I say, go to Atlanta, just GO
I, for one, will not be mourning the loss of Baton Boy. Despite the fact that he's made me laugh and smile on my way into work more often than I can count. When he was just Baton Boy, and only those of us who work and live in the Central West End even knew who he was, I thought he was great.
But then, like Beatle Bob (what is it with Bobs, anyway), he has attempted to turn himself into an industry. I've noticed the change in his attitude this last year or so (I'm treated to his whistle blows nearly every morning). He's not particularly friendly (unless you ask to have your picture taken, or want an autograph) and normally isn't smiling unless someone is fawning over him. I noticed this at the Olympic Torch ceremony on Art Hill, as well.
I mean, I already miss Baton Boy--I miss the Baton Boy before he appointed himself The Ambassador of Mirth. Shit, I remember seeing him jog in colorful? leotards and body suits BEFORE he started twirling his batons and wearing wedding gowns.
Note this message posted to Baton Bob's Yahoo!Group forum (I mean, a FORUM, how self-aggrandizing). I found this here (she has a little different view on this than I do).
After participating with Charlie Brennan on his morning radio show, KMOX 11.20 AM for an hour, and hearing and talking to the true supporters that really want Baton Bob to stay in St. Louis. The Ambassador has decide to present a format that all these supporters can participate in, that could help convince him to stay. Your actions have to speak a lot louder than you words; and you have until August 31st; TO REACT. The criteria will require the following options: 1. Contact Mayor Slay's office and suggest he make Baton Bob an official Ambassador for the City of St. Louis, giving him official status to perform in any or every parade or celebratory event in this city with paid Appearance and Performance Fees. 2. Contact Chief of the St. Louis Police, Joseph Mokwa and insist that he take control of his police officers behavior and demand the police to leave Baton Bob, alone. 3.To help financially support the Ambassador, you can start ordering flowers from his floral design service, The Floral Architect's, Inc. at 314/535-2053. Also, you can go see Robin the owner of HEFFLUMPS, in the CWE; and purchase the Ambassador's Calendars And Card Series. Also, you can start hiring the Ambassador to appear and perform at your special ocassions, such as , Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wedding Receptions and so on; and pay his $125 Appearance and Performance Fee and Tips can be include. These are just a few things that all of you can do to make a differance, because the real issue in order for the Ambassador to remain St. Louis, is FINANCIAL SURVIVAL! Now, You have 21Days to make a DIFFERANCE in my FINAL decision; on whether I stay in St. Louis or Move to Atlanta as I had planned. This will be your ONE and ONLY CHANCE for the benefit of the doubt; in swaying my decision! SO, GO TO WORK!
I don't really know where to start. According to Welfarequeen.org, who I have no reason to doubt, Bob posted this himself. If this had come from anyone else, I might be inclined to support the effort, but I'm not going to pander to Bob's ego at Bob's own request. Personally, I started losing respect for Bob about the time he launched his website and started calling himself The Ambassador of Mirth. And now this? Note the irony of the last line: "SO, GO TO WORK!" when what he's asking for is financial support so he doesn't have to.
What's worse is that the Lemmings will do what he asks. And I'd bet that 85% of the people who do respond are the same people who participated in the FlashMob extravaganzas of last summer.
And take that Beatle Bob guy with you, too.