AC and Alcohol
 "Arctic fox kinda thingamajigger with a punk rock twist" Location: Finland, beyond civilisation
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So, first of all, i wanna say hello to everyone, i'm a punk rock fancier from Finland (nope, no polar bears nor penguins 'ere) who also happens to be an arctic fox. *clears throat* So, here in finland i've attended to few cons (gaming ones mostly) and am on staff for one of the biggest LAN parties in Finland, plus i'm the manager of one retro oriented LAN party. And all of these i've went in to, with the exception of the bigger lan parties. Are cons where alcohol is served or allowed to consume. So i believe that in the U.S of A there's a bit of an difference to the Finnish beer culture. And i'm interested on how does the AC security stand for if i walk around slightly intoxicated on alcohol. If its not allowed, you WONT see me carrying around bottles and bottles of beer, but i might walk in through the doors of the center drunk. Phew, a long post |
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Speaking for Security,
It would be a judgement call. Public intoxication is not legal in Pittsburgh, and only slightly more tolerated around the convention. There are also laws against walking around with open alcohol.
If you've been drinking and your behavior is within the rules of conduct for the convention they we don't have a problem.
If it's obviously we've been drinking, we're going convince you you should go back to your room for a nap.
So just be cool, moderation is a good thing, save the heavier drinking till you safe with friends in a room you don't need to leave.
Have a good time, but not TOO good a time, if you get my drift.
-----------------------------------------------
David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
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permalinkLocation: New Brighton, MN, USA
Website: [Link]
I personally find it offensive to encounter a person who is intoxicated, partially or heavily. Plus, having allergies to alcohol, I can have serious breathing problems incur from someone with an obvious alcoholic smell.
For those of you who wish to enjoy a few at AC, please don't get drunk and them go on a rampage. I don't like it, and most certainly there will be a lot of other people who will not like it (nor tolerate), either.
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permalinkDitto. People who enjoy walking around with a good buzz make me uncomfortable because you don't really know how they're going to act.
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permalinkLocation: NJ
Allergies to alcohol? That's an interesting one.
I'm going to have to do some... experiments on you... >:]
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permalinkNote how people always consider alcohol the great exception.
For example, nobody'd ever tell him
"I know you're lactose-intolerant....but you're gonna be drinking milk TONIGHT!
We've got brownies, Oreos..."
Or they get super-sensitive.
You never hear
"You don't eat mayonnaise? Did you have a problem with mayonnaise?
Is it all right if I have mayonnaise?"
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permalinkBlog: [Link]
The Ranting Gryphon has a lovely rant about this very thing; in his case it is smokers who are trying to quit.
Despite the popular view, I do not drink alcohol very often. I only drink at conventions (roughly 8 times a year), at local parties (which I only attend occasionally) and when I have visitors (which isn't very frequent *sniff*). There are also times when for reasons of my own I prefer not to have anything at all to drink. But what do I hear most often at such times? "Oh, come on! One won't hurt you! You aren't driving!"
To paraphrase '2', would you go up to a recovering heroine addict and hand him a needle and say, "Come on, one little hit. You look like you could use it!"
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permalinkLocation: NY state, USA
Website: [Link]
But drug addicts aren't fun to tease, it's just mostly very sad. Where drunk people are always fun to play pranks on. Perhaps it's the optional loss of one's wits that makes it so inviting....
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permalinkLocation: Philadelphia area, PA
And this would be a big part of why alcohol and cigarettes are two of the hardest addictions to lose--they're very socially acceptable drugs, so no one takes them seriously and you can't entirely avoid being around them the way you can other drugs.
I don't know about alcohol, but i remember hearing someone say that by some accounts, cigarettes are actually a harder addiction to break than heroin.
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permalinkLocation: DelMarVa
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
Given that the human body produces small amounts of alcohol, I have a hard time believing that you'd suffer any kind of difficulty from the smell of it.
Although I get rather smashed saturday, my group keeps it in our rooms. I agree that public intoxication-unless you're going thru the lobby from the bar up to your room- should be grounds for getting a temporary ban on the con(At least until they've sobred up). A few individuals were wandering around last year TOTALLY wasted, I'm pretty sure they didn't know which way was up or down. That kind of irresponsible drinking is pretty lol.
