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You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Meetups / Proof of Life: San Francisco Meet-Up Pics

Proof of Life: San Francisco Meet-Up Pics

by Anne Laurie|  January 29, 20189:30 pm| 83 Comments

This post is in: Meetups, Readership Capture

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(clockwise from left: Major Major Major Major, Eljai, Drylake, Sister Golden Bear, MisterForkbeard, Steve in the ATL, randalms, Jacel)

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Many thanks to newly-unlurked commentor Rand Careaga:

I don’t imagine that BillinGlendaleCA was seriously worried about losing out on the picture quality contest, but just to assure his peace of mind, I brought a five year-old phone, and the photos are, unfortunately, kinda piss-poor. Also, I suspect there may have been some later arrivals I neglected to capture on charge-coupled device. However, here are four images from the event, at which all who attended appear to have enjoyed themselves…

(Clockwise from left: MisterForkbeard, Steve in the ATL, Jacel, Major Major Major Major, Drylake, Sister Golden Bear)

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(Clockwise from left: Origuy, Rand Careaga, (some non-BJ git in background), Lurker who did not divulge her name, tychay)

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(Unsorted group)

Good-lookin’ group, for a pack of BJ jackals!

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Previous Post: « Open Thread: Preparing for the SotU Stupidity
Next Post: Further Proof of Life: LA-Area Meet-Up Pics »

Reader Interactions

83Comments

  1. 1.

    raven

    January 29, 2018 at 9:34 pm

    Buncha knuckleheads!

  2. 2.

    John Cole

    January 29, 2018 at 9:35 pm

    Lot of heathens in the San Francisco meetup. I suppose I should not be surprised.

  3. 3.

    Baud

    January 29, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    Baud!/some non-BJ git! 2020!

  4. 4.

    Baud

    January 29, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    Lurker who did not divulge her name

    Did you call her Lurker all night?

  5. 5.

    Major Major Major Major

    January 29, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    I guess the picture where I’m smiling didn’t turn out. Oh well!

  6. 6.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: You smile?

  7. 7.

    Major Major Major Major

    January 29, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: sometimes! But my husband says I have resting existential horror face.

  8. 8.

    Baud

    January 29, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: BJ does that to people.

  9. 9.

    Baud

    January 29, 2018 at 9:43 pm

    This is a nice way to end a crappy day.

  10. 10.

    JPL

    January 29, 2018 at 9:45 pm

    @Baud: Yes it is.

  11. 11.

    zhena gogolia

    January 29, 2018 at 9:45 pm

    @Baud:

    Love it!

  12. 12.

    efgoldman

    January 29, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    Fake news!

    Is Steve the one in the button-down shirt facing away from the camera?

  13. 13.

    guachi

    January 29, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    I remember having tons of fun at a BJ meetup in DC where I got to meet the famous DougJ!

  14. 14.

    WaterGirl

    January 29, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    Good looking crowd!

    @Major Major Major Major: Did you not like your salad?

  15. 15.

    WaterGirl

    January 29, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    My niece called me today and asked if her two lab pups for the 9 days, beginning on Valentine’s Day. They were 8 weeks old and adorable at Christmas, you do the math.

    I said yes, of course. Because I am crazy and I love dogs.

  16. 16.

    Major Major Major Major

    January 29, 2018 at 9:52 pm

    @WaterGirl: it was very good, see above re resting expression.

  17. 17.

    schrodingers_cat

    January 29, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    @WaterGirl: Was it a kitteh that peed on your winter coat or one the puppehs?

  18. 18.

    Brachiator

    January 29, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    Cool group. It’s kinda appropriate that a Lurker would want to remain anonymous.

    Non smiley Major,etc has a scowl that would look great on a Wanted poster.

  19. 19.

    schrodingers_cat

    January 29, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    @Baud: How come we have never seen you at one of these meetups? Elusive Baud is elusive.

  20. 20.

    WaterGirl

    January 29, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: It was the kitty who peed on my down coat at Christmas.

    When my niece called, she did volunteer that none of the kitties would be coming, so I wouldn’t have to worry about anyone peeing! :-)

    edit: actually, that was Thanksgiving. At Christmas, I made sure to keep my coat hung up in the hallway closet and I commandeered the kids play table (I get to put my stuff in the playroom she uses for daycare) and kept everything in my suitcase and up on the table at all times.

  21. 21.

    MazeDancer

    January 29, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    Always grateful for meet-up pics. Smart looking group. So glad fun abounded.

  22. 22.

    Another Scott

    January 29, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    Thanks for the photos. Good looking bunch. It looks like retirement is treating RC very well.

    Cheers,
    Scott.
    (“Who knows RC from another hole in the wall on the intertubes.”)

  23. 23.

    Gin & Tonic

    January 29, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: Most public places require one to be clothed.

  24. 24.

    WaterGirl

    January 29, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: It’s all part of the mystery of Baud. Not sure what he’s gonna do about campaigning…

  25. 25.

    WaterGirl

    January 29, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: I don’t know about that! Our emperor president doesn’t have any clothes, and the media appear not to have noticed that.

