God-bothering
I know it's a middle-class cliche but I do love old Stephen Fry. Statistically, you probably do, too. So imagine the scene five years ago. I was walking down Piccadilly in TV's famous London when Fry himself popped out of no 195, BAFTA HQ, like a tweedy poo from a sleek and privileged bot.

Fry stood for a moment, blinking in the sunshine. In a split second I decided that, as this was the only chance I'd ever have, I'd go up to him and engage him in witty banter. He'd laugh at my cleverness, perhaps even suggest we collaborate on a TV show and would even maybe shower me with quality goods bearing the Apple logo. You never know.

I went up to him. I said, "excuse me." He looked down at me politely. I said, "I'm sorry to bother you." And my courage fled. I shrugged apologetically like a twat (or a Frenchman - much the same thing) and scurried off. As I went I heard him say, in a kindly if bemused voice, "oh. Well really it was no bother."

What hurts, what hurts like buggery on a ski lift is that ever since then I can't see him on telly without my toes curling in shame as I remember that cringe-worthy day. I am such a sphincter.
(judgetheobscure used to sweep in butchers' shops., Thu 23 Sep 2010, 21:11, 6 replies)

"What hurts, what hurts like buggery on a ski lift..."
an exquisite line!
have a click x
( blaireau69 , the Cumbrian Travis Bickle., Thu 23 Sep 2010, 22:03, closed)

^ this!
hehehe. clickity.
( nivoser tangos with the devil, Fri 24 Sep 2010, 1:28, closed)

Similar experience, not worth its own thread.
I sat opposite Geoffrey Perkins on the train, a few weeks before his tragic untimely death. He looked busy so I decided not to interrupt him to say "Thanks for the Hitch Hiker's Guide, Radio Active, etc.".

And of course, now it's impossible. It's a low-key moment, but something that makes me feel a bit sad.
( Amish Information Systems hates misplaced, commas, Fri 24 Sep 2010, 11:12, closed)

be happy
you did the right thing - the guy was busy
( rob, Fri 24 Sep 2010, 14:27, closed)

I hadn't thought of it like that.
That's actually cheered me up a bit. Thanks.
( Amish Information Systems hates misplaced, commas, Fri 24 Sep 2010, 16:13, closed)

Thanks, guys. I feel newly empowered. You know what? - In many ways Fry was the loser there. The bi-polar twat.
(judgetheobscure used to sweep in butchers' shops., Fri 24 Sep 2010, 18:15, closed)