Wikipedia:Meetup/DC 3

DC Meetup  2007-12-09 17:00 EST Who should come? You should. Really. If you are interested in Wikipedia or other Wikimedia projects, regardless of your level of experience or involvement, or if you are otherwise involved with free content you are invited and welcome.

What, Where, When, and How?

 * What? : DC Wiki(p|m)edian meetup
 * When? : Sunday, December 9. 5 PM — until it ends
 * How? : See the directions.
 * Where? : Skewers.

Where
Please note that the Washington Redskins are not playing that day. (they play the Chicago Bears on Thursday, December 6th)

Also note, it is in the middle of Chanukah.

Other suggestions:
I'm an ageing yuppie who almost never goes into DC. My last venture into DC was for the prior Wikkipedian meeting. I strongly prefer a venue that has ample parking or that is very close to Metro. Our last meeting (at Union station) was very good in this ragard, but I admit that the ambiance was less than optimal. I will attend no matter what the venue is. Please recall that we had more than one atendee from New York at the last meeting. This implies that Metro access is very important, as NY attendees can easily hop onto Metro from Union Station. -Arch dude 02:05, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * If metro-accessibility and parking were not concerns, I'd pick a place in Adams Morgan or Georgetown. :) But, Metro is very convenient for Dupont Circle and Chinatown/Penn Quarter.  As for parking, I usually manage to find street parking in both locations on a Sunday, though sometimes have to drive around the block a few times.  If that doesn't work, there are plenty of parking garages around.  Or, you could park at one of the metro stations, and then come in that way. --Aude (talk) 02:17, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * I agree about the ambience being not so good at the last meeting (though I still enjoyed it!). I feel like a more laid-back bar/restaurant atmosphere might be preferable, but not sure if this sits well with everyone.  One place I like a lot are the Ethiopian restaurants around the U St stop (especially Dukem!)  The food is a real novel treat for anyone who hasn't had it before too.  ǝɹʎℲxoɯ ( contrib ) 02:56, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Not georgetown, it's not metro accessible. I don't want to have to walk from Foggy bottom. U st sounds good (because I live there), but there is plenty of stuff around there. Ben's Chili Bowl is cheap food, and Sala Thai/U St. Sushi (connected) have plenty of room and are relatively good prices. Cafe Saint Ex has nice laid back ambiance. Mocha Hut I believe has free internet; it's always got people with laptops there. &rArr;  SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  03:36, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Barring that, I'd suggest Chinatown. Dupont has terrible parking. So does Gallery Place/chinatown, but it has a couple garages, and its much more metro accessible (yellow, green, red, and 2 blocks from the blue and orange). Lots of good restaurants. &rArr;  SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  03:36, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * U Street parking is just as good as Dupont Circle. Ben's Chili Bowl is yummy, but I think too informal and not ideal for accommodating a large group.  I would also advise against Mocha Hut (and free internet)... I think meetups are a time to leave laptops at home, and just come and socialize.  Dukem sounds good, and Sala Thai is good. I'm not sure about Cafe Saint Ex, how it would be for accommodating our group. --Aude (talk) 04:18, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * As for Dupont Circle and Chinatown/Penn Quarter parking and Metro details, please see below.  Parking is especially plentiful in Chinatown/Penn Quarter with numerous garages (at the Renaissance Hotel, and on 9th St between G and H St) and the lot at the old convention center site, which is a block from Matchbox.  Also, I've have found street parking on Sundays (both locations), though sometimes have to circle around the block a few times.  If I don't feel like going around the block or paying for parking, sometimes I park at the Pentagon/Pentagon City (Hayes St lot is free and open on the weekends) and hop on Metro. --Aude (talk) 04:18, 1 November 2007 (UTC)

Skewers
After speaking with staff at Skewers and Teaism, Skewers is better able to accommodate our group for this time. Teaism has another group that comes on Sundays. Next time (probably a Saturday), we will go to Teaism. --Aude (talk) 19:18, 4 December 2007 (UTC)

Map and directions
Skewers is located near the Dupont Circle Metro station - accessible on the red line. It is two blocks from the metro, at 1633 P St NW. As for parking, there is a garage across the street that Skewers uses to provide valet parking (costs $2).

