Author Topic: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents  (Read 3076 times)

HoyaSaxa03

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WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« on: May 05, 2008, 11:19:00 am »
Grooving and Moving With Hip-High Hipsters
 Parents Pleased With Play Date That Features Adult Beverages
 
 By Petula Dvorak
 Washington Post Staff Writer
 Monday, May 5, 2008; B01
 
 She was tearing up the dance floor, spinning while the flashing green and hot-pink lights bounced off a disco ball and "You Should Be Dancing" boomed over the sound system. Then, curly haired dance diva Peyton Campbell broke it down, old-school, to "Brick House."
 
 Then she took a nap.
 
 That was the scene yesterday as 2-year-old Peyton and other tiny dancers burned off energy at one of the hottest shows touring the party circuit, Baby Loves Disco. Sold out weeks ago, it was a 300-person play date that mixed Bud Light and ba-bas, sequined halter tops and Huggies.
 
 Once a month, the latest in I-don't-wanna-grow-up parenting hits the District at the edgy nightclub of the moment, the Rock and Roll Hotel. The H Street Northeast club, which had been booze-soaked and packed with 20-somethings just hours earlier, was triple-scrubbed, festooned with balloons and padded with colorful foam floor tiles yesterday afternoon to host clubbers who are twentysomething inches.
 
 "No more Barney!" Ivie Higgins roared as he hoisted a glass and twisted to "Superfreak" with his 20-month-old daughter, Isabella.
 
 "I know, I know. It's more for the parents," said Higgins, who came to H Street from Silver Spring and described himself as "coming on 40" years old.
 
 "But it's so nice to be here and do something different with my daughter for a change," he said.
 
 Parents who are tired of the birthday party-park-pizza place-Gymboree circuit and determined not to give their lives entirely over to their pint-size dictators are flocking to the Baby Loves Disco tour. Tickets are $12 for all walking humans. They often sell out minutes after going online.
 
 "It's one of those things that works for everybody. And especially, we see lots of dads. It's an interesting thing, the dads coming," said Susannah Monteith, sister-in-law of the co-founder of Baby Loves Disco and the local mommy host.
 
 It began in Philadelphia in 2004, when Heather Murphy Monteith, a mom, rented a club one weekend and realized her vision of a cool place for kids and parents to have fun. Andy Hurwitz went to one of the parties, thought it was fantastic and partnered with Monteith to spread the idea to New York.
 
 The circuit now covers nearly 30 U.S. cities, from Honolulu to Boston, and eight foreign countries. The founders search for nightclubs that are open to being associated with children (not all clubs want to taint their hip factor), have a good venue with play space and "chill-out" rooms, and will strive for parent-approved cleanliness, Susannah Monteith said.
 
 "The clubs are triple-cleaned," she said. "Then I come, like, two hours before the event and clean some more. And we put plugs on all the outlets, that kind of stuff."
 
 For kids, there are unlimited, free boxes of organic juice, crackers, pretzels and other finger snacks offered at a knee-level buffet table.
 
 The dance floor has hula hoops, scarves, maracas and streams of bubbles. There are face painters, balloon animals, glittery nail polish stations and temporary-tattoo artists.
 
 Yesterday, in an upstairs room decorated to look like blood was dripping from the walls (Rock and Roll Hotel decor, not Baby Loves Disco), there was a diaper-changing station near the photo of infamous Sex Pistols couple Sid and Nancy. Another chill-out room had colorful carpets, books, wooden toys and comfortable couches that have certainly seen plenty of action but were home to rows of breast-feeding moms yesterday afternoon.
 
 The hallway had fliers from old concerts, most featuring '80s punk bands -- Sonic Youth, Black Flag, Black Market Baby, G.B.H. (remember their "City Baby's Revenge" album?).
 
 "Well, I can say it looks a lot different in the daylight," said Yvonne Neal, 34, who surveyed the well-lit club and cringed at her hazy memories of other nightclub encounters. She was hanging with her 5-year-old, Kara. "It's really fun now to watch her dance with other kids."
 
 Yes, of course. Dancing and socializing and fun.
 
