artist kamikaze in preview
Current mood: anxious
Category: Art and Photography

"Artist Kamikaze in Preview"

By Hieronymous

In addition to being a big fan of booze, I am also a big fan of the arts, so I took this opportunity to interview Eris about the new-fangled thing folks are calling the Artist Kamikaze...

Q: What is the Artist Kamikaze and how is it different from the Rock-n-Roll Kamikaze?

A: Umm, it is art instead of music...same idea basically, but each artist is forced to collaborate with another artist...

Q: How were teams generated?

A: Well out of the gates, names were drawn randomly...however, true to typical artist form, we had a lot of late entries, so at that point a dice roll was done and pairs became 3 person teams in some cases.

Q: How long did people have to complete their projects?

A: The random drawing was the end of May, so the initial teams have had about 2 months to complete their submissions. The later entrants had less time...

Q: Around how many artists are involved?

A: Hmm, hard to say, a lot– at least 40....

Q: Who are the judges, there is some speculation that a mayoral candidate might be in that fold?

A: There just might be...guess you'll have to come down and see for yourself.

Q: I heard that the pieces will have numbers on them, instead of names, why is that?

A: Each piece will have a number instead of name(s) until the winners are selected...mainly to control for bias/selection of local well known favorites...we also thought it might encourage new artists to come forth and enter...

Q: What kind of prizes will there be?

A: Anything from gift certificates kindly provided by local businesses, to future art shows, to coffee, to massages, to fame, i.e., "bragging rights" to quote Heiko (current organizer of the Rock-n-Roll Kamikaze).

Q: Will this be a yearly event?

A: We have already had artists express interest in being involved next year, so I think that would be a "yes" as long as Pizza Luce is kind enough to be our host again next year.

Q: Is the disorganization a mistake or on purpose/by design?

A: Hee, hee...I am always a tad disorganized, part of my charm...I think the nature of any "kamikaze" event is chaotic in nature, especially the first year.

Q: Are you aware of any infighting within the teams?

A: Yeah, there has been some subtle snide-ish remarks here and there, but no one has ended up in the hospital or jail, as of yet. I think that the artist's are actually having a harder time working together than the musicians did...

Q: How many people have dropped off the radar?

A: Maybe about 6 people have come to me and have admitted being defeated in the kamikaze process (that or they have avoided their team or partner)– I guess that is to be expected. Want their names...just kidding, however, we did toss around the idea of having a "wall of shame."

Q: What's with the gnomes?

A: I heard a lot of feedback that the artist's wanted some sort of theme or project, so one of the possible 3 submissions is a gnome piece. Gnomes were chosen because I have never met a person who has anything bad to say about them...and they are silly, so it also illustrates that this event is about having fun and not taking oneself, so seriously.

Q: When is it? Where is it? What time?

A: August 9, 2007 from 7-9pm at Pizza Luce.

lET tHE gNOMES bEGIN!

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drink in review- july 2007
Current mood: distressed
Category: Writing and Poetry

Drink in Review

By Hieronymous

Dear Friends,

Red wine is not my bag. The next time you see me out with a glass of the red devil in hand...please, please stop me! Something about it just doesn't agree with my delicate sensibilities. As soon as the tannins stain my lips it's all over, whether it be the ulcer or the migraine-alicious headaches... What used to be my alcoholic beverage of choice has plummeted into disfavor– sour with subsequent side effects.

Inevitably, every once and awhile I'll get a bright idea..."What if just this one time I could drink it again?"

I fondly recall the countless long evenings of beatnik-ish poetry readings at Mr. Savage's loft studio in Rochester. I remember all the funky finger food like the macaroni shells and cheese kabobs me and my buddy Blind Ben (R.I.P.) would bring in tow and drinking red vino to my heart's content. It used to make me feel good and warm and literary and snobbish and free to express my thoughts– all in tandem.

