A few weeks ago I got the chance to see Lech Walesa in Chicago. He was here for the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism in Poland. As Chicago is said to have the largest Polish population outside of Chicago, it’s logical he would be here. The photo below shows him addressing the audience before the Freedom ’89 concert at Millennium Park.

(click on the photo above to see the full-size image)

For someone who grew up in the 80’s and was very aware of politics and the news, this was a big deal for me to see him, and I had my daughter in tow when I saw him. News of the Solidarity labor movement in Poland was big, as it was in line with other pressures to end communism. I also learned a lot about the labor movement from my advisor in college, who had emigrated from Poland to the US and at the time his family was still in Poland, and his stories were both fascinating and insightful.

Today, world events are just a tweet or Skype call away from first-hand accounts. Back before the Web and public use of the Internet, relying on the news and the rare personal account were how we learned about the world. Thus seeing Lech Walesa brought the news of the 80’s in Poland full-circle for me.

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As I was writing this blog post in my head while at the same time scurrying down concourse D at LaGuardia airport in New York a couple of days ago, the working title for it was, “F&$# You LaGuardia.” After realizing I had to leave security and re-enter just to (barely) make my connecting flight on the same airline (American), I was less than pleased.

Then I saw it, just by my gate - D10 - all the way at the end of the aging concourse - the Sam Adams beer stand. Not only did it serve one of my favorite microbrews, but it was how it was served, by the friendliest employee at the airport too! Oh, and they also had hot dogs too.

It was a true oasis in the madness of this flight, which was compounded by delays in our departure. The man pouring and serving dogs knew he was serving more than just that, and it showed in his enthusiasm. And it worked - not only did I write this but I snapped a photo of the booth.

After paying to redeem miles for my flight and to check luggage, the best value I got on my return trip was the cost of the beer and dogs and the tip I left for the beer man.

Next time I’ll probably fly direct on Southwest or AirTran home, but if I have to go to LGA, I’ll be heading down to gate D10 no matter my flight.

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Tomorrow, July 4, marks the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the start of the United States of America.

As I think about Independence Day, something that comes to mind is the polarity in politics today. I say that as people have always had differing opinions – even in 1776. It’s easy to blame the 24/7 media world we live in, but in order for us to come together, we need to do so in person, and not through our chosen medium.

Maybe that’s why the picnic is such a big part of celebrating the Fourth of July? To all my friends and readers in the US, not to forget those who are defending the freedoms stated in the Declaration here and around the world, a safe and happy holiday!

Photo of US flag on the Wrigley Building, Chicago by Mike Maddaloni

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The next likemind will be Friday, May 15, 2009 in dozens of cities around the world.

In Chicago, it will be at Argo Tea, 140 S Dearborn St. at the corner of Adams and Dearborn Streets in the Loop from 8:00 am to 10 am.

I call likemind a gathering of creative-minded people, from various disciplines including Internet, advertising, art, social media, et. al. For more information on likemind, you can read this great article on likemind from the New York Times.

No RSVP is required. You are also welcome to join the likemind Chicago Facebook group.

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Happy Cinco de Mayo! Today is a day when many – at least in the US – drop down to their local pub and have a Mexican beer or drink. Or 5. However many may not know the real meaning of the day, which is celebrated in some parts of Mexico for the country’s defeat of the French army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Ok, I’ll admit I had to look it up myself as I didn’t know either.

Isn’t it interesting how people accept something for a particular meaning when the reality is different, and in a good way? It’s almost perfect timing that I received a box from Don Cenobio of his recently rebranded Tres Generaciones (or 3G) premium tequila. As it came in an attractive wooden box, I thought it would be great to make an unboxing video. Though they’re typically done for electronics, why not tequila? You can see the video below, or watch the 3G unboxing video here.

Late last year I was invited to a 3G tasting at Chicago’s Frontera Grill. There I met people from the brand, as well as others in social media to try 3G and talk about tequila, among other things. In the presentation by the brand ambassador, stereotypes of tequila – mostly negative ones - were brought up, and this was something discussed afterwards. The idea of premium tequila, one that can have a taste similar to vodka or even a single malt scotch, breaks some of those stereotypes. In other words, revealing the true definition of what tequila is.

Enjoy the video, and now I am going to enjoy what I unboxed. Responsibly, of course.

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