 But for many parents, the beauty of Baby Loves Disco is summed up in one phrase: Bar's open.
 
 Tim Wynne took a long pull on his rum and Coke. He was glad that he could buy a drink. He was, after all, huffing on the dance floor, his 11-day-old son, Henry, strapped to his chest in a Baby Bjorn and his wild 2-year-old, A.J., wiggling across the room.
 
 His wife, Becky, was delighted to get back into a nightclub so soon after childbirth.
 
 "When you become a parent, you suddenly stop being this person you've been all these years, and that part is hard," she said.
 
 The magic of the place was also clear for Dan and Barb Scheeler, who were both drinking pints of Guinness while their boys, 3 and 5, waited for balloon animals.
 
 "That balance of something for kids and something for grown-ups is so important and hard to find," said Dan Scheeler, who has taken the family from Alexandria to H Street twice this year for Baby Loves Disco.
 
 On the dance floor, DJ Adolph Brown took the crowd through the '80s. The dads lifted Coronas in the air. Some hollered when the Pet Shop Boys began singing. They spun their little dates around, singing to their West End Girls.
 
 For some of the younger set, this was a chance to practice their moves with the ladies. David, 18 months, eyed an older woman: Lilah, 2. She was the quirky type, one leg warmer, a pink tutu, blond ringlets and a killer smile. He took a big pull off his juice box and wobbled up to her, a typical nightclub move. He attacked with fervor, giving her a giant, sloppy hug.
 
 His mom, Sharon Boesen, dived in and pried him off her. "A little more gentle next time, David," she said.
 
 Baby Loves Disco welcomes kids up to 7 years old. David will have plenty of time to hone his pickup line.
(o|o)

HoyaSaxa03

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #1 on: May 05, 2008, 11:22:00 am »
from the comments:
 
 ------------------------------
 
 HUH?????
 
 Booze and babies???????
 
 Yeah mom, way to go! Get drunk and irresponsible while you are watching your children. My guess is that every pedophile in the DC area will be standing in line to get tickets for the next PAR-TAY. Mom will be boozing it up while her children are left unattended. And, who drives these wonen and CHILDREN home when the beer stops flowing??????
 
 To all you "ladies" who find this idea attractive: Next time do it the right way. Hire a babysitter or leave the child with a trusted friend or relative before you go out boozing. And, take a cab or have a designated driver.
 
 We take our children to play dates that are really more for the adults, but we don't have alcohol. I like beer, but I don't have to drink it to have a good time with friends. You can dance, and chat with people just as easily sober as you can drunk. And, I'm not a prude. Instead, I am a father who loves his children, and I try to limit their exposure to images of alcohol and to people who have been drinking.
 
 Geez, booze and babies.
 
 This is just stupid beyond belief.
 
 ----------------------------------
 
 Whether or not the parents are "getting trashed" is irrelevant. Parents should not be bringing children to a nightclub as an excuse to work off their own unresolved immature urges. The ENVIRONMENT is at issue. If parents normalize a nightclub environment at age 3, then they shouldn't be surprised if, at 11 or 12, their kids start asking to go to parties and "underage" dance clubs. What is the problem with these parents?!
 
 -----------------------------------
 
 No one said that Chucky Cheese is a great idea either...it was a beautiful day yesterday..how about the playground where the children can run around and get some exercise...oh, RIGHT, there's no beer or rum and cokes at the playground! Duh, I forgot that no parent should be expected to do something for their child unless there's something it for them too! I guess that the bride and groom zillas turn into mommy and daddy zillas when they have children and find that they actually have to grow up and put someone else's needs before their own. I am part of the baby boomer generation and it is clear that we have raised a generation of "me, me, me" brats who think that the world revolve around them and want to take little responsibility to do the right thing. As for your analogy about public schools and bathrooms, rickyd1, how about volunteering in your child's school and cleaning up the bathrooms? Or are you too busy trying to figure out when the next "rave for toddlers" is going to happen?
 
