NationStates Jolt Archive

So, time for this to actually happen. Get it down in your calendars ladies and gentlemen. July 14th, in Jack London Square, Oakland. Starting lunchtime and going as late as you want. Now I know someone had some actual restaurants they thought would be good. So let's hear it, dissect them, review them, anyone allergic to anything? :p
JLS Website (http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/)
Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=jack+london+square,+oakland&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.409192,82.265625&ie=UTF8&ll=37.795305,-122.27354&spn=0.011377,0.020084&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1)


This train station is a few blocks from JLS, if you need to go to Emeryville you'll need to check out the bus system. Amtrak station (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Station/Station_Page&c=am2Station&cid=1080080552136&ssid=80)
If you plan to park and ride BART, the closest BART station is Lake Merritt Station (http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/localAreaMap_LAKEM.asp).
Or, if you need to ride a bus, AC Transit (http://www.actransit.org/).

The previous discussion thread is located here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=524389) Also, because I was bored, a Google maps thingy (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100203061711688219157.00000112d12e475a84e55&z=12&om=1).

Update:
Date: July 14th (Saturday)
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Jack London Square
Meet at the central circle (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jack+London+Square,+Oakland,+CA+94607&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.092115,73.476563&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=37.794769,-122.277271&spn=0.001412,0.002248&z=19&iwloc=addr). Then, off to Jack's Bistro (http://www.jacksbistro.com/lunch-dinner-menu.html) in the blue building.

Coming:
Erastide
Raistlins Apprentice
Cannot think of a name
BongoConga
Mikitivity
Pythagosaurus

Definite Maybes:
Leocardia
ZetaOne
Argyres

Not able to come now:
Katganistan
Scolopendra
SalusaSecondus
Snafturi

No Response:
Appledore
Callisdrun
Cameroi
Greater Valia
Moo-Cows
Phantasy Encounter

:(

*can't go*

:(

*can't go*
awww I thought you were contemplating it. Can't make it happen?

awww I thought you were contemplating it. Can't make it happen?

Well I was thisclose to being able to be in SF for vacation durring the meet, but no dice.

*demands banana bread*

So, time for this to actually happen. Get it down in your calendars ladies and gentlemen. July 14th, in Jack London Square, Oakland. Starting lunchtime and going as late as you want. Now I know someone had some actual restaurants they thought would be good. So let's hear it, dissect them, review them, anyone allergic to anything? :p
JLS Website (http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/)
Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=jack+london+square,+oakland&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.409192,82.265625&ie=UTF8&ll=37.795305,-122.27354&spn=0.011377,0.020084&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1)


This train station is a few blocks from JLS, if you need to go to Emeryville you'll need to check out the bus system. Amtrak station (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Station/Station_Page&c=am2Station&cid=1080080552136&ssid=80)
If you plan to park and ride BART, the closest BART station is Lake Merritt Station (http://www.bart.gov/stations/stationGuide/localAreaMap_LAKEM.asp).
Or, if you need to ride a bus, AC Transit (http://www.actransit.org/).

The previous discussion thread is located here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=524389) Also, because I was bored, a Google maps thingy (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100203061711688219157.00000112d12e475a84e55&z=12&om=1).

Oakland!?
Are you nuckin' futs?

*grits teeth*

... of all the places in the bay area .... grrr.

Well I was thisclose to being able to be in SF for vacation durring the meet, but no dice.

*demands banana bread*

What, community service or something? ;)

I sure wish I could join one of those meets eventually. :(

Well I was thisclose to being able to be in SF for vacation durring the meet, but no dice.

*demands banana bread*
I don't have a banana bread for you - but how about a banana tread? http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/bananadancefast.gif

I sure wish I could join one of those meets eventually. :(

Yeah, me too. I'm sure there's a few people out there who feel they owe me a fat lip. :)

Oakland!?
Are you nuckin' futs?

*grits teeth*

... of all the places in the bay area .... grrr.
Oh come on, JLS is a nice area.

*can't go 'cuz everyone hates me now :( *

I'll go if I can find someone to carpool with. Or if plane tickets stop being $300. Or if gas stops being $3.50/gal.

:(

*can't go*

At least you have the Philly one, right?

Right?

At least you have the Philly one, right?

Right?

Possibly.

Oh come on, JLS is a nice area.

When did that happen, and how come the rest of Oakland hasn't been notified?
Are they getting paid off or something?

When did that happen, and how come the rest of Oakland hasn't been notified?
Are they getting paid off or something?
Well.... maybe I should have qualified that with nice for Oakland.


Snafturi, can you not take the train? I can't remember where you're coming from right now. >_>

I'll go if I can find someone to carpool with. Or if plane tickets stop being $300. Or if gas stops being $3.50/gal.
Be glad you don't have to fill'er up over here... Our gas is at $ 7.11/gal. right now. :fluffle:

Well.... maybe I should have qualified that with nice for Oakland.


Snafturi, can you not take the train? I can't remember where you're coming from right now. >_>

For some bizzare reason the train ride will be 15 hrs plus which means I have to take a day off work or travel through the night. I'm coming from the Portland area.

Well.... maybe I should have qualified that with nice for Oakland.


Ah, could be. It's been a while, after the whole "swearing to keep foot and breath out of Sacramento and Oakland" oath i took a while back.
:)

Is there really on ly 6 people coming?:(

Blast it! Across the nation. :(

I'm in Penn's Woods, and without transportation. :/

Oooh! Oooh! I might come, depending on if I can.
If this were earlier or later in the year, I'd be even closer to it than now (my college is in Oakland, whereas my parents' house is simply in the bay area).
Query: how are we going to actually find each other once we're there?

Oooh! Oooh! I might come, depending on if I can.
If this were earlier or later in the year, I'd be even closer to it than now (my college is in Oakland, whereas my parents' house is simply in the bay area).
Query: how are we going to actually find each other once we're there?

Carmen Miranda hats. (http://events.clowningaround.com/images/Lookalike%20Photos/carmen%20miranda.jpg)

Carmen Miranda hats. (http://events.clowningaround.com/images/Lookalike%20Photos/carmen%20miranda.jpg)

*laughs*

It is a relevant question, though.

If you tell me that you're serious, I will refuse to come even if I can.

*laughs*

It is a relevant question, though.

If you tell me that you're serious, I will refuse to come even if I can.

I'm rarely. It hasn't been determined yet. I think we're going to meet at a restaurant that THE LOST PLANET likes, provided he still goes. I'm sure we can come up with something less obnoxious than Carmen Miranda hats.

I look like a super freak, and no doubt any restuarant we go to at JLS will be one that 'doesn't usually serve my kind (slackers)' so it's possible that we can center around me. But then I'd have to be on time and all that...

I'm rarely. It hasn't been determined yet. I think we're going to meet at a restaurant that THE LOST PLANET likes, provided he still goes. I'm sure we can come up with something less obnoxious than Carmen Miranda hats.

I look like a super freak, and no doubt any restuarant we go to at JLS will be one that 'doesn't usually serve my kind (slackers)' so it's possible that we can center around me. But then I'd have to be on time and all that...

Right, well, sounds like I can go! So, unless something happens between now and then...

Also, I'm not necessarily good at finding things in this forum, so I'd appreciate it if someone let me know once it's been decided what restaurant, what time, and how we're finding each other. :)

Okay, so I just telegrammed a bunch of people from the last thread to remind them about this, hopefully they decide they are available to come and offer lots of suggestions. :)

Also, I'm available for carpool duty/picking people up most likely, as long as it's like the train station or somewhere in SF for transport over and back.

At least you have the Philly one, right?

Right?

Mmm, Philly one?

Blast. A month too late. :(

/can't afford to stay in CA over the summer

Ah, could be. It's been a while, after the whole "swearing to keep foot and breath out of Sacramento and Oakland" oath i took a while back.
:)

Oakland isn't really a monolithic city, you know. There are bad parts and there are okay parts and there are nice parts. Jack London Square is fine, really.

