Happy 234th Birthday United States of America.  We hope it's a good one.

Erin Go Bragh

I am back from New York.  It was an amazing visit.  Michael Bergman was an excellent ambassador for the city and made sure we did everything we set out to accomplish.

I stayed at the W Hotel in Times Square.  Great vicinity and nice hotel.  It is true that the lights are so bright at night that it seems like daylight.  At least, my camera's flash thought so. On Monday, we went to Ground Zero and paid our respects to those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001.  The Memorial Plaza is coming along very well.  We then walked down to Wall Street.  Such history.

That night, after a fantastic steak dinner at Frankie and Johnnies, Michael and I walked to the Empire State Building for a view from the observation deck. Given the time of year and the time of day, there was no line. Given that the wait can be 2.5 - 3 hours, this was welcome.  And thanks to how clear it was, the view was amazing.  My fear of heights did get the best of me but that didn't stop us from ascending to the 102th floor, as well. 

Tuesday started with a Movie and TV Show bus tour.  Such celluloid history.  Great time.  Then Michael and I continued our foot tour.  First we went to Rockefeller Plaza.  No need for the Rainbow Deck.  I'd had enough heights for one trip.  The to Central Park and the Dakota.  I had to pay my respect to John Lennon at his home and at Strawberry Fields in Central Park. 

After that, it was time for the awards dinner.  We ended up receiving second prize.  Very exciting and quite an honor.  The dinner was held on the Intrepid.  It was my first Aircraft Carrier.

I really enjoyed the trip and love New York.  Sure it's a cliche but the city is so alive and vibrant.  There is a real kinship between New York and Chicago and it made me feel right at home.

Saturday and today were spent visiting the local Men's Warehouse in preparation for a very exciting trip that I found out about last week.  My team at work was notified that we were one of three runners up for the yearly Innovator's Award.  We were knocked out at the honor. 

We received an invitation to take part in the annual awards dinner to be held at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.   We will also be staying at the W Hotel in Times Square.  I have been to New York City once before and was given the whirlwind tour by my friend Michael in a period of a few hours.  This time, in addition to the dinner and awards ceremony, we will be taking a Movie and TV location bus tour.

As I said, we are very excited to have received this honor.  Our website received a Top Ten Best Support Website award from the Association of Support Professionals earlier in the year.  To start this year is a great way to start.

New York, here we come.

Last night was the final Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.  It is teh end of a very sad chapter caused by NBC's stupidity.  I hope Leno comes back on March 1st and fails miserably.  Unfortunately, I'm afraid the TV watching public will do the right thing and stay away.

The entire final episode is below.  If you aren't patient enough for the whole thing, I recommend the 36 minute mark for some killer slide guitar from Ben Harper.

For the first time in 31 weeks, according to the hairdresser, I got a hair cut. 

As a result, I went from this...	to this...

Afterward, my ears were cold but I could hold my head up straighter.  We'll see if I can go another 31 weeks.

The expected huge Winter storm turned out to be a wet, windy affair.  The temp is expected to dive into the teens tomorrow and twenties on Friday.  In typical fashion, the weekend will be well over freezing.  So that means no shoveling.  I'll let nature take it's course.

So Friday will be a day filled with more recording.  I have the beginnings of a new song recorded and will work on the structure, vocals and bass.  The floodgates have opened.

While I work on prep work for tomorrow's Thanksgiving meal, a number of folks will be spending their evenings in a different way not 30 miles from me.  In Huntley, Illinois, the brave at heart will be taking in the annual Turkey Testicle Festival.  That's right.  It's not turkey sandwich or turkey neck.  It's the other side of the bird's anatomy.

Held annually at the Parkside Pub in Huntley, the testicles are deep fried and eaten by the 1000s of pounds.  My better half went once back in the 90s and brought some home.  They are not that different than any of the organ meat that comes in the bird.  Much like Rocky Mountain Oysters, these could be called Cornfield Oysters. 

Much like other exotic food, it is a once in a life time, just have to do it to say you have delicacy. 

Courtesy of the Shaggs