The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: whewfan on April 10, 2009, 09:06:45 AM
-
Well, I achieved my lifelong dream to meet Bob Barker! I brought my camera, thinking the batteries were fully charged, but for some reason, the camera failed me at the most important time! Thankfully Brian Schwartz had the hindsight to take a pic of me and Bob with his camera. Use up that roll of film fast Brian :-)
I've never been to New York before. The bus ride up was 90 minutes longer because it was a half hour late, then there was a big accident by the Lincoln Tunnel. Still I met up with Chuck Donegan, Brian Schwartz and Brian Sapinki, who I am sure will also comment.
There was Bob, in a grey striped suit, white shirt and purple tie. It was the same suit he wore on the Today Show appearance earlier. The line moved very quickly and before I knew it, I was face to face with Bob. I shook his hand, he smiled, and signed my book. We couldn't get behind the table, but we still got a pic of each other across the table. For me, it was an "out of body" experience. I didn't get to say very much, except to tell him that it was my lifelong dream to meet him. He seemed touched by what I said, and he said "well, I hope you enjoy the book". His face was heavily made up, but to me, he still looks really good. One impression I got of Bob is that he seemed timid, but that could be because he didn't want to draw more attention by speaking in his booming voice that we're used to hearing.
The Borders staff was trying to move the line fast, and at one point, they got so fast that they forgot to hand some people back their books that Bob autographed, and some people didn't get pictures. Perhaps Bob had limited time to sign all the books, but the photos and books should've been better organized.
Overall, it was a good experience for me, I just wish my camera worked! I missed my 9pm bus, so I had to wait for the 10:45 bus. Thankfully, the bus ride home was MUCH smoother, and I actually arrived in Baltimore a half hour early! Before I left for New York, I had bought Bob's book AND the audio CD, which I'll give my take on as soon as I am done with it.
-
Sounds like you had a nice time. I wonder how many autographed copies of Bob's book will end up on eBay...
-
As of this moment, three for bid, one "for sale". (http://\"http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZpricelessQ20memoriesQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ\")
-
I also made it down to NYC for the signing. First in line. Completely worthwhile experience. I loved it.
Here's a picture of me and Bob... (http://\"http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/678/picture4i.png\")
...and here's his autograph. (http://\"http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/4470/photo843.jpg\")
-
[quote name=\'DoorNumberFour\' post=\'212591\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 10:53 AM\']
I also made it down to NYC for the signing. First in line. Completely worthwhile experience. I loved it.
Here's a picture of me and Bob... (http://\"http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/678/picture4i.png\")
...and here's his autograph. (http://\"http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/4470/photo843.jpg\")
[/quote]
Good for you - how long did you wait - and how many were there when the gig started?
Just curious.
-
[quote name=\'tpirfan28\' post=\'212590\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 09:37 AM\'] As of this moment, three for bid, one "for sale". (http://\"http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZpricelessQ20memoriesQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ\") [/quote]
Priceless!
-
[quote name=\'tvwxman\' post=\'212592\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 11:51 AM\']
Good for you - how long did you wait - and how many were there when the gig started?
Just curious.
[/quote]
I got there at 12:45pm, per the previous thread's advice. Nobody there.
Went for a walk, got some McDonald's, cane back at 2pm. Nobody there.
First person other than me showed up at about 3:15, and he REALLY didn't wanna be there.
The real fans started showing up at about 3:45.
By showtime, the line stretched around shelves and out the door...I'd say about 600 or 700 people in total.
-
I was there, too. I got there around 6:30. By the time I was getting closer to Bob, I was told that they aren't taking pictures anymore, because it was taking up too much time. Oh well, I still got to see Bob and get my book signed. This was like a dream come true for me. He is the first celebrity I've met.
Whoever posted the link about Borders, I thank you very much!
-
[quote name=\'Stevek83\' post=\'212598\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 01:23 PM\']
I was there, too. I got there around 6:30. By the time I was getting closer to Bob, I was told that they aren't taking pictures anymore, because it was taking up too much time. Oh well, I still got to see Bob and get my book signed. This was like a dream come true for me. He is the first celebrity I've met.
Whoever posted the link about Borders, I thank you very much!
[/quote]
See, I was told that he would be taking photos which kind of surprised me. Kind of dickish to do photos for some but not others.
I was tempted to go to this, but having to spend $9 for train and at least $12 (NJ) for parking, I couldn't justify it.
