THE WINDY SHITTY...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

("Dramatization" by the Misanthrope Specialty Co.)

Until the Company finally perfects its weather-control apparatus, outdoor events will always be something of a crap shoot. Given that attendance at such shows depends largely on meteorological cooperation, and that a little sunshine can mean all the difference between feast and famine, the question of whether or not the Company should try it's luck is invariably a topic of hot debate when planning a Company tour. Voting is usually split frustratingly close.

Unfortunately, the elements conspired against the men and women of the Misanthrope Specialty Co. at yesterday's Ballston Arts and Crafts Fair.

A moral victory for the pessimists

The pessimistic naysayers were already shaking their heads as this weekend drew near and the forecast began calling for rain. Surely enough, the drizzle began the moment the Company arrived to set up shop in Welburn Square. The rain had stopped by the time the tents were up, however. The sun came out, virile and bright, and for a few moments it looked as though the optimists had voted right. Then came the freak winds.

(damaged goods as photographed by Erkuden Sakana)

The same wind that had chased away the rainclouds was now wreaking havoc on the event. This served not only to discourage attendance, but it also managed to make off with or otherwise destroy a great deal of merchandise. Many a vendor's tent was blown over, or even down the street. Rufus endured an ugly-looking headwound and the hands of an errant patio umbrella.

In the midst of the chaos, the Company's Chief Engineer pieced together a rudimentary anemometer, clocking the more vicious gusts at 73 kilometres per hour -- or just over 45mph for our readers in the U.S.

Better luck next time, Ballsoton.

* * *

ECLECTIC AVENUE...

by Heywood McGillicuddy, Chairman;

Because one week-end in Philadelphia isn't enough, the Company will stick around after Art Star to participate in the Trenton Avenue Festival for the second consecutive year.

Naturally, Reverend Aitor will be there again to serve up a little of his loving unflattery to those brave enough to sign up.

UNFLATTERING TRENTON AVENUE

Saturday May 22, 2010
Booth # 64

1:oopm -- Melody + 1
2:oopm -- Melody + 1
3:oopm -- Becky

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to forty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots ) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

THRIFT SCORE...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

The duties slash passions of the Company's Minister of Acquisitions include sniffing out every flea market, pawn shop and thrift store along the tour route in search of supplies, equipment and sundry treasures on behalf of the Company and its members.

One man's ceramic hot dog is another man's treasure

Yesterday the Company's intrepid scavenger made an exciting find during his expedition to Mechanicsburg, PA.

The PoleStar Do-It-Yourself Image Transfer kit pictured above was stumbled upon at a Volunteers of America thrift store for a bank-busting seven dollars. It is used to transfer 8 and 16mm film, slides and photos to video by means rigging a camera to one end of the box and projecting the film, or sliding the slides or photographs through the other end.

The Company is delighted by this novel find. It's sure to come in handy in future film projects.

* * *

THE PENN IS MIGHTER THAN THE SORE...

by Erkuden Sakan, Company Secretary;
A North American tour simply wouldn't be complete without a couple of weeks of business and pleasure with the Company's friends in Philadelphia.

ART STAR CRAFT BAZAAR
Saturday, May 15th & Sunday, May 16th
11-6pm
Philadelphia, PA @ Penn's Landing Great Plaza
(on Columbus Boulevard between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street)
click here for directions
* * *

Along for the ride is the Good Reverend, once again bringing his Unflattering Portraits to the clamouring hordes at Penn's landing.

Try as you might, you can't hide your double chin from Reverend Aitor's acid pen

Anyone interested in being unflattered is advised to reserve a sitting well in advance, as history indicates Aitor's dance card tends to fill up when in the City of Brotherly Love.

UNFLATTERING PHILLY
Saturday May 15, 2010:
1:oopm - Dylan
2:oopm - Lisa+ Colin
3:oopm - Lisa + Colin
4:oopm - Available

UNFLATTERING PHILLY
Sunday May 16, 2010:
1:oopm - Arizona
2:oopm - Caralita
3:oopm - Dawn
4:oopm - Mariam

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to forty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book accordingly ) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

NOVA ERA...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk;

Citizens of Arlington, the Misanthrope Specialty Co. is heading your way to participate in the Ballston Arts & Craft Market this coming week-end. This will be the Company's first visit in you fair city, so it's up to you to make a good first impression.

* * *

The Company's own Reverend Aitor will be minding the Company table. He has graciously agreed to make himself available to bring out the ugly in four lucky Virginians.

UNFLATTERING BALLSTON
Saturday May 8, 2010:
1:oopm - Available
2:oopm - Gina
3:oopm - Abbi + 1
4:pm - Abbi + 1

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to forty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, ) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

SUBWAY OR THE HIGHWAY...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

By all accounts, misanthropes' whirlwind visit to Flour City was an enjoyable one.

Today the Company split up into factions, in a hurried dash to cross several tasks of the members' respective to-do lists during their few remaining hours in town.

While the Company's Chairman and Impresario were striking up a business deal with the Center at High Falls, some of the others set out to procure a sampling of another local delicacy, the garbage plate.

Though only Nick Tahou can lay claim to being its originator, and has trademarked the name, the celebrated local dish can be found at various eateries under a number of pseudonyms. Those in the Company who partook in the greasy taste test agreed Dogtown's junkyard plate was the tastier of the bunch; going to show that, even in matters of artery-clogging gluttony, the quality of ingredients counts.

* * *

(photo courtesy of Skip Holden)

Almost as exciting as the aforementioned gut bomb was Lydia and Cotton's discovery of Rochester's long-abandoned subway system. Unfortunately, the time to push off arrived before they could carry out a thorough examination of the subterranean passageways, but the Company's predeliction for damp tunnels suggest that the Misanthrope Specialty Co. will likely return for a closer look sooner than later.

* * *


"Jerks at the Bar" 1 and 2

Later, after putting in a few hours on the road, the Company reconvened in Harrisbug, PA for a slightly truncated Sunday session of business and collaborative drawing.

(photo courtesy of the Subway Cafe)

The meeting was held at the olde-timey Subway Café, on the recommendation of some fellow vagrants Tallulah encountered at the Pennsylvania Welcome Centre. It seemed appropriate enough a location, in keeping with the theme of the day's urban exploration and given the fact that beer there may be purchased by the fishbowl.

* * *

SALES FROM THE UNDERGROUND...

by Heywood McGillicuddy, Chairman:
This year the Company opted to ease in to the tour, targeting a smaller and not-too-distant show across the lake as the first official stop on the tour.

Today's Mayday! Underground Craft Fair, held in the shadow of the mighty Genesee brewery, was a moderate success. Though it might not make sense to drive the four hours specifically to hustle Company vendibles in Rochester, the fledgling event made a for an ideal stop en route to the next show, and a good time was had by all.

(photo by Rufus Spaulding)

The Company wishes to congratulate the event's organisers for a job well done. This was the show's first year, and we wish them all the best as they continue to grow and evolve in years to come.

* * *

In food tourism news, the Misanthrope Specialty Co. was introduced to white hots, a tasty local member of the hot dog family.

(photo courtesy of superape)

Richer tasting and less smoky than traditional hot dogs -- or red hots, as they are known in these parts -- the pale German-American piece of charcuterie made for a perfect treat after a first day South of the border

***