Poll: ToledoTalk Meetup...dates, times, locations...

Saturday or Sunday (in school during the week)
Any restaurant at any time fine with me on those two days.

Schedule: complicated, but I can always shuffle. Weekday lunches are best, though, as my Saturdays and Sunday get filled with work, family, and volunteer events.

Location: Prefer west side of town; get annoyed driving down to P-burg unless I am coming back from BGSU where I teach. Really, I get annoyed driving anywhere, so disregard my P-burg grumbling.

Restaurants: I am flexible, but El Vaquero on Secor, El Camino Real on Sylvania, Cahrlie's Coney Island on Monroe, and the Original Pancake House on Central all have space and menus with wider appeal.

Errr...Charlie's.

Pretty flexible -- right after work weekdays maybe, or lunch could work, although even us lawyers are sometimes pressed for time at lunch.

TAHL

Weekdays that are best for you: Weekends only. Work by day, college by night during the weekdays.
Times that are best for you: Weekends any time.
Restraunt suggestion (remember, local family owned only): Charlie's, or Rudy's

The weekend works best with me although I can usually do evenings although I have classes on Mondays and Wednesdays. As for restaurant preferences, I don't know which ones are family owned but I prefer Charlie's over Rudy's if those are my only two choices. Would Mac and Tongs and Georgios be considered family owned, despite the price?

All of the Sidelines eateries are locally owned as well. They've got the location downtown, by Miracle Mile, and in Lambertville.

(I likely wouldn't be able to attend anything this go-around, currently helping to care for an injured relative in addition to my normal work/home responsibilities. Just wanted to mention another locally owned, family friendly place.)

Weekends anytime.

If you were considering an establishment that is not necessarily a restaurant I would suggest Ground Level Coffee. They do have a small menu of food items. http://www.groundleveltoledo.com/ I checked it out for the first time tonight. It is locally owned with great drinks.

ground level might be the best idea. centraly located too

A cafe sounds neat :) - casual setting for mingling

I was also thinking of the Ground Level Coffeehouse, which is located in the old Brewed Awakenings building on Central near Douglas. They're closed on Sundays.

Weekdays that are best for you: ANY except SAT
Times that are best for you: ANY
Restraunt suggestion: ANY

I do like the Distillery, however. Brand loyalty.

as a self employed toledoan i'm good anytime, anyplace (as long as it's local) but the minute a camera shows it's ugly face i'm outta there/here

Anyone who doesnt want their pic taken, can just request such. I'm not gonna invade privacy or disrespect anyones wishes.

I'd be interested in coming out as well!

Weekend afternoons usually work best for me.

I'm pretty flexible with the eateries, but can I throw in the idea of brunch (i.e. the best and most important meal, esp on the weekends)? Manhattan's, La Scola, and Navy Bistro all comes to mind.

Another cafe option is Chandler Cafe out in downtown Sylvania... http://www.chandlercafe.com/

You can take my picture, but I am not responsible if the lens cracks. Just warnin' ye...

Walleye game.

Yum-yums on Summitt street in North Toledo.

YUM YUM !!!!!

Weekdays that are best for you: Sat/Sun anytime or weekdays after 6-7pm
Times that are best for you: Anytime on weekends
Restraunt suggestion (remember, local family owned only):
Willing to drive to anyplace around Toledo or suburbs so no preference. Would prefer a place that has a meal for less than $15

good call on yum yums TFW. thats about as Toledo as it gets!

So far it looks like a weekend is the most favored of times, and folks would prefer a cafe setting :)

I'll keep taking info for 1 more week, then post the info on date, and stuff.

I will also contact a cafe/venue of our choice and schedual our place there....as to not shock the staff or over whelm them with alot of customers without any warning.

I'll meet with the group for lunch/dinner or cocktails any day but Monday. Thanks for the brand loyalty GZ -- will throw a beer in your direction the next time I see ya.

Does anyone here own a restraunt or cafe, and wants us to stop in? I'd sooner meet at an establishment a board member owns :)

We've met a few times at Distillery. My wife and I owned it up through November of last year. Transferred ownership in the 21st anniversary of it's opening. Maybe we need to find a new place to haunt.

jim: congrats on making a wonderful business. I go there ever so often to hear the Bridge perform. Nice atmosphere, even though I'm not in the bar scene.

