Orioles and Traffic Jams

Toronto, ON--- Well, the cool thing is that while I'm waiting for my delayed Toronto-Newark flight to board, I realize that the gate just next to mine is a charter flight for the Baltimore Orioles. The bad news? I DIDN'T RECOGNIZE A SINGLE ONE OF THEM. Who can guess why they aren't challenging the Red Sox or Yankees for AL East dominance?

Even better: when they announced that our flight was delayed, they said it was because the flight crew was stuck in traffic on the way to the airport. Now, anyone that's attempted to navigate between downtown and the airport in Toronto in the early evening knows it takes FOREVER. All of us business travelers seemed to figure out a way to make it to the airport on time. Wouldn't you think the professional flying people would be able to figure that one out?!?

Airline Schedules

Cleveland, OH--- My new favorite quote from pilots, which I experienced again this evening. "Well, sorry for the delay- we're now ready to push back from the gate- and we'll try to make up some of time en route." Now as far as I'm concerned, let's always try to add some time en route. Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy row 12 of an Embraer Regional Jet, but my butt's asleep after 30 minutes in those things. If there's anything we can do to cut down on the flight time, I say go for it!

Now in all fairness, it's a question of fuel. The faster the plane goes, the more fuel it uses up. So they keep the speed down to use less fuel, and only increase the speed if it means they can increase their on-time arrival win streak. Bear in mind that many airlines like Continental build in some major buffer time into their arrival forecast so it's easier to make an "on-time" arrival, even with a delay in departure. Sigh...

Quick Lunch in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD--- Just a quick note with an idea for lunch in the Monumental City. Now granted, this isn't the most beautiful downtown I've seen. But a quick jaunt from the financial district will bring you to Java Joe's. Good coffee and mixed coffee drinks, and sandwiches that will leave you all ready for a food coma for that 2:00 meeting. Just watch the fried onions.

How to Handle Talkative Passengers

Chicago, IL--- On the flight out, I heard the best technique to silence a talkative passenger on the plane. We've all had that experience- you sit down and someone you don't know rambles on about everything while you're trying to do your own thing. My technique has been to put on some headphones, hard to argue with that. But I always felt kind of rude just ignoring them.

The guy in the row behind me, after putting up with five minutes of banter, said "Well, I'll probably be terrible company, I use flights to catch up on all my reading." So simple, and worked like a charm.

Three Cheers for the Loonie!

Toronto, Canada--- So every time I travel to Canada, I conveniently forget all of my Canadian money at home. I have to hit the ATM with a 2% fee. Turns out those withdraws are the best investment I've made in a while.

You see, in the last four years the Canadian dollar (Loonie) has strengthened versus the US Dollar (Greenback). Four years ago, one Canadian dollar was worth 62 cents US. Now it's worth 92 cents US. So by withdrawing Canadian dollars from the ATM, and holding on to that cash, I've actually turned a real profit even after fees. Feel free to use the ATM Investment Strategy for your own benefit!

You Can't Spell "Bad Driver" Without D-A-D-E

Miami, FL--- I have been to hell, and it is I-95 north of Miami during rush hour. I got cut off at least ten times on the way downtown this morning. These aren't even the old Miamians, the retirees from New York and New Jersey. No, these are middle aged drivers that should know better. Wow.

$18,000 cars, e'body got 'em!

Miami, FL--- Yes, that's right, I'm cruising through South Beach in a brand new Ford Taurus. Not the industrial gray/beige this time, I have a burgundy one with gray interior. Hot.

A new dinner suggestion if you're north of Miami, in the Hollywood area. Fish Joynt has the most unappealing exterior I've ever seen, it's in a run-down strip mall. But the food was impressive. Artichoke hearts with crab meat on top, plantain-encrusted mahi mahi, lobster bisque. Mmmmmm.....

If you want authentic Mexican, try Cancun Mexican Grill up in Hollywood. Order the Cancun Plate and you'll have a sampler of tacos, burritos, and tamales covered in a mound of refried beans, ground beef, and cheese. Good, and good for you.