10.25.2002

DAY ONE
Back before the Internet closed, I got a job producing conference programs for Web designers and developers. We were doing an event in Chicago, and a last minute replacement speaker arrived to do a sound check with myself and my boss. This was my first event in a new job, with a last minute change-up (a big-time investor in Chicago) and I was nervous, alone with he and my boss, listening to the sound levels in the back of the room:

He's a 40ish, short guy. Well dressed and kinda greasy.
She's tall, attractive, and wearing a leopard-print shirt with a thick, bone choker.
They say hello and launch into sound check:

HER: Thanks for coming. We're looking forward to heraring what you're going to say.
HIM: Sure. You a woman.

pause

HER: Um.. sorry...?
HIM: Are you a woman or a man? You are a woman right?
HER: Yes, a woman.
HIM: Oh, cause sometimes crossdressers will wear those choker things to cover their adam's apple. Anyhow, where's the coffee? (walks off)