Tales from the Creeper: Part One

This is the first part to a series devoted to creepers. They are everywhere these days -- in every bar, at work, and sometimes in your own home!

Nicky and I were trading horror stories, and decided to catagorize the levels of creep into this handy chart:

(Click image to see larger)

Note, these stories are based on actual events.

If anyone else has stories to share, we would love to hear them! Click on comment below and let us know the level and the details of your creeper encounters.

And please keep in mind: A creeper's creep level may escalate without warning! Stay safe.

o_O Ali

Our transition from yep! groupies to members.

As I mentioned in my previous post, Nicky and I were about to embark on an adventure deep into yep! territory.

This event was in a conference room in the upstairs of the Brewerie, which obviously wouldn't work with our usual 'casual appearance' strategy. But, you can't lurk for too long without being a creeper, so it was time to make our move.

We got there about an hour early and decided to get some appetizers and drinks. This was my first time at Brewerie and I have mixed feelings about it. Initially, there was an overwhelming odor of musty, flooded basement. Haha, or maybe they just dredged their carpets and furnishings from the depths of Lake Erie. We moved on toward the other side of the bar and it was a little better. Is this normal or did they just experience some unfortunate event?

Brewerie fun facts:

• Martinis are half off during happy hour on Mondays.
• Appetizers are half off starting at 5 p.m.
• The spinach/artichoke dip has more spinach and artichokes than butter.
• After two drinks the sunken ship smell doesn't linger as bad.

After a few drinks and an appetizer, we moved upstairs to the event. Surprisingly, we actually sat at a table with others... and not at the tempting empty table. The three gentlemen at our table were welcoming and nice. We made small talk until the presentation began. The president, vice-president, and membership chair all spoke briefly about the organization's purpose and upcoming events. Their humor was sarcastic and they promised many booze-filled events, including a kickball tournament [!!!]. They were both welcoming and convincing, causing Nicky and I to upgrade from groupie-creepers to members. I really believe this group has more people lurking than actual members. Perhaps it is the calling of Nicky and I to spread the word and get these people out of hiding. I would say that we are basically on our way to a yep! takeover, but I don't want to get too ambitious too soon.

So, here's to my first attempt at community involvement.


Ali


UPDATE: I am now a paid member.

Yep! Orientation event tonight.

Tonight there is a Young Erie Professional event: Spring New Member Orientation @ Brewerie 5:30-7 pm.

http://email.thenewline.com/t/ViewEmail/r/3726CB7D7B4C8A10/C67FD2F38AC4859C/
Scroll down for RSVP info.

I've been finding out lately that Nicky and I are not the only yep! groupies out there. By groupie I mean you: go to an occasional yep! event (especially happy hours), scope out the people and the situation, but avoid actual commitment. So, if anyone wants to join our sub-group of yep! that would be great - safety in numbers, right?

Coming soon: my yep! event summary. Will we own up and become actual members tonight? Or will we slyly lurk and hide behind our cocktails as usual? To be continued...

xo, Ali

St. Patty's Day: A quick rundown.

This year, I tried something new and went with the morning/afternoon shift. Good call, because the weather was gorgeous (for once) making bar hopping much easier. Lucky me had off the entire day from work and class.

I began my adventure at 9 a.m. at Cellblock. There was a decent sized crowd of all ages, many in costume or decoration. Apparently there was also a breakfast buffet, but I avoided it because I only saw one person in the whole place with a plate. The specials were boring- $3 Bud bottles, $2 pitchers. Local radio station -Star 104- was there for the first few hours with entertaining games and prizes. We left shortly after they did when the weird, party killing music came on.

Next, we moved on to Sluggers (a.k.a the old Pecadillos). It was my first time back since the remodeling/name change, and I was definitely impressed. I'll have to check back some night to see if my approval lasts, however. It had lots of space and places to sit, and the D.J. changed the music at our request (crunk hits to wake us up from Cellblock!!). Even though the specials were just as boring, the atmosphere was much better and gave me the boost I needed to continue.

My friends and I then walked up to Nelson's, where I immediately ordered their Italian Lemon Ice Martini. This drink has the perfect amount of sweet, tart, and booze for any time of the day. Loves this. Afterward, I took a little break from everything and had lunch with my boyfriend at Calimari's, and a Grey Goose and pink lemonade-- which I like to call a Fluffy Bunny.

I began to slow down, now full of booze and food. It was approaching 2 p.m., and I haven't been one for endurance drinking in a few years. I found my group as they were leaving Plymouth headed back to Cellblock. Considering my drowsy state and the dread of going back to hott mess Cellblock, I decided to venture home and end the festivities.

Overall, I was unimpressed with the drink specials offered at the various bars. I mean, really? I guess the average $2 pitcher of green beer was a decent bargain, but what about shots, etc.? Parking was easy though, especially since walking wasn't a problem because of the nice weather. I parked for most of the morning in the garage across from Sluggers for only $3.

