Barry & the float
Scooter
the giant balloons in the Macy's Parade tomorrow. But this sentence cracked
me up. It's from the NY Times:
>>>>>
The mayor said that the parade has attractions beyond the giant balloons,
including 35 other balloons and a float carrying Barry Manilow, the singer.
>>>>>
This makes it sound like Barry's the only celebrity riding on the only float
in the parade. ;-)
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
lyndyb
Yorkers like you, they really like you - so I guess that includes the
Mayor!!
Poor Barry - I think it may be pretty raw, cold and rainy in NY. Wonder
how many layers of clothing he'll be wearing today - and if he'll be doing
another strip (don't get excited, Deb) before his performance on 34th
Street? I'll have to watch a recording instead of live because I've got
to get on the road, but I guess if Barry is the only celebrity, he'll be
on a long time, eh? :)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
BMes...@gmail.com
lyndyb wrote:
>
> Poor Barry - I think it may be pretty raw, cold and rainy in NY. Wonder
> how many layers of clothing he'll be wearing today - and if he'll be doing
> another strip (don't get excited, Deb) before his performance on 34th
> Street? I'll have to watch a recording instead of live because I've got
> to get on the road, but I guess if Barry is the only celebrity, he'll be
> on a long time, eh? :)
>
> Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
This sucks for Barry if, in fact, they do ground the balloons. Half
the people watch this thing on TV just to see the balloons (count me in
that group). I can give or take Barry performing on top of a float ...
but, for me, it's just not Thanksgiving without a giant Snoopy.
Brenda
anne12
wac...@aol.com
parents of the children are incensed by Barry's behavior. Reports are
that he just hopped on the float for the televised performance, while
the kids had to either ride or walk in the icy rain. They had to
listen to the crowd boo them at times because Barry wasn't on the float
and some of the kids were freaked out because they thought the boos
were for them. I suppose there are some that won't believe he did this
or that he shouldn't take the responsibility for what happens during
the parade, but considering the song he was singing, it really sounds
rather hypocritcal.
Susan
BMes...@gmail.com
wac...@AOL.com wrote:
> On the surface, it all looked very nice, but news is spreading the the
> parents of the children are incensed by Barry's behavior. Reports are
> that he just hopped on the float for the televised performance, while
> the kids had to either ride or walk in the icy rain. They had to
> listen to the crowd boo them at times because Barry wasn't on the float
> and some of the kids were freaked out because they thought the boos
> were for them. I suppose there are some that won't believe he did this
> or that he shouldn't take the responsibility for what happens during
> the parade, but considering the song he was singing, it really sounds
> rather hypocritcal.
>
> Susan
>
Ridiculous. Everyone who participates in a parade - including the
parents of the participants - know what is involved well before-hand.
There's a lot of walking in shitty weather. If some kids are upset,
then some adults didn't manage their expectations properly during the
planning stages. They should have opted out.
I, for one, never thought for one minute Barry would stay atop the
float during the entire parade.
Geez ... there are some people who have to look for ugliness in just
about everything. I'm sorry you continue to be one of them.
Brenda
Craig
telecast?
Craig
wac...@aol.com
from inclement weather. We all know he has health concerns. This is
about the organization that raised the money so that the children could
participate in the parade with him, signing while he sang. On camera
it was all warm and fuzzy, but off camera things were much different.
It fascinates me how some people can take the opportunity to use this
board to voice their opinions to get attention and also use it to abuse
other posters. I thought we were all past that, but apparently some
people just can't get to that place.
Susan
BMes...@gmail.com
wac...@AOL.com wrote:
> It fascinates me how some people can take the opportunity to use this
> board to voice their opinions to get attention and also use it to abuse
> other posters. I thought we were all past that, but apparently some
> people just can't get to that place.
>
> Susan
>
Susan,
Maybe what really bothers you is that the only way you get any
attention is by posting something bitchy. Beyond that, you don't seem
to exhibit much of a personality here.
As for "abuse" - get real. Your "Barry is a hypocrite" comment was
totally uncalled for and all I did was call you on it. It's one thing
to tease Barry about his lip-synching skills, as Reb did (and I happen
to agree - it's not one of his greatest talents). It's another to
spread ugly, vicious rumors about Barry wronging these kids and their
families. So please - don't dish it out if you can't take it, babe.
Barry did nothing hypocritical. He was hired to perform. He did that.
End of story. Why do you have to try to make it into more than it was
with your post?
As for all of us "being past that" ("abuse")... perhaps you should lead
by example? I'm still waiting for an apology from you for the ugly,
vicious rumors you spread about me last year. And all the people you
unceremoniously kicked out your group - for doing NOTHING wrong - are
waiting to hear from you too. Until you're a big enough person to come
clean about your own shitty behavior, maybe you should give up trying
to teach Netiquette 101. You're not qualified.
Brenda
Deb.
expected many things, including inclement weather, restless & moody
crowds and etc...
If Barry were treated any more special then I guess I'd have to ask
myself, exactly what was I expecting my child to endure, was it worse
or better? I would not worry about what treatment others got... since
what others get... does not concern me... only my expectations about my
child.
If I did not get a very clear image down pat, then shame on me. I
guess I feel that hey, if someone on the float was able to get out of
the weather, then good for them.. I would not want to seem..... what is
the word.... well.. bitter.
Was I clear initially on the weather, and possibilities of my kids
being cold or wet? Did I know what could or could not be done to
remedy bad weather? If so.. and everything lived up to my
expectations.. then kudos if someone managed to gain some measure of
shelter from it..even if for a few brief seconds....
deb :)
BMes...@gmail.com
Deb. wrote:
> If I was a parent of one of these children on the float, I would of
> expected many things, including inclement weather, restless & moody
> crowds and etc...
Yeah - apparently some parent was complaining that her poor child had
asthma ... which, of course, leads me to wonder, "What the fuck was
he/she doing in a parade ... in New York .. in freakin' November?"
Somebody call the parenting police!
>
> If Barry were treated any more special then I guess I'd have to ask
> myself, exactly what was I expecting my child to endure, was it worse
> or better? I would not worry about what treatment others got... since
> what others get... does not concern me... only my expectations about my
> child.
Great point.
What happens with Barry is what happens with Barry - it has nothing to
do with anybody else. I'm sure the organizers of the parade knew
exactly what Barry was intending to do. If they were okay with it,
then there's nothing more to be said.
>
> If I did not get a very clear image down pat, then shame on me. I
> guess I feel that hey, if someone on the float was able to get out of
> the weather, then good for them.. I would not want to seem..... what is
> the word.... well.. bitter.
I'm just taking a wild guess here, but it sounds to me like maybe some
kid's parents have some sour grapes going because they expected their
child to have more time with Barry? (again, just a WILD guess)
>
> Was I clear initially on the weather, and possibilities of my kids
> being cold or wet? Did I know what could or could not be done to
> remedy bad weather? If so.. and everything lived up to my
> expectations.. then kudos if someone managed to gain some measure of
> shelter from it..even if for a few brief seconds....
>
> deb :)
Can you imagine how crappy Barry would have looked on camera if he had
been on that float throughout the duration of the parade? (considering
he was near the end?) He wasn't there to do something charitable - he
was there to promote his latest project, just like every other
celebrity. He did what he was supposed to do.
I imagine most of the kids were just thrilled they got to be in the
parade and on national TV. Too bad a few bitter souls have to try to
ruin the experience for the rest.
Brenda
Suzanne McHenry
just asked my daughter and she said Gloria stayed on the float for the
entire parade. Macy's had very strict rules for the parade. One rule
was if you left the parade, you did not return to the parade. I'm not
saying Barry did or didn't stay on the float, but I would think all
celebrities would have to follow the same rules/guidelines.
Suzanne
BMes...@gmail.com
Suzanne McHenry wrote:
> My daughter marched in with the band that was behind Gloria Estefan. I
> just asked my daughter and she said Gloria stayed on the float for the
> entire parade. Macy's had very strict rules for the parade. One rule
> was if you left the parade, you did not return to the parade. I'm not
> saying Barry did or didn't stay on the float, but I would think all
> celebrities would have to follow the same rules/guidelines.
>
> Suzanne
I appreciate your input, but I wouldn't necessarily assume that. I
don't imagine for one minute Barry is the only celebrity to not ride a
float for the entire parade.
I think it depends a lot on the celebrity.
Brenda
byth...@aol.com
Suzanne McHenry wrote:
> My daughter marched in with the band that was behind Gloria Estefan. I
> just asked my daughter and she said Gloria stayed on the float for the
> entire parade. Macy's had very strict rules for the parade. One rule
> was if you left the parade, you did not return to the parade. I'm not
> saying Barry did or didn't stay on the float, but I would think all
> celebrities would have to follow the same rules/guidelines.
>
> Suzanne>
Well, good for Gloria Estefan. However, she didn't just undergo double
hip surgery a number of weeks ago and isn't 63 years old. Macy's may
have had strict rules for the parade, but do you honestly think that if
Gloria Estefan had left the parade they wouldn't have allowed her to
return? I'm sure those rules are for the band members and perhaps the
balloon handlers and other volunteers, but I believe they aren't the
same rules for the celebrity guests.
Have you ever seen the contract riders some celebrities have for
appearing in public? Every one has different needs and I'm sure their
individual needs are taken into consideration. Especially when someone
has had recent health concerns such as Barry has.
What we have are a few disgruntled parents who made their children
believe that Barry Manilow would spend some one on one time with them.
And when that didn't happen, they were disappointed. I'm sure the kids
couldn't care less. I have three grandchildren ages 2 to six, and not
one of them would know who Barry Manilow is unless he was one of the
Wiggles or appeared on Dora The Explorer.
What really disturbed me is the person who complained that there were
kids with asthma and sick with colds who were at the parade, as if that
was Barry's fault. What were those parents thinking, sending those kids
out in the rain and the cold? Honestly, you can't blame Barry for THEIR
poor parenting skills. How would they react if someone called child
services and made accusations against them?
There are two sides to every story, and we haven't heard both sides.
Until we do, why can't Barry get the benefit of the doubt here? Or is
it just that it's so easy to point the finger in his direction without
hearing all the facts first?
Sharon H.
jacki...@gmail.com
> I thought all the Celebrities jumped on the floats right before the
> telecast?
Actually, never having been to a Macy's parade, nor even planning to -
I always thought they (celebs) were with the parade and making an
appearance for everyone. What a bummer to be a parade watcher hanging
out at the beginning or middle or end and seeing the floats without the
celebs. Let's put it another way, if a celebrity would rather be
toasty and warm and eating turkey or tofurkey -- they know what the
risks and weather is like - don't sign up for a float!!!!
To tell you the truth -- after reading the posts from disappointed
parents, etc. just on one blog, I'm surprised they haven't posted
something themselves on the public newsgroup (which I'm kinda surprised
they haven't discovered this place already.) It's more than one
parent, or so it reads. Whatever the case, it's hearing/reading
something that is less than glowing regarding Barry -- it's either:
1. A diabolical smear campaign or
2. Disappointment for these people who need to express it somewhere.
Honestly - if I were a parent and my child was marching in the rain and
raising $$$$$$$, etc. -- and IF Barry wasn't on that float the whole
time, or if he was rude or seemed "put out" to my child - or at least
not giving photo ops or signing autographs after my kid marched the
distance in less than desirable weather, I'd be torked and taking it to
the boards or to whoever would listen as well. From a parent
perspective, it's one thing if I'm dismissed or pooh-poohed -- but
you'd DAMN well better treat my kid right.
Truthfully - there is nothing that a fan can or should do on this one.
It's between "World of Children" and Camp Barry. World Of Children
parents aren't probably going about their upset in the right direction
by posting on fan blogs, though if one felt wronged, they'd go about it
publically where they could -- kinda like what cycles on here every so
often, eh?
