Don't be fooled by cheap imitations.

August 6, 2007 5:44 AM

Meatbomb Travelling Roadshow August 2007. I am travelling aimlessly through the United States with my lovely fiance, in a rental car, in the month of August. We want to come and meet you.
posted by Meatbomb to MetaFilter gatherings at 5:44 AM (90 comments total)

No, seriously. I will be starting in Boston, first stop, inshallah, will be Bethel Vermont to meet our lovely second in command. Potential destinations after that will include NYC, Philly, Las Vegas.

I have nothing in particular I want to see in the United States, so perhaps meeting up with random and scatterred MeFites will give the trip some meaning and structure. Plus I will be able to impress my Tajik womanfriend with how many wonderful people I know all over your fine country.

So, if you are even slightly interested, drop a line here or email me. Don't be shy if you are somewhere remote / off the beaten track, because that is just the sort of place I would like to see!

What I offer: I will buy you beer and / or dinner.
What you provide: depends - could be anything from a few minutes of uncomfortable conversation to me staying with you forever, depending on how we hit it off in real life.
posted by Meatbomb at 5:45 AM on August 6, 2007

Yes, please.
posted by hermitosis at 6:57 AM on August 6, 2007

I will make sure to post my general impressions here so that more skeptical members of MeFiLand can determine if this would be a good idea or not. Meatbomb, what's your lady's name?
posted by jessamyn at 7:11 AM on August 6, 2007

Dilafruz Abdukayumova.
posted by Meatbomb at 7:18 AM on August 6, 2007

Dilya for short. And she is much nicer than me, so her presence sweetens the deal.
posted by Meatbomb at 7:20 AM on August 6, 2007

I would like to hear an interview about this on the podcast. With Meatbomb (which I just wrote as Metabomb), his fiancee, or the people he met ... I'm not fussy.
posted by paduasoy at 7:22 AM on August 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

holy crap, yes.
posted by Stynxno at 7:22 AM on August 6, 2007

If you come to DC, I'll put a meetup together.
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:24 AM on August 6, 2007

Having met Meatbomb, I will vouch for the fact that he is one cool guy. You all definitely want to meet him.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:31 AM on August 6, 2007 [1 favorite]

Come to Dayton, Ohio! Located in MetaFilter's most favorite state to hate, we are home to the inventors of powered flight, the electric self-starter (Carrillon Park is just for those things), the cash register, and the Enigma codebreaking machine development. We have the largest Air Force museum in the country (with hours worth of cool shit) and we are conveniently located just south of the I-70/I-75 junction. With more patents per capita than any other city in the country, and as many bars and churches as I can count, Dayton is an economically depressed city of contrasts that I for one still find interesting. Here's a link to a good blog that has some nice sidebar links to more activities and places to dine in Dayton.

Worth considering, and given your trip might be within easy striking distance.
posted by chlorus at 7:43 AM on August 6, 2007

Drinks, dancing, lifemate, sure whatever. Tucson fucking sucks in August though.
posted by carsonb at 7:46 AM on August 6, 2007

Well holy shit, this is already turning out better than I imagined. Once I get my bearings a bit I will be in contact with you guys to try to get a sensible itinerary together.
posted by Meatbomb at 7:51 AM on August 6, 2007

Wait, Dayton Ohio is in Texas?
posted by nowonmai at 7:54 AM on August 6, 2007

Ohio is the new Texas.
posted by chlorus at 7:59 AM on August 6, 2007

(context)
posted by chlorus at 7:59 AM on August 6, 2007

Savannah, GA awaits you, if you handle the humidity (usually around 100%), combined with temperatures in the 90s, gnats and occasional flooding.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:06 AM on August 6, 2007

If you come through Houston I'll buy you some halal kabobs at a hole in the wall that serves them up delicious. (No beer though, je suis teetotaler.)
posted by Burhanistan at 8:49 AM on August 6, 2007

I honestly thought meatbomb was a woman. I don't know why.
posted by boo_radley at 9:22 AM on August 6, 2007

Because of my warmth and tact, is my guess. Plus I'm such a good listener.
posted by Meatbomb at 9:24 AM on August 6, 2007

dilya is your fiancee. you are her fiance. (/pedant)
posted by bruce at 9:24 AM on August 6, 2007

And the poise. Don't forget your poise. And Hepburn-like grace.
posted by boo_radley at 9:26 AM on August 6, 2007

And your meatbombs.
posted by hermitosis at 9:31 AM on August 6, 2007

I recommend San Francisco as a possible destination. Lots of Mefites here in the City By The Bay--stop on through and we'll have a Meatup!
posted by fandango_matt at 9:35 AM on August 6, 2007

Nobody wants to come to Louisville; we want to leave.
posted by davy at 9:58 AM on August 6, 2007

davy: I just went on a roadtrip to Lousville and it was awesome.