I will probably be able to make it, but I dunno, I'm going to a concert the next day in LA, which is going to be a pain in the ass.

this sounds totally cool. i kind of halfway doubt i'll actually make it, but i might. hell i could come down on the capitol and get off right there as i live just up the tracks (about a hundred miles) at mile post 106.9, otherwise known as roseville california.

i'll need to make a note of this on the inside of my eyelids so i don't forget about it.

hmmmmm VERRRY interesting.

i don't know the restaurants arround there or anything as i only get down that way at most once a year, passing through there on my way to furcon in saint josie, third weekind in january.

i'll talk to my 'cfo' and see if i can set something up.

=^^=
.../\...

for finding each other, we could wear name badges with our ns countries on them.
i know i've got at least one conbadge holder kicking arround somewhere.

(i wasn't awaire 'the square' was anything other then the amtrack station itself, now i do i guess)

=^^=
.../\...

this sounds totally cool. i kind of halfway doubt i'll actually make it, but i might. hell i could come down on the capitol and get off right there as i live just up the tracks (about a hundred miles) at mile post 106.9, otherwise known as roseville california.



I never knew that's where you were. I grew up in Folsom.


City, not prison...wisenheimers....

I never knew that's where you were. I grew up in Folsom.


City, not prison...wisenheimers....

actually a cool town. been there on local busses.

i grew up in colfax, graduated high school in auburn, started kindergartin in truckee, and was living at norden on donner summit when i went into the air force in 1968 to avoid being drafted into the army during viet nam.

(my dad was telegrapher/towerman/clerk for what was the then sacramento devision, of the southern pacific railroad)

i've also lived in sacramento and reno, and several places up in oregon and washington state.

it's only since 87 i've been living here in roseville.

=^^=
.../\...

actually a cool town. been there on local busses.

i grew up in colfax, graduated high school in auburn, started kindergartin in truckee, and was living at norden on donner summit when i went into the air force in 1968 to avoid being drafted into the army during viet nam.

(my dad was telegrapher/towerman/clerk for what was the then sacramento devision, of the southern pacific railroad)

i've also lived in sacramento and reno, and several places up in oregon and washington state.

it's only since 87 i've been living here in roseville.

=^^=
.../\...
I couldn't stand it, but I left when I was a teenager. Lots of places to drive my car unreasonably fast, though, so not all bad...

I couldn't stand it, but I left when I was a teenager. Lots of places to drive my car unreasonably fast, though, so not all bad...

i rather like the tea and book place, (in some kind of a parking lot type mall area, i forget what its called), the zoo with all the wild critters people had tried to raise as pets until they found out they couldn't house break them, pacific western traiders, the craftcolony type shops in the railroad cars accross from the street with all the aunit-q's crapola places, one particular kind of hippie type restaurant that i've eaten at and can't remember the name of i thought was pretty cool. the powerhouse museum. the walking along the riverfront streets and trails near it. that trippy house that was all shingles. a few other things like that.

those are the kinds of things with a bit of charicter i like about any place. i've never lived in any of those tickey tackey type developments though and can't see ever wanting to. or the gotrocks type ones either. or why anyone who could afford the latter wouldn't rather have a bit of land out in the boonies somewhere like i know i sure would.

=^^=
.../\...

i've never lived in any of those tickey tackey type developments though and can't see ever wanting to.

Ha! How convenient! I've been puzzling for a while over what exactly "ticky tacky" means. It's in the theme song of "Weeds", a TV show, and while it's on the camera shows a very upscale sort of suburb where everything (and everyone) looks the same. Very upscale, though. But the dictionary says "ticky tacky" either means some roofing material or it means "rundown" and "shabby". :confused:

i rather like the tea and book place, (in some kind of a parking lot type mall area, i forget what its called),
Don't know that one.
the zoo with all the wild critters people had tried to raise as pets until they found out they couldn't house break them,
The zoo is groovy. I don't know if they still have a lion but they did when I grew up there and he had dietary problems and had to be fed chickens, which he hated and would roar his head off in the mornings.
pacific western traiders, the craftcolony type shops in the railroad cars accross from the street with all the aunit-q's crapola places,
I never could understand how all those people could know about the craft fairs that would show up and I, living there, wouldn't know until I had to get past Sutter Street.
one particular kind of hippie type restaurant that i've eaten at and can't remember the name of i thought was pretty cool. the powerhouse museum. the walking along the riverfront streets and trails near it.
The river banks behind the park near the damn are a good place to go to either get wasted or spend some 'alone time' with your honey when you still live with your parents.
that trippy house that was all shingles. a few other things like that.
That house was in a Maxx comic book, and I saw it somewhere else, too. The kid that grew up there was two years behind me in school. There are all sorts of playground rumors about him.

those are the kinds of things with a bit of charicter i like about any place. i've never lived in any of those tickey tackey type developments though and can't see ever wanting to. or the gotrocks type ones either. or why anyone who could afford the latter wouldn't rather have a bit of land out in the boonies somewhere like i know i sure would.

=^^=
.../\...
The town had character, that my last few visits they seem determined to develop out of the place.

If you go down to the beach (China Beach? I forget which one...the one across the river from Negro Bar...do they still call it that?) past the old power plant and look up to the top of the hill on the other side, there is a blue house-that was mine (well, my parents...)

Ha! How convenient! I've been puzzling for a while over what exactly "ticky tacky" means. It's in the theme song of "Weeds", a TV show, and while it's on the camera shows a very upscale sort of suburb where everything (and everyone) looks the same. Very upscale, though. But the dictionary says "ticky tacky" either means some roofing material or it means "rundown" and "shabby". :confused:

YOU watch Weeds? Classic. :D

BTW - that song's a cover of one of Pete Seeger's songs, and that one might've been a cover too.

So... restaurants to eat at in 3 weeks time. Here's a list from the Jack London website, there's quite likely other ones around, but I don't know what those are.

Restaurants & Bars

Gio's on the Go
Hahn's Hibachi (http://hahnshibachi.com/Jacklondon.html)
Heinhold's First & Last Chance Saloon (http://heinoldsfirstandlastchance.com/)
Il Pescatore (http://www.ilpescatoreristorante.com/menu2.html)
Jack's Bistro (http://www.jacksbistro.com/oakland-entertainment-july07.html)
Kincaid's Bayhouse (http://kincaids.com/index.php)
Scott's Seafood (http://scottsrestaurants.com/oak_menus.cfm)
Tony Roma's (http://www.tonyromas.com/files/menu.asp)
Yoshi's Restaurant (http://www.yoshis.com/eat)

Personally, I'm leaning towards Jack's Bistro of the above list.

BTW - that song's a cover of one of Pete Seeger's songs, and that one might've been a cover too. Not really. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boxes)

Not really. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boxes)
Good lord how do you know such trivia?

:( just confirmed -- won't be able to get out there this summer, Erastide. I hope the meetup's a blast,though!

:( just confirmed -- won't be able to get out there this summer, Erastide. I hope the meetup's a blast,though!
:( Any possibility of coming out this summer at all, meetup or no?

Erastide! It's about 50% off-topic, but check your telegrams ;)

So the British meet happening in over a month has a place and time, we have neither... anyone want to make an actual decision or should I just... decide?

I'm in San Francisco, but I'll make an effort to cross that rusty old toll bridge I guess.

I'm only 45 minutes from Oakland so I'll try to come. :)

If a mod is at a NS meeting, can he/she yell 'DEAT!' and then someone drops dead?:p

If a mod is at a NS meeting, can he/she yell 'DEAT!' and then someone drops dead?:p
The NS game... picking off people one at a time. Or Blindman's Bluff where the mod is the one blindfolded. :D

Yay, we have more people coming!

Any decisions on where we're meeting, what time, and how we're finding each other?
(Badge idea is cool, but it might not help me find you guys - I'm bad at noticing such small things on people I don't know....)

Yay, we have more people coming!

