opportunity before the meetup. I'll make up for it at some later meetup though.
posted by little e at 9:39 PM on June 11, 2009

aww. thats a a shame. But your company will be enough.
posted by ShawnString at 3:47 AM on June 12, 2009

Will you at least tell us what it was going to be, little e?
posted by anotherpanacea at 5:53 AM on June 12, 2009

Pre-meetup meetup anyone?
posted by little e at 10:23 PM on June 15, 2009

Aw man, this is going to be my first meetup.
posted by kldickson at 4:57 AM on June 17, 2009

This is going to be several Mefites' first meetup. No worries.
posted by zennie at 6:48 AM on June 17, 2009

I'm tossing my support in here since I can't make it to NOLA (financial reasons). I'll actually try and make it this time instead of what happened last time.
posted by sperose at 9:32 AM on June 23, 2009

Surprises aside, anyone else want to do something special? Toasts? Impromptu rock-opera?

I think we should dish out the cake at 8pm.
posted by zennie at 3:08 PM on June 23, 2009

I might, uh, make this, depending on travel plans.
posted by Ironmouth at 9:39 AM on June 25, 2009

Im In.

my surprise is i will be wearing pants this time
posted by Potomac Avenue at 5:00 AM on June 26, 2009

I was wondering when you were going to join the party Potomac Avenue.

And its hot out, you dont have to
posted by ShawnString at 5:48 AM on June 26, 2009

NortonDC and I are, I think, going to try to come to the courtyard meetup in the afternoon. If we come we will be bringing our Metafilter baby, as long as I can find an appropriate onesie before the 18th.
posted by onlyconnect at 10:27 PM on June 28, 2009

So, just throwing this out here...

The next day (Sunday the 19th) I will be shooting little stinging balls of paint at/with friends in Bowie, MD. With something like this more is always merrier. Would anyone be interested?
posted by Loto at 6:13 AM on June 30, 2009

I'm probably in for the Kogod meetup but in the evening I'm going to go see the Cubs play the Worst Team in Baseball.
posted by exogenous at 9:17 AM on June 30, 2009

Sadly I cannot be there as I will be visiting family in New Jersey that weekend.
posted by brownpau at 10:45 AM on June 30, 2009

don't know about any one else...but I am getting excited about this.
If only half of all the people who said they were/might come we are going to have a crap ton of peeps.
posted by ShawnString at 3:36 AM on July 4, 2009

I am excited about fireworks and going to some shows!!!! But the fireworks and the shows already happened. They were awesome. So I guess now I should be exciting about something that hasn't happened yet. Ok I will join you in your meetup excitement!!!!

(I am also excited about the Washington Monument, which also already happened, but now that I know all I have to do is wander by and ask for tickets, the Washington Monument will be happening like once a week for awhile!!!)

If only half the people who said they would show up, I promise to be fun enough to make up for those lame-o's who don't show. But I only have one package of Peeps. (I keep them on hand for when I have the urge to stare into my microwave while microwaving something interesting.) I can bring them if you want.
posted by little e at 11:12 PM on July 10, 2009

Speaking of Peeps, I can bring my Peeps diorama, which thoroughly failed to impress the judges at the Washington Post. I can't bring myself to throw it away.
posted by orrnyereg at 7:11 AM on July 11, 2009

That's pretty awesome, orrnyereg. However, all good things must come to an end. Can we help you eat it?
posted by exogenous at 3:56 AM on July 12, 2009

Is this the part where I apologize in advance for forgetting the names of people I met at the Inauguration Meetup?
posted by JoanArkham at 8:51 AM on July 13, 2009

I can barely even remember the given names of people I've met several times. Something about screen names messes me up something fierce.
posted by zennie at 10:03 AM on July 13, 2009

I wish I could be there. You guys have fun, okay?
posted by Faint of Butt at 1:45 PM on July 14, 2009

I might be there on Friday; if that's the case, I will leave graffiti.
Saturday I can't make it, as I will be unconscious as early as possible.
posted by inigo2 at 4:20 PM on July 14, 2009

I will be there, I may or may not have greggish with me. He is less focused on metafilter after learning another member had kicked him in the shins in college.
posted by parmanparman at 6:08 AM on July 15, 2009

Are people going to actually be hanging out in the Courtyard from 3-6ish, or is the plan to migrate somewhere?

If ‘migrate,’ will someone update this thread or post to Twitter or something else from a mobile device, so latecomers (4-5ish) can link up?

