Man Wants to Stay in Local Bar the Entire Weekend

Can a man survive a weekend at a bar, with a computer as his sole lifeline, while he forgoes all of life's other amenities?

This weekend, those interested to discover whether such a feat is possible should head down to the , one of Menlo Park's most famous distilleries, and see for themselves whether Ryder Darcy can hack it.

The 23-year-old Darcy is charged to survive all day Saturday and Sunday at the bar, with his only contact to the outside world being what he can access through the community-based commerce Web site Zaarly.

The site allows users to post want ads for goods or services, along with when they want it provided, how much they would like to pay, and how far they would be willing to travel to get it. The post is then opened for bids to Zaarly community, who may make offers to provide what is wanted.

The goal of the site is to offer users a forum to negotiate a deal between users, which is what Darcy said he plans to do as soon as he arrives in Menlo Park.

Since he is going to be sleeping overnight Saturday at the Goose, and is unable to leave, Darcy said the first thing on his list to find on Zaarly will be a bed. 

But not just any bed. A waterbed.

"I've never slept on one of those," he said.

Over the course of the rest of the weekend, Darcy said he will also be posting ads to have forms of entertainment delivered to him.

He suggested the possibility of taking swing dancing lessons as one way to pass some time.

Aside from attempting to boost his ability to cut a rug, Darcy said he may also be looking to set up a visit from a chiropractor, as well as get a haircut during his stay.

"I hope I'm going to get everything I want, and then some," he said.

For those interested in witnessing Darcy's daring challenge but unable to attend, there will an opportunity to watch him live via web cam on the Zaarly page at UStream.

People may also interact with Darcy through Zaarly. They can chat with him, send him ideas of what they'd like to see him do, as well as offer goods and services to him through the program, or pay to have things delivered.

"I hope people are feeling generous and pick fun stuff for me to do," he said.

And though the does offer a rather extensive menu of food from the grill, Darcy is not allowed to eat anything unless he orders it through Zaarly.

One of the most enticing opportunities for Darcy is the possibility to perhaps grab a free drink, which ideally would be provided by one of his caring fellow site users. In fact, he said it may be necessary in order for him to make it through the weekend.

"I have to be in front of a camera for two days straight, I'm going to need some social lubricant," he said.

All things considered, Darcy is guarded in his excitement going into the weekend.

"I don't know what to expect," he said. "I hope there will be a lot of participation and I will get to meet a lot of interesting people."

One local legend he has a chance to meet is former Oakland Athletic turned mercenary for the softball team, Eric Byrnes.

There are rumors that Byrnes, a Redwood City native who spent 10 years in the big leagues, may stop by his new team's clubhouse in order to encourage Darcy on his quest.

So if you're in the area and want to see just how effective technology can be in bringing a man all his worldly desires, stop by the Dutch Goose at 3567 Alameda De Las Pulgas. Admission is free. Or if that's not possible, check out Darcy on the Zaarly page at UStream.

"I hope I can make it,"  said Darcy.