August 24, 2007

I don't have a lot to say about this week's show because I told myself from the beginning I wouldn't try to explain and defend myself or my actions because of the way I am depicted on the show. Some weeks I have been a hero and some weeks I have been a dork, and unless I can explain myself to all of America and tell them exactly what went on, well, I am just happy to be on TV. Also, if I did explain everything and defend all my actions it would take away from the "magic of television", and that wouldn't be any fun. Would it?
So what I will say about this week's episode is that at this point I had worked 17 days in a row (in one capacity or another, i.e. MOD, the regular work week, or because my events happened on the weekends). It takes a lot more than a Catering Sales Manager to produce an event like the DCF.
I admit, I should have been there to hold Peggy's hand and tell her everything will be alright.
Your Friend,
Michael Twomey










Comments
Michael wrote:
Oversleeping is understandable if you make $7 an hour. When you are a grown up oversleeping until noon and leaving your team without there leader in a place where 5 star treatment is expected and not suppose to be the exception is a fireing offence without a doubt. I would not stay at the parker after watching this show. Because it seems like to much money for the service that you get.
posted on August 27, 2007 at 3:44 PM
Blake wrote:
I felt so sorry for you Michael - Peggy seemed like a total beeyotch. I was hoping someone would tow her car when she parked in a handicapped space! Best wishes to you.
posted on August 27, 2007 at 4:14 PM
Sandy wrote:
Hi Michael, Love this show - mainly because of you. Had a similar job at a small hotel many years ago so I can understand what you have to go through and put up with on a daily basis. Worked there 8 yrs. and went through 7 Gen. Mgrs. and 3 different Mgmt. companies. I must be a glutton for punishment because if I was younger I would want to go back and do it again. I really like everyone on the show but I hope you are not the one fired this week. If you are, please get a job at another hotel and do another reality TV show from there. We all make mistakes and have our good days and bad days. I hope the big bosses understand that. Think they should be giving you a little more one-on-one training before jumping down your throat! Note to the Big Bosses: Keep Michael and do a second season of The Parker.
posted on August 27, 2007 at 7:45 PM
Jerry wrote:
OK Michael, Creative editing aside - it appears as if you just do not have the skills required to do this job. Even if you were so exhausted from working 17 days in a row that you overslept by 4 hours.... how is it that no one else at the hotel knew the room was to be ready for a client set up at 9 am? It seemed as if not a single department at the Resort knew anything about this important event. Granted The client was your typical demanding, crazed -charity DIVA and needed a good smack in the face but everything that was a problem was a problem of your creation. You need to take your good looks, fun personality and charm and get a less demanding job
posted on August 27, 2007 at 9:52 PM
Rachel G wrote:
Dearest Michael,
It seems that everyone who has comment on your blog has had an opinion and here is mine. I think you are GREAT! It can be extremely overwhelming to work in this environment and when you get tired, work can slip. Unfortunately this demanding job does not allow for slips. If you worked at a restaurant, everyone would just chalk it up to a bad day. In this industry, you are just a horrible person.
I love the fact that you admit that you screw up and that you are only human. Don’t take yourself too seriously. As someone in the industry, you have to make some mistakes before you get it right, trust me I have made my fair share. Don’t let these people get to you….tomorrow will be another day and another event!
RG
posted on August 27, 2007 at 9:59 PM
Arnold Martinez wrote:
I think that Michael Twomey is Great..!!! That's why I watch the show. Yes Everyone has Bad Day's, I believe in Team Work and, What I see in the show is that Michael is a Team Player. He does not have any problem asking for help when he needs it. Majority of the Staff they are so Into themselfs they want someone else to fail, and some of them have their nose so High that they think they are so High and Mitty..!!! I know that Michael mess up on cancer Fundraiser, But the Lady who was in charge she was a Pain in the behind..!!!
If Michael leaves it will be so sad..!!! But I guess the show must go on..!!!
Thanks,
Arnold
posted on August 27, 2007 at 10:00 PM
m.d. wrote:
I think that there are some days that go really crappy and some days that go excellent. As far as the cancer fund raiser lady she was a very high maintenance guest who just happened to be very hard to please it seemed. If I was Andrea and not on the clock I would have slapped her right upside the head after she punched her. There is no excuse for anyone to act like she did at any point in time. People who act that frantic never get anything accomplished. I dont know if any 9am meeting was planned with this lady but I do think that it would be good for Michael T. to get a note pad and several alarm clocks for appointment and event planning alerts. I hear PDAs work very well for the absent minded.
posted on August 28, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Jennifer wrote:
My husband and I have both worked in the hospitality industry and know that you always run into those clients whom you can't please no matter what so you just do your best. I suspect had everything been absolutely perfect from the get go, she would have still found a problem. At any rate, best of luck to you and hope that everything works out for you.
posted on August 28, 2007 at 2:04 PM
Traci wrote:
Michael,
I know you were depicted as "dropping the ball" last week but I hope that it's not the end for you at the Parker! I cannot imagine how difficult that job must be and it seems (on tv) that you were thrown into that position with little experience and training. I don't envy you for your job -- I would never last in that position trying to please all of those super-picky people!