Any decisions on where we're meeting, what time, and how we're finding each other?
(Badge idea is cool, but it might not help me find you guys - I'm bad at noticing such small things on people I don't know....)
I don't honestly know anything about Jack London Square in terms of landmarks. There might be some sort of statue or fountain that we could congregate around initially, and when the party is large enough, head off to a designated restaurant for the stragglers.

I don't honestly know anything about Jack London Square in terms of landmarks. There might be some sort of statue or fountain that we could congregate around initially, and when the party is large enough, head off to a designated restaurant for the stragglers.

I think that there is a statue with a fountain around it...

The NS game... picking off people one at a time. Or Blindman's Bluff where the mod is the one blindfolded. :D

I loved that game! :p

I'm nowhere near San Fran., but I hope everything goes smoothly, provided there's still enough people left to even oranize a meet-up, given the numbers dropping out and citing "heartless" debates and the like. ;)

With about a week to go, some of the specifics might be good....
Someone? Anyone? Not me?

With about a week to go, some of the specifics might be good....
Someone? Anyone? Not me?
Okay, here it goes. For the initial meeting, let's say at the circle in the middle here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jack+London+Square,+Oakland,+CA+94607&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.092115,73.476563&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=37.794769,-122.277271&spn=0.001412,0.002248&z=19&iwloc=addr).
Right next to the shadow of the flag in that picture. Streetwise, that's straight off of Broadway.

As to where we're eating, I have made the decision to go with Jack's Bistro. In the map, it is apparently in the large blue building to the left of the circle where we shall meet. Here is their Lunch menu (http://www.jacksbistro.com/lunch-dinner-menu.html). There's a lot of variety which I thought would be nice because I have no idea what food everyone would prefer.

Now, as to time. Let's say 1pm? That should be enough time for travel from most destinations without leaving horribly early, but a decent time for lunch.

I'm going to telegram everyone this weekend unless they respond in this thread saying they've seen the details and give a yes or a no to them. So be prepared.

The NS game... picking off people one at a time. Or Blindman's Bluff where the mod is the one blindfolded. :D

Modian Roulette?

My parole officer says I can't go

My parole officer says I can't go
I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Perhaps you could bring them along? :p

do they do this kind of thing in other states to? That would be cool to meet the people I deal with in NS everyday...all those liberals...

Sounds cool. I'll be there as soon as I sort out the public transportation thing.

Would you believe both my vans will be out of commission? The cargo's reg ran out and I'm working right up to the meeting so I can't take care of it before then, and vandals broke six windows on my beloved Bus.

So what museum are you doing to streak in a drunken good natured way? LOL

Sounds cool. I'll be there as soon as I sort out the public transportation thing.

Would you believe both my vans will be out of commission? The cargo's reg ran out and I'm working right up to the meeting so I can't take care of it before then, and vandals broke six windows on my beloved Bus.
I will offer myself as carpool if you want to contemplate it...

Okay, here it goes. For the initial meeting, let's say at the circle in the middle here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jack+London+Square,+Oakland,+CA+94607&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.092115,73.476563&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=37.794769,-122.277271&spn=0.001412,0.002248&z=19&iwloc=addr).
Right next to the shadow of the flag in that picture. Streetwise, that's straight off of Broadway.

As to where we're eating, I have made the decision to go with Jack's Bistro. In the map, it is apparently in the large blue building to the left of the circle where we shall meet. Here is their Lunch menu (http://www.jacksbistro.com/lunch-dinner-menu.html). There's a lot of variety which I thought would be nice because I have no idea what food everyone would prefer.

Now, as to time. Let's say 1pm? That should be enough time for travel from most destinations without leaving horribly early, but a decent time for lunch.

I'm going to telegram everyone this weekend unless they respond in this thread saying they've seen the details and give a yes or a no to them. So be prepared.

Yay, go you!
I assume that the circle is the spot that the map is showing to be the exact intersection of Broadway and Water? :P
Um, way to identify each other?
(I'm not answering these questions myself because of my current inability to properly think, in case you were wondering).

Yay, go you!
I assume that the circle is the spot that the map is showing to be the exact intersection of Broadway and Water? :P
Um, way to identify each other?
(I'm not answering these questions myself because of my current inability to properly think, in case you were wondering).
Well, I figure people can just sorta gather, and if all else fails, head over to Jack's Bistro and ask if the NationStates people are there yet :p

I will offer myself as carpool if you want to contemplate it...

Sure, if you're up to it. I should point out that there is no way you'd stop to pick up someone who looked like me on a dark rainy night, no matter how much Bud Light I was holding...but if you're up to it it would beat the MUNI/BART/AC Transit Dance.

Unless you have something else you want to do that morning, I'd be willing to pick you up. I'd save anyone the stupidity of getting to Oakland without a car from here. :p

Um, way to identify each other?

Did you ever see "You've Got Mail"?

Where Meg is in the cafe with the book and the rose? I suggest they do that with Jennifer Government.

Hm.

Can you get face painting in JLS? I demand everyone get barcodes under their eye.

Unfortunately, I'll be moving that day.

Sorry.

Maybe we can organize a Seattle meetup for Christmas time...

Anyways, everyone has been telegrammed, whether they get it in time is anyone's guess, but I'll be hopeful. :)

*shakes fist in air*

Thanks for the advanced warning! I would have tried to come if I knew a month or so ago to get plane tickets out there. :(


Can we have one in Philly?

;)

Did you ever see "You've Got Mail"?

Where Meg is in the cafe with the book and the rose? I suggest they do that with Jennifer Government.

Hm.

Can you get face painting in JLS? I demand everyone get barcodes under their eye.


Okay, that is just all too funny, but I would absolutely love to see that!

Okay, that is just all too funny, but I would absolutely love to see that!
The books or the barcodes?

I'd be willing to bring my books if other people would, but there's no way I'm painting my face with a barcode.

The books or the barcodes?

I'd be willing to bring my books if other people would, but there's no way I'm painting my face with a barcode.

The barcode....but that is just because it is so utterly bizarre and ridiculous that it would be highly amusing to me. :D

*shakes fist in air*

Thanks for the advanced warning! I would have tried to come if I knew a month or so ago to get plane tickets out there. :(


Can we have one in Philly?

;)
Oh hey, there is one in Philly. August 25th, I believe.

I'd link, but meh.
The books or the barcodes?

I'd be willing to bring my books if other people would, but there's no way I'm painting my face with a barcode.

Aren't you the girl who gets dressed up for that Whatevercon thing? And you wont even put a barcode on your face.. :(

The books or the barcodes?

I'd be willing to bring my books if other people would, but there's no way I'm painting my face with a barcode.

But... but... I already bought a scanner. :(

But... but... I already bought a scanner. :(

*laughter*
*allows herself to be scanned*
*comes up as lettuce*

Aren't you the girl who gets dressed up for that Whatevercon thing? And you wont even put a barcode on your face.. :(
No... that would be Reppy. The one with the giant sword of DEAT.

But... but... I already bought a scanner. :(

Back in my 'heady' days of retail employment one of the many things we'd do to keep us from running the customers through was play, "Are you scannable?"

It's simple, really, we take the scanning gun and run it over various parts of us until it picked something up.

Most of us were scanable. I even inventoried a buddy until I realized what a pain in the ass it was for someone to go out and find that peice of product was that didn't match and I had to go, "It's Eddy. Put him in the mismatch bin."

Oh hey, there is one in Philly. August 25th, I believe.


Okay Ruffy, you are coming over to my place and we are going to Philly! End of story. Declaration of the Iron-Fisted DFD. I'll even buy you a drink or a bottle..... ;)

Hey, and I'll get drunk because drunk DFD is better then nondrunk DFD.

:p

No... that would be Reppy. The one with the giant sword of DEAT.


*hearts Reppy*

*hearts you too Erastide* ;)


^_^

OK, I'll be there.

Okay, so I just telegrammed a bunch of people from the last thread to remind them about this, hopefully they decide they are available to come and offer lots of suggestions. :)

Also, I'm available for carpool duty/picking people up most likely, as long as it's like the train station or somewhere in SF for transport over and back.

