As performed live at the Abbey Pub in Chicago January 22, 2010.

The event was free to sign up for and was streamed live on the Internet.  For those (like me) who couldn’t participate in the live event, the organizers have posted a free MP3 audio download of the program as well as a free PDF transcript of each speakers comments.  What a great idea – no surprise given the subject matter.

As I began reviewing the conference materials it occurred to me that I was not familiar with of some of the speakers. Given my interest in digital marketing concepts and emerging thought leaders, I put together a list of all the participants Twitter addresses to follow them myself and share with others. I must admit to being a little surprised in how some of these noted influencers are not that easy to find on Twitter! So, here they are all in once place.

I carefully reviewed and selected the appropriate Twitter accounts for each and plugged them into TweepML.org so you can choose to select some or all to follow from a single list:

  Follow 60-Influencers on Twitter

Of course, please connect with me on Twitter as well: @MikeHalston - even though I’m not an ‘influencer’ as yet..

Lessons Learned

Shortly after launching my personal blog I quickly realized a few things. One is the hosted WordPress platform graciously provided by my hosting company is far more limited than I like. After just a few weeks, I felt compelled to download, install, and customize WordPress to use for my Cubs fan site blog. I’ve since learned to tweak and customize WordPress to a great degree. I now have many WP installs that I maintain for sites I run or contribute to. The creative flexibility of a custom WP install makes it harder and harder to return to this blog with it’s rudimentary design and features.

Another lesson learned is there are only so many hours in a day. With the many websites I am involved in, frankly not much time remains for writing on this site. Seems odd that my own personal site suffers from the attention I pay to others.  If you know me, this might not be much of a surprise after all. But the fact remains my personal blog is languishing. So in 2010 I plan to change out this blog to a custom WP install and try to make more time for posting. A guy must have his dreams…

Anyway, it is finally opening several of its core buildings including Aria (better name than CityCenter!), Crystals shopping, Vdara and Marndarin Oriental hotels.  MGM issued a video press release extolling the virtues of CityCenter, but it since has been taken down.

The complete press release with detail on each  can be found at PRnewswire, and as follows:

VEGAS’ CITYCENTER OPENS DOORS TO WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR OFFERINGS IN ONE SINGULAR SETTING, DECEMBER 2009

Landmark Destination to Introduce New Generation of Las Vegas Resort Experiences
LAS VEGAS – September 16, 2009 – /PRNewswire/ — In just three short months, the world will be introduced to CityCenter. An extraordinary urban resort destination brought to life by eight world-renowned architects, CityCenter will debut a new era of resort experiences with an ambition to refine and redefine Las Vegas.

Conceived to bring a true center to The Strip, CityCenter will be much more than a collection of resorts and residences; it’s a community – a welcoming environment for people to gather, relax and enjoy. Great pedestrian corridors, dynamic public spaces, authentic richness and diversity of experiences will evoke the energy of the world’s most exciting places. CityCenter’s public Fine Art Collection will enliven the street and engage passersby. As if in a strolling gallery, guests will happen upon works by world-renowned artists such as Maya Lin or Nancy Rubins as they wander through CityCenter’s walkways, hotels and residences.

A true community also has regard for its surroundings. Upon opening, CityCenter will be one of the largest sustainable developments in existence, bringing a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip. The U.S. Green Building Council already has awarded Gold LEED® certification to ARIA’s hotel tower, convention center and theater; as well as Vdara Hotel. CityCenter’s remaining venues are poised to receive a combination of Silver and Gold LEED® ratings.

“CityCenter bridges the vitality of Las Vegas with the experiences travelers seek when they visit great cities around the world, whether London, Hong Kong or San Francisco – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities,” said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO, CityCenter. “It is an evolutionary destination that aims to transform Las Vegas as a new symbol at its core, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Pompidou in Paris or the SONY Center in Berlin.”

