Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Republicans seem to think life begins at the candlelight dinner the night before.

Let’s not be the monsters we hate.

Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.

Everyone is in a bubble, but some bubbles model reality far better than others!

Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to.

“Cheese and Kraken paired together for the appetizer trial.”

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

Imperialist aggressors must be defeated, or the whole world loses.

You can’t love your country only when you win.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

Somebody needs to explain to DeSantis that nobody needs to do anything to make him look bad.

I know this must be bad for Joe Biden, I just don’t know how.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

He seems like a smart guy, but JFC, what a dick!

It’s easier to kill a dangerous animal than a man who just happens to have different thoughts/values than one’s own.

🎶 Those boots were made for mockin’ 🎵

Second rate reporter says what?

They are lying in pursuit of an agenda.

The fundamental promise of conservatism all over the world is a return to an idealized past that never existed.

You don’t get rid of your umbrella while it’s still raining.

We still have time to mess this up!

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

There’s always a light at the end of the frog.

You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Readership Capture / Come Monday

Come Monday

by | 78 Comments

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A DC area reader wants to do a Balloon Juice inauguration meet-up. Maybe in the city but maybe in Northern VA since the city will be such a zoo.

Anyone interested?

(On a related note, I’ll be in Arlington, VA in mid-February and would be up for a DC meet-up…would probably have to be in Arlington though, as I won’t have that much time to get around.)

Reader Interactions

78Comments

  2. 2.

    eemom

    Thanks to Doug for posting. I’m the reader. Open to suggestions re time — Sunday or Monday, late afternoon/early evening? — and place.

  5. 5.

    andrewtna

    I live in the area and would like to attend. I’m a regular reader and occasional commenter.

  7. 7.

    Chris

    I live in London now, but was a long time dc’er in Arlington and Adams Morgan. I suggest you meet up at Iota in Clarendon if that bar is still as I remember it

  10. 10.

    ET

    I live on the Hill and am open. I would make it near a Metro station -particularly Monday because the inauguration and parade are going to shut so many streets down.

    I am too old to know of cool, but less hipster-y places and as I live on the Hill beyond these environs am a little less familiar.

  15. 15.

    ET

    A previous comment seem to end up in moderation ….

    I am on the Hill and am open. Just make it at/near a Metro stop – between the inauguration, luncheon, and the all-day parade this will consume most of the day and many streets/bridges are closed for most of the day.

  16. 16.

    LGRooney

    Where in Arlington? Crystal/Pentagon City or Ballston/Rosslyn corridor? I’m in Arlington and would be interested but need to know where and, of course, do the whole family coordination thing.

  17. 17.

    Elie

    I’d be up for it. I live in Alexandria so could do Arlington or DC. Monday will be a zoo in DC, but maybe a location around the Metro wouldn’t be bad or in Arlington, etc…

    Cool

  18. 18.

    Madeleine

    Just moved here, so this seems like a great idea. Count me in. (I submitted a couple of Cat Rescue Blegs back in San Diego, but don’t comment regularly.)

  21. 21.

    eemom

    Jayzus, y’all SoCalers…..get your shit together on yer own damn thread.

    Ahem.

    So, it is sounding like Sunday in Arlington would be the consensus. Some place rec’s near Metro stops plz? I am out in the Fairfax sticks and never go much of anywhere.

  24. 24.

    Valdivia

    I am up for the mid feb meet up in Arlington, Monday will be crazy for me to get out of the district. If I can make it I will join whatever you guys plan.

  26. 26.

    Elizabelle

    I’m up for it. Thanks for suggesting, eemom.

    AND: If you’re in the Virginia area: Helen Dragas’ reappointment to the UVA Board of Rectors has apparently sailed through a Virginia Senate panel, although it’s not
    come up for full vote yet.

    You will remember Dragas for leading a backdoor coup to oust UVA President Theresa Sullivan, which failed. Dragas did this without ever calling a full meeting of the Board of Rectors, has never given an explanation for why she wanted to fire Sullivan (who was returned after massive student and faculty protests), and the accreditation board is now looking really closely at UVa after the debacle.

    The UVA board is full of politically connected business leaders; not as diverse as other major universities.

    Mark Warner, Democratic US Senator, is supporting Dragas, who has been a font of donations to Democrats. (Warner DC office: 202 224 2023)

    Call his office, and call your state Senator and state delegate to vote against reappointing Dragas.

    Governor Transvaginal Bob McDonnell reappointed Dragas; this is looking like a loyalty vote for Republicans, who control the General Assembly, and for the business oligarchy in Virginia. (Dragas is a Virginia Beach real estate developer.)

