Billy Joel @ Nationals Park 7/26/2014

We scored tickets for Billy Joel from a guy on craigslist. He had won the tickets on the radio and just wanted some cash for them. We got them for about half of face value. I had never seen Billy Joel live so I really looked forward to the show. 

We had a nice picnic beforehand on 2nd street, a couple blocks from the stadium.

 

By Lori Sears The Baltimore Sun

10:23 a.m. EDT, July 28, 2014

The true mettle and value of a musician is how naturally he can perform live. And Billy Joel is one of pop music's best, a seasoned veteran who's genuine, at ease and funny.

There are no elaborate dance numbers, no over-the-top sets, no trickery, explosions or guitar-smashings. It's just Billy and his top-notch, eight-member band on a simple but classy set -- with large video screens and color lighting ... and 20-plus classic rock/pop songs that have made up the soundtrack of many lives.

So when Joel, clad in a sharp black suit with red-and-black tie, took the stage Saturday night at Nationals Park in Washington to a sold-out crowd, we thought we knew what to expect. And as the lights turned down for his entry, the crowd was roaring in anticipation (especially after opening act Gavin DeGraw's extraordinarily loud 45-minute set).

Billy emerged, with electric guitar strapped around his neck, and it was suddenly clear this was not your usual Billy Joel concert: He's not sitting behind the piano. In recent years and tours, Billy has opened with the frenetic, piano-pounding "Prelude/Angry Young Man" or the sonic adventure "Miami 2017," but this night he began the show with 1986's "A Matter of Trust," with guitar firmly in hand. An interesting and surprising treat it was. 

By the second song, Billy was at the piano, greeting the Washington crowd, and plunging into "Pressure," the 1982 hit from "The Nylon Curtain" with its manic, hypnotic synthesizer riff. And off we went, ready to follow Joel wherever he took us.

He ventured into "The Entertainer" (from 1975's "Streetlife Serenade"), a semi-autobiographical song about the possibilities of fleeting fame and the trappings of a money-hungry music industry. And then he headed into the surprise-surprise-surprise performance of "An Innocent Man" (from 1983's album of the same name), in which Billy quipped that we'd know the song was live and not tape, since, now 30 years after having written it, his voice has deepened a bit (spoken in his best Barry White impression). The song features soaring high notes that are beyond his present-day range. But he pulled it off well, despite his warnings of not knowing how it would go, and delivered it standing, center stage, at a microphone -- with requisite finger-snapping at all the right times. Billy's terrific keyboard player, David Rosenthal, sat at the piano to play in the singer's stead.

As he often does, Joel mentioned matters relevant to the town in which he's playing. He congratulated the D.C. crowd on their baseball team being in first place. "Must be nice," he said ruefully, perhaps referring to his Yankees, who trail the (also) first-place Orioles in the standings. Or perhaps he was referring to the fourth-place Mets. (Either way, that's a fight you'll have to be willing to lose, BJ.) 

Before launching into "Downeaster Alexa" (from 1990's "Storm Front"), Joel courteously said that this next song could very well be "for the guys who work on the Chesapeake Bay," a nod to the struggling and hard-working Bay fishermen. He, too, remarked that he was able to meet some of the watermen on Tilghman Island -- a nice Maryland mention. 

To satisfy all tastes, the evening featured a healthy mix of crowd-pleasing hits and deeper album tracks. He offered up the usual, expected tunes, like 1977's toe-tapping, percussive "Movin' Out" with spot-on sax from Mark Rivera, Crystal Taliefero and Carl Fischer; the encyclopedic "We Didn't Start the Fire" (1989) ("One of the worst melodies I ever wrote," Billy said, to describe the lyric-written-first tune); the guitar-fueled "Big Shot" (1979); and sax-filled "You May Be Right" (1980) and "Only the Good Die Young" (1977).

More surprising digs from the songbook included the previously mentioned "An Innocent Man" and "The Entertainer," as well as the jazzy "Zanzibar" (1978), the not-oft performed "She's Always a Woman" (1977) and "Don't Ask Me Why" (1980), and the Christie Brinkley-inspired "Uptown Girl" (1983), with its sweet harmonies. 

Part of the fun of a Billy Joel concert is the humor he shares with his audience. He's long been known for his quick wit and dry humor -- in concert, in interviews, in sound-checks. He's a comedian: very clever, always playful and sometimes self-deprecating. This night was no exception.

It's often those little moments and passing comments that turn a great show into a fantastic show -- at least for this fan. Those bits of humor and playfulness make me remember a show long after it's passed. 

I can clearly recall seeing him in 2008 in Hershey, Pa., and just before he came on the stage, the video screens played a montage of old clips of Joel -- when he wore a younger man's clothes. He was a bit slimmer, a bit more agile, had a bit more hair on his head. So as he emerged on stage and sat at the piano, he dryly said, "Hi, I'm Billy's dad. Billy is at home, brushing his hair." 

And at Nats Park Saturday night, Billy the comedian was back. Early in the show, he noticed that perhaps the two large video screens on either side of the stage were a bit glitchy in projecting images to the crowd, so he asked the audience if we were seeing him on those massive screens. He commented that he knows he looks just like his dad, and that he doesn't really want to look like his dad. (Said in jest, yes. And if you've ever seen a picture of the late Howard Joel, you'll think you're looking at Billy.)

While Joel doesn't offer the same energetic live show as he used to (mind you, he's 65 and has two new hips) -- he used to run and jump around the stage, do handstands off of the piano, climb the wires and ropes -- he is still a lively performer.

His playfulness was evident throughout the evening. Despite the fact that he may have privately still been mourning the recent loss of his mother, Rosalind, Joel seemed as playful as always.

Here are some fun, playful and standout moments from the concert, in no particular order:

 - Joel's impression of Marlon Brando: "Thank you very much," he said in his best raspy, "Godfather" Vito Corleone voice, after ending "Downeaster Alexa."

- His tossing around the mic stand and offering some Elvis gyrations on "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" (with two new hips!)

- He added new lyrics to songs -- as in the end of "Big Shot," singing how you had to have just "one more margarita! Two more margaritas!"- Joel putting on a Nats baseball cap -- backwards first, then cockeyed.

- During "New York State of Mind," at the end of the song, he segued into a delightful "Flight of the Bumblebee" briefly before going back to the piano of "New York State of Mind."

- His ongoing battle with the flying insects (flies, etc.) all show long. He had a fly-swatter at the ready, on his piano, and frequently furiously swatted at the many bugs attracted to the lights.

- When Joel hams up the New York accent -- or perhaps he just can't contain it -- as in "My Life" on the line "...a victim of soy-cumstance," and in the chorus of "Don't Ask Me Why" by singing "Don't ax me why," or during "We Didn't Start the Fire" when he sings "... always boy-nin' since the world's been toy-nin'."