Driving directions
From Silver Spring/Baltimore - If you are driving in from Silver Spring or Baltimore, the best way to get to Skewers is to come down 16th Street. You can get off the Beltway at Georgia Avenue (going south), then immediately get in one or the right two lanes, because you will veer to the right onto 16th Street. You can also take Colesville Road, through downtown Silver Spring. If you do that, 16th St is right after East-West Highway. You will need to make a left, and its somewhat tricky or confusing, because there is somewhat of a traffic circle (or semicircle) there. From there, 16th St is very easy coming into the city. Only caution is a few streets past Military Road, (just past Kennedy) when you pass Carter Barron Amphitheatre and the Tennis Center, there are speed cameras. Speed limit is 30 mph through there. After that come, all the way down to P St, and make a right. Skewers will be on your right.

From Rockville/Germantown - Take I-270 south, and get on the Beltway going towards College Park. Get off at Connecticut Avenue (south), and into the city. Be careful coming through Chevy Chase (MD side), since they use photo enforcement of traffic laws. Speed limit is 30 mph. Once you get near Dupont Circle (past Columbia Road, past Florida Avenue), you should make a left onto Q St. Get over to 16th St and make a right. And then a right onto P St. Skewers will be on your right.

From the east - Take New York Avenue into the city. Continue past the New York Avenue Metro Station, and past North Capitol Street. (Forget exactly where, but there are speed cameras on NY Ave near National Arboretum and Bladensburg Road, so please slow down) Then you will get to the Washington Convention Center and Mount Vernon Square. Then you need to continue (keep straight) onto Massachusetts Avenue. There is an underpass (beneath Thomas Circle/14th Street). Then you will very soon get to another traffic circle (Scott Circle). You want to be in the right lane, as you want to get onto 16th St (north). Immediately get over into the left lane, because P St is the next left. Turn there, and Skewers will be on your right.

From the south (I-395) - Come across the 14th Street Bridge and veer to the left to get onto 14th Street. Continue up 14th St, until you get to I St. Highly recommend you make a left there. Go two blocks and make a right onto 16th Street. There will be an underpass beneath Scott Circle/Mass Ave. Be in the left lane. Once you come out of the underpass, P St is the next left. Turn there, and Skewers will be on your right.

From the west (I-66) - Come across the Roosevelt Bridge and get onto Constitution Avenue. [Instead of I-66, if you want to come in on the GW Parkway, that works well. You would need to get onto the Memorial Bridge, then veer to the left and around the Lincoln Memorial and onto Constitution Avenue.] Make a left onto 18th St. Then a right onto H St. Go two blocks. (Lafayette Park and will be on your right, and St. Johns Church on the left). You need to make a left onto 16th St. There will be an underpass beneath Scott Circle/Mass Ave. Be in the left lane. Once you come out of the underpass, P St is the next left. Turn there, and Skewers will be on your right.

Metro
Metro is also a good option, to take it up to the Dupont Circle station on the red line. Coming out of the station, you want the south (Dupont Circle-South) exit and NOT the Q Street exit. [Note: If you get on the Red Line at Metro Center, Gallery Pl, Union Station, or Glenmont, you should board the train towards the rear; If you come from Shady Grove, board the train towards the front. That way, when you get to Dupont Circle, you will be near the South Exit.]

You will come up the long escalator and will see Krispy Kreme and Cosi. You can cut through the circle, and cross over to P St (east) by Books-A-Million. Walk on P St, crossing 18th St, and over to 17th St. CVS is on the corner, and Skewers is a few doors down (on the left).

Please note that Metro is doing track work this weekend on all of the lines. Please allow extra time for travel.

If people are coming into Union Station, I could come by there and give a few people a ride over to Skewers. Just let me know on my talk page. --Aude (talk) 23:39, 8 December 2007 (UTC)



Food
Depending on how many people actually show up, Skewers would like us to order from a set menu. (we did it this way at the last Philly meetup) Skewers can give us a choice of three main dishes, along with appetizers, dessert, etc. They recommend for main dish options, we get Chicken Biryani, Lamb Kabobs, and a vegetarian dish. The menu is here, if you want to look and suggest different options. --Aude (talk) 18:59, 8 December 2007 (UTC)

