Showing posts with label close encounters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label close encounters. Show all posts
Friday, December 6, 2019
Local Celeb
At the mall today, I saw Mike McCardell. He's a local news celeb...
... and he was interviewing a couple of older ladies who looked absolutely tickled at whatever he was talking to them about.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
dentist
I went to the dentist this week, and found out something interesting. I have the same dentist as this guy...
If you don't recognize him, he's a local celeb. His name is Squire Barnes and he is the sports guy on the local news. I didn't actually get to meet him though. He was supposed to be in the room next to me but phoned and cancelled. I overheard the conversation, and asked someone if they were talking about him.
Monday, April 14, 2014
close encounters
She looked a lot shorter in real life.
She looked a lot older in real life.
She's very thin and looked very fit.
But she wasn't very nice.
Her name is Jamie Lee Curtis. And we ran into her at the airport on the way to Portland last week. In her defense, it was like 6:00 in the morning, and I guess I would be a little grumpy if some stranger tried to talk to me. But I did speak to her. And she spoke back. So, now I get to blog about it!
She looked a lot older in real life.
She's very thin and looked very fit.
But she wasn't very nice.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Space Man
Today, I met Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut!
I took 1/2 day off work, and headed out to Black Bond Books. They are one of the few independent book stores left in the city, and I follow them on facebook. They were hosting the event, but you had to buy the book in order to get a ticket to the event.
So, I showed up around 1:00pm, and purchased my book and ticket...
Then, at 5:00, I got hubby to drive me back to the mall and drop me off. There were a lot of people there, and the lineups were long. But, my ticket number was 150, so I was in the second lineup or group of people.
I stood in line, read the book, and chatted with all the others around me. Somewhere around 7:30pm, the line started to move, and around 8:00pm, I got my first glimpse of the man.
Then, I walked up to him, handed him my book. We shook hands. We spoke. He signed my book. And I stepped back and snapped a few more pics...
It was all quite exciting. And even though I spent hours in lineup, and only got to chat with him for a few seconds, I still think it was all worth it. I got to meet someone I admire. And I was going to buy his book anyways, so this was just icing on the cake...
I took 1/2 day off work, and headed out to Black Bond Books. They are one of the few independent book stores left in the city, and I follow them on facebook. They were hosting the event, but you had to buy the book in order to get a ticket to the event.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Anniversary
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Do you remember the feeling that the games brought to the city? It was electric.
Yesterday was also the one year anniversary of the death of the Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. It was a sad start to the Winter Games, and today there is still controversy surrounding the death and the safety of the luge track.
Yesterday was also the start of the 45th annual Variety Club Children's Charity Telethon. The telethon has been a local tradition since I was born. It was always held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre downtown, and was basically one big local talent show. Everyone from local comedians, to local accordion players, and Irish dancers took part. As teenager girls, before we were legally allowed to get into bars, we used to head downtown that weekend, and sit in the stands and flirt will all the guys in the audience. It was a cheap place to go (all that was required was a small donation), and you could come and go until all hours of the night, as it ran from 7:00 one night until 5:00 or so the next day. But, like all things, times change and no one wanted to see magicians, and one man bands anymore. So, later on, the telethon was moved to the local TV station's studios, and broadcast more popular concerts (like The Rolling Stones, U2, Elton John, etc. etc). That format is still on today.
But, going back to when the telethon was held at the QE theatre, there was one time, in my 20's, that was most memorable for me. I was dating a guy who worked the backstage area of the telethon. He invited me to join him, and I sat backstage for most of the night/next day, chatting with local celebs and newscasters, and trying to look like I belonged there. That's when I got to meet David Foster.
It was Valentine's Day 1993, and I was sitting on a couch backstage, watching the goings on. A gentleman sat down beside me, and we started chatting. I knew who he was. This was before he became an international celeb, but his roots are in Vancouver, so I knew his work. After chatting with him for 1/2 hour or so, I asked someone to take a couple of pictures with us together, and I asked him for his autograph too. He went on to become a big mega super-producer, appearing on Oprah, and even on his own reality show once. But, I will never forget how down to earth and genuine he was. It was one of the best Valentine's Days that I can remember.
