London meetup Nov 4th - US Election Night

October 18, 2008 10:16 AM

London meetup Nov 4th - US Election Night. Let's face it, we're all going to be checking the internet obsessively, so we might as well do it together!

This idea was raised at yesterday's meetup and a few people seemed interested. Obviously it'd require staying over at someone's house and probably booking the 5th off as a holiday, but aside from that, it could be a lot of fun. Large quantities of pizza, beer, laptops, Mefi madness - what's not to want?

Other ideas:

- a Mefi Election Night IRC channel, because loading the inevitable 10,000 comment thread is going to be pretty tough on everyone's bandwidth...
- a Ustream.TV feed from London, so you can see all our commentary and shenanigans, live from the interwebs!

posted by adrianhon to MetaFilter gatherings at 10:16 AM (95 comments total)

Sounds good. I can't offer to host or anything unfortunately, but I can certainly bring beer and yell enthusiastically at the TV.
posted by Infinite Jest at 11:50 AM on October 18, 2008

I will be hosting my own election night party in Brighton, but I'd be up for any online connection.
posted by athenian at 12:22 PM on October 18, 2008

They have pizza in London? Is it boiled?
posted by Mister_A at 12:28 PM on October 18, 2008 [1 favorite]

Build your boiled London Pizza. Toppings:

[] mushy peas
[] boiled, sliced turnip
[] mars bars
[] chips
[] sweet corn
[] spam
[] boiled leek
[] cloves
[] bangers
posted by Rumple at 1:34 PM on October 18, 2008 [7 favorites]

Ooh I'd be tempted to come to that since I can't see myself staying up all night at home. But then I chickened out of a previous MefiMeetup...

Unless athenian allows me to come to his Brighton one! (hehe, kidding)
posted by ClarissaWAM at 1:37 PM on October 18, 2008

[x] mushy peas
[] boiled, sliced turnip
[x] mars bars
[] chips
[] sweet corn
[] spam
[x] boiled leek
[] cloves
[] bangers

And some of that citrus diet coke, thanks.
posted by Sparx at 2:03 PM on October 18, 2008

Thank you for your order, that comes to £45.00 plus delivery.
posted by Rumple at 2:15 PM on October 18, 2008

Sounds good. I am up in the north so cannot host. I can, on the other hand, offer up spam, bangers and cloves as barter to a willing hostee.
posted by DaRiLo at 4:33 PM on October 18, 2008

I might be able to make this -- I'm in Cardiff, but election day is during reading week, so I actually could get to London for the night/day :) I can't host, obviously, but I'm happy to pitch in for beer & food, if we can find someone to host.

(And if not London...any other expats in South Wales want to get together?)
posted by kalimac at 4:53 PM on October 18, 2008

Build your boiled London Pizza. Toppings:

[] mushy peas
[] boiled, sliced turnip
[] mars bars
[] chips
[] sweet corn
[] spam
[] boiled leek
[] cloves
[] bangers

Hey now, what the hell is wrong with sweetcorn on pizza??
posted by EndsOfInvention at 6:20 PM on October 18, 2008

Clarissa - looking at your profile you only live 10 minutes' walk from my house (which is by the Pepper Pot), and looking at your blog you love Paris, so you'll fit in just fine.

If you would like to come, email me for details.
posted by athenian at 1:06 AM on October 19, 2008

Damn. Flying back to Spain that very same day.
posted by slimepuppy at 5:55 AM on October 19, 2008

Not exactly central, but my place in Wood Green is available. Everyone is more than welcome.
posted by Optamystic at 7:05 AM on October 19, 2008

Thanks Optamystic! I would be up for Wood Green. Yes, it's not central, but it's not exactly a big deal if you're staying there for a while.
posted by adrianhon at 9:47 AM on October 19, 2008

Brilliant idea! I would love to join in, though I might be away for work and I would not be able to do all of an all-nighter.
posted by sueinnyc at 11:54 AM on October 19, 2008

Yes thanks Optamystic! Should be fun to come down to London again. Am willing to provide snacks/beer/stuff on request.
posted by DaRiLo at 1:59 PM on October 19, 2008

Wood Green is the biggest of deals.

