# DC/MD/VA Dopers: Labor Day Weekend cookout at RT's!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [August 2, 2001, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571 "2001-08-02T00:55:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2001, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/61 "2001-08-29T04:31:18Z")

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Still working on my mother. I’m using the debating skills I learned here, and if nothing else I’m wearing her down:D

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**Author:** ![ramesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d07c76/32.png) [@ramesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ramesh)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2001, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/62 "2001-08-30T16:29:20Z")

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Here’s the problem: I am still too scared to drive on the Interstates at nights. I need someone sitting next to me and yelling out “Dont change lanes now!!” “You are overspeeding; slow down” etc. One of my friends in Hopkins has agreed to play that part. So, if you guys can handle two more guests, count us in.  
Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2001, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/63 "2001-08-30T20:00:57Z")

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I’m coming. (Lurkers post! Maybes change to a definite yes!) RT, e-mail me directions, wouldja?

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**Author:** ![SterlingNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@SterlingNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SterlingNorth)\
**Post date:** [August 30, 2001, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/64 "2001-08-30T22:18:58Z")

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That’s cool. I’ll see about that next time deal, **RTF**.

There’s one good thing I’ve negotiated out of this. I want to take my drivers test after Labour Day, so basically on the way back I get to drive home (starting from Bristol, VA up I-81 and I-66). I’ve been practicing on the freeways here for the past several weeks (and I’m still alive, praise the lord!) Dad’s probably doing this so we don’t have to take a long break in Knoxville as is on the way down, but driving is driving. (I’m gonna get my license!) As long as you don’t hear anything about a blue-green Saturn ('93) getting into a accident in Shenadoah, I’m OK.

Anyway, we should be leaving tonight, but the [cable company](http://www.cox.com/fairfax) has thrown some complications our way. **Today** they decided to upgrade our neighborhood for digital cable and internet. So in addition to packing and stuff, I have to negotiate with our cable company to pay for 20 channels we want, 200 we don’t and faster internet. We can trade the cable stuff today, but we have to get our computer prepped for cable.

Y’all have fun at **RT** ’s place.

–Ster

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**Author:** ![dcnewsman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dcnewsman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dcnewsman)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2001, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/65 "2001-08-31T15:11:26Z")

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Move me to the Yes column. I’ll see if Sqrl wants to come too.

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**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/66 "2001-09-01T01:59:51Z")

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Wow, this is really picking up steam! Guess I’d better buy more beer. 🙂

And y’all be thinking about what side-dishes, etc. you want to bring.

**iampunha** - why don’t you just bring your mom along? **phantomdiver** would be most welcome. Tell her your host is in his late 40s, so it’s not like she’ll be hangin’ around with a bunch of youngsters. 🙂

**Dave** and **Sara** - I’ll email you both directions tomorrow morning.

**ramesh** : sure - if your friends can stand weird online denizens, bring 'em along!

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**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/67 "2001-09-01T02:03:13Z")

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Besides those I already know about, I mean – PLD and Peta, and the OpalClan (and Montfort if he and Anniz are ambulatory by Monday :)).

Any of the rest of you eschew animal protein? I’m lousy at keeping track of such things, and I want to make sure I have enough veggie-burgers.

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**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/68 "2001-09-01T16:45:31Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by RTFirefly \*  
> **iampunha** - why don’t you just bring your mom along? **phantomdiver** would be most welcome. Tell her your host is in his late 40s, so it’s not like she’ll be hangin’ around with a bunch of youngsters. 🙂

I’ve been trying to get her to a dopefest since last September. She doesn’t like large gatherings or parties. So then I try to explain to her that this is not your typical party.

She is SUCH a dork. And otherwise icky because if I don’t clean out the basement before I leave, I don’t get the car.

My parents are hiring professional cleaners to clean out the basement. Yeah. Guess how easy it’d be for me.

I do, however, have my bicycle. I’m actually decently fast on it, and Metro allows 'em on its cars. So I’ll probably (unless she changes her mind) need directions from whatever metro stop’s closest to your place.

Ten miles, FWIW, takes me about an hour, probably a bit less if it isn’t stop-and-go traffic with really annoying hills and lights.

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**Author:** ![Geobabe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/geobabe/32/3908_2.png) [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/69 "2001-09-01T17:22:15Z")

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Pat, if you need a ride, just give me a call.

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**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/70 "2001-09-01T17:46:02Z")

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RTFirefly writes:

\> Tell her your host is in his late 40s, so it’s not like  
\> she’ll be hangin’ around with a bunch of youngsters.

In fact, aren’t RT and I older than iampunha’s mother?

\> Any of the rest of you eschew animal protein? I’m lousy  
\> at keeping track of such things, and I want to make sure  
\> I have enough veggie-burgers.

I’m not a vegetarian, but I like veggie-burgers, so don’t feel bad about buying a few extra ones.