Yesterday was also the one year anniversary of the death of the Georgian Luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. It was a sad start to the Winter Games, and today there is still controversy surrounding the death and the safety of the luge track.
Yesterday was also the start of the 45th annual Variety Club Children's Charity Telethon. The telethon has been a local tradition since I was born. It was always held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre downtown, and was basically one big local talent show. Everyone from local comedians, to local accordion players, and Irish dancers took part. As teenager girls, before we were legally allowed to get into bars, we used to head downtown that weekend, and sit in the stands and flirt will all the guys in the audience. It was a cheap place to go (all that was required was a small donation), and you could come and go until all hours of the night, as it ran from 7:00 one night until 5:00 or so the next day. But, like all things, times change and no one wanted to see magicians, and one man bands anymore. So, later on, the telethon was moved to the local TV station's studios, and broadcast more popular concerts (like The Rolling Stones, U2, Elton John, etc. etc). That format is still on today.
But, going back to when the telethon was held at the QE theatre, there was one time, in my 20's, that was most memorable for me. I was dating a guy who worked the backstage area of the telethon. He invited me to join him, and I sat backstage for most of the night/next day, chatting with local celebs and newscasters, and trying to look like I belonged there. That's when I got to meet David Foster.
It was Valentine's Day 1993, and I was sitting on a couch backstage, watching the goings on. A gentleman sat down beside me, and we started chatting. I knew who he was. This was before he became an international celeb, but his roots are in Vancouver, so I knew his work. After chatting with him for 1/2 hour or so, I asked someone to take a couple of pictures with us together, and I asked him for his autograph too. He went on to become a big mega super-producer, appearing on Oprah, and even on his own reality show once. But, I will never forget how down to earth and genuine he was. It was one of the best Valentine's Days that I can remember.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
close encounters 3
Remember my Close Encounters posts? Where I blog about my brushes with fame? Well, you can check out the first 2 installments here and here. Now, those were posted some time ago, so I thought I had better give you another installment! 
Go back to 2006. I was walking in downtown Vancouver. Coming back from lunch with a friend. Walking back to the parking lot to retrieve the car, and not really paying any attention to where I was going, just walking and enjoying the sites and sounds of a bustling city.
When, all of a sudden, a security guard whips across the street, and stands directly in front of me. I look at him, somewhat surprised. What the heck is he doing? And why is he trying to stop my from continuing on? I step to my left (towards the building) and walk down the street a few more steps. He bounds around me, and jumps in front of me again, trying to get me to go towards the street. But, nope...I'm not doing anything this guy is trying to make me do. I step to the left, into a doorway of a building, and bump full on to a guy standing in that doorway. I look over and find myself face to face with...crap! I know this guy!! He looks familiar! What is his name!!?!?!? I realized that he was someone famous....but damn! I couldn't place him!
I mumbled an "I'm sorry, I didn't see you!" and he smiled. He said, "That's ok". But, then Mr. "I'm-a-big-and-important-Security-Guard" stepped between us and raised his arm to push me out of the way. I reacted, by slapping his arm, and stepping away from him, scowling at him as I did so. I didn't mean to. But, out of the corner of my eye I saw him raise his hand towards me, and it was purely a gut reaction to slap him. I didn't hit him very hard. But, he stepped back, and scowled back at me, obviously shocked by getting slapped by a girl.
Mr. "I-know-you-are-famous-but-I-don't-know-who-you-are" just smiled, chuckled a little, and turned around and walked back into the building.
I smiled back at him, scowled at Mr. Security one last time, and turned to make my way back to my car. It wasn't until I reached the car, that I realized who it was. Finally then I remembered his name!!
Mr. Pierce Brosnan! Yes, that's right....Mr. 007 himself. I bumped into James Bond. Literally!!