I'm not going to stick my fingers in my ears and loudly go
"laa-laaa-laaa" to avoid hearing unflattering commentary on Barry, nor
covering up my eyes or cursing out someone else for bringing it up --
nor going all rabid over what the parents wrote -- and do that "duty to
defend" stuff that extremist fans do. If Barry committed murder,
there's gonna be those rabid fans that will find a zillion reasons why
the victim should die and how the murder was justifiable. Truthfully,
I think Barry has his peachy and wonderful moments -- and being an only
child with perfectionistic leanings -- imagine he can be a bear to be
around - like any of us humans. Thing is, if any of us are bears --
there are apologies in order and making things right. If wrongs were
done, if kids were disappointed or treated rudely -- damage control and
making nice should come about rather than the "ignore and maybe they
will go away" route.
Jackie
sparky
>>>she didn't just undergo double hip surgery a number of weeks ago and isn't 63 years old. <<<
I agree with you, Sharon. Barry also has a heart problem so all health
issues have to be taken into consideration. Barry's voice is a vital
part of his career and if he should get ill due to the inclement
weather in NY, he might have had to cancel other promotions, such as
those in the UK. Barry's drs. must have issued strict guidelines for
his appearance in the parade, especially in light of the icy, rainy
weather.
Most of the children that I saw had a hood or hat on and were bundled
up. It was the parents' duty to decide if their child were healthy
enough to be in the parade. Barry loves children and would never have
wanted them to be cold, etc. But it's not his responsibility to make
certain that the children are warmly dressed...it's the parents'
responsibility as well as the parade float managers...perhaps a
see-through umbrella should have been used to cover the children. Some
parents will do anything to have their child in a televised parade,
especially the Macy's parade. Perhaps some parents themselves had
delusions of grandeur of meeting Barry themselves.
Sparky
BMes...@gmail.com
jacki...@gmail.com wrote:
> Actually, never having been to a Macy's parade, nor even planning to -
> I always thought they (celebs) were with the parade and making an
> appearance for everyone. What a bummer to be a parade watcher hanging
> out at the beginning or middle or end and seeing the floats without the
> celebs. Let's put it another way, if a celebrity would rather be
> toasty and warm and eating turkey or tofurkey -- they know what the
> risks and weather is like - don't sign up for a float!!!!
C'mon ... if that were a requirement, Macy's wouldn't get nearly as
many celebrities to sign up - and that would hurt them. These special
appearances are what set their parade apart from the others, and Barry
was one of their biggest celebs this year.
So ... just a WILD THOUGHT HERE ... if people have a problem with this
policy ... maybe they should ... um .... take it up with Macy's?
Also... when Barry's supposed to make appearances on shows like "Good
Morning America" or "Today" ... should he then be required to hang
around outside with everybody else waiting for his turn to appear?
C'mon. He's a star. He's not going to do that. He signed on with this
parade to put in an appearance to promote his album. That's all there
is to it.
>
> To tell you the truth -- after reading the posts from disappointed
> parents, etc. just on one blog, I'm surprised they haven't posted
> something themselves on the public newsgroup (which I'm kinda surprised
> they haven't discovered this place already.) It's more than one
> parent, or so it reads. Whatever the case, it's hearing/reading
> something that is less than glowing regarding Barry -- it's either:
> 1. A diabolical smear campaign or
> 2. Disappointment for these people who need to express it somewhere.
Nobody here suggested it was a "diabolical smear campaign", but if the
parents are disappointed, maybe they should try asking themselves if
their expectations were realistic to begin with. Sounds to me like
they weren't.
>
> Honestly - if I were a parent and my child was marching in the rain and
> raising $$$$$$$, etc. -- and IF Barry wasn't on that float the whole
> time, or if he was rude or seemed "put out" to my child - or at least
> not giving photo ops or signing autographs after my kid marched the
> distance in less than desirable weather, I'd be torked and taking it to
> the boards or to whoever would listen as well.
Jackie, c'mon .... you're a smart lady, and - caring about your kids
the way you do - you would have asked the right questions upfront. I
would think - given the somewhat challenging environment this parade is
usually held in - any caring parent would want ALL the facts before
deciding whether or not a child (particularly an asthmatic one!) should
participate in something like this.
Now .. if Macy's had LIED to you ... and PROMISED you Barry would be on
the float the entire time ... then I could understand why you would
want to go back to MACY'S with a valid complaint. It's THEIR SHOW. But
if they didn't make any promises of the kind, who are you to stamp your
feet because singer Barry Manilow didn't live up to your expectations?
I think it makes the parents looks a little silly. Isn't the whole
idea of marching in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is that it's a
privilege and a thrill to be part of an enduring national holiday
tradition? Isn't it enough to be in the parade? It's a big deal to
get to march in this - THAT'S why you put up with the sleet and the
cold and the wind and the hours and the tired legs - NOT because you
expected to collect some autographs.
>From a parent
> perspective, it's one thing if I'm dismissed or pooh-poohed -- but
> you'd DAMN well better treat my kid right.
Damn - I must have missed the video where he physically or verbally
abused anyone. If that's the case, I'd think the media would be all
over that, wouldn't you? Or maybe there really is another side to the
story you're too quick to dismiss?
>
> Truthfully - there is nothing that a fan can or should do on this one.
> It's between "World of Children" and Camp Barry. World Of Children
> parents aren't probably going about their upset in the right direction
> by posting on fan blogs, though if one felt wronged, they'd go about it
> publically where they could -- kinda like what cycles on here every so
> often, eh?
But again - if World of Children has a problem, they need to take it up
with Macy's. It really has nothing whatsoever to do with Barry
Manilow.
>
> I'm not going to stick my fingers in my ears and loudly go
> "laa-laaa-laaa" to avoid hearing unflattering commentary on Barry, nor
> covering up my eyes or cursing out someone else for bringing it up --
> nor going all rabid over what the parents wrote -- and do that "duty to
> defend" stuff that extremist fans do.
Why is it that ANYBODY defending Barry for any reason is suddenly an
"extremist fan" in your eyes? Why can't you consider that there MIGHT
be another side to all this - another intelligent viewpoint that should
be taken into account?
Also ... nobody's going all "rabid" over what the parents wrote -
first, they didn't post here. Susan was the first to mention it here
and called Barry a hypocrite based on second-hand information. Second,
suggesting that perhaps these parents didn't correctly manage their own
inflated expectations isn't going "rabid." It's offering a contrary
view. (This isn't the MNGV. We're allowed to do that here.)
Barry's no angel. I think we've all seen him falter a time or two when
it comes to manners. But, in this matter, I do find it offensive when I
see a hypocritical fan daring to call him a hypocrite - and based on
what? A parent or two posting on a blog somewhere that Barry was an
asshole? I still honestly don't get what it was Barry did wrong. He
didn't stay on the float? No surprise there - he's 63 years old, he
just had surgery and he was scheduled to perform toward the end of the
thing. He would have looked/sounded like shit on camera if he had been
up there for the duration of the parade (and then I'm sure a whole host
of "fans" would have spent the next day and a half trashing his hair).
Geez, give him a freakin' break!
If Barry committed murder,
> there's gonna be those rabid fans that will find a zillion reasons why
> the victim should die and how the murder was justifiable.
Now you're just being ridiculous and insulting. Barry not riding a
float is not on the same level with his committing murder. As silly as
I think some of the fans are in their behavior, to suggest one of them
would condone such a heinous act under ANY circumstance is really
hitting below the belt, Jackie.
Truthfully,
> I think Barry has his peachy and wonderful moments -- and being an only
> child with perfectionistic leanings -- imagine he can be a bear to be
> around - like any of us humans. Thing is, if any of us are bears --
> there are apologies in order and making things right.
Yes. I'm still waiting for Susan's. (Oh, but wait - you told me I
should just move on and not expect one. Gosh. Maybe these poor, poor
parents should do the same? Or do you not hold Barry to the same
standards you keep for your friends?)
Based on what little I know - I really don't see where Barry owes
anybody any apology for his conduct in the parade. And, if he really
did kick a child or spit on a parent, I really want to know why I'm not
reading about it on Drudge, dammit. I want to see the video! I want
to see Barry apologizing on Letterman! What the fuck is wrong with the
media anyway? C'mon - there's a STORY here! (geez!)
If wrongs were
> done, if kids were disappointed or treated rudely -- damage control and
> making nice should come about rather than the "ignore and maybe they
> will go away" route.
Well, again - that's MACY'S call, isn't it. It's their show. It's
their parade. If some hideous "damage" was done, then let them take it
up with Barry's management. And - if they don't - then who's really
at fault?
Brenda
BMes...@gmail.com
> delusions of grandeur of meeting Barry themselves.
>
> Sparky
>
WINNER!
C'mon up here and accept your major award, Sparky! (it also doubles as
a lovely lamp for your living room).
Hey, what can I say - I'm in "Christmas Story" mode today!
Brenda
BrryM
to say that when an artist is advertised to be in the parade, they are on a
float & do the whole route. IF they are advertised as making an appearance
they "do their thing" outside Macy's on Broadway just north of 34th Street.
If you taped the show, go back and look, Barry was advertised along with
Julie Andrews etc and they were supposed to do the whole parade. I didn't
watch the parade this year so I don't know who did what.
As for age and health. About 8-10 years ago Bob Hope and his wife Delores,
did the whole parade. It wasn't raining but it sure was very cold and
windy.
Just stating the facts.
Lynn
BMes...@gmail.com
BMes...@gmail.com wrote:
He would have looked/sounded like shit on camera if he had been
> up there for the duration of the parade (and then I'm sure a whole host
> of "fans" would have spent the next day and a half trashing his hair).
> Geez, give him a freakin' break!
>
Just taking a moment to correct myself - how he sounded would have been
irrelevant, given that he lip-synched to himself. (duh, Brenda!)
But I still maintain he would have looked like something the cat puked
up on the carpet if he had to sit on that float for two hours before
being on camera. :-)
Brenda
BMes...@gmail.com
BrryM wrote:
> Having been to the Macy's Day Parade on quite a few occasions, I would like
> to say that when an artist is advertised to be in the parade, they are on a
> float & do the whole route. IF they are advertised as making an appearance
> they "do their thing" outside Macy's on Broadway just north of 34th Street.
> If you taped the show, go back and look, Barry was advertised along with
> Julie Andrews etc and they were supposed to do the whole parade. I didn't
> watch the parade this year so I don't know who did what.
I watched most of the parade (didn't get to see Barry's part - thank
God for the Internet! ), and I was surprised Barry wasn't advertised
as often as I would have expected.
> As for age and health. About 8-10 years ago Bob Hope and his wife Delores,
> did the whole parade. It wasn't raining but it sure was very cold and
> windy.
I'll bet Bob and Delores wouldn't have wanted it any other way. They
were always warm and fuzzy "people" people! (Not putting down Barry,
but you know damn well that if you gave him the option of hanging out
with the masses or NOT hanging out with the masses ... you know which
he'd choose! Hey - that's just who he is).
But that's okay. He made his appearance and "sang" his song and that's
all most viewers expected. Frankly - given the grueling schedule he's
had - I hope he tries to take it easy whenever and wherever he can (at
least maybe now he won't be sneezing all over fans in the U.K.
autograph line next week!)
Thanks for the input, Lynn!
Brenda
P.S. A piece of useless trivia ...my dad's cousin dated Bob Hope, but
her father made them break up because he insisted he was "a bum who was
never going to amount to anything."
mar...@yahoo.com
There is a big difference in what a performer is obligated to do as
opposed to what a performer can do and will do at the spur of the
moment. I understand Brenda's point about Barry concerned about his
health and agree that the parents complaints should go to the Macy's PR
and marketing team re: rules.
Many non-profit organizations that have stars perform have all sorts
of rules regarding celebrity endorsements, time, etc., but one common
factor is that the celebrities thank the organizers, volunteers, etc.
for their time, work and make themeselves avaliable to the hard working
volunteers.
Assuming that the Macy's people had a thank you party at their
headquarters or official host, this would have been the appropriate
time for Barry and all the celebs to get together and say thank you for
all involved- the children in the float deserved at least that if Barry
could not be on the float for the entire time.