CITYCENTER’S GRAND OPENING SCHEDULE:

• Vdara Hotel – December 1, 2009
• Crystals retail and entertainment district – December 3, 2009
• Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas – December 4, 2009
• ARIA Resort & Casino – December 16, 2009
• The Harmon – Late 2010
• Residential occupancies slated to begin mid-January 2010

KEY ELEMENTS:

ARIA Resort & Casino – December 16, 2009

ARIA Resort & Casino will be a fusion of energy, inspiration and vision, featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities. Even in a city such as Las Vegas, with its extraordinary history of dynamic cutting-edge developments, ARIA will be demonstrably different than anything that has preceded it.

• Architecture. Designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, ARIA’s two breathtaking curvilinear steel and glass towers embody the excitement and vitality of Las Vegas in a 21st century building; a crystalline, undulating form gleaming in the desert light. Soaring open spaces, ranging from ARIA’s three-story lobby to its guestrooms, will fill with natural light and evoke breadth and freedom.
• Dining. ARIA has assembled many of the best and brightest chefs and restaurateurs from around the country, uniting a pair of remarkable Las Vegas newcomers with those who have played integral roles in the development of Las Vegas’ culinary scene: Masayoshi Takayama, Shawn McClain, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Sirio Maccioni, Jean-Philippe Maury and The Light Group. Each will deliver a concept totally new to their repertoire.
• Entertainment. ARIA will take one of the most captivating, hip-swiveling forces of all time and re-create an old-school vibe in its intimate approximately 1,840-seat theatre. The visionary team at Cirque du Soleil has partnered with CKX, Inc. and its subsidiary Elvis Presley Enterprises to create a permanent production celebrating the timeless musical legacy of Elvis Presley. This production aims to pay tribute to Elvis’ music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion. Extraordinary artistry, astonishing acrobatics, stunning special effects and The King will rev up vintage Vegas into a show like no other.
• Art. At ARIA, famed artist Maya Lin is creating an approximately 84-foot silver cast of the Colorado River, which will be her first work of art displayed in Las Vegas; Jenny Holzer will display a thought-provoking LED sign spanning more than 280 feet; Tony Cragg has commissioned three sculptures that examine the relationship between nature and the man-made world: Bolt, 2007, Bent of Mind, 2008, and Untitled (tall column), 2008; and Antony Gormley will display Feeling Material XXVII, 2007, an 8-foot sculpture that uses spiraling steel to depict the silhouette of a human body at the center of an orbiting energy field.
• Accommodations. Within ARIA’s 4,004 guestrooms, including 568 suites, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows will offer magnificent views of Las Vegas’ striking skyline. Modern décor, lavish amenities, cutting-edge entertainment and next-generation technology will be the hallmark of these plush retreats.
• Guestroom Technology. ARIA will feature the most technologically advanced guestrooms in the country. As guests first enter, they are “greeted” as curtains open, lights turn on and the TV displays a menu of preferences. Guests can wake up through controlled temperature, preferred music or TV channels and the opening of curtains. One touch can make-over the entire room: the “good night” button turns everything off – from TV and music to lights – as the privacy notification turns on.
• Spa. In ARIA’s 80,000-square-foot spa, nature’s healing properties take center stage. Salt, stone, earth, fire and water join to create a spa experience that will elevate guests to a meditative state. The two-level Spa will feature 62 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, an advanced fitness center and Las Vegas’ first co-ed spa balcony, featuring an outdoor therapy pool and views of ARIA’s spectacular poolscape.
• Nightclubs, Lounges and Bars. ARIA will feature 10 chic bars and lounges, including Haze Nightclub by The Light Group, a colossal cutting-edge space in which guests will be challenged to question their sense of perception and reality. Designed by award-winning interior design firm, ICRAVE, the nightclub will feature large hanging props over the entryway that will draw guests to a grand staircase transporting them to the mezzanine level where they will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the action below. The main dance floor will peer up at a wall of interactive projection screens stretching 100 feet across on a performance structure where impromptu acts by world-renowned artists will regularly take place.
• Meetings and Conventions. ARIA will provide a premium meeting experience with 300,000 square feet of technologically advanced meeting and convention space. A spectacular glass curtain wall will span the entire north façade of the three-level meeting facility, allowing guests the ability to enjoy the brilliance of natural light that streams in from ARIA’s lush poolscape.
• Pools. ARIA’s vast 215,000-square-foot pool deck is a tropical oasis in the heart of the desert. Shielded by lush plantings of oversized palm, acacia, pine and bottle trees, the soft and sensual paradise will feature three primary pools, Liquid – an adults-only pool – hot tubs and more.
• Casino. ARIA’s casino approaches the gaming experience in a new light; natural light, to be specific, which streams onto the gaming floor in pools of illumination. Offering 150,000 square feet of gaming, ARIA’s unique layout and design elements will allow guests to enjoy the energy and excitement of their favorite selections in a more personal and intimate setting. For high-end players, exclusive salons will offer high-limit slot and table games in private environments. Throughout the casino, never-before-seen technologies will allow ARIA to provide guests with unmatched customer service.
• Reservations. Nightly room rates range from $179 to $799; suites range from $500 to $7,500. Reservations can be made for Dec. 17 and beyond via www.arialasvegas.com or 866-359-7757; concierge service and reservations for spa, salon and restaurants will be available beginning November 9.