  26. 26.

    Rand Careaga

    January 29, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    Ahem.

    Rand Careaga, not randalms, provided the photos.

  27. 27.

    laura

    January 29, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    What a swell pack-O-jakals, but few pints for a pub. Does the Thirsty Bear still sell the papas ala plancha?
    Also, cross-blog shout out to rand Careaga, late of the Charlie Pierce Shebeen!

  28. 28.

    schrodingers_cat

    January 29, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    @WaterGirl: Invisible man.

  29. 29.

    WaterGirl

    January 29, 2018 at 10:05 pm

    So which group won the meet-up competition?

  30. 30.

    Anne Laurie

    January 29, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    @Rand Careaga: I beg a thousand pardons, kind sir!

  31. 31.

    Rand Careaga

    January 29, 2018 at 10:08 pm

    @Anne Laurie: Just this once.

  32. 32.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 10:17 pm

    @efgoldman: Of course. Fucking union busters. I think I own the same shirt.

  33. 33.

    ? Martin

    January 29, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Well, San Francisco is a mostly clothing optional city, so no problem there.

  34. 34.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: Are you sure you want to see him? Things can’t be unseen.

  35. 35.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    Also, for some reason, I want to post this song.

  36. 36.

    efgoldman

    January 29, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I think I own the same shirt.

    Here in Bostonia, you’re required to buy five of them when you graduate law school.

  37. 37.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    @efgoldman: BB 345.

  38. 38.

    efgoldman

    January 29, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    BB 345.

    Can’t tell from the pic if it has a pocket

  39. 39.

    eemom

    January 29, 2018 at 10:40 pm

    @guachi:

    I remember having tons of fun at a BJ meetup in DC where I got to meet the famous DougJ!

    Oh yes, that WAS fun! I think it was in like February 2013. A great crowd of folks, and Elizabelle brought those great Tunch name tags. And afterwards, she kindly poured me into a cab. ?

  40. 40.

    Steeplejack

    January 29, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I think I’ve got that shirt in white for weddings, funerals and affairs of state. (Sans collar buttons.)

  41. 41.

    satby

    January 29, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    Nice looking bunch!

    Hello from Ban Ta Klang, the location of our home base for the elephant project.
    @Major Major Major Major: every picture of me is horrible, but I will inflict at least one on you all once I get back. Currently in a space with Wi-Fi, but leaving soon!

  42. 42.

    efgoldman

    January 29, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    @eemom:

    Oh yes, that WAS fun!

    I thought you hated everybody

    We’ve been to four meetups in the Boston area, two plus a lunch date with Steep in DC. Each was different,. but all were fun and interesting

  43. 43.

    Another Scott

    January 29, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    @satby: Thanks for checking in. Have a great time!

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  44. 44.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    January 29, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    @satby: Here’s the secret of how to not get in pictures, be the one taking the pictures. Works every time!

  45. 45.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    @efgoldman:

    Is Steve the one in the button-down shirt facing away from the camera?

    C’est moi!

    @Omnes Omnibus: I was thinking yesterday that back in 1980 you and I probably didn’t realize that “the preppy handbook” was parody. I found it a rather accurate portrayal of my social circle.

  46. 46.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 29, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    I’ve got a couple of pictures from this that came out reasonably well. Is there someone I should send them to – or is anyone interested at all? They’re not fantastic, but they’re a little brighter and clearer than these.

    @Major Major Major Major: Is THAT what that face was? Huh.

    To everyone else: The meetup was fantastic. Imagine my surprise that people for whom I have some respect online… turned out to be people I can respect in person too. They’re all even likable! :)

  47. 47.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    @efgoldman: yes, it’s Brooks Brothers, with a pocket, but the collar is spread, not button down. Cra-zee!

  48. 48.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    @Steve in the ATL: I still own a LL Bean Norwegian sweater.

    ETA: I have both button down and non. Suit or blazer (or more casual).

  49. 49.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 29, 2018 at 11:18 pm

    @Steve in the ATL: In the California tech world, we refer to this as a “collared shirt”.

  50. 50.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: it was great fun. I highly recommend meet ups, even for the introverted. This group was 90% IT people and no one felt awkward or uncomfortable. Well, except for the people sitting next to me. But Mister Forkbeard [sic] and randalms were good sports!

  51. 51.

    debbie

    January 29, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    I probably didn’t realize that “the preppy handbook” was parody.

    Yikes! That book surely marked the beginning of the downturn of the publishing industry.

  52. 52.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: as rarely seen as Snufflupugus?

  53. 53.

    efgoldman

    January 29, 2018 at 11:23 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    with a pocket

    Has to be a cheap knock off

  54. 54.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 11:24 pm

    @debbie: Feh.

  55. 55.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: nice! I got rid of mine as it doesn’t get cold enough in Atlanta to wear more than one day a year. Loved it in Virginia, though.

  56. 56.

    eemom

    January 29, 2018 at 11:26 pm

    @efgoldman:

    Actually, I think you had a meet up when you were in DC that time. I went to it but got there too late.

  57. 57.