I've made a point of being in New Orleans on election night, so I'll miss out on this.
posted by cillit bang at 3:36 PM on October 19, 2008

Cool, so let's make it official. Here's the map. 229 Lymington Ave N22 6JL

Tube:
Picadilly Line to Wood Green. Exit station to the left, walk about a block down Lordship Lane to the bus stop. Take either the 144 to 243. Get off at Gladstone Ave. Buy beer at the Off licence. Cross Lordship, go up Mark Road a short block to Lymington Ave. Turn right. It's the third house on the right. Big white door.

Bus:
243 or 144 to Gladstone Ave, then as above.

As for crash space, we have a big sofa (sleeps two), a foldaway bed, a couple of sleeping bags, and plenty of floorspace if you want to bring your own. First come, first served. Neighbours are cool with late night noise. The good lady will be working that night, and I can't cook, so if you want anything more substantial than Kettle Crisps and peanuts, bring 'em along.

All are welcome, but McCain fans may be mocked.

E-mail's in the profile. Mobile number available upon request.
posted by Optamystic at 12:38 AM on October 20, 2008

so if you want anything more substantial than Kettle Crisps and peanuts,

And pizza, of course.
posted by Optamystic at 12:49 AM on October 20, 2008

Take either the 144 to 243

144 OR 243
posted by Optamystic at 3:37 AM on October 20, 2008

I'm really tempted by this. Will do my best to make it. I'm probably 'working from home' on the 5th, so that side of things shouldn't be a problem for me.
posted by MrMustard at 3:55 AM on October 20, 2008

Optamystic -- you are so awesome, I don't even entirely have words for it. I was resigned to holding vigil by myself that night!

I'll try to bring some munchies (or, more likely, buy something in London) and certainly beer.
posted by kalimac at 6:15 AM on October 20, 2008

thats only about 5 miles from my place actually. What are these meetups like?

Does it happen often? - I woudl have thought there were too many users for proper community feeling.
posted by mary8nne at 8:38 AM on October 21, 2008

mary8nne -- I've only been to (far too few) meetups in Philadelphia, but they've been great fun. Breaking out into these regional groups manages to lend a certain community feel. (And the NY meetups are practically legend...)
posted by kalimac at 10:12 AM on October 21, 2008

Some potentially helpful Ask threads on politically appropriate food:

• Suggestions for an election party
• Debate party food ideas
• Super Tuesday party ideas
• Bush-Kerry recipe ideas

posted by ahughey at 5:36 AM on October 22, 2008

oh, interesting. I might attend.
posted by krautland at 12:37 PM on October 26, 2008

Ooooh now, this is a good idea. Wood Green's not far from me at all and it's much better than my current plan for the evening (staying up by myself and falling asleep at the crucial moment).

I could bring veggie snacks and hard liquor. All I have to do is not chicken out due to unfathomable and considerably irritating shyness and I'll be there.
posted by Acarpous at 1:03 PM on October 26, 2008

Me and my American better half are planning to come up from the wilds of South London. I can cook so I will be bringing some home cooked Mexican food and some Scotch and a couple of microbrews.
posted by tallus at 3:05 PM on October 26, 2008

No need to be shy, we're a welcoming crowd and it'll be fun. Plus we're all geeks anyway!
posted by adrianhon at 3:44 PM on October 26, 2008

I'm in!
posted by armoured-ant at 5:06 AM on October 27, 2008

Anyone working in central London want to meet up somewhere first and head over to Wood Green in a little group?

Optamystic - What time are you expecting folk to start rolling up?
posted by MrMustard at 3:32 AM on October 28, 2008

I would be up for that, MrMustard - providing that we go somewhere even moderately reachable! Since Wood Green is on the Piccadilly Line, how about the Glasshouse Stores?
posted by adrianhon at 4:07 PM on October 28, 2008

I will be there from about 7:30ish, so anytime after that is fine. The earlier the better. Pizza joint stops delivering at 11.

