 "Photo: Nathaniel Ochoa")
“Barack Obama” lost a Foosball tournament. But “Barack Obama” was simply the team name of Alejandro del Calvo, a 22-year-old political science major, who was eliminated from the weekly Foosball tournament that happens every Friday night at 6 p.m. at Blondies on LK Wood Blvd.
Blondies is a new business in town. Having been in operation for barely a month, the business is already making a name for itself.
Alex Fisher, a 24-year-old history major, likes the fact that Blondies offers various activities, such as the Foosball tournament on Fridays and Trivia Night on Mondays.
“I really love the atmosphere here,” said Fisher. “The staff is very friendly.”
Blondies sells sandwiches, beer, chips, “green eggs and ham” (scrambled eggs with pesto sauce) and Haagan-Dazs ice cream.
Owner Johanna Nagan is quick to smile and make customers feel at home. “It’s fun to offer events that attract people of all ages,” said Nagan.
Every Friday night at 6 p.m., a Foosball tournament is held. With a $5 buy in, it’s a no-holds-barred, winner-takes-all event that generates stiff competition. There is only one rule: no crying allowed.
Last week’s champ, Alex Weiland, a 23-year-old sociology major, is back to defend his title. His team name is “Kill,” and he means business.
Looking to topple the king from his lofty perch is Nels Ferre, a 22-year-old journalism major.
Bradly Horton, a 20-year-old chemistry major, whose Foosball team name is “Cookie Sandwich,” had his dreams of victory shattered at the hands of Ferre, who strutted around like a peacock after his win.
The beer is flowing as the combatants duke it out over the tiny field of battle. With Interpol blasting from the loudspeakers, the competitors fight into the night. Topics of discussion include sex in space, drinking, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and some biting satire about the gradual decline of the American economy.
There is plenty of hustle and bustle in Blondies as the tournament rages on, with people coming and going in droves. Some even stop what they are doing to smile and offer words of encouragement to the players.
The final match up is Weiland, aka “Kill,” versus Ferre, aka “Ragnarok.” The players crowd around the tiny arena filled with tiny soccer players. Back and forth goes the Foosball, with the spectators screaming words of encouragement to both players.
In the end, Ferre clenches victory and jumps into the air. High fives are given as the two combatants shake hands. Glowing from his win, Ferre buys two pitchers of beer for the other players. It’s a tradition, and not a bad one at that.
“I love this place,” says Ferre, gesturing to the rest of Blondies. “They have everything. It’s a lot like the TV show ‘Cheers,’ where everyone knows everyone. It’s great.”
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