Reason #1,427 why I need to carry a notepad, tape recorder, and digital camera with me when I go out. What was going to be a quiet night at home turned into “I’ll go out for a couple beers with a co-worker”, which turned into about two napkin games shy of what I used to do for fun in Columbus. Three bars, three entirely different scenes.

While somewhat disappointed by the first bar, it wasn’t too bad. Its less than a half mile or so from my apartment, it had a decent atmosphere (for a place that looks like some kind of lodge at a campground), and while the bartender wasn’t exactly friendly, the rest of the group seemed sociable. Very diverse group there. Younger, older, white, black, blue collar, and… well, maybe a lighter shade of blue collar.

Then we hit bar #2. This is the epitome of why you don’t listen to someone you’ve known for 2 months when it comes to “pretty cool places to grab a beer”. This looks like the place where alcoholics go to drink and forget they’re alcoholics. NASCAR everything on the walls, about 7 TV’s in a room roughly the size of half my apartment, hooked up to an apparent satellite dish that’s signal cut out every 3 1/2 minutes. But, the beers were cheap, there were credits left on the video crack machine, so we let fly into some trivia.

Just about then, this guy, maybe around 22 or 23 sits down next to us, and notices one of the questions on the video crack trivia game is about Europe. He mentions that he was just in Budapest, on a mission with his church. Okay, awkward, but that’s all right, you do the church thing and got to go to Europe. I can dig it. Until he breaks out that he shouldn’t be there, but drinking and smoking pot is the main interruption in his relationship with God. Um, check me if I’m wrong, but that’s something for you and the big guy to work out, and you’re killing my buzz. Nice guy, but that was a bit much. Finishing the time at that bar talking to the drunk (who didn’t think he was drunk, despite a fifty or so dollar bar tab, drinking $2 Miller Lites and having come from a different bar earlier that night) about his trips to Vegas and his mom’s vacations to Ireland was a pretty good alternative.

The need to eat overcame us, so we hit BW3 down the street, and were treated not only to a surprisingly good hamburger for a chicken place, but also the sweet sounds of a young New Edition, as well as a little BelBivDevoe, which I referenced in a post earlier this week. Seriously, I hadn’t heard that song in probably 10 years, and here it is, less than a week after I bring it up. Go figure.

I think there was more to the night, but like I said, I didn’t bring a notebook.

As far as the games go, I’ve been meaning to mention Ladder Golf for awhile. I can see where it looks fun, but it seems a little high maintenance when compared to other lawn-related games out there. But considering Jarts have been outlawed in this country, it seems that a game that’s primary object is referred to as a “bolo” is a pretty solid replacement. How fun of a word is that? “Bolo”. Heh. I giggle just thinking about it. (Ed. Note: I couldn’t find it online, but astute readers will remember the term “bolo” from the film “Half Baked”. And if you don’t remember it, watch the movie until you do. Hell, watch it anyway, I am.)

Second on the games list is an old high school favorite, Leisure Suit Larry (site not necessarily safe for work). I was so excited when I saw this came out that I was ready to head out and buy it immediately. (Un)fortunately, I came across the review at Amazon.com, and its similar to its predecessor in name (and gratuitous digital boobie shots) only, and doesn’t seem to be worth it. The day they come out with a new “Larry” that combines current video technology with the same “take off shirt” text-based gameplay of the original is the day I scan every store in the city to find a copy. But apparently not before then.

Finally, I’ve found a new online gaming addiction at Candystand.com. Well, its actually an old addiction, but with new games and a way to keep my high scores that doesn’t revolve around 3″ x 3″ scraps of paper, I’m loving it. You can even challenge others to the games! Imagine not only playing miniature golf while you should be working, but kicking your friend’s ass while you do! Isn’t technology great? I don’t know how the challenge thing works, but if anyone wants to challenge me, feel free, my username is “bgsu1996”.

That said, I’m working on a way of posting my best scores at various other “online time wasters” soon, just to give you chumps something to work towards.

One more note, I don’t know how much to believe this site, but apparently the NHL season isn’t as much of a lost cause as we all think it is.

Which is nice.