Friday, February 25, 2011

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

This review literally made me laugh out loud.

"Could've been a pleasant visit, but for the mutilated bird."

Date of review: Jan 22, 2011

I visited the Loews for a sales coference in January. The hotel is a ways from downtown Coronado but is a great location if you're looking for easy beach access. You are surrounded by gorgeous views of the harbor and marina.

The rooms were large, clean, and most have balconies, though mine didn't. The decor was not too my taste: minty-green walls, rattan chairs, and glass lamps filled with sand and seashells.

I would've had a great time were it not for the large cage of birds in between the lobby and building 1. Many of my colleagues and I are not fans of caged birds. Worst of all, I noticed that one of the birds was getting pecked to death--the poor little thing was missing most of its feathers and frankly looked gruesome. I mentioned this to the front desk three times over two days and they promised to do something. Nothing happened, so I escalated the issue to Carlos, the manager. To his credit, he was very responsive and took a look at the bird immediately. He said it was getting pecked and was malnourished. He said they'd try to separate it from the others. "Try" was not good enough, so I checked on it again the next morning and it was still there.

At that point I went ballistic and complained a fifth time. Evidently the hotel does not have a separate cage for injured birds and had to go buy one. Clearly, aside from throwing some feed in, they do NOT take care of their pets. It's depressing that none of the 'caretakers' noticed the sick birds, and that it took five complaints before the bird was separated.

Loews, please reconsider having caged birds and if you must, then TAKE CARE OF THEM. Period. I had to threaten to call animal control before action was taken.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

5th Stanza of the Star Spangled Banner

This 5th stanza was added after the Confederates claimed the Star Spangled Banner as their own after the attack on Fort Sumter.

"When our land is illumed with liberty's smile,
If a foe from within strike a blow at her glory –
Down, down with the traitor that dares to defile
The flag of her stars and the page of her story!
By the millions unchained who our birthright have gained,
We will keep her bright blazon forever unstained!
And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave
While the land of the free is the home of the brave."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Thursday, September 13, 2007

The 405

So I was visiting Los Angeles recently. Most people know there is a highway in Los Angeles called "The 405". This got me to thinking. In Atlanta there are multiple interstates: 75, 85, 285, 20. Yet when you're in Atlanta you will never hear anyone say "Take the 285 to the 75". You would simply hear "Take 285 to 75". So why is it that interstate 405 gains that powerful "the"? In response to this, I urge everyone to add "the" to whatever interstates you have in your area. Why should those in LA have all the fun??

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Pirates Opening

At a Pittsburgh Pirates game, there is an animated pirate that speaks the following words:

"Seek ye adventure and salty old pirates, eh? Sure, ye've come to the proper place. But keep ye weather-eye open, mates, and hold on tight. There be squalls ahead! With pirates lurking in every cove...and Davy Jones' locker waiting for those that don't obey. No fear have ye of pirates, says ya? Properly warned, says I! Proceed at your own risk, as these be the last friendly words ye hear. And remember...dead men tell no tales. "