Tag Archives: Finnigan’s Wake Irish Pub & Kitchen

It Slipped My Mind or: Party of 30ish

12 Tuesday Feb 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

I totally forgot to write a blog post about the party on Saturday. The party was the Post-Holiday/Anniversary Shindig at Finnigan’s Wake.

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Special TLD menu from Finnigan’s Wake

Last Sunday was the ninth anniversary of The Less Desirables (as I wrote about) and I believe this was the ninth party. We have always had it at Finnigan’s and this year wasn’t different in the venue sense but it was in the actual logistics sense.

We’ve always gotten the whole back-side of the dining room for the party, this time, we had only 24 seats. I worried because we had a “deposit” for the room and if we didn’t have 24 folks then the deposit could have been lost. I worried all the day before and the day of about filling that. Then about halfway through the day, I thought, hey dumbarse, you only need 12 people with +1s to meet that quota. We had 30 people “confirmed” which almost always means “jack,” as inevitably, someone would either not be able to make it, get sick or something.

That made me feel better. When I got there and the room was set up like it was, I thought, well, surely we’ll just migrate to more seats as they come. That wasn’t to be the case. So, my worry went from not enough butts in the seats to not enough seats for the butts. I did have 10 people that showed up that couldn’t sit with us. I also had three people that waited and finally were seated around us.

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One table of the motley crew…

Don’t hear any of this as complaining as I don’t feel that’s what I was doing, it was just the first year that I was concerned about the party, either too many or too little. I just wanted to mention that. The people who couldn’t stay went to the bar and came over a few times to give their congrats. It worked out fine.

So, I want to thank Finnigan’s Wake for accommodating us this year and commend them on handling our f’ed up situation with style and grace.

I want to thank Paul and Susan Jones, Mark and Janice Schmitz, Kandi Villano, Lori Noel, Melissa Curran, Paden and Stacy Verner, Amanda Hoey, Kent Allen, Beth Blair, Ray and Whitney Morgan, Flannery Holton, Josh and Cherie Schuminsky, John and Dawn McGee, Ed Dean, Dana Spector, Heather Scherer, Karli Dempski (I think I got that right), Phillip Oakley, Maura Marziano, Paul McManus, Bridey Fennell, Rory Sloane, Paul Kwiatkowski, Jim and Dana Moody, Kevin Cammer, Dale Cole, Shonna and Winter Whitley, Misty Burnette and most of all, The BCPF for being there and supporting what I’ve dreamed up over the last few years. I really appreciate it and it means soooooooooo much to me you were there.

Until next year, same podcast party…
Scorp out!

—
“All these people are here for you.” – The BCPF

Sounds Like Saturday or: Igor’s Boogie

09 Saturday Feb 2019

Posted by in Sounds Like Saturday

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 49th anniversary of Frank Zappa’s Burnt Weeny Sandwich album. I have always (stupidly) scoffed at Zappa as just being noise but I recently watched the Classic Albums episode about Over-Nite Sensation and Apostrophe (‘) and found a new respect for him and his work. Here are Roberto Gatto and the Quinto Rigo Band doing “Igor’s Boogie.” Enjoy.

Oh!! And, you’re all invited to Finnigan’s Wake this evening for the TLD Network Post-Holiday/Anniversary Party!!! I do so hope you can make it.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life.” – Frank Zappa

Showing Support or: None of Your Business 40

01 Friday Feb 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Rant

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Salutations™!!

I just wanted to leave a quick (is that possible from me?) word about this town again. I know I went on a tear and ripped it a new one for traffic problems earlier this week. But, as I said on that post, I still love my city dearly and today, I saw more of why.

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The collective response from businesses downtown personified. (Jim Moody by ©Jack Pennington)

There was some condescending post from someone in some official capacity that was directed at businesses downtown who are struggling that says that perhaps these business owners should take some class at the local community college to learn how to start a business or how to make their existing business better as if they don’t know how to operate a business, already. The idea was that the businesses downtown are just whining about the closure of Biz 40 and whatever.

Well, to that person who wrote that garbage, screw you, pal!

These businesses were thriving before the closure. And, I don’t blame the road closure. I blame scare tactics, whether on purpose or inadvertently from media and officials about how bad it is to be downtown now that Biz 40 is out of commission.

Granted the closure of multiple bridges all at the same time has cut a few arteries into town but you can still maneuver. Come from Peters Creek or go a little further east to Cherry or even 52 to get into town.