Vdara Hotel – December 1, 2009

Vdara Hotel is an internationally inspired all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming and smoke-free environment. Physically connected to Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara offers access to all of the entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and in Las Vegas, while also providing a retreat from it all.

• Architecture. Designed by RV Architecture, LLC, led by Rafael Viñoly, Vdara’s distinctive crescent shape and unique skin of patterned glass will create one of the most striking design statements in Las Vegas. The sleek, shimmering structure will afford guests some of the most breathtaking views the city has to offer. Within, open spaces accented with materials and colors inspired by the warm desert landscape will fill with natural light to evoke a sense of peace and sophistication.
• Dining. Martin Heierling, the acclaimed innovator behind Bellagio’s renowned Sensi, will serve as executive chef for Vdara. Inspired by the ancient trade route spanning from Venice to the Far East, Silk Road will incorporate subtle spices and exotic ingredients to create modern trans-ethnic cuisine. Silk Road will transform as the day evolves, from fresh and lively at daybreak to chic and sexy at nightfall.
• Art. For Vdara, Nancy Rubins has created one of the most visually stunning commissions at CityCenter with Big Edge. Measuring approximately 57 feet wide and 75 feet long, Big Edge is a colorful composition of numerous aluminum rowboats, canoes and other small river and ocean vessels finessed into a gravity-defying form that Rubins calls “a blooming flower.” Peter Wegner has commissioned a solar-themed wall piece entitled Sun, 2009, and a lunar-themed piece entitled Moon, 2009. Sun soars to approximately 45 feet and Moon reaches approximately 34 feet high. Vdara also acquired Frank Stella’s Damascus Gate Variation I, 1969, which features a design of interlaced semicircles made of fluorescent alkyd resin on a 96 x 384 inch shaped canvas.
• Accommodations. Soaring 57 stories, Vdara will host 1,495 modern hotel suites, including 250 corner-end units, ranging from approximately 500 to 1,650 square feet. Each will feature a gourmet kitchen; many suites also will include a washer and dryer as an added convenience. Characterized by open floor plans and panoramic windows, the rooms will deliver expansive views of the city and mountains creating a relaxed and harmonious environment infused with an urban rhythm.
• Spa. Vdara Health & Beauty, an 18,000-square-foot, two-level spa, salon and advanced fitness facility, is a sensuous spa sanctuary that spotlights holistic health and wellbeing in an intimate environment. Comprised of 11 treatment rooms and three distinct relaxation lounges, it will offer a selection of signature treatments that use quality ingredients derived from organic herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables and essential oils. Vdara Health & Beauty is the first Las Vegas spa recognized by the Green Spa Network for its commitment to the environment and guest health.
• Bar and Lounge. Bar Vdara, an eclectic lobby lounge, will be a setting inspired by nature that works as well for a morning espresso as it does for a late-night cocktail. Bar Vdara will connect to an intimate outdoor space that creates the feeling of being in a secluded garden oasis where guests can lounge on spacious swings as the nearby reflecting pool creates a shimmering mirage of twinkling stars overhead.
• Meeting and Social Event Space. Vdara’s conference facilities will welcome guests to a world of sophistication as rich in design as it is in technological and culinary offerings. Vdara will be the premier choice in Las Vegas for customized executive meetings, corporate, social and banquet functions for 10-400 guests in an upscale boutique hotel setting. Vdara’s beautiful pool also will be available for private events and provide the dynamic backdrop of CityCenter and the Las Vegas Strip.
• Pool. Rising above Harmon Circle, Vdara’s luxurious Sky Pool & Lounge will invite guests to relax and socialize in an interactive environment surrounded by cutting-edge design and phenomenal views. The Sky Pool & Lounge will feature fully appointed retreat and spa cabanas with semi-secluded plunge pools, and a high-energy bar and lounge open day and evening. Guests can enjoy made-to-order cocktails and gourmet tapas by Chef Heierling.
• Residences. Vdara also will be home to sophisticated condo-hotel units, including studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom residences as well as studio, one- and two-bedroom penthouses (single and two story).
• Reservations. Nightly rates range from $159 to $2,000. Reservations can be made for Dec. 1 and beyond via www.vdara.com or 866-745-7767.

