It's 5am and I'm in the airport again. I go on autopilot because I've been doing this for so long. Return car, print boarding pass, check bag, dispose of bottled water, exchange chipper comments with TSA as I get through security, FIND COFFEE, find gate. Which brings me to my story.
There are five of us in line at the airport coffee shop and things are a little backed up. At worst, slightly annoying but really this shouldn't be a problem, I mean, it's an airport coffee shop early in the morning, what did you expect? But the woman in front of me is freaking out. She is sighing loudly, leaning over the drink counter, making snippy comments at the workers. Seriously? There are no flights leaving right now, thus no need to act like a tasmanian devil. Confirmed later when she sits down at my gate (we don't board for another forty minutes). Lucky me, she's flying to the same destination. The coffee shop staff members were stressed and a little slow but they were doing a good job considering the rush. But this woman was downright rude to them. Apparently a $4 grande double pump skinny vanilla latte (that was her order) also earns you the right to berate the workers? I had to restrain from telling this woman to chill out.
I see people get worked up about little stuff like this all the time and I just want to tell them to calm down. There are more important things in the World.
I just hope she doesn't sit by me.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Nashville. You're the only ten I see.
This city is all about live music, live music, live music. Practically everyone in Nashville is into music. Most have a day job but they are out at night and somehow involved in the vibrant music scene.
My top five:
Country Music Hall of Fame - I lucked out the first time I was here because some friends and I visited when they were inducting Emma Lou Harris to the Hall of Fame. We watched the attendee's arrive on the red carpet. It was very low-key. For example, when Vince Gill arrived he looked at the small crowd that had assembled and said, "What are you doing here? Go home!". I appreciate these old-school Country music stars that don't seem interested in fame. We met a nice old man while we were watching the red carpet set-up. He's not from Nashville but he's a friend of Emma Lou's and knew the city well. He recommended we check out this little joint called the Blue Bird Cafe'.
Bluebird Cafe'. One of the best music joints in the USA if you like country/folk music. This place is for songwriters. You would drive right by this hole-in-the-wall place if you didn't know to look for it. I did know to look for it and still drove right by it. There was a short wait to get in (completely worth it). Sunday night acts aren't as heavily screened so you can't be sure what you'll hear. I mean they have to be decent but they're not guarenteed like performers on week-nights. This makes Sunday the cheapest night to go. Many music stars got their start here and new talent us is often plucked from the joint. We met this guy in line, Nick, who explained the process for getting a gig at Bluebird. Apparently there are several rounds of try-outs before you even get near performing on the weakest Sunday night. They moved to Nashville for the music scene and he was pretty pumped because his wife made the cut...finally. The staff won't hesitate to kick you out if you talk during the performance so keep your mouth shut, grab a beer (it's more of a bar than a cafe), and enjoy the music.
Legend's and Tootsie's on Broadway- Always live music and because of it's close proximity to Ryman Auditorium it used to be THE place to be after a show. If you go to Tootsie's you really should write your name on the wall or leave a business card like most of the other visitors. Also, for the ladies, this is the place to try dancing on a bar if thats something you've always wanted to do ;) Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline have performed here.
Vanderbilt Campus- One of the top 20 University's in the US. It's a beautiful campus. I was sad to learn that the Dead Poet's Society was not based on Vanderbilt like I heard. That's a myth, but the screenplay was written by a Vanderbilt grad. That's something. Oh, and Dierks Bentley is a Vanderbilt grad. Anyway, enjoy lunch on the green surronded by a variety of trees.
Red Door Bar
Take a shot and look through the hole in the floor. Any waiter can point it out for you. (See picture)
Most of this post has been random but here's a few more details: All of the big Country Music labels are based here and there's also a big Christian pop and Gospel scene. Nashville is a Baptist town and is commonly referred to as the "Protestant Vatican" as this Catholic girl discovered (St. Mary's is an outstanding Catholic book store near campus).
Also, the people here are incredibly friendly. They make Mid-Westerners and Minnesotans look like ice. Complete strangers kept giving out their validated parking tickets, offering their store discounts, and wanting to chat everywhere from the gas pump to the airport. I just kept thinking it's a good thing that I'm not a more reserved person otherwise Nashville would stress me out.
