Whenever I travel for the weekend I always remember to bring plenty of extra nametags. And not just my typical half-dozen pre-mades that say "Scott," but lots of blank nametags too, for those who wish to partake. (Along with a big fat Sharpie.)
But after 1,748 days, I've learned that different cities respond to nametags in different ways. This past Saturday after the Cardinals won their only game of the Cubs series (sniff), my brother and I celebrated at a local bar chock full of St. Louis fans. To my surprise, I noticed at least 15 different people wearing nametags that read such slogans as "From the Lou and Proud," "St. Louis Fan," and "Go Cards!" So not only were they wearing nametags, but they were fellow St. Louisans too! I hugged all of them.
Later that night I joined a group of people at a local Irish pub called PJ Clark's. Because I only knew 2 of the people in the group, everybody wanted nametags. (Good thing I brought extras!) So of course, I passed a few out. And you know, after 5 years, people still can't believe that I keep extra nametags and a pen with me at all times. Hey, why not? I was a boy scout once...
Then came the highlight of the weekend. It was 3:00 AM. The bars were closed, the cabbies were circling, and there was only one place left to go: The Weiner Circle. I'd heard about this place from my brother many times. Apparently it was the only hotdog stand in the world that was open till 4 AM, made the best cheese fries and cheddar dogs in the city and was run by 8 of the crudest, rudest and most vulgar women you've ever met in your life.
You've got to act mean and talk some smack to those girls, my brother reminded me. So just yell your order as loud as you can and be prepared to be insulted.
What? Be mean to a complete stranger? But I couldn't do that - it's not in my nature!
I found myself cramped under a tiny awning surrounded by dozens of drunken hotdog lovers yelling obscenities at the top of their lungs. People pushed and shoved. Money and ketchup were everywhere. Wow, this wasn't going to be easy, I thought. Better resort to some creative tactics.
I whipped out a blank nametag and a pen. I wrote "Cheddar Dog!!" in thick letters.
"NEXT!!" the woman yelled.
And I just stood there, holding this nametag up in the air with a giant smile on my face. The guy next to me probably thought I was a crazy - or a cop. The woman behind the counter squinted through the window as she read the order printed on my nametag.
She responded by flipping me the bird (with both hands) and walked away.
My poor heart nearly broke. How rude! I said. But I guess that's just how they do business at Weiner Circle. Still, I maintained my smile and continued to hold up the nametag for my Cheddar Dog. About 10 seconds later the same woman who'd previously offered me some valuable sexual advice looked back at my nametag. She re-read the order, noticed my ever present smile and busted out laughing. She shook her head, pointed at me and said, "You want pickles on that, Scott?"
It was the best hotdog I've ever eaten. And you better believe she got a great tip!
Unfortunately, the weekend wasn't all smiles and snacks. Because the only thing worse than walking around the streets of Chicago wearing a Cardinals t-shirt after the Cubs took 3 out of 4 games in the series, was doing so while wearing a nametag.
This was one of the rare times when I said to myself, Man - I sure wish I wasn't wearing this damn thing...
Cubs fans throughout the weekend offered friendly, sportsman-like comments such as:
Hey, at least the Cardinals are above .500, are going to the playoffs this year and have won a world series since 1908. Take THAT, Windy City!
LET ME ASK YA THIS...
Do you think sporting events create or discourage friendliness among fans?
* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
Author/Speaker/That guy with the nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com
14 comments:
Another great story, Scott.
I wonder if an obsenity-laden menu and shock jock ordering tactics would work as a marketing ploy? Want to create a business model?
My husband and I are football season ticket holders for The University of Oklahoma. I can tell you that we probably interact more with strangers (in a friendly way) on game days than any other time. There's something about knowing that you're all together in support of a common cause, that you all have at least this one thing in common. Where else would you find a person just randomly yelling out "Boomer!" and a bunch of strangers yelling back, "Sooner!" ?? (And this is OUTSIDE the stadium, sometimes even in "enemy" territory.)
There's nothing like it and I can't wait for the season to kick-off in 16 days! Go Sooners!
Fuck the cubs!
Cubs fans can lick my tip
Where do you buy your name tags Scott?
cool name tag man, looks expensive :)
Yeah, well...YOU know, only the best and most expensive nametags for me!
Go to www.maco.com, they're my supplier. They give me lots of nametags for free...woo hoo! But if you want a 100 pack, it's about $3.35.
This chilli dog story reminds me of how it's not good enough to just "be nice".
Niceness must be brave, aggressive, and indifferent to praise or critique. If our feelings get hurt when we do something nice, we are not bold enough. Evil, confusion, and envy will manifest itself through the recipients of our niceness...and we must be tough and persistent, as you are.
I think nametags are great.
Aren't we all sick of hearing "I'm terrible with names, but I remember faces"? Dumb. Even if true, this mantra repeated just keeps it entrenched in the person's psyche.
All churches should issue permanent nametags to members, as should all service businesses, like bookstores.
First names would be okay in most cases. Who cares if everyone knows your first name? That's not invasion of privacy at all, nor is it leading to an identity theft vulnerability.
Nametag on, Friendliness yes!
Hey, while I'm thinking of it Scott, why not use the Word Verification in Blogger comment settings for your blog?
Cuts down on automated comment spam.
Go to your template and set it up.
Just a suggestion.
:^)
Try living a mere 5 blocks from Wrigley as a Cards fan. It was downright ugly. And though WC is a staple in Chicago, next time try Hot Doug's for a seriously amazing encased meats encounter.
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