-
[quote name=\'cmjb13\' post=\'212600\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 01:45 PM\']
Kind of dickish to do photos for some but not others.
[/quote]
Yeah, that was because of some incompetent Borders staff...a staff member held your camera and snapped as you got your book signed, but they neglected to tell anyone to pose, so the first few people got shots of their backs as they left the table.
After I and a few others complained, the rude, arrogant manager let us retake our pictures.
And I guess after we left, they decided no more pictures.
-
[quote name=\'DoorNumberFour\' post=\'212597\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 10:17 AM\']
First person other than me showed up at about 3:15, and he REALLY didn't wanna be there.[/quote]
So, um, if he didn't want to be there, why was he there?
[quote name=\'DoorNumberFour\' post=\'212604\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 12:26 PM\']
And I guess after we left, they decided no more pictures.[/quote]
So you guys ruined it for everybody else? Nice!
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'212611\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 04:51 PM\']So you guys ruined it for everybody else? Nice![/quote]I fail to see how he ruined anything, since all he wanted was a properly taken (and apparently advertised) picture. I don't think that's a lot to ask and I think you are just trying to empty your snark tank for the day.
-
[quote name=\'cmjb13\' post=\'212600\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 12:45 PM\']
I was tempted to go to this, but having to spend $9 for train and at least $12 (NJ) for parking, I couldn't justify it.
[/quote]
$12 for parking? Where the hell are you taking the train from?
/and yes, that's a serious question.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212613\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 04:06 PM\']
$12 for parking? Where the hell are you taking the train from?[/quote]From a quick glance at his profile on the sidebar, is says "Whitehouse Station".
If that helps at all.
-
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'212614\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 04:24 PM\']
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212613\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 04:06 PM\']
$12 for parking? Where the hell are you taking the train from?[/quote]From a quick glance at his profile on the sidebar, is says "Whitehouse Station".
If that helps at all.
[/quote]
Appreciate the effort, but from what I gathered I'm guessing he's gotta go somewhere aways to catch said train. (The station he would use apparently is limited service, from what I read.)
$9 for fare, I could understand (west Jersey and all that), but I've never heard of any train station in New Jersey charging $12 to park.
-
[quote name=\'Stevek83\' post=\'212598\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 01:23 PM\']
I was there, too. I got there around 6:30. By the time I was getting closer to Bob, I was told that they aren't taking pictures anymore, because it was taking up too much time. Oh well, I still got to see Bob and get my book signed. This was like a dream come true for me. He is the first celebrity I've met.
Whoever posted the link about Borders, I thank you very much![/quote]
I think they lied. I was there too, I also got there about 6:30 and it seemed to be going along quickly even with the pictures, now if someone tried talking to Bob for an hour then the Borders dicks could throw them out. They only denied me and Matt pictures because we didn't buy the book in their store. But, I agree 150% with Steve that without the picture, just getting to stand face to face with Bob, say a quick hello and thank you for all these years and a handshake (still a firm grip at 85) was well worth the trip. BTW, Bob thanked me for being a loyal viewer and I told him (almost forgetting to) I got my cat neutered which I think made his day, he said "the cat's happier and you're happier too".
Brian Schwartz
P.S. I'll get that pic out to you ASAP Matt.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212615\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 02:30 PM\']
$9 for fare, I could understand (west Jersey and all that), but I've never heard of any train station in New Jersey charging $12 to park.
[/quote]
It's Priceless
-
[quote name=\'gsfreak82\' post=\'212617\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 06:05 PM\']
[quote name=\'Stevek83\' post=\'212598\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 01:23 PM\']
I was there, too. I got there around 6:30. By the time I was getting closer to Bob, I was told that they aren't taking pictures anymore, because it was taking up too much time. Oh well, I still got to see Bob and get my book signed. This was like a dream come true for me. He is the first celebrity I've met.
Whoever posted the link about Borders, I thank you very much![/quote]
I think they lied. I was there too, I also got there about 6:30 and it seemed to be going along quickly even with the pictures, now if someone tried talking to Bob for an hour then the Borders dicks could throw them out. They only denied me and Matt pictures because we didn't buy the book in their store. But, I agree 150% with Steve that without the picture, just getting to stand face to face with Bob, say a quick hello and thank you for all these years and a handshake (still a firm grip at 85) was well worth the trip. BTW, Bob thanked me for being a loyal viewer and I told him (almost forgetting to) I got my cat neutered which I think made his day, he said "the cat's happier and you're happier too".