A shame you do not own it anymore.

Are there anymore board member businesses that might be open to playing host?

my good friend runs the ground level on central. i'm sure he would appreciate our business.

I have some friends that are sheriff's deputies.

They could be there, plain clothes, discretely
insuring that this gathering does not get
crashed by any of the wack jobs
from over in the swamp.

Like the wack-myer himself.

I have some friends that are sheriff's deputies.

They could be there, plain clothes, discretely insuring that this gathering does not get crashed by any of the wack jobs from over at Swampbubbles.

Monday Ill contact Ground Level and look into a sort of unoffical booking with them....as for wack jobs, I dont find that a concern. I attend gaming convention, and was a booth model at them for yars..there's nothing you can throw at me thats a shock these days.

I have no idea why that double posted like that.
keyboard demons, or maybe it's too late in the evening .....

zzzzzzzzzzzzz....................

Well that sucks, I guess TheForceWithin's private security force won't be allowing me to attend.

When the ToledoTalk group get's together and donesn't mind some of us from Swampbubble attending as well, let me know.

I believe "TheForceWithin" speaks for himself, SensorG.

Not sure if this link works, but I just got this in my gmail.

http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=7d07126ff88afb5d005b69f7d&id=d32993fe9e&e=342f4aa105

I understand SensorG's point, however I would like to point out that real Sheriff's deputies are not going to lightly volunteer their services as private security at the beck and call of someone trying to exclude people from a public event.

If we're having an open gathering without a TheForceWithin approved list, then most weeknight and weekends work for me.

I too vote for the Distillery.

down SensitiveG, down.......

I was referring to the John Law, Wackmyer, and D B-A sort that is indigenous to the Swamp.
They are loose cannons, mentally unstable, threatening, etc.

It was just a joke anyways, but madman, let me tell you something.....

I know that you would like to point out something, but I rarely see ANY points in your comments on the 'net.

FYI - this started as a private gathering
of TT people, not a "public event",
so get down off your high horse.

and yes, they would come...friendship is everything.
It is good to have many friends on both sides of the street.

P.S. Distillery is too expensive and reminds me of 'Renee's' days.

The Force does not frequent those type establishments.

Sensitive one - I specifically said "wack jobs from over at Swampbubbles".

Your reply indicated that you thought that you were included in that group.

Is that your self-perception ?

enough already

I don't care about Swampbubble members attending, so long as they are membes here.

This is a toledotalk.com member meeting. I could care less about cross site drama that Ive never seen or heard of.

so sorry to upset your day, ms upso....
however, i'm with you.

if no Yum-Yum afficionados are in the crowd, then i understand.
most can't hang in the north anyways....that's alright.

rude awakenings is fine by me.
quite casual, i might add.

^Meh. Yea, I want to go someplace and spend my free time with someone like that.
Not.

Chowder's N More out on Airport Hwy. ? I'm not aquainted with the proprietors and have no idea who actually owns it. It does have plenty of room, decent food, a good bar and it's money in the local economy. Also fairly accessible from I-475 for most folks. Just throwing it out there.

Whats the name of the little Mexican resturant that used to be Long John Silvers on Renolds just north of Airport?? and cute waitress's?? "Hector really needs the business"!and its a struggling local business!
I'm interested

I'd love to meet ya blacjac687. Im pretty sure I'll recognize you.

Could make it a 'working' meetup by volunteering as a group somewhere every three months or so.

Someone just pick a place and time and see who shows up.

don't be so pushy, SensitiveOne....
this is OhioKimono's gig.

she is being deliberate to explore options,
and I am sure it will come off just fine.....

Your right el machico, OhioKimono should decide.

Beaner Bigby's at Westgate has a nice second floor area.
Not cramped at all.

oops...
i forgot the local family owned requirement.

I called the Ground.

The owner was very nice to talk to, and seemed pleased that we were considering their place. They were open to us coming, and stated that something between the hours of noon - 3pm on a Saturday would be a good time.

