Usually, when I wake up, the first thing I do is turn on the TV. The news channels are adjacent to each other on the cable, so I pop between 59 and 63 for a few minutes to see if anything is going on.
Hint: The words “BREAKING NEWS” on the screen do not necessarily mean there is breaking news.
Today, as I got to Channel 60 (CNBC), I caught a man who I believe is the president of the company that makes Ugg boots. Uggs were in, then out, now in again.
This is way out of my expertise. I had to look up how Ugg was spelled before I wrote this.
As it turns out (and this has been confirmed by Steffie, with a post graduate level education in footwear) Ugg boots became popular because of this photo. In case you’re not clicking, it’s Pamela Anderson on the beach in a skin tight red bathing suit, wearing Ugg boots.
Hey – come back. It’s only a photo. OK – I’ll wait.
The guy from Ugg admitted they give their product to celebs. Tonight at dinner, Steffie expanded on that.
If I’m reading our conversation correctly, once you’ve made it in Hollywood, purchases of any kind of apparel are unnecessary. Clothes come to you for free!
This must seem reasonable in a world where goody bags, worth tens of thousands of dollars, are given out at the Oscars and Emmys. Stop it. It’s not. You’re moochers.
These people are already rich. Why must the rich continue to be on the dole? In football these actions, the well to do accepting gratuities, would draw a flag for piling on.
I have similar experiences and they make me uncomfortable at best. Mine concern food, not clothing.
If you’re reading this from outside Connecticut, a little background is in order. I have been on TV here every night for over 20 years. In my little world, I am known. When you’re known, people tend to be nice.
Tonight, Helaine, Stef and I went to dinner together. Halfway through the meal the manager came to the table with a beautiful platter – compliments of the house. This happened at our last family dinner too.
I try and be gracious. After all, these people are only trying to be nice. How can that be a fault? Still, I try and explain, they shouldn’t do this… at least not for me.
In some cases, where a restaurateur wanted to comp my meal or greatly reduce the cost, I’ve told them that’s the best way to keep me from coming back! I mean that. There are nice places I no longer eat at.
Afterward, Helaine and I always have the same discussion. Where were these people when we were struggling financially? Right now, it’s my good fortune to make enough to pay my own way.
Maybe I’m the one who’s naive? Maybe Pam Anderson and Paris Hilton and dozens of other celebs are right?
I am honored that people think enough of me to make this offer. But that’s as far as it should go. And I don’t make a fraction of what these ‘real’ celebrities make.
They should just be ashamed of themselves.
Blogger’s addendum: When food has already been prepared and sent to my table, I do not send it back. In this uncomfortable situation, that would be rude. I try and make sure it won’t happen again without hurting anyone’s feelings.