Sorry for the delay in response. I got one of those telegrams and will make it down. :)

Okay, here it goes. For the initial meeting, let's say at the circle in the middle here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jack+London+Square,+Oakland,+CA+94607&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=46.092115,73.476563&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=37.794769,-122.277271&spn=0.001412,0.002248&z=19&iwloc=addr).
Right next to the shadow of the flag in that picture. Streetwise, that's straight off of Broadway.

As to where we're eating, I have made the decision to go with Jack's Bistro. In the map, it is apparently in the large blue building to the left of the circle where we shall meet. Here is their Lunch menu (http://www.jacksbistro.com/lunch-dinner-menu.html). There's a lot of variety which I thought would be nice because I have no idea what food everyone would prefer.

Now, as to time. Let's say 1pm? That should be enough time for travel from most destinations without leaving horribly early, but a decent time for lunch.

I'm going to telegram everyone this weekend unless they respond in this thread saying they've seen the details and give a yes or a no to them. So be prepared.

It might help if a few of us also state what we might be wearing or look like. I'll be driving from Davis and then afterwords heading to my family's place in Walnut Creek. I'll be wearing my Salzburg, Austria cap -- it is grey and has the Austrian flag on it. Other than that I'm a mid-30s, 'bottled blonde'.

http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/User:Mikitivity

After lunch, depending on the number of cars we have, we could caravan to Alameda, Piedmont (sp?), or Berkeley. I was thinking the USS Hornet, Piedmont cemetery, or Tilden Park might be big enough places to just hang out.

It might help if a few of us also state what we might be wearing or look like. I'll be driving from Davis and then afterwords heading to my family's place in Walnut Creek. I'll be wearing my Salzburg, Austria cap -- it is grey and has the Austrian flag on it. Other than that I'm a mid-30s, 'bottled blonde'.

After lunch, depending on the number of cars we have, we could caravan to Alameda, Piedmont (sp?), or Berkeley. I was thinking the USS Hornet, Piedmont cemetery, or Tilden Park might be big enough places to just hang out.

That's easy-I have a three inch long goatee and will probably be wearing my pork pie hat. I stick out like a sore thumb.

But... but... I already bought a scanner. :(

http://www.epix.de/images/scanners4.jpg
Another soul falls to WYTYG.

Back in my 'heady' days of retail employment one of the many things we'd do to keep us from running the customers through was play, "Are you scannable?"

It's simple, really, we take the scanning gun and run it over various parts of us until it picked something up.

Most of us were scanable. I even inventoried a buddy until I realized what a pain in the ass it was for someone to go out and find that peice of product was that didn't match and I had to go, "It's Eddy. Put him in the mismatch bin."
Hehehehehe. :p


Although I don't get it - how can it pick stuff up unless you're actually wearing a bar code somehwhere?

It might help if a few of us also state what we might be wearing or look like. I'll be driving from Davis and then afterwords heading to my family's place in Walnut Creek. I'll be wearing my Salzburg, Austria cap -- it is grey and has the Austrian flag on it. Other than that I'm a mid-30s, 'bottled blonde'.
I'm not sure what I'll be wearing, but I will apparently be arriving with the guy with the goatee and weirdly named hat.

I'm not sure I can make it - I'm going to be at a bachelor party on Friday, so I'm not sure if I'll be in much shape to leave my apartment, let alone make a public appearance. If I do show up, look for someone looking like I do in the picture thread, with a Cal hat.

It might help if a few of us also state what we might be wearing or look like.

I'm a 6'3" male human with shoulder length light brown hair, no facial hair. All I can say is that I'll be wearing whatever clothes in my closet are the most recently washed.

Since no one wants to carpool I think I have to pass. I really don't want to ride a train for 15 hours.

*shakes fist in air*

Thanks for the advanced warning! I would have tried to come if I knew a month or so ago to get plane tickets out there. :(


Can we have one in Philly?

;)

Seattle is so much more doable for me.

Seattle is so much more doable for me.
Seattle at Christmas time? Like the week before? Would that be doable?

19, female, blue jeans, red shirt, white shoes, backpack purse that looks like it's been made out of that famous red unicorn tapestry in France, glasses, hair long enough to reach my belly but refuses to decide if it is blonde or brown. Yeah, I think that's about all I can say about what I look like.

Seattle at Christmas time? Like the week before? Would that be doable?

Defiately.:)

I'm totally excited about this. I'm making two banana breads, one with walnuts, one without. The only question is whether to wear a really girly dress or be more practical and wear jeans. >_>

I'm totally excited about this. I'm making two banana breads, one with walnuts, one without. The only question is whether to wear a really girly dress or be more practical and wear jeans. >_>
Wear whatever makes you look best in the innumerable pictures we're going to insist on being posted here. :D

Then again, you come bearing banana breads. Just go in your pyjamas.

Wear whatever makes you look best in the innumerable pictures we're going to insist on being posted here. :D

Then again, you come bearing banana breads. Just go in your pyjamas.

Yeah... I don't think I want to be seen in public in my pajamas. I'm getting a *bit* more dressed up then that. :p

I'm going to be bringing my own lunch.
Not as an insult to the restaurant, but due to medical issues that require me to. :(

Wear whatever makes you look best in the innumerable pictures we're going to insist on being posted here. :D

Then again, you come bearing banana breads. Just go in your pyjamas.

Yeah...about the picture thing...

But I'd wear whatever's comfortable Erastide, we're the rabbling masses-we're easy to impress.

Yeah...about the picture thing...

But I'd wear whatever's comfortable Erastide, we're the rabbling masses-we're easy to impress.
I'll just hand you a camera and you can stand behind it for everything but *one* group pic, kay?

I'll just hand you a camera and you can stand behind it for everything but *one* group pic, kay?

Perfection.

I can't say no to bearers of banana bread...







...oh man, do I love banana bread...

Perfection.

I can't say no to bearers of banana bread...

...oh man, do I love banana bread...
I just realized... if you want me to pick you up tomorrow you better tell me where. :p

finally.

I just realized... if you want me to pick you up tomorrow you better tell me where. :p

D'oh! I'll TG you...

Crap... That time already?

Man dunno if I'm gonna make it... so sleep deprived...

and I don't even get off work for another ten minutes....

>.<

No fun!

Crap... That time already?

Man dunno if I'm gonna make it... so sleep deprived...

and I don't even get off work for another ten minutes....
Come! I will feed you banana bread to wake you up >_>

mmmmmmmmeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhh!

...


You guys wouldn't mind if I just didn't shower and showed up in a ratty t-shirt and shorts, right?


Eh?




...




Fine...I'll go shower...my eyebones iz crusty.

So... you've had at least an hour crammed together in some shady bar now - WHERE IS THE LIVE COMMENTARY?

*mopes*

*waits for live blogging, in-depth reports and pictures*

Are they drunk yet?

I'm imagining someone looking at the banana bread and says "Pfft, my banana has more yeast than that.."

Heee home! ^_^

Heee home! ^_^

And alive even! I was fairly sure I'd find you tomorrow morning sleeping in your car that had nestled up next to one of the buildings...

Damn you! No one told me of this! Noooooooooo!!!


(hint: I live in San Jose)

Damn you! No one told me of this! Noooooooooo!!!


(hint: I live in San Jose)

Well, San Jose...I mean...pff...



(sorry man...)

Damn you! No one told me of this! Noooooooooo!!!


(hint: I live in San Jose)
Dude... this thread and planning as such has been around for at least a month. I can't be responsible for anything more then that. :p

Bah, the text thing ended blandly. After recharging my phone I texted back that I didn't get the response and she just texted back that "Responded to what? I don't even know you."

Boring. (I'll fill in folks later.)

Bah, the text thing ended blandly. After recharging my phone I texted back that I didn't get the response and she just texted back that "Responded to what? I don't even know you."

Boring. (I'll fill in folks later.)

