Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

I’d try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires

Republicans do not pay their debts.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

Roe isn’t about choice, it’s about freedom.

Come on, media. you have one job. start doing it.

The words do not have to be perfect.

I did not have this on my fuck 2022 bingo card.

Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege.

“woke” is the new caravan.

Joe Lieberman disappointingly reemerged to remind us that he’s still alive.

They think we are photo bombing their nice little lives.

Republican obstruction dressed up as bipartisanship. Again.

An unpunished coup is a training exercise.

How can republicans represent us when they don’t trust women?

“That’s what the insurrection act is for!”

You come for women, you’re gonna get your ass kicked.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

Impressively dumb. Congratulations.

Too often we confuse noise with substance. too often we confuse setbacks with defeat.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

Give the craziest people you know everything they want and hope they don’t ask for more? Great plan.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

I’d like to think you all would remain faithful to me if i ever tried to have some of you killed.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Proof of Life: Philadelphia Meetup on June 15, 2023

Proof of Life: Philadelphia Meetup on June 15, 2023

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That’s a good-sized crowd, and with all those smiling faces, it looks like it was a lot of fun!

Proof of Life: Philadelphia Meetup on June 15, 2023
rekoob is in orange, as others identify themselves I will add names going around the table.

 

Proof of Life: Philadelphia Meetup on June 15, 2023 3
back to front going around the table is zmulls, Ceci n est pas mon nym, brendancalling, and Suzanne.

 

Proof of Life: Philadelphia Meetup on June 15, 2023 1
Avalune and Leto on the left, gene108 and rekoob on the right.

A note from excellent organizer, rekoob.

Last night, a group of Jackals met in Philadelphia. We were ably assisted by WaterGirl, who helped guide us all to Abbaye in Northern Liberties, not too far from Center City.

We had a delightful time getting to know each other IRL, and at least at my end of the table, we touched on woodworking, the student debt crisis, Artificial Intelligence, the Vision Pro, and our collective dismay at the mean-spirited nature of Republicans.

We also participated in the evening’s Quizzo (as the Jackals), and came in second! That gave us a modest gift certificate for a future visit to Abbaye. Perhaps we can get together again soon.

The green balloons are not in the picture, but served as a navigation point. I’ll out myself, since I gave a description in earlier threads — I’m the guy in the orange polo shirt.

rekoob

Reader Interactions

117Comments

  4. 4.

    Suzanne

    We had fun! Lots of discussion about Netflix shows, music and local bands, political and other viewpoints as turnoffs in potential romantic partners, and I am apparently the only person who has never seen an episode of Breaking Bad.

  5. 5.

    UncleEbeneezer

    Cool to finally see some faces with names that I recognize.  Were there cheese-steaks involved?

    Looks like you all had a fun time.  If we ever manage to move back East (likely Hudson Valley) I would be down for trying to join some Philly, NYC or Boston meet-ups.  Lots of friends and connections in all three cities.

  9. 9.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    I’m the farthest jackal from the camera in the first two shots. Two to the right of rekoob, black hair, gray beard, dark glasses.

    We had a delightful time getting to know each other IRL, and at least at my end of the table, we touched on woodworking, the student debt crisis, Artificial Intelligence, the Vision Pro, and our collective dismay at the mean-spirited nature of Republicans.

    I wish we could have been close enough that all 8 of us could hear each other. I could barely hear the conversation at our table.

    I assume you solved all of the above?

    We also participated in the evening’s Quizzo (as the Jackals), and came in second!

    You’re being too modest, not mentioning that we had a perfect score on round 1, the beer-themed round.

    I left before round 2 was scored.

  10. 10.

    mali muso

    Fun! I think I recognize at least a few faces from jackal zooms past. Sounds like a good time was had.

  13. 13.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Suzanne: Breaking Bad may not be to everyone’s tastes, it’s very, very, dark, but I think it’s a damn masterpiece and one of the few must-see/watercooler shows that actually managed to stick the landing in the finale.  We just finished Better Call Saul (a spin-off) and it was great too, but still not as great as BB, imo.