Otherwise sounds like a solid plan; been a while since I've made it to a meetup (last one was at Dr Dremo's) so I'm looking forward to it.
posted by Kadin2048 at 8:09 PM on July 15, 2009

As far as I know, we'll actually be at the Courtyard 3-6ish. But since I am not exactly sober at the moment, if you want my cell phone # for confirmation send me a message.
posted by little e at 10:50 PM on July 15, 2009

If ‘migrate,’ will someone update this thread or post to Twitter or something else from a mobile device, so latecomers (4-5ish) can link up?

Someone needs to be the central Twitter dispatch (i.e. the one to update specific location identity), so people can follow.

If it helps anyone who hasn't been there, this is my memory of the courtyard layout from last time (with xx where we were sitting):

                 ^ G St ^
____________     entryway     _____[café]_
|   tables   |      \)       |   tables   |
          xx
   
                   _____
                 /       \
  [ planter ]       (\        [ planter ]     
               grand entryway

posted by zennie at 8:11 AM on July 16, 2009

or we can just look for the gaggle of vaguely uncomfortable people sitting around.

"...are you from the internet?"
posted by ShawnString at 8:27 AM on July 16, 2009

I got to say "Are you from the internet?" at my first meetup! In fairness, they'd already basically said "are you looking for people from Metafilter?" but I was desperate to say it so I created my own chance.

I'm actually writing to ask if anyone will be making/would like nametags for the meetup, e.g.:

NAME
Mrs. Pterodactyl

So that you can identify people quickly. I could make up some of these and print off labels at work (I am so sly), so just MeFi mail me by tomorrow with the actual name you'd like on there and your username (as well as those for any guests, e.g. FRANKLIN, Mrs. Pterodactyl's lurker friend) by about 2:30 if you'd like one. I will only be at the boozy part of the meet-up, so apologies if this is not helpful to you, but as a plus when I am so drunk I've forgotten my name, now I'll have a way to check!
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 10:33 AM on July 16, 2009

My twitter feed. I'm going to use all the new followers to apply for the "Emerging Media Manager" job at Best Buy. Or maybe I'll just bore you with details of my life and policy wonkishness. Either way, I'll let you know if anything crazy happens to the meetup, but in the most boring and wonkish way possible.
posted by anotherpanacea at 11:14 AM on July 16, 2009

If it helps anyone who hasn't been there, this is my memory of the courtyard layout from last time (with xx where we were sitting):

Here is my memory of it:

                 ^ G St ^
____________     entryway     _____[café]_
|   tables   |      \)       |   tables   |
          xx                 [Gandalf!]
   
                   _____
                 /       \
  [ planter ]       (\        [ planter ]     
               grand entryway

posted by empath at 4:59 PM on July 16, 2009

Just found out about this thanks to Zenny. Unfortunately, I can't make it either (it's my birthday weekend). Have a great time at American Art. Don't forget to stop in at the 1934 show on the first floor and definitely Jean Shin's work on the third floor (I have a feeling a group like this will really like her art).
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 5:21 PM on July 16, 2009

Jean Shin's stuff is really, really fab. I've been by a few times.

Mr. Arkham has Important Matters to attend to, but I'm still coming...probably be at American Art around 5 then heading over to Science Club.
posted by JoanArkham at 5:35 PM on July 16, 2009

I'm in, too. Getting excited... and a little scared, since this is my first meetup. Nobody laugh at me.

Mr. Selfmedicating and I will only be at the boozy bit, since I have to work during the day. Nametags sound like an awesome idea, Mrs. P.
posted by selfmedicating at 6:04 PM on July 16, 2009

Norton DC and the four month old kiddo and I expect to be at the Kogod Courtyard. w00t!
posted by onlyconnect at 6:11 AM on July 17, 2009

Hey, is the courtyard stroller friendly, do you think? I don't remember seeing any in there before.
posted by onlyconnect at 6:15 AM on July 17, 2009

I dunno if Zennie still looks the same but I do.

onlyconnect, yeah, they're kid-friendly (it's a Smithsonian after all) and I have seen strollers in there many a time.
posted by phearlez at 11:43 AM on July 17, 2009

Re: nametags

Bring some blank ones, maybe, please?
posted by zennie at 11:57 AM on July 17, 2009

Courtyard is very stroller friendly. ;-)
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 12:13 PM on July 17, 2009

So whats the free wifi status of the 2 locations? Any one know?