 -------------------------------------------
 
 and the only sane one of the bunch:
 
 -------------------------------------------
 
 Wow. What an incredibly judgmental article. And it had the intended effect: dozens of outraged blog comments. These parents had, what, one beer apiece? But there were kids in the room (cue panic, fainting, calls to Promises)! Why play up the drinking angle? Dads drink beer at baseball games too... lots of it. Are you people posting comments to Nats recaps saying "I have a problem with parents consuming alcohol and then driving home with their kids in the car"?
(o|o)

walkonby

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2008, 03:24:00 pm »
these crazy straight people.

Bags

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2008, 03:33:00 pm »
people make me nuts...  Isn't it the commenters' issue that they must presuppose that if you're drinking, you're falling down drunk (or even reaching "a bit tipsy").  I'd bet a survey would show there is far more drinking at home in front of the hockey/basketball/baseball/golf tournies, and a hell of a lot more at Nationals Park.  
 
 I recall an article in I think the NY Times about a mom's group in which a neighborhood of mom's had a rotating play date in which they drank wine and the kids played...  Hadn't heard of any child deaths or drownings, though from the letters to the editors, you'd assume it had been a weekly bloodbath.

HoyaSaxa03

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2008, 04:26:00 pm »
i have no children, but i can't describe to you how much those commenters made my blood boil
 
 it's a culture war, and we're on the front lines.  "once more unto the breach!"
(o|o)

Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2008, 05:48:00 pm »
Hoya, where are you finding the comments section? Am I blind or something?

shoelaces22

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2008, 06:05:00 pm »
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  where are you finding the comments section?
If you look under the Slideshow, there's a Toolbox and then a Comment section, and there should be a link in that part to "View All Comments."  It's not the most user-friendly design, IMO.

Julian, Alleged Computer F**kface

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2008, 06:14:00 pm »
Quote
Originally posted by shoelaces22:
 If you look under the Slideshow, there's a Toolbox and then a Comment section, and there should be a link in that part to "View All Comments."  It's not the most user-friendly design, IMO.
9:30 Club Patron Disparages WashingtonPost.com Web-Design

HoyaSaxa03

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2008, 06:45:00 pm »
Quote
Originally posted by shoelaces22:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  where are you finding the comments section?
If you look under the Slideshow, there's a Toolbox and then a Comment section, and there should be a link in that part to "View All Comments."  It's not the most user-friendly design, IMO. [/b]
welcome to a brand new world of reading what retards think about local goings-on
 
 oh, wait.
(o|o)

vansmack

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2008, 06:47:00 pm »
Sounds like a great place to pick up on single moms to me.
27>34

HoyaSaxa03

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2008, 06:51:00 pm »
Quote
Originally posted by vansmack:
  Sounds like a great place to pick up on single moms to me.
<img src="http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/05/04/PH2008050402081.jpg" alt=" - " />
(o|o)

saintangelsin

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #11 on: May 06, 2008, 04:48:00 pm »
On the surface of things, it sounds like a cool idea! I would never slam the concept down of taking kids out to go dancing and to see live music (granted under certain conditions).
 
 I mean I've been to many dance parties for Pancake Mountain! They're pretty well supervised. The parents watch and some even join in on the fun. My friends and I volunteer time to the show because we want to be good role models and because it's a lot of positive fun. I get a huge kick out of talking to some of the older kids about music. If I ever have children, I hope to take them to a Pancake Mountain dance party or even hold an event similar in my own home.
 
 With that in mind, I read the article about Baby Loves Disco in yesterday's post. It actually bothered me a lot. I kept on thinking about security and safety.
 
 Sure while you must have your child present to gain entry to the event, that doesn't mean perverts aren't there. Another thing that bothered me was people just turning their kids lose without keeping an eye on them. Who knows who might try to snatch your kid.
 
 At least with PM dance parties, the parents are usually watching or dancing with their kids. Not to mention, you must RSVP to actually go. I have a feeling they probably do background checks on the volunteers and stuff.  
 
 The thing about Baby Loves Disco that bothered me the most was the drinking. My mother (who is a social worker) read the article and said that if you want to drink, get a babysitter and go out.
 
 I'll be honest, it really bothered me that people are drinking around their small children. Way to set an example. Kids look up to their parents and if mommy or daddy does something that seems cool, they'll do it as well. Imitation is a way to understand things. Well, if kids see their parents drink, they'll think it's ok for them to drink.
 