You are right Lynn about Bob Hope. He was special- very special
more for the way he treated people outside of show business- as was the
case for all the soldiers he entertained and visited in hospitals for
his career. It is unfortunate that this same spirit doesn't exist today
with many of today's celebrities. Marvin
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
things up and also state some things as to why the kids were upset.
1. It was not icy, it was just cold and rainy.
2. The kids WERE appropriately dressed for the inclement weather.
3. Barry did not physically abuse anyone or spit on any of the parents
as someone mentioned in a previous post.
4. Everyone, including the float attendants, were told that Barry would
be on the float the entire parade. That did not happen, for whatever
reasons. We understand Barry's health issues, but what that caused was
that the kids had to bear the brunt of the booing of the crowds along
the parade route because he was not on the float. The kids weren't
prepared for that, and were visibly upset.
5. The kids rode the float during the parade signing 4 of Barry's new
songs. At 36th street Barry came out underneath an umbrella, with 2
gentlemen dressed in black(I assume they were from his management
team). The kids were then told to depart the float, and Barry boarded
the float. Barry seemed very agitated that it was taking so long for
the kids to depart. The float took off about 20-25mph, with Barry on
board, and that left the kids, in their costumes, running as fast as
they could after the float. All the while they were running in the
sloppy water, being yelled at by the Macy's people to "hurry up". Ever
see how fast 5 yr olds can run? They had about 45 secs to run 3 city
blocks.
6. The kids got lined up for the tv broadcast, while Barry was
jestering for them to hurry up, then the broadcast ensued. Everything
looked good to the tv viewers as he put on his best showmans face.
7. Then the float took off again, leaving the kids chase after it and
hop onboard a moving float, which some of them were able to do. Some of
which were not.
8. When the float stopped for everyone to get off, Barry was just going
to get off but was talked into one group photo, in which he agreed, but
all the while complaining about being "cold"! He also complained "Is
every one smiling? Are we done yet? I gotta go! Thanks kids!" And he
left and got into a black SUV. This left 29 crying kids standing inside
of Macy's because they did not get to talk to him or get an heartfelt
Thank You for all of their hard work. All of the other performers got
off of their floats and went inside of Macy's to address the folks that
were on the floats with them.
Barry has to understand what got him to where he his today, and that is
the fans. If fans don't buy a persons music then that person is a
nobody. I think Barry forgot that little bit on thurs, and thus lost
alot of fans because of it.
I don't think our expectations of him addressing the group (inside
Macy's where it was nice and warm) to let them know that all of their
hard work was greatly appreciated, was too unreasonable of an
expectation.
Macy's is responsible for the kids having to chase after the float and
has already addressed this as a communication error. However, Barry
himself is responsible for being agitated easily, the kids having to
bear the burden of the boo's, and the rude comments that came out of
his mouth. Barry's management team has been made aware of this and we
will wait for a reply.
One more note: To those folks saying that the parents are bad parents
because of these expectations is ridiculous. These kids weren't
notified until 6 weeks before the parade that they were performing,
because Barry was late in signing the contract. That left this group
with little time to raise the funds to get there. These kids worked
their butts off 4 days a week with fundraisers to make this happen. The
least Barry could've done was to show them some appreciation!
And oh BTW, Barry did have make-up on! :)
connie
every one smiling? Are we done yet? I gotta go! Thanks kids!" And he
left and got into a black SUV.
How was that rude???
I understand he everyone thought he should be on the float the entire
time..the children should have been left on the float if there was room.
However what he said does not appear rude.
connie
<Ex_fa...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1164646927.8...@14g2000cws.googlegroups.com...
InsideLookingOut
what many people think of Barry's music, they might have booed him even if
he was on the float the whole time. How would the kids have interpreted
that?
You say that Barry was late in signing the contract. How do you know that
it was Barry's fault? It could have been Macy's fault or some other glitch
in the process.
I read the article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. It sounds like the
group wanted to perform in the parade, since they had applied last year
and was turned down. They weren't performing just because Barry had
decided to appear. If there wasn't enough time to prepare, the group could
have declined.
Is it possible that the parents, given the stress of the situation, might
have misinterpreted Barry's comments? In the heat of the situation, the
tone of the comments may easily be misinterpreted.
If, in fact, Barry was rude, then I certainly don't condone his behavior,
but it seems that the parents' expectations and what they set their kids
up to expect were grossly unrealistic.
InsideLookingOut
about always assumes that Barry is in the wrong. We know only one side of
the story. Based on what I've read, it seems that there is lots of room
for interpretation.
For instance, by Barry saying he's cold, he may not be complaining at all.
He may be just making conversation. You know how when you meet someone new,
you might talk about the weather because it's common ground. You're not
complaining about the weather, but just saying something about it to get
the ball rolling.
Again, why must people leap to the conclusion that Barry's always the bad
guy? We may never know the other half of the story, but until I know it,
I'll be neutral and take the information at face value.
BMes...@gmail.com
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com wrote:
> As a person involved with the signing group I want to clear a few
> things up and also state some things as to why the kids were upset.
>
>
> as someone mentioned in a previous post.
It wasn't meant to be taken literally - I was being sarcastic.
But - if he didn't do any of these things - then you really need to
lighten up.
> 4. Everyone, including the float attendants, were told that Barry would
> be on the float the entire parade.
Sounds like you should be screaming at Macy's then, not Mr. Manilow.
That did not happen, for whatever
> reasons. We understand Barry's health issues, but what that caused was
> that the kids had to bear the brunt of the booing of the crowds along
> the parade route because he was not on the float. The kids weren't
> prepared for that, and were visibly upset.
And what if there had been booing if Barry HAD been on the float?
(Newsflash here - not everybody likes him). Would the kids still have
been upset? Probably - but then you wouldn't have Barry to blame.
You'd have to blame the people who did the booing, and that's where the
blame belongs in the first place. What kind of assholes would boo
children? That is really, really sad.
> 5. The kids rode the float during the parade signing 4 of Barry's new
> songs. At 36th street Barry came out underneath an umbrella, with 2
> gentlemen dressed in black(I assume they were from his management
> team). The kids were then told to depart the float, and Barry boarded
> the float. Barry seemed very agitated that it was taking so long for
> the kids to depart. The float took off about 20-25mph, with Barry on
> board, and that left the kids, in their costumes, running as fast as
> they could after the float. All the while they were running in the
> sloppy water, being yelled at by the Macy's people to "hurry up". Ever
> see how fast 5 yr olds can run? They had about 45 secs to run 3 city
> blocks.
Sounds like you have a real issue WITH MACY'S.
And you have no clue if Barry was agitated about that. Can you read
his mind? He might have been agitated for a thousand other different
reasons that had nothing to do with the kids.
> 6. The kids got lined up for the tv broadcast, while Barry was
> jestering for them to hurry up, then the broadcast ensued. Everything
> looked good to the tv viewers as he put on his best showmans face.
Yes. It's a show. Get it? It's always pretty in front of the
cameras - but, behind the cameras, it can be really chaotic. I'm sorry
you were not properly briefed on what to expect.
> 8. When the float stopped for everyone to get off, Barry was just going
> to get off but was talked into one group photo, in which he agreed, but
> all the while complaining about being "cold"! He also complained "Is
> every one smiling? Are we done yet? I gotta go! Thanks kids!"
I think it was very nice of Barry to do the photo (of course, I imagine
that now he's sorry he bothered, given the appalling lack of
gratitude). Sorry it didn't live up to your fantasies.
And he
> left and got into a black SUV. This left 29 crying kids standing inside
> of Macy's because they did not get to talk to him or get an heartfelt
> Thank You for all of their hard work.
So what I'm reading here is that you feel that Barry was obligated to
personally meet and greet every single kid who participated in the
group. Well, welcome to the world of dashed expectations. This is the
way Barry operates. He's not the warm and fuzzy guy who lives inside
your head. He's a brilliant musician who's a bit uneasy when it comes
to lots of strangers and large crowds. Most of us who've been around
for awhile figured that out a long time ago.
But I will say that whoever promised you that he WOULD talk to and
thank each child should be shot (but I'm willing to bet it wasn't
anybody from Camp Manilow).
I'm sorry that you built your expectations up to such a mammoth degree
... and I think there are very few fans here who have never fallen into
that trap. I know I have. I can remember being really upset back in
1983 when my friends and I saw Barry leave at an airport (sounds kinda
silly now, but it wasn't silly then). We were heartbroken when he
wouldn't stop to talk to us. But there were times when he was the most
personable guy you'd ever want to meet. He's always been this way.
And he's never going to change. The trick is learning to not take it
personally. It's not easy but, again, many of us have been down that
road. I'm sorry it was your turn.
All of the other performers got
> off of their floats and went inside of Macy's to address the folks that
> were on the floats with them.
That's great. Apparently Barry wasn't required to do that. And,
again, I'm sorry if this wasn't communicated to you properly
beforehand.
>
> Barry has to understand what got him to where he his today, and that is
> the fans. If fans don't buy a persons music then that person is a
> nobody. I think Barry forgot that little bit on thurs, and thus lost
> alot of fans because of it.
Barry DOES appreciate his fans - he just likes to show it from a safe
distance. :-)
Lookit ... If he lost "a lot of fans" over this, then you weren't
really fans to begin with - and, as such, are no big loss.
Sound harsh? Well, here it is: You can't be a fan of this guy and not
accept him for who he is. A lot of the folks here on this newsgroup
have taken their lumps .. ask folks like Scooter, who have had to deal
with a lot of disappointments over the years. I've got a few boo-hoo
stories of my own (but, truthfully, most of my stories are happy ones).
But she's still here. I'm still here. We're still here because the
positive outweighs the negative. There's lots of fans for whom this
applies. You stick around because, with all his faults, it's still
worth it to you.
I'm sorry that's not the case for you. Maybe you'll feel differently
once some time has passed.
>
> I don't think our expectations of him addressing the group (inside
> Macy's where it was nice and warm) to let them know that all of their
> hard work was greatly appreciated, was too unreasonable of an
> expectation.
Obviously you were wrong.
>
> Macy's is responsible for the kids having to chase after the float and
> has already addressed this as a communication error. However, Barry
> himself is responsible for being agitated easily, the kids having to
> bear the burden of the boo's, and the rude comments that came out of
> his mouth. Barry's management team has been made aware of this and we
> will wait for a reply.
Based on what you reported, I don't think what Barry said was "rude" at
all - unless he said something else you're not relaying?
Should be interesting to hear what his management says.
>
> One more note: To those folks saying that the parents are bad parents
> because of these expectations is ridiculous.
I agree. I would never go so far as to suggest that you're "bad"
parents.
But, by assuming Barry would say or do certain things - you made a
mistake. And you made a mistake in raising your kids' hopes. All
parents screw up from time to time. It was too bad they were led to
believe they were going to get something other than what they got.
These kids weren't
> notified until 6 weeks before the parade that they were performing,
> because Barry was late in signing the contract.
I'm sure he had no excuse for that ... not like he's recently had
surgery or anything.
So ... I guess it would have been better that he never signed it at
all?
That left this group
> with little time to raise the funds to get there. These kids worked
> their butts off 4 days a week with fundraisers to make this happen. The
> least Barry could've done was to show them some appreciation!
>
> And oh BTW, Barry did have make-up on! :)
I'm not sure what Barry's make-up had to do with anything, but it
sounds like he DID show them "some appreciation" - just not the level
of appreciation you were expecting.
I'm also really, really sorry that the 'behind the scenes" stuff
couldn't have been better communicated and couldn't have gone more
smoothly - and I really do think, if you're still this upset, you
should boycott Macy's. Adults are used to the insanity that comes with
these parades, but it's always harder when children are involved.
Nevertheless, it's a problem you should all be discussing with Macy's.