- His "Ode to Joy" intro to "My Life."

- Joel emulating Frankie Valli in his delivery of "Uptown Girl," with exaggerated falsetto. The song was initially intended as an homage to the falsetto stylings of Valli.

- After Joel puts the harmonica holder around his neck and everyone knows what's coming ("Piano Man," of course), he keeps dragging out the moment -- by playing circus music. Then, as the crowd is going crazy with anticipation, he plays the opening "Piano Man" chord, and the crowd roars, but he stops and plays even more circus music. Finally he says, imitating what the audience must be thinking, "Get on with it!"

For a couple hours, Joel and his amazingly talented band -- Rosenthal, Rivera, Taliefero, Fischer, Tommy Byrnes, Andy Cichon, Chuck Burgi and Michael DelGuidice -- recreated the sounds, the music and solos, and the lead and backing vocals, as strong as the records, for some 23 songs. And as we all filed out after the show, we knew for two hours, we were all one. We were all friends -- with a commonality. Because perhaps the greatest joy of Billy's music is how it brings people together. We all knew every lyric, and we sang them right back to him. And we felt like he was a pal: a relatable, funny pal, who made it easy to come along for the ride, regardless of whatever kind of mood we were in that night. Yes, we'll meet you anytime you want, Billy.

Set List:

1. A Matter of Trust
2. Pressure
3. The Entertainer
4. An Innocent Man
5. Zanzibar
6. A New York State of Mind
7. The Downeaster Alexa
8. Movin Out
9. Goodnight Saigon 
10. Allentown
11. My Life
12. She's Always a Woman
13. We Didn't Start the Fire
14. Highway to Hell
15. Don't Ask Me Why
16. Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
17. River of Dreams
18. Piano Man

Encore:

1. Uptown Girl
2. It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
3. Bigshot
4. You May Be Right
5. Only the good Die Young

Goodbye Grandmom

My Grandmom Sminkey (Dorothy) passed away peacefully in her sleep last night. She was 101. The last time I visited her was on her 100 birthday in September of 2012 in the nursing home in Rochester New York. Her vision and hearing were going, but she was still the happy go lucky person I'll remember her to be.
I have fond memories as a child visiting Grandmom and Pop at their home in Audabon NJ. Playing ping pong in the basement, seeing Pop's trains and of course watching the slide displays of their many travels. She was a wonderful cook too and feed us well when we visited..
Shortly after Pop retired they spent winters in Florida and would occasionally stop through Bowie for visits on the return trip north. She always looked so healthy and tan on the trip back north.  I imagine I should thank her for my healthy complexion that allows me to tan in the summer months. Everyone on my Mother's side of the family is so fair skinned.
After a number of years of going back and forth they decided to make Jensen Beach, Florida their permanent home. They were involved with the community church and it's Thrift shop and had many happy years there until Pop passed away in 1993. They had been married for 62 years. I was always struck with how happy the two of them seemed together. Not to serious, laughing, having fun. It was like they were meant for one another. There devotion, caring and putting one another first was a great example for all of us. This picture was taken the next year when I took my family to Florida for vacation. After we did Disney we stayed a couple days with Grandmom in Jensen Beach. We'll never forget Grandmom driving us around in Pop's big Oldsmobile showing us the sites in Jensen Beach. She had quite a heavy foot and gave Maureen quite the scare in the passenger seat watching the mailboxes nearly miss the car as we sped on by. She really missed Pop at that time too, talked about him like he was still there. It was really sweet.
A few years later she sold the house and moved into a retirement facility. There she was able to swim everday, which was something else she loved to do. I think that's what kept her so strong for all these years.
I wish a fond farewell to my Grandmom and say a prayer that she finds eternal peace in heaven next to her beloved Loys.

Our Arizona Trip

We left Baltimore last Saturday morning for the IFEBP conference in Las Vegas. We arrived in Vegas about noon and picked up our rental car and headed for Caesar's Palace. Check in was not until 2pm so we had some time to kill. As we were heading down Las Vegas Boulevard we passed the world famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop as featured on the History channel Pawn Stars. We stopped there and just missed the Old Man and Corry. It was pretty neat browsing the store and seeing some of the things featured on the show. I often watch the show. Afterwards a few blocks down was the Stratosphere hotel. We have always wanted to have a meal there and the opportunity presented itself so we decided to have lunch at the Top of the World restaurant. The view from the restaurant was breathtaking. We arrived about 1PM, which was great because there wasn't any line and we got right in. We were seated right by the windows and could see for miles. The restaurant is in constant motion and the view is always changing at one point we saw bungee jumpers whizz past the windows. I had a 3 course meal with a nice fillet entree and Maureen had a crab cakes. The service was superb and I'd highly recommend the experience. Afterwards we went upstairs and walked around on a viewing platform where there were thrill rides and a spectacular view. We then went to Caesar's Palace to check in but on the way I answered a few adds on Craig's list for Jimmy Buffett show that evening at the MGM. I go t a response back from a guy who had 2 tickets a couple row from the stage for $75 each. I set up to meet him in the lobby of the Caesar's and was pleasantly surprised when he arrived with the tickets which had a face value of $231. He had been comped the tickets and didn't wan to go. We've seen Buffett a number of times but never at an indoor venue and never that close. We had a great time at the show. Our seats were right in front of the stage and we could see the band come and go off the stage. It was pretty cool seeing Buffett jump into a big SUV at the end and leave the MGM via police escort. 

Sunday morning we ate breakfast at the New York New York Hotel. It was American fair and was the best breakfast we had in Las Vegas. Afterwards we wen to the Mandalay Bay to register for my conference and to visit the exhibit hall which allows guest to attend on Sunday only. There are a couple hundred vendors related to health care and pension services. Signa was giving out flu shots, and we each got one. We filled up on little trinkets and candy and got scanned in for all kind of door prizes. The next day I got a call that I had won a "Mean" Joe Green autographed football from Ullico Insurance group. I guess I'll have that on EBay soon. I would of much rather won an Ipad, golf club or some cash. Oh well it's the first thing I've won in 6 years attending this conference.
Rather than go back to our hotel we realized that my conference credentials would get us into the pool at Mandalay Bay. The pool there is one of the best in Vegas, complete with sandy beach and a wave pool. After an hour or so all the chocolate we received from the vendors began to melt. We did our best to consume it and had it all over or face and fingers. Grown ups and chocolate.
That evening we a spectacular dinner at Old Homestead Steak House in Caesar's Palace. One of the most expensive steaks I've had in my entire life, but hey, its Vegas and fine dining is just another one of the expenses in which to indulge. The 24 oz Rib eye was to die for. Maureen had a crab cake and we shared what appeared to be a 1lb potato. Then of to the tables and back to the room with $80 more than we left with by midnight. 

