Secrets of the City

Wow! Max is already on track
while Matt snoozes in the rack.
Come by bike, foot or car
I’m the guy at the tiny tiki bar

First to introduce themselves gets a drink on JP Bob’s dime.

I’ll be there though.

<-------- Will not be thar.

Are we out in the patio or inside? Or just whatever’s available?

Are we out in the patio or inside? Or just whatever’s available?

MNspeak gatherings are, by the nature of the participants, informal to the point of near anarchy. We’ll go with the flow, as usual. I’ll need to arrive and leave early. The smoking kids tend to gather on the patio at other events.

I’ll be there.

I’m dying to meet Bixby.

Are we out in the patio or inside? Or just whatever’s available?

Depends on the weather and how many people show up, I reckon.

I think I’ll be there. Rocka-Seth may be too. I’m a believer in bringing children to bars. Too much time in Wisconsin.

But I must…know…where…to…FIND…YOU…

We do need to think of a way to self-identify. Anyone want to print up a MnSpeak sign and then wave it the entire time we’re there.

I can be identified by the huge MNSPEAK tat on my forehead.

Bob, as you might recall, I’ve been to Mnspeak-or-like gatherings before. And yes, I will be on the patio with the other cool kids at some point during the evening. It would just be nice to have a signal in case someone walks in and doesn’t immediately recognize anyone, yes?

Thank you, Max, for that idea. My anxiety can now just be reined into where I’m going to park.

Me: 6 ft 2, dark hair, glasses, manly mustache, rapier-like wit.

Or just look for the old guy who looks like Ned Flanders.

I think there is street parking on Marshall, amber. I parked in front last week when I stopped in.

Does anyone know if they have a party room?

Also: I may be going to The Transformers afterward, if we get out by 9:30. Anyone who wants to is welcome to join me.

They’re robots in disguise.

Does anyone know if they have a party room?

It’s pretty much split into three small sections (it used to be an A&W drive in, so it’s not too big): small dining area in front, indoor seating (with tiny tiki bar) and large fenced patio (with umbrellas for shade).

But I must…know…where…to…FIND…YOU…

Um, yeah, I’m with Amber on this one.

Tonight is kickball night, though! (At least, I think it is, our team is informal to the point of anarchy as well.) I’m hoping I can make it there for at least a drink and some dang pickle rolls before I go and add to my collection of kickball bruises.

Josie! You have to go!

Yeah, I know, Bob. I was more referring to lack of spaces. Blogging Mafia parking last week was an adventure.

Ooh, Max…maybe. I think Jeremy and I were going to try to get a big group together and go next weekend, but I don’t know if I can wait that long…I’m so excited to see it, it makes my heart race a little.

I totally want to go! I’ll make it happen.

So who’s organizing the first-ever-not-going-to-the-first-MNspeak-get-together-get-together?

Jason, you have to bring your kid to the bar! Some of my fondest childhood memories are at the Sportsmans Bar in Clitherall, MN, playing arcade games and plugging quarters into the jukebox while the adults drank whiskey. It gives a kid a good attitude about drinking later in life.

I wanted to go tonight, but it’s looking like I’m going to have to work late to get a project out the door by Thursday night. Poop.

Josie’s right, Jason. If you can’t learn how to behave in a bar from your parents, who are you gonna learn it from?!

Dang. I’ll miss tonight’s shindig. Up on Superior right now spending the day parenting several racks of succulent ribs. I’ll tip one back for the crew.

And Bob, c’mon…at least say you’re a less cartoonish Ned Flanders.

Depending upon the weather, I’m going to try and be there. I hope to look like this, but getting boots like this is going to be tough! (Not to mention the tie…)

I wanted to go too, but my wallet is hemoraging cash and payday isn’t for another 4 days. I’ll totally be at the next one, tho…

I may show up, as well.

By any chance are any of you going the Police show on Tuesday night? Liffy’s afterward?

And Bob, c’mon…at least say you’re a less cartoonish Ned Flanders.

More like an “alternative” Ned Flanders.

I’m planning on being there…

Oh for Dadadada!

I have soccer on Monday nights. It’s what allows me to keep my rippling abs and bulging calves. Damn! Is it too much to ask that the next First Ever Gathering is scheduled entirely around my calendar?

Psst… Max… it’s spelled “Suzi’s.”

Alie – pumpkin – I’m sure someone would buy you a drink if you cozied up to them and batted your eyelashes just so.