It's THEIR parade. But Barry did his job the best way he saw fit and,
from all that you described, he did nothing to incite such wrath from
"fanilows" (or "ex-fanilows", in your case). He wasn't "mean" to these
kids at all. Frankly, I think the parties who set them up for
disappointment (including Macy's employees AND the parents) should
shoulder the blame. These are children. Had they been told, "hey,
guess what,you're going to get to march in a nationally televised
parade" - and NOTHING ELSE - would they have had all this cause for
disappointment? Nope. (And, if all this really was only about getting
to meet Barry Manilow, then they had no business participating in this
venture.)
So put the violins away - please. You're ruining a much bigger memory
for yourselves and your kids by wallowing in all this bitterness.
Brenda
madhatter
opinions about all of the players and lots of lurkers reading and eating
up the gossip. The bottom line is all the posters here are wearing their
own perception glasses with their own experiences, and ideas which are
being projected on this event. I don't find fault with that at all, as
this is just speculative discussion. BUT this is all second and third hand
knowledge. No one from Macy's nor Barry's Management is going to come on
this board to express THEIR side first hand. Sounds to me there are seeds
of truth in all sides to this event. No one here will EVER know the entire
truth. All of this proved to be entertaining reading. I am curious as to
what the original poster has to offer with her opinion, if she be so bold.
What say you, Scooter? Madhatter
wac...@aol.com
truth in each side. Barry was showing his impatient side and while
fans are used to it, (almost desensitized by it actually), those who
have nothing else to compare it too, will see him as being rude. As a
mother, I can totally sympathize with those parents and children and as
a fan, I'm sad, but not shocked by some of the behavior of other fans,
but I've come to expect it at this point.
Susan
CindySue
throw mine in.
First, no question that Macy's the one at fault for the miscommunication
of what the parents and children should expect and the inconsideration
given to the kids for not keeping them on the float the entire parade.
Even at 6 weeks out on contracts being signed there was still enough time
to make proper adjustments to the float to allow Barry with the children
to all be onboard. No 5 year old should be left running after a float in
any weather let alone cold and rainy. That having been said, I also think
Barry as a human being should have had enough sense to speak up when he
realized they were running behind him and somehow gotten them back onboard
if there was room. If it had been me I would have asked where the little
ones were going when I saw them getting off if I knew they were going to
be there for "cameras". Barry carries a lot of clout and his insisting
that they be onboard or that the float slow down for them to "walk" behind
it would carry a lot of weight. We all know what Barry wants he usually
gets. And I couldn't agree more with others who have posted that it
really wasn't asking to much of Barry to go into Macy's for ten minutes
and thank the kids as a "group" for all they did. Its silly to think he
would thank each one individually. But like Brenda said, this is nothing
new in the Manilow world. Having read so many posts on the BarryNet over
the years from fans who have slept outside and waited in lines for hours
to get into TV tapings and then Barry sings his number for the camera and
then turns his back without anything more than a wave and he's gone and on
to the next thing all of this is nothing new. There have been a few brief
times where he's come over after the taping or during a commerical for a
hand shake or two but that is far and few between.
I myself went to the Megan show several weeks ago. I sat in the row right
below the "banner". I took my son and his girlfriend both who like Barry's
music but are not "fanilows". And while the fans who posted on the
BarryNet would lead you to believe Barry noticed their banner and looked
up in our section when the camera was off, that isn't true. During the
commerical breaks or when he was off camera he would just completely turn
his back to the audience as if they didn't exist. And the audience was
completely his fans. I thought maybe it was just my take on him so I
asked my son and his girlfriend and they said the same thing. None of us
saw him even glance at the audience unless he was on camera. And these
are people who have spent countless money, energy and time supporting him
over the years. What's really funny though is that had that audience been
filled with other celebrities or famous people he'd been right up there
with them mingling and all smiles. So to the parents who feel
disappointed that he did not appear appreciative of your kids, well,
that's Barry past, present, and future. You thought the Barry you see on
TV or on-stage would be in the parade and he was. But only when the
camera's rolling.
Scooter
> I am curious as to
> what the original poster has to offer with her opinion, if she be so
bold.
> What say you, Scooter? Madhatter
Well... Here is my original post that started this thread on Nov. 22:
Scooter <em...@invalid.com> wrote:
> There are a bunch or articles about the worry of high winds that might
> ground the giant balloons in the Macy's Parade tomorrow. But this
> sentence cracked me up. It's from the NY Times:
>
>>>>>>
> The mayor said that the parade has attractions beyond the giant
> balloons, including 35 other balloons and a float carrying Barry
> Manilow, the singer.
>>>>>>
>
> This makes it sound like Barry's the only celebrity riding on the only
> float in the parade. ;-)
What's my opinion of what was posted later in this thread? I've read all
the BarryNet posts before they were obliterated, and all the BarryFun blog
posts. My thoughts based on nothing more than reading those posts:
Looks like he didn't do much float-ridin' in the parade. Looks like
Macy's screwed up so a bunch of little kids got more wet and cold than
they ever should have. Looks like there were a bunch of kids who got
booed by some idiot Fanilows who never gave a thought that their pissy
booing might distress some little kids. (Can you spell self-centered
thoughtless fools?) Looks like Barry might have managed to hang around for
maybe 15 minutes out of his horrendously busy schedule to schmooze and
"make nice" with some kids who just made him look like warm, fuzzy Mr.
Wonderful on TV. No, that wasn't written into any contract. Sometimes
one needs to do something not because a piece of paper tells you to do it.
It would have just been a thoughtful "nice" thing to do from the man whose
mantra is "Be freakin' nice." Was his attitude and manner of speaking to
them short and disrespectful? Can't say as I wasn't there. But he can be
that way at times. Several people have witnessed it. I'd love to know if
they ever hear anything from management. But since none of this hit the
press, I'd be surprised if they do.
That, say I.
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
BMes...@gmail.com
CindySue wrote:
> A brilliant post.
Especially this part:
So to the parents who feel
> disappointed that he did not appear appreciative of your kids, well,
> that's Barry past, present, and future. You thought the Barry you see on
> TV or on-stage would be in the parade and he was. But only when the
> camera's rolling.
Exactly.
The real Barry Manilow just isn't a person who loves to mingle with
crowds. He'd rather be parked in front of his computer working on his
music. That's just who he is.
I love the performer.
But I kinda like the other guy too. Guess we can't have one without
the other. :-)
Brenda
madhatter
and the float. Just got off the phone with a friend in New York who used
to be employed as an executive with the Macy's Organization for over 10
years. He no longer works there, but he has worked at many of the parades
over the years, and is very familiar with their operations. He said
they,(employees) were required to work at the parades. One year his job
was to go to the airport and pick up one of the bands the night before
with a bus, and take them to the hotel.
Having said shared this background, here is what he shared wth me....
The celebrities - ALL the celebrities - get on the floats at 36th Street.
TWO blocks before they get to where the TV cameras are at 34th Street.
And, after they do their songs or whatever and the float pulls away, they
go 1000 feet and then get off the floats. Macy's executives, then, take
them into Macy's where a VIP area is set up and they get all kinds of
gratuities - food, champagne, and gifts from Macy's. BEFORE they get on
the floats they're also in a special VIP area as well. NONE of the
celebrities ride the entire parade. As a matter of fact, the marching
bands don't even play for the entire route, which goes from 77th Street
all the way down to 34th Street - a LONG ways. So this might clear up some
of the questions of this very sensitive subject. Madhatter
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
> asthma ... which, of course, leads me to wonder, "What the fuck was
> he/she doing in a parade ... in New York .. in freakin' November?"
> Somebody call the parenting police!
Having asthma is a controllable thing, just ask Jerome Bettis who
played football in all kinds of weather. The concern with the kids with
asthma, and the handicapped kids, is that they had to run 3 city blocks
behind the float. One of the girls can't hardly walk let alone run, so
she had to be carried behind the float.
One of things this group does is let the handicap kids in the world
know that they are being thought of, and when this group does
performances for deaf folks, it really hits home for alot of folks.
Aside from all of that, I have to ask. Why do have to use cuss words in
the majority of your posts? Is it because it makes you feel better, or
that you can't get your point across without that kind of language?
To all those who have sent emails, whether you agree or disagree. Thank
you for your input and encouragement.
One last note: The group will not let this ruin their parade (pun
intended) of spreading Peace, Happiness, and Hope, for all children.
God bless each and every one of you, and hope you have a Happy and Safe
Holiday Season!
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
madhatter wrote:
> The celebrities - ALL the celebrities - get on the floats at 36th Street.
> TWO blocks before they get to where the TV cameras are at 34th Street.
Not questioning your friends input but that was not the case this year.
The parents of some of the kids in this group were right in the VIP
section of Times Square, which is between 44th and 45th street, and
they saw Ciara, Cheyenne, Gloria Estefan, Hall & Oates, Julie Andrews,
Miley Cyrus, Sandi Patti, The Jonas Brothers, Miss USA, all of whom
were aboard their floats.
There are tons of videos on youtube of alot of the celebrities aboard
their floats all along the parade route.
With that being said, the big issue is not that he got on the float at
36th street. The big issue is that the kids had to run after the float,
because they were told to get off, for Barry to board the float. That
is a Macy's problem and has already been addressed by them. However
Barry seeming agitated and impatient as the kids were departing the
float, is not a Macy's problem. The other big issue is that as someone
has posted, although it was not in his contract, Barry could've and
should've addressed the group for learning HIS songs, signing HIS
songs, and for being there with HIM. That small 10 minute jester
would've went along way with these kids, to let them know that HE
appreciated all of their hard work helping to promote his new music!
BMes...@gmail.com
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com wrote:
> Having asthma is a controllable thing, just ask Jerome Bettis who
> played football in all kinds of weather. The concern with the kids with
> asthma, and the handicapped kids, is that they had to run 3 city blocks
> behind the float. One of the girls can't hardly walk let alone run, so
> she had to be carried behind the float.
Then maybe they shouldn't have been in the parade? These events are
not an easy gig for anybody.
>
> One of things this group does is let the handicap kids in the world
> know that they are being thought of, and when this group does
> performances for deaf folks, it really hits home for alot of folks.
Maybe an outdoor parade is a poor venue for transmitting that message.
If what goes on behind the scenes at Macy's is going to stress these
poor kids out, then is it fair to put them through all that (even if
what they're trying to do is a truly noble thing?)
>
>
> Aside from all of that, I have to ask. Why do have to use cuss words in
> the majority of your posts? Is it because it makes you feel better, or
> that you can't get your point across without that kind of language?
>
What the fuck are you talking about? :-)
Listen - my writing style is what it is. I'm sorry if you find it
offensive. I happen to find your substance offensive. Guess neither
of us is here to please the other, right?
>
> To all those who have sent emails, whether you agree or disagree. Thank
> you for your input and encouragement.
>
> One last note: The group will not let this ruin their parade (pun
> intended) of spreading Peace, Happiness, and Hope, for all children.
>
It would be silly to let this ruin your parade when that "ruin" is all
in your mind.
I hope you will find a way to look back on all this and see the
positive. Once again, the kids got to participate in Macy's parade -
something most people will never get to do. I hope you help them see
the bigger picture, and help them to really appreciate the opportunity
that came their way.
God bless, and happy holidays to you -
Brenda
Deb.
People will jump to conclusions rather than seek the truth... they
would rather be involved in idle gossip... rather than let it die...
and they would of course, listen to anyones speculation then confirm
with responsible parties....
And ...on that note.... does anyone have anything positive to say about
Barry's apperance or the parade?
deb...
BMes...@gmail.com
Deb. wrote:
>
> And ...on that note.... does anyone have anything positive to say about
> Barry's apperance or the parade?
>
> deb...
Didn't you just love his coat?
I like him in that color. :-)
Brenda
AladdinsMemo
wrote:
Aside from all of that, I have to ask. Why do have to use cuss words in
the majority of your posts? Is it because it makes you feel better, or
that you can't get your point across without that kind of language?
___________
Ex-Fanilow, this may be one of those people you choose to ignore for
obvious reasons. Patricia Butler liked to do the same thing. Thankfully
she's gone now. Using an occasional curse word if you're upset is one
thing. But using them in regular posts is for shock value I would think.