Meatbomb: If you come to st. louis I'd love to hang. We have lots of fun stuff to do.
posted by andoatnp at 10:07 AM on August 6, 2007

I'd show you around Salt Lake, if there were anything there to see.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 10:12 AM on August 6, 2007

Los Angeles has a thriving MeFi community. And a beach.
posted by klangklangston at 10:24 AM on August 6, 2007

Well, you will need to travel thru the great state of Oklahoma on our lovely I-40, heading towards Las Vegas Land. This would work out great, as we were just talking at the Dallas meetup that we needed to have need to have one in OKC, since we haven't had one before. Also, we have new transplants from TX that couldn't make it to this weekend's meetup since they were closing on their house here (and visiting the ER).
And, if its open by then, we can go see the soda pop statue and try one of the 400 varieties that they have there.
posted by thatothrgirl at 10:29 AM on August 6, 2007

You're more than welcome in Chapel Hill, NC if your travels bring you down to the Southeast.
posted by solipsophistocracy at 10:33 AM on August 6, 2007

If you're going down 40 anyway, you might as well visit me in Little Rock. You can get a decent sandwich in this town, and I make no further promises.
posted by box at 10:48 AM on August 6, 2007

andoatnp has already spoken for the fine city of St Louis, but I'll second that.
posted by slogger at 11:08 AM on August 6, 2007

I honestly thought meatbomb was a woman. I don't know why.

She's a man baybee.
posted by miss lynnster at 11:20 AM on August 6, 2007

Atlanta sucks and I'm boring, but you're utterly welcome despite any of that.
posted by Haruspex at 11:38 AM on August 6, 2007

San Francisco!
posted by loquacious at 11:39 AM on August 6, 2007

Somebody set up us the Meatbomb.
posted by Rhomboid at 11:46 AM on August 6, 2007 [3 favorites]

Third for St. Louie - if you're here on a weekend, there's always drunken revelry at the City Museum - on Saturday nights, there's a bar. The whole place is basically a playground for adults.
posted by notsnot at 11:52 AM on August 6, 2007

If you come through Chicago I'd love to meet up. Give a holler, email's in the profile.
posted by jtron at 12:10 PM on August 6, 2007

I will Vouch for Meatbomb's overall good demeanor and ability to be pleasant in public.

If I can, there will be a philly meetup (as opposed to the dubai meetup, which was also with meatbomb, which was the smallest meetup ever.)
posted by filmgeek at 2:24 PM on August 6, 2007

Okay, notsnot, you were able to make it to Dallas for a meet-up, I know you can make it down to OKC for one. :)
posted by thatothrgirl at 2:38 PM on August 6, 2007

How does "Biggest State east of the Mississippi" sound to you? Exciting, eh? I'm sure we can get that on a refrigerator magnet for you too. Some might say August is the very worst month to come visit Georgia but on the other hand the heat helps you appreciate the big, shady trees and makes any gait faster than "amble" unwise, which is ok because the South is best enjoyed at that pace anyways. Atlanta has some bits worth seeing. Athens is nice too and is home to The Grit, which would probably justify the drive all by itself. If you do make it down this way, drop me a line. I'd love to meet up.
posted by GalaxieFiveHundred at 2:39 PM on August 6, 2007

Come on by. I might be offshore, though!
posted by atchafalaya at 3:26 PM on August 6, 2007

Come to Minneapolis. We had a bridge.
posted by baphomet at 4:10 PM on August 6, 2007 [2 favorites]

Boston: When/where?
posted by Eideteker at 4:39 PM on August 6, 2007

If you take 80 through PA, drop a line. We can put youns up for a spell. If you can make it on a Sunday, it's fresh bread day. We're at about the halfway point through the state (or commonwealth, as we prefer). Not much to see but the majesty of nature and the pastoral beauty of Anabaptist agriculture. Check out my profile for details. The village of Linden Hall isn't actually on most maps. Centre Hall would work in most search engines and is close enough.
posted by Toekneesan at 4:59 PM on August 6, 2007

I'm pretty sure we can show you guys a suitably awesome time in Seattle. Come on by.
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 5:42 PM on August 6, 2007

If you do decide to include both L.A. and S.F. in your journeys, I recommend staying as close to the coast inbetween as possible, making a midway reststop in Wendelltown (formerly San Luis Obispo), where we can meet for beers at the Frog & Peach pub, then you can use the Famous Mensroom at the Madonna Inn. (Also a must-see area if you chew bubblegum, enjoy fine wines, watch American Castles reruns or tip cows)
posted by wendell at 6:02 PM on August 6, 2007

