Today was interesting. I flew out of Anytown to Seattle which does not have an American Airlines Lounge unless you lie and tell them that you are flying American within the day (whether they check or not is anyone’s guess, I was too honest to try). From Seattle, I flew into Chicago Midway via SWA.
Now, I’m about to pass out in the Conrad Chicago which is conveniently or inconveniently located next to my stomping grounds from Scottsdale, El Hefe where good times are had by most.
Anyhow, this is just a quick a-live update. The hotel isn’t as Conrad as Conrad Maldives or Conrad Tokyo or Conrad Pezula (South Africa), all of which I may, one day, write a prototypical hotel review, but now I must sleep to prep myself for a big day of World Cup action.
Go Argentina!
The JD/MBA/Author/WorldExplorer explains why he is returning to Flint.
Before anyone ever cared where I practiced law, I was a kid from Southeast Michigan. It’s where studied. It’s where I crammed. It’s where I napped. It’s where I snoozed. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I’m their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Southeast Michigan is bigger than law. I didn’t realize that nine years ago. I do now.
Remember when I was sitting up there at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in 2005? I was thinking, It is really cold. I could feel it. I was leaving something I had spent a long time creating. If i had to do it all over again, I’d obviously do things differently, but I’d still have left. Scottsdale, for me, has been almost like college for other kids. These past nine years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better lawyer and a better man. I learned from a law firm that had been where I wanted to go. I will always think of Scottsdale as my second home. Without the experiences I had there, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today.
I went to Arizona because of Sparky and Sandra Day. We made sacrifices to earn our JDs. I loved becoming a big bro to Roly Poly. I believed we could do something magical if we came together. And that’s exactly what we did! The hardest thing to leave is what I built with those guys. I’ve talked to some and will talk to others. Nothing will ever change what we accomplished. We are brothers for life. I also want to thank Dean White and Professor Rose for giving me an amazing three years.
I’m doing this essay because I want an opportunity to showcase myself uninterrupted. I don’t want anyone thinking. He and Toolborga didn’t get along. . .. He and Cordova didn’t get along. … They couldn’t put the right team together. That’s absolutely not true.
I’m not having a press conference or a party. After this, it’s time to get to work.
When I left Flint, I was on a mission. I was seeking money, and I made some. But Scottsdale knew that feeling. Our city hasn’t had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to make as much money as possible, no question. But what’s most important for me is bringing some back to Southeast Michigan.
I always believed that I’d return to Flint and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when. After the termination, free agency wasn’t even a thought. I looked at other cities, but I wasn’t going to leave Scottsdale for anywhere except Flint. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy.
To make the move I needed the support of my mom and my dad, who can be very tough. The letter from General Motors, the booing of the Flint fans, the city being burned — seeing all that was hard for them. My emotions were more mixed. It was easy to say, “OK, I don’t want to deal with these people ever again.” But then you think about the other side. What if I were a kid who looked up to a lawyer, and that lawyer made me want to do better in my own life, and then he left? How would I react? I’ve met with Ghassan, face-to-face, man-to-man. We’ve talked it out. Everybody makes mistakes. I’ve made mistakes as well. Who am I to hold a grudge?
I’m not promising a windfall. I know how hard that is to deliver. We’re not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to strike it rich next year, but I’m realistic. It will be a long process much longer than it was in 2005. My patience will get tested. I know that. I’m going into a situation with young lawyers and a new boss. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a group together and helping them reach a place they didn’t know they could go. I see myself as a mentor now and I’m excited to lead some of these talented young guys.
But this is not about the the roster or the organization. I feel my calling here goes above law. I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Scottsdale, but I think it can mean more where I’m from. I want kids in Southeast Michigan, like the hundreds of Flint third-graders I don’t sponsor through my foundation, to realize that there’s no better place to grow up. Maybe some of them will come home after college and start a family or open a business. That would make me smile. Our community, which has struggled so much, needs all the talent it can get.
In Southeast Michigan, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.
I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.
PSYCH! I’m moving to Mongolia.
Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold, SPG Platinum all have perks that have been blogged about ad nauseum: late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and suite upgrades.
Blah blah blah, every points person has already reviewed every hotel and exploited all the points loopholes except for one.
Today I’m giving my loyal readers an inside peak at my new residence that has vaulted ceilings, 360 degree view of the mountains, and bathrooms as far as the eye can see.
