I have probably told this story here before, but if so it deserves retelling again today.
I once lived in Malibu, California, and had occasion one day to go to the local hardware store. As I was leaving the store, this vision rode into the parking lot on a motor scooter, wearing a full-blown Cossack costume, complete with flowing robes and a two-foot-high Russian fur hat and high boots. Somewhat taken aback by this, I stopped and watched as this Cossack got off his motor scooter and walked in. As he passed, I noticed it was Larry Hagman, who I knew lived across the highway in the elite Malibu Colony. As he approached the double automatic doors of the hardware store, he raised his hands above his head in a magical gesture and said "SHAZAM!" The doors opened and he went in. Real story. I heard later that he was famous in the 'hood for doing this -- dressing up in outlandish costumes and parading around town. That's the only time I ever ran into him, but it sticks in my memory. RIP Larry, you old Cossack, you.