    From Charlottesville’s alternative weekly, The Hook: Dragas just a tool in right wing reform

    Consider ACTA. One of the few people to publicly support Dragas for firing Sullivan was Anne Neal, president of ACTA, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. The language Dragas used to justify firing Sullivan reads as if taken directly from ACTA’s position papers. While the mission page of goacta.org speaks to idealistic goals of “higher standards,” “accountability,” and “affordable education,” a more in-depth examination reveals discussions about the proliferation of courses straying from the Western canon, the undue influence of Marxist professors on campus, and the need for a balance of conservative teachings.

    What the ACTA website fails to mention is the name of key supporter Charles Koch, who, with brother David, has amassed a $60 billion fortune, largely from oil and coal.

    ACTA appears to be an effective investment for the brothers.

    http://www.readthehook.com/107391/uva-june-dragas-just-tool-right-wing-reform

  27. 27.

    Xantar

    I’m in Baltimore but will be in DC tha weekend. I’m working the day of the inauguration and I’m going to a ball the Sunday evening before.

  28. 28.

    ranchandsyrup

    I vote y’all have dinner with yglesias at chez mcsuderman. Maybe you’ll meet some blah people in her neighborhood that are psyched that glibertarian fuckstix like the mcsudes are gentrifying it.

  30. 30.

    LGRooney

    There isn’t much that isn’t generic in terms of Arlington bars, esp. near metro stops. IOTA seems to have the best food (looking at menus) which usually accompanies better drinks – not being a bar person, I am out of my element. Not sure about the noise level, however. Sunday evening is definitely a better fit.

  32. 32.

    melissa

    I grew up in Northern Virginia (Fairfax and Alexandria). but can’t join you. Live in Saskatchewan now. Life is full of surprises.

  34. 34.

    Elroy's Lunch

    In my neighborhood. I’m up for it. If you want funky there’s always the Galaxy Hut. Size issues though…

  36. 36.

    Steeplejack

    Family bidness makes me a 95% no-show, but here’s my input:

    The best location would be somewhere around the Clarendon or Ballston Metro stops in Arlington. Both those areas are (relatively) convenient by car. Reston is too far out for D.C. people, and I believe that Leesburg is technically in West Virginia, although that fact is suppressed.

    Around Clarendon, La Tasca is an excellent tapas bar 0.1 mile from the Metro station down Wilson Boulevard. Great food and lots of space. I would be willing to call and see what kind of arrangement could be made for a group and relay the information. I know they have an upper room that would probably be ideal, but I’ve never been up there.

    Around Ballston, there is Bailey’s Pub in the Ballston Common Mall. It’s a sports bar–no more, no less–but it has pretty good bar food, the beers are cold, and it has tons of room for a big group.

    Sorry I’m going to miss this one, although I am still trying to weasel out of my other commitment.

    As alternatives to the above, I would suggest people concentrate on Clarendon. That is a heavy restaurant area–Cheesecake Factory, lots of specialty places–so there must be something around there that people could agree on.

    ETA: I see DCLaw1 doesn’t like Clarendon, so I would say to look for someplace in Ballston Common Mall or in that vicinity.

  39. 39.

    RSA

    I don’t travel much to VA, but I thought I’d drop into the thread to say that I am typing this comment, this very moment, from a motel in Morgantown, WV. (Visiting friends in a neighboring town.) I can almost feel the Cole vibes here! (Well, no, I just made that up.)

  42. 42.

    Elie

    @melissa:

    I hear THAT. I was living in Northwest WA state a year and a half ago (have a home there still and want to go back). You just never know…

  43. 43.

    eemom

    @RSA:

    I can almost feel the Cole vibes from the dude who skipped town without paying the site rent and caused an epic freakout here this morning here!

    fixed.

    Jussayinzall.

  45. 45.

    wesindc

    Saturday or Sunday would be best. Dupont is probably the place to go since you can access it easily via Red-Orange-Blue line on the metro. Oh and I live there so the least amount of time I have to travel the better :-) Let us know would like to see other BJ’s (giggle like Cole) in the area.

  47. 47.

    Valdivia

    @Steeplejack:

    ha ha I went on a date at that La Tasca. I am ashamed to say it took me a few minutes to remember the guy’s name!

    in general: I am probably going to have to pass on Inauguration Day but maybe we can begin coordinating for the Feb meet up with time so all the locals can clear their calendars and attend. Hopefully :)

  49. 49.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    @Valdivia:

    As a “wise Latina,” did you like La Tasca? I’ve been there twice and like it. You can nibble or eat a lot, vegetarians have no problem, etc. Would need to check ahead, because it’s not a place where you can just walk in and start pushing tables together.

  50. 50.

    Everonn

    Long-time reader, never-time commenter here. About a 40/60 chance I could join the fun on Sunday (depending on whether wife is interested) and 50/50 chance on Monday if it’s late enough in the day (but it looks like it’s not leaning that way). Anything along the orange line in NoVA works for me. Reston would be even better, but I understand why that isn’t as practical.

