you call yourself a mixologist? try asshole.
I read something. Well, I have read a lot of things lately.
I literally just finished the first ‘chapter’ of Assholes: A Theory and I am already nose deep. If I did not have a ridiculously early flight on Saturday, I would probably finish reading the book by night’s end tomorrow. The book is written by Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Irvine, Aaron James. He is also an avid surfer, and handsome - but completely beside the point.
Asshole management begins with asshole understanding. Much as Machiavelli illuminated political strategy for princes, this book finally gives us the concepts to think or say why assholes disturb us so, and explains why such people seem part of the human social condition, especially in an age of raging narcissism and unbridled capitalism. These concepts are also practically useful, as understanding the asshole we are stuck with helps us think constructively about how to handle problems he (and they are mostly all men) -although I’d like to add a fair share of women as well- presents. We get a better sense of when the asshole is best resisted, and when he is best ignored — a better sense of what is, and what is not, worth fighting for.
Basically, how to deal with assholes. I am so excited to finish this book. As much as I love a good piece of fiction, this is the kind of non-fiction that just really gets my eyeballs tingling and brain on full alert.
Back to what I read. So I have a passion for creatively-crafted cocktails. I appreciate the combination of oddball flavors and balance. I spent a bit of time behind the bar. I learned fast. I was thrown in. Living in LA will sometimes result in that. As great of a bartender as I became, with a nationally-awarded cocktail recipe under my belt, and a bit of press on others I would never take away from the title others have earned as a “mixologist”. There are some innovative, fantastical minds out there doing some incredible things. I have the pleasure of knowing a few around the nation and one even exists here in little ‘ol Greenville.
Back to my point, these guys and gals deserve the title of “mixologist” though it seems run-of-the-mill, every day bartenders are staking claim to the same title. Just because you sling drinks and take orders does not constitute such an (in your case) undeserving title. It takes creativity, off the cuff, innovative minds to fulfill the desires of a true connoisseur’s tastebuds.
The more entertaining part is that it wasn’t just one person I saw blabbing on about it. Strangely I have read the rants of several individuals just in recent days and weeks. They say that bartenders are heady and far too confident. Heady, yes. Confidence, on the other hand, has clearly been falsely interpreted. Arrogance is the word to accurately describe this behavior. Sadly, the people I speak of will continue walking through life completely unaffected by what I have to say because their heads are too far up their own asses to even realize I am speaking to them, and about them.
… hence my open, leading with the bit about Assholes.
That is it for tonight, children. Craft beer wishes & cocktail dreams.