Crystals retail and entertainment district – December 3, 2009

Crystals will house more than 500,000 square feet of sophisticated retail and dining. Designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind* with interior architecture by David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, Crystals will combine dramatic architecture with exclusive offerings from the world’s most elite brands to become a preeminent shopping destination.

• Architecture. Libeskind conceived Crystals’ exterior to be a dynamic sculpture that presents a work of art from every angle. The multi-faceted, brilliant glass canopy depicts the intricate beauty of a quartz crystal that welcomes an abundance of natural light into the stunning three-level experiential environment.
• Atmosphere. Within, Rockwell was inspired to create an abstracted 21st century park that will reintroduce and celebrate nature and seasons. A central element of this design is the three-story sculptural tree house that reaches 70 feet from the ground level to frame an oculus in the roof. Visible throughout Crystals, the tree house will serve as a meeting point for guests and unfold on the second level to surround the terrace seating at Mastro’s Ocean Club. Crystals also will feature “changeable artwork” in the way of abstract hanging gardens, flower carpet and more. As the seasons change, so will the artwork, and all will be offset by intriguing murals and water features.
• Retailers. Large-format luxury retailers Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, TIFFANY & CO., Mikimoto and Ermenegildo Zegna will be among the exceptional brands presented under Crystals’ multi-faceted canopy of unprecedented brilliance. Unique-to-the-market retailers opening their first locations in Las Vegas include Tom Ford, Assouline, Kiton, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche Design, de Grisogono, H. Stern, Marni and Boutique Tourbillon.
• Dining. Restaurants opening their first Las Vegas locations at Crystals include Eva Longoria Parker’s BESO and Mastro’s Ocean Club, joining an exciting new pub concept by Todd English. Wolfgang Puck will open two innovative new restaurant concepts, including a contemporary interpretation of a traditional French brasserie with tastes of the Mediterranean region. Many more luxury brands and dining concepts will be announced at a later date.
• Art. In The Park between ARIA and Crystals, guests will find Henry Moore’s Reclining Connected Forms, 1969-1974, a sculpture inspired by the fundamentals of the human experience. Measuring approximately 10 feet tall and 17 feet long by 7 feet deep, the abstract work of art displays a baby wrapped in its mother’s embrace. On The Strip near Crystals, CityCenter has acquired works by French designer-sculptor François-Xavier Lalanne. CityCenter will showcase three of Lalanne’s edition of Tourterelle, 1997, a large-scale turtledove crafted from aluminum and wood with a seat carved into its body and wings.

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas – December 4, 2009

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a sophisticated sanctuary of modern elegance. The 47-story, non-gaming hotel and residences will deliver spectacular accommodations, superlative dining, an unparalleled spa, and the legendary service of the renowned hotel group to Las Vegas for the first time.

