If you want an autograph from Mario, wait

[radiodugger]

My old boss, Stephen King changed after John Lennon's demise. He told me he AVOIDS the public whenever possible. I remember people used to run up, interrrupt him and babble about him signing their book.

He can be pretty blunt.

Once, he just starting walking away...the twerp running after him, "Hey Steven! You didn't sign my book!" His response?

In his inimitable Maine accent, "Well, chummy, I WOULD have, if you hadn't been such an a--h---!"

Radio Doug

[Lucy]

Well, I personally wouldn't interrupt someone else's meal because I find that rude. Lordy, I don't even want to think about what my mother's response to that would be if she caught me doing something like that. She taught us that unless you are hurt and bleeding or need to call 911, you don't interrupt others.

However, I don't have a lot of sympathy for celebrities and I think it goes with the territory. It's the price of fame. You are the ones who wanted to be rich and famous. If you can't hack it either get out of the spotlight or go cry on a bag of money.

[BerryBaby]

One evening we were out to dinner and one of the Portland Trailblazers came in with his family. They were escorted to the private room in back for a family birthday party.

At the table next to us, the grandmother was pushing her grandson to go get his autograph. The little boy was very reluctant but the grandmother insisted to the point of getting him out of his chair.

The boy walked every so sheepishly into the private room only to come back with his head hanging down. The grandmother said, "Did you get his autograph?" To that the little boy replied, "No. He said he was out with his family and won't sign the paper."

Well, you should have heard the grandmother! I so wanted to get up and tell her that he was trying to have private time, which he is entitled to.

If you saw your doctor out at dinner, would you get up and go ask him a medical question? Of course not.

I have to agree with the Blazer player...there is a time and place and that wasn't the time or the place.

[MayQueen]

Some professions do require an audience--actors, singers, musicians, athletes. There are those who go for celebrity, for sure, but the majority just want to do their job and go home to their families.

A while ago I was eating lunch at a small restaurant when a local newscaster came in. This guy must certainly not think of himself as a celebrity but the room got quiet and one woman spilled her whole big glass of soda all over herself. So yes, all those professions do need people to enjoy the work but having "fans" make a scene or rush up for conversation/autographs probably isn't what anyone anticipated when selecting their career.

[bakerman]

Originally Posted by radiodugger

My old boss, Stephen King changed after John Lennon's demise. He told me he AVOIDS the public whenever possible. I remember people used to run up, interrrupt him and babble about him signing their book.

He can be pretty blunt.

Once, he just starting walking away...the twerp running after him, "Hey Steven! You didn't sign my book!" His response?

In his inimitable Maine accent, "Well, chummy, I WOULD have, if you hadn't been such an a--h---!"

Radio Doug

Did you work at WZON, in Bangor?

MAC

[radiodugger]

Yes, Mac...The Rock Zone, WZON...I went by the name "Doug Shannon".

Doug

[bakerman]

Originally Posted by radiodugger

Yes, Mac...The Rock Zone, WZON...I went by the name "Doug Shannon".

Doug

I grew up near Bangor (Enfield), and my family still lives up there. I remember listening to this station back in the Z62 days before Steven King bought the station.

I recall when we started traveling as a family, people were fascinated that we were from Bangor, and asked if we knew Steven King, we had no idea what a big celebrity he was! We would see him around town, and not think much of it.

I now live in Raleigh NC, and prefer not being buried in snow half the year!

Small world

MAC

[radiodugger]

Small world INDEED, Mac...in fact, my first gig there was overnights...Mighty John Marshall hired me...we had Bobby Russell in the morning...it was a great gig...lots of VERY strange things went on at that station after King bought it...

I should write a book, myself! LOL!

Doug