This guy gets my vote for being our team's "Most Punishing Runner."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Fog's Version of the Game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf2vk0_mY_I
I haven't seen this with sound yet. At work I played it back video only. It seems fair and a better production than the vid put up by the tournament.
It is obvious why the Fog lost. All that pre-game warm up they do just wore them out! :-)
I haven't seen this with sound yet. At work I played it back video only. It seems fair and a better production than the vid put up by the tournament.
It is obvious why the Fog lost. All that pre-game warm up they do just wore them out! :-)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Plus One
Thanks for adding the Gold side pictures, Winston! So glad you found your camera — in your bag.
A picture may speak a thousand words, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. I just want to give a shout-out to Kevin Healy, who represented Gotham class and skill while whoring with the Manchester Village Spartans. Thanks, Kevin!
Also, former Gotham B player Ariel Jamie was on premises with the World Barbarians. He's back in New York, and we hope to see him back.
A picture may speak a thousand words, but it doesn't always tell the whole story. I just want to give a shout-out to Kevin Healy, who represented Gotham class and skill while whoring with the Manchester Village Spartans. Thanks, Kevin!
Also, former Gotham B player Ariel Jamie was on premises with the World Barbarians. He's back in New York, and we hope to see him back.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Well dressed Gotham
Picture of most members before the opening ceremony. Looking spiffy in Gotham tie, that looks like the ones Phoenix has. Except that our ties are by Armani -- the label is the best part.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Blue Team
I'd like a few gold team pictures to choose from for website, please forward to me. thanks
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Home. Battered, bruised, and completely exhilarated. I am still thrilled to think of the rugby we played and the rugby we saw. And I'm totally having Gotham withdrawal -- I miss you lads already.
Three cheers to the Emerald Warriors for delivering an amazing experience.
Now, here are all the Gotham youtube highlight reels from Bingham:
Friday, 13 June 2008
Gotham Knights 1 (50) v. Boston Ironsides (0)
King's Cross Steelers 1 (16) v. Gotham Knights 1 (8)
King's Cross Steelers 2 (40) v. Gotham Knights 2 (0)
Gotham Knights 2 (17) v. Northern Stags (12)
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Gotham Knights 1 (10) v. DC Renegades 1 (0)
Gotham Knights 1 (39) v. San Francisco Fog 2 (0)
Gotham Knights 2 (20) v. Amsterdam NOP (5)
San Francisco Fog 2 (39) v. Gotham Knights 2 (0)
King's Cross Steelers (17) v. Gotham Knights 2 (0)
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Sydney Convicts (35) v. Gotham Knights 1 (12)
Gotham Knights 1 (8) v. San Francisco Fog 1 (5)
Three cheers to the Emerald Warriors for delivering an amazing experience.
Now, here are all the Gotham youtube highlight reels from Bingham:
Friday, 13 June 2008
Gotham Knights 1 (50) v. Boston Ironsides (0)
King's Cross Steelers 1 (16) v. Gotham Knights 1 (8)
King's Cross Steelers 2 (40) v. Gotham Knights 2 (0)
Gotham Knights 2 (17) v. Northern Stags (12)
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Gotham Knights 1 (10) v. DC Renegades 1 (0)
Gotham Knights 1 (39) v. San Francisco Fog 2 (0)
Gotham Knights 2 (20) v. Amsterdam NOP (5)
San Francisco Fog 2 (39) v. Gotham Knights 2 (0)
King's Cross Steelers (17) v. Gotham Knights 2 (0)
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Sydney Convicts (35) v. Gotham Knights 1 (12)
Gotham Knights 1 (8) v. San Francisco Fog 1 (5)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Dinner Sing Off
We hella won the dinner sing off!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSxmDMPvil0
(Sorry I don't know the cool way to post a video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSxmDMPvil0
(Sorry I don't know the cool way to post a video)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Time for Some Beer
Sydney Convicts 1st place
King's Cross Steelers 2nd place
Gotham Knights 3rd place
San Francisco Fog 4th place
Very Partisan Editorial Notes:
Gotham's two losses were to the two finalists (8-16 to KXS, 12-35 Convicts)
Gotham was the only side to score tries on the tournament victor (two).
