Membership

Growing up in country clubs and around the wealthy, I developed an early and somewhat warped perception of membership. My father worked as the General Manager for various Westchester, New York and Fairfield, Connecticut country clubs and I quickly moved up the ranks from bus boy at 14 to bartender by 17. However no matter the club or the view I had over the dinning room, there always was a visible line between the likes of a 'service boy' and a 'member.'
This facilitated a fascination for luxury from a early age, be it lavish homes, exotic vacations, labels & price tags and even social circles. A simple desire for things I thought to be just out of reach.
After my four years in college and three years now out in the 'real' world I'm proud to say, I've been knocked down a few pegs. Recently, as a means to stay active while the hiring freezes begin to thaw, I've taken a part-time job at a 'local' New York Sports Club. My General Manager is a lively character even on the busy days. Hailing from England she moved here in 2003 after working in film production with the likes of Jo Brand and some other English names I have yet to truly discover. She sees it how it is and sure enough tells it how it is, right then and there. She hired me on the spot for the reason that she knew I was someone on the move looking to keep busy. She said something that I have been sitting on since last Thursday:
"[Ad Lad], I hate my job. I keep telling myself this is my last season, I want to go into consulting and travel the world, but I LOVE these members."
At first I thought, mmmmm K, but after seeing her engage and enjoy the people at the gym and seeing them enjoy her just as much, I began to feel that once very present line between a service boy like me and the membership, quickly begin to fade into the landscape.
It's interesting to peel back the silver veil and see genuine reactions and feelings from people whether it be a VIP or a bus boy. I strongly feel that, while the concept of membership and exclusivity has always existed, it's beginning to take new shapes here and there, whether from the financial crisis or the social and personal restarts taking place, it's hard to pin point. In order to really understand the pulse of the people we need to look less at the labels of 'bus boy' and 'member,' and dive head first into the characters out there. That's where the real story is.

The Power Of 6 Strings

Saturday on Labor Day weekend in New York City can mean a lot to many people. For me I had date with someone I've been neglecting of late ... myself.

It might appear to be as simple as a shirtless man in jeans with a piece of wood hanging around his shoulders surrounded by people enjoying either him, the city, their iPods or all three and more. However, for those lucky few who were there (Insert Smirnoff Ad here) it was much more!

My stroll began from the East Side with no destination but with an objective to people watch. I was going to treat myself to a snack and a can of pop, but 1. I spent $4 on a much needed bottle of Fiji Water and 2. No one calls it pop anymore and the looks bought me a detour through the Upper West Side. Soon I landed upon the scene above and a man called David That Guitar Man in Central Park. His personality was infectious and in a time when the term Swine Flu has set up shop above the fold, it was nice to see strangers converging on such a beautiful New York afternoon.

He began to engage with those passing by and those sitting, as one would do over cocktails sharing a story about that guy Bob at work and that incident with the copier. Needless to say, he had people laughing with him and at him, however no one was leaving. I began to see a certain community being built as each rhyme was made and note was sung. People's shame melted away as hands shot up as he began a group of those who have ever tried online dating, people's voices added to the tune of his guitar and to that of the city, as strangers became friends when home towns were shouted out.

Suddenly his 6 strings became 5 and even more people showed up, as he offered free hot dogs, wrapped as a pair and encouraged people to find a new friend to share one with, while he fixed his guitar. David That Guitar Man in Central Park became the shoreline connecting the people sat atop the hill with those out in the row boats as he belted out a few Beatles hits, for not only our ears but for Mr. Sid Bernstein, who just like me, was on a date with himself on this particular Saturday. Although he was a true gentleman, for he had brought a lawn chair!

Just as it was time to take to the skyline in order to make it in time for a surprise engagement party, my Saturday date was made by the power of 1 man and his 6 strings. A bride and groom making their way from what must have been the best Saturday wedding in New York, crossed the path in front of David and his hill top audience. His Beatles cover quickly turned into Elvis' Can't Help Falling In Love, as 1 by 4 by 17 by what must have been 70 of us joined in as we caught this new couple's first official New York City dance. These are the kind of memories this city is made up of.
It might have been as simple as a shirtless man in jeans with a piece of wood hanging around his shoulders surrounded by people, but for us all it was the best interruption from a midday stroll through the park, for he made people feel welcome and most of all, no matter the length of time it lasted, we all felt apart of something.

AD Lad's Honor Role

Photo from the Daily Mail September 02, 2009
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1210698/Square-deal-Unemployed-graduate-offered-job-displaying-giant-CV-4th-plinth.html

I have posted before about two young men walking up and down the freeway in New Jersey handing out their resumes, and true to form, the trend of standing above the crowd in increasingly creative ways is happening around the world!

I thought it was awesome how one spectacular night out with the Dazzler 'n friends spent in Trafalgar Square could put me right in front of my mom's eyes as I waved to her from a 4,000 miles away over a HUGE puddle!

This young man used his powers to hurl himself upon one of the highest soap boxes in London and demand people's attention from a much closer distance! I know from experience the daunting challenge that lays dormant until those entering their final year of university soon graduate to the job hunt. Emails, meetings and phone calls are all the baby steps needed to landing yourself in a job, there is no doubt. However, what that job is can differ. I think people like Alex Kearns (I hope to think myself included) will be the few who will be turning their passion for creative strategies into their bread and butter.

This is a shout out to Alex and to the rest of us out there!