Drinking Liberally Columbia Chapter Blog

Before all the silliness and flippancy, let me start with something serious: Shannon Elizabeth Staley (who was nice enough to help us with the fun events at Jake's Bar & Grill) has asked me to spread the word about an event coming up in July. I will try to replicate her words as closely as I can. It's called Leading Faithfully and will be from July 12th to 14th, a program for training in leadership, advocacy and organizational skills with regard to reproductive justice in South Carolina. The sponsor is the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice in DC. The training is based on NOI (NewOrganizing.com) concepts. Shannon is looking for both participants and people to help with organizing. There will be a fee for participants but it will be low. Shannon is the contact and her email is thestaley311@gmail.com. If you're interested and/or can help out, she would be glad to hear from you. If you can possibly pass this notice on, particularly to young people and to the African-American community, I think she would be very grateful.

And then there were 11 (Delaware) and 12 (Minnesota). Hey, this is fun! Won't 13 make it a revolution?

Our friends Jeff and G. John (aka Glynis) are indeed playing every Thursday night at 9ish at Pearlz Upstairs. (If they're spelling that Pearlz Upstairz, FFS please don't tell me.) It's a really terrific space which you should visit anyway; getting there is the hard part. I took them at their word and just took the outside stairs on Park St. (and Gervais, by the way) but this proves to be the fire escape. I got in, since Jeff was out there making a phone call, but it is recommended that you go in via the front door and ask the way upstairs. Or maybe try a Spiderman entrance. Regardless, jazz lives and the fellows put on a great show.

Once again, the email goes out a bit early due to another doctor's appointment for my dad. Once again, nothing to worry about, totally routine. (Knock wood!)

Oh, and we're having a meeting tomorrow night. It's at Kraken; they have really great food and a large array of beers and ales, the great majority of which are $3/pint on Tuesdays. And the people are nice. And the conversation is interesting. Discussion topics will include re-injecting democracy into the American system. Or possibly Gilligan's Island. Also there is an ever increasing possibility that I may bring peach cobbler muffins. I think you should be there!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, May 14, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Hello beautiful people,
I used to mention it every time a new state legalized same-sex marriage; the wonderful thing is that it's almost stopped being news. That makes it no less excellent that Rhode Island is now the tenth state to join the 21st century. Congrats to Little Rhodians!

Our friend Bradley and POV Cineclub are presenting their monthly movie at Tapp's Arts Center on Main St. Thursday evening (May 9). A dadaist romp, it's called "Daisies" and is in Czech with subtitles. $5 admission with concessions for sale, doors open at 6 with the movie starting at 6:30 with discussion to follow. Sounds like fun!

Our friends Jeff, Glynis, Jonathan and Mark have found another gig apparently, also Thursday (or rather, Thursdays). They are at Pearlz Upstairs (Park and Gervais) from 9 to midnight. This is separate from Pearlz Oyster Bar, or at least if you call the latter they don't know about jazz happening upstairs. I hope the fellows have found a home.

And this very (Monday May 6) night, there's a movie for free at Conundrum: Jandek on Corwood. It's a documentary about a reclusive folk/blues musician named Jandek who seems to prefer being called Corwood but it's hard to say; he's THAT reclusive. Did I mention it's free? I'll be there. Short subjects at 7; movie at 7:30.

On a very personal matter, I'd like to note that my brain appears to have switched back on. So I may not after all have to join the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Too Hip for the Room. But you can't be too sure! You should definitely come out to Kraken tomorrow night, where we will discuss in depth Risking Socialism to Socialize Risk. (Not really; I just thought it was a really neat turn of phrase.)