My top five:
Country Music Hall of Fame - I lucked out the first time I was here because some friends and I visited when they were inducting Emma Lou Harris to the Hall of Fame. We watched the attendee's arrive on the red carpet. It was very low-key. For example, when Vince Gill arrived he looked at the small crowd that had assembled and said, "What are you doing here? Go home!". I appreciate these old-school Country music stars that don't seem interested in fame. We met a nice old man while we were watching the red carpet set-up. He's not from Nashville but he's a friend of Emma Lou's and knew the city well. He recommended we check out this little joint called the Blue Bird Cafe'.
Bluebird Cafe'. One of the best music joints in the USA if you like country/folk music. This place is for songwriters. You would drive right by this hole-in-the-wall place if you didn't know to look for it. I did know to look for it and still drove right by it. There was a short wait to get in (completely worth it). Sunday night acts aren't as heavily screened so you can't be sure what you'll hear. I mean they have to be decent but they're not guarenteed like performers on week-nights. This makes Sunday the cheapest night to go. Many music stars got their start here and new talent us is often plucked from the joint. We met this guy in line, Nick, who explained the process for getting a gig at Bluebird. Apparently there are several rounds of try-outs before you even get near performing on the weakest Sunday night. They moved to Nashville for the music scene and he was pretty pumped because his wife made the cut...finally. The staff won't hesitate to kick you out if you talk during the performance so keep your mouth shut, grab a beer (it's more of a bar than a cafe), and enjoy the music.
Legend's and Tootsie's on Broadway- Always live music and because of it's close proximity to Ryman Auditorium it used to be THE place to be after a show. If you go to Tootsie's you really should write your name on the wall or leave a business card like most of the other visitors. Also, for the ladies, this is the place to try dancing on a bar if thats something you've always wanted to do ;) Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline have performed here.
Vanderbilt Campus- One of the top 20 University's in the US. It's a beautiful campus. I was sad to learn that the Dead Poet's Society was not based on Vanderbilt like I heard. That's a myth, but the screenplay was written by a Vanderbilt grad. That's something. Oh, and Dierks Bentley is a Vanderbilt grad. Anyway, enjoy lunch on the green surronded by a variety of trees.
Red Door Bar
Take a shot and look through the hole in the floor. Any waiter can point it out for you. (See picture)
Most of this post has been random but here's a few more details: All of the big Country Music labels are based here and there's also a big Christian pop and Gospel scene. Nashville is a Baptist town and is commonly referred to as the "Protestant Vatican" as this Catholic girl discovered (St. Mary's is an outstanding Catholic book store near campus).
Also, the people here are incredibly friendly. They make Mid-Westerners and Minnesotans look like ice. Complete strangers kept giving out their validated parking tickets, offering their store discounts, and wanting to chat everywhere from the gas pump to the airport. I just kept thinking it's a good thing that I'm not a more reserved person otherwise Nashville would stress me out.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oh Kanye. How could you be so heartless?
I've been a big Kanye West fan for years. I like his music, including his most recent, hotly debated 808s and Heartbreak CD and I'm not the only one. His resume includes a litany of praise from all the big labels, magazines, clubs, and music shows in the business. His record sales back this up as do the myriad of awards he's received in the last several years.
But I've recently discovered that Kanye is obsessed with himself. Perhaps I have just been a naiive fan. Perhaps he has always been this way and I'm only discovering this now. In my defense, he has been more "honest" since his recent announcement to leave the music industry to pursue his work in fashion. hmmm. In a recent interview with Details magazine Kanye says, "Oh my God, I'm one of the greatest rappers in the world...I'll get on a track and completely ee-nihilate that track, I'll eat it and rip in half. I wouldn't have to think of it." Later, in the same interview he says, "Put this in the magazine. There's nothing more to be said about music. I'm the f---ing end-all, be-all of music. I know what I'm doing. I did '808s' in three weeks. I got it. It's on cruise control ... Man, we talked about music for God knows how long! Now let's talk about how my f---ing sweater didn't come back right from Korea. That's what's interesting me." Wow.
I do enjoy his music but I won't support him anymore. I just can't respect a man who thinks this highly of himself. Kanye has forgotten that he had help getting to the top. What about the labels who gave him a chance when he was a snot-nosed punk? the famous leaders who helped him rise to fame? Most importantly what about the fans? Given his backgound, Kanye should know that none of us can take full credit for our successes in life. He is either a liar or an idiot. Either way he can count me out. There's just not enough room for any more love than Kanye gives himself and since he is "the f---ing end-all, be-all of music" then he can buy his own Platnum level worth of CD's and leave the fans out of it.