Aladdin
BMes...@gmail.com
AladdinsMemo wrote:
>
> Ex-Fanilow, this may be one of those people you choose to ignore for
> obvious reasons. Patricia Butler liked to do the same thing. Thankfully
> she's gone now. Using an occasional curse word if you're upset is one
> thing. But using them in regular posts is for shock value I would think.
>
> Aladdin
Well, since you're the language expert, question for you -
Why do you think Barry swears as much as he does?
I honestly would like to know what you think.
Brenda
Jackilope
> This has been one hell of a thread with lots of people voicing their
> opinions about all of the players and lots of lurkers reading and eating
> up the gossip. The bottom line is all the posters here are wearing their
> own perception glasses with their own experiences, and ideas which are
> being projected on this event. I don't find fault with that at all, as
> this is just speculative discussion. BUT this is all second and third hand
> knowledge. No one from Macy's nor Barry's Management is going to come on
> this board to express THEIR side first hand. Sounds to me there are seeds
> of truth in all sides to this event.
I agree with ya there. :-)
Jackie
Jackilope
1. Sue me, I thought celebs that were on the parade route did the
whole parade rather than appearances. That's just me and my South
Dakotan mentality/projection or idealism.
2. Regarding parents, etc. -- I did write that posting on a blog
wasn't the right route/direction - complaints should be taken up with
Macy's or Barry's management. Regarding parent's expectations ... hard
to tell someone how they should feel, y'know? They are the ones
raising the money to get their kids onto this experience with short
notice, etc. -- I've got empathy for them. I see what our band kids go
through -- and that is two years of fund raising, etc. If I had to
witness by kids getting boo-ed because the celeb wasn't there -- I'd be
torked. That isn't anti-Barry -- that's just expressing empathy.
3. > >From a parent
> > perspective, it's one thing if I'm dismissed or pooh-poohed -- but
> > you'd DAMN well better treat my kid right.
>
> Damn - I must have missed the video where he physically or verbally
> abused anyone. If that's the case, I'd think the media would be all
> over that, wouldn't you? Or maybe there really is another side to the
> story you're too quick to dismiss?
Perhaps you've misread this or I haven't communicated well enough --
*parent point of view* - you are more concerned about how your child is
treated than yourself. For example, you can call me "dork" and I can
shrug it off, say "your kids pitches like a sissy" and that draws
blood. I'm not retracting - if I read things like handicapped kids or
kids with asthma having to chase the float for 3 city blocks -- or
seeing that kids got boo-ed because Barry wasn't on the float -- I'd be
torked. (Yes, yes, Barry wasn't doing the boo-ing ... extremist or
disappointed fans were -- I do get that and can see that.)
4. > But again - if World of Children has a problem, they need to take
it up
> with Macy's. It really has nothing whatsoever to do with Barry
> Manilow.
I am curious how Mr. Manilow and Co. react after hearing/reading about
the situation.
5. > > I'm not going to stick my fingers in my ears and loudly go
> > "laa-laaa-laaa" to avoid hearing unflattering commentary on Barry, nor
> > covering up my eyes or cursing out someone else for bringing it up --
> > nor going all rabid over what the parents wrote -- and do that "duty to
> > defend" stuff that extremist fans do.
>
> Why is it that ANYBODY defending Barry for any reason is suddenly an
> "extremist fan" in your eyes?
Remember Peabody and Sherman and the Wayback Machine? Turn the dial to
Alan/Suskey days. Do I really need to elaborate on that one?
Extremist is the ALL or NOTHING camp. You MUST say ONLY GLOWING THINGS
about BARRY and for heaven's sake don't bring up his LOVE LIFE.
If-you-belong-to-one-group -
you-are-obviously-evil-and-have-chosen-wrong-because-you-don't-see-the-same-way-I-do
mentality. I could counter, if one expresses empathy for the parents -
why is that wrong or considered Barry bashing or hastily jumping to
conclusions?
>Why can't you consider that there MIGHT
> be another side to all this - another intelligent viewpoint that should
> be taken into account?
Which I did do.
> Also ... nobody's going all "rabid" over what the parents wrote -
> first, they didn't post here. Susan was the first to mention it here
> and called Barry a hypocrite based on second-hand information. Second,
> suggesting that perhaps these parents didn't correctly manage their own
> inflated expectations isn't going "rabid." It's offering a contrary
> view. (This isn't the MNGV. We're allowed to do that here.)
6. Oh goodie, here we go again. (and no, I'm not actually meaning
"goodie".) Here goes the cycle again -- and just 'cuz the word "fun"
hides in the word "dysfunction" -- it isn't for the rest of us that
witness this cycle like clockwork on the NG.
Seriously -- if you don't like what Susan writes -- ignore Susan. If
Susan doesn't like what you write - she ignores you. Ditto, if anyone
has problems with what I write -- just ignore me, plunk me in the kill
filter.
>I still honestly don't get what it was Barry did wrong. He
> didn't stay on the float? No surprise there - he's 63 years old, he
> just had surgery and he was scheduled to perform toward the end of the
> thing. He would have looked/sounded like shit on camera if he had been
> up there for the duration of the parade (and then I'm sure a whole host
> of "fans" would have spent the next day and a half trashing his hair).
> Geez, give him a freakin' break!
Hey - it's only a discussion, you contributed your opinion -- as anyone
here is entitled to. Think as participants it can be kept civil? I
know Susan has posted complimentary posts on Barry too -- and I know
you've posted unfavorable ones -- can it all be given a freakin' rest?
7. > If Barry committed murder,
> > there's gonna be those rabid fans that will find a zillion reasons why
> > the victim should die and how the murder was justifiable.
>
> Now you're just being ridiculous
which was intended ..
>and insulting.
Uh huh. Thing is, you can imagine it too. Threads on the BarryNet on
how sexy his mug shot would be, etc. I'm not sayin' the entire fan
base -- but you know there would be a few --- and thing is, my comment
was simply being a smart alec (or smart ass, in less polite terms).
Barry would never do that (murder) ... but ... there are those out
there where he can do no wrong, his portrait could be in stained class
with a halo behind him in the finest Catholic Cathedrals ..... I'm
having fun with that. Hitting below the belt? I've made this
commentary or analogy at least a couple times in my decade of posting
-- no hate mail, no burning effigies of jackalopes, no shunning -- that
I'm aware of anyway.
8. Thing is, if any of us are bears --
> > there are apologies in order and making things right.
>
> Yes. I'm still waiting for Susan's. (Oh, but wait - you told me I
> should just move on and not expect one. Gosh. Maybe these poor, poor
> parents should do the same? Or do you not hold Barry to the same
> standards you keep for your friends?)
My own theory is that it isn't so much what was posted, as it is that
Susan posted it.
My only comment to any of this is that Brenda -- at no time did anyone
(Scooter, Susan, etc.) ask or demand me to choose sides in your
conflict -- except you. (That whole ALL or NOTHING type deal.) I'm
not going to tell you how you should feel -- but I'm done responding to
you if this is all you've got to contribute or your sole purpose for
your return to the newsgroup.
Jackie
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
Reb Version 9.3 wrote:
> Ex_fa...@yahoo.com wrote in news:1164669600.346579.294130
> @j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:
>
> > There are tons of videos on youtube of alot of the celebrities aboard
> > their floats all along the parade route.
>
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho8hdx-9jq4
I saw that one yesterday. That video was taken right after the tv
performance, and just before the float stopped at Macy's for the kids
to get off.
Please take note of the folks in the red sweatshirts behind the float
trying to pick up the handicapped girl so that they could get her to
the "moving" float.
sparky
As Sharon mentioned in her post, there are two sides and too many
people are critizing Barry w/o knowing all the facts. I don't think
his comments were rude. In fact, Barry might have been sick that day
and just wanted to sing as he promised. I read that Elton John
became ill in the middle of a concert and had to leave the stage for a
time. Barry has done many concerts while he was very ill. It's not
Barry's fault that the people in charge of the float didn't wait for
the children to board before began to roll down the street. It's not
Barry's fault that the people along the parade route were booing, and
I doubt it was directed at the children.
Complain to the proper Macy 's people about this, not Barry. Life
isn't perfect. If the children ran through heavy rains at school,
nobody would say anything.
Also, I doubt that the children at that age fully understand who Barry
Manilow really is. Maybe the parents had expected to meet Barry after
the parade. Please be charitable and give Barry the benefit of the
doubt. He is human just like the rest of us.
About Barry getting where he is today...that is due to his tremendous
talent and musical genius. Yes, he has devoted fans of over 30 years,
but if his music weren't any good, he would have been long gone from
the music scene.
Sparky
BMes...@gmail.com
Jackilope wrote:
> Quick response to Brenda:
>
> 1. Sue me, I thought celebs that were on the parade route did the
> whole parade rather than appearances. That's just me and my South
> Dakotan mentality/projection or idealism.
So you were mistaken. No big deal. Maybe you should try to pull all
your facts together before you jump to conclusions next time.
>
> 2. Regarding parents, etc. -- I did write that posting on a blog
> wasn't the right route/direction - complaints should be taken up with
> Macy's or Barry's management. Regarding parent's expectations ... hard
> to tell someone how they should feel, y'know? They are the ones
> raising the money to get their kids onto this experience with short
> notice, etc. -- I've got empathy for them. I see what our band kids go
> through -- and that is two years of fund raising, etc. If I had to
> witness by kids getting boo-ed because the celeb wasn't there -- I'd be
> torked. That isn't anti-Barry -- that's just expressing empathy.
But the kids won. They got to be in the parade! Why not just focus on
the positive? It's a big deal to be able to WALK in the Thanksgiving
Day Parade. Lots of people can't do that.
>
> Perhaps you've misread this or I haven't communicated well enough --
> *parent point of view* - you are more concerned about how your child is
> treated than yourself.
No, I can respect that. But you also have to manage your own child's
expectations somewhat. You're a teacher ... don't you ever encounter
parents who are too quick to attack you with the old "What did you do
to my kid?" argument before THEY have all the facts? (I hear this all
the time from my teacher friends).
>
> 4. > But again - if World of Children has a problem, they need to take
> it up
> > with Macy's. It really has nothing whatsoever to do with Barry
> > Manilow.
>
> I am curious how Mr. Manilow and Co. react after hearing/reading about
> the situation.
I doubt they think he did anything wrong .. so I don't imagine you'll
see much - if any - reaction.
>
> Remember Peabody and Sherman and the Wayback Machine? Turn the dial to
> Alan/Suskey days. Do I really need to elaborate on that one?
> Extremist is the ALL or NOTHING camp. You MUST say ONLY GLOWING THINGS
> about BARRY and for heaven's sake don't bring up his LOVE LIFE.
> If-you-belong-to-one-group -
> you-are-obviously-evil-and-have-chosen-wrong-because-you-don't-see-the-same-way-I-do
> mentality.
I don't know what happened to Suskey (in terms of the Internet - I do
know she's set up permanent camp on the sidewalk at The Today Show)
But I do know Alan eventually came around (by the way - totally
off-topic - has anybody heard how he's doing?)
And, for the record, I have several friends on the MNGV and I don't
consider them to be evil at all - nor do I only say "glowing" things
about Barry. I'm just pointing out that it is possible to disagree
with your point of view without necessarily being viewed as
"extremist."
I could counter, if one expresses empathy for the parents -
> why is that wrong or considered Barry bashing or hastily jumping to
> conclusions?
Point well taken ... but most of what I've read did include some
finger-pointing at Barry. Had these posts just been all about "how my
kids were treated and why does Macy's allow this", I could have
mustered a bit more empathy, truly.
>
> Seriously -- if you don't like what Susan writes -- ignore Susan. If
> Susan doesn't like what you write - she ignores you. Ditto, if anyone
> has problems with what I write -- just ignore me, plunk me in the kill
> filter.