I'd like to get a rough headcount, so if you plan to come, and you have not made it known already, could you please give a shout out in this thread?

See ya'll soon.
posted by Optamystic at 1:49 AM on October 29, 2008

I'll be there. I'm also up for meeting in town beforehand.
posted by Acarpous at 3:08 AM on October 29, 2008

It looks like I'll be arriving at Victoria Coach Station -- I'm happy to meet up as well :)
posted by kalimac at 4:46 AM on October 29, 2008

Sounds like a great idea. We have out-of-town (American) guests that night and I have no idea what they want to do so me and mrs. V are out.

I do love that the next day, Wednesday, Democrats Abroad is having a party at...The Texas Embassy.
posted by vacapinta at 6:19 AM on October 29, 2008

btw, should anyone have any problems finding the place, my mobile number is as follows: oh seven eighty eight - seven ninety nine - nineteen hundred. (Scrape that, spammer-bots).
posted by Optamystic at 8:08 AM on October 29, 2008

Everyone! (To the tune of 'Star Spangled Banner'):

Oh seven eighty eight,
Seven ni-inety nine,
Nine hundred...

etc.
posted by armoured-ant at 10:43 AM on October 29, 2008

I'll be on the late-ish side, but I'll get there at some point.
posted by ahughey at 10:54 AM on October 29, 2008

I might pop round too if that's ok!
posted by stevanl at 3:20 PM on October 29, 2008

May I be so bold as to suggest The Ship Tavern for the pre-meet-up meet-up? Right behind Holborn tube, so handy for the Piccadilly line, but also near the 243 stop, meaning we could just hop on the bus direct to Optamystic's place. Also has a supermarket nearby which could be raided for supplies.

I can be there from about 6.00pm. Acarpous? adrianhon? Anyone else? What say you?
posted by MrMustard at 4:10 AM on October 30, 2008

MrMustard, I say that is good - I would probably make it for closer to 6:30pm though.
posted by adrianhon at 5:20 AM on October 30, 2008

I can be at the Ship Tavern at 6. Plus I've been to Optamystic's place before, and only gotten lost twice, so I could be handy to have around.
posted by Sparx at 6:05 AM on October 30, 2008

I'll meet you lot at the Ship for 6pm before I head to my meeting. I'll catch up with you again at Optamystic's later in the night.
posted by ahughey at 6:54 AM on October 30, 2008

Is everyone planning to meet at the pub? If so, I can meet there, as well.
posted by Optamystic at 8:10 AM on October 30, 2008

6pm at The Ship it is.
posted by Acarpous at 9:23 AM on October 30, 2008

Yay! I'll be at The Ship at 6.

(And hooray for trekking out together. I'm tired of getting lost in various cities. No one needs to see that much of Newport.)
posted by kalimac at 3:45 PM on October 30, 2008

Hello hi!
I might show face at The Ship too in stead of my poor nine-to-five-bound brother, chrismear.
posted by lucidium at 7:24 PM on October 30, 2008

Unfortunately I've got to be lucid the following day, but I'll be there in spirit...
posted by randomination at 3:53 AM on October 31, 2008

I will catch up with you all in Wood Green. I should be there about 9 or maybe a bit later. Shouldn't be a problem finding it, I used to live the other side of Lordship Lane.
posted by Infinite Jest at 12:28 PM on October 31, 2008

Some useful cheat sheets for when things will be happening in the polls tomorrow:

What to Watch For (by Nate Silver, 538)
Daily Kos crib sheet (PDF)
posted by adrianhon at 12:48 PM on November 3, 2008

Ms Jest will also be joining me, hope that's OK.
posted by Infinite Jest at 2:44 PM on November 3, 2008

Haven't been to The Ship for a long while so I'll definitely see you guys there.
posted by DaRiLo at 3:54 PM on November 3, 2008

I don't have a MeFi sign, but I do have a friendly face, and a half read copy of 'Catch-22'. I'll more than likely be propping up the bar with a pint in hand. See you there.
posted by MrMustard at 1:45 AM on November 4, 2008

Looks like I'll probably be early to The Ship -- I'll rig a quick sign if I can, but otherwise I'm the one wearing either a red jumper or bright blue sweatshirt, very short blonde hair and reading some massively dull-looking chemistry book :) The American accent's not a bad giveaway, either.