Our room at Caesar's was wonderful. I loved the double bathrooms connected via a double shower in the middle and the Jacuzzi tub made our time in the room very relaxing. We were in the Roman Towers and at the bottom of the elevator was the entrance to the pool. There was pool side black jack and very good pool side wait service. Maureen spent a good bit of time there both Monday and Tuesday while i was attending classes at the conference.
Monday evening we attended 2 separate events hosted by vendors the local does business with. The first was at The House of Blues in Mandalay Bay. There was a nice spread of seafood from Stone Crab, shrimp, and crabcakes along with prime rib and other assorted pasta dishes. There was a hopping blues band playing that reminded me of the old Danny Gatton blues band. We stayed about an hour and a half then went to another reception at Madame Tussauds outside the Venetian Hotel. We arrived there a little late so most of all the food was gone but there was plenty to drink. We had fun doing the tour and taking pictures with all  the wax figures.

 
I had a little hiccup that evening on a video black jack game. Put in $50 and thought I was playing $5 and it was actually $25 then got dealt 8,3, doubled down and dealer hits 20. Lost $50 on one hand. Wound up making that back the next night up on Fremont street.
I wrapped up the conference on Tuesday, while Maureen pampered herself with a Manicure and lazy afternoon around the pool. That evening we had another fantastic meal at  Strip House Steak House, then we drove out to Fremont street and hit a number of the casinos and watched the people. It's quite entertaining.
The next morning we made the mistake of eating breakfast at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, which is across the street from Caesar's. By far the worst meal of the week. Stick to burgers, fries and booze when visiting Margaritaville. The conference was over and this was truly my first day to relax. We had a nice lazy afternoon around the pool and nice poolside lunch. Later that afternoon we decided to check out early and make our way to the Wyndham resort in Flagstaff AZ. It was about a 4 hour drive and since i was beginning to come down with a cold Maureen was nice enough to drive most of the way. We didn't arrive until after 11pm, but easily got our keys and found our way to our suite. It was rather small one bedroom efficiency type unit with a pull out couch. Our plan was to leave early the next morning for the Grand Canyon and then return Friday afternoon to meet our son Jack who was driving in from Show-Lo AZ. for the weekend.

The following morning we drove the 90 minutes to Grand Canyon State park. We had reservations at the Maswick Lodge but check in was not until 4pm. We ventured out on our on and found the Bright Angle trail and made our way into the canyon. It was about a 3.5 round trip hike and we did it in about 2.5 hours. The views were spectacular. The air was wonderfully clear (we could see the San Fransisco Mts over 100 miles away) helping the Canyon colors stand out in amazing clarity. Along the rim, the oaks added a pleasant yellow contrast to the green of the pines and junipers.  We took all kind of pictures but they just don't capture the beauty and immense marvel that was created over millions of year. October was a great time to be there because there were no lines or crowded buses and the temps were perfect. I here it can get brutal there in the summer months.
I still wasn't feeling well so we went to bed rather early that evening and were excited about seeing Jack the next day. Our plan was to do the bus route along the rim and then meet him back in Flagstaff early that afternoon. He called about noon and told us he had arrived and was waiting in Flagstaff. We got back there a couple hours later. After not seeing your boy in 10 months it pretty exciting getting that first hug. He looked good. Tall, clear eyes, lean and smoke free. He seems happy and content with his new home and job but you can tell he misses his family. We sure wish he wasn't so far away. We went out to some organic pizza place for beer and pizza and chatted it up over dinner for quite a while.  We checked out the entertainment building at the resort and played some pool for awhile. Later that evening Maureen and Jack went back for movie night. I stayed behind and rested.

The next Morning we took Jack to Brandi's Restaurant as featured on Diner's, drive-ins and Dives on the food network. We had eaten there Wednesday and new the service and food were awesome and that he would like it. Afterwards we drove to Sedona to go on an 3 hour ATV adventure. We thought he would enjoy that and it was something different that neither of us had done before. It was very dusty out there and we were certainly  covered with dust at the end. It was a little to tame for Jack and I as the guide wouldn't let us to the ATVs over about 25. The trails were quite bumpy and dusty. We rode about 10 miles and then stopped for a pictures like 3 times. The ride was about 30 miles total. The scenery was OK but nothing as spectacular as we saw driving in through Sedona earlier in the day. Afterwards we walked around in downtown Sedona and grabbed dinner at a barbecue joint. I think next time we are out that way we may stay in Sedona.

Ocean City August 2013

Vacation week has finally arrived. I am so looking forward to just have some time away from everything. My job at the local has been very stressful since the ratification of the Pepsi contract on the 4th and with the upcoming open Canteen contract negotiations. September and October should be more of the same.

Anyway kicked off the week Friday night with a card game over at John Kakuk's. We had a full board including, Scott Weaver and Ed Haraway. It was real surprise seeing Ed out with all he is going through trying to beat Cancer. He's just completed Chemo and is shortly having the bone marrow treatment. Big adjustment seeing Ed hairless. He always had the think head of hair and full beard. We played until about midnight. I won $150.

Saturday, Maureen and I did our annual Jimmy Buffett concert at Jiffy Lube live in Manasses. We met our group of friends at the Quality Inn in Manasses VA and spent the afternoon hanging at the pool and at 6:30 we all piled into a 40 passenger bus and rode over to the venue. We've seen Buffett quite a few times and these were by far the best seats we'd ever had. We were dead center about 30 rows back. It was typical Buffett with a good mix of hits and some off the recent album. I like Southern Cross and the Zac Brown tune, "Toes". Traffic was easy in and out and we were back to the Hotel and on our way home shortly after 12. Mo was happy getting a concert T-shirt, something she hadn't done in years.

We weren't in an any hurry to get our Sunday morning and didn't leave Crofton until after 10. We arrived at the place on 133rd shortly after 12 and were surprised when the cleaning guy arrived an hour later. The place looked fine so we told him not to worry as we never realized check in wasn't until after 4. Jenna and her friend Jenna Higman arrived with our dog Diesel a little while later. It was cloudy and dreary day, so we just hung out and ordered pizza from Grotto's for lunch.Our daughter Jamie arrived around 4. It was nice she could come for a few days and relax with her family. Her boyfriend Blake stayed home because he couldn't get leave from work. That evening we did dinner at the Bull on the Beach. I had the half rack ribs with chicken. Both the service and the food were terrific.

