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J. M. Elliott's avatar

Ha! I took a similar, though not so prestigious, course many years ago. We didn't use real alcohol but practiced with colored water and diced up sponges to simulate olives and limes, etc. and never sampled anything, so they were all probably terrible "drinks." I got my certificate but never worked as a bartender. I love that you got to drink your creations at the end!

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James Ron's avatar

I forget how I came to know about the course. It was a long time ago. I think to be a good bartender one needs social skills that I don't really have. I bet those drinks y'all made would have been hard to get down, indeed. Bet it was fun though. Thank you, J.M.

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J. M. Elliott's avatar

Yeah, the course seemed like a good idea at the time and was fun, but I realized that I didn't have the social skills for it either ;-) But it made me appreciate those who do!

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C. James Desmond's avatar

Standing out front of Harvard as we speak.

I believe it’s 6 p.”m.” Or 6 pm. But there’s definitely an m in there.

Though I could be wrong.

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James Ron's avatar

Hello, C. James. No, you are right. Technically, you are absolutely 100% correct. Thank you for your comment.

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Switter’s World's avatar

The hooch table dropping onto its knees. Kind of poetic in an odd way.

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James Ron's avatar

Yes, it is! Time stood still for a few moments.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"A Bartending degree from Harvard. Had a nice ring to it." I'd hang that certificate on the wall!

"We had to drink what we made. That was the real test." Preferable to multiple choice or writing an essay. (I'm just saying.)

With your stories on Substack, you are revealing so many parts of your long interesting life, Ron. So many different stories, like peeling back the layers of an onion. They always capture me.

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James Ron's avatar

: ) I'm very glad and appreciative that you are liking my stories, Sharron. Thank you. Best I can figure is it's just a different road taken as I didn't marry young nor did I get on an established career path. I was just winging it at the time, hoping for the best.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Great title, James. I enjoy all the background and commentary you include in your reminiscences. You have a well-developed memory for details. I was introduced to black and white Russians by one of my fellow cookware salesmen in the late seventies, along with Southern Comfort and Old Grandad bourbon on the rocks. Barfending would not be for me, either. Another enjoyable read, James.

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James Ron's avatar

It's neat how once you remember something and delve into it, more details reveal themselves. I never did like alcohol though I tried - a lot. I'll drink a beer on occasion now but for the most part, the buzz is brief and it makes me sleepy. Thank you, K.C.

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Debbi's avatar

I loved this story. My brain, as part of a sibling control group, is going to Harvard after I die. It’s the only way they’d take me. I love telling my Ivy League friends about that🤣

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Debbi, thank you! Very cool re brain to Harvard. "I love telling my Ivy League friends about that🤣" - ditto, that. 😊

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Switter’s World's avatar

Based on all the recent Harvard controversies, I think you made a good choice.

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James Ron's avatar

I did edit out a rather snarky line as to Harvard's present day situation.

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