• Architecture. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox with contemporary interiors by Adam D. Tihany, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas acts as a gateway to CityCenter, while simultaneously conveying a sense of intimacy and seclusion for guests and residents. The interlocking glass and metal elements of the façade draw inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs and serve to create a level of transparency that invites a flow of natural light within.
• Dining. Situated on the 23rd floor will be the first U.S. restaurant by world-renowned, three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire. Twist by Pierre Gagnaire will infuse the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is renowned. Guests also can enjoy small bites and high tea rituals at the Tea Lounge; fresh preparations of world-class cuisine at MOzen Bistro; and gourmet pastries, sandwiches and more at Amore Patisserie, located directly on Las Vegas Blvd.
• Art. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will display Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen‘s Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, 1998-1999, a 19-foot stainless steel and fiberglass sculpture that depicts a giant blue and red typewriter eraser with the bristles of the brush turned upward in a graceful gesture. In its lobby, the hotel will feature sculptures soaring as high as 11 feet by Jun Kaneko: Untitled, Triangle Dango, 1996; Untitled, Dango, 2002; and Untitled, Dango, 1992. Jack Goldstein’s Untitled (Volcano), 1983, depicting an explosive and vibrant image of an erupting volcano, also will be featured in the lobby. The property’s exterior will display Masatoshi Izumi’s sculpture Untitled, 2007-2008, made of large pieces of intricately carved basalt, a form of lava that has cooled on the surface of the volcano.
• Accommodations. Spacious and welcoming, 392 rooms and luxurious suites and 227 residences will provide ultimate comfort in a sophisticated setting. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city, surrounding mountains and glittering lights of The Strip, these well-appointed rooms will combine contemporary elegance with subtle Oriental design. State-of-the-art environmentally conscious technology and cutting-edge entertainment systems, a Mandarin Oriental hallmark, will be found in every guestroom and suite.
• Spa. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will be a 27,000-square-foot oasis for serenity and rejuvenation. This 1930s Shanghai-design inspired spa was developed to reflect the glamour and fusion from that era. This two-level relaxation haven will feature a menu based on Eastern methodologies with Western applications. The Spa includes 17 treatment rooms, including seven Couple’s Suites, multiple relaxation and water experiences, a Rhassoul for women and a co-ed Hammam. An expansive Fitness Center with a Yoga and Pilates Studio and Technogym cardiovascular and strength equipment also will be available.
• Bar and Lounge. Also located on the 23rd floor with windows overlooking the spectacular Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar will provide an elegant respite from the bustling bars of the Las Vegas Strip. Decorated with plush furnishings, the boutique Mandarin Bar will offer creative snacks and an extensive cocktail menu. A team of molecular mixologists will be available to develop customized concoctions upon request, and there also will be a separate VIP room, available by reservation.
• Meetings and Social Event Space. More than 12,000 square feet of versatile space, state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled service will make Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas an ideal venue to present a variety of events, from a grand-scale conference to a glamorous wedding. The meeting space will be situated on the hotel’s third level, flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook The Strip.
• Pool. Guests and residents will enjoy a magnificent pool facility featuring 20 cabanas and a Pool Café, serving seasonal market-fresh fare. The property’s two lap pools are in the shape of long blades, symbolic of blades on the Mandarin’s signature Fan logo.
• Residences. One of Las Vegas’ most desirable addresses, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas will have a private residential entrance. Owners of these 227 luxury condominiums will enjoy full access to Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas’ amenities – including housekeeping, in-room dining, concierge, access to The Spa & Fitness Center and other personalized services to complement their lifestyles.
• Reservations. Call (702) 590-8881 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

Veer Towers

Veer Towers, CityCenter’s most unique residential development, will be a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form; its two 37-story glass towers will shimmer day and night. Inclined at five-degree angles – a feature celebrated by the development’s name – the towers will seem to dance with each other.