He struck me as a nice guy. Shorter than what he looks in the movies. And a lot more grey hair than I remember seeing before. But, just as suave and debonaire as one can get! I have to admit, he's not my favourite Bond, but he's certainly worth bumping into!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
close encounters 2
For the 2nd installment of my Close Encounters posts, I give you...
Robin Williams has been to Vancouver on numerous occasions. I've heard stories of people going to the local comedy hotspots, realizing that he is also in the audience, then watching with amazement as he gets up on stage and proceeds to ad-lib some comedy routine. Never rehearsed, and never pre-arranged. The local clubs LOVE it when he does it. And, apparently, he does it often...not only here, but in other cities too. I, personally, haven't been witness to that.
However, on this particular occasion, he was in town to film "Jumanji". (crap...was that really in 1995!!? I'm getting old!!). Anyways, I was at the Pan Pacific Hotel downtown having drinks with friends at the bar. From the bar, you have to go upstairs (either by escalator or elevator) one floor up to find a washroom. After a few drinks too many, I went up to the washroom. After my visit to the ladies room, I decided to wander around a little, to clear my head before rejoining my friends. I got on the elevator a short time later to return to the bar, and found out that the elevator was going up, and not down. Frustrated, and not able to hit the doors-open-button in time, I sighed, and resigned myself to the fact that I was going to go for a ride. I don't know what floor we stopped on, but the doors opened, and in stepped Mr. Williams. My heart stopped.
He wasn't alone. He had this humungeous black guy with him. You know the kind. Black, bald, about 6 foot 7, with arms bigger than my thighs. The kind of guy that can squish your head in the palm of one hand, even though he's smiling at you and looking very sweet and adorable. And there were 2 or 3 other non-descript people that got on the elevator too. I was standing right beside Mr. Williams. He looked at me. I smiled. He said, "Hi, how are you doing?". My jaw hit the floor of the elevator. Then I looked at him. He was obviously looking for an answer. I opened my mouth, and somehow managed to bumble "Hey. I'm fine!" Although, I swear it came out sounding more like "Habe. Bly mineb". Then the doors opened, and he, and his friends, stepped out. He glanced back and said, "Have a great night!"
My jaw was still on the floor of the elevator when the doors shut, and I didn't even try to say anything else. I think about all the things I could have said, or told him. But, I'm kind of glad I didn't say anything. I'm a complete dufus when it comes to being surprised by celebrities, so whatever I would have said, probably would have ended up being really embarrassing.
Back at the bar, my friends didn't believe the story. I guess they were just jealous. :-)
Robin Williams has been to Vancouver on numerous occasions. I've heard stories of people going to the local comedy hotspots, realizing that he is also in the audience, then watching with amazement as he gets up on stage and proceeds to ad-lib some comedy routine. Never rehearsed, and never pre-arranged. The local clubs LOVE it when he does it. And, apparently, he does it often...not only here, but in other cities too. I, personally, haven't been witness to that.
However, on this particular occasion, he was in town to film "Jumanji". (crap...was that really in 1995!!? I'm getting old!!). Anyways, I was at the Pan Pacific Hotel downtown having drinks with friends at the bar. From the bar, you have to go upstairs (either by escalator or elevator) one floor up to find a washroom. After a few drinks too many, I went up to the washroom. After my visit to the ladies room, I decided to wander around a little, to clear my head before rejoining my friends. I got on the elevator a short time later to return to the bar, and found out that the elevator was going up, and not down. Frustrated, and not able to hit the doors-open-button in time, I sighed, and resigned myself to the fact that I was going to go for a ride. I don't know what floor we stopped on, but the doors opened, and in stepped Mr. Williams. My heart stopped.