Brian Schwartz
P.S. I'll get that pic out to you ASAP Matt.
[/quote]
I think it's unfair that you couldn't get a picture simply because you didn't buy the book at borders. The whole point is that people are buying Bob's book. Well, it could have been worse; at least they didn't deny you a signature.
I should have told him about my cats being spayed/neutered, too, I guess I was just so excited to meet him to say anything. He said "hello there" to me and I said hello and then a heartfelt "thank you". That was it.
-
I wonder if anybody in line dared ask Bob, "How are Janice and Dian?" I must admit I'd have paid money to see THAT exchange go down.
-
My guess is a little something like this. (http://\"http://blog.archenemy.org/wp-content/uploads/old/happy_gilmore.jpeg\")
-
[quote name=\'fostergray82\' post=\'212623\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 04:33 PM\']
My guess is a little something like this. (http://\"http://blog.archenemy.org/wp-content/uploads/old/happy_gilmore.jpeg\")
[/quote]
You win. :)
-
[quote name=\'Kevin Prather\' post=\'212622\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 07:13 PM\']
I wonder if anybody in line dared ask Bob, "How are Janice and Dian?" I must admit I'd have paid money to see THAT exchange go down.
[/quote]
The sad part is I could name at least three people who would have had to be removed from this event for doing that.
Bravo to you guys who were able to make it, it sounds like it was fun. Was a little late for me.
-
[quote name=\'Stevek83\' post=\'212621\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 06:07 PM\']
I think it's unfair that you couldn't get a picture simply because you didn't buy the book at borders.
[/quote]
Why? It's store policy...and I might add a good one, because you keep the people who are there just to be there from dominating the proceedings.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212613\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 05:06 PM\']
[quote name=\'cmjb13\' post=\'212600\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 12:45 PM\']
I was tempted to go to this, but having to spend $9 for train and at least $12 (NJ) for parking, I couldn't justify it.
[/quote]
$12 for parking? Where the hell are you taking the train from?
/and yes, that's a serious question.
[/quote]
Elizabeth, NJ train station.. $9 round trip and since the parking garage is across the street, it's at least $12. (my folks live closer to elizabeth and easier to catch a train from there)
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212628\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 05:31 PM\']
Why? It's store policy...and I might add a good one, because you keep the people who are there just to be there from dominating the proceedings.[/quote]
Is that standard policy, though? I've never been to a book signing that had a policy like that. Admittedly, the sample size isn't huge, and I've never been to one at a large chain bookstore (they're always small indie-ish places), but that's a first on me.
(Also, the people I'm more interested in getting something signed by aren't usually Big Huge Celebrities, so that might have a little to do with it, too.)
-
[quote name='TroubadourNando' date='Apr 10 2009, 07:54 PM' post='212625']
[quote name='Kevin Prather' post='212622' date='Apr 10 2009, 07:13 PM']
I wonder if anybody in line dared ask Bob, "How are Janice and Dian?" I must admit I'd have paid money to see THAT exchange go down.
I would hope that people that are true fans of TPIR wouldn't waste their time or Bob's by asking questions like that. Say what you will about his "behind the scenes" turmoil, the people are there to meet a legend.
-
[quote name=\'cmjb13\' post=\'212646\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 09:39 PM\']
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212613\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 05:06 PM\']
[quote name=\'cmjb13\' post=\'212600\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 12:45 PM\']
I was tempted to go to this, but having to spend $9 for train and at least $12 (NJ) for parking, I couldn't justify it.
[/quote]
$12 for parking? Where the hell are you taking the train from?
/and yes, that's a serious question.
[/quote]
Elizabeth, NJ train station.. $9 round trip and since the parking garage is across the street, it's at least $12. (my folks live closer to elizabeth and easier to catch a train from there)
[/quote]
Ah, okay.
-
[quote name=\'whewfan\' post=\'212724\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 12:34 PM\']
I would hope that people that are true fans of TPIR wouldn't waste their time or Bob's by asking questions like that. Say what you will about his "behind the scenes" turmoil, the people are there to meet a legend.[/quote]
Absolutely concur. I may not like the man, but it's not worth ruining the day for the fanbois. Let them have their day.