    Omnes Omnibus

    January 29, 2018 at 11:31 pm

    @Steve in the ATL: Yeah, I am in Wisconsin. It will or won’t matter.

  58. 58.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:32 pm

    @eemom: or they told you the wrong time! efg is a bastard like that.

  59. 59.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    FYI “Lurker” is Marie, tychay’s main squeeze. She was pretty cool for someone who doesn’t post here.

  60. 60.

    efgoldman

    January 29, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    efg is a bastard like that.

    Which is why always leave the arrangements to others.
    We did break up early at the Irish bar on 7th street. That one was actually set up by Shakezula of LGM, but there were mostly jackals there.

  61. 61.

    Steeplejack

    January 29, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    Spread collar?! Get thee behind me, Satan!

  62. 62.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    @efgoldman:

    That one was actually set up by Shakezula of LGM, but there were mostly jackals there.

    Suck it, LGM!

    @Steeplejack:

    Spread collar?! Get thee behind me, Satan!

    I’m still uncomfortable with collars that don’t button down but I’m trying to broaden my horizons. Point collars? Now those are the devil’s work. And cutaways are for fops and dandies.

  63. 63.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 29, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    @Steve in the ATL: The Snufflupugus is a common sight out here. Along with the Snipe.

  64. 64.

    Steeplejack

    January 29, 2018 at 11:40 pm

    @MisterForkbeard:

    E-mail the pics to Anne Laurie. Use “Quick Links | Contact a Front Pager” at the top of the page. (“Menu | Quick Links | Contact a Front Pager” on the mobile version.)

  65. 65.

    Steeplejack

    January 29, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    Spread collar—two words: Jared Kushner.

  66. 66.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:49 pm

    @Steeplejack: YOU BITCH!

  67. 67.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 29, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    If any of you East Bay types are up for a Pleasanton meet up, I’m at an Icelandic bistro downtown!

  68. 68.

    Steeplejack

    January 29, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    Yeah, unsee that, if you can.

  69. 69.

    eemom

    January 30, 2018 at 12:00 am

    @efgoldman:

    We did break up early at the Irish bar on 7th street.

    Yeah, that was the one. I had a drink all by myself at the bar and went home. ?

  70. 70.

    MomSense

    January 30, 2018 at 12:02 am

    So many handsome Jackals in this pack.

  71. 71.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 30, 2018 at 12:04 am

    @MomSense: put your glasses on, MomSense

  72. 72.

    Mnemosyne

    January 30, 2018 at 12:27 am

    @WaterGirl:

    You know, it’s not really about the size of the crowd, but the quality. Hey, look, a squirrel!
    /runs off in opposite direction

  73. 73.

    efgoldman

    January 30, 2018 at 12:52 am

    @Steve in the ATL:

    I’m still uncomfortable with collars that don’t button down but I’m trying to broaden my horizons.

    I’ve worn nothing but button downs flor well over fifty years, except for my army shirts and my dress (tux) shirts.
    They were really hard to find in the late 70s-mid 80s

  74. 74.

    Rand Careaga

    January 30, 2018 at 12:53 am

    @laura: My blushes.

  75. 75.

    efgoldman

    January 30, 2018 at 12:54 am

    @MisterForkbeard:

    The Snufflupugus is a common sight out here.

    When my kid was a toddler, she saw Snuffy every day, often multiple times

  76. 76.

    efgoldman

    January 30, 2018 at 12:58 am

    @eemom:

    Yeah, that was the one.

    An *interesting* night.
    When we got the Metro train, mrs efg got on, then the door closed in my face. mrs freaked.
    Coming back, the hotel shuttle stopped in the middle of the street, not at the curb. The driver didn’t have, or refused to use, an auxiliary step. I injured myself pretty badly getting on.

  77. 77.

    SgrAstar

    January 30, 2018 at 12:59 am

    Love these pics!

  78. 78.

    seaboogie

    January 30, 2018 at 3:07 am

    @efgoldman: oh hon – I was behind a woman buying an onion in the market/the other day, and I thought of you…and your belt – truly.

  79. 79.

    Sister Golden Bear

    January 30, 2018 at 3:48 am

    @Steve in the ATL:

    And cutaways are for fops and dandies.

    Next time we’ll have to do a meet-up at one of the hipster bars on Valencia so that you can see a wide assortment first-hand. Along with artisanal, locally-grown mustaches.

    Meet-up was great fun, especially given the number of lurkers who I’d have never met otherwise.

  80. 80.

    Steve in the ATL

    January 30, 2018 at 10:03 am

    Need a little more conversation here, folks—the LA meet up thread has 83 comments now!

  81. 81.

    Miss Bianca

    January 30, 2018 at 10:48 am

    Ah, the sight of such fine-looking jackals, convivially crouched around their kills in downtown SF and LA, warms the cockles of me liver, it does.

  82. 82.

    Jacel

    January 30, 2018 at 11:11 am

    I’m so glad I came to the SF meetup. I’m game for more.

  83. 83.

    terry chay

    January 31, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    The Lurker hasn’t made a post yet. As for “tychay” I realized I post more under this nym than that. Lol!

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