The night I pissed off Alec Baldwin

I'm still not certain why I love Alec Baldwin, but I do. Just don't tell him that.

One night a few years back, I was sitting in a bar. (Whoa! Was that a surprise or what?) Actually, it was a Friday night in Nashville, and I had a very early flight to catch. So, to help me get a good night's rest, I sought out some local bar not far from the Vandy campus, the Exit/In, and Rotier's on Elliston Street. Being mid-September, it was college football season, and I sat there watching some obscure game.

After a while, I noticed there was someone on the barstool next to me. Someone had coughed, so I turned around and there was Alec Baldwin, nursing a drink by himself. When I turned my attention back to the game, he began to make small talk. So, I created a little talk of my own, but I did not let on that I knew who he was.

Eventually, though, he began to drop hints.

I played dumb, and I paid more attention to the game.

Finally, he came right out and introduced himself. "My name's Alec Baldwin," he said and held out his hand for a shake.

"I'm Paul McCartney," I said as I shook his hand, then I turned back to the game.

"No, really," he insisted. "I'm Alec Baldwin." He flashed his big Alec Baldwin grin.

"Yes," I said, "but I'm still Paul McCartney."

"What brings you to Nashville?" he asked.

"A plane," I told him without turning away from the game. "A big plane, and a taxi cab."

"I'm here on business," he said.

"Really?" I replied without turning away from the game. "What do you do?"

He laughed. "I'm Alec Baldwin," he said again.

"You told me that already," I said.

So, he motioned the bartender to come over, then said to him. "This guy doesn't believe that I'm Alec Baldwin," he started to say until I interrupted.

"Alec Baldwin is a funny guy," I said, "but you're no Alec Baldwin."

The bartender apparently appreciated what little style I had, and he joined in the game.

"He's right," the bartender added. "You're no Alec Baldwin."

Baldwin then took out his wallet. For a moment, he considered showing us some identification, but he must have thought better. Instead, he just paid for his drink, left a tip, and quietly left the joint.

Ladies and gentlemen, Alec Baldwin has left the building.

And he's still a funny guy.