Also I just printed out 20 MetaGrams so we can do shoutouts like all the cool kids.
posted by ShawnString at 1:00 PM on July 17, 2009

im on my way but red line is prolly running slow still. Traffic was worse than i figured. Im in mefi colors so ill probably be easy to spot.
posted by sperose at 3:00 PM on July 17, 2009

Aren't you a day early, sperose?
posted by anotherpanacea at 3:09 PM on July 17, 2009

or maybe we are going to be a day late
posted by ShawnString at 3:30 PM on July 17, 2009

once again, i prove myself to be a complete retard. I wont be able to make it tomorrow. I dont know why i had ijt fixed in my head as being on friday. Sorry to be a loser.
posted by sperose at 4:02 PM on July 17, 2009

I'll be at the courtyard late-ish, and at the after-party. I look like this, and I'm 6 1/2 feet tall and pony-tailed.
posted by MrMoonPie at 4:28 PM on July 17, 2009

SI site says free wifi at Kogod, Science Club might have it.
posted by djb at 4:30 PM on July 17, 2009

awesome. i will be the nerd who brings my laptop then. getting stoked about meeting all you guys (and some of you again)
posted by ShawnString at 5:05 PM on July 17, 2009

oh aint no thing sperose. it happens to us all. there is always next meetup...and trust me we all have long memories...lol
posted by ShawnString at 5:06 PM on July 17, 2009

Vis a vis nametags, I copy/pasted the usernames of everyone on the "attending" and "maybe" lists, so we should have them (just for the evening festivities though, as I will not be around for the non-drinking part, and depending on the performance of the Red Line I will probably arrive anywhere from unfashionably late to Sunday). There are some blank ones as well for friends and surprise guests, but this way at least we'll all know each other's fake internet names.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 8:39 PM on July 17, 2009

I thought about going through people's profiles and putting in their real names if those had been provided, but that seemed kind of creepy even by my lax standards.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 8:40 PM on July 17, 2009

Any idea how what the parking situation is near Science Club? I'm probably as close to it as I am to any given metro station, but I don't know the district real well and I'd rather not have to explore a fifteen block radius just for the privilege of dropping $20 for a few hours' worth of parking.
posted by Riki tiki at 9:48 PM on July 17, 2009

...pretend I said "how" or "what" but not both.
posted by Riki tiki at 9:49 PM on July 17, 2009

6:00 should be early enough to find street parking around Science Club. Even on a Saturday night we have never paid for parking in that neighborhood (although it may take some searching/walking).

Looks like there's trackwork on every line this weekend. Of course.
posted by JoanArkham at 6:59 AM on July 18, 2009

Although I just joined and haven't posted yet, I'll be there today for part II. Hope that won't be too weird as I'd be 2x a stranger. And my guess may not be coming.
posted by ecclectic1 at 8:17 AM on July 18, 2009

Moz and I are going to try to make it tonight, but we can't say 100%. Hopefully we will see y'all!
posted by sugarfish at 9:45 AM on July 18, 2009

Is it really going to end at 9pm? I probably can't make it till around 8:30 or so.
posted by mathlete at 10:40 AM on July 18, 2009

but red line is prolly running slow still

Check wmata.com if you're taking red line today; I think they were planning on shutting down near the accident site so they could do more tests (though I'm not sure).
posted by inigo2 at 10:47 AM on July 18, 2009

mathlete, there are a couple of people who aren't even going to get there til after 9, and I don't actually sleep at night like sane people do, so yeah come on out, there will at least be a few of us!!
posted by little e at 10:56 AM on July 18, 2009

Yay! Things were slow at the hospital today so I'm home from work a few hours early and that means I get to go to both halves of the meetup. See you all at the courtyard!!
posted by selfmedicating at 11:26 AM on July 18, 2009

I'm here! I am wearing a blue dress and sitting on the wall to the right as you enter. I don't see anyone that looks like they are from the Internet.
posted by little e at 12:05 PM on July 18, 2009

The group is here, pretty central, at the cafe tables, and is growing alarmingly.
posted by MrVisible at 12:23 PM on July 18, 2009

Name tags are exciting. See you everyone at the Science Club.
posted by peeedro at 12:26 PM on July 18, 2009

I'm leaving East Falls Church now.
posted by phrontist at 12:35 PM on July 18, 2009

I suck and am running late...gonna have to skip the courtyard and meet up with everyone at Science Club. (I did persuade Mr. Arkham to join me. I think I might owe him a grilled cheese now.)
posted by JoanArkham at 12:42 PM on July 18, 2009

Not gonna make it, DC is too far to drive today :-(. Probably going to a show at ottobar instead. Maybe I'll try to organize a Baltimore meetup in a few months?
posted by advil at 1:08 PM on July 18, 2009

I think I am going to have to pass on the courtyard since I have other things I feel like I need to do, as well as spend some time with my darling wife. I'll come join y'all at Science Club.

