Next Stop Chi-Town

Rule #54 – Never stop learning.

     Someone wiser than I once said, “You can learn something from every experience – even if what you learn is that you didn’t like the experience.” It’s the best reason I know to push your own comfort zone. I mean, after all, if you don’t challenge yourself, how can you grow or improve?

      Day two of my baseball trip, and I already know that I’m glad I’m not teaching teenagers anymore. There – I said it. I love kids – really – as long as they go home to their own folks at night. The obvious exceptions are my own kids and my fantastic, ninja-Jedi grandson with his own ultra super powers.

       What prompted this spontaneous prayer of gratitude, you may ask? I was sitting in Milwaukee Airport, waiting to meet the Jay Buckley Tour bus. There I was, passing the time with a number of summer campers, all assembling and waiting for their own bus to take them to camp. It looked like “Meatballs” meets Best Buy, with all the technology plugged into the walls. So much for unplugging.

       I didn’t have to deal with this situation for long. The tour company sent out a list of all who were meeting at the various pick up points. I made my way to the baggage claim area and found the baseball fans waiting for our bus to pick us up. It arrived right on time.

        It is amazing how a shared passion brings people together. I never saw any of these people before. They weren’t strangers, just friends I hadn’t met yet. The bonds of baseball brought us together.

My I.D. tag

      We started the two-hour drive to Chicago with the required tour check-in. Both tour leaders gave us the schedule for the next few days and some tour basics. We swapped stories on the drive down. There were lots of Brewers, Twins and Cubs fans already on the trip. I was the lone Oriole supporter.

        Night one was spent near O’Hare Airport. We got to check in and then head out for some dinner. Some of our group wandered over to Shoeless Joe’s Grille. I stuck close to home and ate at Harry Caray’s Rosemont location. After all, this IS a baseball trip, right? It had draft Guinness, so the place is great in my book. 

A Holy Cow - Harry Caray's catch phrase

Caricature of Harry Caray over the bar - Rosemont location

     Day three started with breakfast the next morning, also in Harry’s. What a buffet! The atmosphere of the restaurant was like stepping onto the set of “The Godfather”. I was convinced I would go to the bathroom and find a gun taped to the back of the tank. We all got a chance to meet other tour members before we boarded the bus to head to the day’s game.

Dining room at Harry Caray's Rosemont location

            The bus rolled out of the lot around 11 am to make an afternoon White Sox game. The weather didn’t look like it felt like cooperating. Well, Self, if nothing else you get to see “new Comisky” park. And see it, we did.

Are you ready for some White Sox baseball?

Welcome to U.S. Cellular Field

  

Press boxes and more

     It wasn’t a far walk to the main gate at U.S. Cellular Field, a.k.a, New Comisky. We actually parked very close to the footprint of old Comisky Park. The new park is on the elevated line and took over the parking lot from the old park. It has plenty of fan-friendly upgrades, too. It was at this park that I was introduced to the latest in techno-items, the charging station. Yes, right outside of a food concession and close to the restrooms I found the charging station, complete with cords for any type of phone, tablet, or whatever you have. Lots of folks were using the station too, while gulping down the ballpark food and knocking back a brew.

Concourse - first level - U.S. Cellular Field

            The heavens opened up while at lunch, and we got a good rain. But it stopped just as quickly as it started, and the game was delayed only by 20 minutes. The concourse at U.S. Cellular sees wider. There was a good sized crowd for a Wednesday afternoon game, but it didn’t seem “crowded” at all, even with all of us hiding from leftover showers.

            Now, color me spoiled if you must, but I’m used to an usher being available to help you find your seat. The ushers I’ve met will also make sure your seat is cleaned and dried before you get incriminating wet spots on your pants. Not here. The ushers stood at the head of the aisle. Yes, they made sure you belonged in that section, but that’s as far as it went. This was not necessarily bad, just different.

View from the seats - Giants bullpen pitchers on their way to work

Chris Sale on the mound

      The game started without any more rain delays. Chris Sale pitched for the White Sox and Tim Hudson started for the San Francisco Giants. The seats we had were fantastic. We felt up close and personal with the team. It was also nice to see players that I knew from following my hometown teams. Often, a player gets traded and you, as the fan, lose track. I got a chance to catch up with Hunter Pence, Michael Morse and Adam Dunn. They all seem to be doing well for their new teams. It made this fan feel good; all three fellows are good people.

