NationStates Jolt Archive

Here is what I have decided for our meetup, since nobody could come to a consensus.

Baltimore, Maryland, Inner Harbor
Saturday, August 26th

We will meet/be hanging out by the Information Center. It's visible from the street and it's pretty well labeled. It's right next to the Science Center, which is even MORE visible (it's like a big glass ball). Here is the website for it for directions: http://www.mdsci.org/plan/directions.html

Meetup officially starts at 11 am for lunch, wandering in and out until 2 pm. Bring a lunch from someplace around there (or wherever), we'll be outside. Short break for those who want to eat more, escape, or explore. Meet back up at Federal Hill (a 10-minute walk away) at 8 pm for shopping, restauranting, and bar-hopping until the wee hours.

Put this picture on your clothes, backpack, accessories, whatever:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/frisbeeteria/fris/JG_eye.jpg
(I'll probably make a shirt out of it, because I do that kind of nerdy shit anyway.)

Several people may be coming and I don't want to make an inaccurate list. Just show up if you can!

Let's try this again, without the spam.

Let's try this again, without the spam.
Well that confused me when I refreshed.. heh.. *dies*

Where should we hold this meet?

Somewhere off of 95

How about downtown DC? That's pretty central, is it not?

I'll be in Virgina visiting family soon, just schedule it around then and I'll plan my escape.

Wow, somebody took away the spam. Crazy!

...anyway, I was thinking a pretty central location would be Columbia, MD. It has the advantage of not being in the middle of a city, which can be confusing (especially DC streets). It's right off Routes 1, 95, and 29, with easy access to Routes 70 and 695. What do you think?

You should do Hagertown, MD to take advantage of the fine shopping at the Outlet Mall and plus it's only a 15-20 minute drive to Antietam Battlefield for the Civil War Buffs, but no matter where depending on when and where

I'm in!!!

DC is a good choice – and yes driving can be confusing for out of towners (not to mention parking – depending on what part of DC) – it has a well developed and easy to use public transportation system. It is more a matter of what is more central to the people coming – it makes no sense to have it in DC if nobody from VA but a lot from PA are coming.

Depending on where people are coming from, Bethesda might be a good choice as an alternative to downtown – though downtown would seem to make the most sense to me.

Columbia (depending on what part) is not exactly convenient to anything – if you were looking for something along 95 between DC and B’more then Laurel would make a lot more sense. Hagerstown is the middle of nowhere – I'm sorry but that’s fairly ridiculous – I might as well suggest Annapolis if we are going to just suggest our hometowns like lazy sods ;P

If you do it in late August, I might be able to come.

Katganistan here:

Carterway says that Laurel is not that great in terms of places to host it, if this is going to be a big thing.

Columbia had LOADS of great hotels and restaurants, but they can be tricky to find -- they hide them to enhance the feel of living in a forest. Oh, and how do we know so much? Carterway LIVES in Columbia, and I visit there quite often. Believe me, if you need more info, we can give it.

Bethesda may not be a bad choice, actually. Got good hotels, not hard to find, not in the middle of downtown which might be a pain to find.

I think this qualifies as a "WE'RE IN" depending on when it comes off.

I'm in NJ, but I'd probably be too apathetic to go.

Or at work.

how bout

I should be there but I'm not quite sure yet

does that work?

I would prefer Northern Virginia.

I can't go armed in DC or Maryland, and I prefer to remain armed.

(you don't know how weird it felt being in London).

Alright, I'm saying boo to Hagerstown and Northern Virginia, especially since more people are coming from up north apparently. Bethesda or Columbia seem to be okay with more people. Looks like we're having it in late August, too. Anybody else up for it or have suggestions?

I would consider going, when details are more decided.

I would consider going, when details are more decided.

Any opinions on locations/days/times/activities?

Hagerstown is the middle of nowhere – I'm sorry but that’s fairly ridiculous – I might as well suggest Annapolis if we are going to just suggest our hometowns like lazy sods ;P

I'm actually from Pittsburgh incidentally.

I'm actually from Pittsburgh incidentally.

Don't listen to naysayers. Maybe you can punch them out when you meet.

Don't listen to naysayers. Maybe you can punch them out when you meet.