Monday was another dreary day. The girls all slept in while Maureen and I walked Diesel to Northside Park. Northside Park is a large Sports type complex with a number of ball fields, running track, circuit exercise equipment, playground complete with a climbing wall, and a long pier out into the bay. It's on 127th, so it's not a bad walk at all from our place. I work diesel on the leash until we get there and then would let him loose in one of the ball fields to run. After that we take him over by the pier and let him swim. The dog loves to swim after his stick. he would chase it a good 50 yards out and bring it back over and over as long you'll play. It seems to be a good way to exercise him, as afterwards he rests well for most of the day.

Once the girls got up it was decided to be a shopping day. Of course I wasn't too thrilled with the idea but with school starting next week for Jenna it probably wasn't that bad of an idea. We went to the outlet's in Rehobeth Beach. We spent several hours shopping at many different outlet stores. My favorite being Harry and David were we purchased 3 bags of the Moose Munch Caramel popcorn. We also made a stop at the Philly Pretzel factory and picked up 13 soft pretzels. Later that evening we made our first and only stop of the week at the Candy Kitchen. Jenna was so lucky and got a star on her receipt which won her a pound of fudge. 

I got up early on Tuesday and slipped out for a round of Golf. I played Ocean Resorts in Ocean Pines. It was a decent track for the price. I wound up playing by myself, which was nice because I could practice different elements of my game. I was back at the trailer before anyone was up.The weather was nice and we decided to contact the Gannett family who were staying in South Bethany Beach. We did the morning walk with Diesel and then off to the Beach. Maryanne and Kip had rented a large house about a half block from the Beach. Matt and Lindsay, Marjorie and Jack, Jordan and Emily along with all their kids were there. We had a real nice day on the beach and I think it was nice for Jamie to be around that type of environment. Wonderful family. The funniest thing on the beach that day was the red neck lady next to us with a suit to small her for her. At least half the day she was inadvertently exposing one of her nipples. Kip and I were dying. We returned later that evening to play games. The boys played poker while the woman played Train, a dominoes type game. All had a good time.

Jamie left on Wednesday shortly after lunch. She had to work a double Thursday and I'm sure she wanted to get back and see Blake as well. Maureen, the 2 Jenna's and I spent the afternoon on the beach at 133rd street. It was probably the best beach day of the week, sunny and clear all afternoon. Jenna Higman left for home when we came off the beach. She too needed to work and take care of some back to school responsibilities. 

That evening we had dinner at Nicks House of Ribs on 145th. The 3 of us each had rib combo dinners , Jenna and I with chicken and Maureen had hers with a crab cake. It sure was a lot of food, but after a day at the beach, a large dinner is no problem.

My friend Marty Crossed and his family had a place for the week as well. They were staying in North Bethany so after dinner we went to their place and visited with them for a few hours. His friend Hope and daughter Julia were currently there. His son Joe and wife Lauren would be returning after work on Friday. We had a nice visit and agreed to come and spend the day with them on the beach in the morning. 

Thursday was somewhat overcast again but we decided to head out to Bethany Beach and meet Marty and Hope. When we arrived at their place they had just come back form the beach after a short downpour and were having lunch. We waited a little bit then gathered all the crap together and headed back tot he beach. It lasted about an hour then the rain started again and the lifeguards closed the beach. We carried all our stuff back and again and had to wait it out another hour before we could return to the beach. Finally, the day became sunny but not until around 4 pm. 

We all decided to meet at our place after dinner around 8:30 PM.  Marty and his brother Tony and Hope got there about nine. We decided we would walk to a few local establishments and have a few drinks. We wound up going to Duffy's Tavern, the Blue Ox, some Tequila Bar and then finally ended up at the Crab Bag which we closed down at 2am. It was a fun evening and we ran across quite a bunch of characters along the way.

I was quite the hurting pup 6 hours later when I had arranged to play Kip Gannett in a tennis match at 8:30. I struggled through but did manage to beat off a couple set points and force a tie breaker\. I took a long nap after that and we went back to the Gannetts and spent the afternoon with them.  The beach was being replenished with sand in Bethany and there was this large vessel right there pumping sand onto the beach with all this equipment and men working. It kind of made the beach not so nice. It didn't really faze the kids thought they just played and had a great time. That evening we ate dinner at the Fenwick crab  house. I was somewhat disappointed as my Flounder was served fried. The crab cakes were very good. After that we meet with the Crossed family over at Tony and Shannon's. Sue and Brian as well as Joe and Lauren had arrived to spend the weekend at the beach. We had a nice visit, watched the ballgame and agreed to meet them at the beach in Delaware Seashore State park the next morning.

Saturday was another beautiful beach day. We got to Key Box Road in the State park around 11. We took Diesel along because it is one of the few beaches that you can bring a dog too. For the most part he was pretty good,. He didn't want to have anything to do with the Ocean. I think it was the sound that scared him. He was funny, digging in the sand. He wound dig a big hole under my chair and then climb in there and rest. Supposedly, because the sand was cooler underneath was the reason he was digging in the sand.

On the way back  Maureen dropped my off at Mitch Wielert's place and I had a nice visit with him. He had a recent scare with some chest tightness and spent a couple days in the hospital but overall is doing well. I so enjoy visiting Mitch every summer when we're in Ocean City. 

we went to dinner at Perucci's, a quaint little Italian place in Millville recommended by Sue and Brian. We all really enjoyed the food, especially Maureen. I think the 2 of us will need to go there again.

What a great week we've had in Ocean City. It was so nice having family and friends to share our time with. Can't wait to do it again next year,

  

Books Reveiw: James Patterson: Four Blind Mice

New York Times bestselling author James Patterson has long been hailed as a superb storytelling craftsman, and his latest hardcover is no exception. A gripping, action-packed thriller, it also packs an emotional wallop to match the speed and complexity of its plot twists. Detective Alex Cross is planning to resign from the Washington, D.C., police force, and he's got a lot on his mind: he's eager to be a more involved parent, worried that he's asking too much of his ailing grandmother, hoping to see where his relationship with San Francisco homicide cop Jamilla Hughes is headed, and considering a job offer from the FBI.

The last thing he needs in his life is another complication. But when his close friend and partner John Sampson asks for help, Alex can't refuse -- even though that means taking on the whole U.S. Army. A friend of Sampson's from his days in Vietnam has been arrested for a brutal multiple murder on a military base, and the evidence against him is overwhelming. Sampson believes his friend was framed -- but if he and Cross can't prove it soon, despite military obstructions, the wrong man will be sent to the gas chamber. Unfortunately, while Cross and Sampson quickly become certain that the frame they're investigating is only the tip of an iceberg of deceit and death, the hard evidence they need proves maddeningly elusive. The danger grows as they begin to draw closer to the real killers (a frighteningly skilled team of military assassins known only as the Three Blind Mice) and the shadowy, deadly mastermind who's been calling the shots.

4 out of 5 stars.