He wasn't alone. He had this humungeous black guy with him. You know the kind. Black, bald, about 6 foot 7, with arms bigger than my thighs. The kind of guy that can squish your head in the palm of one hand, even though he's smiling at you and looking very sweet and adorable. And there were 2 or 3 other non-descript people that got on the elevator too. I was standing right beside Mr. Williams. He looked at me. I smiled. He said, "Hi, how are you doing?". My jaw hit the floor of the elevator. Then I looked at him. He was obviously looking for an answer. I opened my mouth, and somehow managed to bumble "Hey. I'm fine!" Although, I swear it came out sounding more like "Habe. Bly mineb". Then the doors opened, and he, and his friends, stepped out. He glanced back and said, "Have a great night!"
My jaw was still on the floor of the elevator when the doors shut, and I didn't even try to say anything else. I think about all the things I could have said, or told him. But, I'm kind of glad I didn't say anything. I'm a complete dufus when it comes to being surprised by celebrities, so whatever I would have said, probably would have ended up being really embarrassing.
Back at the bar, my friends didn't believe the story. I guess they were just jealous. :-)
Friday, June 5, 2009
close encounters
I live in Hollywood North. That's what they call Vancouver. It's a great city for filming movies. Something about our dollar being cheaper than the US buck. And that our weather is usually grey most of the time...apparently not good for suntanning but great for the lighting on films and TV series. As a result, studios film a lot of movies here. Most of the time, it's just annoying. Like when I went to the chiropractor on Tuesday, and had to park 4 blocks away because they had the street shut down for filming. Not good.
But, as a result of all this film activity, over the years, I have "bumped" into my fair share of celebrities. Some famous, some not so much. I also have a friend who works in lighting on movies and TV series, and he actually invited me to sit on set for a day to watch the filming of a TV show (more about that in a later post). So, I decided to start a series of posts call "Close Encounters". These are not "great" stories by any means. Just little snippets of my brushes with fame.
So, here is the first installment of my "Close Encounters" posts....and what a better one to start with than none other than...
Richard Dreyfuss
It was a sunny day in Vancouver....in summer of 1997, or 1998, or around there somewhere. I was walking around the Stanley Park seawall after work, when I looked up and saw Richard Dreyfuss, and a woman (assuming it was Mrs. Dreyfuss as they were walking hand in hand) walking directly toward me. As we pass, I smile and nod in their direction. He nods back. I say "Hey". He says "Hi". We pass each other. I am suddenly struck by how short he looks. I'm 5 foot 7 inches. He couldn't have been more than 5'3'' or 4''. I was also struck by how beautiful his wife was. She was slightly taller than him, but about the same age. Not the younger blonde bimbo type that you expect to see with most celebs. Older, yet very pretty. Anyways, I walked on...looked back once, but no one noticed. When people ask, I say, "yes, I met Richard Dreyfuss! We had a short conversation, but it was nothing special." :-)
But, as a result of all this film activity, over the years, I have "bumped" into my fair share of celebrities. Some famous, some not so much. I also have a friend who works in lighting on movies and TV series, and he actually invited me to sit on set for a day to watch the filming of a TV show (more about that in a later post). So, I decided to start a series of posts call "Close Encounters". These are not "great" stories by any means. Just little snippets of my brushes with fame.
So, here is the first installment of my "Close Encounters" posts....and what a better one to start with than none other than...
Richard Dreyfuss
It was a sunny day in Vancouver....in summer of 1997, or 1998, or around there somewhere. I was walking around the Stanley Park seawall after work, when I looked up and saw Richard Dreyfuss, and a woman (assuming it was Mrs. Dreyfuss as they were walking hand in hand) walking directly toward me. As we pass, I smile and nod in their direction. He nods back. I say "Hey". He says "Hi". We pass each other. I am suddenly struck by how short he looks. I'm 5 foot 7 inches. He couldn't have been more than 5'3'' or 4''. I was also struck by how beautiful his wife was. She was slightly taller than him, but about the same age. Not the younger blonde bimbo type that you expect to see with most celebs. Older, yet very pretty. Anyways, I walked on...looked back once, but no one noticed. When people ask, I say, "yes, I met Richard Dreyfuss! We had a short conversation, but it was nothing special." :-)