But I've recently discovered that Kanye is obsessed with himself. Perhaps I have just been a naiive fan. Perhaps he has always been this way and I'm only discovering this now. In my defense, he has been more "honest" since his recent announcement to leave the music industry to pursue his work in fashion. hmmm. In a recent interview with Details magazine Kanye says, "Oh my God, I'm one of the greatest rappers in the world...I'll get on a track and completely ee-nihilate that track, I'll eat it and rip in half. I wouldn't have to think of it." Later, in the same interview he says, "Put this in the magazine. There's nothing more to be said about music. I'm the f---ing end-all, be-all of music. I know what I'm doing. I did '808s' in three weeks. I got it. It's on cruise control ... Man, we talked about music for God knows how long! Now let's talk about how my f---ing sweater didn't come back right from Korea. That's what's interesting me." Wow.
I do enjoy his music but I won't support him anymore. I just can't respect a man who thinks this highly of himself. Kanye has forgotten that he had help getting to the top. What about the labels who gave him a chance when he was a snot-nosed punk? the famous leaders who helped him rise to fame? Most importantly what about the fans? Given his backgound, Kanye should know that none of us can take full credit for our successes in life. He is either a liar or an idiot. Either way he can count me out. There's just not enough room for any more love than Kanye gives himself and since he is "the f---ing end-all, be-all of music" then he can buy his own Platnum level worth of CD's and leave the fans out of it.
Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Let me tell you, Philadelphia is a fantastic city but just like any major city it has a distinctive culture that not everyone will appreciate. So you fly into Philadelphia on flight 1776 perhaps on USA Air which is hubbed in Philadelphia and now what do you do?
Well there's the history. First stop should be Independence Visitors Center to get tickets to Independence Hall. Tickets are free. They often run out of tickets but here's a little secret...they'll let you in anyway. Just go to the exhibit and tell the park ranger at the entrance that there are no more tickets and he'll let you enter. It only takes 45 minutes to tour the two rooms. It's worth seeing, afterall these are the very rooms where our Country was formed. You'll pass the famous Liberty Bell on your way to Independence Hall. You can't miss it. It's housed in this hideous building that blocks your view of Indepence Hall from the visitors center. Everytime I'm there I think "why did they choose to house the Bell in this ugly mismatched piece of a building?" Still waiting for an answer. You'll see the Bourse building. At eight stories high it was our Nation's first skyscrapper. Most tourists (myself included before I figured out what it was)walk by and wander out loud, what is the Bourse? Now you know. The first public library is just to the left of Independence Hall, unfortunately you can't go inside. That's right, the first public library is no longer open to the public but when you walk by keep in mind that there are some famous docuements housed there like the journals of Lewis and Clark and various drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Just make sure you see the historic sites of Philadelphia, where the story of the USA begins.
For an incredible view of the city try hiking to the top of the Art Museum steps. From there you can see the flag lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the City sky-line as a backdrop including the majestic City Hall which is worth a tour itself. As you're walking up the Museum steps you might notice people running to the top turning to face the city and then cheering with both arms in the air. They're imitating Rocky Balboa since this is the famous location where the now iconic scene was filmed.
The Philadelphia cheesesteak is a must. Philly native's argue amongst themselves about who is best. I recommend Pat's for two reasons: it's where the cheesesteak was invented and its less showey than Geno's. They're a bit out of the city at 9th and Wharton but its worth the drive. Cash only and you order wit or wit out (with or without onions) and name your cheese.
South street is an ecclectic neighborhood filled with tatoo parlors, hair salons, ethnic resturants, and funky little stores. There are so x-rated stores around so not a great place for kids. Its a fun area for shopping and with some of the most unique architecture, wall murals, and the best people-watching that the City can offer.
Last but not least, go to Monks. It's a fantastic little Belgium restuarant with any western beer that you would like. Beers range in price from $5-$65. The inside is kinda dark and set up to look like a medieval Church, in fact, you're even seated in old church pews. They're also known for their frites and duck salad. This is one of my favorite restuarants.
So here you a go, some recommendations for a basic tour of Philly. You can fill in more-Rittenhouse Square, see the Love statue, Downtown farmers market, Little Italy, or see a show or the symphony in the Arts district . Also, there's great shopping at King of Prussia, one of the best mall's in the Country.
Enjoy Philadelphia!
