Kinglobjaw's Blog

Archive for the ‘Personal Thoughts’ Category

So I’m sitting in the Star Alliance Lounge in at the Los Angeles International Airport and thinking about my favorite Phoenix trip past-time. I have to tell you, one of the reasons I decided to go to Phoenix before the Africa trip was to check-out the recently renovated JW Marriott Camelback Inn. The Camelback Inn renovation introduced Arizona to a fantastic Steakhouse whose locations usually dominate the East Coast. The steakhouse, you ask? BLT.

By no means, will this be a professionally written restaurant review, but I’m hoping that my very positive experience could possibly serve as a reccomendation for a pleasant steakhouse dining experience. I’ll be blunt, you have most likely never been to such a unique steakhouse.

Basically, the dining experience is not only about enjoying a delicious piece of meat, but it’s all about customizing and trying new things. Along with your cut of meat, you have the option of selecting many  steak sauces and enjoying every single piece of meat with a different sauce. I have to say, it was very fancy and I enjoyed comparing the many options. I didn’t order the steak, barbeque or mustard sauces since I’ familiar with those, but I tried chimichura (brazillian w/ olive oil), peppercorn, bouilabaisse. red wine sauce and blue cheese. The red wine sauce was my favorite! Alongside the 12 oz. piece of well done filet mignon, it was a match made in heaven.

Side dishes are shared, which reminded me of an Asian restaurant. I really enjoyed that option since I could try many more sides and regulate the amount of each that I ate. Since my excersize and healthy eating “regime” I bestowed upon myself, I opted for veggie sides: glazed carrots, grilled asparagus, creamy spinach. I also tried mashed potatoes and and potatoes au gratin with gruyere, which my parents ordered. All great sides. One interesting bit- they also serve a side dish of cactus fries. And that’s no nickname! Those are actual fries made from a cactus. I’m assuming this is only a specialty served in Scottsdale.

Unfortunately, no room for dessert after this meal, but I’m sure one can look forward to something creative and unique.

Visit BLT Restaurants online.

Here’s me dining with my folks at BLT. Notice how full our table is!

I normally don’t write restaurant reviews, but I still hope this helps.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Before we take a look at the goodies inside, I have to say that this is by far one of the nicest elite membership kits I’ve seen so far. Granted, I had to dish out $150 for Ambassador status ($100 is for renewing every year), but the benefits associated with this tier as well as the 5,000 points and free night certificate are definitely worth it. Since a majority of my stays this summer will be at InterContinenental hotels, I figured it made perfect sense to sign up now. Plus, the 5,000 points boost will help me get closer to re-qualifying for Platinum status for 2010 since all points earned part of this program qualify you for elite status. A very unique and refreshing characteristic to this program.

I was only expecting a letter with a plastic card in it, but never an actual boxed kit. I always thought of the IHG hotels family as the cheapest (I mean quality-wise, not price) of the major chain families since very few hotels have lounges and almost all phone agent positions are outsourced, albeit friendly. Still, I was pleasantly surprised when I received this today:

Luggage tag close up (notice that it’s not plastic, but heavy duty metal):

Free night certificate for one weekend night with the purchase of one additional weekend night (no blackout dates or restrictions, expires 1 year from date of issue):

For more information on the IC Ambassador program, click here. Another limited time benefit is free internet for Ambassador members at select InterContinental properties until July 31, 2009.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

As I mentioned this morning, I was able to visit United’s Red Carpet Club which opened in June of 2008 at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. I had to leave the airport earlier than expected, so I wasn’t able to enjoy a full, planned, 3 hour stay, but I managed to snap a few pictures from both the outside and inside of the lounge.

While the lounge is nice, the views are very poor:

Before I left, a quick look at the busy Lufthansa gates:

Overall, I thought the United B18 club at O’Hare was much nicer than the one at the F concourse, but the staff was very rude. Still, they didn’t card me and gave me two drink “chits”. For those who are new to this concept, it’s basically a drink voucher or ticket which entitles you to one free alcoholic drink at the bar. However, for Lufthansa international Business & First class passengers, the amenities could be considered dismal! Lufthansa needs to open their own branded lounge at this airport. Until that happens, I don’t plan to route any of my international Lufthansa departures from Chicago O’Hare.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

I’m heading to the airport today, but I’m not flying anywhere or buying any tickets. I’m also not picking anyone up or dropping anyone off! Technically, that is! I’m escorting someone through security, getting them to a lounge and finally to a gate.