Phil Mickelson says technology played major role in British Open win

Phil Mickelson, who during the British Open awards ceremony thanked Callaway technicians for developing golf clubs to fit his game, said Friday that state-of-the-art technology was critical to his victory at Muirfield.

"Math and science is huge for me and my success," Mickelson, who will top off his post-Open media whirlwind by ringing the closing bell Friday at the New York Stock Exchange, said on CNBC's Squawk on the Street. "Winning this championship, I look at the one thing that has really changed my game and it's been the 3-wood that I have been using.

"I'm a high-spin player and this 3-wood takes off half the spin that I was putting on it, which gets the ball boring through air. Consequently, I hit the two best 3-woods of my life on the 17th hole to win."

The five-time major winner is a long-time advocate of motivating elementary school children to study math and science and recognizes that both disciplines have been a boon to the game of golf. For the ninth consecutive year, Mickelson is hosting an academy at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City to help third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade math and science teachers keep students interested in their subjects.

For Lefty, his putting, the key to which he figured out but would not divulge before last week’s Open Championship, and technology were critical to his ability to lift his first Claret Jug, which he shared with Callaway employees on Thursday.

"It all comes down to technology. What's happened is as the heads of drivers have gotten bigger and bigger, the center of gravity gets moved back and it causes an increase in spin," Mickelson said, according to CNBC. "To counteract that I've been decreasing the loft where it's harder to hit the driver. This new technology on the interior of the club takes the spin off of it, which allows me to have more loft and make my normal swing.

"Using the engineers and the science and technology of it,” he said, “I've been able to improve my game and hopefully play some of the best golf of my career, not just at the open but in future years.”

Phil Mickelson has represented the sport and the game of golf as well as just about any of his contemporaries competing the PGA Tour today. He has carried himself with a tremendous amount of class, sportsmanship and true determination.

I think if the Players Association and all of the great golfers still around today, were polled as to what current pro golfer has represented the game the to best standard of excellence, and done so with a high level of achievement and graceful attitude, they'd tell you Phil Mickelson.

This win was well deserved, and a long time coming for a man who has put it all out there to inspire others, remain highly competitive, and pursue greatness through demonstrating a truly great style.

July 4th Lake Gaston NC

We spent the July 4th weekend at Mark and Kimberly's lake house on Lake Gaston. We we're joined by Mike Pfeffer and his significant other Joan along with the Dick family and Jenn and Eric's family.
We left home early on the 4th and made decent time as we arrived 4 hours after we left with a stop for breakfast included. The weather was perfect for the 3 days we were there. Sunny and warm with a slight breeze on the water. It's so nice to get away and just try to relax for a couple days with family and friends. Jimmy had smoked a turkey and a pork butt on his green egg smoker the day before and brought it along for dinner the first night. He prepared some sort of sauce that was very good served with the meat.
Later that evening a bunch of them went out on the pontoon boat to watch fireworks around the lake. Mike, Maureen, Joan and I decided to stay behind just to visit and catch up. We stayed up late that night playing games.
The next morning we surprisingly slept in a bit. For me that would mean about 8 AM/. After everyone got moving we headed out on the boat for some water skiing. In my late teens, early 20's I learned to water ski on the Wielert family ski boat. I have many found memories of afternoons spent with my late friend Marty on the South River water skiing. I found myself thinking of him often that weekend when we were out boating or skiing. He would have loved it too.

Jim, Denise Mike and Joan left Saturday morning. They missed the main fireworks show that was held that evening. We went out on the pontoon boat to enjoy the show After the show we road around the lake for a little while and took in some more fireworks that people were displaying from the shore. My nephew Max does a real nice job driving the boat,. It nice to have a captain along whose not into the refreshments as much as the rest of us.
Looking forward to our next visit to Lake Gaston.

Las Vegas Unity Conference

Jamie and I left last Friday afternoon for Las Vegas Nevada. I was attending the Teamsters Unity conference and then playing in the James Hoffa Scholarship golf tournament the following Monday - Wednesday. We had initially thought Jack Sminkey would be meeting us there but due to work travel he was not able to join us. Therefore Maureen flew out on Saturday morning to join us. After We picked up the rental car we went by the Famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign and had our pictures taken. Later that evening we went across the street to Caesor's Palace and had a nice dinner and took in some of the sites. Half the fun in Vegas is people watching. You see all kinds in that town.

The next morning we set out on a drive to Red Docks Canyon it's about 45 minute ride north of Vegas. Very scenic drive. I miscalculated the time change and inadvertently forgot when Maureen's plane was scheduled to arrive. I received a text from her that her plane had landed and when I put the airport address into the GPS it said 1 hour 20 minutes. We quickly finished the scenic ride and hustled to the airport which I made in about 45 minutes. 

Once we got Maureen settled in we had a nice relaxing afternoon at the Paris Pool. I really like the Paris hotel. It is centrally located and the pool is really nice. The staff is always quite helpful. My only disappointment was that I was unable to upgrade our room as I had done in the past. That evening we decided to go uptown to old town Vegas. We wanted to show Jamie as much as we could in the 4 days she was there. We had a great time gambling that evening. I did real well playing 4 card poker and I think the girls did pretty well playing black jack. 

That evening we went to see Carrot Top at the Luxor. Carrot Top is one of the funniest comedians, of any sort, I have ever seen. We laughed so hard through the entire show. He is a multi-media comic. He uses sound, video and of course props, along with just plain old stand up comedy. The bottom line is that he is hilarious and well worth the cost of admission at almost any Vegas price. The bonus is that the tickets were very reasonably priced an the venue is relatively small with no bad seats.
Monday before I left to play golf Jamie says, "Me and Mom are going to win some money today and go see the Chippendale's tonight." When I got back to the hotel that evening they have got their tickets for the 8pm Chippendale show at the Rio Hotel and Casino. We decided to head over early and do the world famous Rio Seafood buffet. I think it was a little overrated but there sure was every kind of seafood you could imagine. I just hung out in the casino while they went to the show. I did pretty well again playing 4 card poker. The girls had fun at the show and said it was really well done. The men were fun to watch and they were impressed with the interaction with the audience. The Chippendale's even stay around after the show and mingle with the attendees.
Tuesday was the first official day of the tournament. I was paired with a fellow from YRC trucking and we really complimented each other well. We shot a net 5 under fro gross 62. We won 3 place for the day and received $225 price money. That evening I went to the reception and had drinks with Rudee from 922.

Will Kimbrough at Tove's

Last Saturday, our friend Steve Tove hosted a house Concert featuring Will Kimbrough in Ellicott City, MD. Our friends Sue and Brian came along. Everyone had a great time. Will put on a great show.