Hello badge
Hi, guys. I designed a WikiHelloBadge for the Nov 2007 NYC Meetup for anyone who wants to use it, so if people at other Meetups want to use it, feel free. The design is supposed to represent Wikipedians of every possible persuasion, at least symbolically. I made it a double image so that when you print it out, you can fold it in the middle and laminate it so that's it's double-sided (if you plan on hanging it instead of clipping it). I included spaces so that you can identify yourself by your real name, or your Wiki Username, or both, whichever you feel comfortable with. A high-res version of it is on its upload page. And if someone wants to use it at a Meetup in a location where a language other than English is spoken, feel free to modify the greeting into a different language! After all, it's in the public domain now, so all I ask is attribution! Cheers! Nightscream 17:41, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Hey, nice creation there. It beats random writing on blank white labels. I might use it, thanks. :) --Coredesat 00:12, 2 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Thanks. Btw, someone familiar with Arabic told me that I messed up on the Arabic writing on the Wikiguy in the wheelchair, so I fixed it. Nightscream 07:51, 3 November 2007 (UTC)

Yes
If you're driving and can give others a ride, please say so!


 * User:Aude
 * User:Josephgrossberg
 * User:Arch_dude driving in from Great Falls, VA. I can grab you anywhere in the Virginia suburbs, assuming that we agree on a venue that has reasonable parking in DC.
 * Kirill
 * SchuminWeb (Talk)
 * Cyde Weys &mdash; I guess so. My calendar looks clear so far.  -- Cyde Weys  03:00, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Swatjester
 * EMS | Talk
 * Ryan Dellolio, and equally as enthusiastic about wikipedia friend. Will be metro-ing, from GWUrocketrye12talk/contribs 08:29, 27 November 2007 (UTC)
 * No reason why I shouldn't be able to make it. ^demon[omg plz] 12:49, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * I doubt I'll be able to give rides anymore, as Mike2vil and I will probably be coming up Friday night to meet with some friends. Sorry. ^demon<sup style="color:#c22">[omg plz] <em style="font-size:10px;">12:35, 27 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Got a mix up on dates, Mike2vil and I won't be making it after all. <b style="color:#c22">^</b><b style="color:#000">demon</b><sup style="color:#c22">[omg plz] <em style="font-size:10px;">14:10, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * -- John Broughton (♫♫) 17:44, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Kingdon
 * ScarletSmith (can't offer ride -- will be Metro'ing in)
 * Meelar (talk) (I'm also Metro-ing so no rides, sorry)
 * Core<font color="#457541">desat driving up from Richmond, Virginia, although I won't be able to give rides because I may or may not need to leave early.
 * I will be driving to Springfield and taking the Metro from Franconia-Springfield Station, so still won't be available for rides to the meetup, though I might be able to drive people back to Richmond if necessary. --Core<font color="#457541">desat 08:27, 7 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Immunity - This time I will go.
 * BRG.
 * Mike2vil
 * User:The Bearded One - It looks like I'll finally be able to make it to one of these!
 * User:Mark Sublette - I doth believe mie presence wille be possibile! We had so much fun in the summer, I'd like to do it again!
 * User:A12n - Will Metro in.
 * Mschiffler - Will Metro in.
 * Kat Walsh (spill your mind?) (and Gmaxwell).
 * ianm1121