C’mon Alie, I’ll totally buy you a drink, and you don’t even have to bat your eyelashes… (though you may if you wish

I can be identified by the huge MNSPEAK tat on my forehead.

Wow, Christine, has it really been that long since I’ve seen you? Or have your bangs always been hiding your forehead tat?

Even though I do more lurking than posting (working on changing that), I’ll be there with Miss Christine.

Yep. With me and my large MNSPEAK forehead tat.

Fine.

I’m bailing on kickball. See you tonight, mofos (faux ‘mos?).

Alie – pumpkin – I’m sure someone would buy you a drink if you cozied up to them and batted your eyelashes just so.

As with everything good in life, that reminds me of a country song…

(singing like George Strait)
At first she’s gonna come on strong
Like she’ll love you all night long
Like it’s going out of style
Then she’ll leave you with a smile
Well you can’t help but wonder
Why you can’t help but love her
But you can’t help but love her
And all that hurtin’ was more than worth it
It’s written all over your face
(/singing like George Strait)

Ranty, Amber, Josie all in the same place? That’s reason enough for me to stay away. The last thing one needs is for his Fainty Goat Syndrome to flair up around total strangers.

I’ll be there…in my trench coat and…a smile!

have fun, kiddos. some of us have to work (sigh)
LOL at douglasg
those boots apparently weren’t made for walkin’

I’ve already fainted at the thought of it.

you mean people are going to actually talk to each other face to face? I don’t think i can handle that pressure.

You should totally come Shelia!

I think this will be a disaster, the end of MNspeak. I like the idea of everyone gathering with their laptops at a wi-fi hotspot and filling up a thread w/out interacting with each other much better. But if you guys wanna ruin MNspeak, that’s fine. It was better…nah.

Kevin, you are a negative Nelly.

I fear, however, I will be a disappointment, much as I would be to my grandparents if they were alive to know I was almost 25 and yet unmarried.

Just imagine if they read the Vanilla Wang thread, Josie.

Josie, you need a serious dose of Jen Schefft!

To Kevin:

“the credit belongs to those people who are actually in the arena, who know the great enthusiams, the great devotions to a worthy cause; who at best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, fail while daring greatly…so there place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

-Teodore Roosevelt

PS: I just finished “River of Doubt,” a great book about Roosevelt. I recomend it highly. Also “Mornings on Hoseback.”

I’m going to sit in the corner and do what I do.

I’m going to sit in the corner and do what I do.

I’m not sure you should be touching yourself in public.

Well, now, my Grammy Gwyn would probably find the Vanilla Wang thread amusing, because I definitely get my appreciation of the vulgar from her.

However, my farming grandma and grandpa are rolling right now.

I’m not sure you should be touching yourself in public.

Too easy. You lose two comedy points due to lack of effort.

Mornings on Hoseback

Is that the R-rated version, Bob?

Ha! Yes, it’s the side of Teddy you never knew…

I’ll be there.

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell has a great description of Roosevelt’s frantic ride down a mountain (the name of which is escaping me) to claim the presidency after McKinley’s death.

In fact, that book is a great primer to some basic presidential history, especially if you’re not into the thick boring history books I’m into. It’s both entertaining and incredibly informative.

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell has a great description of Roosevelt’s frantic ride down a mountain (the name of which is escaping me) to claim the presidency after McKinley’s death.

In fact, that book is a great primer to some basic presidential history, especially if you’re not into the thick boring history books I’m into. It’s both entertaining and incredibly informative.

Excellent!

Well, now, my Grammy Gwyn would probably find the Vanilla Wang thread amusing, because I definitely get my appreciation of the vulgar from her.

However, my farming grandma and grandpa are rolling right now.

My dead grandparents probably fall along similar lines. The farmers cringe while the miner and the nurse kinda giggle. Grandma Virginia always appreciated the good dirty joke.

Now, to Flanders,

“You tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is: Never try.”

-Homer Simpson

Wow. Thanks for the excitement, Max.

Well, crap, I double posted.

My full stop is broken!

I’ll look for that book, josie. Here’s the two I mentioned.

Back to Flanders:

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below”

Oh, not that Flanders? Nevermind…

Any potential designated driver volunteers in the house?

Any potential designated driver volunteers in the house?

It’s unannounced because the Sparber Stripper Bus only seats 8.

I liked the Edmund Morris books on Teddy, too, and am excited for the third part to come out soon. Mornings on Horseback is sitting on my shelf right now, patiently waiting for me to find the time for it. I liked River of Doubt – good adventure story.

