George Nemeth · CLE cabbie tries to rip off David Byrne

October 29th, 2008

I was really hoping to see a glowing review of David Byrne’s trip to Cleveland. Instead, he opens with:

We arrive and the fare is a little over $18, so I pull out my per diems from my pants pocket and give him $100 and two singles and ask him for $80 in change. He takes just the 100-dollar bill and puts it near his crotch and begins to fumble with his change purse. After a bit of this, I remind him that he doesn’t have to make change — just give me $80. He then says to me that I never gave him the $100. I say I did, and he points to the remains of my per diem in my other hand and says, “There’s your hundred right there, this one is mine.” I say, “No, I definitely gave you the $100.” He repeats, “That’s your hundred in your other hand.” Oh, man…

Can we please quit shooting ourselves in the foot reputation-wise? David, if you happen to read this, I apologize for the desperate behavior of my neighbors. At least you got to see Glenn Schwartz.

David Byrne Journal: 10.23.2008: Cleveland

Last 5 posts by George Nemeth

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Category: BFD
8 Comments »

8 Responses to “CLE cabbie tries to rip off David Byrne”

  1. city buddha Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 12:00 pm

    I was totally looking forward to Byrne’s take on Clevo.
    Now I am a tad embarrassed.
    Good to know none the less

  2. Peter Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    incredible. welcome to cleveland, indeed. he seemed like he was in a great mood and played exquisitely well. “held up,” so to speak, as a part of his visit? sheesh.

  3. Daniella Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    When I arrived in Budapest’s Airport a few weeks ago, I went to a taxi kiosk, asked if they spoke English, they did, I explained that I wanted a cab which took credit card payment, was that available and how much?
    Of course it was and a clean car was pulled ahead for me, the driver “jumped” to grab my bag. The interior was immaculate as was the driver and he expertly took me to my destination, accepted my credit card and charged only what was agreed.

    This first encounter with an Hungarian entrepreneur gave me a very good first impression.

    Maybe we need to have higher criteria to issue Taxi licenses especially to drivers who wish to pick up at the Airport.

  4. Frank Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    did schwartz go off on one of his ‘jesus’ tirades? i would’ve liked to see byrne’s reaction to that!

    i love hungary!

  5. Phil Hussein Lane Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    The cabbie should be forced to have Scwhartz hear his confession and administer penance.

  6. Phil Hussein Lane Says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    On stage.

  7. Carole Cohen Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 1:41 am

    I read his journal every week and was beside myself to see this. We just can’t get a break at times.

  8. Daniella Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 11:51 am

    Was there anything that David Byrne reported untrue?

    I think of Bloggers as “Fair Witnesses” as close as possible to the definition expressed in Robert Heinlein’s “Stranger in a Strange Land.”