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**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/71 "2001-09-01T19:58:27Z")

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Patrick - You don’t want to ride out here. I’m 23 miles from the Beltway, and probably a few miles further from the nearest Metro stops (Suitland, Branch Ave). The direct route from that area to my house is what I would consider dangerous for bicycles. Please get a ride.

Updating the list again:

**Labor Day Cookout at RT’s, 3pm - ? Monday 9/3**

**Definites:**

RTFirefly and Mrs. F.  
iampunha  
PLD and Peta  
Geobabe  
the OpalDude clan  
Spritle & family  
Wendell Wagner  
gobear  
dcnewsman  
ramesh and friend

**Maybe’s:**

Lucretia and Bluesman  
ultress  
Sofa King  
Captain Amazing  
SqrlCub  
Nacho4Sara

All you maybes: the forecast is for beautiful weather - sunny and high of only 80. Should be a great day for a picnic!

Dave and Sara - I just now sent you directions. Anyone else coming (or thinking about it) that I haven’t sent 'em to? Gimme a holler!

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**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/72 "2001-09-01T20:16:03Z")

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So, you e-maild me directioons, but I didin’t make the list. What am I, a suprise guest? 😉

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**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2001, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/73 "2001-09-01T20:17:37Z")

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Dat speeling wuz wurse dan yousal.

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**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2001, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/74 "2001-09-02T16:30:03Z")

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Huh? What? Did I leave someone off?

**Labor Day Cookout at RT’s, 3pm - ? Monday 9/3**

**Definites:**

RTFirefly and Mrs. F.  
iampunha  
PLD and Peta  
Geobabe  
the OpalDude clan  
Spritle & family  
Wendell Wagner  
gobear  
dcnewsman  
ramesh and friend  
Weirddave

**Maybe’s:**

Lucretia and Bluesman  
ultress  
Sofa King  
Captain Amazing  
SqrlCub  
Nacho4Sara

Been outside lately? Tomorrow’s supposed to be a carbon copy of today. 🙂

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**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2001, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/75 "2001-09-02T16:51:18Z")

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Paging (calling) **Geobabe**. . . **Geobabe** , please check your messages.

[sub]And email.[/sub]

23 miles, though doable, would not have been fun. Especially not when advised by a fellow biker not to bike.

Oh. Before I forget (again): **RT** , is there anything you wouldn’t mind guests bringing in the way of food or small farm animals (capybara, anyone?) or surprised dopers?[sub]Hehehe…[/sub]

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**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2001, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/76 "2001-09-02T20:36:32Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by iampunha \*  
> **RT** , is there anything you wouldn’t mind guests bringing in the way of food or small farm animals (capybara, anyone?) or surprised dopers?[sub]Hehehe…[/sub]

Food of just about any sort is welcome - as long as it’s not squid flakes. (Long story; ask me tomorrow.)

Surprised Dopers…sure. (Gonna kidnap your mom? Cool! 🙂 (j/k, **phantomdiver**!))

Small farm animals are absolutely out, though, as we already have mani interesting furry animals, even if none of them is the majestic møøse. 😉

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**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2001, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/77 "2001-09-03T12:43:47Z")

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**Definites:**

RTFirefly and Mrs. F.  
iampunha  
PLD and Peta  
Geobabe  
the OpalDude clan  
Spritle & family  
Wendell Wagner  
gobear  
dcnewsman  
ramesh and friend  
Weirddave

**Maybe’s:**

Lucretia and Bluesman  
ultress  
Sofa King  
Captain Amazing  
SqrlCub  
Nacho4Sara  
gobear’s SO  
Mike Masterson

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**Author:** ![Bluesman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/97f17d/32.png) [@Bluesman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bluesman)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2001, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/78 "2001-09-03T15:46:56Z")

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Though it grieves us muchly, we are not able to attend this soiree. Lucretia started school last week, and we were waiting to see what kind of homework load she would have this weekend, and it turns out she can’t in good conscience go out and cavort with dopers today.

We are looking forward to seeing all you reprobates at the Halloween dopefest, or sooner if another fest we can attend materializes before then. Have fun!!

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**Author:** ![Geobabe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/geobabe/32/3908_2.png) [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2001, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/79 "2001-09-03T15:56:24Z")

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No Lucretia! No Bluesman! :(! I guess somebody else will have to grope me. Any volunteers?

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**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2001, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dc-md-va-dopers-labor-day-weekend-cookout-at-rts/74571/80 "2001-09-03T16:34:20Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Geobabe \*  
> \*\*No Lucretia! No Bluesman! :(! I guess somebody else will have to grope me. Any volunteers? \*\*

[sup]I will not post to this thread I will not post to this thread I will not post to this thread[/sup]

I can think of several dopers near your age (and several not) who would be more than willing to take the place of Bluesman and/or Lucretia in that respect.

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