Adventures on Franklin St.

Last night after watching some brilliant Olympic events, Scott, Laura and I headed down to Kildare’s Irish Pub on Franklin Street to see Tripp, one of my favorite local bands.  Per usual, some interesting ratings came along with it…

KILDARE’S DECISION TO CONTINUE PLAYING MUSIC WHILE THE BAND PLAYED: 1

I’m a little bit confused why you would hire a live band, and then continue blasting music on your speakers… +1 because the band played loud enough that once they started you couldn’t hear the other music.

KILDARE’S DECISION TO PUT THE OLYMPICS ON MANY LARGE SCREEN TV’S: 9!

This meant I got to watch Apolo’s finals race for his first medal this Olympics (which proved my point about the precariousness of speed skating once the 2nd and 3rd Korean skaters crashed meters before the finish, giving Apolo the silver)!  However, it also meant that half the people at the bar were facing TVs rather than socializing or paying attention to the band… not sure how I felt about that once Apolo was done.

THE RETURN OF HUGH SWASO: 10

When we first discovered Tripp last winter, one of our favorite parts was the awesome guitar player with the dreads.  Sadly, he has left the band and I no longer get to enjoy his impressive showmanship.  However, last night when Tripp took a break from playing, the guitar player and his new band, Swaso, played.  LOVED IT.

Everything from Prince to Taylor Swift, it was a pretty impressive range of covers.

The crowd was super into it, and at one point he ended up on top of a bar table playing his guitar with his teeth.  And it still managed to sound good.  No idea how that happens, but they definitely rocked.

If you’re interested in checking them out, they’re playing next Friday at the Cat’s Cradle.  If my parents weren’t in town I’d definitely be there, so it comes with a high recommendation from me.

SWASO’S OTHER GUITAR PLAYER (or was it a bass?  I can never tell…): 3

I’m sure he was good as I definitely didn’t hear any bad sounds, but not nearly as entertaining as Hugh and played the whole time with a weird ‘I’m so sexy’ smirk on his face.  Not sure what that was about, but wasn’t digging it… Tried to capture it on film, but without flash it only showed up as a blur.  You’re gonna have to trust me on this one, or check it out yourself on Friday.

NEAR-BAR BRAWL: 6

At one point during the night we noticed a huge space opening up in front of us (rare considering how crowded it was) and discovered there was a fight about to happen right in front of us.  In fact, it was already happening but hadn’t yet elevated from screaming to hitting (I was prepared to intervene and use my impressive self-defense skills to kick some butt).

I felt bad for them, as it seemed a bit awkward, but at the same time we were HIGHLY entertained by it.  Clearly too drunk to care who was around and listening.  All in all it provided for some good laughs, and no was hurt while we were there

Her yelling…

And then storming away…

Not for long… now back to do some more yelling.  Eventually he gave up and stormed off and she was left awkwardly alone.  I think she was kinda asking for it.

I suppose that’s enough creepy eavesdropping for one evening.  Until next time, just living for the tens (and obsessively watching Apolo work his way towards a world record!)

Hello Vancouver!

The Olympics are one of my favorite events ever.  Second only to the televised version of the Ironman (I’m such a sucker for all the underdogs), I do love that it provides two weeks of competition, backstories where we learn more about all our favorite athletes(my favorite part) and emotional victories (my second favorite part).  I love it so much I’m legitimately concerned how I will get any work done in the next two weeks.

While I did miss some of the Opening Ceremonies last night (let’s be honest, I pretty much missed all of it) in order to spend some quality time with good people, I’m raring to go today

SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING: 8

Absolutely my favorite event of the winter Olympics.  This began in 2002 when Apolo Anton Ohno entered the scene and I fell in love.  Not only was he a great US speed skater to cheer for (now that the days of Dan Jansen and Bonnie Blair are gone), but he also happens to be incredibly attractive, a huge factor when you’re 18.

On top of Apolo, there’s also the excitement and grace that comes with short track speed skating.  When people take over the lead it’s always a graceful little nudge into the pack, and can happen at any time.  The races are totally unpredictable, even if you have favorites.  This also has the potential to make it heartbreaking (see Apolo circa 2002).

The races don’t last too long, so you’re completely engaged the entire time.  Plus, you get to watch your favorite skater multiple times per event due to the different heats.  Again, an advantage when your favorite skater is that attractive.

-1: the unpredictability makes me really nervous…

-1: the danger factor.  Some of those falls look pretty dangerous.

Needless to say, I’m preparing for Apolo’s first race that will happen in a matter of minutes…

APOLO’S FIRST RACE: 10!

Everything I could have hoped for   Hung back (literally, last) for almost the entire race.  With four laps to go he pulled to the front around the OUTSIDE.  That’s right, while most skaters make their move on the inside (clearly the easiest and quickest way), Apolo is so good, and so fast, that he pulled around everyone and zoomed to the front.  He then had the time to turn around and check where everyone else was TWICE before completely killing them. Will update with a YouTube video as soon as it’s posted (which I’m sure it will be within 24 hours).

I love it.  SO excited for more!!!  (And according to NBC’s convenient Apolo countdown icon in the corner of the screen, I only have 17 minutes to wait )

VANCOUVER WEATHER: 2

How unlikely that Canada would have significantly less snow than DC and Pennsylvania, and would suffer from 50 degree days the month of the winter Olympics.  They then had to ship in snow and actually cancel events.  What if it doesn’t get any warmer?  I’m curious what their alternatives are for downhill skiing if the snow continues to melt…

LUGE ACCIDENT:0

I have to be honest, I’m actually pretty pissed about this one.  So much so, that if I could give negative numbers, this one would definitely dip below 0.

For those who haven’t heard, during practice runs a Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, crashed and died.  What a horrible and tragic way to start the Olympics.  But what makes this even worse are the warnings they received prior to athlete’s arrival about the safety of the track.  It reminds me a bit of the Titanic, where they had the information to prevent the tragedy, but chose not to.  Interesting how they quickly made adjustments to the track after the death, in my mind admitting guilt and finally taking action.

Sorry to end on a sad note, but that kind of stupidity needed a rating.

Off to support my favorite speed skater!!!