Now it just rises in the back of my throat, threatening to spew forth with each sip...as I silently beg for it to stay down. All of this is in vain, it somehow manages to reacquaint itself with the world- red tinged– gritty and acidic, sigh...Merlot- no more, Pinoir Noir- no more, Domestica Red– no more, Cabernet, no more, Chianti– nope not really. (I guess I can still I ingest is the sweet red wines like Lambrusco or Sangria, but those just don't carry the same level of sophistication.)

Alas, no more red wine...maybe it's because I am getting on in my years, maybe it's because I'm not reading poetry (set against the background of trumpets, string basses, or hand drums) while drinking it, maybe it's because I no longer serve as a muse to anyone, maybe it's because it makes me think of the past which is now well riddled with pain and tragedy, maybe that time has passed and I am ready for a new chapter– maybe that's why the lovely handiwork of Dionysis ends up before the most porcelain of gods more times than not...

Sincerely,

Hiero

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drink (i mean deity) in review- june 2007
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Drink (I mean Deity) in Review

By Hieronymous

I've decided to take in a quaint evening of finger food and wine to brush up on my Greek mythology, so as to sound impressive at Eris's next cocktail party, whatever the theme may be...Pillows, Retsina, grapes, feta cheese with olives...check, check, check and check.

Let the pontification begin...the head honcho– Zeus¹ was the god of the heavens, husband of Hera, father to many legitimate, but more illegitimate children of Olympia and the World at large. Gifted with absolute power and authority – Zeus got away with everything!

Just think if you could have your way with any female- mortal and goddess alike...that would be stellar. Through his sexual exploits he mated with goddesses such as Mnemosyne "memory" and produced the Muses (those who inspire)–from his loins came Herakles (the strongest man), Helen (the most beautiful woman) and Dionysos (the crazy god of wine). He is rumored to have given birth to Athena (goddess of Wisdom) who sprung from his head all by his lonesome– not a single mortal man I know can boast that!

Screw soap operas and night time drama– this is way more interesting and twisted.

Props for Zeus, hey! So what if lust becomes your biggest weakness, so what your meddling wife is jealous, and so what all of the children you produce bicker...you could make armies of them– all gifted and magical. It was arguably the most dysfunctional family ever, but it truly is from which I was bourne.

I fondly think back on how my pops used to utilize mythology as bedtime stories, as I take a look at the picture of my long departed great-great grandfather, the Athenian priest/bishop. I can almost detect a sly smile spreading across his face from beneath that tall hat and right above that long beard as I hear him saying... "That's right boy, we are some krazy kool people, embrace it, own it, live it, love it..."

1                Some people might argue and say that Zeus' name is Jupiter, I say which name more readily comes to mind? Hee hee- take that you Roman copy cats...

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drink in review (may 2007)
Current mood: calm
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Drink in Review

By Hieronymous

The "Drink in Review" didn't happen this week secondary to my ingestion of copious amounts of reefer...it was just so good that I couldn't stop myself. I kept telling myself, Hiero, on task- better pick out a drink and get to it...alas, the pathological desire for the herb overcame me. Then the munchies. This pattern has been going on for quite awhile now– few weeks maybe a month, I'll have to do some research....Schwag, I can take it or leave it, but they have some fine nugs outta California, my friends, the kind and potency enough to give a seasoned imbiber such as myself visuals, if not the spins. This is just what happens when my 'high roller" friends come to visit. What can I say? That's my excuse. I'll see you next month...got a drink you'd like to expose to my review? Send it on, to hiero.hpdmag@yahoo.com

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DRINK IN REVIEW april 07
Current mood: devious
Category: Writing and Poetry

Drink in Review

By Hieronymous

"Ode to Bloody Mary"

It's amazing your essence has never graced my lips...

Yet tonight you beckon...

"Try me, try something new, forget the other drinks..."

I shun my beloved ouzo for your favor tonight my dear,

however, that is not to say you will keep me away from her long.

Spicy and acidic with a sword containing your bounty

The tempestuous spirits that lie in wait are muted

by your sassy components...

The pickle that is well enveloped, stewing inside of you,

Your olives staring me down.

Alas, I relent and whisper...only for tonight darling,

but I will always hold you in high regards...

My Bloody Mary.

