06.09 - Nine Inch Nails

The first order of the day was rescuing an awesome bug. I found it on the sidewalk looking frazzled probably because of one of the tremendous thunderstorms we've been having. I put it on the balcony in the shade so it could recover in peace.
Speaking of storms, there was one brewing as we set out for Merriweather Post Pavillion. The sky looked particularly menacing - as did the traffic.

We made it! Street Sweeper Social Club was even kind of entertaining. They at least said some hilarious self-effacing things. And had cute jackets.
The best part, of course, was the amazing show put on by Nine Inch Nails. It was fantastic. Reznor never disappoints. They even played Burn and Dead Souls. Ding!
We did NOT stick around for Jane's Addiction mostly because we were thirsty and starving. So we left and attended to that. All in all an excellent evening.

Relic

For a long time I did not have a favorite restaurant - then along came Jaleo.
Similarly, I haven't really had a favorite bar before. Mind you, I've had bars I've been partial to - The Back Bar at the 9:30 Club, The Black Cat's Red Room, and DC9 - for instance. But no bar that I would proclaim as being MY FAVORITE.

Well, Friends. That time is over. My favorite bar is Relic, in Bethesda.

I know. Not even in a proper city. But let me tell you why it's great (NOT listed in order of relevance).

1. It's by my work. Making it convenient for after-work happy hours.
2. The aforementioned Happy Hour is brilliant - $3 rails, $5 sangria, $3 tapas (and a GOOD selection of tapas - no dregs)
3. Did you catch that they have sangria? Yes. That's number 3.
4. Did you catch that they have tapas? You got it. Number 4.
5. The prices are reasonable.
6. Red velvet couches, and little baroque patterned seats.
7. Crazy animal pattern patch work couches.
8. Horse saddles for bar stools.
9. Unparalleled decor. If you haven't guessed.
10. A full (and excellent) bar.
11. Remarkably not obnoxious electronic music.

I'm pretty sure whoever is responsible for this bar snuck into my head one night and stole my thoughts. It's some weird combination between vampire/cowboy bar (but NOT a vampire cowboy bar).

I'm probably not selling this very well, but that's fine. I hope only enough people come to keep it in business, and that it not become some trendy hotspot. So I can horde it all to myself. Obviously.

Some Scenes from Nature

In preparation for our camping expedition we went for a hike in Greenbelt National Park. Some highlights, below.

Locksley: the outdoorsman

I had this brilliant idea that I should go camping with Locksley. So I bought the stuff - sleeping bag, backpack, tent... you know, the basics. I wasn't actually sure how Locksley was going to take to it, but I'm pleased to report he seems VERY enthusiastic about it all.

This evening I decided to pitch the tent inside (this is what happens when I'm left unsupervised in the apartment) since I heard this is good idea for getting your dog acclimated. "Acclimated" perhaps isn't the word to use for Locksley. As soon as the tent was up, he jumped right in and was thrilled by the whole thing. I'm pretty sure he thought the tent was his own personal dog house.

Infact, when I took the tent down he looked rather dejected. Actually. I think he's giving me the silent treatment.

Camping soon, dog. Promise!

Brilliant, Sir Critter.

I tip my hat to you, Sir Critter. What a brilliant idea. Not only is the concept of "classing up" nature hilarious, but the creatures selected to don the top hat and bowtie are some of the most excellent around. A nudibranch (or sea slug, per the website), above.

Ketel One.

Ketel One has new (ish?) marketing out, and I have to say I'm a fan.

Something about the ultra patriarchal tone, the nod to an era of class and style, the black and white super shiny video quality, and bundling it all up with the phrase "...it was last night" (reminding me of those "..in bed!" jokes).



Like the music? Listen to it here:
"Spread Your Love" - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
I'm not cool enough to really know about these people, but Sam has a CD of theirs.

Honeymoon?

Sam and I are getting married in October. Rumor has it that you go on a honeymoon after getting hitched. We're considering it. Ideas thrown around have been Germany, Spain, Brazil and Portmeirion, Wales.

More recently, the idea to take a road trip cross country has come to mind (partly because we could then take Locksley). Just to see how long this might take, I googled directions.


Please click on the image for a larger view. And take a look at the directions.

Really, Google? Really?