Kimbrough started his musical career as a founding member of Will & the Bushmen,a popular college band in the eighties that produced a handful of albums and singles and made it to MTV. He then went on to form the Bis-quits with long-time friend Tommy Womack. The Bis-quits produced an eponymous album which was released on John Prine’s Oh-Boy label. Kimbrough is also a producer and has produced albums for Adrienne Young, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider,Kate Campbell, Kim Richey, Garrison Starr, Matthew Ryan, and Josh Rouse. His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, Jack Ingram, Todd Snider and more. Kimbrough has also collaborated with many artists including Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Gomez, Emmylou Harris, The Jayhawks, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Miller, John Prine, Toumani Diabate, Kim Richey, Josh Rouse, Matthew Ryan, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Mavis Staples, Garrison Starr, Adrienne Young, and others. Kimbrough was recognized in 2004 as the Instrumentalist of the Year by the Americana Music Association – an award that had previously been awarded three years in a row to Dobro ace Jerry Douglas. His songs demonstrate a literate facility that he pairs with guitar playing so fluid that his fans created a t-shirt suggesting he's an alien. Kimbrough teamed up with Tommy Womack, John Deaderick, Paul Griffith and Dave Jacques in 2005 to create the five piece band, Daddy. They recorded a live album in Frankfort, Kentucky Daddy at the Women’s Club and later an album called For a Second Time. In 2007, Kimbrough released EP – his solo studio recording that revealed a hint of what would develop on his next full-length release. Kimbrough has released several solo albums to date, and has collaborated on many more, as well as serving as a session musician and sideman. Kimbrough was one of the guest artists at Jimmy Buffett's Live from the Gulf Coast Concert on July 11, 2010. In March 2012, it was announced that Kimbrough had joined Trigger Hippy in place of guitarist Audley Freed.

Here is a video of one of the tunes he performed that night.

Marco Island Lakeside Inn

Maureen and I recently returned from a sunny week in Southwest Florida. This past Saturday we took a late day flight into Ft Myers Fl, picked up a 2012 Ford Mustang GT and were on our way to the Lakeside Inn on Marco Island. Here's an overview. The Marco Island Lakeside Inn sits one mile from Marco Island beaches and boasts a sparkling heated pool and affordable rates year round. A cozy island getaway, the 19 suite Marco Island inn offers 2 two-bedroom suites, 10 one-bedroom suites and seven studio suites. The spacious and comfortable suites have been recently remodeled and decorated with a cottage chic decor reminiscent of Old Florida and Key West. Wicker cottage style furniture tastefully completes the setting for an island atmosphere. Imagine French doors, private decks, lake views, tropical breezes and blue skies....you are at Marco Island Lakeside Inn. Lakeview Suites offer a screened in balcony overlooking the Marco Lake, which is designated a natural habitat for local birds, ducks, and turtles to name a few. It is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cocktail before dinner while taking in the serene atmosphere. the beautifully landscaped inn is located off the beaten track but close to everything. It is a serene sanctuary and a great retreat from the atmosphere of the large resorts and high rises. You will feel right at home the moment you enter. The friendly staff is quite informative about the local area and offers a personalized experience of Marco Island. If you are looking to escape your fast paced life and slow down for a while, you will want to stay here. If you are looking for more adventure, there is plenty to do on Marco as well, from fishing, to parasailing, to wave runners or scuba diving, Marco Island has it all. If you are here on business, we also offer free wireless access in all rooms, flat screen TV's & DVD players in all living and bedrooms and I-Pod clock radios. This was our second stay at a Beachtree property. The small at home feel, along with the interaction with other guests makes your visit extra special too. Marco Island itself is quite the place.


Marco Island is celebrated for the Ten Thousand Islands off its coast and incredible sunset views. The town boasts an immense diversity of wildlife from dolphins to manatees to birds and offers jet ski, catamaran, and boat tours through the environment. Marco Island boasts six miles of beach and over 100 miles of waterways. The city of Marco Island is located in Collier County, a brief drive from the city of Naples. It is well known for its high quality of life, natural resources, casual atmosphere, and friendly people. Locals boast of luxurious resorts and favorite eateries like CJs on the Bay and Tiki Bar. Visitors enjoy crossing the Jolley Bridge and indulging in fishing, kayaking, or sailing. Must-sees at Marco Island include the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. There’s no shortage of outdoor options with Caxambas Park, Marco River, Tigertail Beach, and Resident’s Beach. This Gulf coast area features plenty of water recreation and great local seafood right on the beach. Marco Island is perfect for a fun and adventurous beach trip.

The weather for our week was spectacular. In fact on Wednesday it hit 87 for a new island record. We went to Tigertail beach on Tuesday and spent Thursday and Friday at South Beach. Both beaches have ample available parking but charge $8.00 per day.Wednesday we had a leisurely day around the pool at the Inn. I read an enjoyable James Patterson Novel "The Affair".Monday was a little overcast so after relaxing around the Inn for a bit we decided to venture north and visit Naples, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte. Along the way we stopped into a couple golf course communities and gathered information on the perspective retirement communities.
I really like Southwest Florida. It has quite a bit to offer. I wouldn't have any problem at all relocating there in the next 10 years or so. Naples has so many golf courses, beaches and things to do. The people are friendly and the taxes are low.
We had fun during the evenings as well. Sunday night we went to the Sandpiper, a local Sports Bar to watch the Redskins game. Drink prices were very reasonable at $8.00 a bucket of beer. The food wasn't bad either. The only disappointment was the Skins losing.

Tuesday, we started at the Rookie's for Happy hour and then made our way to the Snook Inn for some waterside dining and drinks. Boats can pull right up to the restaurant. The view was quite nice too. We met a fun couple from Atlanta, Mike and Jean and some young college kids from Chicago.Thursday evening we went to CJ's on the Bay. They have an outside gazebo and on Thursday nights have a DJ with outside dancing. We sat with a nice family from Chicago and had a good time drinking and dancing. Friday we ate dinner at Cocomo's Restaurant. It was an Italian place not far from our Inn. I had the chicken cacciatore and Maureen had the shrimp alfredo. It was quite good and came recommended from some locals.
Of course the week flew by. I look forward to returning to Marco Island again.

It's a new year

Every year I come up with something I am going to try and accomplish over the next year. Here is a a list of 50 things to give up in the next year. After reading the list I think everyone can come up with an idea of how to make 2013 a better year for themselves. Have a great 2013. 50 Things to Give Up

Tuscany Manor Palm Springs California

We stayed at a Travel Advantage Network resort Tuscany Manor in Palm Springs CA over the past weekend. Maureen works at the corporate office and one of her employee benefits is being able to book vacations at a discounted rate. This is the first time we have taken advantage of this benefit and it worked out perfect with a business trip I was taking to San Diego.