            After the game, we drove the bus into downtown Chicago at rush hour. And I thought D.C. had crazy rush hour traffic! Chicago can hold its own any day in the worst-traffic-around department. 

Harry's Downtown - iconic sign

       Dinner was at Harry Caray’s Steakhouse, downtown. We had a buffet mixer, where we ate well and got to know others on the tour. 

Cartoon of the great Cubs broadcaster

     The restaurant itself is an homage to the great Cubs sportscaster. Pictures of Harry and players, Harry and movie stars, and Harry and politicos were all over all the walls. The main bar boasts that it is exactly 60 feet, six inches long – the distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate. Décor here is 1920’s Chicago, too. I walked around the restaurant thinking to myself, “Insert Al Pacino here; Marlon Brando there…”
     It was soon time to head back to the hotel, time for a few more drinks in the bar, and time to get ready for an early bus call.
     We are heading to Minnesota in the morning. That drive takes eight long hours. This will be a good test of my bus riding tolerance.
     See, Self, you are learning more each day! Today, I learned I loved cheese curds. Whodathunk?

These are cheese curds - deep fried white cheddar

I was there!

Photos by Marge McGugan. No reuse or reprint without permission.

In the Beginning of the Summer was the Pilgrimage...

Rule #4 – Write from your experiences

     One of the great parts about writing travel pieces is the “I was there!” shot. Getting out in the world, taking pictures of what I see, having the experiences – that’s what makes writing a great career. Or is the writing career my excuse to travel? Even when I visit the same places over and over again, I still find new things to see. I get a new perspective.

     That new perspective greeted me when I decided to make a dent in my 32 Pilgrimage this year. For those who are not baseball fanatics, the 32 Pilgrimage is when you see a baseball game in EACH of the 32 major league baseball parks. It doesn’t have to be your home team. We are talking about the park experiences here, or as marketers might say, the fan experience.

      I signed up with Jay Buckley Baseball Tours, out of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. This organization has been around for years and, each season, they run a number of tours that cover a variety of baseball parks. The tours are not just for the baseball fan. Many tours take you behind the scenes in the stadium, and to see the sights in the home cities. You get yourself to the starting point, or points depending on the tour. They take it from there.

     The tour I chose was a quick, Midwestern trip to five different ball parks in six days. I wanted to tour the parks, sure. But I also wanted to test my ability to be on a coach bus with others – without driving someone totally crazy - for almost a week. But now to get to one of the pick-up points…

     I booked Southwest flights in and out of Milwaukee for this trip. I haven’t flown in years. The thought of putting this cute, not-so-little body into an aluminum tube and hurling it through the atmosphere is a more than a little terrifying. So I tried to get non-stop flights both ways.

     The check-in process at BWI was pretty smooth. My daughter, who seems to be flying all over for business, gave me lots of great pointers. I got through security with a minimum of problems. Thanks to a bit of a brain-fart, I forgot to take a handkerchief out of my pocket. So guess which future little old lady got wanded… you got it.

     Next, it was off to get the “lay of the land”. What is it with airports? They have more construction than an interstate in summer time. I finally found my way around the terminal, found my gate, then found something to snack on and drink while I waited.

     As for the wait, thank you, Janet Evanovich, for writing such great Stephanie Plum novels. I was able to read almost half of one of her books, all while getting the hairy eyeball from many of my fellow travelers. Nothing like seeing someone break out into spontaneous laughter at odd times in an airport terminal. Maybe it was the timing of the laughter, like when a World Cup goal attempt missed. Anyway, a few people around me took her name and said they would check out the books.

     Finally the plane pulled in and we were able to board. This flight to Milwaukee was full and I was one of the last to board. I sat on the aisle across from three businessmen who had already met the contents of a local tavern. We didn’t need the flight attendants to do a comedy routine for us. These three caballeros had it covered.