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permalinkLocation: Philadelphia area, PA
Actually, there are some folks that experience what is sometimes termed an environmental allergy or a chemical sensitivity. I don't know about ingestible alcohol, but i know such folks often have trouble with alcohol-based perfumes, freshly used aerosol hair sprays, cleansers with strong scents, new carpeting and paint... The most common result i've heard of is intense migraines and nausea, but i suppose some contraction of the breathing passages is also possible. I don't know how well the condition has been scientifically documented, however, or how much we know about the underlying causes.
Of course, some sensitivity in that direction can also result in a psychosomatic sensitivity as well. Sometimes, i imagine, it's hard to tell what you react to because you're chemically sensitive to it and what you react to because you're so worried about reacting to it that the worry produces a reaction.
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permalinkBlog: [Link]
Also remember: the minimum age to drink in Pennsylvania is 21 years old!
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
Yes, i know the minium age restrictions and dont have a prob with that. And no, i wasnt gonna be wasted around the con space, just you know checking. 'cause i needed to know that thing, i'd most likely stroll around the streets of 'burgh with a beer can if i didnt know that. Thank you, and naturally, heavy drinking IS for late night pub strolls and hotel room privacy. Just a few to... loosen up?
Thanks for the advice
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permalinkLocation: Yreka, California, USA
Hey dude...all I can say is, in my personal opinion, you'll enjoy the con a lot more without any booze. This isn't something you need to get drunk to enjoy!
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
Hmm... opinion noted. Though, what i'm looking for here is the "recreational" alcohol consumption. It's kinda like way to relax. Finnish culture messed me up early and i enjoy one or two beers almost every day after work. Post was mainly meant to check up how tight the dorsai are about drinking (if they go around with alcometers and such). Trust me man, you wont see me passing out on the floor ever. And naturally i wont be drunk the whole day through ^^
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permalinkLocation: Philadelphia area, PA
And what i hear them saying is that as long as you're not carrying a container or doing something that violates other guidelines, it's ok. I trust our security folks to teel me if i've misheard them.
What i hear other attendees saying is that from a social perspective, they would be comfortable with your being around the con with a buzz during the day only to the extent that they can't really tell for sure. I tend to feel the same way.
I don't like the smell of alcohol, and i don't like having to guess what stuff you're only doing or saying because you've had a few to "loosen up". I really like the fact that while i know, intellectually, that drinking and casual sex go on, i can't pinpoint much of any direct indications. The cultural standard from what i see is still that drinking is mostly put off until the evening room parties. Personally, i've never had more than a tablespoon in a given evening, at AC or elsewhere, but that's just me.
So as long as i can't rightly tell if you're tipsy or not, i put up with it. But if you're waiting for me to tell you 'oh, sure, go right ahead and have a few in the morning', speaking purely personally, i won't say that. I would rather have you sober, at least until you're in private at someone's room party.
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permalinkLocation: 12 scenic miles from Hell
Website: [Link]
As for recreational drinking, it's something we in security both understand and indulge in.
To expand on what Dave said: we care much more about behavior than about what causes it. If you're not causing a problem, we're not going to bug you. My general impression is that Europeans are much more sensible about drinking than we are over here, and I expect we'd have no problems with you nor you with us.
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
Oh! A dorsai answered me *bows down* Thank you very much.
Recapping: In 'burgh, you aint allowed to carry around alcohol publicly ('cept from store to hotel obviously), I can be a little tipsy in AC (which i was fishing for)
And to clear to you sgt Steve, we in Finland have this very open minded approach to alcohol, so that's why the question, but repeating my post before, never been really trouble to anyone when WASTED, so i'd think i'm not in any trouble with anyone if i hang around the conspace after one or two beers. I like the taste of beer, like some people consume insane amounts of cola, i like a beer or two a day. I promise not to smell like a drunk all the time, i have refresheners y'know, and toothbrush ^^
Thank you for your answers all. You've all been a big help. Especially Sgt Steve who gave the final answer to it
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permalinkLocation: Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Website: [Link]
Blog: [Link]
Actually, if Pennsylvania is anything like Virginia, you're not even allowed to transport it from the store, technically. The workaround is to put it in a non-transparent bag/box. I also know that Pennsylvania has some law against consuming alcohol from an "original container", there's a place I go up there for camping that makes meade, and they're pretty paranoid about that one. For those who know the law better than I do, does that apply only to public/open areas?