Maybe
*User:The Bearded One - I don't yet know if I'll be free, but I'd like to be.
 * Verdatum I'd be a first timer, and unsure of my schedule, but if you're in the Laurel, MD area and want a ride, it may give further incentive.
 * User:Kumioko. I am planning on coming but there is a chance I will not be able to make it.
 * User:Gyrofrog. My wife has final exams. If I do attend, I will have my toddler son with me, which might not be very productive.
 * Core<font color="#457541">desat, definite maybe due to work on Monday and the fact that I'd be driving up from Richmond. If I showed up I'd probably have to leave at 11 PM or so. Of course, I could just drive up there earlier. :P
 * <em style="font-family:Bradley Hand ITC;color:blue">Hers <em style="font-family:Bradley Hand ITC;color:gold">fold  (t/a/c) Probably, but finals start that week, so, yeah... I'll try to get a more definite answer as the meetup approaches, but for now go ahead and count me in for reservation purposes. I will be able to drive, I'm on UMBC's campus so can pick up from around Baltimore and points in between.
 * David Fuchs ( talk ) annoyed I missed the last one, I'll try and come this time.
 * Chrislk02 - as long as I do not have any exams of projects due that monday, tuesday or wednesday Im in.
 * Sholom - I will try to make it, and can prehaps give someone else a ride (if it's parking friendly) from Fairfax, Virginia. Having kids, and the meeting at the same time as Chanukah lighting makes it a a bit harder for me, though
 * JayJasper - The schedule is a bit iffy right now, so I can't commit. I'll be there if I can.
 * ASDFGHJKL- I just really can't plan that far ahead right now. I honestly don't know.
 * FeanorStar7; depends on where it is; prefer metro-accessible
 * User:SteveFoerster: Hopefully. Any of those venues is okay. Hopefully the one chosen will have something vegan to eat.
 * User:Linusthefish: Maybe. Depends on Hanukkah.  Regardless of whether or not I can come, please keep inviting me.
 * Arturoramos 22:21, 7 November 2007 (UTC)
 * JayHenry — not sure yet if I'm in DC or NY that weekend.
 * CComMack (t–c) — I might drop down from Philly that weekend.
 * mcpaige - Not 100% sure yet, but most likely.
 * Perceval - Hopefully will be done my paper by then. I enjoyed seeing the first bunch at DC Meetup #1.
 * Moxfyre - Enjoyed the last meetup! I will likely make it this time, but not sure yet.
 * Vpuliva - I'll be busy Sunday, but might be free in the evening-still unsure.
 * Deltopia - Want to, not sure if I'll finish my classwork, which I foolishly and dutifully feel I should do first... but will try!!

Nope, but let me know about future events

 * Definitely can't make it. Exams start the next day. Keep me posted, I might just be able to make it sometime. --Jnelson09 02:33, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Sorry, I'm out of town for awhile --- still consider myself a DC-ite, and hope to relocate back very soon. --Micahbrwn 02:58, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * I'll be out of town on the 9th. Sorry.  ~a (user • talk • contribs) 04:35, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Sorry, away at school. - <span style="font-family:monospace, monospace;"> Ne ll  is  13:59, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Not free, but please keep inviting me.David in DC 14:51, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * This is upsetting. I can't make it anytime in any Sundays because of religon issues. If i remember correctly the last one was on Sunday too. Is there any way they could not be on Sunday? ~ Bella   Swan  21:22, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Last meetup was on a Saturday, which is a problem for those observing Shabbat. Though, I realize this meetup is during Chanukah. Best to alternate between Saturday and Sunday, so maybe you can come to the next one? --Aude (talk) 22:00, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * FWIW, if the next one is before Daylight Savings Time starts again, then Saturday night might be the best of both worlds. (Observant Jews observe Shabbat until about 1 hour after sundown) -- Sholom 15:10, 2 November 2007 (UTC)


 * I can't make this one, alas. I'll be performing in the Christmas Revels (the Washington performance of the Revels events taking place across the U.S. this and every holiday season.  --JohnPomeranz 22:39, 5 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Sorry, it's a 3-hour drive, and my parents probably wouldn't be too happy about "internet-meetups". I might be in the area sometime in the future though. SmileToday☺(talk to me, My edits) 03:52, 6 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Sorry, I have school. i haven't been to school in 10 days so I'm over due back. I can't miss anymore. Please notifiy me next time though.--B.L.A.Z.E 16:38, 9 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Feeling under the weather; I think I'll just donate what I would have spent to Wikimedia. ~ Jeff Q (talk) 19:13, 30 November 2007 (UTC)
 * I had planned on going, however something has popped up. So sorry.  --StevenL 04:47, 3 December 2007 (UTC)
 * If only it were a week later.... let me know about future stuff. Dar-Ape 04:01, 6 December 2007 (UTC)
 * "stuck" at college still. Is there one in Pittsburgh? Superbowlbound (talk) 06:45, 6 December 2007 (UTC)
 * I'm in Washington often enough that I can schedule my trips to coincide with these, and I was at the last one, but a family engagement has come up for Sunday that I haven't been able to change. Please keep me on the list for next time ... and everyone enjoy the meet-up. Newyorkbrad (talk) 21:19, 6 December 2007 (UTC)
 * I've only made it to one, but appreciate the invites. Please keep me on the list. David in DC (talk) 18:35, 7 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Sick as a dog this week. Have fun, take pictures, plan another one soon!  —CComMack (t–c) 09:36, 8 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Nope. Sorry...--Delta1989 (talk) 18:34, 8 December 2007 (UTC) *User:kmusser. Not going to make it after all, will try to make the next one.
 * Keep me informed, might go to another one. Waffles!!!111one (talk) 17:26, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Wish I could have made this, please keep me informed of future ones. --Kubina (talk) 23:31, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Wasnt able to make it, but please let me know about future ones. KeepOnTruckin Complain to me 01:25, 12 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Didn't realize it was coming up until now. Sarsaparilla (talk) 22:11, 17 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Do keep me on the list; I might be able to participate in the future. --Foxhound (talk) 05:51, 30 December 2007 (UTC)
 * I have relocated from Miami to the DC area - can meet where the Metro goes. Cheers! bd2412  T 00:57, 3 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Definitely try to alert me about the next one. I would have been sorry to have found about this one so late if I hadn't been in Disney during that time period, anyway) FlaviaR (talk) 06:55, 14 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Want to go to the next one, can it be soon? The Placebo Effect (talk) 03:07, 7 March 2008 (UTC)