On your way up the I-5 from SF to Seattle, you can drop in on Portland. We have all the beer you could possibly desire here.
posted by cmonkey at 6:05 PM on August 6, 2007

Los Angeles wants you, Bomb of Meat. Don't not dally.
posted by jmhodges at 6:16 PM on August 6, 2007

Madison could arrange a Meat-up.
Even if it's just me.
posted by Floydd at 7:23 PM on August 6, 2007

Can't imagine you would want to visit Orlando, FL, but if you do happen to make it down this far please let me know, Meat.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 7:37 PM on August 6, 2007

Birmingham, Alabama is hardly an enticing destination in August. But it's not the heat, it's the stupidity. Come anyway, we'll drop acid and giggle at rednecks.

just remember to bring some acid
posted by BitterOldPunk at 8:24 PM on August 6, 2007

Argh, if you actually have to pass through Ohio, let me know...I'll even drive over to Dayton and buy YOU a beer to assuage your suffering...
posted by Liosliath at 10:09 PM on August 6, 2007

Please tell me you'll be in New York when I get back! I'm upset I'm missing the traveling roadshow. (email me for details, Meatbomb.)
posted by piratebowling at 2:27 AM on August 7, 2007

YES. For god's sake yes.
posted by blasdelf at 3:38 AM on August 7, 2007

I'm in for the DC meetup, if that doesn't happen for some reason, dinner?

I will be away from the 18th to the 21st though, what's your eta?
posted by crabintheocean at 7:59 AM on August 7, 2007

If you are in the middle of endless cornfields, traveling on I-80 for whatever reason through IA/IL you have to hit me up. That'd put you a north of KC/St Louis though and there's not much up here except the Worlds Largest Truck Stop!
posted by prostyle at 8:10 AM on August 7, 2007

I have no idea why you'd come through Texas, but if you end up in Austin, I'm sure we could have lunch, or something.
posted by Devils Rancher at 11:52 AM on August 7, 2007

Should you happen to pass through Atlanta, I've emailed my contact information. I hope you're not coming this week, it's stupid hot.
posted by solotoro at 12:19 PM on August 7, 2007

You know where to find me.
posted by StickyCarpet at 4:45 PM on August 7, 2007

If you're in Chicago after August the 25th, you're welcome to pop down to northern Indiana and visit me at school.
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 8:10 PM on August 7, 2007

I regret that when we were both in Seoul that one weekend I went wobbly and didn't get the chance to drink with the Meatbomb.

Go, man, go!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:19 AM on August 9, 2007

Holy shit.

This is an excellent idea, but it is also a logistical nightmare for someone who is already on the road, without always connected internet, and who is shit at planning in the best of situations...

For the wonderful people in NYC and DC and Philly: the Eastern Seaboard will be on the way back from Vegas, so we are talking late in the month for these places... at this point I can't be much more specific.

I have emailed (I hope alll the ) people in the central / flyover states zone who seem to be potentially on the way to Vegas.

As much as I would love to see the West Coast again, it just doesn't seem practical for this trip... perhaps we can look forward with anticipation to the 2008 West Coast Roadshow...

Wish me luck guys, I am off to see Jessamyn tomorrow.
posted by Meatbomb at 6:47 PM on August 9, 2007

I sent Meatbomb and Dilya on their way towards Niagra Falls just a little bit ago. I can wholeheartedly recommend them as excellent guests and all around nice people.
posted by jessamyn at 6:26 AM on August 11, 2007

Portland is a welcome stop. Me and cmonkey can give you free wallet inspections.
posted by cortex at 4:50 PM on August 11, 2007

coughcanadacough?
posted by loiseau at 7:30 AM on August 12, 2007

"I sent Meatbomb and Dilya on their way towards Niagra Falls just a little bit ago."

Slowly, I turned... Step by step, inch by inch...

"I can wholeheartedly recommend them as excellent guests and all around nice people."

Nice people who hate the West Coast for some reason.
posted by klangklangston at 9:54 AM on August 12, 2007

They shall come! We shall find a way! (check your email, Monsieur Klangston)
posted by jmhodges at 10:15 PM on August 12, 2007

For those of you following along, we're shooting for a Tuesday, August 28th, event of some sort in DC. The main limiting factor is the guest of honor's availability. Watch this space for more information...
posted by MrMoonPie at 2:09 PM on August 14, 2007

we're shooting for a Tuesday, August 28th, event of some sort in DC
I'm in, especially if it's at Dr. Dremo's.
posted by exogenous at 1:56 PM on August 15, 2007

OK, let's call it.