(Do MrMustard and I get extra points if we're sitting next to each other in blissful ignorance? Because I would totally manage that. It's a talent.)
posted by kalimac at 2:37 AM on November 4, 2008

kalimac - When you say early, how early do you mean? I'd hate to leave a fellow MeFite drinking alone. I get jealous, you see.
posted by MrMustard at 2:49 AM on November 4, 2008

BTW, we have plenty of bandwidth and wireless capacity, so bring your laptops if you're so inclined. We have a couple of webcams as well, if the ustream.tv idea is still alive. Also, the place is a bit, um, lived-in at the moment, so don't expect too much.

See ya'll around 7:15 at The Ship.
posted by Optamystic at 3:11 AM on November 4, 2008

Woah! I only came onto MeTa to check possible meetups in the vaguest way, and here there's one not five minutes from me. I'll be coming along too, if that's okay -- 8.00pm-ish, I would guess.
posted by Drexen at 4:02 AM on November 4, 2008

If there's early drinking, I'll be there. Gonna be a long night.
posted by ahughey at 4:23 AM on November 4, 2008

MrMustard -- hee! If traffic behaves, my bus will get in at 5:15. Assuming I don't get horribly lost, I'll probably be at The Ship around 5:30. (I'll be the one in the brilliant blue Cardiff University sweatshirt.)

Optamystic -- awesome! I have my laptop with me. (*With* the power cord, miraculously.) And lived-in == cosy, after university housing :) I also tossed a camera in my bag, so it should be a well-documented night.
posted by kalimac at 5:30 AM on November 4, 2008

I'll drop by The Ship on my way home tonight. I live a couple blocks from Holborn station.

Probably be there about 6:15 or so.
posted by vacapinta at 6:38 AM on November 4, 2008

I'll be at the pub earlyish too, bearing Krispy Kreme and Pro Plus.
posted by Acarpous at 6:49 AM on November 4, 2008

I'll be at the Ship from about 6ish, but will have to bow out early as I'm doing journalism/drunkblogging overnight. (You can has shoutout, btw.)
posted by flashboy at 9:14 AM on November 4, 2008

I'm headed out and should be at the Ship close to 5:30pm.
posted by ahughey at 9:22 AM on November 4, 2008

Hurrah, we're in the pub. Downside: this meetup has proved too popular. We are somewhat short of space. Still, beer = good.
posted by flashboy at 10:33 AM on November 4, 2008

Everybody have a fabulous time. I'm in UK - what channel should I watch??
posted by Hugobaron at 12:29 PM on November 4, 2008

Hugobaron - BBC1 from 11.20 onwards is almost certainly your best bet.
posted by flashboy at 1:18 PM on November 4, 2008

Oh dear: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mefi-london-live
posted by chrismear at 1:22 PM on November 4, 2008

I'm sitting in Optamystic's living room with about eight other people all furiously tapping away on laptops. Awesomest. meetup. evar.
posted by kalimac at 1:31 PM on November 4, 2008 [2 favorites]

This is the best place to be following the election in London. We're on the telly and everything.
posted by MrMustard at 1:39 PM on November 4, 2008

Oh! Check you out! Alas that Wood Green was that much further away than Hackney! Enjoy proceedings, see you in the brave new post-results world...
posted by freya_lamb at 2:39 PM on November 4, 2008

p.s. Nice lounge Optamystic!
posted by freya_lamb at 2:40 PM on November 4, 2008

My internet is fucking fucked and won't load up some sites at all and I can't login to Typepad or access any Six Apart site of any kind and it's all gone completely fucking to shit.