The pack really blossomed this weekend. :-)
King's Cross Steelers 2nd place
Gotham Knights 3rd place
San Francisco Fog 4th place
Very Partisan Editorial Notes:
Gotham's two losses were to the two finalists (8-16 to KXS, 12-35 Convicts)
Gotham was the only side to score tries on the tournament victor (two).
The pack really blossomed this weekend. :-)
The Fog Has Lifted
With Gotham Blue in third place for the cup division, we are the top American team among Bingham Cup competitors. Thanks to San Francisco for a great match. And congratulations to the Sydney Convicts A side for another cup win!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Walk!
If you have not been to Ireland then this is probably a sound you have never heard. They're called "Accessible Pedestrian Signals" and they are groovy. Apparently there are some in the US now but they're few and far between.
It's a sound that freaked all of us out initially but we're used to it now.
It's a sound that freaked all of us out initially but we're used to it now.
Dragon Farts
Joey and Shelley said that the Chicago Dragons were next to us and they were farting really bad all day and the smell was horrible. The lesson learned is that dragon farts are bad. They described a new scent called footass.
Its time
We've played 4 matches.
We are all sore.
We are all tired.
I wish I could say something that's classy and inspirational...but it wouldn't be our style.
Pain heals, chicks (and guys, I guess) dig scars...glory lasts forever
GO GOTTTHHHHAAAMMMM!!!!!!!
We are all sore.
We are all tired.
I wish I could say something that's classy and inspirational...but it wouldn't be our style.
Pain heals, chicks (and guys, I guess) dig scars...glory lasts forever
GO GOTTTHHHHAAAMMMM!!!!!!!
A Hard Loss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONC1BKN4vhw
The Kings Cross Steelers beat us 16-8. KXS showed up and did what they had to do. In these tournaments the first five minutes can really set the tone for a disproportionate part of the game.
Early on our play was tentative and theirs was urgent. Seems like we had some sort of collective stage fright. Things seemed slow and clumsy on our side of the ball and smooth on theirs. A couple of knock ons, a lazy ruck lost and some loose ball at our own lineout resulted in a quick ten points for the Londoners.
We were not happy (duh!). After the 2nd try KXS was again in our 22. Stout defense is something our guys are comfortable with. After a number of hard phases KXS turned over the ball and Gotham found some sort of rhythm. Six phases of hard forward and center work set Kieran and James free on the wing for Gotham's first and only try.
After this the game entered a different phase. KXS played less expansively -- fewer kicks deep and much more crash ball. Gotham stopped losing possession at the ruck.
Unfortunately we now began to run up needless penalties. Diving over, off sides and coming in from the side were common. Even so we held the ball longer than the Steelers. Yet it seemed that every time we made progress we ended it with a penalty.
The game ended with KXS taking two penalty kicks to our one. We had our chances we just could not seem to really step up and take them. Put it down to "stage fright."
Thankfully it is only pool play.
The Kings Cross Steelers beat us 16-8. KXS showed up and did what they had to do. In these tournaments the first five minutes can really set the tone for a disproportionate part of the game.
Early on our play was tentative and theirs was urgent. Seems like we had some sort of collective stage fright. Things seemed slow and clumsy on our side of the ball and smooth on theirs. A couple of knock ons, a lazy ruck lost and some loose ball at our own lineout resulted in a quick ten points for the Londoners.
We were not happy (duh!). After the 2nd try KXS was again in our 22. Stout defense is something our guys are comfortable with. After a number of hard phases KXS turned over the ball and Gotham found some sort of rhythm. Six phases of hard forward and center work set Kieran and James free on the wing for Gotham's first and only try.
After this the game entered a different phase. KXS played less expansively -- fewer kicks deep and much more crash ball. Gotham stopped losing possession at the ruck.
Unfortunately we now began to run up needless penalties. Diving over, off sides and coming in from the side were common. Even so we held the ball longer than the Steelers. Yet it seemed that every time we made progress we ended it with a penalty.
The game ended with KXS taking two penalty kicks to our one. We had our chances we just could not seem to really step up and take them. Put it down to "stage fright."
Thankfully it is only pool play.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Daily Bingham Updates on Youtube
Highlights of every game posted 1 hour after game time: go here. (or just go to youtube & do a search on bingham cup.)
Hats off to the Emerald Warriors, our Dublin hosts, for hosting an AMAZINGLY run tournament. They put a ton of work into this & it shows in the fantastic time everyone is having. Slainte!