I just wanted to clarify that my nomination of Hagerstown had nothing to do with where I live. I don't particularly care that it's not being considered. I just threw it out there for the reasons I stated, but then again I forget I tend to skew a little bit older in terms of NSers.

I'll give a tentative I'm in.

Someone make sure to take pictures! I want to see all of you! Especially the elusive Carnivorous...tongue and all...

Someone make sure to take pictures! I want to see all of you! Especially the elusive Carnivorous...tongue and all...

It is a guarantee that there will be pictures...if we can ever agree on a location.

I would consider going, when details are more decided.
Somebody needs to step up and say "I'm hosting". This will never happen if nobody takes action.

Next, you need to pick a meeting location, probably on a Saturday, preferably at an easy-to-find public space with fun stuff (and parking) nearby, like the Harborplace Amphitheater in Baltimore, or FDR Memorial visitor's center in DC, or the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles for all the RP warrior types.

Pick a starting place where poor people can bring a picnic or richer people can grab a sandwich or some caviar and truffles or whatever. Plan on having people wander in sometime between 11:30 and 1:00, while everyone else gathers and hangs out and chats.

Everybody needs to print and cut out this image, and pin it to their backpack, or make it into a button, or something like that. Gotta be both visible and cryptic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/frisbeeteria/fris/JG_eye.jpg


After lunch, people can stay and chat or wander off in smaller groups to whatever local attractions you've arranged nearby. If you get along famously, wonderful. If not, you've got a convenient escape route.

Arrange a second meeting place for drinks / dinner. It needs to be nearby for the convenience of the lunch crowd. Set a meeting place and time, so folks who can't make the picnic can still meet some of you and swap stories. If there's a handy blues festival or something similarly laid-back, so much the better. Online people can't talk about forums for too many hours before becoming bored or boring.

You've put a lot of thought into this, Fris!!!

I like it...now if only we Canuks were more numerous and closer together...

Thank you for the guidelines! Who lives in or near Columbia, Baltimore, or Bethesda? Anything going on fun on a Saturday in late August?

I am so sick of digging this thread out of the grave every day! That does it! I am hosting this get-together now, bitches, and here is what it's going to be.

I put it in the top post.

Forthcoming: Exact map of where we'll be to find us, and a list of local lodging if needed. Anybody who needs to be picked up from the bus, train or plane stations, let me know.

*le sigh* BUMP

Here is what I have decided for our meetup, since nobody could come to a consensus.

Baltimore, Maryland, Inner Harbor
Saturday, August 26th

Meetup officially starts at 11 am for lunch, wandering in and out until 2 pm. Bring a lunch from someplace around there (or wherever), we'll be outside. Short break for those who want to eat more, escape, or explore. Meet back up at Federal Hill (a 10-minute walk away) at 8 pm for shopping, restauranting, and bar-hopping until the wee hours.

Put this picture on your clothes, backpack, accessories, whatever:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/frisbeeteria/fris/JG_eye.jpg
(I'll probably make a shirt out of it, because I do that kind of nerdy shit anyway.)

People who could be coming (so far, in alphabetical order) are:

Carnivorous Lickers - Carterway - Deep Kimchi - Entropic Creation - Ilie - Jello Biafra - Katganistan - Laerod - The Supreme Galaxy
Hey! Why not include NC as well???

There aren't that many of us and NC is right next door to Virginia.

Hey! Why not include NC as well???

There aren't that many of us and NC is right next door to Virginia.

You can come if you like! Anybody is welcome as long as they're willing to make the trip. We'd love to have you.

i would love to come , alas its too far away:(
o well you guys have fun and let the rest of us know all about it

i would love to come , alas its too far away:(
o well you guys have fun and let the rest of us know all about it

We sure will, if anybody actually comes. I think I'd better TG all those mentioned above in case this thread get buried again when I leave.

I would prefer Northern Virginia.

I can't go armed in DC or Maryland, and I prefer to remain armed.

(you don't know how weird it felt being in London).
Joe's Dog Shop. Made another trip to Dulles and I remembered it this time.

I'm glad you've given about a month's head start. I'll have to rearrange my schedule to make it work, but I don't think it should be a major problem. Plus I can visit one of my friends who just moved out there. Sweet! Thanks Ilie!