That being said, I'm happy for you that Peggy from Desert Cancer had no desire to see you. She seemed like a heinous person who is only in her position for the title, not the cause itself. She seemed to care far more for "networking" and her event than the cause of cancer as a whole. As a matter of fact, other than using it as her title of CEO of DCF, I never heard her utter the word "cancer" at all -- but I did hear her speak terribly to all of the Parker staff!
I hope you can hang in there at the Parker! Your misadventures add a lot of fun to the show!
posted on August 28, 2007 at 2:40 PM
Char wrote:
I think we all have to remember that this show has hours and hours of video that was shot and just 60 minutes were aired. Each episode has to have a conflict and interesting guest story, so this one was shown with the Desert Cancer lady as a demanding charity diva. I've worked with people like this too and they never seem to realize that a little bit of niceness goes a long way. Whether Michael overslept or not, this was the biggest event at the Parker that week and more than one rep should have been working it in some capacity that morning of set up. Everyone (housekeeping, catering, sales, management) came to assist and they should have done that in a more "subtle" way instead of make it so obvious that Michael wasn't there. Michael, do you really LIKE this job? Its not exactly everyones cup of tea...I grew tired of the long hours and demands when working as a server/bartender for catered events at hotels...I cant imagine coordinating and balancing all that demanding client stuff too.
posted on August 28, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Nichole wrote:
I am in the hotel business, and its all about organization. Anything the client says, write it down. And I've seen your desk, it needs some structure. It'll help even though it seems like a minute detail. It'll get you pre-prepared for your new day. I have been where you are once, but after 10 years in the industry these are just a couple things I have learned. I am pulling for you.
posted on August 28, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Norman Baker wrote:
Michael, get real!!! You are working in a first class high-end hotel, acting like you were in junior high school. Did you ever hear of a 'daily to do list'? or a PDA ? You must accomplish everything on the daily list before parading the streets of West Hollywood. Many persons would love to have your cushy job.
posted on August 28, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Party wrote:
Mike,
I have seen the up coming previews, and I hope you are not the one going to be let go. Me and my gang of gays are planning a trip to the Parker from Minnesota. You are the reason we would be coming and of course that lovely man at the front desk. We may not be 5 star but we will have a great time renting the Autry house and having a full week of fun and you would make sure of that you know what a guest really needs. Mr. Twomey we cannot wait to to see you smile and such gracious welcome. We await the outcome to see where we go this winter God only hopes that we again don't go to Florida.
Much Love your Fans in Minnesota.
posted on August 29, 2007 at 1:48 AM
hlm wrote:
Michael,
Hang in there. You had the misfortune of working with an egomaniac, self-serving client. Charity begins within oneself. Obviousely Peggy is not a charitable person and elevates herself by making others feel bad. How shameful that such an incredible organization has such a cruel associate as their public face.
You and the sensational staff deserve understanding. This client needed drama and was going to succeed at destroying someone to make herself feel better.
posted on August 29, 2007 at 2:31 AM
Bobbi wrote:
Michael,
I just want to wish you better days than the ones I have been seeing. I know this show is over and done with in terms of filming and I hope you came out of this experience with some benefits because right now, it looks bad for you and for your career. You obviously were the scapegoat in this show and the stress you are under does not look anywhere close to being worth any amount of money and/or fame.
posted on August 29, 2007 at 8:05 AM
John Piekar wrote:
Granted Peggy was not a sweetheart, but her request was to put on an outstanding event. I have been there and know that trying to raise funds for charitable causes, you have to give the don0rs that little extra. This was a high end group. Your only as successful as your last event. As I watched the program unfold, I could not understand why you did not have extensive notes, pre-arranged with housekeeping to have the ballroom ready by 9, and make sure even if you had to sleep there be at this meeting. I believe there was a 9 o'clock meeting scheduled, you unfortunately come across as a little scatterbrained, who seems to luck out on each prior task. I think your laid back attitude is a detriment to your success in this job. Once put on probation, I would have left nothing to chance. If by chance you are the one who leaves, I am truly sorry, maybe this was not your cup of tea, or you at least learn something from the experience other then to be "happy just to be on TV".
posted on August 29, 2007 at 4:33 PM
BETTY wrote:
I just love you. I take my hat off to you!I have watched every episode and you have more work ethics than anyone in that hotel.