Hats off to the Emerald Warriors, our Dublin hosts, for hosting an AMAZINGLY run tournament. They put a ton of work into this & it shows in the fantastic time everyone is having. Slainte!
Emotional Day for Gold
First game was against King's Cross Steelers, from London. Very strong team, they counter-rucked us to shreds, we lost hard. (One King's Cross player subbed, & changed into his jersey midfield. His gorgeous body distracted half our players. The ball came out & half of us were still drooling -- ooops.) Good experience for a first game, as it got us all focused -- on the game, not the other teams pecs. Second game was against the Northern Stags, a combo team from Scotland & Northern England. Evenly matched, we scored 2 tries right away. Then we got overconfident, & they came back & scored 2 tries as well. We kept hammering away at them, & spent most of the game on offense, but the Stags defended hard & would not let us in to the try zone. 30 seconds to go, on a breakdown at the Stags try line, Gotham finally put the ball across the line. Final score, Gotham wins, 18-12. Tries scored by Martin, Kevin (visiting from SF) & Nuno. GO GOLD!!!
Tomorrow we play Amsterdam at 10am, last game of regular pool. Then it's on the playoff. Think winning thoughts, peoples!
Tomorrow we play Amsterdam at 10am, last game of regular pool. Then it's on the playoff. Think winning thoughts, peoples!
Gold Highlights
Highlights from today's Gold Side matches, fresh from YouTube.
First match, against King's Cross B, was a bit of a shocker. Lingering effects of jetlag? Nerves? The neverending steel-grey sky that threatened rain? The trauma of playing on grass? Whatever the reason, we didn't play as well as we could. King's Cross B kept their heads and took full advantage of our muddle. Final score: 0-40.
The afternoon was a different story. We used the downtime to get over the loss, and start to play smart rugby. Several of us went to watch the Northern Stags (a barbarians' side made up of guys from Edinburgh and Newcastle) play the Amsterdam NOP. The afternoon warm-up was tough, but put our heads back in the game. I sometimes think we feel like we don't deserve to be on the pitch. It's hard when B-side matches are usually against tired but skilled A-sides. But it worked. Out attacks gathered momentum and knocked the Stags back on their heels. Their defense was valiant, and we had a hard time taking full advantage of our growing strength and confidence. There is a weird feeling of dislocation when you realize, "Hey, that's US behind the other team's 22. Wow, they don't look very happy!" That kind of confidence and control will come with time. We were 2 tries to 0, before their flyhalf snatched the ball from his scrummy's hands and put it over the line. Halftime score: 10-5.
There's a rugby saying that I've heard English players shout from the pitch today, especially when their team is ahead: "The score is nil-nil!" It's a warning to keep your head in the game and not get overconfident. We were still playing well, but a breakaway from the Stag fullback evened the score and a well-placed kick put us behind. Where was the focus from the first half? Then, suddenly, it was there again. A series of thoughtful, determined plays pushed us from behind our 22 to behind their 22 in less than a minute, and the final battle was on. Would we put it over the line one more time and win, or would we say, once again, "Great effort, guys"? The latter was unthinkable. We traded scrums and lineouts, with neither side able to move the ball. One push over the line turned into a knock-on when it slipped from our player's hand. They won the scrum but a poorly-placed kick gave them little ground and the ball was back at the line. Finally, the ref announced that there were three minutes left. We took possession of the ball and with one mighty maul, pushed it into the try zone. Unbelieveable. The conversion was ours, as well. It is good to win. It is good to know that we can do it, that we proved we have every right to be on the pitch...if to ourselves, if to no-one else. Truth told, I think we learned that other people had known it long before we did. Final score: 17-12.
First match, against King's Cross B, was a bit of a shocker. Lingering effects of jetlag? Nerves? The neverending steel-grey sky that threatened rain? The trauma of playing on grass? Whatever the reason, we didn't play as well as we could. King's Cross B kept their heads and took full advantage of our muddle. Final score: 0-40.