I should be able to make it.

excuse my lack of knowledge,
but what/where is "the Ground".

Good for me.

i would be so good for you, holland....
you won't get that lucky.

http://www.groundleveltoledo.com/

I'm pretty sure "TheForceWithin" and "Darkside" are the same person--the Star Wars references, for one--and that person is a bored teenage boy.

I'll take your word for it TFW. Right now I'm disease free, gonna keep it that way.

Yes,upso... I see it on a comment near the top. Thank you.
I always knew that place as Rude/Brewed Awakenings and probably always will.

Initially I thought of the Ground Round on Telegraph when she said "the Ground".
duh...

toledolense ... don't worry - be happy.

What are "Star Wars references" ?

P.S. The correct spelling of that name is 'Darkseid'.
Show a little respect.

get your mind up out of the gutter, holland....

I was referring to your mental deficiencies.

Obvious trolls are obvious.

Uh. This topic was about meeting and eating. I'll stick to the topic OhioKimono. I appreciate your taking on this project.

The Ground coffeehouse is located here:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Toledo&state=OH&address=2636+W+Central+Ave&zipcode=43606-3549&country=US&latitude=41.6776&longitude=-83.60656&geocode=ADDRESS

I can't remember what it used to be called. It's that coffeehouse that is by Central and Douglas, across the street from an antique mall.

Saturday, 1-3pm? OK. Which Sat? How about the 1st Sat in each month?

The first SAt of EVERY month is a bit "big picture" atm. Let's just try out this one meeting and see the kind of interest we get :)

At the meet & greet, we can talk about making this a more common event :)

for now, let's just meet up and see what grows from there.

How does Jan 30th sound at 1pm? That gives everyone around 2 weeks time to make certain their schedual is clear for a lunch.

holland, that's el moron.

he's been baiting me since this thread began and I just laugh at the delusional troll for who he is.

but seeing he's calling you out, the least I can do is let you know who "the delusional imbecile within" really is, seeing he uses more screen names with the 50 email addresses than cars have pills, ain't that right, "tombrown" of Swampbubbles fame lol

besides, darkseid had more class....

So if we met in a bar would el machico be breaking parole?

lol no, he's free and clear

he informed me of his "alleged" freedom in one of the 50 emails I got from him threatening to come down here.

But in all honesty, he's harmless. Which is why he does what he does.

If he does show up, you'll enjoy the hours of apologies and excuses that "it's a bit".

It's Napoleonic.

Going back and re-reading a bunch of stuff about Gary aka el machico aka TheForceWithin I think I'll pass on the Saturday get togethers.

I've spent too much time trying to be relatively anonymous to trust possibly loosing my anonymity to someone who wouldn't think twice about causing trouble with my family or employer.

Better safe then sorry.

I'm with you

That's too bad, Sens and Upsie. I can respect the sentiment, however.

I completely understand the desire to maintain anonymity. Though I must admit it confuses me a little coming from upso - if I could possibly ever recognize/identify any TTer (despite not having ever met anyone) it would be him. :)

But, I suppose, there's a difference between people happening to know "of" you via your work vs. actually sitting down with them.

oh.. ha sorry for the confusion!
I mean I just want to avoid the drama at all costs
i'm not in the least bit trying to hide my identity :)

Why knowing expose my identity and willing associated (even for a brief coffee) with a known alcoholic and drug addict with a vindictive streak who is known to make verbal and physical threats to those he disagrees with.

I live a very drama free life, why threaten it.

eh, that's a shame Sensor, I was thinking of possibly attending and meeting you and others.

But, you know something, you have a damn good point. Remaining anonyomous might be the way to go here.

Seriously, guys.

I highly doubt TFW will even be an issue.

Don't allow this twerp to ruin what's going to be a neat function.

He really isn't worth it, especially knowing who's going to be there.

Enjoy and have fun, folks!

I'm not overly worried about staying anonymous and several people know who I am, which is to say a 'no one', but to willing invite a person with dependency issues and a vindictive streak a mile wide into my life is something that I have no interest in.