Jackie, I know you mean well, but everybody ignoring everybody really
isn't the answer (and leads to a rather dull newsgroup, if you want to
know the truth). To say, "I will communicate only with people who
agree with me" is both boring and close-minded. I might not care for
Susan personally, but I would never tell her she can't post and, if she
posts something worth discussion, I'll jump in and discuss. If all I'm
doing is upsetting her then yes, I will suggest she use her filters,
but all in all I really would like to see everyone engaging with
everyone else. That's what keeps people coming back to this place.
(I'll bet this ng has had more readers today than it has in a LONG
time).
>
> Hey - it's only a discussion, you contributed your opinion -- as anyone
> here is entitled to. Think as participants it can be kept civil? I
> know Susan has posted complimentary posts on Barry too -- and I know
> you've posted unfavorable ones -- can it all be given a freakin' rest?
I believe I was as civil as I can where Susan is concerned. Sorry it
can't be more.
>
> Uh huh. Thing is, you can imagine it too. Threads on the BarryNet on
> how sexy his mug shot would be, etc. I'm not sayin' the entire fan
> base -- but you know there would be a few --- and thing is, my comment
> was simply being a smart alec (or smart ass, in less polite terms).
> Barry would never do that (murder) ... but ... there are those out
> there where he can do no wrong, his portrait could be in stained class
> with a halo behind him in the finest Catholic Cathedrals ..... I'm
> having fun with that. Hitting below the belt? I've made this
> commentary or analogy at least a couple times in my decade of posting
> -- no hate mail, no burning effigies of jackalopes, no shunning -- that
> I'm aware of anyway.
I get what you're saying - just didn't really see how it applied here.
I didn't see anybody blindly defending him. The posts I read here were
pretty thoughtful and presented a perfectly reasonable alternative.
>
> My own theory is that it isn't so much what was posted, as it is that
> Susan posted it.
Nope. While I might have been a tad more civil, I still would have
said something. I don't agree that he was hypocritical. That's all
there is to it.
>
> My only comment to any of this is that Brenda -- at no time did anyone
> (Scooter, Susan, etc.) ask or demand me to choose sides in your
> conflict -- except you. (That whole ALL or NOTHING type deal.)
Uh ... yeah, they did.
Anybody on the MNGV who was even suspected of being my friend was
dumped from their group without warning - and if you had come out and
dared to question a single rumor/allegation either of these two made
about me, you would have been dumped too. I confronted you on that
because I thought we WERE friends. Jackie, all you care about is that
everyone play nice - with no regard to what goes on behind anybody's
back. That's your scene, but it's not mine. Sorry.
I'm
> not going to tell you how you should feel -- but I'm done responding to
> you if this is all you've got to contribute or your sole purpose for
> your return to the newsgroup.
>
> Jackie
Jackie, please drop the theatrics. I've posted lots of on-topic posts
here and you've chosen to not respond directly to me in just about all
of them. You clearly still have a chip on your shoulder where I'm
concerned, so please don't think you're qualified to take the high road
on this. I'm here to talk about Barry and to have fun. Join in or
don't join in - it's your choice entirely.
Brenda
BrryM
"madhatter" <emailpr...@XXX.XXcom> wrote in message
news:22f75513bfde9c68...@localhost.talkaboutpeople.com...
I usually watch the parade at 72nd street and have always seen the
celebraties in the parade on the floats. Some years I watch the parade from
the roof of the Dakota & it's kind of cool because the celebs know that many
artists live in the Dakota so they look up and wave.
Sorry Madhatter but only those making an appearance get on the floats a
block or so from Macy's.
Lynn
>
madhatter
because they were told to get off, for Barry to board the float.
This was most unfortunate, ExF. That the kids had to get off the float was
a very sad mistake.
*********************
Barry seeming agitated and impatient as the kids were departing the
float, is not a Macy's problem.
Please indulge me for a moment, am I correct in understanding that you,
yourself was there? Did you actually witness Barry's impatience first
hand? (you stated that Barry SEEMED agitated) Did you have children who
participated in this event? I am asking just for clarity sake in my own
mind. It is so easy to try to interpret another person by their outward
behavior. Heaven only knows what was going on in Barry's mind. Only Barry
in that moment knows. Was he in pain over his hips? Has he gotten so used
to southern Ca, that his body is no longer used to the brisk chill of a
New York gray,wet and cold day? Was he having an anxiety attack as he
doesn't "seem" to enjoy the fan-scene except when he is standing on a
stage. I sure don't know. My point is, and I do have one here, NO ONE
really KNOWS what was going on internally within his inner thinking while
he was on that float.
*********************
The other big issue is that as someone
has posted, although it was not in his contract, Barry could've and
should've addressed the group for learning HIS songs, signing HIS
songs, and for being there with HIM.
You are right, ExF, Barry SHOULD have been more available with the kids.
He SHOULD be more congenial with fans. Fans SHOULD be more tolerant of his
human foibles. Fans SHOULD be more tolerant and less judgemental of other
fans. But fans are not as "nice" as we might like. Barry isn't always
"nice" as we might like. This is how it is in a world of human beings.
Hasn't changed since the beginning of the cave man, and inspite of all the
modern communication technology, humanity is not getting it with regard to
human communication. So all we can do on this board is talk AROUND an
event. The discussions are lively but at times, I feel like I wanna put my
head on the table like the ol' dormouse. Madhatter
sherry
Your question about 'Asthma' got me thinking. I know people
personally who have suffered due to this but I guess not everyone would
understand the challenges till faced with similar circumstances.
Anyways, I did a bit of research and found an article which says
'Asthma is a very common disease that everybody has heard.There are
very general symptoms of the asthma that every one can judge, like
Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, breathing
changes, Chin or throat itches, Dark circles under eyes, trouble
sleeping, Poor tolerance for exercise, By recognizing these clues that
occur before actual asthma symptoms, early treatment should be started.
These signs are unique to each person'.
I found this article at
http://medical-health-care-information.com/encyclopedia/A/Asthma-management.asp
Maybe you would want to read more about it there. I hope it's helpful
in some way to you.
sparky
Why are you posting this video on a Barry site? Wouldn't it be more
productive to e-mail it to the Macy's parade managers?
Sparky
On Nov 27, 9:17 pm, Ex_fani...@yahoo.com wrote:
> Reb Version 9.3 wrote:
> > Ex_fani...@yahoo.com wrote in news:1164669600.346579.294130
> > @j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:
>
> > > There are tons of videos on youtube of alot of the celebrities aboard
> > > their floats all along the parade route.
>
> > here's one of Barry as well:
>
> >http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho8hdx-9jq4I saw that one yesterday. That video was taken right after the tv
byth...@aol.com
Well, Lynn, you just said it - only those making an APPEARANCE get on
the floats a block or so from Macy's. Wasn't Barry making an
APPEARANCE??? If so, then it was appropriate that he wasn't on the
float for the entire parade route. Based on what Madhatter said, I
would tend to believe the words of a former Macy's executive over a
disgruntled parent.
The thing about this whole controversey is, reading the blog where one
of the parents wrote that she's "no longer a Fanilow" tells me that SHE
was the one disappointed, not the children. Or, at least the children
wouldn't have been disappointed if the parents hadn't made them believe
something would occur that they only imagined.
Also, I read that Barry posed for a group photo, then said "Thanks,
kids" - yet, people were bitching that he didn't thank the children!
Well, isn't saying Thanks, kids - a thank you? What did they want,
cards with hearts and flowers on it? Barry on his knees genuflecting? I
think there were a lot of unrealistic expectations, and when those
didn't materialize all we hear is discontent and sour grapes.
As far as how TPTB react, I doubt highly that they'll let us in on what
happens.
Sharon H.
dcsharon
floats a block or so from Macy's. Wasn't Barry making an APPEARANCE???
No, Sharon - most of the press releases stated he was going to be in the
Parade - "appearances by" were listed separately. The way I read the
articles in the paper it led me to believe he would be riding a float,
like (almost all) the other celebs did. My friends were there and they saw
Gloria Estafan, Julie Andrews, Hall and Oates and any number of other
celebs brave the elements.
(The other) Sharon
BrryM
"dcsharon" <dcsh...@nospam.aol.com> wrote in message
news:49a58fd910b5f504...@localhost.talkaboutpeople.com...
For those who taped the show, check the credits at the beginning of the
parade. Barry was included with Julie Andrews etc and was to be part of the
parade. Many of the Broadway shows, etc were making appearances and they
did, outside Macy's. Barry jumped from being part of to making an
appearance. He had the float & children all ready for him and he was
waiting on Broadway & 36th st for it to arrive.
Lynn
>
>
Scooter
> For those who taped the show, check the credits at the beginning of the
> parade. Barry was included with Julie Andrews etc and was to be part of
> the parade. Many of the Broadway shows, etc were making appearances and
> they did, outside Macy's. Barry jumped from being part of to making an
> appearance. He had the float & children all ready for him and he was
> waiting on Broadway & 36th st for it to arrive.
Was anyone at the parade in 1990 when Barry was promoting Because It's
Christmas? Did he ride in that carriage the entire route?
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
BrryM
"Scooter" <em...@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:Xns98898614B...@194.177.96.26...
Yes I was at the parade and when he went past 72nd street, he was on the
float.
Lynn
>
Scooter
>> Was anyone at the parade in 1990 when Barry was promoting Because It's
>> Christmas? Did he ride in that carriage the entire route?
>
> Yes I was at the parade and when he went past 72nd street, he was on the
> float.
So that's two out of three where he rode the entire route: 1976 and 1990. I
guess being 63, prone to bronchitis, and about to embark on a UK PR campaign
the rainy streets of the Big Apple was too big a risk for him and management
to take. I'm sorry it ended up being such a mess for the kids. Maybe he
could fly them all to Vegas, and comp their tickets. :-)
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
sparky wrote:
> Hi Ex-F,
>
> Why are you posting this video on a Barry site? Wouldn't it be more
> productive to e-mail it to the Macy's parade managers?
>
> Sparky
Sparky,
I did not post any video, Reb Version 9.3 posted it. I merely quoted
his/her post.
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
him not being the float. The only issues that arose from him not being
on the float were that the kids had to endure the booing from the folks
that came to see him, and the issue of them having to run 3 blocks
after a moving float after he boarded the float and it took off. Both
of those issues are Macy's issues IMO. The public and the group
should've been notified that he WAS NOT riding the float the entire
parade route and none of those issues would've happened. Like I said in
a previous, Macy's has already addressed this issue with the group.
The only issues that were Barry's fault was him seeming agitated and
impatient when the kids were departing the float at 36th street. And
the tone of his voice when he made the statements about being "cold",
"Is every one smiling?, Are we done yet?, I gotta go!, Thanks kids!"
As fast as any of you can read that statement is as fast as he said it,
then he was gone.
I honestly can't believe there are some people who think he shouldn't
have addressed this group of kids and let them know how much he
appreciated them learning/signing HIS music. In hinesight it's obvious
that the group expected a little too much out of him, but it doesn't
make it any easier to understand. At least the other groups had someone
with them that showed them some appreciation by spending a few minutes
with them after they were done, and infact some of the other performers
even stopped for some pictures with this group of kids, even though
they were not performing with them. Live and learn I guess.
Scooter
>
> I honestly can't believe there are some people who think he shouldn't
> have addressed this group of kids and let them know how much he
> appreciated them learning/signing HIS music. In hinesight it's obvious
> that the group expected a little too much out of him, but it doesn't
> make it any easier to understand. At least the other groups had someone
> with them that showed them some appreciation by spending a few minutes
> with them after they were done, and infact some of the other performers
> even stopped for some pictures with this group of kids, even though
> they were not performing with them. Live and learn I guess.
I'm with you here, Ex. I guess it just seemed to me like old-fashioned
good manners to give those kids some heartfelt thanks and some of his time
- say 10 minutes? After all, they had just finished making him look
fantastic to a TV audience of about a gazillion people. (What's
that...about 2 million dollars worth of free publicity?) His song came
across as a lovely moment with those little people signing the words. I'm
truly sorry he didn't spend a few more minutes with them inside warm dry
Macys.