     Take offs and landings are never the best part of the flight for me. So I put myself into my “zone” by mentally reverting to my youth – and the Flintstones. I pictured all of us on our own bicycles and Barney yelling to Fred, “C’mon, Fred. Peddle faster.”  I think I even said it out loud. The three “men” were busy doing their own thing across the aisle. There was one older fellow and two younger ones. The younger ones started the “He’s touching me” routine, since they were sitting next to each other. Then, as the plane left the ground, they put their hands up in the air – roller coaster style – and went “Wheeeeee!” Once we were airborne and the seat belt sign was off, the older fellow made one of the younger ones move his seat. The older fellow sat between the two younger ones now, so they wouldn’t fight and smack each other the whole trip.

     So here I am, on a non-stop flight, no Liam Neeson, but stuck in a plane with three nut jobs… thank heaven, it was only a two hour flight. I can take anything for two hours. Remember, Self, you were a middle school teacher…you can handle anything.

     By the way, is Madison the capital of Wisconsin? We played Wisconsin trivia on the plane.

     The plane landed on time and safely in Milwaukee. Then it was time to wander through another airport-under-construction to get my bag. I called for my hotel reservation from the airport baggage claim area. The shuttle picked me up and it was off to settle in for the night. I checked in, got some dinner and repacked, since I was picking up a bus the next day with different baggage requirements.

     Notes to self:

• Find out Wisconsin trivia answers. Look smarter on flight home.
• Try cheese curds at some point.
• Enjoy beer, since you are in the land of beer and brats.
• Double-check bus trip check in times. Be on time for tour check in.
• Plan the photo shots for baseball parks.
• Let kids know where you are at all times… as an example of what you wanted them to do when they were younger.
• Relax and have fun. Self, this is the start of a trip of a lifetime!

Tomorrow, it is off to Chicago, and next, our first game!

Time flies

Rule #38 – Seek Balance

     Ok… who hit the fast forward button on the calendar? 

     Really, where did this last month go to, folks? I looked at the date of my last post, uttered a few expletives, and looked at what I’ve done in the past 31 or so days. 

     The hiatus started with our community garden club’s plant sale. The last few days preparing for that event always take a good chunk of the day and mental energy. The sale went really well and our club had enough profit to fund our scholarship. That was another event – presenting the award to this year’s winner. I got to attend an awards dinner with people I never met. Talk about being pushed from your comfort zone… But everyone there was very gracious and friendly. I ended up enjoying myself.

     I got to sneak a trip to Myrtle Beach and Charleston in during the past month. My aunt and I drove south, visited with her cousin for a night, enjoyed the sand and surf, walked all over Charleston, toured a plantation, and… wow, I should sleep well after all that.

     Then there was the Apollo Chamber Orchestra’s final concert of the season. Oh, and a few Orioles games to attend… and the yard work. It’s well past time to get the flower beds and veggie garden into shape. This is also about the time I find out how physically pfffft I really am. I did beg off the gym for the month, figuring that hauling mulch, mowing the lawn, and turning garden beds over was enough heavy lifting for one month.

     Add to the mix a few funerals at church, my weekly singing rehearsal with the chorus, Bibles study, and reviewing five children’s books for Children’s Literature, I haven’t exactly been sitting on my tushie watching it expand horizontally (although the scale would disagree).

     It sure seems like I’ve done a lot. But what I’ve done is a drop in the bucket compared to others. A pittance… small potatoes…

     Today is June 6, the 70^th anniversary of the landing of Allied forces on the beaches in Normandy, France. How many soldiers took part in that assault on the French coast? How many didn’t actually make it to the shore, because they were killed in the transport? How many men dropped from the sky that night? It became the turning point in World War II.  Omaha Beach was a blood bath, so I’ve read.

     Hub’s dad went ashore at Utah Beach. He was in the Army medical corp and almost never talked about his experiences in Europe. The only thing I remember him saying was how he and his buds mudded over the Red Cross on their helmets. That cross was an instant kill target for the enemy. Other than that, he said very little. Pop was wounded slightly in the Ardennes. The ambulance he was driving took a direct hit. He was the lone survivor and he never drove again.

     Tom Brokaw calls this group of heroes the Greatest Generation. They knew duty, responsibility, and humility. They put their lives on the line for us. If you are reading this in English, these are the guys we have to thank for that privilege.

