Thanks again for all the great feedback yesterday. To tell you the truth, I was braced for an avalanche of complaint. Whenever I made big changes in the past, it always seemed to go that way. But maybe those changes were shit, and the new one isn’t? Perhaps I earned all former avalanches, as well as yesterday’s lack of one? It’s a possibility worth considering.
A couple of quick things about our new layout…
The RSS feed on this WordPress site is completely new. The old one has been stuffed inside a metaphorical potato sack, and hurled into the proverbial river. So, if you’re interested in such things, you’ll need to subscribe all over again. Yeah, I know it’ll cost you three additional seconds of your life, but I’ll try to make it worth the price. Like full updates, instead of summaries, for instance.
My original plan (up until two or three days ago) was to move the FrontPage archives into WordPress, a little here and a little there. But I think I’m just going to leave them as they are. When I began thinking about the logistics of such a project, my brain started changing shape.
Keeping all the URLs the same… dealing with Google’s dislike of duplicate content… trying to import the Haloscan comments… It was giving me scrotal hives just thinking about it.
So, I think I’m going to have pre and post-August 2008 website designs. It’s not perfect, and I could still change my mind about it, but that’s the way I’m leaning at the moment.
Even so, there’s still much work to be done; the bunker cam isn’t yet operational, for instance, and I haven’t found a home for Charley West. Give me a few weeks though, and we’ll be back in business. Heck, I consider it a miracle we’ve made it this far.
But enough of that crapola, let’s talk about celebrity rudeness.
Have you ever encountered it? Without putting too much thought into it (heaven forbid), I can come up with four stories right off the top of my head. Three were personal experiences, and one happened to Toney and the oldest Secret…
When I was a kid there was a Triple-A minor league baseball team in our town, and a lot of former stars would make appearances at the park. It broke my baseball-loving heart, but most of them weren’t very friendly. I could almost read their minds: “Please God, make it end. Just give me my check, and let me get away from all these rind-eating rindbillies.”
There were exceptions, of course, like Bob Feller and Satchel Paige (both very nice). But most of the folk heroes who appeared at Watt Powell Park were what’s commonly known as “surly.”
Sparky Anderson was surly, and so was Pete Rose. I was always a little suspicious of Pete, you never really knew what was going on there, but Sparky’s attitude was like a punch to my gut. Why Sparky, why??
Nothing, however, can compare to a couple of home run-hitting Hall of Famers, both enormously famous and larger than life.
I remember Willie Mays being surrounded by kids (in the stands on the first base side), and just being openly hostile. The man was spewing venom, rolling his eyes, and giving everyone sarcastic answers. It was like something off the Bernie Mac Show.
I mean, what the hell?? Cynically fulfilling a contractual obligation for booze & abortion money is one thing, but Willie took it to another level. I stood and watched from a distance, and it made me sad. Why couldn’t they just be the way we thought they’d be? I simply wasn’t prepared for the Say Hey Fuck You Kid.
Similarly, Hank Aaron was a magnificent asshole. Steve and I tried to get his autograph (the home run king!), and he said no. No!? The team promoted his appearance, but he wouldn’t sign anything while he was there. Or even treat his fans with civility.
We hung around, lurking in the background, as Hank sat in a box seat watching the game. Occasionally someone would timidly approach, he’d lash out in anger, and they’d go scurrying up the stairs with their tails between their legs, a wounded expression on their faces.
At one point a woman shoved a wheelchair-bound girl to the top of the stairs, and engaged the brake. The girl was sitting there with her head all ratcheted to one side and making grunting noises, as her handler went down to talk to Hank Aaron. The woman was holding a crude painting of him, in his home run swing, probably created by the girl in the chair. …Somehow.
Aaron got mad again, and said he was trying to watch the game. She pointed to the girl, and he rolled his eyes in exasperation. As if to say: not another one! He reluctantly snatched the painting away and signed it, then stormed out of the box without saying a word to the girl, whose head was now whipping around like a Tilt-O-Whirl.