I haven’t done this before, but for the first time in my life, I purchased a fully refundable Y class ticket for a Lufthansa flight going to Dusseldorf, Germany with a full intention of canceling said ticket, once I’ve done my good (or some may say naughty) deed of the day.

The plan- a simple one:

1. Get my friend checked in with Lufthansa
2. Escort us both through security
3. Go to United’s one-year-old B18 Red Carpet Club and relax for a while
4. Head to gate B16 and send her off to Dusseldorf
5. Call Lufthansa and cancel ticket for a full refund

I’ll also try to get some pictures of United’s B18 lounge and hopefully post them on the blog while in the lounge. Apparently, United only offers free wifi for members and business/first class passengers, but I’m good with my Sprint Treo 800w tethering internet to my Dell Mini 9.

I don’t know why, but I’m really nervous when it comes to purchasing fully refundable tickets. I’m afraid they will find some reason to deny a full refund, but it looks good from where I stand today. Hopefully, the cancellation process goes smoothly and quickly since I will be canceling after already checking-in. I also want my $1516 refunded to my credit card in a fair amount of time- before my statement comes to a close.

Another fun day at the aiport.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

A few weeks back I casually mentioned that I was one of the winners of Advance Your World Challenge. Unfortunately I didn’t win the grand prize, but was one of 993 first prize winners. The prize consisted of 10,000 Hilton HHonors points and Diamond VIP status extended thru early 2011. While terms and conditions guaranteed the posting of points within 8-10 weeks, I got my points today. They posted with the description “AMEX ONLINE GAME WINNERS BONUS”. Am still not happy with the final outcome of this screwed up promotion which went downhill from best of it’s kind, quite quickly, if I may add.

Oh! Better than nothing…

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Not all companies have a generous “Above & Beyond” program like US Airways, but no matter the method, praising and rewarding employees that strive to do well is a must! Sure this post isn’t exactly airline related, but some companies  actually  turn “sour” at the thought of receiving a letter filled with complements about one of their employees. That said, it’s really nice to see a company actually go above and beyond to recognize an employee. Allow me to set the post so you’ll understand what I’m trying to say.

Right before Mother’s day this year I was purchasing a gift for my Mom at Bloomingdales. I was also purchasing new cologne and sunglasses for myself. The clerk was one of the nicest I’ve shopped with in years. I decided on a gift card for Mom, she even packaged it to look nice. I told her my intentions of buying something for myself and she suggested the Bloomingdales charge card in a manner that made me want to sign up. Funny part is- I never wanted to apply for that card until that day. In the end I walked away with a hefty discount and soon enough my Mom was using my card to make purchases for herself at Bloomingdales.

You probably won’t believe this, but afterward the lady gave me her business card with a telephone number and told me to call her in advance when I want to come by to shop again. She wanted to assist me with my future purchases by being there in person. She told me she was also there if I had any problems with the current products I use that I bought from Bloomingdales. That’s nice to hear! Not just smiles and friendly attitude during the purchase, but even after when something goes wrong. That was all said and done after giving me tons of extra samples and goodies.

Fast forward a week later. Along with the usual mail advertisements I got a form asking me to rate Bloomingdales service. I’ve never gotten such a thing from any other store, so I decided to fill it out and commend the lady clerk I shopped with. She was excellent.

Here’s an email I received from the store manager today:

Dear Mark

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments on your recent shopping experience in our North Michigan store. As the Store Manager, I rely heavily on feedback from my customers. I believe it is my most effective tool in creating the best possible shopping experience for you.

