Andy, Phil and I just spent the last three days in Phoenix for the news talk show conference. I'm in the airport now awaiting a plane flight that has already been delayed for an hour. So I have some time to reflect.

The three days were filled with highs and lows

Top 3 Highs:

1) We met lots of great folks. Dave Ramsey and his team were most gracious and generous with us as they always have been since we started our show. They are fine people and we are blessed to learn from them.

2) More great people. I love conferences and conventions because I love meeting people. This week I got to meet program directors from stations around the country, people who do talk shows, folks who have been doing this a long time, and people who syndicate and support talk shows. This was my first experience in this arena. I've been to countless church meetings over the past 20 years so this was a different experience. And I like that.

3) Phoenix. I'd never been here before. Interesting city. I could not live here - I'm a Southerner and I like colors and trees and green stuff. Phoenix has lots of brown - sand, cactus, barren hills. But the people have been warm and the evenings have been cool. Nice to have a new city experience.

LOWS

1) The Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Overpriced and underperforms. E.g., Phil's room was charged a "maid gratuity charge" each day. That charge did not prevent Phil's finding one of the least desirable objects imaginable under his bed. No more details other than to say it had already been used. All in all, the resort felt like it promised and charged more than it delivered.

2) Long periods of time sitting in a room listening to a person stand and talk. Admittedly, I do not do well with that. Little interactive engagement and long talks bring out the worst in my ADD.

3) Again, as mentioned the other day, flying in America has become almost unbearable. Ridiculous lines for security, small seats on crowded planes, high cost food with low quality, and weather delays all make me glad that I spend most of my time at home rather than on the road. Folks who travel a lot for business have my admiration, respect, and condolences!

I will be glad to get home.