Riki, parking around the area is findable but not great. If you're willing to pay for the convenience there's a LOT of garages immediately surrounding the area, including ones on 19th just a few storefronts away from Science Club. If not the street parking can be found though the one-way streets are aligned in such a way as to make it harder to cruise the area.
posted by phearlez at 1:20 PM on July 18, 2009

I'm heading down now.. if i miss you all at the courtyard, i'll see you at the science club.
posted by empath at 1:45 PM on July 18, 2009

I got stuck at a party out in springfield for about two hours later than I wanted, so I'm running super late getting stuff done. Gonna try to do a drop in at Science Club before heading to another party I have in the evening. A MEAT party at Fogo de Chao!

Hope I can still make it to the celebration!
posted by tittergrrl at 2:14 PM on July 18, 2009

On my way to the Science Club. Confection in tow.
posted by zennie at 2:56 PM on July 18, 2009

Got to hit Science Club for ten minutes before I had to run to my previous engagement. It was amazing how many people were there! Science Club must have been happy! Happy to see and say hi to the people I knew, sad I couldn't meet new people. Hopefully, there will be a second chance. I'm not nearly as awkward when I'm not on a deadline! ;)

DC Rock Band?

Happy 10th everyone!
posted by tittergrrl at 5:11 PM on July 18, 2009

Woo hoo, that was fun! When's the next meetup?
posted by selfmedicating at 7:00 PM on July 18, 2009

That was fun! Wish I had managed to mingle more. A few pictures here.
posted by onlyconnect at 8:03 PM on July 18, 2009

I am in the process of uploading some too...make notes on who you are. That was much fun. and who ever suggested the veggie burgers at Science Club...hell ya those were tasty
posted by ShawnString at 8:09 PM on July 18, 2009

Hey - Nice to meet everyone....

My first meet-up, so obligatory deflowering joke.
posted by zach4000 at 8:27 PM on July 18, 2009

It was nice to meet the people I got to meet, see those few of you I already knew, and uhhh drink in proximity to the rest of you. The few pictures I took are here and still uploading; they should all be up by 12:15.
posted by phearlez at 9:02 PM on July 18, 2009

That was a hell of a time for my virgin meetup. Was excellent meeting you all, and extra thanks to the folks who organized it and those who brought props. Zennie, your cake was amazing.

See you at the next'un!
posted by Riki tiki at 9:22 PM on July 18, 2009

Nice seeing some old friends and meeting some new. I will upload the few photos I took when we get back to Vermont. Props were wicked cool and I flagged the cake as nom!
posted by terrapin at 9:29 PM on July 18, 2009

Enjoy your stickers! MeMail me if you didn't get a sticker and I'll send you one for the price of a stamp.
posted by ostranenie at 10:19 PM on July 18, 2009

Dooood--I just got home, and I wasn't the last one, not at all. Party party. Many thanks to zennie for the cake; it was not, by a long shot, a lie.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:01 PM on July 18, 2009

Oh--somebody spoke to me about a tour Tuesday. Who was that? MeMail me.

phrontist--thanks for organizing
phearlez--thanks for the space
zennie--cake = awesome
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:05 PM on July 18, 2009

so late night at the science club....

mefite #1: I dunno, I think you can pretty much assume a dolphin consents to sex. I've heard they're just horny all the time.

Waitress: So, uh, how do you guys know each other?

mefite #2: Uh, metafilter, it's a website.
mefite #3: It's not about dolphin rape, usually.

mefite #1: Dolphin CONSENSUAL SEX..

mefite #3: Right, usually not about dolphin consensual sex...
posted by empath at 12:11 AM on July 19, 2009

An impressive display of tenacious bonhomie, everyone. Thanks for being very cool folks in real life.