Not to mention a handy nightlight chandelier in case things get spooky. The WI-FI is a bit spotty so I’ll be sure to let the manager know in the morning when I get my wake up call from a meandering grizzly bear.
All this can be yours without having to ruin your credit score with 2 dozen credit card applications.
The viewNo Status AccommodationDeluxe UpgradeClassy chandelierW MattressGuard dog amenity
Pardon the Interruption, but I’m not Mike Wilbon but I do know more about futbol than George Farah.
The world witnessed ThePointsOfLife correctly predict the World Cup final matchup and now, once again, I put the psychic hat on.
I couldn’t make it to Rio for the final because I was waiting for my Mongolian work visa to arrive and luckily it did. Instead, I’m leaving the peace and tranquility of Anytown, USA for the second best place to watch the final besides the Marcana- Chicago. (Everyone drink, I said Chicago.)
To get there I’m paying an exorbitant $2.50 thanks to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and to be well rested for the game, I’m redeeming my Hilton HHonors points to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, rated the best hotel in the United States. This will be my second Waldorf stay in a matter of weeks, the first being in Shanghai.
But enough points talk: the sole heir to the throne of Zamunda is ready to make his prediction, starting with this analysis:
Messi had a below average game today though he did manage to find the back of the net on PKs. He didn’t get too much help from his teammates and it is still uncertain if Di Maria, Messi’s favorite complimentary player, will be able to go.
Contrast that to the Germans who obliterated the Brazilians turning the beautiful game into a children’s AYSO game and it is no surprise that Vegas is picking Deutscheland to triumph. But in the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend.” Let’s not overlook Germany’s stumbles along the way and the inevitable implosion of the Brazilian side given their pressure to perform, injuries, and suspensions. Furthermore, recall Argentina’s own embarrassing defeat 4 years ago to Germany in the World Cup and Messi’s squadoosh during the entire tournament.
Clearly, revenge will be a motivator.
Next, two facts must not be overlooked:
1. No European team has ever won the World Cup when it is hosted in South America.
2. This basically will be a home game for Argentina.
And, if that’s enough don’t underestimate another motivating factor for Argentina- the opportunity to win the World Cup on the turf of their rival country, Brazil.
Final Score: Argentina 1 Brazil 0
We’re on a 23.5 break till the next post, so goodnight George, goodnight Canada!
They’ll be partying in Sugarloaf after Argentina wins
Why do you travel? Is it for food, drink, or the combination of both, culture. I have written extensively about the best places in the world for pho.
Montana may not be the best place in the world for pho but it does get the ranking of #1 in the world for Ranch.
Ranch is everywhere here. It’s a standard item next to the salt and pepper at the dinner table, on the bar rail next to the Tequila, and in the gas station that serves to go drinks.
It is an oddity to see so much Ranch in so many places especially since half the world has never heard of this indispensable condiment. But I love it on my pizza, on my wings, and even as a satisfying drink.
None of the locals have told me the reason why Ranch is so prevalent nor do I know how Ranch relates to travel and points besides to say the real hidden valley is here in Montana and it’s worth taking a dip.
Kramer had it right when he installed a screen door on his New York apartment giving him “the cool evening breezes of Anytown, USA.”
That’s what comes to mind as I check out from the in your face lifestyle of the US and go back to a more pleasant time when strangers said hello on the street, people left their doors unlocked, and most notably, enjoying the libations of a local brew.
A local told me there was a measure in the state house to ban open containers of alcohol but it was shot down because one of it’s biggest opponents, the governor, “liked to have a beer on the way home from work.”
Whether this be true or not, there are no open container laws in the town’s I’ve visited making the commute from one quaint town to another nice and easy. (I am not the driver.)
The lax regulations apply to just about everything. The airport has basic security, the bank teller knows your face and doesn’t ask for ID, and the honor policy applies for paying your tab at the brewery.
And somehow there is no crime, no terrorism, and no apprehension that this way of life is under attack.
If the vehicles were removed from the street and a picture was taken, my guess is that you could not tell what year it is.
We all saw when it came to man vs. himself who triumphed. Even though I didn’t complete the hot dog challenge successfully, I contest that there was victory in defeat.
Today man challenged nature and nature came out on top by a long shot. The day began by psychologically preparing myself for a hike through the woods with the reward of a lake and fresh caught fish upon completing the hike.
Again, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Looking like a legitimate fishermanGone Fishin with Kenny, Chuck and EJAh natureFound a wild animalDog whispererMore natureKing of NatureExiting, where’s the trail?!