 So if they really want to do things right, it should be an alcohol free event.  
 
 One more thing that bothered me in the article was that some guy had his barely 2-week-old baby at the event. My mom told me that she didn't start taking my sister and I anywhere until we were at least 9 months old. She was afraid of us getting sick from things that bigger children don't normally get sick from.
 
 Pancake Mountain requires that all children be at least 2 or 3 years old, which makes sense to me. By then, kids have some of their shots and their immune systems are stronger.
 
 Okay last gripe, I am going to make and it's actually pointed at the journalist of the article.
 
 
Quote
For some of the younger set, this was a chance to practice their moves with the ladies. David, 18 months, eyed an older woman: Lilah, 2. She was the quirky type, one leg warmer, a pink tutu, blond ringlets and a killer smile. He took a big pull off his juice box and wobbled up to her, a typical nightclub move. He attacked with fervor, giving her a giant, sloppy hug.
 
 His mom, Sharon Boesen, dived in and pried him off her. "A little more gentle next time, David," she said.
 
 Baby Loves Disco welcomes kids up to 7 years old. David will have plenty of time to hone his pickup line.
While it reads and sounds cute, it is rather messed up. Little kids aren't like this. They don't think like this. While yes they are little people (which seriously is awesome), they aren't sexual beings. By implying that they do have pickup lines and stuff, it enforces these awful stereotypes and images. Pedophiles argue that children are sexual beings and should be allowed to do what they want to do. This sort of description in this article just gives them more fire to their disgusting argument.

HoyaSaxa03

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #12 on: May 07, 2008, 03:32:00 pm »
Quote
Originally posted by saintangelsin:
 The thing about Baby Loves Disco that bothered me the most was the drinking. My mother (who is a social worker) read the article and said that if you want to drink, get a babysitter and go out.
 
 I'll be honest, it really bothered me that people are drinking around their small children. Way to set an example. Kids look up to their parents and if mommy or daddy does something that seems cool, they'll do it as well. Imitation is a way to understand things. Well, if kids see their parents drink, they'll think it's ok for them to drink.
 
 So if they really want to do things right, it should be an alcohol free event.  
do i understand you right, you really think that adults should never drink alcohol around children?
 
 it's widely understood that puritan views towards drinking in this country lead to our higher rates of binge drinking and irresponsible alcohol use
 
 if anything, i'd want to frequently expose my child to responsible alcohol consumption
(o|o)

Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #13 on: May 07, 2008, 03:42:00 pm »
Agreed.
 
 Teach your kids that alcohol is to be used as a beverage, not a drug. Beverage good, drug bad (though not as bad as many drugs). Drink too much of it and the beverage becomes a drug. (Remember that, Hoya, when you're at the Truckers show.)
 
 I know that our child will be allowed to have wine and perhaps beer in proportionate amounts in our house long before she turns 21. And I bet that she won't turn out to be a binge drinker or abuser of other drugs.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by HoyaSaxa03:
   
Quote
Originally posted by saintangelsin:
 The thing about Baby Loves Disco that bothered me the most was the drinking. My mother (who is a social worker) read the article and said that if you want to drink, get a babysitter and go out.
 
 I'll be honest, it really bothered me that people are drinking around their small children. Way to set an example. Kids look up to their parents and if mommy or daddy does something that seems cool, they'll do it as well. Imitation is a way to understand things. Well, if kids see their parents drink, they'll think it's ok for them to drink.
 
 So if they really want to do things right, it should be an alcohol free event.  
do i understand you right, you really think that adults should never drink alcohol around children?
 
 it's widely understood that puritan views towards drinking in this country lead to our higher rates of binge drinking and irresponsible alcohol use
 
 if anything, i'd want to frequently expose my child to responsible alcohol consumption [/b]

nkotb

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Re: WashPost Disparages Drunken Rock and Roll Hotel Parents
« Reply #14 on: May 07, 2008, 03:44:00 pm »
Every time an underage girl doesn't turn into a binge drinker, a little piece of vansmack dies.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  And I bet that she won't turn out to be a binge drinker or abuser of other drugs.