Thanks especially to phearlez and zennie for material contributions.
posted by anotherpanacea at 12:18 AM on July 19, 2009

MrMoonPie definitely was not the last one as Mr. Pterodactyl (Bulgaroktonos) and our lurker roommate and I just got home. Thanks to everyone -- it was a great evening and wonderful to meet everyone in person.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 1:09 AM on July 19, 2009

I had a great time--thanks everybody! Can't wait until the next one!

It was a great turnout, wasn't it?
posted by orrnyereg at 9:06 AM on July 19, 2009

Didn't expect y'all to be so taken with the cake-- or take so many pictures! *yeesh*

Speaking of pictures, EVERYONE PLEASE POST YOUR PICTURES! :)


Thanks everyone for being your awesome selves! That was tremendous fun.

Double thanks to WE LOVE DC for booking us the swank accommodations. That was really great of you. (And if you really wanna thank them, go read their site!)
posted by zennie at 10:10 AM on July 19, 2009

Thanks for a great meetup, everyone! Sorry we had to leave early...I assume things just kept getting drunker and weirder.
posted by JoanArkham at 10:12 AM on July 19, 2009

That was fun, ya'll. Thanks DC and modsNmefites the world over.
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 10:39 AM on July 19, 2009

ahhhhhhhhhhh I can't figure out what my flickr password is or I'd post photos
posted by little e at 11:34 AM on July 19, 2009

I never claimed to be a professional photographer.
posted by ostranenie at 12:01 PM on July 19, 2009

I, however, may have made such bombastic claims.

Good meeting y'all.
posted by TheGoldenOne at 12:25 PM on July 19, 2009

My first thought this morning was "... the fuck? I -left- last night?" I think that race to the bottom turned out pretty well.

Great seeing those I've already met an meeting those I haven't.
posted by Loto at 1:41 PM on July 19, 2009

anotherpanacea, she wouldn't toot her own horn, so I will: don't forget about the customized mini tote bags that onlyconnect gave out!
posted by NortonDC at 5:18 PM on July 19, 2009

Our meetup had outstanding arts and crafts. For those of you that didn't make it to the part in the courtyard, onlyconnect and NortonDC's baby was wearing an awesome ensemble - a Metafilter onesie with [+] on the tummy and socks that said "MeFeet." And I am already using my mini tote bag. Ostranenie designed some very cool stickers, including a giant plate of beans topped by the single word "OVERTHINK." The fantastic-ness of the cake has already been alluded to. And who made the flags?

TheGoldenOne, thank you for posting those pictures! I love having a picture of myself with Mr. selfmedicating, since I don't have a lot of pictures of the 2 of us.
posted by selfmedicating at 6:46 PM on July 19, 2009

Nice to meet you all. It was quite fun - what warm and personable crowd. Thanks to everyone who made it particularly special with the cake, name labels, flags, shoutouts, photos, etc. My first meet-up, finally in the bag. Yay!
posted by hedonic.muse at 11:23 PM on July 19, 2009

More thanks: to TheGoldenOne, for taking neat photographs, to onlyconnect for totebags, and to Loto for the round of Irish Carbombs!

TheGoldenOne: you should post your photos to loquacious's Metatalk thread so we can favorite it!
posted by anotherpanacea at 5:36 AM on July 20, 2009

hey kids...just wanted to let you know I uploaded some more pics (waited until i got to work to use the FIOS..woot)
posted by ShawnString at 5:48 AM on July 20, 2009

... I bought car bombs?
posted by Loto at 5:56 AM on July 20, 2009

Well, I think you did. You're the rubgy player in the glasses, right? The one who was shotgunning PBRs all night?
posted by anotherpanacea at 6:22 AM on July 20, 2009

OK, that's it. Next time I'm not leaving early, no matter whose birthday party I have to go to.
posted by JoanArkham at 6:35 AM on July 20, 2009

That's definitely me. Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember making an inappropriate toast... so that was probably for the car bombs.

I remember much less of the night that I thought, apparently. Oh well, at least I'm a friendly drunk!
posted by Loto at 7:00 AM on July 20, 2009

Okay, I finally gave up and just re-signed up for flickr and re-uploaded the grand total of five photos I had on there before.

Yep, car bombs, I have proof!
posted by little e at 7:18 AM on July 20, 2009

I hope I got everybody's names right. I am not so good with real names, much less internet names, so let me know if I goofed any up.
posted by little e at 7:21 AM on July 20, 2009

oh man...maybe i DID leave the party at a good time
posted by ShawnString at 7:44 AM on July 20, 2009

I don't recall taking or uploading this photo, but I found it in my Flickr stream this morning.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:12 AM on July 20, 2009

anotherpanacea: "Well, I think you did. You're the rubgy player in the glasses, right? The one who was shotgunning PBRs all night?"