But seriously, back when I was a yoot, there was a lot of wild talk about the imperial presidency; whatever happened to all that? Come out and we'll talk about it, or monitor the 1st district special election returns. Latest polls suggest that it will not be a joyous night in Mudville. Shows how valuable the highly coveted Ashley Madison and Larry Flynt endorsements are. All the more reason to drink liberally, and enjoy good company, good food, and a wide array of beers (most but no longer all of them) at $3 the pint. And I might bring mini-muffins not entirely unlike peach cobbler. So come on down!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, May 7, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Hello beautiful people,
It's only a week away, the Showdown with the Lowdown aka the SC 1st congressional district special election. (Hey, YOU try to come up with a rhyme for "Lowcountry.") What do you think? Should we go somewhere we can watch election returns? Or ask Kraken to switch one of the TVs to a news channel? Or blow off DL and go to the victory celebration of the party of our choice? Should we request "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" over and over and over again? Does anyone want to have a returns-watching party at your house? Share thoughts and opinions on any or all of the questions above by writing back before next Monday by 3 or so and I'll do my best to follow your dictates (ruling out of course anatomical impossibilities).

Myself, I'm just boundlessly tickled every time I think about Stephen Colbert getting to do Better Know a District with his sister. (Can't find a new poll, but here's the freaking Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/29/odds-south-carolina-sanford-v-colbert-busch) However, I don't remember the last time a sitting senator resigned to take over a yoyo factory, so I'm a little unclear on the procedure. (Oh all right, the Heritage Foundation; a yoyo factory would have been more honorable.) I guess a special election in one district won't take as long as a general election does, but my fabulous psychic powers suggest that the folks in the more R-leaning areas will still manage to drag their feet on reporting returns until they know what they have to beat. In other words, I just don't know whether or not we'll have a result by the time DL usually breaks up anyway.

THIS week, however, I DO know, and that is that you should come down to Kraken for wondrous food, an awesome selection of beers for only $3 per pint, and scintillating conversation. And I'll try to bake something astonishing-- hopefully in the good way. Come on down!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, April 30, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

What a week that was. If it's all the same to you, I'll take a week off from trying to be funny and instead on behalf of the club extend our sympathies to all hurt in the tragedies in Boston and West, Texas and our condolences to the survivors of the people who died. And all due credit to law enforcement for the speedy resolution in Boston. Kudos!

Meanwhile, I'm sorry to report that our friends Jeff and Glynis have lost their gig at Utopia Wednesday nights... unless they want to take up bluegrass, which takes their place. I haven't heard whether they've found a new home yet, but will pass it along when/if I do.

If some of you Shandonians might look in at that hot dog stand adjoining The Publick House as a possible DL venue, I'd be grateful. Turnout at Kraken continues to be, uh, select. Of course, y'all can fix that starting tomorrow night by coming out in droves to enjoy wonderful food, a fabulous array of beers at $3 the pint, and outstanding conversation so long as somebody stuffs a sock in my mouth. I look forward to seeing you; I'm pretty sure Mark Sanford won't break into your house while you're gone. (Knock on wood!)
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, April 23, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Hello beautiful people,
I don't care for conflict in day-to-day life, but I kinda dig scheduling conflicts when all the events in question are really great. This one will more likely affect me than it will y'all. Our friend Ross is bringing the (free jazz) band The Engines from Chicago tomorrow night to Conundrum. Ostensibly, the show starts at 8, but if you're familiar with Jazz Standard Time, you know what the odds are that that will happen. However, if I suddenly run out tomorrow night, you'll know it's for a good reason, and you should definitely follow! I think one of us is already out front of Conundrum holding up a lighter waiting for them!

Let's see, what's going on in the world. SC Congress-alleged-person Jeff Duncan says that background checks could lead to Rwanda-like genocide: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/04/12/1857321/gop-congressman-warns-background-checks-will-lead-to-a-genocide-like-in-rwanda/?mobile=nc
You may have heard, like I did that the Georgia governor had declined to endorse an integrated prom (in 2013) because he didn't want to take sides. That's amazing enough, but I had missed that his spokesman called the prom "a silly publicity stunt." http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/12/georgias-republican-governor-wont-endorse-towns-first-racially-integrated-prom/

Meanwhile, this here organization (the national DL, I mean) is celebrating its tenth anniversary coming up the weekend of May 4th in NYC. If you're interested in going, reply to this here email (replies, for the new folks, come only to me) and I'll pass along whatever information I have. A few weeks after that will be the fourth anniversary of this here person as a member of this organization. I'm unclear as to whether national celebrations are planned for this event.