I dragged my wife to TR’s birthplace when we were in NYC last fall and bored her to tears.

Now I’ve got the Teddy-geek thing off my chest. I feel better.

I’ll be there. Perhaps sipping on a boxed wine in a bag.

I’ll be on my way soon to start the early shift. Stop by and say hello. I have been on an off-line conversation with an occational (registered) MNSpeaker many of you know and some of you may even like. We’ll see if they come. I hope to meet DeSeth as well.

Password for the evening: “swordfish.”

I’m off work in about 20 minutes… I’ll be the one on the bicycle! It is a biker bar right?

Justpbob said: “”In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row…”

Nothing like World War One poetry to get a party mood going.

I myself shall be going over the top in about 50 minutes or so. Pip pip old fellow – and good luck!

I’m dying to meet Bixby.

Awww…now I have to make the 8 minute drive.

I’m dying to see Derusha dance. Dance, Derusha, dance!

Bixby, wasn’t it your idea in the first place?

Who’s bringing the sign? If I end up wandering around Psycho Suzi’s looking like an ass, it’s all y’alls heads.

Awww…now I have to make the 8 minute drive.

Well I certainly HOPE you do, since this was your suggestion!

Yeah, well I like to stir up trouble and then disappear.

I’m the black kid who’s wearing a purple polo shirt. That’s your sign. If you get there before me, that’s just your own damn fault.

I have a whole lot of blonde curly hair. See you six-ish. Who’s going to have the pickle rolls?

Look for me. I look like this:

So who’s phone conferencing me in?

Maybe I will show up, but pretend to be someone else.

“Hi, I’m Mpls Simpleton, nice to meet you.”

hehe

Mmmm…delicious pickle rolls.

Dude, I just went, wandered around like a moron, couldn’t find anyone and left. Anybody there using fancy technology to check back here?

Cripes, I was that LOLcat.

so I take it people are leaving early? no-show early? just got home from work, what is the word?

I would assume folks are there now. I need to work up the energy to go back.

yepnope

you wandered around, left and posted here @ 5:58.

makes sense

Yeah, I tried looking for Bob. Thought there’d be folks early. No luck!

So it sounds like there’s quite a turn-out there…

Uh, yepnope, doesn’t this start at 6?

Rex, you and I will have to dial it in. I’m 300 miles from there. You’re 2000. I thought this was a technology group. Where’s the live Suzie’s cam? Dang, y’all!

Or how ’bout a Twitter/vidblog/moblog? Jeez, you people are poseurs.

yepnope

makes sense

There were a few of us there before 6:00. The LOLcat sign was there and everything.

I was at the bar, nursing a warm (ich!) Summit PA and a rum & coke. Later, I sat by the patio entrance with a Red Stripe to great arrivals. Ranty was first, followed by Douglas on his bike soon afterward. Both got the free drink special. Had a nice little crowd started as I left just before 6. Erica had just rolled in as I rolled out. Sorry I couldn’t wait for the others. Had a good little group talk going.

I just got home– there was a good crowd. I was surprised how many people were there. And I think people were surprised I actually brought my 2-year-old son! It was fun. People are much better-looking in person, than they are online.

Wow, lots of people showed up! I’m impressed.

Does the Internets add 10 pounds like TV does? I can’t believe you brot Seth.

Seth is gorgeous.

Oh, and Kwatt is a loser for never showing – we all decided.

Easy for you to say, you don’t have to live with me.

Kevin, we determined you never leave your house. Prove us wrong next time.

You are all fascinating and it was so great in a weird kind of way to put faces to names. Good times had by all.

And I vote Seth the official mascot of MNSpeak. The kid stared at me with a “who the hell are you?” look for a solid minute. Love it.

Jason, if your next kid is as cute as Seth, you two are in for trouble when they hit high school. Be prepared for some sobbing phone calls from a rejected sophomore around senior prom time.

I missed Bob ):

I’m also looking forward to the double-triple “are you sure you really want to post this?” feature to keep me from being an ass

Or how ’bout a Twitter/vidblog/moblog?

I’ve been accused of spending too much time with my nose in my phone and not engaging at a social gathering, so I opted to actually talk to people instead of Twittering the whole thing.

Very impressed with the turnout. Super cool to see/meet all of those that I saw/met. I know I missed some at the end there.

Did everybody see the sign?

Found everyone but Bob on the second go-round. Fabulous!