That might also describe me, although I've seen no photos that include me so far. (Although I know several were taken.)
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:17 AM on July 20, 2009

I think I remember your inappropriate toast, Loto, but I can't be sure I'm not imagining it -- I remember very little other than the fact that I had a fantastic time and that Someone has just shot your horse! eventually made me stop wearing his hat which, in retrospect, was super reasonable but at the time felt devastating.

Also, thanks to terrapin for the shoutout!

In all seriousness, I would be more than happy to hang out with pretty much anyone I met again as everyone was excellent and it was a wonderful relief to be in a group where when I said "Sorry, I'm a nerd" people said "You wish!" instead of "Yes, we know, that's why no one is talking to you". If anyone is looking for a group of people with whom to spend time in the future just MeMail me and if I can get over my anxiety I would be delighted to join you (and I suspect I speak for Bulgaroktonos and our lurker roommate as well).
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 9:21 AM on July 20, 2009

That might also describe me, although I've seen no photos that include me so far.

Oh?
posted by empath at 9:22 AM on July 20, 2009

Lol at my carbomb reaction. (in the background).
posted by empath at 9:26 AM on July 20, 2009

That might also describe me, although I've seen no photos that include me so far.

Did you find a suspiciously large charge on your credit card?
posted by anotherpanacea at 9:28 AM on July 20, 2009

The perfect long-exposure moment, empath. Now we just need the animated gif.
posted by anotherpanacea at 9:29 AM on July 20, 2009

Here is how i recall the carbomb thing happening... I was half-heartedly trying to jedi-mindtrick little e into buying a round of shots, and I believe that Loto walked up and was like 'who is buying shots'? And I said something like you are, and he was like I'll buy Irish Carbombs!

Something like that, anyway.
posted by empath at 9:32 AM on July 20, 2009

Oh, you were aiming at me? You need to work on your mindtrick skills, then, I was highly focused on leading people down any available path of debauchery but didn't even realize. A round on me next time, then :)
posted by little e at 9:45 AM on July 20, 2009

Wow, I had no idea what was going on with the PBR Lovefest downstairs, but I think I understand why the waitstaff seemed so bewilderedly bemused later in the night.


Kadin2048: I don't recall taking or uploading this photo, but I found it in my Flickr stream this morning.

I do recall you showing that to me and saying, "I don't know when I took this." At least you're consistent. :)
posted by zennie at 10:22 AM on July 20, 2009

My tab was a hair over a hundred, so not outrageously large considering how much beer I consumed and that it included a round of car bombs. If I did indeed toast, it was my toast to "honor" which probably should not be repeated in sober company.

And empath, you'd be surprised how often that happens. I'm surprised I still need an excuse to buy people car bombs at this point.

Also, I'm in like every one of little e's photos and making a series of more ridiculous faces as the night goes on.

Mrs. Pterodactyl: I'm definitely down for hanging out with anyone who was there for the party. It was a good crowd and a great party considering most of us have never met. I'm thinking there may need to be more regular DC meetups. I promise I'll be buying more car bombs, too.
posted by Loto at 10:29 AM on July 20, 2009

I'm thinking there may need to be more regular DC meetups.

*nudge, nudge*
posted by empath at 11:05 AM on July 20, 2009

How did I miss the dolphin sex conversation?

Oh, that's right. I was having a highly fun conversation with zach4000's friend about AIDS education in economically disadvantaged communities and its intersection with the medical and scientific side of AIDS progress, which is more my thing.

Shit, was that a fun conversation.

Also, I am surprised my hair didn't look worse. If it's not arid outside, no matter what I do to my hair, it goes FFMF.

Also, who edited my shoutout?
posted by kldickson at 11:10 AM on July 20, 2009

Laugh.
Love.
Smile.
Take it in the doodoomaker.

(You all are wonderful people.)
posted by Someone has just shot your horse! at 11:33 AM on July 20, 2009

How did I miss the dolphin sex conversation?

Oh, that's right. I was having a highly fun conversation with zach4000's friend about AIDS education in economically disadvantaged communities and its intersection with the medical and scientific side of AIDS progress, which is more my thing.

