Article Contributed on: 8/25/2008 11:57:34 PM
- Covering a big event is like going to Disney World - security checks, walking, waiting in lines and crowds - except there aren't any rides.
- Bring glasses cleaner.
- Don't wear pants that chafe.
- Wear industrial strength deodorant.
- The "Have Regular People Give Speeches" strategy doesn't work if you consider their feelings. The announcer even mispronounced one of their names and nobody on the floor seemed to be listening to them, anyway. People should be walking around and talking when the career politicians talk.
- You know you've heard too many speeches when Republican former congressman Jim Leach sounds like Kermit the Frog OR you think you see Cybill Shepherd on the Jumbotron OR you notice a maintenance level in direct sight of your nosebleeder seat where you imagine a Manchurian Candidate is hiding OR all of the above.
- People seemed to enjoy the Jumbotron more than the speeches because it makes them famous for five seconds.
- Everybody wants to see famous people, even if it's not themselves for five seconds. I passed two cops on cell phones by the VIP door, overhearing one remark, "Yeah, it was that actor, whoever he is, and his wife." A half block up I overheard from another conversation, "It was that guy from 'The Wire'." Also, an information desk employee (no color-coded volunteer shirt) ditched me mid-sentence when a coworker remarked, "There's my girl, Cyndi Lauper."
- Take the press bus instead of the delegate bus. Even though the delegates are friendly and chatty, you have to walk miles to the right security line.
- Go to bed earlier.