  14. 14.

    Raoul Paste

    We are doing the extended family vacation in Philadelphia in a few weeks.
    Missed it  by that much.

  15. 15.

    Jay

    What a fine looking group. Next year, go for Gold, y’all have phones, asking a friend is not cheating in trivia.

  17. 17.

    Suzanne

    @UncleEbeneezer: I haven’t seen it, but it’s not because I’m rebelling or avoiding it. I just rarely get to watch stuff. The kids or SuzMom or Mr. Suzanne usually get to control the TV. I tend to watch comedy specials because I can do some task and listen. I’m sure I would enjoy it.

  18. 18.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Suzanne: No cheesesteaks?  Blasphemy!!!  As a former Montgomery County resident, I hereby revoke all of your Philly cards!  You’ve all been downgraded to Jersey Girls/Guys/People, lol!

  20. 20.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Suzanne: Just noticed that Roy Wood Jr. has multiple comedy specials on Netflix (I think).  Next time you are looking for one, try some of his.  He is absolutely hilarious.

  23. 23.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Suzanne:

    I am apparently the only person who has never seen an episode of Breaking Bad.

    No. No, you are not.

    Looks like a wonderful get-together! I recognised you, but fun to put nyms with faces for some of the others.

  28. 28.

    Ceci n est pas mon nym

    @UncleEbeneezer: Shortly after moving here, around 2001-2, I once made the mistake of asking for swiss cheese on my cheesesteak. Fortunately the guy behind the grill was relatively forgiving and gently explained to me the error of my ways and I wasn’t banned from that place.

    I think John Kerry made the same mistake on the campaign trail and I’m not sure Philly ever forgave him for it.

    (The only correct choices are “provy” or “wiz”)

  35. 35.

    kalakal

    I recognize some faces from the zooms. Nice to see others. Looks like you had a fun evening 😀

  36. 36.

    Almost Retired

    Looks wonderful! Maybe some day we’ll have a Los Angeles meet up where we can all get together and complain about traffic and real estate prices. And everyone would leave after 30 minutes to beat the return traffic. But it still might be fun.

  37. 37.

    Suzanne

    Mr. Suzanne is a bit envious. Def need to make a Pittsburgh meet up happen at some point.

  43. 43.

    Old School

    Looks like a fun bunch.  You have to get together again to avenge your loss and win next time!

  46. 46.

    RaflW

    @Suzanne: I have never seen an episode of Breaking Bad. This could be said by me about many shows, though I’m not a TV boycotter or anything. I don’t put much time into it, but some.

    I was on an architecture boat tour in Chicago yesterday (really just a skim of some building highlights), and the guide said at one point, indicating Lake Point Tower condominium, “this building was featured in HBO’s Station 11. Sometimes one or two guests on my tour have seen this underappreciated series.” On that boat, out of c. 200 guests, it was I who did the head nods.

  47. 47.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Ceci n est pas mon nym: I lived near Philly for five years and I never knew anyone who got wiz, except when taking their tourist friends/families to Pats/Genos.  Honestly, if it weren’t for one trip I made to the city to Pat’s/Gino’s (can’t remember which) I probably never would’ve even known “wiz” was a thing.  I ordered countless cheesesteaks at countless pizza/sub shops over the years and provolone was always the default.  I don’t think anyone (aside from the guy at Gino’s) ever even asked or suggested it.  It’s always weird when I see it mentioned as a regular thing, because I feel like I must’ve lived in some alternate universe version of Philly.

  48. 48.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Almost Retired: We did one at Lucky Baldwins in Pasadena a few years ago.  It was very fun!  We should definitely do one again soon, now that things are a bit more Covid-safe.

  50. 50.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @RaflW: Do you like podcasts?  An old friend/band-mate has one called Unfrozen that is all about Architecture and Urban Planning.  Very smart and funny guy.

  54. 54.

