Last night Ben came over and we headed down to Chase so we could see the tons of lights and decorations they put up for Christmas, as well as get some drinks and hang out with his friend.

After the restaurant closed, we all headed over to The Sportsman, because it seemed like it was the happening place to be for some reason, judging by the number of people. I had never been in there, and it’s not typically one of those places I’d probably think of going in…I mean, it’s called The Sportsman, so it doesn’t exactly sound like you find a ton of chicks there.

Turns out the reason it was so happening was because it was guest bartender night. Once a year they invite bartenders from all the other bars in town to tend their bar, and all the money earned during that time goes to a local charity to help kids. Among the guest real bartenders were some regular patrons who volunteered, as well as….THE PALM!!

For those of you not from Santa Barbara, I doubt you will appreciate the magnitude of the awesomness of meeting John Palminteri, a reporter for KEYT News. He’s the guy that does all the local interest stories, and the one they send to stand in the middle of a flooded street to tell you just how flooded it is. He’s a pretty recognizable guy.

Anyway, he apparently only knew how to serve beer, not mixed drinks, so that’s what he did for his shift. His lack of mixology knowledge didn’t stop people from stuffing dollar bills in his shirt though. When his turn was over, he came over and talked to our group for a bit. A photographer for the website Locals Night was there to capture this charitable event, and so I am pleased to inform you that I now have a picture with The Palm.

It’s kind of funny how unlike us we all look—must be the lighting. In case you are wondering, that’s not my hat. Someone put it on my head and it has the name of some sort of alcohol I’ve never heard of. It is also quite possibly the ugliest piece of headwear I’ve ever seen. Also note that it was a chilly night, as evidenced by my coat and scarf. All in all though, a fun and interesting night.

Posted at 10:15 AM |

I KNEW you’d come through for me, Keir! That I’d have at least one person who could comprehend the awesomeness…

LOL I’ve never actually seen the stickers, but I did know they existed. I lamented to The Palm that he didn’t have any stickers with him. He said he’d have some at the Christmas parade. Oh and, you can’t really see on this picture, but on his left side, he is wearing a tiny tiny button that has his face and stache.

2 | Posted by: Jennifer on December 04, 2007 @ 9:18 AM

Hehe yea, I think you’re right—he’s definitely everywhere. I’ve seen him coming out of a restaurant on State Street before, but never talked to him before.

He now also does the 92 seconds of news for the KJEE morning show, which is usually pretty amusing. I don’t listen to that very often anymore though, now that I don’t drive to work.

And you know, it’s not like you’re a million miles away from SB. ;)

4 | Posted by: Jennifer on December 04, 2007 @ 10:59 PM