Say, if I tell one of you guys the login details, would you do my job for me for a bit until I unfuck my internet?
posted by flashboy at 2:50 PM on November 4, 2008

Optamystic is outraged at your intransigence, freya_lamb ;) Apparently the 243 goes straight from Hackney to Wood Green. Plus we have people all the way from Cardiff here!

There's an empty seat and a laptop waiting for you :)
posted by adrianhon at 2:51 PM on November 4, 2008

Gah, but another election do was so much closer to hand - bad manners to hop out on my host before even the first result surely?!
posted by freya_lamb at 2:57 PM on November 4, 2008 [1 favorite]

I'll do it flashboy. I'm calling it for Palin. (Because Mcain just died. I can't believe you didn't know that.)
posted by MrMustard at 3:00 PM on November 4, 2008 [1 favorite]

I rode a bus for three hours to get here, which is apparently an eternity in the country. No excuses!

flashboy: do...we have to ensure that you keep your job tomorrow? Because that affects our collective answer.
posted by kalimac at 3:01 PM on November 4, 2008

Well, I managed to get a holding post up using my phone. I'll hold off on getting you drunken oafs to do my proxy-blogging for now; there's only one drunken oaf I trust with this job, and it's me*.

* I don't really trust myself either.
posted by flashboy at 3:19 PM on November 4, 2008

Having fun over there? I have to go to bed like a responsible adult now. :(
posted by randomination at 3:25 PM on November 4, 2008

Yeah.
posted by chrismear at 4:39 PM on November 4, 2008

Channel 4 gives it up: here
posted by MrMustard at 5:12 PM on November 4, 2008

Old fuckers make shit Presidents.
posted by MrMustard at 6:05 PM on November 4, 2008

But the news is good. Yay.
posted by MrMustard at 10:10 PM on November 4, 2008

Nice time, all. Now to try to work today.
posted by ahughey at 12:58 AM on November 5, 2008

That was a great meetup (the result helped). Thank you very much Optamystic, and good to meet you all (again in some cases).

Slept till 2pm. Sleep is good.
posted by Infinite Jest at 6:24 AM on November 5, 2008

I too slept until the afternoon. Woke up with a bit of party popper streamer in my ear.

Good to meet everyone, thanks to Optamystic for being such a fab host!
posted by Acarpous at 8:29 AM on November 5, 2008

Oh y'all. I skipped out of the other party at 2.30am, but stayed up to watch california's call with you lot online. Good to be a part of it, even at arm's length. Go-bama!
posted by freya_lamb at 9:02 AM on November 5, 2008

Thank you Optamystic! You're an awesome host :)

Running on about three hours of sleep here, and planning on crashing soon. mmm, sleep.

(Also, everyone was enjoying wine in the garden when I left today. At 10am. So it might be awhile before the others check in, I'm saying.)
posted by kalimac at 10:25 AM on November 5, 2008

Great to be there with you all, Optamystic was a truly fantastic host. Must sleep now.
posted by tallus at 3:27 PM on November 5, 2008

Sleep. Finally.
posted by ahughey at 4:58 PM on November 5, 2008

Thanks everyone for coming out. Good times, good company, good result.
posted by Optamystic at 5:59 AM on November 6, 2008

And good ribs.
posted by chrismear at 12:53 PM on November 6, 2008

My photos are up on Flickr. I am rubbish with names and lazy, so feel free to tag, caption, remix, etc.
posted by Optamystic at 6:25 AM on November 7, 2008

Oh, yeah. The thread.

I honestly don't remember much after about 3am, I think. I had a weird sense of deja u when (apparently re-)watching Obama's acceptance speech, though.

Good times.
posted by armoured-ant at 12:37 PM on November 7, 2008

Thank you Optamystic! And the ribs were indeed delicious.
posted by adrianhon at 4:59 AM on November 8, 2008