As I said earlier, wouldn't it be fine if Barry flew them to Vegas and
comped their tickets to his show? I think he could spring for that
holiday gift, don't you? Or, maybe he could reimburse them the $14,000
they had to raise to participate. After all, if the money hadn't been
raised, he wouldn't have looked nearly as good performing on an empty
float. :-)
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
sparky
With all due respect, don't you mean yourself? If you were indeed a
fan, you would know that Barry does not like to speak in situations
where nothing is scripted. That's just Barry and most fans know and
understand this. What he said to the children was fine...you can't
expect him to make a speech. Barry himself said that he has the
patience of a gnat: that's just Barry. Stop being such a nit-pick and
be glad that you were there to hear Barry sing. Bet the children are
already on to Christmas songs, etc.
Btw, why come on this board...if you want to bitch, call Macy's.
Nobody here can help you with the situation.
Sparky
Scooter
@j44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:
>>>>it's obvious that the group expected a little too much out of him <<<
>
> With all due respect, don't you mean yourself? If you were indeed a
> fan, you would know that Barry does not like to speak in situations
> where nothing is scripted. That's just Barry and most fans know and
> understand this. What he said to the children was fine...you can't
> expect him to make a speech. Barry himself said that he has the
> patience of a gnat: that's just Barry. Stop being such a nit-pick and
> be glad that you were there to hear Barry sing. Bet the children are
> already on to Christmas songs, etc.
> Btw, why come on this board...if you want to bitch, call Macy's.
> Nobody here can help you with the situation.
Nothing like the old Christmas spirit there, huh Sparky?
This person is venting about something that happened concerning Barry.
Anyone who wants to vent here on the public Manilow newsgroup, can. And
here their words won't be removed.
Some people have compassion for their disappointment. And saying, "that's
just Barry," may be fine for you who knows him so very well. But these
people did not. They expected a man who's been in the business and the
public eye for almost 40 years to show a little tenderness toward these
children who just made him look fabulous in his PR appearance. So if they
were disappointed when he appeart curt, it's very understandable.
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
Deb.
sometimes the only thing you can do, is know you did your very best...
deb..
Delynn
>
> As I said earlier, wouldn't it be fine if Barry flew them to Vegas and
> comped their tickets to his show? I think he could spring for that
> holiday gift, don't you? Or, maybe he could reimburse them the $14,000
> they had to raise to participate. After all, if the money hadn't been
> raised, he wouldn't have looked nearly as good performing on an empty
> float. :-)
>
> --
> Scooter
> http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
Wow, Scooter! You think on a grand scale, girl! ;-)
On a somewhat smaller scale... how about some gift certificates to Starbucks
for some hot chocolate and cookies and some autographed copies of A
Christmas Gift of Love and Because It's Christmas?
Deb
Jackilope
> > As I said earlier, wouldn't it be fine if Barry flew them to Vegas and
> > comped their tickets to his show? I think he could spring for that
> > holiday gift, don't you? Or, maybe he could reimburse them the $14,000
> > they had to raise to participate. After all, if the money hadn't been
> > raised, he wouldn't have looked nearly as good performing on an empty
> > float. :-)
> >
> > --
> > Scooter
> > http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
>
> Wow, Scooter! You think on a grand scale, girl! ;-)
I think we'd ALL sign up and learn sign language for a deal like that.
> On a somewhat smaller scale... how about some gift certificates to Starbucks
> for some hot chocolate and cookies and some autographed copies of A
> Christmas Gift of Love and Because It's Christmas?
That totally sounds fabulous and very appropriate as a token of
appreciation for those fine kids that made it through the rain.
Jackie
Jackilope
> With all due respect, don't you mean yourself? If you were indeed a
> fan, you would know that ...
Whoa, whoa, whoa Sparky. Different levels of fandom and different
perspectives. No one has a standard issue operations manual of "The
Care and Feeding of Mr. Manilow." or is it "No Fan Left Behind" --
cookie cutter and standardized approach to Manilow Fandom"? Whatever
the case, I'm lacking a copy.
>Barry does not like to speak in situations
> where nothing is scripted. That's just Barry and most fans know and
> understand this.
Truthfully, much I hear about regarding fandom comes from the boards
and regionally I was pretty clueless of "how Barry is" and no, not
*everyone* knows it. When I share what is kinda common practice in the
Manilow fandom world -- some people can't believe it. The Platinum
deal, for example ... when it first came out. Most civilians are
totally unglued and can't believe Barry charges his fans a grand to
meet him.
I do agree with y'all that the places to take it up with is Macy's or
folks that deal with Barry - depending on what the issues are. I'm
mortified that some out there in the street would boo towards a group
of kids -- that's just wrong on every human level.
Jackie
Delynn
news:1164764582.7...@l39g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
>
> I do agree with y'all that the places to take it up with is Macy's or
> folks that deal with Barry - depending on what the issues are. I'm
> mortified that some out there in the street would boo towards a group
> of kids -- that's just wrong on every human level.
>
> Jackie
I agree with you totally here, Jackie. I've been trying very hard to see
this from all sides.
It is my understanding the communication issues and the children being
removed from the float have been addressed with Macy's.
I really wish that Barry had spent a few more moments with the children to
let them know how much he appreciated their hard work. It would have been a
kind thing for him to do. But I don't know what reason he may have had for
rushing off so I'm trying not to pass judgement.
For those people who were watching the parade and actually booed because
Barry wasn't on the float as it passed by them, without any consideration at
all for the children who were on the float working their hearts out in
miserable weather to sign to Barry's songs - shame on them. Where was their
humanity? There was no excuse for that. They should be ashamed of
themselves and I would hope that Barry would be ashamed of them as well.
Deb
Ex_fa...@yahoo.com
While I appreciate what has been posted, I must say with all honesty
that as a parent involved with this group, I really don't want anything
other than maybe for Barry or his management team to send the group a
letter stating why he acted the way he did and said what he said in the
tone of voice that it was said in, and why he did not give the kids at
least 5 minutes out of his hectic schedule to let them know that they
were appreciated.
I don't think that is an unresonable request.
In response to madhatters post:
>Please indulge me for a moment, am I correct in understanding that you,
>yourself was there? Did you actually witness Barry's impatience first
>hand? (you stated that Barry SEEMED agitated) Did you have children who
>participated in this event? I am asking just for clarity sake in my own
>mind. It is so easy to try to interpret another person by their outward
>behavior.
Yes I was there. Yes I witnessed Barry's impatience with my own eyes,
and heard what he said with his own ears. I also witnessed my own eyes
and ears, the kids crying in the lobby of Macy's, before us Parents
even got to them.
I have 4 children in the group, and my wife and I walked the entire
parade with the float. So I heard the comments "Where's Barry", and
when we answered that he was not on the float, I heard the boos, with
my own ears.
In fact, in the video that Reb Version 9.3 posted
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho8hdx-9jq4), the little girl dressed
in yellow that Barry was talking is one of my twin daughters. She was
one of only 2 kids out of 29 that actually got the chance to speak to
the man. One of the people in the red sweatshirt behind the float in
that video trying to pick up one of our handicapped kids is myself.
My oldest daughter represents that Native Americans and is standing
directly in front of Barry in the NBC broadcast. My son represents
Germany and is the little boy with the black hat on that they zoomed in
during the NBC broadcast. My other twin is in blue/pink and is directly
behind my son, but only her outfit can be seen on the NBC broadcast.
Some people may think that is an alledged incident, but honest to God
it is not. I saw and heard exactly how things went, both along the
parade route and at the end.
This is going to be my last post on this subject as I have stated my
point, explained myself as best I can, so I do not see any reason to
continue posting about this.
I will however join in other discussions in this NG because this
actually (for the most part) sounds like a friendly bunch of folks.
Thank you for listening to me, whether you agree or disagree, I just
needed someplace that I could go and be heard without my posts being
obliterated into cyberspace, as happened on the other Barry website.
Sincerely,
Jim
BMes...@gmail.com
Delynn wrote:
>>
> For those people who were watching the parade and actually booed because
> Barry wasn't on the float as it passed by them, without any consideration at
> all for the children who were on the float working their hearts out in
> miserable weather to sign to Barry's songs - shame on them. Where was their
> humanity? There was no excuse for that. They should be ashamed of
> themselves and I would hope that Barry would be ashamed of them as well.
>
> Deb
I think that's the one point we can ALL agree on, Deb. I just can't
imagine what kind of mentality would prompt an adult to boo a child in
ANY situation. I can certainly understand why the parents would be
upset about that. It's too bad there's no way they can channel their
anger toward the people who did the booing - they deserve it. But not
Barry. I think he just ended up being in the line of fire.
Brenda
wac...@aol.com
have been very impatient. He admits to having a problem with losing
his patience. He is only human and far from perfect. It's just too
bad the parents and children had to witness it firsthand, as quite a
few fans have over the years. Unfortunately, your children had to bear
the brunt of disgruntled fans. Too bad, because they are really in the
minority. It was a lousy day, weather wise, so I guess everyone was
crabby. If it's any consolation, I enjoyed very much watching the
children on televsion. Also, I hope it doesn't leave you with a bad
impression of either fans or Barry. Under better circumstances, I'm
sure things would have turned out differently. Have a good holiday!
Susan
Delynn
news:1164765858.1...@j72g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> I think that's the one point we can ALL agree on, Deb. I just can't
> imagine what kind of mentality would prompt an adult to boo a child in
> ANY situation. I can certainly understand why the parents would be
> upset about that. It's too bad there's no way they can channel their
> anger toward the people who did the booing - they deserve it. But not
> Barry. I think he just ended up being in the line of fire.
>
> Brenda
I'd like to be able to chalk it up to just plain thoughtlessness on their
part, but I'm afraid I just can't be that forgiving. If they can't show a
whole lot more consideration than that to a group of very cold, very wet
children doing all they can to perform to the best of their abilities under
less than desireable conditions, well then to use one of Barry's favorite
terms, "f**k 'em!"
Deb
Delynn
news:Xns9889DEF93...@216.196.97.136...
> "Reb Version 9.3" <Yo...@ema.il> wrote in news:Xns9889DD528E58BYouremail@
> 216.196.97.136:
>
>>
>> Maybe he had to Pee.. he did say "I gotta go" right? ;-)
>>
>
> ..just trying to make light of the situation. ;-)
Thanks, Reb. You gave me a chuckle. :-)
Deb
sparky
Thanks for my first laugh of the day!
Sparky
On Nov 28, 9:55 pm, "Reb Version 9.3" <Y...@ema.il> wrote:
> "Reb Version 9.3" <Y...@ema.il> wrote in news:Xns9889DD528E58BYouremail@
sparky
Love your idea about Starbucks and CDs....children would be very
happy and appreciative!
Sparky
On Nov 28, 8:30 pm, "Jackilope" <jackilope13m...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Delynn wrote:
> > > As I said earlier, wouldn't it be fine if Barry flew them to Vegas and
> > > comped their tickets to his show? I think he could spring for that
> > > holiday gift, don't you? Or, maybe he could reimburse them the $14,000
> > > they had to raise to participate. After all, if the money hadn't been
> > > raised, he wouldn't have looked nearly as good performing on an empty
> > > float. :-)
>
> > > --
> > > Scooter
> > >http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
>
> > Wow, Scooter! You think on a grand scale, girl! ;-)I think we'd ALL sign up and learn sign language for a deal like that.
>
> > On a somewhat smaller scale... how about some gift certificates to Starbucks
> > for some hot chocolate and cookies and some autographed copies of A
> > Christmas Gift of Love and Because It's Christmas?That totally sounds fabulous and very appropriate as a token of
BMes...@gmail.com
Reb Version 9.3 wrote:
> Ex_fa...@yahoo.com wrote in news:1164765657.143416.121070@
> 80g2000cwy.googlegroups.com:
>
> > I must say with all honesty
> > that as a parent involved with this group, I really don't want anything
> > other than maybe for Barry or his management team to send the group a
> > letter stating why he acted the way he did and said what he said in the
> > tone of voice that it was said in, and why he did not give the kids at
> > least 5 minutes out of his hectic schedule to let them know that they
> > were appreciated.
