Mario Batali: Monster Boss??

Through the years, I have read a few stories on Mario Batali and what it's like to work for him and with him, so this one caught my eye and I totally believe it...

According to TMZ, Mario Batali is facing lawsuits by former employees of his restaurants (yes, multiple restaurants) claiming that Mario and his business partner funnel a percentage of tips left on credit cards and keep it for themselves.  In addition, the employees are allegedly not given adequate breaks and are not paid promptly when let go.

Wow, greed is somethin' else, isn't it?  Not cool Mario...  You're already swimming in it, and yet you feel the need to steal tips from your employees?!?  Really?!?  That's pretty damn low...  If When your employees win their lawsuits, get ready to part with the all mighty dollar!

Why in the world is Steven Slater getting the VIP treatment?!?

Steven Slater, the JetBlue flight attendant who went crazy, was given the VIP treatment at Caesars in Atlantic City this weekend by getting to meet Barry Manilow backstage at his concert...  in addition, Steven also hired a crisis PR specialist to handle the press.  His PR guy, Howard Bragman, released the following statement:

"I can officially confirm that I am now representing Steven Slater. While my work will include media relations, my team at Fifteen Minutes and I will also be helping him sort out the scores of offers that have come through in the past week from media, producers, brands and other interested parties. I very much believe that Steven touched a nerve with the American people and am proud to be helping him tell his story at the appropriate time in the appropriate way."

Really?!?  Why is this guy being hailed as a "hero"??  The guy quit his job, argued with a passenger, gave an expletive rant on the loudspeaker, stole two beers, slid down the emergency exit of the plane, and ran home.  I don't 'effing get it?!?  The guy is a complete douche and a loon who needs some serious help.  I'm sure there are people who fantasize about telling off their boss and leaving their job, but he didn't even do that- he cursed out a bunch of passengers and ran home to mommy.

It hurts my head trying to make sense out of his sudden celebrity.