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'212732\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 01:45 PM\']
[quote name=\'whewfan\' post=\'212724\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 12:34 PM\']
I would hope that people that are true fans of TPIR wouldn't waste their time or Bob's by asking questions like that. Say what you will about his "behind the scenes" turmoil, the people are there to meet a legend.[/quote]
Absolutely concur. I may not like the man, but it's not worth ruining the day for the fanbois. Let them have their day.
[/quote]
Yeah, I was sort of being tongue-in-cheek. I wouldn't actually do that, but in my base, prurient nature, I'd chuckle on the inside if someone did.
-
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'212671\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 03:54 AM\']
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212628\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 05:31 PM\']
Why? It's store policy...and I might add a good one, because you keep the people who are there just to be there from dominating the proceedings.[/quote]
Is that standard policy, though? I've never been to a book signing that had a policy like that. Admittedly, the sample size isn't huge, and I've never been to one at a large chain bookstore (they're always small indie-ish places), but that's a first on me.
[/quote]
It might be at Borders, which is a big honkin' chain that's having enough trouble keeping it together as it is. Very few indies draw authors anymore (we have one that does here in Naperville, Andersons, which is still doing okay despite being blocks away from a B&N). Frankly, they make more money that way, and it's a pain in the rear determining if you bought the book there or not -- it's easy to pull the Borders price sticker off and say "I got it somewhere else!"
The only time I ever brought a book I'd gotten somewhere else to be autographed was when "Cousin" Bruce Morrow was making an appearance at Macy's (the flagship store). Macy's isn't known for book sales, so I figured I was safe (and I was, although Bruce spent five minutes slobbering all over me when he found out I worked for SMP; turned out he had another book in the hopper and was looking for a publisher).
-
[quote name=\'calliaume\' post=\'212741\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 05:33 PM\']
It might be at Borders, which is a big honkin' chain that's having enough trouble keeping it together as it is. Very few indies draw authors anymore (we have one that does here in Naperville, Andersons, which is still doing okay despite being blocks away from a B&N).
[/quote]
I hate to sound snarky here (it isn't my intent in this case)...but you've obviously never seen Bookends in my birthplace of Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Almost every time a celeb has a book, their tour always includes a stop at Bookends. And these things are a DRAW. Saw the line for the Slash booksigning at Bookends- wrapped around a block and a half.
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212745\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 04:49 PM\']
I hate to sound snarky here (it isn't my intent in this case)...but you've obviously never seen Bookends in my birthplace of Ridgewood, New Jersey.[/quote]
Hence, his use of "very few" instead of "none." A large number of our local signings happen at Elliott Bay Book Company, too. (I can also think of Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA, and I GOTTA think stuff happens at Powell's in Portland.) I'm sure there are a fair number of exceptions, and I'm also sure they are way outnumbered by the national chains.
-
I may not like the man, but it's not worth ruining the day for the fanbois. Let them have their day.
It is a momentous occasion indeed to meet one's second daddy.
-
[quote name=\'Kevin Prather\' post=\'212622\' date=\'Apr 10 2009, 04:13 PM\']
I wonder if anybody in line dared ask Bob, "How are Janice and Dian?" I must admit I'd have paid money to see THAT exchange go down.[/quote]
You would then have owned a genuine collectors' item: the only extant copy of his memoirs autographed "F**k off and die -- Bob Barker".
-
[quote name=\'PYLdude\' post=\'212745\' date=\'Apr 11 2009, 07:49 PM\']
I hate to sound snarky here (it isn't my intent in this case)...but you've obviously never seen Bookends in my birthplace of Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Almost every time a celeb has a book, their tour always includes a stop at Bookends. And these things are a DRAW. Saw the line for the Slash booksigning at Bookends- wrapped around a block and a half.
[/quote]
I was at Bookends a few years ago for the second NJ crossword tournament benefitting a regional blood bank (won by R. Mackey). It's a cramped little store but wildly popular in the area! And they're always doing promotions and signings.
-
In December I was at a book signing for "Big Chuck" at the Borders in North Canton, Ohio for Chuck Schodowski of Cleveland Late Night TV hosting fame..The line was out the door and they had a rule that books bought in the store would be signed first..A buddy I was with took video of the line and kept getting called for it...He wasnt being obtrusive at all..just doing it for the bigchuckandliljohn.com website..I think Borders underestimated Chuck's popularity..He was only supposed to be there 6-8..He was sttill there taking pictures at 9PM..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYj847J4ms0 (http://\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYj847J4ms0\")