Just like last week, the email is slightly early due to a totally non-alarming doctor's appointment for my dad. He's doing comparatively well these days, actually (knock on wood).

So come out come out to Kraken tomorrow night for wonderful food, a wide array of beers at $3 per pint, and sparkling conversation. And if anyone wants to come along to see the Engines, well that would be fun, too!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, April 16, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Hello beautiful people,
Come on out to Kraken Tuesday! We'll tell you some stories, and nearly everything on the vast (is that "draught" or "draft"? Whichever) beer list is $3 per pint. We so hope to see you.

Also I may be bringing almond butter fudge. My attempt at frangipancakes turned out less well than I preferred, so I may go with something I know that turns out great. Another good reason to turn out.

For once, our continuing bilocation problem does not crop up on Tuesday, but instead on Thursday. Blue Cactus' Julie Reese Culclasure, friend to practically everybody on this list, lost her husband unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. There is a benefit for her at Jake's Thursday. Jake's is donating a percentage of their sales from happy hour (4-9 pm) that day. There will be music on the deck, including Paul Brazell, Ryan Alexander, Tom Hall and the Plowboys, Pocket Buddha, 88 Rewind, The Harlem Downtrotters. Jake's is still just up the hill from Five Points at 2112 Devine St.

Also Thursday, our friend Bradley, curator for P.O.V. Cineclub, is showing "The Spook Who Sat By The Door" at the Skyline Room at Tapps Art Center from 6 until 10. Movie starts at 7. Admission is $5. I know I'll be trying to bilocate Thursday to participate in both events; I hope you will, too.

Harry more or less confirmed my memory of our earlier conversation. Women in Black convene from 5-6 pm Wednesdays in front of the State House to protest against war and US participation in wars. Harry says there's also a Men's Auxiliary; put another way, men are welcome. (Also, nobody needs to wear black.) I hope folks can take part.

This is going out somewhat early today as my dad has a doctor's appointment. Nothing either scary or Earth-shattering; just bad timing vis-a-vis sending out the weekly email.

So come to Kraken Tuesday for good food, good drink, good people, almond butter fudge that might yet lead to the formation of a new world religion, and some stories you flat won't believe. Come on!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, April 9, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Not long ago in a galaxy not particularly far away...
The Geoffdi Alliance was in disarray. They were losing hope of ever returning to 2108, and the host, Darth Jantzler, was no help at all. But then, faster than you can say Ewok, something changed. Maybe it was big cash from Disney. Regardless, DL returns this week to Chef Geoff's 2108 State St. Bar and Grill. So to all who requested this return, yay and congratulations.

From the foregoing, you can probably infer that I'm not overly enthusiastic about the change. I'm still displeased about Trivia Night, and I'd rather stay at Kraken; I hardly think we gave it a chance. However, change is often both good and fun, 2108 has a menu that people like (and still has a 93% rating on UrbanSpoon).

But hey, it's a fun, comfortable place, the staff is nice and the location is pretty handy. Also I have almond butter fudge. You'll find us on the State St. side. Come on out!

PS Personal to Harry Rogers: Can you reply to this email (replies only come to me, not the whole group) with more information about the Women in Black? I'd like to spread the word, but all I can remember with some confidence is Wednesdays, 5:30 at the State House, that it's a protest against wars, and that non-women and people not wearing black are also welcome. If you can expand on this, I'd appreciate it.
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, April 2, 7:15ish
Where: 2108 State St. Bar and Grill, Cayce

Hello beautiful and hopefully magical people,
After last week, when a short, sober email was associated with excellent turnout for the meeting at Kraken, I was going to do a gag about, well, not trying to write funny emails anymore. However, as it turns out, this really is quite serious. I need to say again, in all sincerity: we love you, we want to see you, but we don't mind seeing you late. Because there are two wonderful scheduling conflicts tomorrow, and if you want to go to one or another (or both if you're really, really good) and also want to come to DL, most definitely do. We sometimes break up a little early, but call me at 803-445-8497 and I'll wait for you. The free beer probably will, too.