  51. 51.

    eemom

    How about Bailey’s Pub at Ballston Commons Sunday at 5?

    Seems the simplest and best fit based on all the foregoing.

  55. 55.

    EconWatcher

    @eemom:

    I have two young kids, but I might be able to make it (spouse willing) if it’s in Ballston on Sunday evening.

  56. 56.

    Valdivia

    @Steeplejack (phone):

    for some reason the one I went to in Virginia seemed pretty good. The one in Chinatown is not. It’s supposed to be the same chain but somehow the downtown one is not up to par (the wines by the glass are not the best).

    There’s a couple of new ones in the district which are great. Boqueria which I know from nyc which can be on the pricey side but they have a truly great selection of wines by the glass and bottles that are spectacular for prices comparable to others in the city. And I highly recommend Hora Feliz at Oyamel. Best mexican food I’ve had on the East Coast.

  57. 57.

    Valdivia

    @eemom:

    and thank you eemom for organizing it! I am going to try to come but let’s make sure we coordinate for the Feb one with more time and see if DougJ will join us.

  59. 59.

    Cheryl from Maryland

    This Sunday afternoon? That’s for football! Oh well, have fun. Saturday or Monday, I would be there.

  60. 60.

    Elizabelle

    I’m really happy you guys are putting this together, and hope it works out. Would be fun to see some of you in non-virtual life.

  61. 61.

    Pink Snapdragon

    I will plan on being there as well. For those not familiar with Arlington, Ballston Commons is a block from the Ballston Metro stop (Orange Line) and there is parking in the Mall’s garage.

  62. 62.

    Uncle Cosmo

    I’d be happy to tool down from Baltimore but not on Sunday night–no self-respecting football fan from Charm City will be anywhere but by a TV with like-minded folk from 7 PM till whatever.

    Monday evening would work for me but I gather that ship has sailed. Oh well, I will await word on mid-February. Yinz have fun now…

  70. 70.

    handsmile

    Well look at this: evidently it is possible to herd cat fanciers, if not cats.

    @eemom:
    Thanks both for proposing this occasion and organizing it so swiftly. Not that that should come as any real surprise: your happy disposition and love for humankind shines brightly through all your commentary here. :)

    @Valdivia:
    It would be wonderful if you were able to make it; we have conversations to continue!

    @Steeplejack:
    Regret that other obligations will likely keep you away. Yours is among the “nyms” here that I would most look forward to replacing with a name.

    Meeting at 5:00pm on Sunday somewhat complicates my being able to join you all (a little earlier would help), but will follow arrangements here and do my utmost to attend.

  71. 71.

    Uncle Cosmo

    @handsmile:

    Well look at this: evidently it is possible to herd cat fanciers, if not cats.

    I give you Jim Hightower’s immortal retort: Anyone who says you can’t herd cats never heard of a can opener.

  72. 72.

    Judge Crater

    Cafe Asia. Rosslyn, Court House. Sushi, sake, decent drinks and food. Monday. Sunday is for football.

  75. 75.

    handsmile

    Regretfully, as I am a guest of others this weekend, it now appears unlikely that I will be able to attend this (first-ever?) DC/VA meet-up. I’m posting this comment now because last night I had requested an earlier starting time on Sunday if possible.

    Should circumstances change, I’ll do my best to be there. If it’s anything like the NYC meet-ups, it should be great fun. Cheers!

  76. 76.

    eemom

    @handsmile:

    So sorry to hear that….I was particularly looking forward to your acquaintance. : (

    Let me know, however, if an earlier starting time would help…..I can’t do too much earlier as I need to take eegrandmom to the train station first, but I could do 4:30.

  77. 77.

    John Dillinger

    I might have the opportunity to stop by, but my fear is I’ll never be able to find the group. I like Bailey’s but it can get packed, and I imagine championship Sunday the night before a holiday it will be. I’ll work on finding a place with a separate room for Doug J’s visit.

  78. 78.

    Steeplejack

    If eemom stops back by here, I think she needs to reconfigure the D.C. meet-up this afternoon. Currently it’s scheduled for 5:00 at Bailey’s Pub at Ballston Common. I was the one who suggested the venue on Friday, but it completely slipped my mind then that this is a huge NFL Sunday–conference title games–and Bailey’s will likely be packed with rowdy football fans. Oops!

    There are a lot of places near the Ballston Metro station, but I don’t know a lot of them. Rock Bottom is also at Ballston Common, and it is good, but I can’t remember how much of a “sports bar” it is and whether it’s likely to be crowded.

    Note: I am not running this show and will be unable to attend, but I wanted to head off a potential fiasco.

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