Spring 99 Volume IV Issue 2

“I don't care anything about reasons, but I know what I like." - HENRY JAMES

All my friends know where to find me on Thursday night at 10 p.m.: Comfortably positioned on my welcoming chair, eyes glued to the TV, watching my favorite program, "Celebrity Death Match," on MTV. I don't know quite what it is about this program that intrigues me so. Yet watching Jack Nicholson bludgeon Leonardo DiCaprio has a quality to it which just makes me laugh.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a violent person. In fact, I literally abhor violence in movies and TV, but the surrealistic aspect of claymation makes the intense action somehow "acceptable." When asked from where my appreciation stems, I truly don't have a response. "I just like it," I say. "It takes me to a different reality."

The Spring issue is dedicated to this essence of escapism, that divine outlet we call on to get us through the night. SMOKE searched high and low to compile an eclectic assortment of stimulating stories that are certain to take you to heightened levels. On page 92, we explore America's Valhalla with a tour of The Big Easy, quite possibly the birthplace of escapism. New Orleans' Chris Rose wakes the City of the Dead as he visits the must-see haunts. From legendary Arnaud's to Emeril Lagasse's restaurant - BAM, his cigars, along with his food, are not to be missed - to the famous cigar shops that accessorize this city, voodoo is not the only thing here that expels smoke.

Our cover story, on page 102, features Dennis Franz, who portrays the irascible Detective Andy Sipowicz, "NYPD Blue's" unforgettable character who canvasses the streets of Manhattan, fighting crime and seeking the ever-elusive confession. Every Tuesday night, masses of TV viewers live vicariously through his gripping words and actions.

Escapism even has its roots in my hometown. On page 80, SMOKE visits the Professional Mascot School, run by Dean Schoenewald, an alumnus of my alma mater, Ocean City High School. After graduation, Dean cleaned out his bank account and created Birdbrain, a mascot for his esteemed Philadelphia Eagles, and his school, specializing in silliness, soon followed.

And then there are our glorious cigars, which represent one of the sweetest forms of escapism. These wondrous pleasures will take you anywhere you want to go ... Simply close your eyes and let the smoke carry you off to a faraway place, or to your own backyard, as you assume your favorite position.

Alyson R. Boxman
Editor-in-Chief