Jason, saw you and your cute, cute kid, but didn’t make my way over to say hi.

I wish I had joined in, if only to meet DeRusha Jr.

Holy crapoly. Just got home after dropping off s4xton. For those of you who left pre-11, you missed a high-beam.

It was great to finally meet peeps who’s blogs I read regularly, including ericam, bixby, amber, & chuck. Of course, I’m forgetting a lot of names, but I’m still coming down from putting 9 songs on the juke box that are probably only starting to play now.

Holy crap I just got home.

There had to been what, 25-30 people total?

Now, after numerous attempts, I think we can finally say that we had our first evarrr MNspeak get together. Good to see everyone and nice to meet a lot of people I haven’t met. I’ll post the photos on Tuesday. You guys will like one of Matt and Kevin.

LOL JINX HOLY CRAP.

Are they kissing?!

That was fun and no one got arrested! Good times.

Oh and here’s that link to Cat Prin: Japanese tailors of cats. that I was talking about earlier in the evening.

bixby, thanks for the link. Having seen it, I still don’t believe it.

Good turnout, good times. Thanks, everyone that showed up. It was great to meet some of you for the first time.

Where was Raindog? We all wanted to meet her!

Dammit. Ranty too? Dammit, dammit.

Big big fun meeting you peeps!
I blame whiskey for this awful video.

Oh, also, being around you blogging types shamed me into updating my blog. Darn you! Oh well…

Glad you came back, yepnope! I think I was the LOLcat alone at the bar for the first two first ever MNSpeak gatherings — I know how you feel, nothing to LOL about when you think you are the only one there. As with other aspects of life, persistance — and boldness — pays off.

Chuck Olsen was my “mystery guest,” (of course, Chuck needs no invite to a MNSpeak event), I was his “phantom host.” Glad he brought his camera. I did get to meet some folks for the first time (hey, teucer!), which was nice. Special snaps to ranty for coming a little early to chat with me on the patio, Douglas for making the LOLcat flier (worked well, and mystified the bar staff and patrons — loved the look on our server’s face as we tried to explain). Had we brought wayne’s LOLmussel, imagine the chaos that would cause!

Sad to miss so many of my friends: jason (Seth!), max, wayne, aliecat, chuck, s4xton, matt, et al. I’ll do my best to hang around longer next time.

Fun! You all are so charming and beautiful, way outta my league!

First Ever MNSpeak Gathering should be a bi-monthly occurance! Yay.

BTW, Aaron’s got some great stuff on his blog this week. Check it out.

Looks like maybe Matt & Kevin buried more than just the hatchet! wacka wacka.

It looks like I left in time to leave no photographic evidence of my presents behind! Bwahahahaha!

Well, shit, sorry I missed it, but I was quite ill-tempered by the time I got home…next time guys!

Sorry I didn’t get photos of everyone. I think I missed about half of the people that showed.

Post more?

hey everyone, this looked like a good old drunkin networkin kinda time. my only favor is that we post about the gathering a little earlier next time, as in at least 2 days in advance, I’ll do the crowd control.

If there are any photos of me, I kindly request that they not contain any sort of LOLcat typeography. Unless, it is referencing Cat Prin: Japanese tailors of cats.

Kal, we actually discussed and announced it last week. But it was a bit of a rambling discussion….

Bix, Cat Prin is amazing. Those cats look so pissed off.

I had a blast! Next time I’ll stay later.

But it was a bit of a rambling discussion….

As is our wont.

It looks like I left in time to leave no photographic evidence of my presents behind!

You brought presents?

I was quite ill-tempered by the time I got home…

But MnSpeakers have learned to expect that that’s your normal mode.

But MnSpeakers have learned to expect that that’s your normal mode.

Uh…thanks?

Well that was all sorts of fun and it was excellent and very entertaining to meet you all. Also “hey, Bob!”.

Chuck, I enjoyed your video. Billy Idol is like the color gray – his music goes well with everything, I say.

You all weren’t nearly as frightening in person as I’d imagined you’d be. Also much better behaved.

In fact, I’m so enjoying the MNSpeak afterglow that I’ve actually registered, after some two years of lurking and posting anonymously.

Thanks for a fun evening!

ps. Aaron — It’s Destin, not Dustin.

Oliver, now I’m hearing everything you write in your very posh accent. Lovely!

More get-togethers, I say. Also, I think if the contents of my wallet are accurate that I didn’t pay for my pickle rolls that ended up on the group tab, so I owe somebody a drink. So sorry!!!

