Toronto Bound:
I’m off to Toronto to give two speeches at the New Face of Publishing Workshop. Going to be hanging out with the GTA Bloggers too. I’m excited and plenty scared.
Audio reports from the road. Be home Friday.
My Love Affair with Jet Blue:
My love affair with Jet Blue continues. I had booked a JetBlue flight from JFK to Oakland that I was supposed to conclude my marathon road trip today. However, having been gone for so long and having a light end-of-trip schedule, I decided to rebook and get another flight home a day early.
Not only did the JetBlue representative on the phone work for 20 minutes to get me an aisle seat at the time I wanted but called me back 20 minutes later to ask if I prefered the same seat on a flight earlier that day. And the flight itself? A joy. Well, as much as being trapped in a flying metal tube for six hours can be.
When I fly, I care about two things: Am I physically comfortable and am I staving off bordemn? Prices can fluctuate and an airline with inconvienent arrival and departue times won’t get my business. But far far too little concern is paid to comfort once the passanger is actually onboard (it’s only a single, vaugely worded entry on the Travellers Bill of Rights). So what matters to me when I fly is this: Would I be just as comfortable, just as entertained if I had to sit on the same seat in the hallway of my apartment building for six hours?
JetBlue doesn’t serve meals but I’ve always been content to bring my own and eat like an adult instead of a kindergardner in a cafeteria. They’ve also got these little Direct TV sets on the back of each chair which can entertain you endlessly. I watched 4 hours of VH1 specials including Black in the 80s which actually gave me a glimmer of an idea for my next book. Finally, every seat is leather which (I don’t know why), seems to make them more comfortable than the average airline fabric seat.
Did I mention that the JetBlue terminal at JFK has free WiFi and a row of outlets where you can plug in your laptop? As opposed to the idiotic WiFi policy at my local airport which esssentially asks you to be anally violated by T-Mobile for the priviledge of checking your email before takeoff.
The ton I fly will be going up exponentially this summer with my book tour and comfort will be key. JetBlue has my loyalty because they are the first airline in years to do anything towards earning it.
Last Audio Dispatch From the Road:
Wherein we say goodbye to the road, head home to San Francisco and ponder the color beige.
The Winter (in March!) Of My Discontent:
In which we lash out at the gods.
Long lonely night in NYC:
In which the ravages of no sleep take their toll.
Slowing Down in NYC:
Wherein I contemplate a good night’s sleep.
First Night in Charlottesville:
Where we discuss pedestrian malls, SXSW, high school football and James Madison.
Not in that order.
SXSW 2005 Wrap Up: Sleeping When Dead
In which I say so long to Austin and head to my next stop.
SXSW 2005: The Meaning of it All:
So. Very. Tired. Some post-conference, pre-dinner thoughts.