So Is This My 15 Minutes?

When I was Young Master Nordeaster's age and going out on a Friday night, my father had a saying..."Don't do anything you wouldn't want printed on the front page of the paper." It was one of his better sayings, basically a twist on "integrity is what you do when people aren't looking."

For the most part, I heeded his words. On the rare times I didn't, I at least never did anything that made the papers. I had to wait until I was over 40 for that to happen....

I had all but forgotten the Strib's visit to Keegan's Irish Pub several weeks ago. Then, I arrive at work this mornning to the teasing of a co-worker and my boss's boss, our Senior VP of HR (which did make me a little nervous). They razzed me about being a minor celebrity. I of course don't read the local fish-wrap and was too busy to read the MOB yesterday, so I was completely clueless. They then explained that the Strib ran this story on the red and blue blogger gatherings.

In all, the Star Tribune did a nice job with the story. Other than a convenient quote snip (see more at Fraters), Jon Tevlin painted an accurate picture of the atmosphere of Keegan's on a Thursday night. I'm not sure if wearing my "Che T-shirt" was a good thing or a bad thing (might depend on whether the photo was flattering or not). I would just as soon go through life anonymously, but I could be in the paper for worse things. I don't think this what my father had in mind with his warning. Being that my name was inspired by Barry Goldwater, he might even be proud. Still, his words seem even wiser today. You should live like you are on camera or being followed by reporters, because at some point you just may be.