Well there's the history. First stop should be Independence Visitors Center to get tickets to Independence Hall. Tickets are free. They often run out of tickets but here's a little secret...they'll let you in anyway. Just go to the exhibit and tell the park ranger at the entrance that there are no more tickets and he'll let you enter. It only takes 45 minutes to tour the two rooms. It's worth seeing, afterall these are the very rooms where our Country was formed. You'll pass the famous Liberty Bell on your way to Independence Hall. You can't miss it. It's housed in this hideous building that blocks your view of Indepence Hall from the visitors center. Everytime I'm there I think "why did they choose to house the Bell in this ugly mismatched piece of a building?" Still waiting for an answer. You'll see the Bourse building. At eight stories high it was our Nation's first skyscrapper. Most tourists (myself included before I figured out what it was)walk by and wander out loud, what is the Bourse? Now you know. The first public library is just to the left of Independence Hall, unfortunately you can't go inside. That's right, the first public library is no longer open to the public but when you walk by keep in mind that there are some famous docuements housed there like the journals of Lewis and Clark and various drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Just make sure you see the historic sites of Philadelphia, where the story of the USA begins.
For an incredible view of the city try hiking to the top of the Art Museum steps. From there you can see the flag lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the City sky-line as a backdrop including the majestic City Hall which is worth a tour itself. As you're walking up the Museum steps you might notice people running to the top turning to face the city and then cheering with both arms in the air. They're imitating Rocky Balboa since this is the famous location where the now iconic scene was filmed.
The Philadelphia cheesesteak is a must. Philly native's argue amongst themselves about who is best. I recommend Pat's for two reasons: it's where the cheesesteak was invented and its less showey than Geno's. They're a bit out of the city at 9th and Wharton but its worth the drive. Cash only and you order wit or wit out (with or without onions) and name your cheese.
South street is an ecclectic neighborhood filled with tatoo parlors, hair salons, ethnic resturants, and funky little stores. There are so x-rated stores around so not a great place for kids. Its a fun area for shopping and with some of the most unique architecture, wall murals, and the best people-watching that the City can offer.
Last but not least, go to Monks. It's a fantastic little Belgium restuarant with any western beer that you would like. Beers range in price from $5-$65. The inside is kinda dark and set up to look like a medieval Church, in fact, you're even seated in old church pews. They're also known for their frites and duck salad. This is one of my favorite restuarants.
So here you a go, some recommendations for a basic tour of Philly. You can fill in more-Rittenhouse Square, see the Love statue, Downtown farmers market, Little Italy, or see a show or the symphony in the Arts district . Also, there's great shopping at King of Prussia, one of the best mall's in the Country.
Enjoy Philadelphia!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Taking the train
I prefer the train. Somehow the train seems to have escaped modernity. Taking the train is a step back into an older place, a mode of transportation where you board at stations instead of terminals and stow your suitcase on a luggage rack rather than an overhead compartment.
I took the train down to Williamsburg yesterday. Apparently, Winston Churchill took the train to Williamsburg as well. Not too shabby. Anyway, on my train-ride down I met a nice ethiopian man. He is very much in love with his wife and I asked him to tell me about her. He met her at a friend of a friends house. She came over with her Aunt and he offered his seat. She is also ethiopian and he says, "the most beautiful woman he had ever seen". If they had met in Ethiopia they would have never been able to marry because he is lower class and she is upper but because they met in the United States, he was permitted to date and eventually marry her. He had never been to this house before and never went again so its just incredible that he met her this one particular time. At the end of his story he sighed happily, looked out the window and said, "how about that for destiny?"
I took the train down to Williamsburg yesterday. Apparently, Winston Churchill took the train to Williamsburg as well. Not too shabby. Anyway, on my train-ride down I met a nice ethiopian man. He is very much in love with his wife and I asked him to tell me about her. He met her at a friend of a friends house. She came over with her Aunt and he offered his seat. She is also ethiopian and he says, "the most beautiful woman he had ever seen". If they had met in Ethiopia they would have never been able to marry because he is lower class and she is upper but because they met in the United States, he was permitted to date and eventually marry her. He had never been to this house before and never went again so its just incredible that he met her this one particular time. At the end of his story he sighed happily, looked out the window and said, "how about that for destiny?"
Starting a blog
My work requires that I travel around the United States and I've seen some of the most incredible places that this Country has to offer and met some of the most fascinating people. Most are not famous but I would argue that they are just as, if not more, interesting as the famous. So my blog will be about the various places, people, and experiences that I've had during my travels.
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