Recent Comments
- John Polk said “I knew Charles when he was EVP of The Atlanta Chamber and I worked for ...” on Memories of Oklahoma City circa 1993
- John Polk said “Back in the mid-80's and early 90's, Cleveland was actually recognized as one of the ...” on Economic development in NEO: A view from the street-level
- John Polk said “Is there any way to substantiate Dimora's claim re: GCP and the PD, other than ...” on Cleveland’s new development dynamic?
- George Nemeth said “Like all glimmers of newness in CLE+ I expect this one to be crushed too” on Cleveland’s new development dynamic?
- Cleveland’s new development dynamic? | Brewed Fresh Daily said “[...] by Ohio voters, as gambling interests convert the Ohio constitution into a zoning ordinance. ...” on Ohio’s casino deal gets a bit more messy
- About BDP Comments
Meta
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
- My letter to the Brad and Joe show - June 10th, 2011
- Creating Conversation - June 7th, 2011
- Justin Bibb on CLE and DET - August 23rd, 2010
- Cleveland International Film Fest Year 34 - March 18th, 2010
- A tale of town city workers - February 8th, 2010

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
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.
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.
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!
October 29th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
The cabbie should be forced to have Scwhartz hear his confession and administer penance.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
On stage.
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.
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.”