I was at Bier Baron in Washington last night, celebrating the birthday of a friend of mine who routinely hosts a theology pub there (it’s probably my favorite bar in Washington, because it reminds me of places like this).
It was a typical Washington social gathering, in that I met like half a dozen super-impressive people who do really interesting things (online journalism in particular: Exhibit A, Exhibit B).
Amid all those fascinating conversations, I could see across the room someone I dimly recognized. I was pretty sure I hadn’t met him through the people I knew at this gathering (this turned out to be only partially true), but that only got me so far.
I finally realized with a laugh and then a sigh (because: church geek—me, not him) how I recognized this guy. I knew him from this (not 100% work-safe) video, which I believe was actually shot by the other person whose birthday we were celebrating (someone correct me if I’m wrong about that):
It was kinda like meeting a celebrity, at least in the strange online world I inhabit. And I’m glad we connected, because Erik’s involved in some interesting communities here in town.
Here’s to beer, birthdays, and the, uh, stuff seminarians say.
Addendum: So, actually, the other birthday boy’s video is here: