We suppose you could make any sport “extreme”, but lighting a baseball bat on fire can really mess with a child’s confidence when he’s at the tee. We suggest letting professionals lead the way when you’re seeking your thrills, so we’ve compiled a list of ten recreational activities found in Houston’s back yard that amp up the adrenaline. No mountains. No problem.
Nearly 12% of Americans claim Irish heritage. However, every March that number spikes as American’s take the opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s second bishop and most famous saint’s death.
Green beer, shamrock headgear/glasses, the one day you acknowledge male gingers — all indicators that make professional drinkers declare the 17th to be “amateur night”, an evening (and most of the day) that many will use as justification to exceed the worst New Year’s Day hangover.
Photo of the Week 3.19.10 by Pixeltopia
As a PSA you are likely to see tweeted again and again: drinking and driving is risky and dangerous. It’s particularly stupid during high profile events such as this. Expect the day/weekend to be declared a no refusal weekend by the police. Cabs or friends on tetracycline (b/c of that out-patient procedure, absolutely NOT related to that hot mess you hooked up with three weeks ago) who cannot drink are your go-to’s.
St. Patty’s is to bartenders what St. Valentine’s is to wait staff—a hellacious evening in which the money will not make up for the crush and inevitable clientele drama (and in the bartenders’ case, the likelihood of needing a mop at some point in the evening). While we cannot endorse green colored beer for the mere fact that it is likely to be domestic swill, this is not an evening to expect a perfectly poured Guinness, and ordering a Black and Tan deserves a major tip. Better yet, just don’t be that guy today.
So where does one go, if not Boston? Here’s a quick rundown of some popular Inner Loop haunts:
Houston is far from perfect, but we think we’ve got some good things going in the Bayou City. In fact, sometimes the things we bitch and moan about can become a deranged source of pride and cityism. Call them first-world problems, call it Stockholm Syndrome, call it what you will, but we work hard and own our mistakes. We’ve thrown together a list of the top Houston rants that, when it comes down to it, are actually the ties that bind.
Look, let’s face a fact. There aren’t nearly enough shuffle board tables in Houston. Earning your chops on the long table is a must for any seasoned drinker. There is a time and place for pool or darts or even Ms. Pacman, but shuffleboard is where the merit badge is earned for your koozie.
We have a couple spots below the jump, but we need your help. We need more options. Lead the way in the comments.
It’s a rite of passage. If you haven’t taken to the 610 loop to blow off some steam at 3 a.m., when the traffic is at a minimum and speed limits are just suggestions, you need to do so. We won’t bill you for the therapy session. Normally, a Listomania follows a Top 10 format, but we’ve compiled the best 20 songs to take you into orbit so you can take to burnin’ yourself a CD (If people still do that).
20.)Fall at your Feet (Crowded House cover) – The Boy & Bear
Sometimes you need a good love song at 3 a.m. This cover fits the bill well.
Admit it. You’ve already forgotten to wish your significant other a “Happy Valentine’s Day.” That’s not putting your best foot forward. Maybe you’re saving that foot to give the boot to the one that your promised to be together forever. There’s no shame in that. You just have to figure out how to give Cupid the snub and get on with your life. Find a good curb to kick your lover to. We’re right behind you… maybe.
Houston’s own Punxsutawney Pig named Remley says winter is over. Suck on that, Eddard Stark. We’re throwing a springtime celebration of some great “patios” in Houston without re-hashing the classics everyone loves (West ‘Bama Ice House, ________, etc.). No, they may not all be patios in the literal sense; pack a picnic or sneak in your flask and coffee filled thermos, it’s all the same to us.
Under the Volcano
Bring: Your inclination for sweet concoctions; some old friends
Their skill with tropical cocktails is well known around Houston. The worn and often warped wood that makes up the front deck creeks with each step as if to welcome you again and again. The dimly colored lights and varied Dio de los Muertos accoutrements provide an evasive cloak; their nature so unique, you simply blend in as your merry existence goes happily unnoticed.
We can’t help but feel that Jim Crane has made a grave mistake. The old guard has hit the curb. It’s time for a new-look Astros to take over. Hell, who needs a just new look? We were looking for a new name. No better way to distance Houston baseball from its dismal, recent past than pretending like it didn’t exist.
With that in mind, The Loop Scoop was actually on the exploratory committee for the Houston Astros name change. Here are the top ten that we came up with before Crane ultimately turned us down.
In the spirit and tradition of giving gold-plated bald men with swords to folks we revere, the nominations are in for Houston’s Oscar-worthy performances. Drumroll please…
10.) Best Visual Effects: Freedom Over Texas
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Not to be bullied by the Beijing Weather Modification Office, Houston’s Freedom Over Texas celebration spit right in the eye of a crippling drought. While other communities bowed to their weather-modifying overlords on July 4, FOT popped caps anyway. Smell like rain? Nope… smells like independence.
2011 brought some extraordinary improvements to Houston. Its allure in all things consumer is becoming a veritable Grow Monster, submerged in beer and queso. Some establishments added to that growth with grand openings, others opened second locations (Tacos A Go-Go, Christian’s Tailgate), and still some closed down, leaving a short lived vacancy for another’s aspiring fortune.
