This New Year's Eve experience has taught me one thing: By December 31, 2006, I'd better have made my millions and be done. Such a lot of activity in one night I can take at 31, but I fear 32 will be a different story.
At Annex 3, Rene ( de-Fabbed behind the bar ) was exchanging jewels with The Empire boys. And no baubles for me? That's fine. I couldn't hold a be-rhinestoned candle to those Empire folks. After 15 seconds of hearty conversation, I was out the door.
Luckily, I caught Spin before the onslaught slaught on. Just enough room to flow freely. Ken was propped at the corner of the bar celebrating another year in the bag. Spin brought me the first drink I had to refuse that night. More to come.
Berlin was similarly low-key, due to the early hour. I caught a great snap of the bartender's birthday. What a rush for her. The whole freaking city was about for her big night. Good to see George, sans that little Terminator get-up he was in last time I ran into him. Time heals all wounds, especially the fleshy ones.
Then into the car ( remember: I wasn't drinking ) and off to Crew. The seductive miss Crystal Fur had the perfect shot of Billy and Joey set up, so I sneaked in for the piggyback shot. I know a certain other community photog famous for that move. But I digress. Jason Paul, now retired from Boi and spending his days at the ol' assisted living facility proceeded to offer me refused drink #2. Hate to see a good vodka go to waste, but duty called.
Charlie was all smiles at @mosphere. Drink #3, more tempting than its two departed brethren, was still not enough to crumble my resolve. I hadn't finished yet.
So up to Touché I was. Caught a lovely moment of the door guys of Touché and Jackhammer working together to deny a certain local lush entry into either bar. They really put the 'I' in team, those boys. Hey David—what exactly was that dick game? Any excuse to torture your patrons, huh? I guess that's why they keep coming.
And would you believe that after all this fun and frolic, I was still able to make it to my friend's quiet little apartment by midnight? Practice makes perfect.
To cap it all off, you can't forget the hangover brunch at Scot's. Try the sausage ring. You'll quit your job and devote your life to it.
Thanks also to Mr. Chuck Kramer, who was good enough to hit Hydrate, Cocktail, Circuit and Sidetrack for the paper. I love that cover pic. So atmospheric.
In other news, Windy City Media Group bids a fond, while reticent farewell to business manager Meghan Streit. Good luck in grad school, dear. I do hope we can call you five times a day. Each. Not kidding.
kirk@windycitymediagroup.com