I really don't see how these two conversations differ.
posted by Someone has just shot your horse! at 11:36 AM on July 20, 2009

turtlegirl and I are back in Vermont and so I have uploaded my photos and added them to the planning thread.
posted by terrapin at 1:27 PM on July 20, 2009

Horse -

They don't, because they are both awesome.
posted by kldickson at 1:33 PM on July 20, 2009

I'm thinking there may need to be more regular DC meetups.

Haven't I seen some city that does monthly? I think we could do maintain a decent turnout for monthly meetups.

(Of course, I'll show up as often as people are willing to hang out with me. You guys are orders of magnitude more enjoyable than the people at my alumni association's events, and while I've had success and failure befriending local friends of my friends back home, I think at this point I've exhausted those possibilities. And let's be realistic, no matter how many times I set my alarm to drag out of bed at the crack of dawn on Sundays for the hiking club I'm never going to actually go.)

I'm just glad the waitress missed the conversation about, um, trophies.
posted by little e at 2:20 PM on July 20, 2009

Uh, make that "we could maintain a decent turnout". Not sure how that extra word snuck in.
posted by little e at 2:21 PM on July 20, 2009

Huh, I guess I was right about the waitstaff being amused. According our Science Club liaison, we are very welcome there for future events.

I suppose that means they don't know about the adjustments to their expensive sound system and haven't seen the graffiti.
posted by zennie at 2:30 PM on July 20, 2009

I'll show up as often as people are willing to hang out with me.

little e, I am really glad you and I got to chat before the music got so loud. Wish I could be around for when the "surprise" arrives!
posted by terrapin at 3:20 PM on July 20, 2009

The Pterodactyl/Bulgaroktonos/lurker roommate household would totally be up for more regular meetups. I find it hard to meet new people but I would like to be just a bit more social than I am and at the risk of gushing it really was fantastic to see all of you and we had a great time.

Zennie, it's possible that part of the reason we are welcome back is that my husband got too drunk to do math and left a 35% tip on a not insignificant bill. In fairness, the waitstaff was awesome and patient and the gin and tonics kept coming so I was happy.

Any time anyone wants to plan something (monthly sounds pretty good to me but I don't want to sound desperate) we will definitely try to make it.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:08 PM on July 20, 2009

Monthly meetups would be awesome.

I know of some friends who run a happy hour mailing list. Every week they pick a bar/event/restaurant and meet there... maybe we can do something similar as often as people feel like it? Doesn't have to be an official thing, just sort of a "MeFites will be here!" email.
posted by Loto at 4:32 PM on July 20, 2009

It was a lot of fun to huddle with Mrs. Pterodactyl, the mister and the lurking roomie! I sure got the third degree, full-court press though!
posted by terrapin at 4:45 PM on July 20, 2009

and you guys did it. i got my +1 to join the cabal (shhh there is no cabal) I will make her, make her 1st comment in later.
posted by ShawnString at 5:20 PM on July 20, 2009

and hopefully her grammar is better then mine
posted by ShawnString at 5:34 PM on July 20, 2009

terrapin, I really enjoyed talking to you too. Vermont is actually pretty high on my roadtrip list. (I need to visit two new states to meet my goal for the year, and it's the last one left within reasonable spontaneous driving distance, although I can't deny my history of being unreasonably spontaneous.) I'll make sure to have some on hand when I head that direction, and we'll have another meetup.
posted by little e at 5:35 PM on July 20, 2009

Although my wife has already volunteered me for regular meetups, I actually did agree to this. Not like that time she told someone I would eat their salad without asking me, knowing full well that I've eaten like two salads in my entire life.

Anyway, I had a great time with all the people I talked to, and I apologize to anyone who was interrogated about sheep farming or screamed at about dolphin sex. If you agree to drink with me on a regular basis, though, it WILL happen again.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 7:03 PM on July 20, 2009

anyone who comes to this on saturday will get a free beer on me and/or empath more likely empath because he's a famous DJ.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 7:55 PM on July 20, 2009

you fail at the internet.
posted by empath at 8:24 PM on July 20, 2009

Oh wait, nm, my browser fails. It wasn't linking to the right thing.. woops.
posted by empath at 8:25 PM on July 20, 2009

I don't recall taking or uploading this photo, but I found it in my Flickr stream this morning.

