Playing the Baltimore Sun card
As a reporter, I've got this ID badge that lets people know I'm legit.
But in my line of work, I've got to be careful when I use it.
I'm not allowed to use it for personal benefit, of course, or to call people out when I'm reviewing a bar.
I don't even wear it when I'm reviewing a bar, because I go in anonymously.
But I've been temped to use it a few times ...
- Being turned away from an empty Mosaic for wearing sneakers.
- Standing at the empty indoor bar at MEX with money in my hand while five bartenders stood at the opposite end, stared at me and ignored me.
- Sitting at the bar at Gin Mill for 10 minutes before being given the time of day.
- Terrible, horrible, no good very bad service at Porter's Pub.
Each time I've really wanted to whip out this card and be like, DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO? DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL. BOOYA!
But I'm afraid if I did that, not only would I get fired, but something like this would happen.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I wear a t-shirt around Federal Hill that says "I am Sam Sessa, I demand your attention." So far, so good.
Posted by: JTK | August 6, 2008 12:51 PM
Based on the posts today you would think it's Sam Sessa Appreciation Day.
*chuckle*
Posted by: ryan97ou | August 6, 2008 1:42 PM
I guess it is better than playing the race card. If you do want to do that, there are two cheap ones on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Race-Card-Cockeyed-garage-sale_W0QQitemZ170246841319QQihZ007QQcategoryZ219QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Posted by: Cheese | August 7, 2008 10:40 PM