     These heroes – especially the ones who did not make it home – gave up birthdays, holidays, and family events to do their duty. They sacrificed so much for our future. Today’s military men and women do the same thing. So do the families they leave back stateside.

     Many a World War II vet will tell you that he or she isn’t the hero. They will tell you the real heroes didn’t make it home. There’s an entire field near Omaha Beach of Allied heroes and I hope some day soon to visit them to say “Thanks” in person.

     Time does fly when you think that seventy years has already passed. To the vets who fought in France back then, seventy years seems like a blink of an eye – a tearful eye, too.

     And I had the audacity to worry about one month…

     To all our serving men and women – and those who have served, I say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. This American appreciates what you have done. I’ll say it anyway you want – Merci`! Viel Danke! Spociba! Grazie! Gracias! Go raibh maith agat! Dziękuję! Arigato gozaimasu!

     Feeling humble in their presence...

Planes, Trains OR Automobiles?

Rule #13 – Push the limits of your comfort zone.

To fly or not to fly, that is the question.

Whether ‘tis better to suffer the gropes and wandings from the TSA for convenience sake,

Or to drive, perchance to train to your destination, thus seeing more of the landscape, yet taking more time from the ultimate destination…

     Many apologies Mr. Shakespeare. But those who fly regularly know exactly of what I speak. Just the thought of stuffing yourself in an aluminum tube cattle car with 300 of your closest “friends”, flinging yourself to the upper reaches of the atmosphere, praying that God doesn’t call the pilot’s number, and then making first contact with earth on the wings of a few Goodyears… flying is now a true act of faith. That’s after you get on the plane and after you get through security checkpoints.

     This past March, I decided to check another item off the Bucket List. I went to Sarasota specifically for spring training games. I also got to visit former neighbors and friends down there, but the starting reason was to see the baby O’s hatching in their spring nest. Planning the trip was interesting, since I was constantly questioned “Why are you driving? Why not fly and rent a car?” Well, I could have but… who knows if my flight would be on time; who knows if my luggage will be diverted to Havana; who knows if I’ll get sick again, like I have on every other flight. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with TSA on this trip.

So many games and teams - only so much time

      So I planned to drive down. First thing I did was call AAA travel desk. They were incredibly helpful with one glitch – the lady I talked to was in Northeast Philly’s office. When I said I was heading to spring training in Sarasota, she reminded me that the Phillies train in Clearwater. A quick conversation about where I grew up, where she was located, and where I am now located, and we were busy booking travel and hotels. She made sure I had a TripTik and maps for the entire I-95 route. Since I had my own car, I could pack, unpack, over pack, and repack as I wanted.

Welcome to Georgia

Welcome to Florida (You mean the state might be closed?)

      The drive down was pretty stress free. I bypassed Washington DC by taking Rte. 301 south. Once into Virginia, I stayed on 301 through Ft. A.P. Hill, and then picked up I-95 in Carmel Church. Once past Richmond, traffic wasn’t bad at all. I made it as far as Florence SC in one day. Found myself a MicroTel, got some dinner, then it was take it easy and get some rest. Day 2 had me hitting some serious traffic around Jacksonville FL. Someone told me that was a normal thing. But I got past it, got onto 301 south again, and got as far as Bushnell FL before it was time to stop. Another MicroTel in another town, and a place to put my tired head down… I found some nice digs for a night. All the way down, scenery was great. You know, we really do live in a beautiful country and each area is unique. You just have to slow down and look at things.

In the land where palm trees sway

Oh, yeah! I'm in Florida!

      The third day I drove directly to Ed Smith Stadium. I watched the Phillies win over the O’s (yeah, fans, the Phillies won). My AAA agent got me a room at the Hampton Inn and Suites right where University Blvd. meets I-75 in Bradenton. I enjoyed some temporary luxury while I bopped around Sarasota.

My spring time home

Facebook Feetie pic - proof I was there

Hampton Inn and Suites King Suite - a place for snacks...

...and a place to hang out with friends

     Now it took me 2-plus days to make an easy drive to Sarasota. I was not much for another 2-plus days going home. So, I had my AAA agent book me a seat on Amtrak’s Auto Train. It took me two and a half hours to get from Sarasota to Sanford in FL, where the Auto Train station is located. By the way, Orlando has DC beat on the insane traffic meter by a bunch!