Next thing we know he’s on top of the press box, sitting in a lawn chair, and smoking cigarettes. And another small part of me died…
When I worked at Peaches Records in Greensboro, Dave Mustaine from Megadeth was supposed to stop by the store one night, just to thank us for our “support.” It was nothing formal, the general public wasn’t even allowed to know, but the employees were given a heads-up.
About an hour after his scheduled arrival, a limousine pulled into the parking lot and a couple of people emerged from it. One was Mustaine, wearing a long black overcoat, his red hair going in every direction.
He walked into the middle of the store, stopped, and said something like, “OK, we were here.” Then they all turned around and left. He never said a word to any of us, and was in the store for roughly thirty seconds. Possibly twenty.
Wotta spectacular douche.
And finally… Toney and the oldest Secret were in a restaurant in Atlanta years ago, having breakfast. It was a place in Little Five Points, called Baker’s Café, and our youngling was less than six months old.
As Toney was eating (I think Nancy was there, as well), she noticed Martha Stewart seated nearby! And during the entire meal the Secret made little cooing baby noises, and Martha shot Toney dirty looks and sighed theatrically.
He wasn’t crying, or screaming, or anything. But she reportedly put on a big performance of exasperation, for everyone in attendance. Then she ripped the waiter a new one for some transgression, and left the place angry. Apparently she leaves a lot of places angry… At least that’s what the waiters said, once she was gone.
And those are my encounters with celebrity rudeness.
What about you? Tell us your stories in the comments.
And I’ll see you guys next time.
The only real celebrity I have spoken to is our local Michael Constantine (Mr. Kaufman on the old Room 222). Also played Gus Portokallos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
He and I frequent a local hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant. Have sat at the next table more than once. Super nice guy.
Always says hello.
By the way, I became a Grandma yesterday. If I was smart I could post a picture, but instead just imagine the perfect baby boy.
damn cookies
Don Mattingly, local hero, a totally nice guy everytime I see him.
Paul O’Neil, met him in the airport with my then 8yr old son, a total dickweed.
I work on movies and tv shows here in vegas and I’ve met a bunch of celebrities.all of them have been nice.
strangely enough one of the nicest people I ever met was ed asner,you wouldn’t think it from his tv personality but he was nice to evreyone that approached him,he had his picture taken with everyone that asked.
Congrats WVKay on the gramma thing!
And man, I need to get out more…I have no idea who half y’alls celebrities are.
WHEW. It only took me a week to find the new site. If I hadn’t read the comments because my government job is BORING, I’d still be wondering what the heck happened.
Like the new page.
Glad to have you back.
Was in a pub in London (England)& the barkeep pointed out Richard Branson the Virgin guy, noticed he sat with a group of employee’s & would sip out of other guy’s beers not having one of his own! asked the bartender what that was all about & was told he likes to remind his “team” that he can drink out of any glass because he paid for it! I think this truly calls for a single digit resignation!
When on our honeymoon in the Cayman Islands (23 years ago), one of the hotel workers was gushing over “Mr. Charlie Pride”, who was staying at our hotel and performing nearby. We were like “Who?”. Anyway, the Charlie acted like a douche the whole time, like he was a superstar.
My sister-in-laws dad was an engineer at one of the Atlantic City casino’s and related that Elton John was an ass hole with many quirky requests. I think they had to rebuild one of the hotel windows so that it would open just for him.
On the good side, Frank Reich of the Buffalo Bills and author of the greatest game comeback in NFL history, is a fantastic person.
Darryl Dawkins is also very pleasant.
Is Barry Whats-his-face/Greg Brady even considered famous? He was a tool. Wanted $10 for a signed pic of himself for an event at my college 10 years ago. My arse. I took down a poster from the hall and had him sign it. He was not happy.
