Epic Challenge pt 7

Things over heard at bars:

"They're doing a red line bar crawl, with a game that is awesome!"
- bartender at Davin Bar + Kitchen

"I can sing that shit a Capella!"
- FreakyBalloon

Epic Challenge pt 6

Third stop, Blarney Stone. People grabbed food. We're almost done with the southern portion of the crawl...

Epic Challenge pt 5

The med kit.

Epic Challenge pt 4

Final day of reveals leading up to Saturday. I present to you, the official rules and penalties for the Epic Challenge.

Epic Challenge Rules

1. Everyone buys their own round.
2. Minimum one round per bar.
3. No refusals (unless intoxicated).
4. A unanimous decision will allow for up to two bars skipped (one south of DTX, one north of DTX).
5. Cannot start drinking until everyone has been served.

Epic Challenge Penalties

Penalties are in Crawl Reputation points

1. Refusing a round when not intoxicated  (500 pts)
2. Not finishing a round before group leaves bar (250 pts)
3. Spilling a drink (100 pts)
4. Starting to drink before everyone is served (250 pts)
5. Falling down in public (500 pts)
6. Falling asleep during the crawl (1000 pts)
7. Vomiting (Game Over)

Reputation Points will be explained on Saturday, as will the final "Activity." Therefore, it is important to be on time. We will meet at 11:30am at Ashmont Station, across from where the buses depart. I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Epic Challenge pt 3

When attempting a task such as the one that will take place this Saturday, information is key. Yesterday, I rolled out some info on necessary items and suggested items. Today, I present the "map." I've been asked several times "where are we going?" Or, "What bars are we gonna stop at?" I've been holding back these answers until now. Look below at the chart for a glimpse of the path we will take this weekend.

RED LINE STOP	BAR NAME	PRICE	NOTES	BAR ETA
Ashmont	Ashmont Grill	$$	Credit/Cash	12pm
Shawmut	Centre Bar	$	Credit/Cash	12:45pm
Fields Corner	Blarney Stone	$$	Credit/Cash	1:30pm
Savin Hill	Savin Bar & Kitchen	$$	Credit/Cash	2:15pm
Andrew	Sports Connection	$	Cash Only	3pm
Broadway	Amrheins	$$	Credit/Cash	3:45pm
South Station	Tavern in the Square	$$	Credit/Cash	4:30pm
Downtown Crossing	J.J. Foley's	$	Credit/Cash	5:15pm
Park Street	Jm Curley	$$	Credit/Cash	6pm
Charles MGH	Beacon Hill Pub	$	Cash Only	6:45pm
Kendall/MIT	State Park	$	Credit/Cash	7:30pm
Central Square	The Field	$	Cash Only	8:15pm
Harvard Square	Felipe's Taqueria	$	Credit/Cash	9pm
Porter Square	Toad	$	Credit/Cash	9:45pm
Davis Square	Sligo Pub	$	Cash Only	10:30pm

All price points are based off the Yelp pricing scale. You can see that the plan is to be cost-efficient while imbibing. Take note of the the "Bar ETA." There is a pace and we will do our best to maintain it. But, fear not; no one will be left behind. In my clan, everyone makes it home in one piece.

Now that you have the itinerary and the schedule, begin your preparation!

Epic Challenge pt 2

I am five days away from my Epic Challenge and support for my task has been overwhelming. When I initially posted the event, there was an immediate response from my friends. Many said I was nuts to attempt something so outrageous. Others applauded my determination and pledged their aid to my cause. Because I appreciate those who have said they will crawl with me, I have decided to reward them with fun activities (besides imbibing) along the way. Those who come along with me have opportunities to earn Reputation, honor, and rewards. That being said, I want to make sure everyone who participates is ready and fully prepared to do so. Here is a list of some items you will need as well as some things to think about.

Necessary Items

• MBTA Charlie Card - You can't get anywhere without a "ship." This is your means of travel. I suggest a Day Pass since it will cover you for the duration of the event and is fairly priced.
• A valid form of Identification - Make sure you are able to play. Don't be the person who can't get in; that's just lame.
• Funds - Call it cash, money, glimmer, whatever, you'll need to bring some along. Most places will accept credit/debit cards, but there are a few that do not. Plan accordingly.

Recommended Items

• Restorative Drinks - There will be some basic supplies on hand, but it will be a good idea to carry something that will replenish electrolytes. It's a long day; you don't want to tap out early.
• Comfy Shoes - There will be some walking involved.
• An Open Mind - The Event will ask much of you. Prepare yourself to rise to the challenge. 

I am close enough now to see the Challenge unfolding in front of me and those who stand with me. I will share more details and advice as the days advance. I'm looking forward to sharing all that transpires this Saturday.

Videoblog

Random Thoughts pt 10: Creation

Building stuff is difficult. I don't mean that in the physical sense; I'm speaking mainly about the process of taking something in your head and making it a reality. People have all sorts of ideas, thoughts, and philosophies on the creative process, but when you get down to it, it's not easy.

I'm making a card game to go along with a certain challenge I put in front of myself recently. The creative process behind it has been interesting and more challenging than I thought it would be. Even with the help of a good friend, there have been some obstacles. I like the fact that once I told him my idea, he was all in, but now we find ourselves in the middle of a creation process that seems to go on exponentially the more effort we put into it.

There have been moments where we are thinking the same thing, and other times where our ideas are at polar opposites, but I think both scenarios are a good thing. We are working to make this product awesome, even if it's only for our friends. That drive towards and for perfection, while annoying at times, is the very reason we have come up with such great ideas. I think in the end, all of the stress and struggle will be worth it.

There will be a moment, that singular moment when we reveal our work, show what it is exactly that we have been creating. In that moment, we will reap the bounty of our harvest, so to speak. The looks on our friends faces will be the reward for our labor. It will signal that we did not toil in vain, but, in fact, made something that they love and cherish.

Also, it'll get them quite intoxicated and have them do very silly things... I can't wait!