Keep up the good job where ever you feet may land.
posted on August 29, 2007 at 9:58 PM
Travis wrote:
Michael,
I just wanted to send a head nod in your direction. I've had some bad days running events, and I know what it is like to have people go off because something went wrong despite my best efforts. Sometimes it just doesn't work. Sometimes editing makes things more entertaining too. I think we all realize that.
Do your thing. That is all you can do.
posted on August 30, 2007 at 12:59 AM
Garrett wrote:
Michael, you're the only reason I watch the show. No need to explain yourself to anyone! My only reason to ever stay at The Parker would be to meet you. You're very charismatic, charming, funny, and handsome! Keep up the great work!
posted on August 30, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Jan wrote:
Please tell me that you aren't being fired!!
posted on August 30, 2007 at 4:11 PM
Mike wrote:
Michael,
I would like to preface what I say with this. I feel that you are a really warm and nice person. However, setting the creative editing aside, if I had been in your situation of being on probation, I would have made sure I covered all my basis. They always say "CYA" (cover your ass). As you have stated, this is your first time as Catering Sales Manager. It's critical to have the relationships with all departments; ask for their input on how client's requests impacts the work in their department. In a luxury hotel, the client's expectations are very high. Perhaps Peggy was too demanding with some requests but one must learn "the dance" with the client; how to say "no" without saying it. How do I know this, I work in a luxury hotel. What ever happens, I hope this was a growing experience for you.
posted on August 30, 2007 at 5:53 PM
TDR wrote:
I was a Catering Manager at a four-star hotel in Los Angeles and everything you described
"17 days in a row (in one capacity or another, i.e. MOD, the regular work week, or because my events happened on the weekends)."
are typical for the job and every other Catering Manager, much less Department Head of Catering, in the World has done exactly the same thing at one point or another. Regardless of what we're not seeing on the screen, it's clear you just aren't suited for the position. Period. This is a position that requires attention to detail and attentivemess to service at all times, and only moreso at a 5-star hotel. And while an event may take more than a Catering Manager to make it happen, the Catering Manager does in fact need to be there.
posted on August 30, 2007 at 8:20 PM
Susan wrote:
Oh Michael, I'm so sorry, I just saw what happened on the new episode. :-( I missed most of last week - for some reason, Bravo doesn't re-air Parker episodes a million times like it does with the other shows. What gives? Anyway, I blame that witch who parked in the handicap space and pretends to care about people with cancer. I saw that and was disgusted. Whatever you did or didn't do, it pales in comparison to that. You're a good person and your reward will be a good life. Best of luck on your next job.
posted on August 30, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Jan wrote:
I cannot believe that you are gone!! You were the only reason that I watched the show....
posted on August 30, 2007 at 10:27 PM
linda wrote:
Dear Dear Michahel,
Iam so upset they let you go iwatched the show because of you .You are simply charming and have such a good heart and you are so funny .Mabey you will get a betteroffer or evenyour own show .I have been in the Biz for many many years and it takes a lot to do it they just throw you to the wolfs.I think it would have worked out if they gave you proper training.Well i will be looking for you .Because i know someone will snach you up All the best of luck to you .Remmer every door that closes another one opens God Bless
posted on August 31, 2007 at 12:40 AM
steve wrote:
I live in the Palm Springs area and if I EVER see Peggy Bilous attempting to get away with something just because she believes she can, as stated, I will prove to her differently.
Charities for disabled people should bitterly complain to her organization. As the Executive Director of the Desert Cancer Foundation it was reprehensible that she exhibited so little compassion just because she doesn't "do valet parking". What a snot!
posted on August 31, 2007 at 3:51 AM
Lisa wrote:
Michael was the only reason we ever watched this show. He was the only real /relatable person in the cast... we truly felt as if he was letting us into his real life, good or bad, with all it's struggles, emotions, insecurites and day to day ups and downs, and he always did it with a smile and positive attitude. We felt that his warm and easy personality was the only thing that really sparkled at this supposedly glitzy hotel. I think they made a huge mistake in letting him go, not only for the sake of the hotel itself, but for the sake of the show. I think it's sad that with the quest for supposed perfection we've forgotten that people are human, and that nothing is perfect... and thats ok. Give me a warm hearted staff member who cares, over a "perfectly ordered machine" anyday. If they even have a second season I can easily say we wont be checking in! Best of luck in all you do Michael, and thank you for sharing yourself with us, it was a pleasure.
posted on September 4, 2007 at 1:22 PM