While attending the IFEBP conference in San Diego we stayed at the Hilton San Diego Resort on Mission Bay. The room was spacious, the pool, hot tub and fitness center were excellent. I used the fitness center each day. It include a steam room and sauna. The location was about 4 miles from Sea World and about 10 minutes to downtown were the convention center was located.

On the first free day we did a 59 mile drive through and around San Diego. The drive went by numerous tourist spots in the city such as Harbor Island, Carbillo National Monument, Ocean Beach, Soledad Mountain, La Jolla Park and Cave, Balboa Park and the Zoo. The tour gave us a real feel for the city and where we would want to spend some additional time.

We ate dinner at a number of different restaurants in the Gaslamp quarter and went over to Coronado on the last day. The Hotel del Coronado was something to see. Built in the late 1800's it's housed many presidents and had been the backdrop for a number of movies. There was a museum but we didn't have the time for that. We found a cute little coffee shop and had some exquisite cupcakes and coffee.

Tuesday afternoon I cut out of the conference a little early so we could spend the day at the San Diego Zoo. This zoo has the best animal exhibits I have ever seen. The animals seem to be treated very fairly and have lots of room to roam around. My favorites were the pandas, lions, tigers and elephants. Not much action a the polar bear exhibit which was disappointing. We started out on the bus ride which is included in the ticket price. This gives a nice overview of the entire place. After that we did quite a bit of walking but it was quite enjoyable. There was a sky tram that took us from the far end of the zoo back to the exit when we were through. We did the whole thing in a bout four hours. Make sure and visit here when you visit San Diego.

The next day I wrapped up my conference and we left for Tuscany Manor in Palm Springs. The drive took about 2 1/2 hours but we broke it up with lunch along the way. We arrived about 4 and were greeted by Maureen's coworker Pete who was the general manager of the place. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the surrounding area. He put us in a nice roomy two bedroom place that had a living room along with a small kitchen area. That evening we went downtown and had a wonderful dinner at The Falls Steak House. We ate on the balcony and had a nice view of the street below and a fountain featuring Sony Bono. We had the three course meal featuring salad, prime rib and dessert. Maureen had the filet and shrimp along with the mud pie. Even though a little pricey it was the best meal we had all week. Afterwards, we walked down the block for the Villagefest which takes place ever Thursday in Palm Springs. There are like 200 vendors with different art, crafts and food items. Maureen picked up this beautiful necklace made from the Connecticut state quarter. I just picked up my favorite food stuffs licorice and beef jerky.


The next morning on Pete's recommendation we set out for Joshua Tree State Park in the Mojave Desert. It wound up being about an hours drive from the resort but we stopped for breakfast at some little hole in the wall along the way. We stopped at the Visitor's center for maps and were given advice from the Park ranger. He advised us of a number of things to see along our route to the western park entrance which was about 30 miles away. The rock formations are quite cool to look at and even better to scramble around on. at the first pull off we saw some people scrambling on the rocks and decided to give it a try. We made it right up to the top with only a couple scratches. The we saw Skull Rock, Sky Rock and tons of Joshua trees. We took a number of pictures along the way. Next we stopped at a trail head for Ryan's Mountain and after I read the sign I convinced Maureen that she could do it and off we went on a three mile hike up to the top of Ryan's mountain. The hike was pretty strenuous without water and at midday but we managed the climb to an elevation of 5500 feet and made it back in just over 2 hours.


Our final destination in the Park was Keys View were there is expansive view of the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea and being that it was a clear day we could see all the way to Palm Springs.

That evening upon our return we met a nice family from Salt lake city. They were there to visit family for Thanksgiving. We spent 2 hours just hanging in the hot tub and resting our weary bones. Later that evening after Maureen went to bed I went down the street to Ricks Cafe ordered the special and found out later it was Mahi Mahi. I thought it was some sort of steak. The next day when we drove by I realized Rick's was a Cuban Restaurant.

Saturday we did a little shopping had a nice breakfast downtown and spent the afternoon napping and relaxing around the pool. We had an early flight out Sunday and just to be ready.

The flight home on Sunday was brutal. Our connecting flight to Baltimore from Dallas was cancelled and we were rerouted into Dulles airport 6 hours later. We had to spend 7 hours at the airport in Dallas. Once we arrived at Dulles airport we had to get a cab back to BWI to pick up our car. We didn't get in until after 1AM, plus no luggage. The airline did deliver our luggage the next day but it still was not a good way to end a great trip.

MixTape / an 80's Musical

We went to see this show last night at the Lam's Players Theatre in San Diego. What a fun and enjoyable evening. Here's a review.

miXtape’s a big, sprawling, longish evening, performed with rampant energy and polish by the Lamb’s Players’ eight-person cast. The show’s like a magnet. It attracts not just the music but the popular culture and history of the 1980s. Memory-triggers zip past: Pet Rocks, Pacman, Rubik’s Cube, Nelson Mandela, Cheers — but why not Saturday Night Live? Also, other ’80s lows and highs, like the Trickle-Down Theory that didn’t (measured by the rise of the homeless); or, during the ’84 NL playoffs, when the “wave” made it all the way around the Murph for the first time, and hordes of newly unrepressed Padre fans applauded their ­audacity.

miXtape has a frame tale: four men and four women abandon today’s frantic pace — a “Manic Monday” — and, via time machine and cassettes from above, find themselves in the 1980s: no cell phones, no bars, and things appear “simpler,” at least to them. The decade flash-dances footloose before their ­eyes.

miXtape clusters songs around a theme. In a funny sequence about the exercise mania of the early ’80s, women in legwarmers stretch and dip to Olivia Newton-John’s “Let’s Get Physical” (“everybody was working out,” one says, “or at least dressed like they were”). Joy Yandell, excellent all evening long, nearly explodes to “Maniac.” Richard Simmons makes a cameo, his bobbing headband a near ­blur.

Colleen Kollar Smith’s choreographic collages range from Jazzercise riffs to Michael Jackson’ genius moves to a parody of Top Gun, starring her husband Lance Arthur Smith, done with rolling office chairs; Jemima Dutra’s apt period costumes, from The Breakfast Club togs to the proton-packed Ghostbusters (costume changes often taking place in ­seconds).

The musical’s about the 1980s but has a 2010 radar-blip attention span. Most of the songs are actually song-bites, snippets of tunes, like Mark Knopfler’s intro to “Money for Nothing.” As soon as you want more, they’re gone. miXtape uses this scattergun effect almost exclusively. More respites would help, one in ­particular.