There are people who will complain just because they already hate the town about how bad the traffic is now that there are only a few arteries into town. Suck it up, furball, this is what progress looks like. That road was built at a time when we were just past covered wagons and it needs to accommodate 100,000 cars a week. It needed to be gone. If you already don’t want to come downtown, there’s nothing that we can tell you or do that would change your mind. We’re not looking to.

Who we are talking to is the people that have just been talked into being scared of being downtown. If you let that nonsense set in, you’re going to set this town back 15 years to what it was when no one wanted to come downtown. It will go back to being a “suburb without a city” that it was in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You can get to it. Just give yourself 20 minutes more to get there. Be patient. We all have to go on those same roads and none of us want to traverse the traffic any more than you do, but we who love downtown for the friends (personal, interpersonal and figurative) we have grown to know. To us, it’s worth the hassle. It will be over soon.

There are plenty of downtown businesses that need your support. It’s not Biz 40s fault, it’s the naysayers. Don’t listen to them.

Tuesday I was at Finnigan’s Wake. Wednesday I was at Zesto Burgers. Yesterday, I visited Coffee Park (Arts), Zesto Burgers (no, it’s not downtown but it’s independently owned in town).  Today, I went to Footnote Coffee at Foothills, West End Coffeehouse, and Mr. Barbecue. What businesses did you support this week? The ones you did visit, they appreciate it and I appreciate it because when you support them, they’re there when I want/need to go there.

I know all of that is food/beverage related and The BCPF and I going to Xcaret tonight with friends downtown, but it’s not all about food places. Retail, services and other industry downtown need your support. They support each other but they need you.

The camaraderie between the “allies” and businesses downtown has made me smile and it’s uplifting in a somewhat troubling time.

If you’ve not been downtown WSNC (or close proximity to it) lately, take a bit of time to go explore. You may find that it’s not as difficult to traverse as you’ve thought/been told. Andy, you may find some really cool things you didn’t know was there. Tomorrow is Saturday, take a drive, shop, support, enjoy!

Second time this week that my soapbox has been out from under the bed. I apologize, or really sorry (not sorry). And, I know, too, that it was not quick. Sorry (not sorry) for that, too!

Until tomorrow, where I’ll hopefully see you out and about…
Scorp out!

—
“There is not a one-size-fits-all solution.” – Jim Moody

Make It Just to Fake It or: The Pop-Up Podcast

22 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

I told you last week that I was on a podcast that wasn’t mine called The Pop-Up Podcast. That show dropped early yesterday but Mondays are one of my busiest days and I had to work. But, today, I am dropping the ep right here.

Promise Mangum is the host and does a good job. We talk about Podcasting (duh!), WSNC, food, internet radio and more. I was able to get all the podcast names in and the entire roster of TLD sponsors. Woot!

Look for Promise to be on The Less Desirables on February 20. Here, Dear Reader, I present you with the “Pop-Up Podcast.”

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I make it just to fake it…” – Me

For the First Time or: To 2019 and Beyond

26 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by in Food, Life as We Know It, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

Today I did something that I’ve never done before. I had my son, 3B on The Less Desirables. For almost nine years I’ve been doing this show and he’s never been on it. He has been on The Beer Dads for a couple of shows, but never TLD. It was a “year-end/post-Christmas” show and relatively short, but it was still cool. We talked about Christmas, his culinary aspirations, cooking, food, his musical tastes and more. It was just cool having him there for it and talking.  You can hear that episode HERE.20181226_150340.jpg

I also wanted to take a minute to thank all the TLD Network sponsors for a great 2018. Special, very special thanks to Underdog Records, Bull’s Tavern, Finnigan’s Wake, King’s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar, Willow’s Bistro, X1 Communications, Machine Gun Graphics, SOS Investor LLC, Washington Perk & Provision Company, Industry Hill, Dilisio’s Italian Restaurant, The Humblebee Shoppe, Hoot’s Roller Bar & Beer Company, Satornino Group, Old Winston Social Club, and hopefully a few more coming soon. 2018 was awesome. 2019 is going to be even more kick-arse!

Thank you all for listening, too. And, for reading this blog.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I built a program that crawled job boards to determine which skills employers value, which helped Johnson & Wales explore ways to improve its curriculum.” – Hilary Mason

The Giving Time or: Tree of Hope

05 Wednesday Dec 2018

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Salutations™!!