6:29 AM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

drink in review (uncensored) also appearing in part in HPD mag Jan. Ed.
Current mood: irritated
Category: Parties and Nightlife

"Drink In Review"

By Hiero

Here's the flow of consciousness breakdown from my travails with the spirts this week. Bailey's and coffee- "what a wonderful holiday drink to partake in," I muse as I gingerly prepare the beverage. Incidentally I decide to use the N.P.R. cup that the bitch who just moved out left in the cupboard. Gives me a sense of satisfaction since alcohol would never touch princess pampered ass's lips– no, no...she's too good for that. Interrupted by a phone call, hmm..."yeah, a game of chess that sounds fun." I start preparing another Bailey's and coffee for my buddy who is due to show up any minute. I can't very well be the only one drinking and playing chess. That would be unfair. Now it's time to get my notes in order, "Where is that pen? I just saw it..." (That's right, a PEN, not my laptop or my computer– I actually hand write this shit). A knock at the back door. You would think that cookies might be pleasurable with the drink, but noooo... My guest must be going through some interpersonal conflicts as he is convinced that the lovely almond sugar cookies are poisoned as he smells and nibbles them. He averts his gaze to the sugar (which he requested for the drink) and tries to argue that it is not sugar, but artificial sweetener. This goes on til I snatch the bottle away and point to the "100% Pure Cane Sugar" caption very prominently displayed on the front of the package. I decide that maybe we should just move on to that chess game, whereupon I am accused of being racist for wanting the white pieces- truth is I prefer the black pieces, but want to go first before my mind becomes even more muddled. The battlefield becomes one of attrition. Pieces dying left and right due to the careless commands of their leaders. The front doorbell rings like a cannon going off. "Oh my Zeus! Who could it be? I don't recall inviting anyone..." It could be the police, Jehovah's Witnesses, girl scouts, Homeland Security, a homicidal maniac (none of which I am willing to deal with at the moment). I surreptitiously tip-toe towards the door to see if I can catch a sideways glance to determine what I am dealing with and breath a sigh of relief to see some other pals at the door, who I had invited over much earlier in the day– this forgetfulness might be due to the second or third cup of the delightfully nummy Bailey's and coffee. I prepare some for my newly arrived guests and sit down to finish off the game and realize that we are all in trouble as they pull out some snazzy looking Pravda Vodka and a huge ole bottle of Pinot Grigio. I chuckle as they tell me I could probably review the 7^th Generation dish detergent because it is safe enough to drink...hmm, no never, well maybe sometime, hee hee.

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drink in review 3 (in your next hpd mag)
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Drink In Review

By Hieronymous

First and foremost you must forgive me for any grammatical or spelling errors this week. Cut me a break, eh? I wasn't feeling very well this week and decided to depart from my usual choice of beverage. For the past few nights I have imbibed my new nighttime cocktail, a shot of NyQuil followed by Cherry Coke. The first and second night were harsh, but necessary. I have not been taking care of myself, burning the candles at both ends, so to speak... so I needed something to lay me out flat and to quiet my mind. NyQuil actually does contain alcohol, however, but it is listed as an "inactive" ingredient. So, it is not exactly liquor, but is a drink, and I am going to review it. Upon inspection of the bottle it has umm...Acetaminophen (the stuff of Tylenol), Doxylamine (no idea), and Dextramethorphan (the stuff in Robitussin DM). The texture is a little more syrupy than say Zambuca or Jagermeister, and instead of the black licorice/anise, the palate is presented with cherry. Incidentally, and for that reason, the chaser I have chosen is very complimentary. For a moment, I consider making a mixed drink... but no, that might not be such a good idea. The best thing about my new found beverage (of average size) only need one shot to put them out of their misery. This is also economical. I begin to wonder why the bars do not come up with a whole new line of cough syrup drinks for their less than wealthy patrons. I ponder these thoughts as I start writing down notes. The words becomes more and more unrecognizable, until I throw the pen across the room in disgust. The next 15 minutes I fight like Hades to stay awake and my depth perception starts to go bonkers. I start seeing ghosts, wow - this is better than... zzzzzz.

