The very first bit we shot for this new series was the Segway stuff. We actually did not intend to do anything more than
just get a couple of shots of me scooting by the skyline, but we figured if weÂre going to go to the trouble of pulling the
ol camera out and dress me in my outfit we may as well ask a few questions and see if could get a segment out of the proceedings.
IÂm so glad we did. Because riding these Segway dealies is a gas. (Actually they are electric.) Is it easy? People, it
is so easy you wonÂt believe it. If you can stand on your own two feet you can drive a segway. And get this: Tom actually
rode one whilst carrying 35 pounds on his shoulder. This is dedication.
So we begin the show at the Family Hostel downtown. I love this place. It feeds my love of all things international. The
notion that this place is a magnet for people from all over the world, all vying for refrigerator space in the communal kitchen
floats my boat. Here is where we can learn a lot about peace and co-existence on a rapidly shrinking planet. Have you ever
stayed in a hostel, by the way? If you have youÂre really going to appreciate how terrific this place is. Really world class,
clean, friendly and accommodating. If only I didnÂt live within the city limits IÂd want to come down and spend the night
just for fun.
Our three unsuspecting stars playing ping-pong were radiologists attending a big radiology confab at McCormick Place. So
if the hostel is good enough for a handful of doctors itÂs got to be good enough for most. And think of the jack these guys
saved!
While editing Cereality I had to cope with serious cravings as images of chocolate and bananas and oatmeal flashed before
my eyes hour by hour. I gots to get back to Cereality! What was your favorite cereal, by the way? I actually didnÂt get
so into cereal until early adulthood when I discovered what an excellent meal it makes any time of day. I add bananas and
raisins and I mix a bunch of different varieties, usually corn flakes, or Product 19 (unseen at Cerality  too boring) with
something sweet like granola. My dearly departed Aunt Ruth used to eat nothing but cereal in her final years. It runs in
the family.
And what of Wicked? The main thing is that I loved hanging with Gene and Rondi backstage getting the tour. Such fun people.
I liked GeneÂs comment too, about being careful when youÂre in the wings watching the witches sing ÂFor Good and trying not
to cry. IÂve always been an easy cry myself, and true to form I was tearing up in the edit suite every time we worked on
that part of the segment. I told Tom I was having allergy problems. (Tee hee. Actually I have no problem sharing my feelings
with Tom. We are both man enough to express our emotions. As long as there is caffeine and sugar nearby.)
Oh, I hope you gave some serious thought to what was perhaps my most provocative question of the night: WhatÂs the most wicked
thing youÂve ever done? Come on, dear viewers, letÂs fess up on our message board. You canÂt keep carrying that load all
your life. A buried secret is buried alive. Save yourself some therapy bills and talk to Ben.
Lastly, if you are loving the show and want more, let WTTW know. And make sure to click on all those links from our friends
at the Illinois Bureau of Tourism to make your plans for your own road trip. See you on TV!
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