So what did everyone else do to celebrate? And for those who took the night shift-- how was it? Were the drink specials any better?

xo Ali

Website Addiction of the Week

My addiction has turned into addictions this week. The newly blocked Facebook at work has forced me on to new territories. Probably a good thing, FB has the tendency to make an online creeper out of anyone.

1. http://www.fmylife.com/ – This addiction is really serious. I totally lose track of all time when I am reading through the lists of awkward and sometimes miserable situations that cause posters to curse their lives.
   
2. http://www.etsy.com/ – A place where people can sell homemade items. Users can set up 'stores' like on eBay, but everything is priced (thus no annoying bid watching). Loves the screen printed totes, tees, etc. The site is perfect place to buy an original gift or to just sift through the weird stuff people decide to make.
   

What do you think of these sites? Or do you have any other entertaining sites that pass the time quickly?

Coming soon: A St. Patty's festivities recap.

No, I don’t know how many rules there are for crashing weddings!

I have discovered the only situation where I have cursed my lack of movie knowledge.

Wednesday night 'Pub Quiz' at Molly Brannigans, of course.

As a first timer myself, I have compiled a list of tips for the fellow newbie:

• Gather at least one good partner. This game seemed awkward for singles. Age or level of intelligence is somewhat irrelevant, because the topics ranged from math to name that '70s disco artist to picture puzzles.
  
• Registration is at 8, but get there a little early. You want to get a good table near the couches and fire place. You also want to get your brain power going with a few Vodka/Diets.
  
• Think of a good team name. This immediately sets your team up for success or failure. With the right name, you can intimidate/flirt with/irritate your competition. Let them know you mean business, whatever it is you mean by that. For example, last night we went by the name Hott Mess and we meant every word of it.
  
• There is no shame in flirting or making friends with your bartender/server/that dude who records the scores.
  
• Use Mobile Google at your own risk. The staff and overly competitive teams are watching. (Again, flirting won't hurt here)

With these basic hints in mind, your first time should run pretty smoothly. Bonus if you can find out the topics ahead of time. A quick Google refresher should put you in the right position to win.

And by win, I really mean win. The prize is a gift certificate of some amount and the pleasure of picking the topics for the upcoming week's contest.

The only negative was the lack of drink specials. They have daily specials running from 5-7, but we were too late. No big deal- The staff was cool, the food (Buffalo Chicken Salad) was awesome, and the Pub Quiz was surprisingly entertaining.

If you are reeeeally early, and the specials are still in effect here is the list. They are not posted on their website and most tables don't have the little ad.

Happy Hour: Monday thru Friday 5pm-7pm

$2 Selections:

Draughts: Killians, Miller Lite

Bottles: Bud Light, Bud, Coors Light, Michelob Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Light, Rolling Rock, Yuengling

Spirits: Gin, Rum, Tequilla, Vodka

Shooters: Kamikaze, Lemon Drop

$3 Selections:

Draughts: Blue Moon, Sam Seasonal

Bottles: Corona, Corona Light, Heineken, Heineken Light, Labatt, Labatt Blue Light Molson, Amstel Light

Spirits: Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Absolut, Stoli, Boru, Tanqueray, Jack Daniels, Jameson, Malibu, Southern Comfort, Kaluha, Jose Cuervo

Shooters: Soco Lime, Jaeger, Irish Apple, Red Headed Sister, Washington Apple

$4 Selections:

Draughts: Guiness, Smithwicks, Harp, Boddingtons, Strongbow

Wines: Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel

Drinks: Vodka Energy, Long Island, Margarita

Martinis: Classic Gin or Vodka, Apple, Cosmo, Lemon Drop, Chocolate

Shooters: Bombs, Tic Tac

Go Team Hott Mess!

xo, Alison

Erie, meet Alison.

Hello, my name is Alison. I am a 24 year old Erie native. Penn State Erie graduate… x2. Most importantly: I am young (too young and too old, at the same time!)… I am bored, and I am stuck in Erie.

So, St. Patrick’s Day is next week and I can’t make it to Pittsburgh for the ubiquitous parade. As usual, I searched the internet for a plan. Boardwalk’s website advertises a late night party over the weekend, but I am also wondering about early morning festivities. Try searching the internet for anything- specials, events, etc… Many establishments have some hott mess MySpace page. The information is either vague or way outdated.

I mean, really? MySpace is free. Update that shit.

The point is: I want to know what is going on, when, and who will be there. I want to read reviews by people who know what they are talking about. I am sick of reading about the new bar opening that is really just an inventory list of tables, games, and square footage with an occasional statement from the bar owner. Who cares how many pool tables they have? Over it.

My goal is to go out and get the real story about what’s up around here. Random happenings, events, openings... whatever.

So, here it goes. Reader comments/submissions are always appreciated--- alisoninerie@hotmail.com.

xo, Alison