[Leica] Smart ass Remarks 2

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (Ted Grant)]

Smart Ass Remarks 2


There are times when it is much better to tell the truth than make a smart
ass remark.

I was about to enter the main ballroom at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto
to cover the Miss Grey Cup football finalist selection. A kindly gentleman 
in uniform
stopped me asking for accreditation.  ( I'd accidently left it in my hotel
room 3 blocks away.)

At this time in my career I carried a bunch of gear. I had  a small 
equipment bag,
a Hassleblad camera on each shoulder and three Leica's hanging around my 
neck.

To anyone dealing with media, it would be obvious I was a news photographer.
I thought he was just putting me on, so I replied, "I don't have any
accreditation, usually all this camera equipment gets me into places for
free food and drinks." Not for one moment expecting to be taken seriously!

So I continued to the door. When much to my surprise he grabbed me by the 
arm
and replied, "Well you ain't getting in here!"  He was dead serious and 
quite forceful in grip and
expression.

I quickly explained I was only joking and really on assignment for the Star
Weekly magazine.This explanation didn't move him one iota as he kept me in a 
firm
grip allowing others with accreditation to enter

I began to realize I was up against a stubborn, no fun security guard, 
vintage 60-plus
who didn't understand frivolous remarks. I pleaded with him to let me
in as the event was about to start, no avail. He just tightened his grip.

Man I knew I had a major problem. Just then the reporter I was working with
saw me being held at the door walked over and saved my butt.


I swore never to make smart ass remarks again!    Right!.......... Well you 
know eh?


ted

tedgrantphoto.com