“M” of the Cosmetics department is a true asset to our team and always makes serving her customers an engaging and positive event. I will personally forward your comments to “M” and plan to recognize her in a letter of commendation, which I plan to present at our next storewide meeting to celebrate her success. Our priority is to provide our customers with a courteous, professional interaction, and clearly Ms. “M” did just that. Exceeding our customers’ expectations is a high priority. I am always so pleased to hear when we have succeeded!

I realize you have many shopping options and trust you know that we will continue to offer the kind of service that makes North Michigan your favorite!

Sincerely,

“Store Manager” (I replaced real names to keep anonymity)

Isn’t it an indication that the company really cares? For me, that’s part of the experience! It’s a complete 180 degrees from the joke called “Macy’s” where employees are generally disgusting and the employers are even worse! My Macy’s comments are limited to Chicago stores- at least for now!

Have  a nice clicK life,

-Mark

I was able to hold my US Airways flights for my trip to Phoenix & Los Angeles. Those are the “positioning” flights for my African journey in July! I’ve decided to stop in Phoenix for a few days to enjoy the 120+ F temps in Scottsdale. I have to say, the outbound is a little bland in terms of creativity.

I’m on the 5:15AM nonstop from Chicago to Phoenix. It’s a very convenient flight and gives you the whole day in Phoenix, but it’s just unbearable. I have to get to Prescott, AZ by 10AM as I have an appointment there, but I detest that morning flight! The good thing- upgrades, they’re so easy on that flight!

A few days in Phoenix, then on to L.A. Again, another boring nonstop flight. Still I shouldn’t complain- there’s always Southwest to complain about. I’m taking the nonstop flight, because it’s the responsible thing to do. I really can’t afford to miss my Frankfurt connection on Lufthansa.

Saving the best for last… Return is interesting. I was able to find a ‘U’ fare through a very odd connecting city on my way from L.A. back to Chicago- Raleigh-Durham! Can you believe it? I’m flying Los Angeles-Phoenix-Raleigh/Durham-Charlotte-Chicago! Triple connect! The first two return legs are West flights, followed by two mainline East flights. I haven’t been to the Raleigh airport yet, but fortunately I hear there is a nice club there. Better check it out now before US Airways switches terminals and and finds itself Clubless. My other option is to fly L.A-Phoenix-Washington-Philly to Chicago, but mixing DC and Philly in one day is too much to handle- especially on a Republic E-170 with summer weather delays.

I have to ticket this over the phone as I’m using an old US Airways Air Check Plus (E-TUV) voucher, but a recent US Airways memo now waives fees for all voucher related ticketing both over the phone and the ticket office locations. By ticket office I mean airport counters and the Company Store ticketing location at the US Airways Headquarters in Tempe, AZ.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Just got an email from the US Airways Company Store. It reads:

This promotion is easy. Spend $50.00 in merchandise at www.usairways.com/companystore and receive a quality navy US Airways hat free with your purchase. This adjustable hat is a retired uniform hat and only a limited number remain.

Some exclusions apply; including gift certificates, movie tickets, shipping charges, phone and walk-in orders excluded. Over good while quantities last. Offer only good for orders placed via www.usairways.com/companystore and your free hat will be included in your shipment. Limit one hat per order. If you would prefer a US Airways Express hat please indicate in the comments section of your order.

 

Sounds neat, but I’d like to see a picture of it first!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Airlines aren’t the only ones who run seasonal routes.

Once in a while I like to blog about something different than airlines, travel and rewards programs, although by the time you finish reading this you’ll realize it will somehow become travel related. Slightly…

Over the past few months some of my posts casually mentioned muscles aches or working out. In this post I’ll update you on a new and interesting portion of my day to day “operations”. See, I told you that airline ‘lingo’ lingers around most if not all of my posts. Basically, I now go to the gym on a daily basis for about two-three hours and starting in June it’ll be a seasonal activity for me to go rollerblading or take my bike out for a ride in addition to working out. I write about my workouts with great relish as it’s probably the most unique and new thing in my life. I haven’t thought of myself as hardcore gym goer until now. Aside from the health and good looks I’m gaining, I’ve found working out to be an excellent way to get rid of stress and annoyances. It comes down to three things- the workout, the water and the music that accompanies the former two. Since I started working out in April I’ve gone down from 230 pounds to 204 as of this morning. It also feels like my arms are getting really strong.