1. You should still post the exact (minus names) messages. It was actually creepy-cool at first. :)

2. It is probably better that it ended like that, as also being somebody who hates it when people destroy his car (or even steal his stuff), I honestly don't know what I __will__ do when I find the creeps who screwed with me. I'm guessing you'd be in the same situation.

OK, I obviously just got back home, and will post more about my thoughts about the gathering when I have more time, but I wanted to say THANK YOU to everybody who showed up. :)

It was so cool hanging with you all. At times I was thinking "Breakfast Club", because each of us seems to play NationStates in a somewhat different way ... and also seem to be very different people. But at the same time there was a similarity in what I'd best describe as a relaxed and easy going attitude that made it very easy for me to imagine spending time with any of you!

I think the suggestion of meeting again in October 2007 is awesome, and only flood waters will keep me away!

So... you've had at least an hour crammed together in some shady bar now - WHERE IS THE LIVE COMMENTARY?

*mopes*

*waits for live blogging, in-depth reports and pictures*

Seconded!

Seattle at Christmas time? Like the week before? Would that be doable?

Hey, that's a GOOD idea.

Seconded!

I'll get some pictures together either tomorrow or Tuesday.

1. You should still post the exact (minus names) messages. It was actually creepy-cool at first. :)


Well, turns out there was more and I figured out what was ultimately going on.

Here's how it goes...

We're (well, four of us, Erastide, Mikitivity, Pyth, and me) at Starbucks because we were unsure if Erastide was going to freeze or simple sleep where she stood, and since she was my ride we (she) decided to get some coffee...

I get a text message, which is actually pretty rare. I don't text because I could never figure out how predictive dialing worked.

It asks-
"Hey r u really xxxx xxxxxxxx?"

I tell them that no, I'm xxxxxxxx and ask how they got this number.

A few minutes later-
"Remember that weird guy who keeps pranking u? Well he is my bf. He gave me ur number. He knows alot about u. It creeps me out."

I have no idea what you're talking about.

"Does a guy prank call you alot?"

No...I'm xxxxxx, I haven't gotten any prank calls. (except maybe this one...)

"Okay, but does a 14 year old boy prank you?"

No, I'm a 35 year old man. What kind of pranks are you talking about?

(now, at this point, I'm starting to think they might be talking about the smashing of the windows on my beloved VW Bus, so I think I should find out)

So then my phone runs out of money. I go home and charge it and text the person back that I didn't get their response...

"Respond 2 what? I don't even know u...or what ur talkin about"

Oh, you're kidding...I think about not responding and then I start to go into a big thing about her wasting my time that would of course been pointless when my little slowly typed rant gets interrupted"...

"Let get this straight. Ur not famous and ur some old guy?"

Okay, 35 isn't old. And no, I am not by any measure famous.

"It is 2 a 14 year old. He has been calling u and messing with u"

No, no he hasn't. If he had I would have reported him for harrassment. (to who? The fuck I know, she's fucking 14...I'll tell her principal, I don't know...)

"He said u did report him."

No.

"Okay. Later"

So-what the hell was that all about? Well, it turns out that two things converged to make my life a little more random...

First, I'm nestled in the internet and there are only three of me. Ones a baseball player for a community college, ones a horseshoe champion and alien abductee, and me. I'm the one who has resumes and credits and, sadly, my phone number...

The second is, there is apparently a D-level pop singer whose name is remarkably close to mine. So, I guess, if you mis-spell this guy's name, and are not thorough enough to realize that pop singers don't often list their PA credits...you can get my number thinking it's this pop singer cat.

And that is the story of my mystery text messages at the end of the great SF NS Meet.

Ah, but what area code is their phone registered to? :)

It is still interesting. Usually the only stalkers I collect are goth women, and as long as you aren't a spider or doll, at most they will just want to talk to you about how cool cats are.

(I dated one goth girl who had me bringing black widows from the Valley to her place in SF so she could paint them in fingernail polish while they were alive. She also liked to decorate things in broken doll parts. Yup ... you guessed it: an artist. I learned to stick to teachers, strippers, opera singers, and morticians after that.)

Ah, but what area code is their phone registered to? :)

It is still interesting. Usually the only stalkers I collect are goth women, and as long as you aren't a spider or doll, at most they will just want to talk to you about how cool cats are.

(I dated one goth girl who had me bringing black widows from the Valley to her place in SF so she could paint them in fingernail polish while they were alive. She also liked to decorate things in broken doll parts. Yup ... you guessed it: an artist. I learned to stick to teachers, strippers, opera singers, and morticians after that.)
Ah, dating a stripper...never had that story...

Austin, Texas. That's where the number originated. Explains why they wouldn't know California area codes or not know that Santa Cruz is no where near LA...

I didn't know that Santa Cruz is nowhere near L.A.

"Let get this straight. Ur not famous and ur some old guy?"
Ahahahahahahaha. :p:p

(I dated one goth girl who had me bringing black widows from the Valley to her place in SF so she could paint them in fingernail polish while they were alive.
*shivering speechlessly*

*shivering speechlessly**comforts*

I didn't know that Santa Cruz is nowhere near L.A.
Santa Cruz is only 45 minutes from where we were.

I think it's the beach...people associate the beach part of California with Southern California, but Santa Cruz in Northern California is a good set of beaches. (and of course Northern California has Mavericks (http://www.surftravelcompany.com/big-wave-pics/mavericks.jpg) at Half Moon Bay...)

Pictures! You're making me regret not taking my camera out. :p

And the end of that texting is making me crack up. Almost as much as it did when it was really really late in the day.

Pictures! You're making me regret not taking my camera out. :p

And the end of that texting is making me crack up. Almost as much as it did when it was really really late in the day.

Yeah, you know...you think you're okay with not being famous until some 14 year old kid texting you at random dismisses you for not being famous...

Yeah, you know...you think you're okay with not being famous until some 14 year old kid texting you at random dismisses you for not being famous...

How little that 14-year old kid really knew then! Just chalk it up as they got the wrong famous person.

The stripper story pales in comparison to my German chewing gum story -- but alas, that is a story that MUST be told in person. That and this is a family forum. ;)

You are so full of stories. Since the reason we spent another hour or so in the Starbucks was because you just *had* to tell another story.

This seems to be the most uneventful meet evar.

Well, we enjoyed ourselves. :p And it was a very uneventful 9 hours, yes.

Well, we enjoyed ourselves. :p And it was a very uneventful 9 hours, yes.

I don't even see pictures!

This seems to be the most uneventful meet evar.

Well, there was the great artificial phallic measure off...the time we were taught about dirt/slide dynamics, or that geese are not afraid of people pretending to be bulls or big guys running, or that sitting at an ice cream table will not generate ice cream, or that Erastide wants us to stand in the middle of traffic (;p), or when we discussed the important difference between Childrens Fairyland, Adult Fairyland, and Fairy's Childrenland, or that whatever you're looking for is probably where you just were, that if you ask the wrong person where to park they'll park you next to the jazz club and not next to where we were meeting, or...

Oh, and when you ask mods who [violet] is they'll tell you about the character Violet in the book...

Well, turns out there was more and I figured out what was ultimately going on.

Here's how it goes...

We're (well, four of us, Erastide, Mikitivity, Pyth, and me) at Starbucks because we were unsure if Erastide was going to freeze or simple sleep where she stood, and since she was my ride we (she) decided to get some coffee...

I get a text message, which is actually pretty rare. I don't text because I could never figure out how predictive dialing worked.

It asks-
"Hey r u really xxxx xxxxxxxx?"

I tell them that no, I'm xxxxxxxx and ask how they got this number.

A few minutes later-
"Remember that weird guy who keeps pranking u? Well he is my bf. He gave me ur number. He knows alot about u. It creeps me out."

I have no idea what you're talking about.

"Does a guy prank call you alot?"

No...I'm xxxxxx, I haven't gotten any prank calls. (except maybe this one...)

"Okay, but does a 14 year old boy prank you?"

No, I'm a 35 year old man. What kind of pranks are you talking about?

(now, at this point, I'm starting to think they might be talking about the smashing of the windows on my beloved VW Bus, so I think I should find out)

So then my phone runs out of money. I go home and charge it and text the person back that I didn't get their response...

"Respond 2 what? I don't even know u...or what ur talkin about"

Oh, you're kidding...I think about not responding and then I start to go into a big thing about her wasting my time that would of course been pointless when my little slowly typed rant gets interrupted"...

"Let get this straight. Ur not famous and ur some old guy?"

Okay, 35 isn't old. And no, I am not by any measure famous.

"It is 2 a 14 year old. He has been calling u and messing with u"

No, no he hasn't. If he had I would have reported him for harrassment. (to who? The fuck I know, she's fucking 14...I'll tell her principal, I don't know...)

"He said u did report him."

No.

"Okay. Later"

So-what the hell was that all about? Well, it turns out that two things converged to make my life a little more random...

First, I'm nestled in the internet and there are only three of me. Ones a baseball player for a community college, ones a horseshoe champion and alien abductee, and me. I'm the one who has resumes and credits and, sadly, my phone number...

The second is, there is apparently a D-level pop singer whose name is remarkably close to mine. So, I guess, if you mis-spell this guy's name, and are not thorough enough to realize that pop singers don't often list their PA credits...you can get my number thinking it's this pop singer cat.

And that is the story of my mystery text messages at the end of the great SF NS Meet.

You SO rock.
:D

I'll get some pictures together either tomorrow or Tuesday.

Totally groovy. :)

You SO rock.
:D

That he does. He also slides, as you can now see via one of the pictures of our day (http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/mcalamari/NS-People/).

The pictures are all work safe and I shrunk them down to save on disk space. I have uncropped, unshrunk versions that I will be happy to add to the album.

The are in my photobucket account in a random order. Sorry about that. Naturally is anybody there does not like his or her picture, please tell me so I can store it in a safe place to blackmail you later ... I mean remove it. ;)

Some general notes on the photos: we started at Jack's Bistro at Jack London Square, then eventually we left to grab ice cream at Fenton's Creamery in Piedmont (the home of Tom Hanks) ... the group then vetoed MY MOST AWESOME suggestion of a nearby park to visit, so instead Erastide forced us to march along the shore of Oakland's Lake Merritt until we found some "Thing". Raistlin's Apprentice started pretending to be a bull and chased after the geese which refused to wave any red carpet in her direction. After hours of talking about how evil everybody who didn't show up was and watching CTOAN teach some kid how to use a slide (though at times it seemed like the kid was trying to teach us as well), we eventually returned to Jack London Square where we bought a copy of Jennifer Government and autographed it. Erastide will take the book to the British get together in a few weeks, where I am told that the British have some irrational fear about their souls being sucked away if they actually write in books ... peshaw! Anyhow, the plan is for the book to circulate from NS gathering to NS gathering and until it is full of little crazy notes from NS players worldwide. Why? Simple, if you don't like the idea, you can always [Dismiss All] and pretend the book never passed before your eyes.

The good news:
- no drunk bodies to deposit at the train / bus station
- Erastide can apparently feed all of Africa with her banana bread
- when asked "With or Without Nuts" most of us chose wisely ... meaning there is still hope that we can create puppet states -- the knife never drew blood
- the geese were never frightened by Raistlin's Apprentice, so Pythagosaurus and Erastide were not forced to "meeting ban" her for flamebaiting the locals
- CNTOAN's stalker turned out to be 14-years old and stuck in Austin (which means he sucks at stalking)
- there is no Forum 7

That park... had DEAD PEOPLE. Not an awesome suggestion.

Sorry I didn't make it, guys. I was on the train to LA for a concert (hence why I didn't want it to be the 14th). Oh well, maybe there'll be another one sometime?

That he does. He also slides, as you can now see via one of the pictures of our day (http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/mcalamari/NS-People/).

The pictures are all work safe and I shrunk them down to save on disk space. I have uncropped, unshrunk versions that I will be happy to add to the album.

The are in my photobucket account in a random order. Sorry about that. Naturally is anybody there does not like his or her picture, please tell me so I can store it in a safe place to blackmail you later ... I mean remove it. ;)

Some general notes on the photos: we started at Jack's Bistro at Jack London Square, then eventually we left to grab ice cream at Fenton's Creamery in Piedmont (the home of Tom Hanks) ... the group then vetoed MY MOST AWESOME suggestion of a nearby park to visit, so instead Erastide forced us to march along the shore of Oakland's Lake Merritt until we found some "Thing". Raistlin's Apprentice started pretending to be a bull and chased after the geese which refused to wave any red carpet in her direction. After hours of talking about how evil everybody who didn't show up was and watching CTOAN teach some kid how to use a slide (though at times it seemed like the kid was trying to teach us as well), we eventually returned to Jack London Square where we bought a copy of Jennifer Government and autographed it. Erastide will take the book to the British get together in a few weeks, where I am told that the British have some irrational fear about their souls being sucked away if they actually write in books ... peshaw! Anyhow, the plan is for the book to circulate from NS gathering to NS gathering and until it is full of little crazy notes from NS players worldwide. Why? Simple, if you don't like the idea, you can always [Dismiss All] and pretend the book never passed before your eyes.

The good news:
- no drunk bodies to deposit at the train / bus station
- Erastide can apparently feed all of Africa with her banana bread
- when asked "With or Without Nuts" most of us chose wisely ... meaning there is still hope that we can create puppet states -- the knife never drew blood
- the geese were never frightened by Raistlin's Apprentice, so Pythagosaurus and Erastide were not forced to "meeting ban" her for flamebaiting the locals
- CNTOAN's stalker turned out to be 14-years old and stuck in Austin (which means he sucks at stalking)
- there is no Forum 7

Thank you for the indulgence!
Beautiful weather, great pix.
*bows*

That park... had DEAD PEOPLE. Not an awesome suggestion.

The water we drink has dead people in it too! The dirt, the trees, the air, the buildings (especially the buildings) ... dead people.

But you are right, it wasn't an awesome suggestion ... it was a "MOST AWESOME" suggestion.

Oh yeah, banana bread is awesome...

And it should be clarified that when Erastide asks "With or without nuts" she does it wielding a knife.

The one with nuts went first, just to be on the safe side.
That park... had DEAD PEOPLE. Not an awesome suggestion.

Yeah, who knew 'cemetery' and 'park' where interchangeable?

Well, they both had grass...but Lake Merritt had that...thing...and practicing saxophone guy.

Sorry I didn't make it, guys. I was on the train to LA for a concert (hence why I didn't want it to be the 14th). Oh well, maybe there'll be another one sometime?

Don't worry, we can take back all the bad things we said about you while you were on the way to LA. ;)

Seriously, at the end of the night we started talking about doing this again in October -- though making the next meeting in San Francisco (Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Sutro Cliffs, etc.). We could even turn that gathering into a picnic in the park ... not sure if we have to reserve a place or not, but I've done that before with others and it is fun. If somebody has a volleyball net or something we could even have a "NationStates Olympics" as a lure to attract the elusive RPers to the gathering.

Thank you for the indulgence!
Beautiful weather, great pix.


Oakland and San Francisco tend to have consistently good weather, but the crazy thing is the further inland you go, the more likely you are to bake or freeze (depending upon time of the year).

Don't worry, we can take back all the bad things we said about you while you were on the way to LA. ;)

Seriously, at the end of the night we started talking about doing this again in October -- though making the next meeting in San Francisco (Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Sutro Cliffs, etc.). We could even turn that gathering into a picnic in the park ... not sure if we have to reserve a place or not, but I've done that before with others and it is fun. If somebody has a volleyball net or something we could even have a "NationStates Olympics" as a lure to attract the elusive RPers to the gathering.



Oakland and San Francisco tend to have consistently good weather, but the crazy thing is the further inland you go, the more likely you are to bake or freeze (depending upon time of the year).
Actually, a picnic isn't that bad of an idea.