Amtrak Auto Train Terminal - Sanford FL

      Here was a portion of the trip that was pure rookie experience. I pulled into the checkpoint and showed the attendant my ticket. She then handed me some small folders, one to leave with the car, and one to keep with me as I checked in inside the terminal. My beautiful blue Ford got a number put on its side. I pulled up to the terminal, got out what I needed for the night, then headed into the reservation check in while a valet took the car and put it on the car carrier. At the check in desk, I got my train car and seat number plus my meal times. Then there was some chill time until we got the call “All aboard”.

Conscious coupling of car carriers

      We got to our car and were greeted by an attendant, just as if we were flying. She helped everyone get settled in their seats and explained just how the cars were being connected and the process for dining and entertainment. While she spoke, the Amtrak crew was busy getting every car connected in its proper order. Then exactly at 4 pm, we pulled out. I saw great scenery and I didn’t have to worry about keeping my eyes on the road.

Somewhere in Florida from the train

      We had a real dinner with real food in the dining car. Not many airlines feed you fresh food anymore. I sat with three other people I never met before. During dinner and drinks we discussed our Florida trips, where we were from, and what we did, among other things.

My beef tips, garlic mashed potatoes, and seasoned green beans

     I wandered to the lounge car later in the evening. When I walked in, I felt like I stepped back into the 1940’s. The layout and décor was art deco. The only nod to the present was the 8 video screens and DVD player. We watched “Gravity” from any seat in the lounge car. Some people preferred playing cards. Others actually had a business meeting. Beverages of any proof were served. Coffee and tea were available for free. It was a great place to hang out. Some of the funnier moments were listening to those “seasoned travelers” who did a lot of kvetching about small stuff. Some people are never satisfied.

Lounge car bar, from my perch right near the bar

Lounge car lower level

     I booked a coach seat on the train, which meant I had 2 side-by-side seats plus the leg lifts all to myself. When it was time to sack out, I tried to get comfortable and get some sleep. I can’t say that I slept well that night. But, I got enough sleep in two and three hour increments to be able to drive safely in the morning.

Enough physical space

      The train started coming alive around 5:45 the next day. My breakfast time was at 6 am and I got to the dining car to find a really enjoyable continental breakfast set up for us all. Again, I sat with three strangers, who were not as talkative as the dinner friends (the hour of the day maybe?). But the selection of foods and the amount served was delicious. Fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, bagels, coffee and juices were all served with a smile.

      At exactly 9 am we pulled into Lorton VA station. The cars were all consciously uncoupled (sorry, couldn’t resist) and we all moved into the terminal to wait for our cars to be unloaded. From the time we arrived until I got my car and got on the road, it was about one hour and fifteen minutes. Not bad, considering the train was really full. From the station, it was an easy jump to I-95 and the trip home.

Amtrak Auto Train Station in Lorton VA - just off I-95

      The train trip really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Really, I think it just stretched my comfort zone. I will definitely use the Auto Train again. Next time I may pay extra for a berth or compartment, so I can stretch out through the night. But, considering everything, it was a fun way to end a great trip.

      I never mind driving, and now I look forward to train travel. I have to fly to Milwaukee soon…. Let’s see how that goes.

All photos are the property of Marge McGugan. All rights reserved.
Portions of this post are also used in the Arden-on-the-Severn Newsbuoy "A View from the Passenger Seat" by Marge McGugan

Writer's Spirits - Revised and Renewed

Rule #20 – Draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere.

     Ahhhhh – Spring! 

     According to the calendar, it arrived on March 21. The weather goddess didn’t quite get the memo, since the Mid-Atlantic region got snow on March 30. Some areas still have cruddy snow piles just melting away slowly, like the Wicked Witch of the West.

     This year especially, spring has everyone ready to break out of the winter doldrums – break out the shorts for warmer weather, break out of the house and get more outdoor exercise, break out the cleaning tools and sweep winter away. This writer needs to break out the axe and start decluttering the office area again and chopping away at the mental blocks to her writing. It is time for me to dust off the shelved manuscripts and see how they will fly to publishers.

