“Preparations” is the one word that could sum the hustle and bustle of the Mall area when we skipped on to the scene around 10 AM. The area was full of activity: Dozens of work crews were hauling fences, hanging signage, lights, etc. in every direction; TV Stations from across the country were running around setting up their trucks and gear; Security and Law Enforcement groups were starting to shut down streets and set up check points. Our own first task of the day was to meet with the Sanford High School Marching Band and their director for some interviewing.
After a couple of brief telephone calls, we were hot on their trail and bound for Union Station. As we approached, we found a group of students, who immediately fell under the spell of Brian’s whimsical charm and eagerly gushed about their experiences (be sure to catch the report by listening to WGAN!). Things were looking up – task #1 was completed almost immediately.
Meanwhile, Sir Gordo was off to Union Station proper. No, not for another interview. It was a hunt for AAA batteries for Recorder #2. Little did we know that this sudden task would lead him almost back to Delaware (where they undoubtedly would have charged him $3.72 just to ask for directions to the nearest CVS). However, with some last second intervention from an apathetic book store employee, he was pointed in the right direction. Just in time too, since we did not end up needing Recorder #2 today.
The final step of our own prepartions was to get our fearless leader – known to you as the Award Winning Journalist and Beacon of Hope, Brian J. Pelletier - his media credentials. All that this required of us was to find a Metro station, head to Dupont Circle and then moonwalking our way over the CBS headquarters. After an hour of walking over every inch of the same 3 blocks (twice), we found the elusive Metro Station and made it to CBS where the unbelievable happened. We saw in the lobby the host of the CBS Early Show, Harry Smith (easily one of the top 262 moments in Byrne’s life). We then hopped into the Willy Wonka Elevator with a gumbah security guard and headed up to floor ten – by pressing the button for the third floor. Once in the CBS News radio studio, the credentials were acquired and we were back on our merry way.
All in all, Act I was a success with only one harmless hiccup. Outside of some shady navigating and a sudden case of map-illiteracy, we found ourselves to be in good shape to run over to the "We Are One" concert celebration.
Meanwhile, Sir Gordo was off to Union Station proper. No, not for another interview. It was a hunt for AAA batteries for Recorder #2. Little did we know that this sudden task would lead him almost back to Delaware (where they undoubtedly would have charged him $3.72 just to ask for directions to the nearest CVS). However, with some last second intervention from an apathetic book store employee, he was pointed in the right direction. Just in time too, since we did not end up needing Recorder #2 today.
The final step of our own prepartions was to get our fearless leader – known to you as the Award Winning Journalist and Beacon of Hope, Brian J. Pelletier - his media credentials. All that this required of us was to find a Metro station, head to Dupont Circle and then moonwalking our way over the CBS headquarters. After an hour of walking over every inch of the same 3 blocks (twice), we found the elusive Metro Station and made it to CBS where the unbelievable happened. We saw in the lobby the host of the CBS Early Show, Harry Smith (easily one of the top 262 moments in Byrne’s life). We then hopped into the Willy Wonka Elevator with a gumbah security guard and headed up to floor ten – by pressing the button for the third floor. Once in the CBS News radio studio, the credentials were acquired and we were back on our merry way.
All in all, Act I was a success with only one harmless hiccup. Outside of some shady navigating and a sudden case of map-illiteracy, we found ourselves to be in good shape to run over to the "We Are One" concert celebration.
(Day One: Act II will be posted tomorrow with all of the supporting pictures and video)
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