Awww, gee shucks… Thank you Ms. J!

The good if unsurprising news is that mnspeakers left plenty of money left behind to cover the bill and tip. So no problems there.

Destin- If it means anything, I didn’t add that tag – someone else did. I fixed it now.

All- I had a great time. Meeting you folks in person bumped my respect level for MNspeak up a few notches.

See, now I have to hear this british accent…

Alie, it makes everything sound that much better. I ended up being sandwiched between a fascinating and informative teucer-yepnope discussion about prostitutes and immigration law and trade unions. So actually you can learn things at MNspeak get-togethers besides what everyone looks like.

Aaron – If I had a nickel for every time somebody thought my name was Dustin, I’d be crushed to death under the weight of all of my nickels.

Yes, and I had a great conversation with Wayne and Elizabeth about dorky urban planning type stuff.

Not that you’d necessarily want to learn that in the first place…

Oh snap, that’s my fault, Destin.

I suck.

Sorry!

The good if unsurprising news is that mnspeakers left plenty of money left behind to cover the bill and tip. — That’s a relief. I still didn’t want to be the last person there, though.

See, now I have to hear this british accent… — Yes, you do. It’s really quite pleasant.

teucer-yepnope discussion about prostitutes and immigration law and trade unions
I had a great conversation with Wayne and Elizabeth about dorky urban planning type stuff

Me and Christine talked pharma/medical device industry stuff. Probably not quite as interesting.

Shit, not with Christine. With Elizabeth.

We did?

Jess and I talked about blogs all the way home!

Glad to hear that you didn’t get stiffed with the tab, Teucer.

I don’t know anything about medical devices.

Prostitutes? That’s a word that sounds FANTASTIC in a brit accent…

I still didn’t want to be the last person there, though.

Yeah, that’s totally why I bailed at nine.

Alie, “Zimbabwe” also sounds really good in a British accent.

So envious. Gatherings like that are far beyond the facilities of my hearing. Even going out with friends, I have to hope that there are TVs with an interesting game or NTN on them. Otherwise, all the women in the place probably end up thinking I’m some creepy perv, since people watching becomes the last best option.

I can’t take credit for figuring out the bill. Erin very kindly sprang into action and counted up the money as I stood by wringing my hands ineffectually; it all came out perfectly. Well done you crazy MNspeakers.

Oh, thank Jebus there was enough money left to pay the tab. That poor fella who served us was clearly stressing about it.

It was nice to meet all of you…still don’t know who half the people were but it was fun.

Aaron- Thanks for letting me drain the battery on the iphone a little more.

It was cool to meet so many people, even though it was totally overwhelming and initially filled me with junior-high level social anxiety. Worked out magically, though! I wanted to ask so many people so many questions, and just got really distracted. But yeah, everyone is interesting and friendly. How often does that happen?

I had no idea Kevin was CityPages Kevin until after they left. Kudos to him and his wife (who are both very nice) for showing up. And thanks Aaron, for letting us play with your fancy new toy. And who knew there were so many ultimate fighting fans/participants around here?

And thanks Aaron, for letting us play with your fancy new toy.

What exactly went on last night?

I’m ashamed to admit that I had iphone dreams all night.

I wish that were a joke.

I wish I had a chance to talk to more people…the patio crowd was big fun and awesome but I am bummed I didn’t spend as much time getitng to know the indoor crowd. Next time!!

And who knew there were so many ultimate fighting fans/participants around here?

there were? now i’m kinda bummed i didn’t make it… was kind of busy napping away my 4 1/2 day weekend.

so then, who’s going to be watching the fights on sat night?

Ooh, there are fights this saturday. Where will people be going to watch them? I don’t know why but I quite enjoy watching ultimate fighting. I’m not a violent person and maybe it’s just because I’m bored, but dammit, I like watching people pummel the each other in a cage.

I usually watch UFC events at the BW3 in Apple Valley. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of town for a wedding this Saturday and won’t be able to see UFC: Stacked. But it’s a hell of a card top to bottom, including local boy Sean “The Muscleshark” Sherk defending his lightweight belt.

I’m so bummed I didn’t get to go. It sounds like you all had a great time. I was in Grand Marais. Which was great – but no pickle roll.

I hope there is another one soon!

Alas, I’m away this weekend, so no UFC for me.

But I’d definitely be up for going to a bar to watch it the next time. First Evar MNSpeak Sporting Event?