Results:
The hike: Decent timing going up and down but the view didn’t compare to Table Mountain.
The fish: 0 caught
The wild: 1 dog tamed
The outcome: Yeah, my hiking days with mother nature are over.
Once an idea enters my head, even if it is far-fetched, it becomes very difficult for me not to let it go. This morning, afternoon, or evening, depending where in the world you are Argentina defeated Belgium in the World Cup. Next up for Messi and the blue and white is the winner of the Netherlands and Costa Rica. I’m cheering for Los Ticos but this World Cup really hasn’t seen any significant upsets with the brackets going as many have predicted.
While Brazil and Germany didn’t dazzle their way through the tournament, they are, nevertheless, in the seminfinals. Therefore, it is likely that the Dutch will beat Costa Rica and it will be an Argentina vs. Holland semifinal.
So putting on my Tony Kornheiser psychic hat, I am going to say that thee Germans will advance because no home cooking can make up for the absence of Neymar and Silva for the Brazil side. Likewise, Germany has a capable goal scorer in Muller and who doesn’t like to yell out Schweinsteiger at every opportunity.
Which brings us back to Messi who will score 3 against the Netherlands and to the displeasure of all of Brazil, see Argentina in the Marcana.
You are probably saying that my analysis is much better than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith but are also wondering what this has to do with points and travel. As I wrote, the beauty of points and sports is that you are able to go to events last minute where prices would be cost prohibitive for even someone that got in early on the GoPro IPO.
The ‘low fare’ for a one way flight this Thursday to Rio is $1789.
Compare this to an AA rewards flight of $77.
No surprise that all the points hotels are sold out, but enough of the luxury, this is about futbol not fancy. One of the hostels provides free caiparinhas every night anyway!
So the only problem left is, you guessed it, the f@&king visa!
Oh and getting a ticket to the game.
Argentina Blue! (photo courtesy of Michael Jeries)
Go Argentina!
After each month I’ll post The List of the Top 7 posts for that month and add in an honorable mention for those that should’ve gotten more love. Obviously, each recap requires a needed book plug for that soon to be released Everyone’s Advice Is Wrong . . . Including Mineright at the top followed by my upworthy pic of the post and a memorable quote.
Since I am ecstatic to have just joined Prior2Boarding.com and have seen my daily numbers quadruple in one day, I am going to have to catch everyone up by going way, way back to March 19th when this all began.
1. No One Listens to the Professor
2. ThePointsOfLife Infomercial
“The following is a paid advertisement for Enjoy #ThePointsOfLife. It does not represent the views or opinions of your friends and family.”
3. 30 Days to MaldivesFriends ask me all the time how I travel everywhere for next to nothing. After reading ThePointsOfLife Infomercial you should know the answer is points.
4. Pho No
5. Swamp Water
6. Final 4 Free
7. All this can be yours if the points are right . . .
In AP English we learned that all novels have the following protagonist vs. antagonist:
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Himself
What Mrs. Frillici could not anticipate was yet another antagonist- Man vs. Food (a TV show that was recently taken off the air for the predictability of being stupid on social media). Nonetheless, as the 4th of July is here meaning it is time for the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. I’m personally boycotting the formal contest until Kobaysahi returns to glory and have used his techniques in the past to guide myself to the Big Mac Eating Contest championship.
I was in the middle of nowhere in Montana when I arrived at Lawdogs Saloon appropriately named as the establishment is run by a former sheriff. I overheard a fellow patron ask about a food eating contest and my ears perked up. Moments later, I found myself signing up for the Double Lawdog challenge: 2lbs of dog, 2 buns, and a mound of chili cheese fries that must be completed in an hour.
Rather than write the play by play here are some pics and videos to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the 4th of July.
The Wall of WinnersThe menuScout ReportThe FoeInitial ExcitementThe Jalapeno Cheese Hot Dog was a bad ideaThe Tapout
In the end, I lost the challenge hitting the wall of fries at the 20 minute mark but learned a lot for the next life challenge:
1. Do not get spicy jalapeno cheese hot dogs.
2. Fries are a killer
3. Fries are a killer
4. If you are in Elliston, Montana opt for the burger challenge. There are no fries.
5. Running a marathon was easier.
Happy 4th of July!
![Alex the [points] Redeemer to Rio](https://thepointsoflife.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/brasil-904-768x576.jpg "Alex the [points] Redeemer to Rio")
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