In the Skies (Again)

While they aren’t as friendly as they once were, it’s still nice to wing across the Atlantic overnight in dark skies. Flying around just ain’t like it used to be. Long lines to find a place to park. Long lines to check-in and/or check luggage. Long lines to get through the joke called security. Long lines at the Starbucks on the concourse. Long lines and cranky people. No wonder there are so many corporate jets. Followed by long lines to re-book your itinerary after the flight cancellation. And then a long wait. Thank goodness for Red Carpet Clubs and such. "Global Services/1K" status helps, too. But the pain doesn’t matter (much) because one still gets – eventually – to one’s destination … and clears customs (why can’t American customs agents be as friendly as so many in other countries?) and waits (and waits) for luggage. And then schleps through Heathrow to find the train to Paddington Station. To find a cab. And gets to Hyde Park. And, naturally, can’t get a room … it is still a bit early in the morning. The glamour of travel! (I know, no sympathy in cable land!) I’m in London to watch and listen as my bride, Evie Haskell, editorial honcho of The BRIDGE and all its related products, pontificates on a couple of panels for the Eurocast folks. Interesting panels with some friends such as Nimrod Kovacs talking about "pay TV’ and HDTV around the world. Lots to learn. Visiting Chellomedia just for fun, too. And to dine at Kai of Mayfair (again – my favorite Oriental restaurant). And pray for rain … back in the drought-stricken parts of the Southwest, not in London. Random Notes *Stealth Marketing: Pre-CTAM Marketing alert … the old-line brand managers have learned something from the stealth marketers (kids) "working" for music labels and others. The May 29th BusinessWeek has a story about Proctor & Gamble’s army of product proselytizers. Take a look. *CTAM in Boston: Don’t forget to register and book.