     On March 29, our regional SCBWI chapter helped me do just that. The MD/DE/WV regional group hosted a conference titled “Spring: Nature’s Revised Draft”. The goal was to help writers and illustrators clean out our personal slush piles, revise the manuscripts and kick them out of the nest and into the hands of publishers. 

Conference check-in and picking up materials

     The day started with check-in at registration and networking with a writer’s best friend – coffee. Many got to catch up with friends they see only online or at conferences. Old friendships were renewed; new ones were made. Then it was off to the keynote session.

     After welcoming all participants, Sue Peters, regional co-director, introduced Leslea Newman, who took us through her journey writing October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Sheppard. She took us back into her life and the controversy sparked with her book, Heather has Two Mommies. Leslea is not just writing now; she is writing with an advocate’s passion. She challenged all of us to imagine a world that is perfect, with peace, with no hatred, and then make a commitment to make it happen. 

Leslea Newman describing her research into Matthew Sheppard's murder

     The morning break out sessions gave everyone a chance to learn from the pros. Guiseppe Castlellano gave artists and illustrators an inside look into the world of the art director. Alex Arnold shared tips to get plots perking on paper and not just in your head. Tara Lazar showed participants how to take a picture book from a flat manuscript to a dummy book, and why that process is so critical to a story. Debra Hess gave us important tips on non-fiction – what it is, what it isn’t, and all those fine lines in between.

      Lunch time gave us a chance to shop in the book store. It was a great time for a book collector like me to buy books and have them signed by the author.

Book store is a busy place between sessions

Tara Lazar (foreground) and Leslea Newman sign their books for fellow writers

     Afternoon break out sessions focused more on specific how-to skills for writers. Sara D’Emic and Rori Shay showed their audience how to use Facebook and Twitter to build audience and promote books. Alyson Heller discussed the importance of those first chapters with her group. Christa Hescheke mapped out the route in fantasy writing that helps writers build their world and, then, sell it. Shelley Koon shared her easy methods for authors to build websites. Sara D’Emic and Rori Shay were back later in the afternoon showing their audience how to query and find an agent. Leslea Newman was back also, discussing her methods of developing characters and finding the real person in them.

     All session leaders took questions during their instructional time. But there are always some last minute questions for everyone. The all faculty panel gave the entire speakers group a chance to address questions to everyone, all at once.

     We all left the day inspired, energized, and, thanks to Shelley Koon, connected to a critique group. The chance to improve our writing will continue as we meet with other writers and revise our stories.

     On a personal note, this day was critical for me. I needed to participate, not just for the energy, but for more personal reasons. Two years ago, I was working with my critique group and got two manuscripts together. One was ready for query and the other was very close. I even had some publishers lined up for the query. Then, my husband became suddenly ill and passed away. It was a dark time for me in my mind, and my soul. Every time I thought of those stories- or if someone asked about them- I went back in my mind to those dark days of grief. I couldn’t talk about the stories at all, until recently. As part of my grief therapy, I forced myself to pull both stories out of the hard drive. I read them both. At first I felt myself going back to those dark days. I had my weepy moments and then I put them back in the drawer, not quite ready to let them go. This happened several times through the past two years. But, on that Saturday, March 29, I pulled both manuscripts out and carried them with me all day. The load was lighter. I didn’t head back the dark rabbit hole of grief. I made it through the day without crying – then or later.

     Thanks to all the help I got at the conference, I can now kick these manuscripts out of my nest. I can let them fly off to publishers.

     It’s time – time to clean out my nest and fly.

All photos are property of Marge McGugan and may not be reused or copied without written permission.

A Day on the Set

Rule #15 – Write your observations

In my lifetime, I’ve been to my fair share of concerts and plays. I’ve seen how teamwork is needed to put a great performance in front of an audience. But never the precise choreography that goes into taping a television show. Check this item off my bucket list, Self.

I got my chance to be part of a “live” studio audience at the end of January. My sisters and I all took the train to New York City, then a cab from Penn Station to ABC Studios on 67^th Street to be part of the audience for “The Chew”. For those of you who still consider the world of daytime television a vast wasteland, “The Chew” brings together five chefs in one program. They do some cooking on the show, and share the recipes. They get you up and moving. They talk about balance in everything you do. And, to boot, there are these five crazy personalities…

Welcome to ABC Studios – home of “The Chew”

When we first arrived, we queued up and were given a call ticket. Then we moved into the waiting area. Here we had a quick snack while other audience members gathered and checked in. Everyone made sure they looked their best before being called into the studio. All rest room visits were done too, since once seated, you couldn’t leave.