After you showed it to zennie, you showed me your phone as it was sending to Flickr Uploadr. Then you proceeded to talk about empanadas and strippers. Or something.
posted by mathlete at 6:48 AM on July 21, 2009

Oh man, I would totally be down for an empanadas and strippers meetup.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:57 AM on July 21, 2009

Camelot was just down the street from the Science Club...
posted by Loto at 8:04 AM on July 21, 2009

Excellent empenadas on 18th street, too. Also right by Camelot.
posted by empath at 8:24 AM on July 21, 2009

empath: "Oh?"

Ah yes, there they are. I can't believe I didn't spill more of that on myself.

mathlete: "Then you proceeded to talk about empanadas and strippers. Or something."

I took a pass on Camelot, but I did get an empanada from the place on 18th on the way home. Delicious.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:35 AM on July 21, 2009

As a former Miami boy I confess to being perhaps unreasonably picky about strip clubs. However I feel perfectly comfortable in saying that Camelot sucks.

As I read these comments I am sorry I had to go.
posted by phearlez at 10:24 AM on July 21, 2009

empanadas? strippers?

I dont know whether to be happy or sad that i left when I did now.
posted by ShawnString at 11:56 AM on July 21, 2009

Usually I'm a little thankful that metro limits how long I can stay out on the weekends, but this time I regret not finding out just where that night would have taken us.

monthly sounds pretty good to me but I don't want to sound desperate

I actually have no problem with sounding desperate, monthly it is!

I do like Loto's mailing list thought, though, for the occasional last minute thing. Or perhaps a facebook group would be convenient, are the rest of you on there?
posted by little e at 12:14 PM on July 21, 2009

No Facebook. Can has mailing list? I'd be up for monthly after-work-type happy hour things.
posted by JoanArkham at 1:42 PM on July 21, 2009

Aren't the threads here in ten.metafilter going to stay open for a while? Maybe we should petition for some sort of ten-style functionality in general. They've done all this work, and the google maps functionality is pretty cool...

dc.metafilter.com?
posted by anotherpanacea at 3:28 PM on July 21, 2009

I don't see anything wrong with posting meetups to MeTa as usual. That ensures that DC meetups remain open to everyone-- I'd hate to make anyone feel like they're outside the clique. But if you like, maybe you can keep a list of 'regulars' to notify that a meetup has been suggested?
posted by zennie at 4:43 PM on July 21, 2009

I went ahead and made http://groups.google.com/group/mefi-dc. Doesn't mean it has to get used, but I wanted to grab the name.

I figure a monthly meetup can get posted to Metatalk but for smaller scale or more random things (ie. "Hey guys, bunch of people going to The Big Hunt tonight. You all should come!" sort of emails) a list would be better. I'm pretty much always looking for something new and fun to do and I feel like this is a good way to broadcast that sort of thing.
posted by Loto at 4:49 PM on July 21, 2009

If anyone wants to hang out THIS saturday, here's the facebook page for the party that Potomac Avenue and I will be at.

Summer Camp

Feel free to RSVP and invite away. There will be a moonbounce. And whipped cream eating contests. And limbo. And twister. And hipsters.

~sorry about the hipsters it couldn't be helped~
posted by empath at 5:00 PM on July 21, 2009

Moonbounce!

(Sadly, I will be out of town...)
posted by JoanArkham at 5:42 PM on July 21, 2009

Monthly happy hour type things sound great. I haven't had so much fun in... well, jeez, a long time. You guys are awesome.
posted by selfmedicating at 6:24 PM on July 21, 2009

Aw, I'll be out of town this weekend and Bulgaroktonos will be studying for the bar, but it sounds like good times.

I think Loto's idea of a mailing list to supplement official Metafilter Meetup Announcements in Metatalk is a good idea.

I agree with selfmedicating as well -- I don't remember the last time I had that much fun and I would like to do so again in the near future.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 8:44 PM on July 21, 2009

That was indeed fun, but I'm never buying beer from the Smithsonian again.
posted by gsteff at 9:30 AM on July 22, 2009

Aw. Yay. :)
posted by zennie at 8:46 AM on July 24, 2009

What you all missed on saturday.
posted by empath at 6:50 PM on July 29, 2009

What you all missed on saturday is not safe for work, by the way.

But damn, that looked like a fun time.
posted by Riki tiki at 10:23 PM on July 29, 2009

Hey empath: pool parties with bright young things aren't really my style. However, I'd be interested in seeing you perform: would you let us know the next time you're doing your thing?
posted by anotherpanacea at 12:59 PM on July 31, 2009