• Architecture. Architect Helmut Jahn conceived Veer Towers to symbolize spirit and optimism with a strong iconic value; by leaning them they became a sculpture. Lobbies and public spaces will be developed by notable designer Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido** to showcase impressive works of glass and metal with plenty of natural light.
• Residences. Each tower will house approximately 335 modern condominium residences ranging from 500 to nearly 3,300 square feet available in studios; deluxe studios; one, two and three-bedroom flats and penthouses. Open floor plans will feature floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows that capture spectacular views of Las Vegas and the surrounding CityCenter. Light-filled rooms, natural textures and a range of whites will infuse streamlined interiors with openness. Modern kitchens, living and dining areas will be ideal for entertaining and spacious spa-styled bathrooms will invite retreat. High-end appliances and fixtures will provide efficiency and sleekness as floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Las Vegas vistas. Residences will be filled with contemporary, European-style features and designer-selected fixtures.
• Amenities. Atop each striking tower, residents will enjoy an amenities floor featuring an unequaled view of Las Vegas complemented by an infinity edge pool,, hot tub, a sun deck and a patio for outdoor entertaining. Within, Veer will feature recreation rooms for special events or casual celebrations, private media rooms with panoramic windows, a fitness center with men’s and women’s steam rooms, and a business center.
• Art. On display at Veer Towers will be two large-scale commissioned works by Richard Long. Entitled Circle of Life and Earth, Long’s two mud wall drawings each will measure approximately 80 feet high by 50 feet wide.
• Entertainment. Veer will rise from Crystals, CityCenter’s spectacular retail and entertainment district, giving residents unprecedented access to the best of stylish, big city living. Upscale dining, lavish shopping, electric nightlife and entertainment will be just steps away.

*Consultant to AAI Architects, Inc.
**Consultant to Helmut Jahn

We played the Riviera in Chicago, an old movie palace that is now owned by Jam Productions, the leading concert promoter in the Midwest. Aside from meeting our hero Entwistle, is was also memorable to meet the Who’s sound engineer since 1968, Bobby Pridden.

Fifteen years later or so, Dag, Gregg and I were joined by guest vocalist Michael Dorff to pay homage to the Who during a Halloween show at Tommy Nevin’s in Evanston. We played about 5 or 6 Who songs with all the loving cacophony we could muster. 

Hear The Real Me from that show: 

About this time every year, I feel the tug to visit my old friend Las Vegas.  Somehow, the folks at Harrah’s recognize this impulse in me and send me incentives just about every day to visit Vegas on them. Tempting doesn’t begin to describe it. But for now, I guy must have his dreams…

Don’t get me wrong, I cannot imagine actually choosing Via over a quality brewed coffee. But for some circumstances, Via is a good fit. 

In our own way, my wife Kristin and I are trying to stimulate the local economy of suburban Chicago by pumping literally hundreds of dollars into local home improvement retailers such as Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, and a hardware store once known as Ace, now under the name of Bill’s. We are leveraging the current availability of short lines at the checkout, huge sales and discounting, and generally favorable market conditions to gut and remodel our kitchen.

We hired an under-employed neighbor who does excellent work (call me if you want a referral) for the heavy stuff of taking down two kitchen walls to half height, breaking up our tile floor, re-routing some plumbing and electric, drywall installation and shoring up the once load bearing walls that are now empty space. Kristin has done all of the skim coating, sanding, priming and painting with the exception of one ceiling which I bravely and confidently rolled out! Ok, before I am judged for the workload imbalance, consider I work full time and Kristin stays at home working full time as a mom but having more flexibility of schedule to do these kinds of things. Plus I am verrry deliberate in how I work so frankly her output is about twice my capacity anyway. Also, I get overwhelmed easily when it comes to “handy work”. Another digression.

Back to my Report on Local Economic Indicators (RLEI). The solid cherry-wood cabinets have been ordered (by Kristin, natch) so we went to Home Depot and Lowes over the weekend to zero in on counter tops. We are going with solid surface acrylic by LG called Hi-Macs.  Nice stuff.  What I observe though, is hundreds of thousands of square feet of no customers in either store. Seriously, at both Lowes and Home Depot, employees outnumbered shoppers!  To my mind, neither of these retailers are normally staffed very heavy; there always seems to be two or three lined up to question a clerk that may have been cornered by a in-need customer. Not this past weekend. It was kind of spooky to have the stores basically to ourselves at these large major retailers on a weekend. Not a good sign.

Yes, I saw the headline this morning that insurance behemoth AIG lost 61.7 billion last quarter.  I did the math – that is $685 MILLION per day for three months, an astonishing number, almost incomprehensible. But what I saw or in this case didn’t see at Home Depot and Lowes over the weekend is equally disturbing. C’mon people, spread some money around!  The government can’t spin this downward spiral around all by itself.