Fab 5

As the years go on the Olympics popularity increases as well. Gold medalists are held at high standards and really admired by those who follow the Olympics. In past years as well as this summer’s Olympics in London, Michael Phelps has always had pressure on him to be the best. However, I would argue that this year the “Fab Five” gymnasts really stole the spotlight and influenced girls all over the country. 

            There were five girls competing on the U.S team this year and all of them under 21. Not only were they excellent gymnasts all of their personalities really came out in their performances. First there is the talented Gabby Douglas who was quite chirpy, and quirky but full of charisma. Douglas became the first African American to win gold in the individual all-around event. She also won a team gold medal at the age of 16. During the Olympics an announcer even said"Her unique blend of power, flexibility, body alignment and form has led her to be compared with three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes."

            Jordyn Wieber also only 16 was another shining star this summer and it incredible watching her routines. According to her stats, At just 7 years old, Wieber qualified to the 2002 National TOP 7-8-Year-Old Diamond Team. Then the next year, Jordyn competed at the 2003 Early State Championships, and won vault, bars, beam, floor and all-around. In 2004, Wieber participated in the Michigan State Championships and placed second all-around. By the time she was 10, Wieber had already qualified to Level 10, the highest level in the Junior Olympic program, and a year later she qualified to the international elite level. So it is no wonder that she was a front-runner in this year ‘s Olympics.  Even though she did not receive an individual medal as expected she still shone and stood out. Another strong teammate was Aly Daisman who is just 17 and started gymnastics almost immediately after learning to walk and by age 14 she began to complete the elite level. So it is no surprise she ended up taking home an individual medal. McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross were also on the American team and worked really hard as well and really helped push the team to the top.

            I would argue that the “fab five” really positively influences a lot fo young girls all around the world. They are a perfect picture of what hard work can accomplish and that you are only as strong as your team. The girls were constantly supporting each other and the way they interacted with each other was very inspiring. For example when best friends Jordyn and Aly had to compete against one another and Jordyn ended up losing it was clear that despite the heartbreak and disappointment she still was very supportive of Aly. It was very humbling to watch. I also think fans really followed and supported the girls because not only was it amazing to watch their routines but they were also very entertaining and put on a great show. The Fab Five definitely made America proud!

Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant

Every college student counts down the months, days and minutes until their twenty first birthday and I was no different. When my boyfriend asked me where I wanted to go I really had to do my research because I have been living in buffalo for four years and have been to countless restaurants. I wanted to go somewhere new, different and more grown up where I could enjoy a nice atmosphere as well as great food.  I stumbled upon a restaurant called Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant on Chippewa Street. The website was very well laid out and very simple to use and had some great reviews so we decided to give it a try and I am so glad that we did.

I got to Bacchus at about eight o’clock and was expecting to have to search for fifteen minutes for a parking space because parking downtown is known to be horrendous. However, I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled up and was greeted by a valet. When I first walked into the restaurant my eyes were immediately drawn to the elegant and simple décor. It is everything you would expect from a wine bar. The whole front of the restaurant is windows with beautiful tapestry and the rest of it was brick, which really gives it a warm and cozy feel. The lighting is dim but there are lots of candles, which added to its warm effect. The bar itself is off towards the back of the place which I enjoyed because you didn’t feel like you could over hear everyone’s conversations and you had some privacy. There is nothing worse than not being able to hear the person sitting across from you on a date. I really think it was smart of the owners to pay so much attention to detail while designing their restaurant because it makes you more willing to pay the higher end prices. Another great aspect of Bacchus was the service was excellent. When we arrived at the restaurant a very friendly hostess escorted us to a candle lit table and went over the menus with us. Our waiter was also great! I really appreciated his honesty with his recommendations, as he did not pick the most expensive meals but ones that he truly did enjoy. For dinner I had a balsamic chicken with blanched spinach, caramelized onion mashed potatoes and a delicious tomato salad. I can honestly say that it was one of the most delicious meals I have ever had out. The chicken was cooked absolutely perfectly and literally fell right off of the bone. The wine recommendation our waiter made was delicious and I really enjoyed it. Another plus was that the menu was limited to few items so each dinner was made with very high quality food. The only negative was that it was a pricey meal and a place that is definitely more for special occasions as opposed to a regular night out. However, I think the price was well worth it and would go back in a heartbeat.