I don't have a net, but I do have a 6'X6' pop up tent and a fold up table for no particular reason...it would certainly make eating easier on RA since everyone would bring some sort of vittles...

Hmm...note to future temperate climate meetings if not a future SF/NS meets...

Yeah, who knew 'cemetery' and 'park' where interchangeable?

100% of the citizens of Mikitivity understood this! :p


Well, they both had grass...but Lake Merritt had that...thing...and practicing saxophone guy.

The Sex ... I mean Sax guy was cool. Though I'm still feeling sorry I didn't have bread for Gimpy the Goose.

But the Piedmont "Park" has all sorts of giant cool climby things as well! They also have watering cans and candles! Ooooooooohhhh!

[Seriously, I'm at a loss to think of a country where I've not visited a dead people park. I like looking at the names and dates on the monuments <-- also a Mikitivity word] ;)

100% of the citizens of Mikitivity understood this! :p



The Sex ... I mean Sax guy was cool. Though I'm still feeling sorry I didn't have bread for Gimpy the Goose.
Poor Gimpy. We had so much bread at Jack's, too...

But the Piedmont "Park" has all sorts of giant cool climby things as well! They also have watering cans and candles! Ooooooooohhhh!
Yeah, it's all fun and games until you realize that that woman is crying because you're using her grandfather's tombstone as a slide...

Actually, a picnic isn't that bad of an idea.

I don't have a net, but I do have a 6'X6' pop up tent and a fold up table for no particular reason...it would certainly make eating easier on RA since everyone would bring some sort of vittles...

Hmm...note to future temperate climate meetings if not a future SF/NS meets...

We can actually rent space in Golden Gate park based on the estimated size of the gathering ... though I have zero idea how much that costs.

The San Francisco goths used to have a "Gothnic" there twice a year, and the elder goths would worry about the rental. Everybody would bring things, ranging from hot dogs and chips to cheese cut in the shape of bats. :9

We'd often play catch: softball, football, frisbee, and then there would be a constant game of volleyball of on the other side.

The Gothnics later spawned the "Great Goth Naval Battles" which made it into the SF Guardian, but ended when the Evil Bunny Men (not to be confused with Love and Rocket's Bubble Me) attacked the then pirate themed goth naval battles. The Gothnics then died when a faction of goths DEMANDED that the gothnic be held on one day, but then ran off to a gay pride march ... and the organizers were pissed so they simply stopped talking to most everybody.

A tent is good, because if there is a chance of rain, the few that turn out won't get 100% wet. Though right now October is promising to be pretty dry. :(

Poor Gimpy. We had so much bread at Jack's, too...


Yeah, it's all fun and games until you realize that that woman is crying because you're using her grandfather's tombstone as a slide...

Bah, sticks and stones. The special park "rangers" really only get mad when you accidentally push over a gargoyle so that you can perch in its shady spot.

In France, they have signs in English and French at some of these parks. Obviously this isn't a Mikitivity only tradition.

Yes... meet in October, 13th or 20th? Both are Saturdays, which seems to be pretty decent for most people.

If we're looking for sun... Golden Gate Park may not be the greatest idea. That thing gets foggy as soon as the sun goes down as far as I can tell. Most of the Sunset is evil like that.

Yes... meet in October, 13th or 20th? Both are Saturdays, which seems to be pretty decent for most people.

If we're looking for sun... Golden Gate Park may not be the greatest idea. That thing gets foggy as soon as the sun goes down as far as I can tell. Most of the Sunset is evil like that.

When I lived in Santa Cruz it was like a giant tourist cleaning brush. At 4:45 the beach would be full. At 5, empty as the fog rolls in and chases out the tourists.

I just noticed the fourteenth had passed. How did everything go? :)

Yes... meet in October, 13th or 20th? Both are Saturdays, which seems to be pretty decent for most people.

If we're looking for sun... Golden Gate Park may not be the greatest idea. That thing gets foggy as soon as the sun goes down as far as I can tell. Most of the Sunset is evil like that.

Saturday's are both ideal for me. :)

I wouldn't say sun is necessary, but rather having space to relax. If we do a Nationsnic, then I would suggest that everybody bring a snack or drink that is representative of his or her country.

For example, I'd bring Hafenkase (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Hafenkase) and Brey Bratwurst (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brey_Bratwurst)

I just noticed the fourteenth had passed. How did everything go? :)

It was really fun.

I've always been of the mind that something is always lost when we are just communicating back and forth in text.

Saturday's are both ideal for me. :)

I wouldn't say sun is necessary, but rather having space to relax. If we do a Nationsnic, then I would suggest that everybody bring a snack or drink that is representative of his or her country.

For example, I'd bring Hafenkase (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Hafenkase) and Brey Bratwurst (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brey_Bratwurst)
That would mean I could bring anything as long as it was 'store brand'...sweet.

That would mean I could bring anything as long as it was 'store brand'...sweet.

What not throw random foods together and label it "That Thing I Can't Name.."

Oh, and I retract my before statement.

I just noticed the fourteenth had passed. How did everything go? :)
I think Mik's 'Breakfast Club' analogy is the best one. None of us 'played' the game the same way.

Erastide seemed like she did mostly region stuff (and is a Mod), Pyth did technical stuff and told us 'no' to all the cool things we wanted him to spend hours coding for free, RA was a roleplayer, Mik did a lot of UN, BongoConga did just issues and random poking, and of course I'm an unwashed generalite.

Even though we're all on the same site, so to speak, we wouldn't really have interacted if it weren't for the meeting. It was pretty cool. Everyone was an interesting cat in their own way. Smart group, too.

Except, for the record, that kid was showing me how to slide...

That would mean I could bring anything as long as it was 'store brand'...sweet.

Well, I'd be disappointed if your nation didn't perform a taste test on the rest of us by having *two* similar products, both in "I don't know what this is" or "I don't know what this is either" labels over their regular product labels.

OR ...

You could simply say that you import things from nations you can't remember. ;)

It was really fun.

I've always been of the mind that something is always lost when we are just communicating back and forth in text.

I think Mik's 'Breakfast Club' analogy is the best one. None of us 'played' the game the same way.

Erastide seemed like she did mostly region stuff (and is a Mod), Pyth did technical stuff and told us 'no' to all the cool things we wanted him to spend hours coding for free, RA was a roleplayer, Mik did a lot of UN, BongoConga did just issues and random poking, and of course I'm an unwashed generalite.

Even though we're all on the same site, so to speak, we wouldn't really have interacted if it weren't for the meeting. It was pretty cool. Everyone was an interesting cat in their own way. Smart group, too.

Except, for the record, that kid was showing me how to slide...

Neat! Sounds like some fun. It would be unreal having real life and online stuff collide like that - but the risk of having one's mind collapse on itself might be worth it if I ever have a permanent address, in the future. :p Neat that everyone has their way of playing the game, too. :)

Neat! Sounds like some fun. It would be unreal having real life and online stuff collide like that - but the risk of having one's mind collapse on itself might be worth it if I ever have a permanent address, in the future. :p Neat that everyone has their way of playing the game, too. :)

It totally was cool. Everybody seemed to really be interested in "why do YOU play the game" and there was no "I think this is the ONLY way" sort of thing.

I've always thought that the way an individual plays any game always gives us insight into that person.


Just an FYI, I posted a hotlink to one of the photos on the NationStates LiveJournal community (http://community.livejournal.com/nationstates/).

I certainly am looking forward to lurking in the thread for the next British meet (they are far ahead of us in getting people together).

Saturday's are both ideal for me. :)

I wouldn't say sun is necessary, but rather having space to relax. If we do a Nationsnic, then I would suggest that everybody bring a snack or drink that is representative of his or her country.

For example, I'd bring Hafenkase (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Hafenkase) and Brey Bratwurst (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Brey_Bratwurst)
Hanging out in the park while it's cold and cloudy would mean I'd freeze to death. :p

The 13th or the 20th of October would be awesome for me, because I'll be in SF visiting Erastide, so I'll be able to come. :)

Hanging out in the park while it's cold and cloudy would mean I'd freeze to death. :p

Is nudity mandatory in Erastide?