I'm glad you've given about a month's head start. I'll have to rearrange my schedule to make it work, but I don't think it should be a major problem. Plus I can visit one of my friends who just moved out there. Sweet! Thanks Ilie!

Sure! I hope everybody can come, I think we'll have a blast. ...I like to plan way in advance, which you now benefit from! w00p w00p

Thats almost within mine and Roans range (we live in upstate NY) but theres no way we could make it.

Edit: Using the pic to identify each other is a good Idea. Maybe if Max sold t-shirts or something, then there might be a lot of chance NS meetups.

Sure! I hope everybody can come, I think we'll have a blast. ...I like to plan way in advance, which you now benefit from! w00p w00p

Advance planning is always a good thing. Especially when you work two jobs and only get one day off. :p

Advance planning is always a good thing. Especially when you work two jobs and only get one day off. :p
Two jobs? I remember those days and how glad I was when I was finally able to get by on one job.

Two jobs? I remember those days and how glad I was when I was finally able to get by on one job.

I don't foresee that day happening any time soon. Not unless I move. SW PA's economy is pretty bad and not too many people want to pay $45K for a manager with 6 years experience and a degree in history. And the kids that I pay child support for won't turn 18 for another 12 and 13 years so.....

I don't foresee that day happening any time soon. Not unless I move. SW PA's economy is pretty bad and not too many people want to pay $45K for a manager with 6 years experience and a degree in history. And the kids that I pay child support for won't turn 18 for another 12 and 13 years so.....
I guess a move outta Pittsburgh would be to far away from the kids?

I guess a move outta Pittsburgh would be to far away from the kids?

Actually, they're in Arkansas. But in order for me to make a move anywhere I have to have a job offer in hand so that I don't miss a child support payment and get in all sorts of trouble.

I'm so excited about this! Anybody else on board not previously mentioned?

I'm so excited about this! Anybody else on board not previously mentioned?
Unless something totally unforseen happens, I'll be there. :D

Actually, they're in Arkansas. But in order for me to make a move anywhere I have to have a job offer in hand so that I don't miss a child support payment and get in all sorts of trouble.
You've got my wishes for an improved situation, but it sounds like your doing everything can to get there, already.

Unless something totally unforseen happens, I'll be there. :D

Nice!

Just doing my part to make sure everybody knows about this. Hello! Here it is!

Argh, that date is my only vacation time before school. Oh well.

Antikythera and anyone else outta range and I can sit back, sigh, and wish we could go. :(

Thank you for conceiving of and planning this, Ilie.

Thank you for conceiving of and planning this, Ilie.

Sure! I hope people are still planning to come. TG me for more info, including contact information.

Curses! I was recently in Baltimore. Be sure to visit the Fudge Place and the flag stor across from it and the italian ice place...nearby. I forget what its called.

Looking on MapQuest, there are lots of Inner Harbor-named places in Baltimore. Could you be more specific?

The Inner Harbor is pretty big. My suggestion, I think, would be to ask everyone to meet by the USS Constellation -- it's big, easily recognizable (it's a green, black and gold-leafed wooden sailing ship) and it's pretty well centered in the harbor area. The decision then could be made -- Aquarium? Science center? Hard Rock Cafe? Elsewhere?

Another possibility would be to meet on the water side of the Visitor's Center and take the Baltimore Ducks tour as a group. (The Ducks are, for those who've never ridden them, a giant amphibious truck that tours both through the streets and in the water itself.)

bumpus uppus

The Inner Harbor is pretty big. My suggestion, I think, would be to ask everyone to meet by the USS Constellation -- it's big, easily recognizable (it's a green, black and gold-leafed wooden sailing ship) and it's pretty well centered in the harbor area. The decision then could be made -- Aquarium? Science center? Hard Rock Cafe? Elsewhere?
When I was in Baltimore, we went to the aquarium and that area around it seems to be easy to spot people..

Maybe between the aquarium, and... ESPN Zone? That place has a big sign on it..

I don't know, meh.

(I can't join in on this, damn school!)

Damn, if the court would hurry up and give me my license back (long story), I would totally hit this. If I can, I'll try and get there. It'd be a good excuse to hit the Cheesecake Factory. :D

Amtrak is your friend.