    Leto

    Avalune and I had an excellent time. Great conversation (that was to be expected), good drinks, and we can’t wait to do it again. We’re currently at the Reading Phillies baseball game (local single-A club) enjoying ourselves. There’s a guy that just ran out in an ostrich costume and he’s throwing hotdogs. Idk what the hell I’m watching but it’s funny.

  55. 55.

    RaflW

    @Lacuna Synecdoche: What I saw about this (which was brief) it sounds like guidelines are about how to not provide such care.

    It’s a pipe dream, and with our awful ‘system’ of hospitals in the US, would have disparate impact on smaller communities, but no Catholic hospital should get a g.d. dollar of our collective tax money if they’re gonna rule out trans care, birth control, abortion, etc. on “faith” grounds.

    You either swear the Hippocratic oath and offer care to all who need it, and respect the separation of church and state, or GTF outta my wallet, f-*k you very much, Bishops.

  66. 66.

    Almost Retired

    @UncleEbeneezer:  Maybe a rooftop bar downtown.  Mutually inconvenient for everyone – but with public transportation options.  Plus we could significantly raise the average age of the bar patrons by our presence.  To be fair, we’d probably also raise the average IQ of the bar patrons by our presence, but I’m not so sure about that!

  68. 68.

    Elizabelle

    Good looking pack of jackals.  Philly turned out a good group.

    @Suzanne:  OMG, that looks good.  Biscoff crust would be fab.  A riff on Three Cities of Spain cheesecake, hmmm?

  69. 69.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Leto: I lived 30-45 minutes outside of the city, so all my faves are out there.  Pudges was always my fave.  In Blue Bell, not far from King Of Prussia.  It’s a GD heart-attack on a plate but damn they are delicious, imo!

  70. 70.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Almost Retired: Highland Park Brewery has a location in Chinatown right by Goldline station.  In addition to solid beers, they also have pretty good food and outdoor seating.

  71. 71.

    Suzanne

    @Elizabelle: I came across that recipe this week and instantly bookmarked it. I have to not make it. I will not be able to exercise self-control.

  74. 74.

    Steeplejack

    @Leto:

    One good place is John’s Roast Pork, 14 Snyder Avenue. Cheesesteaks and other sandwiches.

    I am more of an Italian beef guy, and it has to be Old Original Nick’s Roast Beef, 2149 S. 20th Street.

    (Note: “Nick’s Roast Beef” in Philly is analogous to “Tony’s Pizza” in NYC. There are like 50 of each, so you have to be careful which one you’re shooting for.)

  75. 75.

    Dopey-o

    Don’t bother with the TV box. Most of it is poison, Roy Wood jr excepted.
    Currently bingeing Barry, may need to purge soon.

  78. 78.

    Ruckus

    @FelonyGovt:

    We’ve had a few meet ups in the LA area. One was a couple blocks from where I lived….

    But it has been quite a while since the last one if I’m not mistaken.

  79. 79.

    Leto

    @WaterGirl: no! I had him outside a few hours earlier doing yard work, where we came in, I told him he needed to get ready in a bit, and he declared: I’m tired, I’m staying home! Told him fine, he’s on dog babysitting duty. Hopefully next time.

  81. 81.

    Miss Bianca

    @Suzanne: Ah, but is he Mr Suzanne customarily in his comments? >:>

    My mother’s name was Suzanne, btw, so I think of her every time I see your nym.

  84. 84.

    Spanky

    Daniel Ellsberg is dead at 92 and yet …

    Oval Office tapes revealed that Nixon and his top aides had coordinated to destroy Mr. Ellsberg’s reputation. “He must be stopped at all costs. We’ve got to get him,” Kissinger said during a meeting with the president, shortly after the Supreme Court ruled on the Pentagon Papers. Nixon agreed. “These fellows have all put themselves above the law,” he said, “and, by God, we’re going to go after them.”

  88. 88.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Leto: OH SHIT!!  Thanks for the heads-up!  We were just lamenting how we are waiting on several of our tv faves.  Wonderful.

  90. 90.

