Ten Things I Think

Having a cup of coffee after a grueling travel schedule and I thought I'd share some travel notes...

1. The best TSA operation in the US is at John Wayne Airport / Orange County.  The people are fast, efficient,friendly and not the least bit bored like so many other places.  You know what I mean.  You either get a group that is so bored they almost fall asleep while going through the motions or you get Attilla the Hun barking out orders about shoes, socks laptops and liquids.  Congrats to the TSA crew at John Wayne, they even got recognized by Homeland Security.  Then again, what would you expect from an airport named John Wayne.

2. I think we need to install dress codes for travelers....I'm tired of seeing sweatpants with PINK written on them.

3. Next time you travel to Europe think Aer Lingus.  I have found the fares to be less expensive than many of the large US or British carriers.  Here's an example...First ' Business class to London Heathrow...British Air, Delta, and Virgin all are betwen $ 5500 and $ 7000.  Aer Lingus?  $ 2600.  You stop in Dublin , change planes and clear customs in Ireland.  Advantage?  much shorter passport lines.

4. My Chicago Cubs officially suck.

5. One of the nicest group of hotel staff is at the Ritz in Philadelphia. I know, I know..

The Ritz!! I was forced to stay there due to weather recently.  While I was only there

for a scant 6 hours, the people were unbelievably nice...beds were comfy too!

  Worth the extra money, especially when it was a bad travel day.

6.  I don't want to get too political here BUT it is time to tell the rest of the world;

we are not your bank, we are not sending you food UNLESS you are a true friend

of the USA.  By my reckoning that leaves the list as follows: England and any country

that is part of the commonwealth...love ya Canada, Ireland and Scotland and Australia.

 France?  go pound.  Russia?  The Cold War is no longer freezing, it is just tepid and

Russia is not our friend.

7.  Best National Anthem ever is at the following site by a group known as Madison Rising..

www.starspangledbannerchallenge.com/

8.  Jim Calhoun retiring from UCONN as coach is a good thing.  Kevin Ollie will be successful.

  He always has been because of his work ethic and never give up attitude.

 Both class acts.

9.  Denver International Airport has some terrific restaurants after security...

favorite is wild grill or something like that in the Southwest terminal.

10.  All of my self-employed cohorts are having good years, yet we don't know why

and are nervous it won't last.  The memory of 2009 is just too fresh.

OK, that is 10 very random thoughts while I've been traveling.