The afternoon was a different story. We used the downtime to get over the loss, and start to play smart rugby. Several of us went to watch the Northern Stags (a barbarians' side made up of guys from Edinburgh and Newcastle) play the Amsterdam NOP. The afternoon warm-up was tough, but put our heads back in the game. I sometimes think we feel like we don't deserve to be on the pitch. It's hard when B-side matches are usually against tired but skilled A-sides. But it worked. Out attacks gathered momentum and knocked the Stags back on their heels. Their defense was valiant, and we had a hard time taking full advantage of our growing strength and confidence. There is a weird feeling of dislocation when you realize, "Hey, that's US behind the other team's 22. Wow, they don't look very happy!" That kind of confidence and control will come with time. We were 2 tries to 0, before their flyhalf snatched the ball from his scrummy's hands and put it over the line. Halftime score: 10-5.
There's a rugby saying that I've heard English players shout from the pitch today, especially when their team is ahead: "The score is nil-nil!" It's a warning to keep your head in the game and not get overconfident. We were still playing well, but a breakaway from the Stag fullback evened the score and a well-placed kick put us behind. Where was the focus from the first half? Then, suddenly, it was there again. A series of thoughtful, determined plays pushed us from behind our 22 to behind their 22 in less than a minute, and the final battle was on. Would we put it over the line one more time and win, or would we say, once again, "Great effort, guys"? The latter was unthinkable. We traded scrums and lineouts, with neither side able to move the ball. One push over the line turned into a knock-on when it slipped from our player's hand. They won the scrum but a poorly-placed kick gave them little ground and the ball was back at the line. Finally, the ref announced that there were three minutes left. We took possession of the ball and with one mighty maul, pushed it into the try zone. Unbelieveable. The conversion was ours, as well. It is good to win. It is good to know that we can do it, that we proved we have every right to be on the pitch...if to ourselves, if to no-one else. Truth told, I think we learned that other people had known it long before we did. Final score: 17-12.
Why my mother needs to come to Bingham!
While Teresa "our Goddess" Buckwoldt was washing and fluffing ALL our uniforms at the laundrette, I was left to wash my underarmour with shampoo in the sink.
Three cheers for the T-Rex!
The glass is half full??
Gotham Blue got off to a great start, with a 50-0 shutout of the Boston Ironsides. Great Rugby on both sides of the ball, with tries coming from Mikey "Who needs to pass" Cromney, Stewart, James, Andy Buck, Ed V, and Paul. The second game saw a different result against a much bigger and Technical Kings Cross team. Gotham was down 10-0 early after some lackadaisical plays and unlucky bounces. Gotham fought hard the rest of the way to keep it close, but wound up losing 16-8.
On the other side, Gotham Gold fought back to grab a win against the Northern Stags on a late try. Three cheers for Gold!!!!!
On the other side, Gotham Gold fought back to grab a win against the Northern Stags on a late try. Three cheers for Gold!!!!!
Breakfast with T Rex
Teresa Bockwoldt's early morning serenade inspired Gotham Blue to shut out the Boston Ironsides in Blue's first game at the Bingham Cup today.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
BRING IT ON!!
It's nearly 0800, nearly time for us all to march out onto the pitch. There's only a few of us that can count this as our fourth Bingham and we've never been better. I'm very excited this morning because I know how strong we are and how good we're looking.
As the tournament organizers said: "BRING IT ON!!!"
As the tournament organizers said: "BRING IT ON!!!"
Walking to Morning Practice
The audio's not clear but I say "goose shit" and Chris Stahl says "geese".
The Lord Mayor of Dublin cheers on Gotham!
The Gotham Knights were invited to drink beers with the Lord Mayor of Dublin at his residence, Mansion House.
We were joned by Alics Bingham (Mark's mom) and the Bingham Cup Publicity director along with their PR agency.
We were joned by Alics Bingham (Mark's mom) and the Bingham Cup Publicity director along with their PR agency.
Day 2:
We are all here, our bodies are (pretty much) adjusted to the time zone, now its time to get down to buisness. Travel conditions were less than optimal, with screaming babies and ineffective Ambien, and getting checked in was a bit of an ordeal. But now, no more excuses. Its time to execute....and vote Yes to Lisbon.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sleeping in Jurassic Park
Shieh sums it up right here at the Irish pub for mature clientele, The George (aka Jurassic Park). Several hours of travel, zero hours of sleep, six available accommodations for thirty-plus people at 6:30am, and two early morning pints of Guiness later—we're all dead on our feet in Dublin's City Center, waiting to get into our rooms later that afternoon. But at least Bearforce1 will be here on Saturday.