Every year, Finnigan’s Wake does its giving tree. Here’s what it’s all about (from the Facebook Page of Fin’s):46496150_10156792885618029_5727483200117145600_n

It’s the time to show your community love again at Finnigan’s Wake. And get a treat for yourself in return!
What you do: 
Come by Friday, November 23- Friday, December 7, and take an ornament (or multiple) from our Giving Tree. Bring back your new, unwrapped gifts with the ornament attached to the pub on Saturday, December 8. Don’t like shopping? Pick an ornament, give us the monetary equivalent and we’ll do the shopping for you!

To thank you for your generosity, for every ornament with gift you return you’ll get a coupon for one free menu item to be enjoyed Saturday, December 8 between 11am and 6pm, because we believe it’s good to give and to receive!

The generosity of this community tree has continued to impress the charities we help, bring tears to some eyes and change the lives of total strangers you will never meet. Together we can make all the holiday wishes on our tree become a reality. Here’s who you’re helping this year:

Next Step Ministries – A Safe Haven from Domestic Violence
A domestic violence agency with a proud 20-year history of serving Kernersville and the Forsyth County community. They operate a safe house for victims of domestic violence and their families and assist those in transition with employment, housing, and legal referrals. Your gifts will be used at the safe house. 
http://nextstepdv.org/

Mental Health Association of Forsyth County
The Mental Health Association promotes mental health acceptance and support to all persons in our community through advocacy, outreach, education, and support services. Gifts will go to people in local hospitals receiving help for a mental illness as well as permanent clients of the association. Travel sized items are used to fill gift baskets, larger gifts are wrapped as special treats. 
https://www.triadmentalhealth.org/

Family in Need from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System
A family of two adults and 3 children, ages 6, 8 and 15. They were nominated by the school nurse and social worker who described them as “so deserving and grateful for anything”. You will be helping them with both basic necessities and some surprises to turn a difficult time into a happy memory.

Generally, we do something for the Mental Health Association of Forsyth County because The BCPF used to be on the board for that particular charity. Do something nice for someone in need.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The Mental Health Association in Forsyth County is a non-profit, non-governmental agency that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support services.” – Mental Health Association of Forsyth County

Yawn or: All By Myself

04 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Travel

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I are worn out! A long day of flying and waiting and walking and carrying bags and, and, and, and! We finally got home around 6pm this evening and I went on to trivia because I didn’t want Our Jim to be alone. Turns out, we had no representation other than me. The BCPF was catching up and getting ready for her week while Our Jim had a fantasy football draft to do.

It was the end of the season anyway and being the day after a holiday, no one really showed up for the trivia except for the season leaders and me. So there were six people on that team and me all by myself. Well, I took ’em! I won 27-22 including betting five on the “boneless” (bonus” question and getting one of the two “betwixt round” guesses right (worth 1 point). I sent The BCPF and Our Jim a text telling them that I won and that they were fired! Just kidding about the being fired part. They’re still on the team.

But, all that being said, I am done for today. I’ve had all the fun I can handle for the last 5 days. A lot of walking, a lot of eating, a lot of drinking, a lot of Ubering. A lot. A lot. A lot. So, I’m getting off of here and going to bed!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m a big tradition guy. If you love this country and study history, then you will love Boston.” – Marcus Luttrell

Long Time No See or: Reintroducing

07 Tuesday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

This is going to be short, Dear Reader. We just got in from trivia at Finnigan’s Wake. Our old friend Jordan (“Right Click” on The Less Desirables) came to be on our team. The first time since the beginning of the year. Finnigans_Wake_Logo_2

Plus, we had a friend of mine, that I knew in WV but who has lived here for a while, Shannon, come and play with us. I hope Jordan comes more often and I hope Shannon continues to come. Anywhat! It was good to sit and talk with them for a while.

But, it leads to late blog posting and I don’t have a lot more to talk about right this second. So…

Until tomorrow, may there be more…
Scorp out!

—
“Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Slow Week Piggyback or: Foodie Talkin’

20 Tuesday Mar 2018

Posted by in Food, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

Today on The Man Who Ate the Town, Kelly and I talk about Joymongers (briefly), Finnigan’s Wake’s St. Patty’s Day and I talk a little about Krispy Kreme. There’s a lot about Finnigan’s Wake, for sure and some about Krispy Kreme. Good conversations.