“Just a small-town girl”: Louis Pardo’s semi-nerdy Brian goes to the prom and has a tonic chord moment with his date and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which he hears for the first time. He talks about the “power of song” to freeze and magnify a slice of time, in effect underlining the musical’s theme. In the song, the “streetlight” people live “just to find emotion/ Hiding somewhere in the night.” Brian’s afraid the emotion he found may vanish when the song ends. The scene, the band nearly drowning out Pardo’s words, moves way too ­quickly.

Act Two turns inward, as the characters graduate and become adults. The chipper feel of Act One gives way to somber reflections of love lost — or never found, as in “She Must Be Somebody’s Baby” — and hearts broken. Although the songs in this section have a sameness, the performances deepen (especially Michelle Pereira’s too-brief rendition of Heart’s “Alone”). When the sketchily drawn characters recall the Challenger tragedy, the beginning of AIDS, and the Berlin Wall, however, the music often falls short of the subject ­matter.

As a mix tape, the musical’s cluttered. Instead of trying to account for everything in the decade, it needs to pare down some parts and heighten others. Requiring an audience to flit from one song/idea/memory to another nonstop ultimately works against the concept. But as a performance, backed by Andy Ingersoll’s versatile band and under Kerry Meads’s feisty direction, miXtape is always entertaining — and memory-provoking.

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy made its way up the coast earlier this week. Everything shut down here in the DC area on Monday and Tuesday. Fortunately we escaped the wrath of the storm and were only mildly affected. The winds were fairly intense and there was debris strewn all across our yard. We didn't lose power.
The people in New Jersey were not as fortunate.
A blog I follow Parkway Rest Stop had the following comments.
New Jersey is a small, but densely populated state with lots of communities. As such, it is not uncommon, even in this small state, for us to never have visited or even know much about many of its communities. There is one huge exception to the rule, and that is Seaside Heights. I don’t know a soul who is unfamiliar with Seaside Heights, and most have many, many fond memories of the iconic shore town. Working class families (such as my parents and extended family) would save all year for a week or two “down the shore,” which inevitably included either a rented bungalow in or near Seaside Heights and endless hours on the boardwalk enjoying the games, the rides and the food (I’m thinking sausage, pepper and onion sandwiches). Maybe it’s the atmosphere and salt air that makes the food on the boardwalk taste special. I never figured it out.
Anyway, it’s gone. Taken away by Hurricane Sandy.

To see numerous heart-breaking images and videos, Google “Seaside Heights Hurricane Sandy”.

Bruce Springsteen @ Nationals Park

We went to the Bruce Springsteen show with my cousins Michael and Denise along with our significant others on Friday night. It was by far the best Springsteen show I've ever attended. 

Speaking of irony, Bruce plays a DC baseball stadium when the decades old axiom "Washington DC: First in War, First in Peace, Last in the American League" no longer applies, as the Nationals magic number to clinch the National League East, (The Senators were in the American League) was 11 when the concert started.Beforehand, the procedure for getting to seats down on the field was a Nationals Park failure of major proportions. It shouldn't take fans an hour to get to their seats, but by having only two access points for the field, it was one of the more chaotic concert situations I've ever been a part of. Taking 20 minutes to walk 50 yards, the backup was insane — but then, why should a baseball stadium be different than 495? since we were not on the floor we were able to walk around the corner and get in through one of the side entrances. Bruce hit the stage at 8:24 with a roaring version of "Prove It All Night '78." Call it "out of sight." Regardless, the opener sent a message that, this was going to be a special night indeed.

Next, Max took center stage and propelled "My Love Will Not Let you Down," one of the great Born in the U.S.A. outtakes, to new heights. While many in the crowd could be overheard asking what song it was, it didn't stop them from dancing with the ones they were with. And any show that features "The Ties That Bind" is a show that's going to work for me. I wish there were more opportunities to hear Steve Van Zandt play the 12-string guitar, but I'll take it with "Ties." "Hungry Heart" did something neither President Obama nor House Speaker John Boehner could do: Bruce got 39,000 Democrats, Republicans and Independents to sing along together in unison.

Of course it was during "My City of Ruins" that Bruce talked to us about ghosts, and old buildings. My god, how many ghosts must there be within miles of here, I thought. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans memorial to the Washington Monument to the John F Kennedy Center for the Arts to Ronald Reagan National Airport and Robert F Kennedy stadium, just about every building in DC is a reminder, a ghost, of those who have come before us and who walk alongside the living. For all of Bruce's observations on these matters, he sure hit the city that lives with those kinds of reminders daily.

An exorcising "Spirit in the Night" and a ragged-but-right "Blinded By the Light" were up next as the only representation of Bruce's first two records. And the four-pack of "Jackson Cage" right into "She's the One," "Johnny 99," and "Darlington County" made it clear that the E Street Band are worthy of the Congressional Medal of Rocking Out.

But by far, the high point of the evening came when Bruce dedicated a transcendent version of "Racing in the Street" to members of U.S. Troops currently residing at Walter Reed Hospital who were attending the show. Bruce thanked them and all veterans for their service and then played "Racing" as though it was going to be for the last time. "Racing in the Street" works on so many levels. It might be his finest, most reflective summer-themed song. The themes of loss, disillusionment and washing away of sins seemed appropriate and vital tonight. The instrumental coda at the end was breathtaking. To hear Roy Bittan build layer upon layer along with Garry Tallent's elegant bass lines rolling under the body of the song... by the time it was over, I was spent — I'm not sure how the band carried on.

Set-closer "Land of Hope and Dreams" was tight, compact, and did everything the ten-minute version used to do in about half the time. On one of DC's more beautiful nights, "We Are Alive" worked wonderfully. "Born to Run" is still the best crowd-watching song I've encountered. And the "Detroit Medley" through "Twist and Shout"? Well at this point they're just a blur. Max's daughter Ali playing the accordion on "American Land" is a keeper! Bruce breaking out into “Twist and Shout" is a total crowd pleaser. To keep coming back and to keep playing till the crowd is spent... yup, he surely does empty the tank every time.

Here is the Setlist:
1. Prove it All Night with ’78 intro.
2. My Love Will Not Let You Down
3. The Ties That Bind
4. Hungry Heart
5. We Take Care Of Our Own
6. Wrecking Ball
7. Death To My Hometown
8. My City Of Ruins
9. Spirit In The Night
10. Blinded By The Light
11. Jack Of All Trades
12. Jackson Cage
13. Shes The One
14. Johnny 99
15. Darlington County
16. Shackled and Drawn
17. Waitin’ On A Sunny Day
18. The Promised Land
19. Racing In the Street
20. The Rising
21. Badlands
22. Land Of Hope And Dreams
23. We Are Alive24. Thunder Road
25. Born To Run
26. Detroit Medley
27. Dancing In The Dark
28. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out
29. American Land (Ali Weinberg on accordion)
30. Twist And Shout
The Show ended at 11:54