I See London, I See France

Years ago I was trapped in a hotel gym without control of the remote. One of those cheesy lawsuit shows like "Judge Judy" was on. In this episode the Naked Cowboy was suing or being sued by his wife (or ex-wife or live-in baby's momma or whatever she was). I wasn't paying much attention, but I remember clearly this blockhead's enormous ego. He also is a complete weirdo. Now that truly shouldn't surprise anyone - we're talking about a grown man who makes his living as a street performer singing in his underwear. To hear him tell it, he is a legend. Whatever. I say - man up and put on some pants.

Well, now he's back in court and this time he is suing Mars because they have dressed up the blue M & M like him (GASP!). And did not get his permission or pay him any royalties for using his image. He's suing them for $6 million. How his likeness could possibility be worth $6 million is beyond me.

In the lawsuit, which you can actually read here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/02/14/naked.cowboy/index.html
Click on Read the Complaint under Don't Miss

there is a section in which he tries to establish what a massive celebrity he is. And perhaps justify the $6 million. Among other things he says he auditioned for American Idol and Star Search (oooh - AUDITIONED! at this point, who hasn't?) and appeared briefly in the PBS documentary Origins to give his opinion of the possibility of extraterrestrial life. This is one of his major life accomplishments. I have one word for him - pants.

I think the Naked Cowboy should be thrilled Mars dressed an M & M up like him and featured it in a video on Times Square (this is where the Cowboy sells his near nakedness to tourists). He's saying this somehow HURT his cheesy act? I think it gave him credibility! More impressive to be an M & M than a random freak asked about extraterrestrials.

I would love to be made an M & M and have images of my M & M self shown on the Big Screen in Times Square! And as an 89th tier "celebrity" Naked Cowboy should have been thrilled!

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20208469,00.html
Pictures of Blue and Naked

Lesson for the Rest of Us - imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. Don't take yourself too seriously and let your ego get in the way of your goals. Naked Cowboy couldn't afford those Times Square marquees in a million years. That was fantastic free advertising! The problem for him is that his ego can't take being portrayed as an M & M. He sees himself as a celebrity, as bigger than M & M's. (M & M's are international - way more people know about M & M's than the Naked Cowboy.) I say - if you want to be taken seriously, don't wander around Times Square in your underpants singing to yourself.