Bartenders

I have decided that the majority think they are gods. As a group they really are a most intriguing bunch. Before I go on I should share a bit about my qualifications. I have a hobby which brings me into contact with quite a few bartenders/mixologists and as a result I have become friends with a few of them which by association has brought me into contact with more. So, painting with the broad brush that I am, they really think the world of themselves.

Bartenders do have some reason to think highly of themselves, when they are behind the bar they have a certain aura that allows them to hold themselves in a higher esteem than those on the opposite side—after all they make drinks and people want drinks. As a profession, they are relatively well compensated, especially in a city where many frequent their establishments with regularity. They are then, a necessity.

How they go about their craft is where it gets interesting. Most anyone with some intellect could after a short time learn to make the majority of drinks that they must know. What seems to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff seems to be in the attitude and personality.

Some take the back seat approach, they sit and wait; they respond to your request and fold back to the shadows, leaving you to your company. This type is not necessarily a bad type but not the most intriguing. Many take a much more proactive approach and probably do so for a couple of reasons. First, by being more engaging they make their job easier—their evenings go by faster. Secondly, it’s a purely fiscal decision; people want to tip more to those they know and like. So why do I say they think they are gods?

Behind the bar they can get away with almost anything. We as patrons are willing to put up with a lot more for the simple reason that we need them. We are, after all not allowed behind the bar. This for them is an incredibly powerful position, they get to say and do whatever they may please. Sometimes this can be amusing, sometimes it’s downright rude. But regardless, we will typically let them go since they are working and we are not.

The change takes place when they step to the other side of the bar. This seems to be a very difficult thing for quite a few of them. They cease to have the upper hand in the dynamic and react as such. They forget that we are not willing to put up with as much and actually might be offended at what was previously, amusing. All I’m saying is that they still think they are untouchable—the truth is far from it.

I think not.

I'll probably get in trouble... http://www.naafa.org/

But contrast with...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060112/ap_on_he_me/fit_healthy_mayor

and the tons of articles about the negative asppects...

Yahoo News

I was meant to be a man of leisure.

Unfortunately, I am not yet blessed with a man of leisure’s means. One day, I will. Today, I did however read a book, Henry James’, The American. I quite enjoyed it although I still must speak with some of my more literary endowed friends to see if I truly captured the essence of it. I am, after all not classically trained in such arts.

I started my job for educational credits on Tuesday. Tomorrow, I venture through for round two. I am not sure yet what to make of it but am resolved to take from it whatever I may. At this point in my fledgling career, anything might be a positive.

I think tomorrow, or the next day I will venture back into the city. The illness I have had ever since returning is finally subsiding and I feel that I can now venture out and be social. I am, if you did not already now, very fond of both music and commas. The miraculous recovery of my external hard-drive has brought me more joy than anyone can possibly imagine. I listen to music again, that, my friends, is a good thing.

The 37000 foot high blog.

Albeit late, welcome to 2006 from me.

I am full aware that most may have come to this space to find my hilariously brilliant resolutions for the coming year. Alas that is not the case, I’m not making any resolutions, I do not see the point—why mess with what’s working?

Instead, I will ramble aimlessly from my seat here in the plane which has decided not to recline. I have left St. Louis and am on my way home. The soundtrack from Orange County to St. Louis was Sufjan Stevens. The soundtrack for the St. Louis to LaGuardia leg begins with The Mountain Goats.

2005 was a year. I always feel it appropriate to open a paragraph with something ridiculously brilliant. So, to reiterate, 2005 was a year. As you can tell from the date of the posting below I have not written here in some time—with good cause I assure you. The whole law school thing got a bit busy there in November and December, luckily, (fingers crossed) it looks like the work paid off. The final semester approaches rapidly and I am looking forward to having it behind me.

The snacks on this leg of the flight suck. I do not recommend Honey Roasted Almonds & Sesame Sticks by Fisher. Also, flying with a touch of the flu slash bronchitis blows; really.

Back to 2005 being a year, a lot happened and it was really interesting at the time, there were some very memorable moments and some quite sad ones (many peeps and animals bounced). All in all, I think I was quite happy with 2005 but I am still waiting to win the lottery and date a supermodel. I feel it in my bones that 2006 will be a big one. If for nothing else I am getting older and rapidly approaching a genetically mandated senility that might also double for brilliance;

Does anywhere in NYC take coupons? Not that I have any coupons that need using, but I’ve always assumed that their usage didn’t exist. What ever happened to Wacko Jacko’s pet monkey?

Back to nothingness, my flight has an hour left and I need to cough.