This is just ridiculous, I have gone to several meet-ups like this in the past and present and there never has been any drama. I have met some really cool people online and have been able to extend those relationships outside the internets. I have also met some assholes online that actually turned out not to be that way when I met them fact to face. When your behind the guise of a username you can be whoever you want and some people like to to advantage of that. In-person however your held a little more accountable for your actions. I think it will all be ok.

Making statements like "I'm not atending because of persons X" - not only looks petty, but also it empowers the internet tough guy.

Even if you decide not to attend because of the person you deem a "trouble maker" - don't publically post it so a troll can gain a sense of victory. If he's such a major issue, take it up with the board admin.

Either way, meetup on :) -

I should be easy to spot. 6'4" carrying a cup of coffee lol.

Sorry to hear SensorG would have been cool to meet you. Always have the forum :)

You’re right of course OK, I shouldn’t have posted why I wouldn’t be attending. Gary is of course welcome to post whatever he wants, It’s not my intention to limit his free speech or who he associates with.

Making statements like "I'm not atending because of persons X" - not only looks petty

I can agree with the sentiment nobody should stay away because of one person who in all probability won't show up.

But the issue isn't Sensor or anyone else being 'petty.'

Some people, for a multitude of reasons, just want to stay away from potential hassles, and when there's a creepazoid added to the mix it's easier to want to take that route.

I can understand why Sensor might want to stay away and I can also understand not letting one person influence the process.

It's a personal choice but it isn't 'petty.'

From OhioKimono: Making statements like "I'm not attending because of persons X" - not only looks petty, but also it empowers the internet tough guy.

Given that most people post anonymously for very good reasons and place a high value on their privacy, I can understand their reluctance to attend an event featuring el mahico. That said, BrianInFlorida is quite right. El mahico is all hat and no cattle. Should he prove to be overly troublesome, just inform one of his sheriff deputy friends that he's stalking you. He'll back off at full speed.

I'd like to meet some of the people here, such as (but not limited to) Holland, McCaskey, SensorG, INeedCoffee, JR, OhioKimono, Upso... my apologies to anyone I neglected to list.

I'd rather meet in a bar though, so I can get McCaskey full of whiskey and then start arguing politics with him and get him all spun up. Fun, thy name be aggravation!

transcom makes a good point. i'll try and swing by

I don't blame people for wanting to avoid hassles, however derailing a thread for those issues....and feeding the troll - that is petty. I respect why people would not want to attend due to a troll MAYBE being there in person - all the same I disagree with empowering the troll and making him feel big and powerful here.

As for the bar, lol. It would be amusing to get a few drinks in us all and start up a conversation with the likes of "So what did you think of our last mayor" just to watch the riot :)

I'm all for the booze.

"I'm all for the booze"

Me too! People tend to like me better when they're drunk!

We need a joint that serves sushi, margaritas and pizza. I know I'm not too frequent of poster, but this group always has interesting insight to local issues and it would be fun to meet all the regulars.

lol

Sounds like this meet will have to be a nice cafe setting, quiet a neutral. The next meeting needs to be somewhere crazy...after hours time :D

OhioKimono, please keep in mind what whatever locations are chosen, they have to be not-so-crazy for the purposes of actually hearing what fellow participants are saying.

Also ... am I to understand that we're now supposed to get McCaskey full of whiskey? Is that the plan now? LOL!

I'm not overly worried about staying anonymous and several people know who I am, which is to say a 'no one', but to willing invite a person with dependency issues and a vindictive streak a mile wide into my life is something that I have no interest in.

posted by SensorG on Jan 13, 2010 at 07:06:51 am

Sensor, I wouldn't worry too much about him posting too much of anything, seeing JR deactivated the TFW account and he's posting under "tombrown" over on swampbubbles, and when Chris finally pays attention to his site and removes that screen name there, the only place left to see el moron post is the comments section at the Toledo Free Press with his buddy Ty Coon lol

You guys just have a great time and forget about "tombrown", he ain't going to show up...

Y'all know who I am. You just dont know how much weight I've gained in the grandma years. A haze of alcohol would really help me.