Audience area – check in and wait here until called for seating

When it was time to take our seats, we were called by numbers and led into the studio. There we were grouped onto bleacher seats. Our seats were at the very top, close to cameras. Some members were seated at the eating tables, which meant they tasted all the recipes. Those who sat behind them were always on camera. We ended up seated just next to them in the clip shot area… when they clip to the audience, there were our faces. The seating gave the impression of being totally random. However, they filled the seating area for the side that would get the most “face time” over to the far side behind the cameras themselves. All empty seats were taken by interns, “go-fers”, and other staff persons, so the audience would look full.

It takes a while to get everyone seated and camera ready

Ushers led us past the quiet hubbub of the pre-show to our seats. As we walked in, many faces on the floor looked intense. The food prep people were busy plating up all the finished dishes and getting the pieces ready for the chefs. Cables ran everywhere. The producer and director were reviewing camera angles with the stage manager. As we passed the camera, we could already see the script on the teleprompter. It looked like Clinton Kelly was going to get the first lines in today’s show. 

Now settled in our seats, the audience warm-up person comes out and starts our part of the show. He’s a local stand-up comedian, who works with the show to cue the audience and keep us into the action. While he works with us, the larger set pieces and cameras are moved into their starting positions. The producer, Gordon Elliot, comes out to the audience and makes an appearance. He graciously welcomes us to the show and thanks us for our participation.

Food prep, audience prep, and Taster’s Row prep – all part of the teamwork

We audience members practice our cues, loud clapping, laughing, and dancing. Then, out comes Michael Symon, one of the chefs. He comes up into the audience to greet us all. He’s in full make-up and camera ready, but takes a few minutes to talk to us and welcome us to the show.

We get a chance to practice “dancing” when Carla Hall comes up into the audience to dance with us, Ellen-style. The cameras begin shooting their audience cuts with Carla up in the audience. She danced around with us for about 10 minutes, cameras filming as she went to different parts of the audience.

Then it was time to begin. The pre-recorded pieces were meshed into the live shots at this time. We got to see the show on big screens mounted around the audience area. Cameras put the action up live. We saw the show as it was filmed. And the count down began… cue audience. 

We cheered loudly as all five hosts came in and took their seats. The show started with a discussion of their favorite comfort foods. A super fan was then brought out of the audience and played a matching game with the five hosts. She walked off with a signed recipe book and a front row seat in Tasters Row.

Michael Symon demonstrated his favorite trick to make corndogs at home. Mario Batali took us all on a field trip to Russ and Daughters Deli to check out the no-cooking foods available on the Lower East Side of New York City. Clinton Kelly brought out Dule` Hill from “Psych” and together they made spaghetti carbonara. Carla Hill helped out Michael with his recipe and took a few dancing lessons from Dule`. Daphne Oz took it easy and just shared stories this show. She is close to delivering her first child and standing for long periods was getting uncomfortable.

After the show, Carla Hall, Daphne Oz and Dule` Hill

We got to watch the team work that is needed to put a television show on the air. It’s a delicate ballet, and all participants know their parts and play them beautifully. After the show taping, we sat in as they cast did promos for the show, next week’s shows, and a few segments that are available only online. Once the total taping was finished, Daphne stayed out and talked to members of the audience as we left. No one was getting autographs, however. We were the morning taping and they were bringing in people for the afternoon taping. It was the day after one of the big snows we had in January. They asked us if we wanted to sit in on Katie Curic’s show and possibly come back for the afternoon taping. The weather was wreaking havoc on this studio audience thing these shows need to succeed. 

Oh yes, we’ll be back. It will be a spring day, though, with no snow and hopefully no wind. The technical parts of plays, shows and concerts fascinate me. I love to see how things work. So count me in. I will be back. 

Maybe you might like to join us, or go on your own. Check the show’s website for information about free tickets: http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew . We may see you there.