It's a Start
June 10: Notable Occurrences
• At breakfast somewhere on Grafton Street, where they don't pour 'til 11 a.m. — Nuno tries to strike a deal with the waitress at 9:00. ("Hey, do you think you can make an exception for a large party and get us some Guinness?")
• At the Front Lounge at lunchtime — Tom Kennedy sleeping peacefully with his head propped up on his fists while Rizzo goes on about rugby theory and pending changes to the Laws.
• Eric's and Jeff's room — First use of the sink for a much-needed tooth brushing reveals that the pipe is disconnected and water pours freely to the floor below. Also, shower does not drain.
• At breakfast somewhere on Grafton Street, where they don't pour 'til 11 a.m. — Nuno tries to strike a deal with the waitress at 9:00. ("Hey, do you think you can make an exception for a large party and get us some Guinness?")
• At the Front Lounge at lunchtime — Tom Kennedy sleeping peacefully with his head propped up on his fists while Rizzo goes on about rugby theory and pending changes to the Laws.
• Eric's and Jeff's room — First use of the sink for a much-needed tooth brushing reveals that the pipe is disconnected and water pours freely to the floor below. Also, shower does not drain.
A Portuguesey Spin on Things
This Portuguesey had a great ride to the airport in JohnnyO's Jersey Express with Turtle. After check-in, we all met at the bar. There was time for a pint, then the flight started to board. Then someone suggested shots. Before you know it, there's 9 tequila shots being poured out and they're announcing the last boarding call. We're men of Gotham: we shoot 'em down & run. Cuz that's how we roll.
About 30 of us board the flight. Keiran has a Book of Guiness World Records. Some entries are starred (Most bananas eaten in one sitting: 128*; quickest time eating a 50 jelly donuts: 17 seconds*). These are the entries Kieran wants to beat. Rizzo sleeps on the plane with a neck brace.
He says it helps to keep the neck from bobbing back & forth -- I advise him that's a bad call -- the neck bobbing is good work for the neck muscles, after all. Ambien is your best friend on international flights. Around 4.30am, we start to change into dress shirts & ties -- we're landing in 40 minutes -- or the time of one tournament match. It is on.
He says it helps to keep the neck from bobbing back & forth -- I advise him that's a bad call -- the neck bobbing is good work for the neck muscles, after all. Ambien is your best friend on international flights. Around 4.30am, we start to change into dress shirts & ties -- we're landing in 40 minutes -- or the time of one tournament match. It is on.
There's rugby playing on the TV in the airport. Welcome to Dublin. We arrive at DCU at 6.30am. Checkin doesn't open until 7.30am. We wait. We break open some duty free tequila. What? It's 2am NYC time -- that's respectable. 7.45 arrives. Only 3 rooms are ready. That leaves about 27 of us homeless. Rooms will be ready at 3pm.
So we're off to downtown for some Irish Breakfast & Guiness. Vernon takes us a great place. But WTF? There's Blue Laws in Ireland??? No beer served until 11.30am. It's now 9.30am. Damn. OK, we can wait. John takes us for a stroll. We see the Dail (Irish Parliament) & Lansdowne Road Stadium (under construction until 2010, but the construction guys let us into a foreman's trailer to see some mockups & diagrams -- 52,000 capacity, glass overhanging open roof -- sweeeeet....). We walk past the headquarters o the Irish Rugby Football Union. We decide to go in ask if they can give us some pointers. Unfortunately, the front desk reception said no one was available. But she knew about Bingham, though.
11.45am means it's time for beer. We have our first Irish Guiness at O'Donoghue's, a rugby pub.
I know his may be blasphemy to some, but let me tell you: I love my Guiness &...it really doesn't taste all that different. It's still delicious. But it's not like shamrocks exploded on m tongue or anything. A few pints later, we swing by Front Lounge, a gay pub. They're advertising the Bingham Cup hard.
Then Rizzo starts to talk about obscure rugby law changes. Tom does what anyone else would do. He goes to sleep.
I know his may be blasphemy to some, but let me tell you: I love my Guiness &...it really doesn't taste all that different. It's still delicious. But it's not like shamrocks exploded on m tongue or anything. A few pints later, we swing by Front Lounge, a gay pub. They're advertising the Bingham Cup hard.
Then Rizzo starts to talk about obscure rugby law changes. Tom does what anyone else would do. He goes to sleep.
Back at DCU now, showered, sipping on some duty-free Maker's Mark, blogging, & getting ready for the Welcome Party. More to come. Portuguesey Power.
9 June 2008
As one of Gotham’s point-men in our Dublin outing, I have been on the look-out for anything to make our visit more memorable, interesting (as if that were a worry) and adventurous. The tournament will stand on its own merits, but the opportunity to experience Dublin is secondary and will require some fore-thought to get the most out of it. I do not want to disparage our hosts, but running this beast of an event is a full-time job, and they can hardly be expected to play tour guide as well.
I arrived (physically) moments before 10AM GMT on Sunday after a red-eye flight from JFK. My choice of air couriers was Aer Lingus, who, in their infinite wisdom, turned the cabin lights on and off every twenty minutes or so to deliver a new round of drinks, meals or duty-free fags (that’s cigarettes, not hustlers.) The attentive service coupled with my squirming seat-mate left me wide-awake and free to imagine what Ireland held for me.
Well, it held Customs and Immigration for starters. I figured if I arrive on such an early flight, I may get a short line. No such luck. It was tremendously slow, with us non-EU scum queued all over the main room and then down several corridors to the next terminal. Still, it was a damn-sight better than my experience at Da Vinci Airport one summer.
Leaving the terminal, the weather was bright, sunny and very warm – perfect weather for scoping out the locals and the locals. My taxi driver gave me a run-down on the new construction and the up-coming vote on the Lisbon Treaty, which is being hotly debated all around town. The conversation centers on division of powers and duties between the European Union and its member nations. The Naysayers point out the treaty’s language on military interdependence and tax reforms, often citing a lack of reform geared to health, education and social services. They are worried about introducing competition in the job market and about preserving trade justice, while the Yaysayers point to a more efficient umbrella government with consolidated services and a “safety-in-numbers” philosophy. Ireland is one of the few nations that send such a decision to a referendum and I am told that, as one of the last countries to consider ratification, its vote could make or break the treaty.
DCU – finally. I have been up and running around for 23 hours and it was time to take a load off, grab a shower and a nap. I walked in to the Accommodations Building, dropped my bags at the main desk and inquired about my room. As I took my jacket off and searched for my wallet, I was informed my room would be ready by 3pm, and would I care to store my bags while I took the bus to City Center (CC) until that time.
So, off I went to the CC which is conveniently landmarked for out-of-towners by the Spire. O’Connell Street is teeming with Dubliners of all stripes. This massive parkway is a great introduction to city life here in Dublin. The tourists are gathering their bearings and the city-dwellers are busy shoe-shopping, having a drink at the pubs or heading to Parnell Park to watch their boys in blue play Gaelic Football, as was the case when I stepped off the bus. I was quickly distracted by activity on the side streets and began to wander around.
I arrived (physically) moments before 10AM GMT on Sunday after a red-eye flight from JFK. My choice of air couriers was Aer Lingus, who, in their infinite wisdom, turned the cabin lights on and off every twenty minutes or so to deliver a new round of drinks, meals or duty-free fags (that’s cigarettes, not hustlers.) The attentive service coupled with my squirming seat-mate left me wide-awake and free to imagine what Ireland held for me.
Well, it held Customs and Immigration for starters. I figured if I arrive on such an early flight, I may get a short line. No such luck. It was tremendously slow, with us non-EU scum queued all over the main room and then down several corridors to the next terminal. Still, it was a damn-sight better than my experience at Da Vinci Airport one summer.
Leaving the terminal, the weather was bright, sunny and very warm – perfect weather for scoping out the locals and the locals. My taxi driver gave me a run-down on the new construction and the up-coming vote on the Lisbon Treaty, which is being hotly debated all around town. The conversation centers on division of powers and duties between the European Union and its member nations. The Naysayers point out the treaty’s language on military interdependence and tax reforms, often citing a lack of reform geared to health, education and social services. They are worried about introducing competition in the job market and about preserving trade justice, while the Yaysayers point to a more efficient umbrella government with consolidated services and a “safety-in-numbers” philosophy. Ireland is one of the few nations that send such a decision to a referendum and I am told that, as one of the last countries to consider ratification, its vote could make or break the treaty.
