It’s right in the mall. South entrance.
It looks like my spousal unit will be attending as well.
Eli
Just found out about this, and I already have 3 events scheduled for tomorrow – scattered from Osakis, Minnetonka, and S. Minneapolis. So it’s pretty unlikely that I could make this schedule. Sorry!
I’m going to give this a go.
I might not get there until a bit after 3:00 though.
Good morning, everyone.
We are all set. A box of self adhesive name tags, a couple of markers, and reservations in the name of Cecil Adams at Maggiano’s, Edina 3:00PM.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
hello from Maggiano’!
I have iPhone envy.
Is it wrong that I still want more cake?
I had a great time, folks. It was great to put faces to all your names. And it was nice to see the iffy guys show up to. Captain, t-bonham@ scc.net, and even **elucidator **all made an appearance in addition to the ones who knew they were coming.
Maggiano’s was a great restaurant, very nice, and very tasty food. Creme brulee was magnificent.
There was no name calling, fisticuffs, or nakedness. Does that mean it was a success, or a failure?
Hopefully Eliphalet will post pics soon.
Thanks for coming everyone.
I wasn’t expecting to be there, just sort of happened. Had I known, I might have worn my bail hearing/job interview clothes, but as it was, well, I might have worn my good sneakers but the dog wasn’t finished with them yet. But I assured myself that Edina was much more tolerant on Saturday, and I would be gone well before sundown.
I wouldn’t have eaten anyway, I don’t agree with Italian food, which always seems to me a blending of cheese, oil, and grease with just enough of a carbo load to keep it from soaking into the plate.
(The management thoughtfully provided cardiac shock paddles tableside. Nurse Carmen was elected to manage, for reasons obvious but unrealistic. It was the tiniest bit disconcerting, as he would stop to rub the paddles together with the same sort of sublime satisfaction your doctor shows as he slips on the rubber gloves. But I’m getting ahead of myself….no, there I am.)
I prodded a passing metrosexual with my walking stick and inquired as to where the Dopers were. His face reflected a conflict of apprehension and servility against confusion, as I tried several such inquiries, until hitting upon asking for the Adams Family gathering. Yes, that’s right, first name Cecil. He was pleased and relieved to guide me elsewhere. Next room, long table, nametags haveaniceday.
It was a longish sort of table, hemmed in by murmuring Minnesotans. Entirely normal people, there must be some mistake, but no….it was they. I concluded they had opted to blend in, so as not to arouse suspicion.
I was shown to my seat, thoughtfully masked in newspaper, and fell into conspiracy with Diogenes. We were interrupted by a young man who inquired if we might like some entertainment. He carried a guitar, which is so often an ominous development. I allowed that I was quite content, I was talking, somebody was listening.
But, I counseled him sagely. Shodan is down at the far end, and would be rapturously pleased by any rendition of show tunes and 60’s protest songs. He brightened as much as was likely, given his natural wattage, and confided he had practiced a fifteen minute blend of *The Fantasticks * and Hair. I agreed with enthusiasm, that would do splendidly, and I slipped him a few dollars as I sent him along. Whether for a tip or for pain killers, I left to the benign hand of Providence. (He turned back and asked if I might change my seat, since I would be too far away to hear, I assured him it was only important that I could watch.)
Eventually, someone’s Minnesota reserved broke down, and inquired who I was, and why was I there. I identified myself, and was roundly congratulated on my humor, especially that thing I wrote about the blimps.
I checked my watch, and yes, it was getting rather late.
Strangely enough, that was actually kind of accurate.
Very sorry I missed it. Misplaced Integrity and Work Ethic strikes again.
It was good to meet you all in meatspace.
Regards,
Shodan
I enjoyed it also.
The Kid demands another DopeFest, though. One that will coincide with HER schedule.
We enjoyed it too. The food was great.
Thanks again for organizing it, fisha.
I wish I lived in Mpls…a bunch of folks on that list I would love to meet…sounds like a good time!
Well, it made me realize what a hopeless nerd I am.
stpauler posted to the thread while we were in the restaurant. And I thought, “That’'s cool!”
Regards,
Shodan
That’s ok, my husband turned to me about 30 minutes in and said, “I never realized how much of a geek you were until now.”
Um, where ya been, hon?
In retrospect, it was more that we had board names, than any of the fine people sitting at the table. He couldn’t figure out why we’d have fake names, until I explained privacy, a little anonymity, etc.
The chronically late Eliphalet has finally gotten enough free time to upload the photographs taken during the Twin Cities Dopefest last weekend.
I’m in the process of labelling them now, and Flickr is fighting me. If the description is blank, the people are also labeled in the first comment.
Note that those incriminating photos of Shodan have been supressed pending the payment of the appropriate blackmail.
And the NurseCarmen debauchery images were confiscated by the Edina Police…
Eli
I went and edited in names that I know.
Also, I thought we weren’t going to tell anyone about the police getting involved. We don’t really want trouble.
So, I am elusive, eh Eliphalet? 
I am the only elusive person, eh?
You remembered the back of Elucidator’s head, but you didn’t remember me?
Wah.
Thank you person who recognized me. I feel better. A little.