The plan is still on for the Ground. Nice pleasent setting, easy to talk, affordable, and a local business.

To reiterate: The official ToledoTalk users and contributors meeting will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 1:00 PM. We will meet at The Ground Level Coffeehouse located at 2636 W. Central Avenue in the thriving metropolis of Toledo, Ohio.

Thanks Mad. I copy pasted that to the opening of this post / thread :)

Okey-dokey: I'll try to squeeze that one in!

I almost feel obligated to wear a Kimono to this >.<

"Hey...who here is Ohiokimono? Oh...wait...nevermind."

Ha! MAybe I will wear a kimono just to confuse people:

Q: "Are YOU OhioKimono?"
A: "No, I am Historymike. Why do you ask?"

I smell absurdist hilarity.

hehehe - now I have to wear one! I'll claim to be historymike.

Random board member "Oh hey, a chick in a kimono.....you are Ohiohomo...I mean...Ohiokimono right?"

Me "No, I'm HistoryMike, get your shit straight. Geez"

Hey - Am I invited? For the longest thread in recent time?

The meetup is open to everyone frmo these boards. Sit down, have a drink, chat it up.

Keep in mind the location we are meeting at is a business, you will be expected to at least buy a drink and pay for it yourself.

"pay for it your self"

I am sure you didn't mean to sound so demeaning as to think people would show up and expect free drinks.

I held a meetup a few years ago for something else...

We had people show up, drink and eat...then not pay their own bill. I had to cover the bills of the freeloaders.

Trust me, people do this stuff.

Point taken.

I don't want to belabor the point, but I don't understand how "freeloaders" could possibly run up a bill. The proprietor would have to ALLOW a bill to be run up. I believe the legal term is "tab". That's not legal without prior arrangement.

I'm just saying in the other meetups that I've been at, there was no tab established. People who approached the bar or clerk had to pay their own way or they didn't obtain any service.

If there was some misunderstanding, where the waiter assumed the "party at table 3" was a single check ... then OK, I understand. But that's the waiter's fault, or the person's fault at the table who issued the command to run a single check.

True, but rather than sticking it to a waitress OhioKimono decided to do the right thing and cover it. Which was nice of her (him?).

Anyhow, I'll be the one dressed in Levi's, holding a rose in my teeth and dancing the salsa while singing La Bamba.

So when/where/time is the official meeting :)

To reiterate: The official ToledoTalk users and contributors meeting will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 1:00 PM. We will meet at The Ground Level Coffeehouse located at 2636 W. Central Avenue in the thriving metropolis of Toledo, Ohio.

Maddie, THAT I'd like to see. In that case, I'll have a hidden camera for blackmail purposes, you understand. LOL!

Is Jim Avolt going to be there?

I don't have Jim's email and I don't think he reads the blogs anymore. Maybe Katie can get hold of him.

His profile page says he logged in today (Jan 19), and he posted comments a couple days ago.

Are you coming jr?

<- wants to see JR there....he is an enigma to me on these forums.

I'd like to go, but on January 30, I'm in class all day at the Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor. I got registered in December. So I'll catch the next meetup.

Hey McCaskey - are you going to be there????

That’s cool about the bread class JR, I am contemplating the cheese making course.

I'm going to try, Maggie. Not totally sure about family obligations that afternoon.

If I'm there, do we have to talk about a Republican taking over Ted Kennedy's senate seat, lol?????

Ah, McCaskey - but of course!!! Besides, it's not like I could brag about any R victories locally. LOL!

Actually, I just found out a few minutes ago that I have some friends coming in for the weekend, so it looks like I won't be able to be at the meetup. :(

Someday, McCaskey, I'd like to meet you. I'm sure we'd have a lively discussion but that both of us would have a good time.

Bring your friends--they might be interested in meeting some of Toledo's zany bloggers---think of the stories and impressions they'd go home with.

All they might know about Toledo are the Carty stories. We gotta be an improvement on that. As long as Madjack keeps his pants on, we should offset all that negative stuff.

Trying to call in some favors to make the TT meetup. Crossing fingers...

MEETUP THIS WEEKEND! WOOT!