DCU – finally. I have been up and running around for 23 hours and it was time to take a load off, grab a shower and a nap. I walked in to the Accommodations Building, dropped my bags at the main desk and inquired about my room. As I took my jacket off and searched for my wallet, I was informed my room would be ready by 3pm, and would I care to store my bags while I took the bus to City Center (CC) until that time.
So, off I went to the CC which is conveniently landmarked for out-of-towners by the Spire. O’Connell Street is teeming with Dubliners of all stripes. This massive parkway is a great introduction to city life here in Dublin. The tourists are gathering their bearings and the city-dwellers are busy shoe-shopping, having a drink at the pubs or heading to Parnell Park to watch their boys in blue play Gaelic Football, as was the case when I stepped off the bus. I was quickly distracted by activity on the side streets and began to wander around.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
On my way to the Dragon
The back streets of Temple Bar smell like a frat basement at 5am on a Saturday.
Get to it
Shut your pieholes and get your craic on. This isn't the James Joyce Memorial Essay Contest, lads!
Airport Sitings
It's a brilliant day here in the Aer Lingus queue waiting for the knights to arrive. Early arrivals to walk the carpet include Walter and McMillan. Other notables on the flight include two Atlanta Bucks and Steve from the Dallas Diablos.
Getting My Bearings
I hit boots on the ground a little after 5am local time, still groggy from lack of sleep and the Ambien that I was sure would have knocked me out for the duration of the flight. (Right after I took it, the man next to me decided to chat about why I was going to Ireland. I could feel my thoughts begin to scramble, and put my earplugs in at the first break in the conversation. The last image I saw before drifting off into a fitful drowse was Christina Ricci, somehow cursed with a pig's snout, being plucky and empowering. Was I asleep already?) Customs was ridiculously fast, so it was barely 6:30 when I arrived at DCU. A security guard took pity on me, and gave me a key to an unoccupied room where my body clock fought with the lingering drugs and I slept almost as badly as I did on the plane.
Some of the first people I saw when I tried to check in were some boys from the Minneapolis and Atlanta teams who I had hung with in Bingam '04 and '06. My room wouldn't be ready for another 4 hours. Would I like to join them for a beer at a local pub? If nothing else, it would give me a chance to walk around in what was turning out to be a warm, sunny day. DCU is located near a stretch of road that leads into the heart of Dublin from the airport. The houses along the throughway were charming split levels with neat yards and well cropped trees that seemed just a little too tropical for the weather. Against one house, a yellow rosebush snaked its way up the wall to a second floor window, its blossoms already open in that riot of petals that signal its imminent death. Against the blue sky, the colors all seemed too much of what they were. And then we turned the corner and there was the pub.
I suppose the lack of good sleep and the philosophical tone of the previous post has made me a little more reflective as I write this. That's a luxury I won't have as the week goes on and more people I know arrive and the beer begins to flow and the games start. The boys I was with were already in that headspace, as each downed two or three pints while the bar staff prepared for their lunch crowd. Someone had brought a local gay paper with them, and we glanced through it at all the articles and photos dedicated to the Bingham Cup. The health and beauty column even talked about scrumpox! More so than London, and more so than NYC, the gay community here seems excited by our presence and what this tournament can mean to them.
But beer and lack of sleep take their toll, even on the heartiest of ruggers. The sun was blazing as we took a roundabout path back to DCU, and the neighborhood became even more suburban: the streets quieter, the houses bigger, the sidewalks shadier, a small chic cafe next to an off-license was abuzz with young, smart-looking midday diners. Passing by them, we looked every bit the Americans as we stumbled about checking the map, occasionally pulling out a camera to take pictures of a church or each other. I ate a packet of cheese and onion crisps and felt my backpack grow a little heavier. Just a little more sleep, I thought, then I too can start making memories.
Some of the first people I saw when I tried to check in were some boys from the Minneapolis and Atlanta teams who I had hung with in Bingam '04 and '06. My room wouldn't be ready for another 4 hours. Would I like to join them for a beer at a local pub? If nothing else, it would give me a chance to walk around in what was turning out to be a warm, sunny day. DCU is located near a stretch of road that leads into the heart of Dublin from the airport. The houses along the throughway were charming split levels with neat yards and well cropped trees that seemed just a little too tropical for the weather. Against one house, a yellow rosebush snaked its way up the wall to a second floor window, its blossoms already open in that riot of petals that signal its imminent death. Against the blue sky, the colors all seemed too much of what they were. And then we turned the corner and there was the pub.
