Just got back from my little European cruise. Departed from Athens, then sailed through the Greek Islands (with stops in Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes). Had an overnight stop in Alexandria (Egypt), where we headed out to the pyramids. For this post, I just want to focus on Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Europe on one side, Asia (minor) on the other (via a bridge). Fascinating city. Visited the mosques and the Grand Bazaar. Stayed at the JW Marriott on the Bosphorus (nice luxury hotel with a perfect location).  My favorite was their rooftop bar, Sky Karakoy. Enjoy.

I found myself listening to this on a loop the other night.

I'm not a Brad Pitt fan, but... I want to live inside this ad. Love the music.

I think most people perceive Bruce Springsteen as a "Classic Rock" guy. White people music. It's certainly true that his audience is mainly white, despite the fact that he has a deep appreciation for Soul and R&B music (and black artists, in general) and his band being pretty diverse (not just now, but back when he first started).  Look, I'm a huge Springsteen fanatic... but even I'll admit he's not an amazing singer. Usually.  Every now and then, though (mostly live)... he'll make you think, "Damn."

Some of these songs are covers... Quarter to Three, Save the Last Dance For Me, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, Nightshift, You Never Can Tell, and (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher... and some are his (Back In Your Arms, Fade Away).  Even in his personal life, he's always supported (sometimes financially) his heroes... from Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love to Sam Moore. Behind the scenes. Writing songs for them or giving them away (Gary U.S. Bonds, Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters, Natalie Cole, etc.). Quietly paying their medical bills (Darlene Love). Producing their comeback albums (Gary U.S. Bonds, Ronnie Spector).

Who are the originals by (the ones he covered)?

• Quarter to Three - Gary U.S. Bonds
• Save the Last Dance for Me - The Drifters
• What Becomes of the Brokenhearted - Jimmy Ruffin
• Nightshift - Commodores
• You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry
• This Little Light of Mine - African Spiritual
• (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson

Then there's this... his intro of the band back in 2000. Straight up black Baptist preacher mode. It's also a clip I show people to say, "THIS is why we love him." There's never been a more charismatic live performer.  He's the gold standard. 

Great little indie film from the 80s (with even better music, by Ry Cooder).

Just got back from a recent trip (a few days in Vancouver, 7-night cruise to Alaska on Discovery Princess, and a few days in Seattle). Here's a sneak peek. It was a good thing I packed a lot of clothes, because the weather was all over the place. Sweater weather in Vancouver. Cold and wet in Alaska. 80 and sunny in Seattle.

Glacier Bay lives up to the hype. If you've never been to Alaska, go. It's gorgeous. The highlight, though... sailing through the Northern lights (i.e. Aurora Borealis) that final night. The captain got on the ship's intercom and told everyone to go outside and look up ("a once in a lifetime experience"). It was absolutely surreal.