Get a career dude. Brady Bunch is over.
Forgot to mention the nice ones…
Red’s Aaron Harang, shopping for his baby at Target and answered peoples questions when they stopped him. Seemed like a swell guy. And I sat next to Sean Casey at a restaurant. There with his then pregnant wife, my husband nods at him and says nice game. He was very polite and friendly. We let them eat in peace.
Karin – You would have broken my heart if you had said Sean Casey was anything but nice. I’m still pissed the Tigers didn’t resign him. I just love him.
Back in the day, a buddy of mine’s sister happened to share a dorm suite with comedian (I use the term loosely) Carrot Top’s girlfriend. So, one night, said buddy caught a show at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte, NC, and who should be appearing but ol’ Red-Haired Hack himself. As my friend was leaving, he stopped and said to the Carrot, “Hi, nice to meet you. My sister actually lives with your girlfriend, X, at school.” Well, Mr. World’s Worst And Hackiest Comedian pauses for a moment, and then replies in his most sarcastically enthusiastic and condescending voice, “Oh, really?! That’s great! So nice to meet you!” and then storms off.
A few things come to mind:
1) Of all the famous people in the world who could be forgiven for being a jerk, Carrot Head is NOT on the list. He wouldn’t even be allowed to type up or fax the list.
2) I still hate his guts out for that dumb shit, and I always will.
3) If my buddy hadn’t been with his girl, and the rest of us rowdy boys had been with him (drunked-up as always), then it would’ve gone a lot differently. We would’ve fallen upon him like drunken, redneck jackals. And the care he would’ve required after we got through with him would’ve made the current plastic surgery hell he resides in look like day camp. Bet on it.
4) Anybody see that celebrity roast where the roasters were making so much fun of ol’ CT that he looked like he was gonna cry? Best. Roast. Ever.
Michael Stipe: His sister’s band which my friend I loved were playing in a great bar in ATL called the Star Community Bar, or Star Bar as it’s known. So, after the set I was silly enough to compliment his Sister, however he was having absolutely none of it, and peered through me as if I was not there. This kinda sucked because well it was Michael Stipe and I was hoping for so much more. Why I have no idea.
Someone who is less of a celebrity, Will Sargeant, from Echo & the Bunnymen, was nothing but a gentleman to some of my friends and I. He signed my Live in Liverpool, told me not to be nervous and then spoke with me about some of my other favorite bands, and playing acoustic. Apparently he is nothing like his band mate Ian McColloch is can be verbally abusive from time-to-time.
Let’s see here …
Got to drive Brent Musberger and Michelle Tafoya to their hotel after a basketball game … She didn’t say much but seemed friendly and he was very conversational – said “well Oh-KAY” a lot.
Caroline Rhea, back when she had her syndicated show going in the early part of the decade, was very friendly (can’t say the same for the snotty production assistants working for her).
Tom Crean (former Marquette University head coach) – 2-faced douchebag.
Dustin Diamond (Screech) is a pretty huge asshole considering how washed-up he is.
I’ve heard that Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s is the NICEST guy ever and I’m dying to meet him.
Hey! I met Cronin and Richrath too! And they were totally cool, down to earth guys, just chatting and signing for whoever was hanging around. Kevin Cronin is really short but he’s just like a regular dude, is what I remember thinking at the time.
Jesus Almighty Tonite!! zi never post but after not finding this for a week I had to!
I met The Rock when he was still The Rock. I cooked his dinner and he came back in the kitchen and signed an autograph for my niece. Nice guy.
Rode on a plane with James Brown when I was younger. He was super nice and his wife at the time kept playing with my damn hair!
Patti LaBelle sat in the VIP section at a club I managed in Vegas. She was extremely friendly. Then asked one of my servers to get her some weed! Oddly enough she was even friendlier after that!
Bernie Mac (RIP) Met him in a car wash in Chicago. He was talking with my grandma who had NO CLUE who he was! Every time that I saw him after that he asked how she was doing. He also went to school with my father back in the stone age. Extraordinary man.
David Blaine I met him at the same club in vegas. He was indifferent but his hanger on was an asshole. He told me several times that “This is David Blaine and we ain’t paying no cover charge!” Told him sure David is in, but who the F are you? The funny thing is it was a free event that night.
I guess I don’t have tthe apperance that gives people the desire to act an ass.
Back to my hole
My daughter was seated next to Ricky Byrd (as in Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) on a flight from NY to Atlanta. He was on his way to GA to work with a Rock and Roll Camp. He was a total sweetheart- gave her some good life advice, lectured her about the sins of illegal downloads and sang every song he could think of with “Molly” in the lyrics (that’s her name). An all-round mensch. Just goes to show you don’t have to be a jerk to be a celebrity.
As far as Carrot Top goes there is not a cooler celebrity on the planet. He is very generous to his fans and always puts on a great show.
More people that I am impressed with are Michael Sweet from Stryper. Awesome dude, very down to earth.
Criss Angel. Again, super cool will hang with his fans as long as possible to sign stuff.
George Wallace, thee Godfather of Comedy and a very cool person too.
David Grohl of Foo Fighters another cool person who loves his fans.
Agree that Robbie Gordon is a class act when it comes to fans and autographs.
In 1993 when he was driving for AJ Foyt, he was at the back of the hauler in the paddock when saw a young kid looking at him in awe. Next thing he does is wave him over to the hauler to sign something. Everyone then flocked to the Foyt trailer for a signature and he signed each and every one of them.
I can only remember two celebrity encounters I’ve had:
Mid 1990s – husband and I were in a magic shop in LA, and in came Harry Anderson (starred on “Night Court”, which I loved, in the 80s). My husband and I decided the polite thing to do was to let him shop in peace (an employee did confirm that it was Mr. Anderson and that he was a regular at that store). Seemed nice enough overall, but we didn’t interact.
Late 1990s – browsing in a small shop in Santa Barbara, wound up chatting with a quite nice lady a bit older than I was (and turned out to be even older than she looked). I didn’t recognize her, but my husband (seven years older) did: Ruth Buzzi (“Laugh-In”). She was apparently in town for a car show. Pleasant, friendly lady, and she and I agreed on just how annoying Martha Stewart’s lifestyle empire is. 🙂 (She was also quite flattered by my husband’s truthful statement that she looked a lot younger than she had to be at that time.)
I’ve never really met any celebrities that anyone really knows…If anyone has heard of an underground jam band called ‘Particle’ who has since broken up, I partied with them in the VIP room of a bar at one of their shows in the suburbs of Chicago. They were cool, the guitar player was a total stroke and was trying to hit on me. I asked them if it would be ok if I brought a guest back with me, and they said sure! So I brought my boyfriend back…everyone was cool with it except the VIP room bartender. She was a bitch.
I also ran into some stupid band at Warped Tour like 8 years ago…I wanna say, 2002? ‘No Use for a Name’? Some bouncer who obviously didn’t give a shit about his job let me and my girl friend back to where the band busses were, and we were determined to find Good Charlotte (gay I know, cut me some slack I was like 16)…but we ran into them instead and they were real dicks to us. Just shooting us daggers and chain smoking and blowing towards us, we were like fuck this, and took off.
And I’ve never personally met them, but the Bears training site in Bourbonnais, Illinois is about 10 minutes from my hometown, so I hear a lot of stories about them going to bars and stuff around here. I guess they are real douches…real cocky and flirting with every man and woman with a rack.
I’ve also been to Milt Pappus’ house (ex Cubs player). The lawyer I used to work for was real good friends with him, and I used to have to run errands to his house and talk to him on the phone all the time. He was very nice, and introduced me to his 100 animals at his house. Good ol’ Milt.
Never heard of most of these “celebrities”.