Yeah, it's the one that borrows your tools and doesn't return them, but when you need something, it's there for you, bro! ;)

Amtrak is your friend.

Yeah, it's the one that borrows your tools and doesn't return them, but when you need something, it's there for you, bro! ;)

I wish, but there's no Amtrack station in my town, and I live in the "developed" part of it. Now if I lived back in the city... Eh, I'll find a way. I was meanin to go to Red Emma's sometime with a friend; mabye I can get her to go on the 26th.

Ooh, people are still posting on this! Good. Okay guys, we will be hanging out by the Information Center. It's um, let's see, it's visible from the street and it's pretty well labeled. Here, it's right next to the Science Center, which is even MORE visible. Also, that's what I could find a website for. Here you go:

http://www.mdsci.org/plan/directions.html

Another possibility would be to meet on the water side of the Visitor's Center and take the Baltimore Ducks tour as a group. (The Ducks are, for those who've never ridden them, a giant amphibious truck that tours both through the streets and in the water itself.)

Yes, that is where we will be meeting. Feel free to Ride The Ducks! I wouldn't be joining you, since quacking at locals isn't my thing, but...hell, follow your heart!

The meetup is this Saturday! I hope everyone who can come, does. We will have fun.

The meetup is this Saturday! I hope everyone who can come, does. We will have fun.

Fun you say? What is this "fun" you speak of? Tell me, tell me! :D

Fun you say? What is this "fun" you speak of? Tell me, tell me! :D

Well, we'll have lunch, and walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and (hopefully not too awful) smells of Baltimore, and just do whatever! If anyone wishes to continue the meetup into the evening, we can go to some nice places and some people can have drinks and/or dance if they are so inclined. I hope that sounds like fun!

We need to get one organised in New England. *nods*

Well, we'll have lunch, and walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and (hopefully not too awful) smells of Baltimore, and just do whatever! If anyone wishes to continue the meetup into the evening, we can go to some nice places and some people can have drinks and/or dance if they are so inclined. I hope that sounds like fun!


Y'all need to hit Obrycki's, especially for those who don't live in B-more.

Y'all need to hit Obrycki's, especially for those who don't live in B-more.

We can go wherever people want to go. :cool:
http://www.obryckis.com/obr/stores/1/index.cfm

We can go wherever people want to go. :cool:
http://www.obryckis.com/obr/stores/1/index.cfm

'Twas just a suggestion. ;)

You must all sign a post card and mail it to me. I will TG my address to Ilie. :D

I cant make it.

I'm going with a bucnh of friends to the Opie & Anthony Travelling Virus comedy tour at the PNC Arts center in Holmdell,NJ.

It promises to be a really good time.

Well, we'll have lunch, and walk around and enjoy the sights, sounds, and (hopefully not too awful) smells of Baltimore, and just do whatever! If anyone wishes to continue the meetup into the evening, we can go to some nice places and some people can have drinks and/or dance if they are so inclined. I hope that sounds like fun!

I could start saving money for a trip to the Northeast early next year. Whether I will or not, we'll have to see... Though this does sound interesting.

Except for the dancing part. That's something I'll make sure to avoid.

!!!!!!!! One day before I return to DC. It's not like I have time to go to Baltimore anyway, though.

What's the best way to get to Baltimore from Charlottesville or where can I look for Amtrack or Busses?

What's the best way to get to Baltimore from Charlottesville or where can I look for Amtrack or Busses?

Hm. Bus: http://www.greyhound.com/
Amtrak: http://www.amtrak.com/

I hope you can make it.

Is there anyway you guys can wait longer than 2pm? The earliest I can get into Baltimore from here is 2 - 3pm.

Okay guys, I hope other people besides Laerod are coming. Don't be wusses!

Okay guys, I hope other people besides Laerod are coming. Don't be wusses!

You must discuss this new layout!

...and buy me a shot glass!

You must discuss this new layout!

...and buy me a shot glass!

Fine, but it doesn't look THAT different.

Okay guys, I hope other people besides Laerod are coming. Don't be wusses!

i'd come if i was in the right country :P
only a couple of weeks till the next UK meet though - yay! :)


(these new forum colours and stuff are all weird btw... i go away for a few days and look what they've done to the place! :p)

Fine, but it doesn't look THAT different.

Shot glass damnit!