No, and do not send me invites for future events

 * Relocated to warmer climes. Have fun! (See you at CotA!) --Gavin Baker 08:51, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * User:Dantheu2man. Can not attend any events. Daniel. M (talk) 16:40, 8 December 2007 (UTC)

Agenda
DC meetups are informal... an opportunity to put faces to usernames, get to know people, socialize, and have fun. We do not have anything specific to talk about, but usually talk about wiki-related topics and other things.

5pm is late, I want to do something beforehand too.
Want a pre-meetup outing? Suggest it here.
 * Meet beforehand at the National Gallery of Art, in the sculpture garden for ice skating.
 * Second that, if I'm able to attend. <em style="font-family:Bradley Hand ITC;color:blue">Hers <em style="font-family:Bradley Hand ITC;color:gold">fold  (t/a/c) 04:54, 1 November 2007 (UTC)


 * The Corcoran Gallery is having an exhibit of Ansel Adams photos. &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  03:37, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Take photographs for Wiki(p/m)edia, like we did at the first DC meetup - as I've mentioned, I may have my son with me, which means I generally need to keep things moving. Hopefully we won't have very wintry weather by then. -- Gyrofrog  (talk) 07:57, 5 November 2007 (UTC)


 * I'll be at Skewers at around 3pm incase someone wants to do something early (if not, I'll be studying for exams!) &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  17:30, 9 December 2007 (UTC)

The night will be young! I want to do something afterward too.
That's cool, too. Suggest something when the crowd starts to disperse and you decide if you're sick of everyone or not! Or place suggestions here.


 * Fado's is a nice irish pub near Gallery place. &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  03:55, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * If we go to Dupont Circle, I suggest Buffalo Billiards, a nice sports bar with PLENTY of room, no cover every time I've been there, reasonable drink prices, and lots of pool tables. It's across the street from the Dupont Circle Metro. &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT Jester    Son of the Defender  06:35, 4 November 2007 (UTC)
 * We could also go to Lucky Strike for drinks and bowling. It's located at Gallery Place. &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  06:35, 4 November 2007 (UTC)
 * APEX is always an option, for those who enjoy a bit of clubbing. <b style="color:#c22">^</b><b style="color:#000">demon</b><sup style="color:#c22">[omg plz] <em style="font-size:10px;">05:44, 12 November 2007 (UTC)

Comments, suggestions, and graffiti

 * I might be able to give a ride to 1 or 2 people from Richmond, Va to DC, as long as you chip in on gas or something. <b style="color:#c22">^</b><b style="color:#000">demon</b><sup style="color:#c22">[omg plz] <em style="font-size:10px;">12:51, 1 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Is anyone attending involved in work on smaller Wikipedia editions (e.g., for African languages, which is one of my areas of interest, or for languages in other parts of the world)? --A12n (talk) 01:09, 7 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Sorry no, but I might be doing some Wikiversity work while I'm there though. &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT  Jester    Son of the Defender  03:44, 8 December 2007 (UTC)

Note: Skewers is upstairs (in case people are downstairs at cafe luna). &rArr; <font face="Euclid Fraktur"> SWAT Jester    Son of the Defender  21:49, 9 December 2007 (UTC)