The SC United for Marriage Equality rally is happening tomorrow at 5 at the State House. You are asked to wear red. Afterwards there is a presentation at the Law School on legal issues facing same-sex couples. Further details are here: http://www.facebook.com/events/449826791756352/ I'll be there at least for a while, dialysis clinic willing.

Meanwhile at Conundrum (626 Meeting St., W.Cola), The Health Care Movie will be shown for free, starting at 6. It is a comparison between the Canadian and American health care systems. The movie is 65 minutes long followed by a ten-minute addendum. Further details here: http://www.facebook.com/events/549597081741039/

See, this is why I told you to practice bi-locating! As for us, we'll be at Jake's checking out the new menu. Did someone say something about free beer? I'm not making any promises (this time) but as I understand it, if you order food, you will get a free pint of your choice (or a free soda if you prefer). The new menu is very cool (I think there's even something that I can eat); I think you'll be impressed. So come on down, early, on time or late, and I know we'll have a great time!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, March 26, 7:15ish
Where: Jake's Bar & Grill, 2112 Devine Street, Columbia

Hello beautiful people,
I think it would be lovely if you would come to DL Tuesday evening for fun, food, fellowship, frivolity and $3 draft beverages. Oh, and fudge, that starts with F, too, doesn't it? I'll be bringing along peanut butter fudge from the recipe borrowed from San Antonio.

I think it would be almost equally lovely if you would like or otherwise follow our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/DrinkingLiberallyColumbiaSc where you'll likely hear about changes coming soon, or at the very least about free beer. So it's totally worth your time.:)

So come see us at Kraken Tuesday for a whole lot of things starting with F, most especially crazy mad fun!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, March 19, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Hello beautiful people,
Due to the time change, this email has been sent out an hour earlier than usual. Or later. Or something. Also, it should be read in a Midwestern accent until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.

I for one am feeling much better about Kraken as a venue since we had a lovely, relaxed meeting last Tuesday. It's still louder than is ideal, but when are you going to find an ideal? It is otherwise ideal, and that's pretty darned good. Come and see!

Our friend and longtime DLer Bradley may be at the meeting Tuesday (to continue plotting our ten-state loitering spree) but in case he isn't I will mention on his behalf that his P.O.V. (cineclub) is meeting this Thursday (and every 2d Thursday of the month) in the Skyline Room at the Tapp's Arts Center, 1644 Main St. Movie Thursday is "Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession." Doors 6 pm, movie 7 pm, admission $5. Don't miss it!

Speaking of really big shows, our friend Tom Law at Conundrum is putting one on for free this Tuesday night. What's more, it doesn't start until 9, so you can come to DL AND go to the show, and I think you should. Names are not familiar (except bigSphinx which is Tom himself) but the main act was a big influence on Beck. YouTubes and further information here: http://www.facebook.com/events/155351004623024/?ref=25

I keep thinking about the odd rise of superchurches in the last few decades and their peculiar adherence to right wing talking points that are noticeably at variance with the teachings of the Prince of Peace. I wonder particularly where the money came from. If churches aren't taxed, are they regulated? Does anybody know, say, if some of these outfits might be funded by, say, Exxon? Come on out Tuesday and tell me all about it. Tell me I'm crazy; I don't care! Or just come down to Kraken for good times, good food, good drink, good conversation and good people. Also, every Tuesday is $3 pint night; come on down!

PS: No pope, radio!
--John
What: Drinking Liberally
When: Tuesday, March 12, 7:15ish
Where: Kraken Gastropub, 2910 Rosewood Drive, Columbia