Not to turn this into a health blog or anything but my routine is simple:

1. First hour is running on treadmill or stepmaster (the two alternate everyday)
2. Next 20-30 minutes is lifting weights
3. About 10-15 minutes of leg work
4. Remaining time is divided equally between seated chest presses, ab crunch machine and working on back muscles

So, that was one the workout. Music on my iPod is stuff I’ve found on Napster which I then purchase on iTunes. Music by ATB ( featured on my Kinglobjaw.com music section) has some great beats and rhythm that really make the workout go by. I also drink a lot of water throughtout the entire day. What I can recommend to other gym goers as a quality water bottle is a Swiss Sigg bottle. Some will say that $25 for a water bottle is a little too much, but it’s a high quality water bottle which will last for a long time and it’s proven to be safer than the “nalgene” plastic water bottles. Inside of aluminum bottle is coated with a liner, so there’s no scraping of aluminum. For those who are worried about the presence of the aluminum, consider this- tea and deodorant transfer more aluminum to your body than this bottle ever will. Don’t worry about dementia! I have the red one with the Swiss cross:

Try looking on eBay to save a few dollars. I saved $7 by buying it on eBay instead of Whole Foods.

When it comes to motivation I can’t say I was thinking about my health too much. I mean, even when I was little heavier, I was still healthy and getting all the nutrition I needed. My main goal was and still is to look good and get into excellent shape and condition. The Island Caretaker contest also got me going. I knew if I was chosen to participate I would have to get into better shape and perform fitness tasks so I started working out anyway. Unfortunately, I wasn’t chosen, but that didn’t stop me from continuing to work out. US Airways’ employee campaign to loose weight didn’t really move me as that happened a few months earlier, but it was still a nice thing to do to get company employees motivated. I wonder if Doug Parker took advantage and started working out. Haha!

By topic about this I wanted to open up all topics or discussions. If there’s a certain topic you want me to discuss, I’ll gladly do it. Leave a comment or use the Contact link.

One last thought before I close. Before my Hawaii trip I got an email from a reader who suggested I should review hotel gym facilities and how they stack up against other hotels. I think it’s a really great idea, but I don’t I’m not sure if I’ll be doing that anytime soon. I’m not a health expert so I can’t really say how effective a gym can be compared to the next. That said,  I will definitely pay more attention to hotel gyms and casually mention personal thoughts should I do a hotel review in the future. But wait, there’s related good news! I was planning to talk about this in a seperate post, but since we’re talking about health I’ll say it now. A new feature soon to appear on Kinglobjaw.com will discuss the dietary information of US Airways snacks.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

If you’re Polish you probably know the story about two brothers- Pawel and Gawel (Paul & Gaul?). I believe they were also twins. They lived in a two-story house, one lived on the second floor, the other on the first. They never interfered with each other’s lives aside from the shared appliances/ common areas.  I don’t remember which brother did what, but the gist of  it is that one brother was a tidy and proper as can be, while the other created one heck of a ruckus- all the time! Living with the downstairs brother was like a personal hell.

I will be making a point in just a moment, so wait for it!

If you rent cars frequently you probably know or at least heard of two car rental companies that work side by side- National and Alamo. They are usually co-located, one on the left and other on the right. Although both companies are not available at all locations, when they are together they usually share counter space, a shuttle bus, a parking lot and sometimes even cars!  In this case I can recall which company did what, but the gist of it is that Alamo posted miles to my Mom’s Northwest WorldPerks account within 24 hours (Yep, I counted, alright!). When it comes to National- it’s been 6 days already and the miles have still not posted! Why not, I don’t get it! Normally it would be trivial since it’s only 50 Northwest miles but we’re doing this as part of the Northwest Pile On The Miles promotion, where four partner transactions earn you an additional 4,000 Northwest miles. And since NWA’s list of partne’s included in the promotion is unsatisfying, there are exactly and only four we can manage to do. Thus, these really need to post!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark