Screw the Rusian Tea Room.
On Sunday I was the first to arrive at the Russian Tea Room to see David Lynch speak. Before check in I was asked to empty my bag and have it examined for some unknown reason. (There was no camera or anything interesting in it.) I checked in with a print out of the electronic ticket and I got the best available seat, about 7 feet from the floor level podium. While I was sitting in the empty room, Russian Tea Room security asked me for photo ID. I told them I had none because my wallet had been taken two days ago. They demanded that I leave. I said they could xray me, strip search me or whatever. They said I had to leave and they escorted me out of the building. It was a crushing disappointment. I spent 4.5 hours in the car, mostly stuck in traffic to get there early because I was so excited to finally meet David Lynch and participate in the Q&A. I would have sat through it handcuffed to the chair if that would have placated them. I was tempted to wait around to see if they checked everyone else for photo ID. This is why I hate getting my hopes up about anything.