 

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©Kelly Bone

 

You can hear the episode HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Nothing beats the original Krispy Kreme.” – Jason Behr

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 3/17/18

18 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Records, Silent Sunday

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day so of course we had to get our Irish on and went to Finnigan’s Wake instead of Mary’s Gourmet Diner (we did that this morning) but we did get to Underdog Records on time. Here’s what we got:

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©Riverside

 

  • Yo La Tengo – There’s A Riot Going On  – The BCPF really loves this band, who have been around for a long time and when this Indie-Exclusive Orange Vinyl 2xLP set came out, well she had to have it. And she got it. New.
  • Chet Baker – Chet – From what I hear, Chet Baker was a sad story. Mostly drugs, I’d say, but man, this cat was fantastic on the horn. The label said “the lyrical trumpet of Chet Baker” and I think that’s exactly right. His trumpet was like a vocalists’ voice, smooth and dreamy. And, the cover is awesome. He looks like James Dean. New.
  • Various – Souled Out – Adding to my K-Tel Collection, this one is all about the “soul.” Found it for $3 in the “just in ‘Used'” bin. VG+.
  • Donovan – Cosmic Wheels – A very fun and hilarious listen. Not that it’s all comedy but there are moments. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend listening to the tune, “The Intergalactic Laxative.” You won’t be disappointed. VG.
  • Sheena Easton – Sheena Easton – Her debut album. I always liked her voice so why not have it? It was called Take My Time in the UK but just eponymous here in the US. VG++.
  • Sheena Easton – A Private Heaven – So, just three years later, this is her sixth album. That’s a lot of output, really. This is also VG++.
  • Hank Williams, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys – Original Sound Track – The Last Picture Show – Yep, the soundtrack for the Peter Bogdanovich featuring the legendary Hank Williams, et al. VG+.
  • Kim Carnes – Mistaken Identity – Yes, the “Bette Davis Eyes” album. VG+.
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Babylon By Bus – A 2xLP live album featuring the Wailers. I still don’t really care for reggae as a whole but, man, I love listening to Bob Marley. This is really, really beaten up and has scratches and gashes throughout. I can’t listen to it often because I don’t want my needle ruined but it was fun to listen through. Fair condition, only. “Curvy,” whose name is scrawled on the labels didn’t take very good care of this. $1 bin find.
  • Parliament – Mothership Connection – This. Is. Awesome! #276 on the RS list. I liked it then and I love it even more now. I think I got more out of it this time. I wasn’t trying to plow through the list. I think that was the issue. But, this whole album is phenomenal. A VG $1 bin find. There was a “skip” and it was a perfect skip, right on the beat because I thought they were just doing a repetitious passage and it turns out it was skipping for about two minutes. I didn’t really let it go on that long.
  • The New Birth– Comin’ From All Ends – Another New Birth LP. VG $1 bin find.
  • Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song – The BCPF’s favorite Christmas album and there it was, in pretty good condition, with a $1 sticker on it. After confirming that we don’t already have it, it was quickly added.
  • Nat King Cole / George Shearing – Nat King Cole Sings / George Shearing Plays – The BCPF can’t resist anything with Nat King Cole on it. VG. $1 bin find.
  • Billie Holiday – Billie Holiday – We’re fans of women jazz vocalists and try to collect what we can. The BCPF loves Ella. I love Etta. We both dig Billie. Good condition. $1 bin find.
  • Stevie Wonder – In Square Circle – The first Stevie I ever owned and it was on cassette. It was in the $1 bin yesterday and in pretty good shape, so yep!
  • Roberta Flack And Peabo Bryson – Live & More – More Roberta Flack and this time with Peabo Bryson. I can’t not say “why you trippin’ Peabo?!” every time I read his name. $1 bin find. VG.

Record store day is coming, April 21. Visit the RSD website for more information. There are no holds, no pre-orders, no prepays, and there will be a line early (some people even camp out overnight) but it’s fun and there’s a lot of unique things coming out. Underdog is ready and will have all but like four things. But, supplies are limited, when he’s out, he’s out. Everything is limited edition, too. Check out The Less Desirables to hear what this week’s TLD/UR special is. And use Discogs to catalog your collection!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Oh, the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to there. Relieve you and believe me, without a worry or care. If sh*tting is your problem when you’re out there in the stars, oh, the intergalactic laxative will get you from here to Mars.” – “The Intergalactic Laxative” (Leitch)