    Steeplejack

    @UncleEbeneezer:

    Not yet. It’s on the bottomless TBW (“to be watched”) list. Didn’t know it was a roast beef shop. That might move it up the list.

  91. 91.

    Leto

    @UncleEbeneezer: next week Sam Jackson’s “Secret Wars” series starts on Disney+, and early next month the next season of “Foundation” starts. I got the kid hooked so I now have a watch buddy for it :)

  93. 93.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Steeplejack: It’s seriously great.  Episodes are short 25-40 minutes and almost every episode ends with a twist that changes how you see the situation/characters.  And a KILLER soundtrack with a couple Wilco tunes.

  95. 95.

    Leto

    @UncleEbeneezer: we lived in Royersford for four years, and now in our home in Reading for almost 2. We def had much better reps when we were in MontCo. Our next door neighbor was an amazing state Senator, while our house rep was always at Avalune’s college promoting new programs.

  96. 96.

    HeleninEire

    @JPL: I did the same. I gave up on it in season 2. And then 3 years later I woke up at 2am and couldn’t get back to sleep. AMC was showing a marathon so I turned it on and watched 5 shows in a row. It gets better. In fact it gets great. Trust me.

  97. 97.

    Ruckus

    @Baud:

    Well we do have some idiots who seemingly are not even human trying to bury science, humanity and bodies they don’t like, just because they have their heads up an orifice that normally works in the opposite direction.

  98. 98.

    HeleninEire

    @UncleEbeneezer: Agree and disagree. Breaking Bad was a masterpiece and absolutely stuck the landing. Better Call Saul was better than BB but they totally missed the landing.

  99. 99.

    Maxim

    @UncleEbeneezer:

    In addition to solid beers, they also have pretty good food and outdoor seating.

    I was always under the impression that beer was supposed to be liquid.

  100. 100.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @Leto: I was still a clueless Independent back (because don’t box me in, man) when I lived there, lol!   Paid zero attention to local politics.  Then came the W administration which made me realize I def was not Republican or Independent any more.  That was right around the time I discovered BJ.

  101. 101.

    Ruckus

    @JPL:

    I started and lost interest. But I think we were the ones that were wrong. The set up to get to the better stuff had to be seen to get to there. It seems it is a show that really doesn’t have a beginning, middle and ending in each episode. And that is different for TV, hell all entertainment. It’s a show that takes commitment.

  103. 103.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @HeleninEire: I really enjoyed BCS but was never as emotionally pulled in the way I was with BB.  And didn’t have anywhere near the number of jaw-dropping twists (though it had some good ones.).  And neither Jimmy/Saul or Kim were particularly likable.  Whereas I really liked Jesse and Saul in BB (and Hank).  But there was almost nobody I liked in BCS aside from Vargas.  So much of the run, I just kinda hated everyone.  And the ending was zzzzzzzzzz……

  105. 105.

    Maxim

    @rikyrah: One of my cousins had a SW-themed wedding. They didn’t have the budget to go all out, but her dad dressed as Vader to walk her to her place (also an outdoor wedding). And they worked some of the dialogue into their vows (“I love you.” “I know.”)

  110. 110.

    Ohio Mom

    So fun to see what all those nyms look like in real life. From now on, when I read your comments, I will picture your faces.

  115. 115.

    Mr. Suzanne

    @Baud:

     

    @WaterGirl: nah, I only pop in when there’s something Suzanne-related on the front page. It’s rare enough that every time might as well be the first!

    I *did* introduce her to the site though! (I’ve been a reader since nearly the beginning)

  116. 116.

    WaterGirl

    @Mr. Suzanne: Really?  The story I heard was that you guys discovered on the first date (or early date?) that you both read Balloon Juice!

    edit: So if we want you to comment, I am going to have to start putting up posts called Finding the Perfect Partner or I Married Up?

  117. 117.

    zmulls

    Ach, somehow I never saw this post so I will futilely tag on the the end.   Had a great time meeting everyone in Philly, and I am holding the $25 gift certificate (from our 2nd place trivia win) safe.   We would have done better if I hadn’t missed the Norway question.

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