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drink in review .2 (hpd ed. 1)
Current mood: thirsty
Category: Parties and Nightlife

Drink in Review

By Hieronymous

I am pacing back and forth in Chaos' kitchen in a panic looking for spirits. True to the usual course of things, I have waited until the last minute and the deadline for the article is tomorrow. I simply must find something to imbibe. I must have something to report back to my dear readers…besides it would be straight out irresponsible of me to do otherwise.

Okay, shot glass located ( and yes, I am about to throw back shots by my lonesome, and yes, that is sad- don't judge). Standing in front of the open liquor cabinet, I browse lovingly over my choices. I zero in on…Ouzo, no wait, did that last week…then over to a bottle of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. It seems to beckon my attention and I heed its call.

I trepidaciously lap a little bit up with my tongue, testing the waters- kind of burns. Errr…burning isn't all bad, all the time. Although it clearly reads "92 Proof" right there on the bottle, I choose to push forward. This could be dangerous, but it has become my mission.

Gulp- Ouch! Wow, ended up swallowing maybe half the shot. The rest has projected out from my mouth and some of it has managed to back up into my sinuses. I notice my eyes tearing up something awful. Sweet caramel-ee delicious my ass.

Hmmmm…well I don't like it. (Mental note: maybe it calls for some other ingredients next time round, perhaps Dr. Pepper?) Let's move on to the freezer.

Brilliant, Stoli Razbery vodka, just sitting there waiting for my visit. I usually get pretty snaky on the old vodka, but I figure I am alone (stop your judging already) and it sounds froofy enough to be harmless. What the Hades, why not? I can't very well be messing around with more in the way of shots (due to the current state of my sinuses)-- simply can't risk another mishap there.

Ice, martini shaker-type-dealio (the top is missing, but the Mac Guyver in me is able to finagle an espresso scoop that fits perfectly in its absence), blue raspberry mix and cranberry juice. Affirmative on all counts.

I shake furiously---pour. Ughh- it's a grey colored substance, lovely. I throw in an empty sword figuring it will go along with the barren landscape this drink is beginning to paint in my mind.

Maybe just a sip... mmmm, it's really not that bad. Upon further examination, I decide rather than grey, it is more like a violet. Things are definitely turning around now, despite my rough start. Oh, this deserves some garnish. It has to be lime. A fancifully twirled lime strung upon the sword. I dub thee the "Subdued Serpent," as I slay the glass sitting in front of me and move to finish off the remainder.

Feeling that the past half hour has been rather constructive, I think about all the other drinks that are left to be consumed and smile...

9:31 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

drink in review (hpdmagzero.edition)
Current mood: indifferent
Category: Parties and Nightlife

"Drink In Review"

By Hieronymous

There's nothing better than a shot of Ouzo (pronounced Ooze- O) followed by a swift gulp of coke. This combination or any other combination of Ouzo, may be treacherous to the novice or amateur drinker. I've seen many friends of non-Mediterranean decent (us Greeks seem to have strange immunities...) try to keep pace with me- throwing shot after shot back only to see them:

pure adreno-gland ingestion (a la fear and loathing)

during the ingestion time frame

"But what is it like...?" To answer your question, it is akin to Jag in that it has the licorice/anise thing going on, but clear and more toxic- minus the syrup-ee texture. To me it is reminiscent of the little candies my pops used to have on the corner of his desk at work. It makes me feel warm and cozy, like an internal smile. Knowing that this is the liquor I have made peace with, (e.g., keeping my dexterity/wits about me and retaining the ability not to speak in a slurred fashion)– it's rather entertaining to begin shouting "OPA!" after each unwitting sucker takes a shot– no one will know what you mean, but they'll join in for it is an infectious phrase and appropriate for ingestion of the Ouzo. After that ceases to be amusing you can gather everyone and say "watch this.." Subversively drop a couple of ordinary drops of tap water and voila it will start changing from clear to a murky white before their drunken eyes. Depending on how long the imbibing continues, you may be able to convince people you are a Ouzo magician and that one day- if they are lucky enough, the spirit of Ouzo will speak to them as well...

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