I suppose the lack of good sleep and the philosophical tone of the previous post has made me a little more reflective as I write this. That's a luxury I won't have as the week goes on and more people I know arrive and the beer begins to flow and the games start. The boys I was with were already in that headspace, as each downed two or three pints while the bar staff prepared for their lunch crowd. Someone had brought a local gay paper with them, and we glanced through it at all the articles and photos dedicated to the Bingham Cup. The health and beauty column even talked about scrumpox! More so than London, and more so than NYC, the gay community here seems excited by our presence and what this tournament can mean to them.
But beer and lack of sleep take their toll, even on the heartiest of ruggers. The sun was blazing as we took a roundabout path back to DCU, and the neighborhood became even more suburban: the streets quieter, the houses bigger, the sidewalks shadier, a small chic cafe next to an off-license was abuzz with young, smart-looking midday diners. Passing by them, we looked every bit the Americans as we stumbled about checking the map, occasionally pulling out a camera to take pictures of a church or each other. I ate a packet of cheese and onion crisps and felt my backpack grow a little heavier. Just a little more sleep, I thought, then I too can start making memories.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Easy Being Green
It has been said by a certain influential Irishman that "rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city."
Good luck with that this weekend.
This week, as more than 600 ruffians-and-gentlemen descend upon the Emerald Isle for a bit of the old rough and tumble, we have nothing but great hopes for the men of New York City's Gotham Rugby Football Club. We leave New York wearing blue and gold, and we arrive in Dublin wearing green; one team, one purpose.
Any victories won this week will be hard-fought and well-deserved. And those victories will be ours.
There is nothing more brutal, perhaps, than this rendition of that most famous of Irish anthems:
No less brutal will be the sportsman-like and gentlemanly smackdown Gotham brings to Dublin. No less meaningful will be our songs of victory and valor.
Now, I have heard tell that "muppet" is Irish slang for "idiot." So let us be careful, and rather than further insult our gracious hosts by suggesting that Manhattan take the Muppets, let us in all good humor instead cheerfully suggest that Manhattan (and Queens and Brooklyn and the Bronx and Staten Island — and New Jersey) simply take those lovable, fuzzy, colorful creatures — who are occasionally operated with a well-placed hand — in other words, those ruggerly opponents who have traversed the wide oceans for a bit of grit and glory. And pints of Guinness.
Gentlemen, it begins now.
"The pipes ... the pipes are calling. From glen to glen, and down the mountainside." However, it's we must go and you must bide. So, keep an eye or two out for us here, and stay in touch. We will use this space to document Bingham Cup 2008 from the inside. We aim to make you proud.
Gotham go bragh!
Good luck with that this weekend.
This week, as more than 600 ruffians-and-gentlemen descend upon the Emerald Isle for a bit of the old rough and tumble, we have nothing but great hopes for the men of New York City's Gotham Rugby Football Club. We leave New York wearing blue and gold, and we arrive in Dublin wearing green; one team, one purpose.
Any victories won this week will be hard-fought and well-deserved. And those victories will be ours.
There is nothing more brutal, perhaps, than this rendition of that most famous of Irish anthems:
No less brutal will be the sportsman-like and gentlemanly smackdown Gotham brings to Dublin. No less meaningful will be our songs of victory and valor.
Now, I have heard tell that "muppet" is Irish slang for "idiot." So let us be careful, and rather than further insult our gracious hosts by suggesting that Manhattan take the Muppets, let us in all good humor instead cheerfully suggest that Manhattan (and Queens and Brooklyn and the Bronx and Staten Island — and New Jersey) simply take those lovable, fuzzy, colorful creatures — who are occasionally operated with a well-placed hand — in other words, those ruggerly opponents who have traversed the wide oceans for a bit of grit and glory. And pints of Guinness.
Gentlemen, it begins now.
"The pipes ... the pipes are calling. From glen to glen, and down the mountainside." However, it's we must go and you must bide. So, keep an eye or two out for us here, and stay in touch. We will use this space to document Bingham Cup 2008 from the inside. We aim to make you proud.
Gotham go bragh!
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