 All photos are the property of Marge McGugan, and may not be used, or copied without written permission. Portions of this post are reprinted in the Arden-on-the-Severn Newsbuoy article, "A View from the Passenger Seat".

Magical Food Eating Tour - Cheers to Boston

Rule #51 – Make pilgrimages.

     Brace yourselves… this may come as a complete shock.

     Ted Danson had a life before his D.B. Russell character on “C.S.I.”. So did Woody Harrelson (“True Detective” and “Hunger Games”), Kelsey Grammer (Mayor Tom Kane in “Boss”) and John Ratzenberger (pick a Pixar character – Hamm, Mack, Harland – he’s a Pixar fixture).

      They – and many others – were on a series called “Cheers”, based on a Boston neighborhood bar where “everybody knows your name”. Each week these characters graced our lives and gave us plenty of laughs. Then the bar closed down in 1993… or did it?

     Anyone who has been to Boston – 84 Beacon Street, to be exact – knows that Cheers lives on. But it doesn’t live the way it lives in our memories. 

One crazy tourist at 84 Beacon St., Boston... home of "Cheers" bar

      The exterior is just like what we see in the opening credits and the many “location” shots during the show. The sign points down to the bar. But when you get to the lower bar, it looks nothing like the set. Well, that’s because the interior was modeled after the Bull and Finch Tavern on the first floor (upstairs). 

Upstairs bar - originally the Bull and Finch Tavern - photo by Joe Knipp, used with permission

      The heck with downstairs – we wanted to eat at Cheers. It was a one hour wait for a table in the lower bar. So we wove our way upstairs and took seats at the bar itself, complete with a seating chart (teacher speak for plaques identifying the places where specific characters sat). My brother took his seat where Tommy the Lawyer sat. My nephew took Norm’s corner of the bar seat. In the show, there was booth and table seating around the bar itself. In the real bar, there’s no room for large tables. There are a few pub tables around, but nothing where you can sit down and relax. If you want table seating, you need to go to Cheers Faneuil Hall/ Quincy Market location. 

Name plate on the bar top where Tommy the Lawyer sat and made Cliff and Norm crazy

      The menu was standard pub fare, with sandwiches named after the various characters on the show. You have Sam’s Starters, Ma Clavin’s soups, Norm’s Sandwiches, and so forth. Both locations serve the same menu.

      We ordered lunch from the bar. It was 100 degrees outside so we just had a burger and fries. The burgers came with lettuce, tomato, and onion, but all on the side, so you could choose to add or not to add. Portion size was generous, but not ridiculous. After drinking about a quart of water, I was able to eat and actually felt hungry. We kept the water coming and the burger and fries disappeared.

      Cheers also had a great assortment of drinks and beers. Sam Adams – any variety out – was the showcase beer. Prices were competitive with other establishments.

      As with any landmark, there’s the requisite gift shop. It’s stocked with bar items, memorabilia, and plenty of “I was there!” tee shirts and sweat shirts. 

Quincy Market - location of the other "Cheers" bar

Faneuil Hall - follow the cobblestone walk between here and Quincy Market and there is "Cheers"

...and I wasn't kidding about cobblestone walk ways....

     We got our chance to compare the Beacon Street location with the Faneuil Hall location on this trip. The atmosphere was just a bit different. Beacon Street has a smaller location. Faneuil Hall has a look that really resembles the set from the show. The bar is larger and is laid out in a similar way to Beacon Street’s. But there is no “seating chart” for fans to enjoy. There is downstairs seating, which is a bit quieter and off the street. The downstairs area looks just like Sam’s “back room”, complete with TV, dart board and smaller bar.

      This is – without a doubt – a must-do pilgrimage for any fan of the TV show, “Cheers”. We got to go to more landmarks in town, and did it on the MTA, which is another story for another time (and soon, too). In the meantime, check your local listings for reruns of “Cheers”, so you can get to know the characters again. And check out the website, http://www.cheersboston.com/main_locations.html for more information and some of the history of the show.

      When you visit either location, don’t worry if nobody knows your name when you walk in. They will know you by the time you leave – it’s that much fun.

All photographs are the property of Marge McGugan, unless noted otherwise. No use or reproduction without written permission.