Tuesday, August 28, Dr. Dremo's in Arlington, within easy walking distance of the Courthouse Metro. I'll plan on getting there around 6:30, unless someone wants to get there sooner.

Generally, seating upstairs is more comfortable, as there are chairs and couches and such. Plus, bar access is easier.

Dremo's on Tuesdays is the home of the Washington Psychotronic Film Society, hosted by Metafilter's own doctorschlock. This week, it's Slaughterhouse Rock. The screen is downstairs, and they start showing shorts and previews around 8. If you come late and don't find me upstairs, that's where I'll be.

Dremo's has a great selection of beers, and usually has something decent on special. The food is standard bar fare--wings, burgers, fries, and a few other sandwiches.

I'm 6'5" and have a ponytail, so I'm pretty easy to pick out in a crowd. I'll try to have some sort of MetaFilter sign with me.

Dremo's is 21-and-up, and they do card. Also, it can get a bit smoky in there, so sensitive types might want to give this one a pass.

Cool?
posted by MrMoonPie at 7:30 AM on August 16, 2007

Cool.
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 7:54 AM on August 16, 2007

All right! I've submitted it for the meetup sidebar.
posted by exogenous at 8:25 AM on August 16, 2007

I'll just be getting in from the West Coast, but I've always neglected the DC meetups in the past. I don't want to miss this one!
posted by indiebass at 12:48 PM on August 16, 2007

Ohhhhhhh, Dremo's is cool. I may have to drop in on this if time allows.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 8:34 AM on August 17, 2007

Hot damn! I'm in.
posted by god hates math at 7:42 AM on August 20, 2007

Hi. It's a bit of a drive, but I'll try to make it.
posted by AppleSeed at 8:08 PM on August 20, 2007

Wow, a meetup I am free to go to. Exciting. See you there.
posted by phearlez at 2:53 PM on August 24, 2007

Dudes, I am commenting here just to bump this thread in the chance it might remind folks. Please come!! I am driving in from fucking Knoxville Tennessee, so surely you guys can make the effort to schlep across town? :)
posted by Meatbomb at 8:41 PM on August 27, 2007

I'll be there, Benign Positional Vertigo and all!
posted by crabintheocean at 9:15 PM on August 27, 2007

Confirming that I'll be there, around 6:30. I'll hang out upstairs for an hour or so, then head downstairs around 7:30. I'll bring along a few MetaGrams. See you tonight!
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:08 AM on August 28, 2007

I'll be there. This is going to break my tradition - I've been to Dremo's a half-dozen times but have never once drank inside - I always just sit in the downstairs patio.
posted by phearlez at 10:15 AM on August 28, 2007

Damn. I'm retracting my previous statement. I'm at work now, I will be until 10p. LAME.
posted by god hates math at 2:47 PM on August 28, 2007

Damn, I just found this thread today.
I see you've already been to Niagara Falls and are southbound to DC now, so I guess Toronto is out for you at this point.
posted by chococat at 3:21 PM on August 28, 2007

Dude, I was so there!
posted by NortonDC at 9:53 PM on August 28, 2007

Photos! There were other cameras there, so I image other photos will follow. In attendance: MrMoonPie (duh), NortonDC, YurikoKinje, (non-metafilter) Cat, phearlez, crabintheocean and friend (though we didn't link up until late in the evening -- sorry!), Meatbomb, exogenous, and hosted from Uranus, lagreen, and doctorschlock.
posted by MrMoonPie at 5:46 AM on August 29, 2007

...and asianvikinggirl.
posted by MrMoonPie at 5:47 AM on August 29, 2007

If I had a ride...It would have been a longer show, but I had to get back to D.C. on the 38B bus at 10:20p.m.
posted by doctorschlock at 7:43 AM on August 29, 2007

I have to say, the most memorable part of the evening for me was when metabomb asked me "Are you willing to be on video?" and responding to my answer of "sure" by leading me into the men's room.

Thankfully that did not turn out as frighteningly as I was afraid it might.

It was far worse. Muahahahahahah!

*cough* um, sorry.
posted by phearlez at 9:15 AM on August 29, 2007

Meatbomb keeps his office in the Arnold'sDremo's bathroom. He really is The Fonz.

Sorry about the mixup, crabintheocean. I hope it doesn't keep you from future meetups.
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 9:50 AM on August 29, 2007

Damn, I have the worst meetup luck! See you all next time (I'll carry a sign or something...)
posted by crabintheocean at 12:40 PM on August 29, 2007