> >
> > I don't think that is an unresonable request.
> >
>
>
>
Requiring Barry to defend himself when he didn't do anything wrong is
an unreasonable request.
Ex-Fanilow, why don't you just let it go? Next time you want your kids
to have an adult going out of his way to be loving and warm and
gracious to them, take them to see Santa Claus. His autograph won't be
worth as much, but at least they'll be talking to someone who might
meet YOUR expectations.
Brenda
mar...@yahoo.com
It sounds like many of the people that booed the kids must have got
their training from attending NY Rangers, NY Jets or NY Giants home
games. New Yorkers (or sports fans from other cities as well) will boo
their sports heroes if their teams don't win big. People should draw a
line concerning booing children- it was boorish,condensending, low
class and brutal. Athletes and entertainers in the limelight can take
booing- they get big cheques to endure this- but leave the kids alone.
Marvin
BrryM
<mar...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1164817371.9...@14g2000cws.googlegroups.com...
Hold on a moment Marvin, let's not jump to conclusions - though there has
been a lot of that lately.
I'm English and have lived in New York for 40 years. I don't know what the
New York fans do for their favorite sports teams, but I do know that the
Macy Day Parade (as it was once called) has spectators from every state in
the United States. These "rug rats" have to be brought by someone & the out
of state bands have proud parents and then there's the neighboring states
whos residents travel. Then there are the visitors - national &
international - who have come to visit their New York residents, so the
spectators are a mixed bunch. There are more men than women. Dad takes the
kids to the parade while Mom stays home and cooks the turkey.
So, lets give the New Yorkers a break. The booing was not their sole
responsibility.
JMO
Lynn
>
>
anne12
would not be rude to any kids ever. Anne
Jackilope
> Love your idea about Starbucks and CDs....children would be very
> happy and appreciative!
Credit goes to Deb (Delynn) for the great idea. :)
Jackie
riderstot...@yahoo.com
Maybe he had to Pee.. he did say "I gotta go" right? ;-)
............If I had to go, I would look agitated too........ Okay , I
can forgive him now ....lol. By the way, recently listened to BBC radio
2 ,with a special interview with Barry. Barry did say all he wants to
be is to be a ' loving , caring gentleman'. Now , how often do you
hear
anyone say that anymore? Barry really is a dear sweet man, please
everybody, its nearly Christmas, send the man some love, the children
even more love(to make up for their ordeal), peace to all, and to all ,
a Merry Christmas.
CSWB...@aol.com
It's unreasonable to ask Barry to act considerate and sincere to other
people?
Granted, with the way he's been acting for the past few years, it DOES
seem like an outrageous request. But that's certainly not an excuse.
Between his crappy cover albums and his blase attitude, it's no wonder
that he's losing hisfan base. .
BMes...@gmail.com
CSWB...@aol.com wrote:
> Brenda, you have got to be kidding me.
>
> It's unreasonable to ask Barry to act considerate and sincere to other
> people?
It's unreasonable if you're asking him to be someone he isn't.
I'm sure, in his eyes, he WAS considerate and sincere.
But here's the problem I see: I think his music - and the fan club's
"we are family and we luv you!" bullshit - tend to mislead fans into
viewing Barry as being this really warm, sweet, loving man who would
give bear hugs to any poor stranger in need.
And he's NOT that guy. That guy used to exist in my head ... not
anymore. But I'm sure he's still roaming around in a LOT of other
people's heads.
I don't think he's a bad person ... and I think there's probably a
warmth to him that only his closest friends and families see. But if
you're branded as a FAN, he will always see you as a FAN (aka:
"intrusion") first, person second. You will always be someone who
sits at the back of his bus. He can appreciate his fans, but only a)
as a group and b) at a really safe distance. He hates the whole fan
thing - or at least he did back in the early 80's.
I remember when Moira Smith (who used to run the Cleveland BMFC) was
chosen (briefly) to run Barry's new national fan club (back when it was
just the BMFC, without the "I"). And Moira said that Barry really
didn't want a fan club. Didn't like the whole concept. He couldn't
relate to the whole fan mentality .... why would anyone be interested
in him beyond the music? I don't know if he still feels that way, but
I think there will always be a part of him that simply cannot
understand how intelligent, thriving adults can be diehard fans.
>
> Granted, with the way he's been acting for the past few years, it DOES
> seem like an outrageous request. But that's certainly not an excuse.
>
> Between his crappy cover albums and his blase attitude, it's no wonder
> that he's losing hisfan base. .
I will never love his cover albums more than his originals, but I do
NOT think they're "crappy." The arrangements are gorgeous and I would
be lying if I said I didn't enjoy them. And he's still a tremendous
showman.
As for "losing his fan base" .... if that's the case, I wonder who has
been paying big bucks to help him sell out these extended Vegas runs
and these huge arenas?
Brenda
madhatter
needed someplace that I could go and be heard without my posts being
obliterated into cyberspace, as happened on the other Barry website.
Sincerely,
Jim
Jim, I read your entire post here and you have my compassion. You sound
like a very caring and responsible father. I respect and admire that a
great deal. I was also fortunate to have such a caring father. All I can
say to you is that I am really sorry that this entire sad event happened
and that your children and all the other children got the cold shoulder
from Ol' Man winter in New York, and that Barry wasn't as responsive as
you had hoped. The GOOD side of it is that your lovely children got to
sign in the parade and all the children looked so cute AND professional.
They did a top-notch job. America got to see just how hard working and
cute they were/are. I know that can't take away any of the hurt you must
be feeling from the down side of that experience and from the fans here
who might not be parents and have a hard time emphasizing with you, BUT
try to see the positive sides of this. Your child did get to speak with
Barry and all the children got to be on national TV. Try not to dwell on
the dashed expectations you and others had of Barry. Who knows what was
going on in his heart and mind during that time? He is still recovering
from his surgery, he might not be comfortable in crowds (I don't pretend
to know what goes on his mind). NO fan really knows or understands what
he is thinking or feeling. Being human we all judge others by outward
behavior especially if we don't personally know someone. But if I were you
and if my kids were in this event, I would do what you did, express my hurt
but then try move on to focus on what WAS positive. I wish the best
Christmas for you and your family. What really is important are the people
closest to you.For most of us that doesn't include celebrities.Happy
Holidays, Jim! Madhatter
Scooter
> But if I were
> you and if my kids were in this event, I would do what you did, express
> my hurt but then try move on to focus on what WAS positive.
I agree. Concentrate on the fact that your kids did a wonderful job in
difficult weather conditions, and they looked great on TV. Try to put the
unpleasant parts behind you.
> What really is important are the
> people closest to you. For most of us that doesn't include
> celebrities.
Amen, amen, amen! None of us are Barry's real friends, nor are we members of
his family, as much as the BMIFC tries to make us think we are.
> Happy Holidays, Jim!
And from me, too. :-)
--
Scooter
http://scootertalk.blogspot.com/
riderstot...@yahoo.com
wonder
that he's losing hisfan base.'......
OUCH!! OUCH!! and OUCH!! That was a triple-decked all out declaration
of war, with guns ablazing. Please, the word 'crappy' must never be
linked with the likes of anything Mr Manilow does. I prefer classy,
sophisticated, thoughtful, melodic, uplifting, joyful, clever,
refreshing, creative, thought-provoking, nostalgic, romantic, innocent,
cathartic, emotional, soothing, exciting, heart-racing, words to more
aptly describe his now monumental body of works.
And Barry's attitude, well that's subjective. He has been known to
champion the underdogs, volunteer many hours for worthy causes, be-nice
is his usual catch phrase for the day, remembering to count his
blessings every day is his mantra, spreading a message of love has
always been central to his philosphy.......so he 'may' have appeared to
be agitated....maybe he really had to go, or two , he was so cold
every bone in his body was screaming to get out of there, or three, he
was thinking, one more minute out here, and I can kiss next week's
performances ...goodbye.......which leads to even more people being mad
at him , cos they had travelled long distances to come see him, only to
have him cancel, cos, he got sick again. He has already been there and
done that, and it was not easy.
As far as losing fan base, well, no one can really know if he is or
not. Who keeps track of those numbers anyway. If his fan base was
getting smaller, it will not be because his music is 'crappy', or
because of his 'blase attitude'. Logical reasons may be, people
dying(old fans) , fans getting too immobilized by health to get to
concerts, inflation leaping ahead faster than rising incomes.... I
think, the deep fierce and stubborn loyalty will remain for a long
time. Plus , he really is gaining new fans everyday. Until and unless
Barry starts to fall apart and display behavior like Mel Gibson, or
that Kramer guy caught with the crazy racial rant, or infantile
behaviour like that of Britney Spears, or ex Federline, I think my
admiration for Mr Manilow will remain for long long while. He
represents the few good ones. Few, being the operative word here.
Please treasure him , while we have him. Guys like him , with values he
has , are getting rarer and rarer by the day.
byth...@aol.com
madhatter wrote:
> Jim, I read your entire post here and you have my compassion. You sound like a very caring and responsible father. I respect and admire that a great deal. I was also fortunate to have such a caring father. All I can say to you is that I am really sorry that this entire sad event happened and that your children and all the other children got the cold shoulder from Old Man winter in New York, and that Barry wasn't as responsive as you had hoped. The GOOD side of it is that your lovely children got to sign in the parade and all the children looked so cute AND professional. They did a top-notch job. America got to see just how hard working and cute they were/are.>
Well, said, Madhatter! Let's not forget that the kids did a great job.
They did get the experience of going to the parade, and signing on TV.
Let me express my admiration for their talents at signing. Good for
them!
< I know that can't take away any of the hurt you must be feeling from
the down side of that experience and from the fans here who might not
be parents and have a hard time emphasizing with you, BUT try to see
the positive sides of this.>
Well, I am a parent, and when I first read their postings, I had a
difficult time empathizing with the parents because the blame for their
upset was put solely on Barry. I feel a large portion of their
dissatisfaction should be with the rowdy fans who had no business
directing their boos at children. THEY'RE the ones who should be
pointed at, and shame on them! As a parent I can't imagine ever
directing a catcall or boo at a child.
<Your child did get to speak with Barry and all the children got to be
on national TV. Try not to dwell on the dashed expectations you and
others had of Barry. Who knows what was going on in his heart and mind
during that time? He is still recovering from his surgery, he might not
be comfortable in crowds (I don't pretend to know what goes on his
mind). NO fan really knows or understands what he is thinking or
feeling. >
Very true, Madhatter. Nobody knows what goes on in Barry's mind;
although there always seem to be some who are sure they do know. Trying
not to dwell on dashed expectations could be a mantra for many, fans
and non-fans alike.
< Being human we all judge others by outward behavior especially if we
don't personally know someone. But if I were you and if my kids were in
this event, I would do what you did, express my hurt but then try move
on to focus on what WAS positive.>
But someone's outward behavior can be, and often is, misinterpreted.
Remember that old adage about one person looking at the glass as half
full, the other as it being half empty? Would we rather be the optimist
or the pessimist? Trying to focus on what WAS positive is great advice
as there was a lot of positive aspects here. Mainly that the children
should be proud of the fact that they did such a great job.
<I wish the best Christmas for you and your family. What really is
important are the people
closest to you.For most of us that doesn't include celebrities.Happy
Holidays, Jim! Madhatter>
Well said, Madhatter. You're right, our true friends and families are
the only ones who are truly important.
Happy Holidays to all.
Sharon H.
CookieGVB
beginning of the parade route, and actually showing him in the carriage
around Columbus Circle (which is about 15-20 blocks from the beginning of
the route).
Unless he was playing jump-on, jump-off, jump-on again, he was on for the
entire route...and I think Marc was trotting behind the carriage.