Casperr opened her diary of earlier this week this way:
Our favorite young kossack is coming to the Big Apple on his East Coast college tour, and we're planning a meetup for next Wednesday, June 23.
For those of you who don't know Populista, he is probably the most amazing teenager you'll ever meet. When he started posting on DailyKos we didn't know that he was only 14 years old. He writes, thinks, acts and brings the snark like someone with many more years under his belt.
I've had the pleasure to get to know this amazing kid online and offine, and was honored to serve on a Netroots Nation panel with him last year.
I couldn't agree more with everything that casperr said. I am continually in awe of Pop (for short :-) and know that everyone who meets him will feel the same.
When casperr posted, we weren't sure where we were going to meet but I am delighted to report that I've found a brand-new spot that I hope will be just perfect:
Ashtons Alley
215 East 50th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
(much closer to Third Avenue)
The location is really close to Grand Central, the #7, #4, #5, #6, S, E, and V and the crosstown buses on 49th and 50th Streets as well as the buses on 2nd and 3rd Avenues
212 688 8625 (phone)
We'll be convening from 6PM onwards-- and onwards often means really onwards for us, so don't hesitate to come by, even if it's later in the evening. If you are going to be on the late side, feel free to e-mail casperr or me personally and we'll give you our cell numbers so you can check to make sure that we are still there and going strong.
Ashtons Alley just moved into brand-new digs across the street from their former home and they have great outdoor space. I don't want to ruin the surprise but I hope that everyone will love it -- almost as much as our dearly-departed pseudo-shake shack in front of the UN (LOL).
We will meet rain or shine and I suggest bringing a sweater if you get cold in air conditioning or on breezy summer nights. And while they don't have WiFi, there appear to be lots of "community" options nearby (I tried them out on my iPhone today) so feel free to bring a laptop, and we can liveblog or just make fun of meta diaries over daiquiris. They also have some outlets if anyone needs to recharge.
And, of course, come hungry and/or thirsty: Ashtons Alley has a full bar menu, dinner menu and drinks up the wazooooo!
Comments and questions will be cheerfully addressed beginning about a half hour from now -- to give me time to get home from the office.
It would be great to have a bit of a head count for planning purposes but RSVPs are absolutely not necessary. We love surprises. And we love lurkers and newbies, so don't be shy.
Hugs to all and see you next Wednesday with the wunderkind of Daily Kos!
P.S. We will be sending out e-mail updates, as usual, so if you are not on the meetup e-mail list, please drop casperr an email and she'll make sure you get the info.