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permalinkI know in VA that if you're seen drinking any bottle of alcohol, whether concealed in a paper bag or not, it's considered public intoxication. Which is, of course, illegal. I think PA is in the same boat with laws concerning alcohol. I'm not sure how strict PA law is but since VA IS a commonwealth, they're really anal over it. Lotta red tape, too.
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permalinkLocation: Roseville, CA, USA
Well, please bear in mind that we are talking about AMERICAN beer here. When our country was younger - between the turn of the last century and Prohibition Era - our big industrial cities had large populations of european immigrants, and each region, city and town had local breweries which produced brews to local tastes and customs from "The Old Country" - wherever that may have been. I think that while Milwaukee, Wisconsin has always been thought of as "Beer Town, U.S.A", that the REAL center of the american beer universe was Chicago. My mother's current husband would have been the last of the brewmeisters of the Hoerber Brewing Company, but instead chose a career in Insurance - but I digress.
Since the late 1940's, brewing beer in this country has become far more large scale, mass-production, and less brewing "art"; local and regional labels have been bought up or driven out of business, to the point where - while there may be a few local regional labels, they tend to be bottled "somewhere else" and seem to be products of either Miller Brewing Co, Busch Brewing Co., or Coors - and all seem to taste pretty much the same.
Is that bad? Walk into the bar at the Westin and ask for a glass (I don't think you can get a "pint", like in the UK or Ireland, and I don't know what the customary serving in Finland is). After taking a good drink, wait a moment - and you will probably ask yourself if you just missed your mouth, or something.
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permalinkThere are plenty of piss poor mass market beers sold in the US... as there are in every country on Earth. And if you walk into any old generic bar anywhere in the world and order a beer you'll get one. I have had plenty of weak watery beers and ales in England and Ireland and Germany to know.
There are many excellent domestic US beers available at most bars the give a damn about what they serve that would shine in any bar or pub in the world.
Sounds like you need to search out a higher class of bar to drink on.
-----------------------------------------------
David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
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permalinkBlog: [Link]
Just found this:
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permalinkThe internet rocks!
PIRATE
Member: Stuck In The Elevator Club
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permalinkLocation: Gettysburg, PA
I haven't been to Anthrocon yet (but it sounds way more controlled and PG than what I'm used to at a Con). I go to a Horrorfind convention in Hunt Valley, Maryland every year. It's located just south of PA in a hotel with a bar / restaurant. I think con-goers might stop by for a drink or lunch, but the horror fan base doesn't seem to include lots of heavy drinkers. Now, the Con guests - the actors and actresses who spend their day signing everything from photos to flesh (literally, people get signatures tattooed later!) are another story. Maybe they need downtime in the bar throughout the day, but by the time the costume contest rolls around, most of these horror actors and writers asked to be the panel of judges are completely ripped. It was entertaining initially, but the last two conventions their behavior was a bit over the top. I don't think people stay to see the costumes anymore, they stay to see how drunk their screen idols are going to get! Here's a YouTube clip from the last costume contest (where my tyke won second for the kid division! In the costume that is now my Avatar)...
Hard to tell who is on stage, the woman in white is Dee Wallace (of ET, Cujo fame, and probably the only teetotaler on stage), the guy who played Pinhead in Hellraiser is walking around, I can't recall the girl in the green top... The main guest of honor is Udo Kier (he's doing all the talking at the end of the clip, and was completely toasted). I'll also say he was one of the most down-to-earth, friendliest con guests they've ever had!
Linkie
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
So from topic to 'nother, what are the respectable establishments (whee i can be correct)
to buy real deal beer. Being an beer enthusiastic (not only for intoxication reasons) Near the concenter that is
PS: Just got outta the army and back to workforce which shows green light for my little trip to AC! *Is exstatic*
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permalinkLocation: 12 scenic miles from Hell
Website: [Link]
One of our members who's a Pittsburgh resident swears by the microbrews and brewpubs in the area; I've nudged him to see if I can get a list.
I was in Pittsburgh for a technical conference last summer and the hosts took us out to an excellent brewpub, but damned if I recall the name.
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permalinkLocation: 12 scenic miles from Hell
Website: [Link]
Just heard back from him on the topic. He wrote . . . Since I don't hang around much in Downtown Pittsburgh anymore I need to do a quick sweep to see if the bars still exist/sell good beer. So expect something in a week or two.
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permalinkLocation: 12 scenic miles from Hell
Website: [Link]
Draco Prime is the fellow I was referring to, and I believe Sharp Edge is the place I visited last summer. Wonderful stuff. With one minor exception, my only exposure to European beers is what comes over in bottles, and I suspect that's not the best of them. Perhaps Kaarlo, Draco Prime, Skippy, Gooch and a few select others should make an evening of it. Skippy and I will probably both have cars, but given US drinking and driving laws a taxi might be the better choice.
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permalinkI'm being a little lazy at the moment because I am pressed for time, but here are some urls and addresses of good establishments which are a short cab ride away from the hotel. I have included these because they all feature quite a few taps pouring craft and improrted beers.
I;ve been to all of these places and reccommend them.
I will be expanding on this list soon.
Also, there are two good beer tasting events in Pittsburgh in June. One features microbrews from the tri-state area. The dates have not been confirmed, but one of them may coincide with Anthrocon.
Downtown Pittsburgh:
Cabaret at Theatre Square
655 Penn Avenue
One of the events that happens here is called Beer School. Various craft and imported beers are brought in for the students to sample while they listen to beer speakers. There is usually a light snack to go along with the beer. The bar inside the theatre likes to feature teh various brews that have been showcased. (Hmm. The last class of the season is 2 weeks before Anthrocon.)
North Side:
http://www.pennbrew.com
This is a brewpub with good German style food and beer.
Bloomfield
http://www.churchbrew.com/
This is a brewpub with good food and good beer
South Side:
https://www.fatheads.com/
Smokin Joe's Saloon
(412) 431-6757 smokin-joes.com
2001 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
http://www.piperspub.com/
Piper's also features 75 plsu single malt scotches
Strip District:
http://www.bigburrito.com/kaya/
carribean food and a a very painful happy hour
East Liberty:
http://www.sharpedgebeer.com/html/full.htm
My favorite bar. Voted the number one Belgian beer bar in America
Kelly's bar and lounge
6012 Penn Cir S
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: (412) 363-6012
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
Thanks a big bunch for the links. Never tasted any american beers seeing they are pretty scarce around here and cost a lot. Still holding the Newcastle brown ale flag high.
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permalinkBlog: [Link]
I would not get my hopes up. American beer has a reputation for being much weaker and less flavorful than European beers.
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permalinkIf anyone thinks that, they are simply drinking the wrong beers!
-----------------------------------------------
David M Stein, DI
"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"
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permalinkLocation: NY state, USA
Website: [Link]
I'm in TOTAL agreeance! I could easily develop a long list of American Beers That don't suck and have PLENTY of Flavor, or if you prefer a higher alcohol content.
Some favorites that merit immediate mentioning....
Rogue Breweries
magic hat
EBC (Ellicotville brewing Company)
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permalinkIs this a challenge? When next you are in Pittsburgh perhaps we should take you to the Sharp Edge and have you sample a taster rack or two of the hoppiest and highest alcohol content beers they sell.
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permalinkLocation: Syracuse, NY
Website: [Link]
Mass-market beers, mostly. There's a reason why Budweiser has all those Clydesdales.
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permalinkLocation: PA
I simply cannot fathom anyone flat-out disliking Yuengling.
But that's me, and my imagination sucks.
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permalinkThat maybe true, I have a friend who prefers warm Heineken beer, but some feel American is just fine.
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permalinkLocation: Northern VA
Oh you go to HorrorFind too? I'm one of the "Boardies"
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
Did somebody mention Horrorfind? Some of my non-furry personna there:
2005
2007
Jovina
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permalinkWebsite: [Link]
This brings up an interesting question - does anyone know any good bars around where the con is? I'd particularly like to spend a few hours at a good goth club.
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
I believe there was some listing of pubs around a bit up. But no idea if there would be a goth oriented bar there, none in Finland atleast, we only tend to get pubs, rock bars and night clubs ^^
PS: Flight and hotel room booked from Omni, see you at AC 08!!
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permalinkLocation: 12 scenic miles from Hell
Website: [Link]
Be sure to drop by con-ops and ask for 'Sgt. Steve.' I'd be pleased to meet you face to face.
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permalinkLocation: Finland, beyond civilisation
hahaha, should i be worried when a member from security wants to meet me face to face (thinks of bright lightbulbs blinding you and the crossexamine questions)
haha, no, really, i'd be interested to meet you too. See you there then
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