Humans could never have settled in the Thuvian mountains if not for this fabulous invention ...

http://www.therainshed.com/images/patterns/gc/GC1000.jpg

Other nations also have jacke.

I wore a light jacket and jeans on Sunday and it was collllld!

I wore a light jacket and jeans on Sunday and it was collllld!

The island is always kinda warm, and we do have that random park that people show up to-and if it was there we could get plastered because all we'd have to do is stumble home...

I wore a light jacket and jeans on Sunday and it was collllld!

It wasn't cold. That was just you.

The island is always kinda warm, and we do have that random park that people show up to-and if it was there we could get plastered because all we'd have to do is stumble home...
The thought of setting loose drunk NSers onto the Bay Bridge from a full stop... scares me.

It wasn't cold. That was just you.
Shush you. :p

The thought of setting loose drunk NSers onto the Bay Bridge from a full stop... scares me.
Bah, they'd have to sober up, you all could just stuff me in a tree to sleep it off...

(I'm not sure why I'm pulling for this, I don't even drink that much...)


Shush you. :p
We could all bring blankets for Erastide warmth...then pile them on you and start calling you Queen Beetle...


I see flaws with this plan...

You could bring many loaves of banana bread for warmth.

That he does. He also slides, as you can now see via one of the pictures of our day (http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c111/mcalamari/NS-People/).

The pictures are all work safe and I shrunk them down to save on disk space. I have uncropped, unshrunk versions that I will be happy to add to the album.

The are in my photobucket account in a random order. Sorry about that. Naturally is anybody there does not like his or her picture, please tell me so I can store it in a safe place to blackmail you later ... I mean remove it. ;)

Some general notes on the photos: we started at Jack's Bistro at Jack London Square, then eventually we left to grab ice cream at Fenton's Creamery in Piedmont (the home of Tom Hanks) ... the group then vetoed MY MOST AWESOME suggestion of a nearby park to visit, so instead Erastide forced us to march along the shore of Oakland's Lake Merritt until we found some "Thing". Raistlin's Apprentice started pretending to be a bull and chased after the geese which refused to wave any red carpet in her direction. After hours of talking about how evil everybody who didn't show up was and watching CTOAN teach some kid how to use a slide (though at times it seemed like the kid was trying to teach us as well), we eventually returned to Jack London Square where we bought a copy of Jennifer Government and autographed it. Erastide will take the book to the British get together in a few weeks, where I am told that the British have some irrational fear about their souls being sucked away if they actually write in books ... peshaw! Anyhow, the plan is for the book to circulate from NS gathering to NS gathering and until it is full of little crazy notes from NS players worldwide. Why? Simple, if you don't like the idea, you can always [Dismiss All] and pretend the book never passed before your eyes.

The good news:
- no drunk bodies to deposit at the train / bus station
- Erastide can apparently feed all of Africa with her banana bread
- when asked "With or Without Nuts" most of us chose wisely ... meaning there is still hope that we can create puppet states -- the knife never drew blood
- the geese were never frightened by Raistlin's Apprentice, so Pythagosaurus and Erastide were not forced to "meeting ban" her for flamebaiting the locals
- CNTOAN's stalker turned out to be 14-years old and stuck in Austin (which means he sucks at stalking)
- there is no Forum 7

Yay pictures and stories! :)

I was in San Fransisco when all this went down. So close, yet so far away...

Yay pictures and stories! :)

The one where the kid teaches me to slide you can actually see (aside from my love of burritos...sigh...) my legs starting to bend backwards.

A feat that completely failed to impress that kid...

The one where the kid teaches me to slide you can actually see (aside from my love of burritos...sigh...) my legs starting to bend backwards.

A feat that completely failed to impress that kid...

Yeah, somehow I can see how that kid must have felt...

Yeah, somehow I can see how that kid must have felt...

Whatever, my ostrich legs are cool ;p

Whatever, my ostrich legs are cool ;p

If you are Wile E. Coyote ... allow me to demonstrate:

http://www.freewebs.com/supergenius/Wile%20E.%20Coyote%20and%20Roadrunner.JPG

"Dig those legs!"

Obviously the kid is NOT a "Eatibus Anythingus".

If you are Wile E. Coyote ... allow me to demonstrate:

http://www.freewebs.com/supergenius/Wile%20E.%20Coyote%20and%20Roadrunner.JPG

"Dig those legs!"

Obviously the kid is NOT a "Eatibus Anythingus".
No where near as fast though...I got outrun by the geese...the ones that bothered to move...

Yes... meet in October, 13th or 20th? Both are Saturdays, which seems to be pretty decent for most people.

If we're looking for sun... Golden Gate Park may not be the greatest idea. That thing gets foggy as soon as the sun goes down as far as I can tell. Most of the Sunset is evil like that.

Bah, we don't need that whole "sun" thing. ;)

Bah, we don't need that whole "sun" thing. ;)
Okay, granted, I also get sunburned easily from the sun, but fog rolling in and wind is different from it just being cloudy.

Okay, granted, I also get sunburned easily from the sun, but fog rolling in and wind is different from it just being cloudy.

We could all pretend we're Mikey Spilane characters...or Daschel Hamett...which ever one of those wrote SF detectives, I don't feel like looking it up right now...

Okay, granted, I also get sunburned easily from the sun, but fog rolling in and wind is different from it just being cloudy.

But I like fog... it's pretty...

Okay, granted, I also get sunburned easily from the sun, but fog rolling in and wind is different from it just being cloudy.

Look at the photos. I'm not exactly suited to become the overnight poster child for tanning booths.

Still ... a gathering in Golden Gate could promise to be fun.

Holy crap, you're all adults!

Am not, am not, am not!

Am not, am not, am not!
I have a sneaking suspicion all the guys could easily revert back to their teenager years.

I have a sneaking suspicion all the guys could easily revert back to their teenager years.

What do you mean 'revert'....

Well you were all pretty mature (most of the time) during the NS meet. Except for that sliding on your part. You really got into that. :p

I'm sorry I didn't make it. I was at Oakland Chinatown for a dinner party.

Hah... But I'm sure I saw a group of old nerds =P

Well you were all pretty mature (most of the time) during the NS meet. Except for that sliding on your part. You really got into that. :p
When an expert in slidology wants to impart his skills upon you, you have to just dive in.
I'm sorry I didn't make it. I was at Oakland Chinatown for a dinner party.

Hah... But I'm sure I saw a group of old nerds =P
You know what's sad? I didn't realize Oakland had a Chinatown until just now...I really don't know my way around Oakland at all...

Well you were all pretty mature (most of the time) during the NS meet. Except for that sliding on your part. You really got into that. :p

Don't forget chasing geese and the numerous jokes about genitalia. Maturity is boring, anyway.

Yes... meet in October, 13th or 20th? Both are Saturdays, which seems to be pretty decent for most people.

If we're looking for sun... Golden Gate Park may not be the greatest idea. That thing gets foggy as soon as the sun goes down as far as I can tell. Most of the Sunset is evil like that.

A Bay area NS meetup during the school year? Holy crap, I could actually make that!

And day activities can be done around Golden Gate Park. And the sunset is lovely, even if gets terrible immediately afterwards.

Maturity is boring, anyway.

Boy howdy!
AND PAINFUL!
*sobs*

A Bay area NS meetup during the school year? Holy crap, I could actually make that!

And day activities can be done around Golden Gate Park. And the sunset is lovely, even if gets terrible immediately afterwards.

I think she means the Sunset district, not the actual sunset.

I'm not a bull, I'm a cat! :(

Another one in October, eh? Are we starting a new thread for that?

Teehee, pictures...

Edit: And I don't think LiveJournal likes me...

I am so up for one in October. Down in South CA this time pwease?

I am so up for one in October. Down in South CA this time pwease?

I can't go to southern California... you guys need to have your own meet...