Woot! and a coffee shop too. Hope I don't twitch to much, perhaps I should switch to decaf while there lol.

Alright McCaskey, I saw that. That was a shot.

That Mexican restaurant on Reynolds is out of business!!

I'm still around. I'll be there in Saturday at 1:00. Looking forward to seeing old friends.

Only a fwe days left!

Woot for tomorrow!

Have fun, all. I have a lot to get done this weekend ... but somebody have a latte for me! (With a shot of vanilla if you want to be technical about it.)

I won't make it, either. Family stuff 'till at least mid-afternoon.

Someone post pictures on here. Just make certain MJ has pants on....

The meetup is still on. The roads are clear, the snow is not bad or even emergency level 1. If this girl from California can handle driving in this sissy snow Im certain the rest of you guys will be just fine.

Shoot totally forgot about this. Hope it was fun

We had a good turn out, a fun time! THANK YOU! The discussions were fun, friendly, and informative. It was so nice getting to meet everyone in person. Thank you for coming out, thank you for supporting a local business, and thanks to the coffee house for hosting us.

I did not get photos of our membmers. However, here is a photo of outside the coffee house. The Grond Level hosts events, and has an informative site at http://www.groundleveltoledo.com/ - please check them out.

The food was great, the service friendly, prices reasonable, and drinks awesome.

Website: http://www.groundleveltoledo.com/

I saw this in the parking lot, and had to laugh. I hope you enjoy the doll as much as I did.

GREAT TURN OUT! THANK YOU ONCE MORE! I hope to arrrange another meet up in another couple of months and hope to have as good if not a better turn out as this one!

Images broke somehow..here is a repost.

I still think I have the basis for an multi-million dollar personal injury lawsuit, after the wayward crystal effigy of Roger Rabbit cracked my cranium.

However, since Ground Level Cafe is: a) staffed with nice people; and b) probably not possessing deep pockets worthy of a litigator's interest, I shall waive my rights to pursue the all-American legal lottery.

Besides - I should not have been standing on the booth.

(Note to non-attendees: where else could you find malicious glass figurines of Roger Rabbit? Make sure to join the next meetup and see historymike's klutziness in action)

Cool meeting everyone. Thankfully Mad Jack kept his pants on.

UPSO, you goof! About 8 people showed up. I left it for OhioKimono to org another one. I told 'er that volunteers are naturally punished for their good behavior. LOL!

Getting Toledo's bloggers together for a yearly event sounds do-able. Of course, somebody would have to take charge for something like that to happen. The Collingwood Arts Center sounds like a good venue, other things being unknown about such an event.

I think we have around 10 folks.

The idea for a city wide blogger meet once a year, to me sounds fun. I'm going to do some research and see what size of a pool we will deal with.

Come summer, we should do another ToledoTalk meetup. That gives us another 4-6 months until another TT meet.

9 attendees plus one spouse, as I recall. Had a good time. Nice to put faces with handles.

Yeah, the meet was a good time. Roger Rabbit jumped off the wall and tried to brain HistoryMike. Unsuccessfully, I might add.

With that 'brain' Dr. HistoryMike has, 'ol Roger never stood a chance...

Was hoping for a crowd shot--with ID's included--to match faces with usernames.

I know, those who were no-shows have no right to complain, lol!!...

I was engaged in the photo-shoot when attacked by Roger Rabbit, McCaskey. Though I recovered from the figurine-based assault, I forgot to take the picture. Of course, given my normal state of befuddledness, perhaps the forgetting is not the fault of Roger Rabbit.

It was funny.

Mike when to stand up in a booth to take a photo of us all sitting around chatting it up. There is art on the walls surrounding the booth.

Mike hit a framed glass figure of Roger Rabbit, which hit him on the head. There were law suit jokes to be had, and thankfully Mike and the Rabbit were unhurt.

However, this meant the loss of the group photo.

damn Roger Rabbitt. I thought the movie was overrated, too.

...

_thinking

Considering Roger Rabbit sat in a frame...

I guess it's safe to say that The Ground Level framed Roger Rabbit.

Lame jokes for the win!