"Your plastic surgery looks great!"

As many of you know, Brian travelled often for his job in the toy industry. He went to Hong Kong and New York frequently and always seemed to find the “newest” and “best” five star restaurants. Amazingly, all seemed to serve foie gras.

Brian was in New York City for Toy Fair one year (2002?). He was checking in the Double Tree Hotel near Times Square and found himself right in front of TV newscaster Greta Van Susteren who was also checking in. Brian - used to interacting with celebrities - proceeded to talk to her like an old friend. Greta had just moved from CNN to Fox. She had also just had extensive plastic surgery.

Right before Brian was about to check in, he walked to the counter and said:

Brian: “Well, Greta it was a pleasure to meet you and talk to you. “

Greta: “It was nice meeting you.”

Brian: “Oh, by the way, your plastic surgery looks great! I mean really great.”

Greta: “Uh, thanks.”

Brian then checked in. While he was eating a complementary hot chocolate cookie, he realized he did not exactly end the conversation with Greta in the best way. He looked over to her and began to understand that her stony glaze may not be totally due to her recent surgery. Brian wrestled with the idea of apologizing and thought. “Naw, it’s too damn funny of a story” and left her alone.

Again, only Brian could talk to a celebrity and simultaneously charm and insult her without thinking. I mean, would any of us EVER say “your plastic surgery looks great” to a complete stranger or a celebrity?

Brian would and did.

I think of Brian every time I see Greta on the tube. My guess is you will too.

Many thanks from Brian's family!

Thank you all for your generosity.  We raised over $2,200 for Brian’s Memorial Fund at the second annual  “have a drink with Brian & 300 of his closest friends” fund raiser held on Saturday, January 16th.  The money raised goes directly to needy XU students in financial need. It really does make a difference.

BTW, Dana's had their best day ever – by 50%!  BJ even had to get more beer thanks to you booze hounds. Pretty cool how Coach Mack came up to Dana's and saluted the crowd (I gave him a cup). Will post pictures later and will also auction off more XU gear soon. 

Many asked me to post the inscription of this year's cup. Well, it did its job this year and here it is:

SIDE “A”

The second annual “have a drink with Brian and 300 of his closest friends”

X-travaganza!

BIG DAMN “X” XAVIER LOGO

Benefiting “The Brian McCormick Memorial Fund” that helps Xavier University students in financial need.

Thanks to Dana’s, XU, and 1290 WHIO’s “Flyer Feedback” Show

SIDE “B”

“Let's do it for Johnny - sweep the leg - and not let up until the final buzzer rings and the nectar of the gods is flowing from Dana's taps...Oh, and lots of tater tots - love those things. Go Xavier - beat ud... again...”

Brian Dargin “Pablo” McCormick

Thanks to all who attended. Many of you came from out of town. My family and I greatly enjoyed reminiscing about Brian and hearing about his many exploits. Though we all miss Brian terribly, we have to relish the great day we all had. We had great weather for the second year in a row. The good guys won, we raised a ton of jack and many beers were consumed in honor of our victorious Muskies – and Brian.

Brian is humming!

God bless you all!

P.S.  Here are some shots of Chris Mack visiting Dana's:

Announcing the SECOND annual “Have a drink with Brian & 300 of his closest friends”

Last year was a rousing success. UD was rightfully humbled once again and we raised over $3,000 for Brian's memorial fund that kept many Xavier students in school. Plus, a massive amount of beer was consumed by all.

Brian’s “feelings” towards UD have been well documented and will be dissected by historian’s/religious scholars for years to come. We thought it would be great to honor Brian by toasting him on this night of nights and drinking a beer or two (or eight) at Dana’s right after the XU/UD game on January 16th. The cost is $10 (plus $1 per beer after that) and you get a cup that magically replenishes itself with beer!

All proceeds will go to “The Brian McCormick Memorial Fund” at Xavier. This fund helps keep financially strapped XU students in school regardless of their academic record. Brian always wanted to start a fund like this. Through your generosity, at least 24 students are still in school thanks to Brian - and we are just getting started! Think of all the good things and how the world will benefit from these future Xavier graduates!

Join us. You know Brian would be (and will be) there! I guarantee it will be a blast and no watermelons will be allowed on the premises!

When: Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Where: Dana Gardens. 1832 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207, 513.631.BEER.

Time: 1 PM until we are all kicked out

What: A night of fun, laughter, and beer before XU defeats UD once again. Honoring Brian and benefiting "The Brian McCormick Memorial Fund" at Xavier University.

Cost: $10 bucks (or more) gets you the commemorative collector's edition cup that will only increase in value. $1 for each drink after that gets you and all the tax deductible beer you can drink until closing time!

Contact Matt McCormick mmccormick@bahl-gaynor.comat for more information or if you can’t make the party and want a cup/donate.

Special thanks to Brian Hicks at Xavier, Chris Gogol for the facebook invite, and BJ (and everyone at Dana's) for all of their help!

Thanks and God Bless, the McCormick’s