Grand Central Terminal, March 30, 2011 - The government and media have been stating that the nation’s economic situation is turning around. The reported unemployment rate recently has dropped somewhat and it appears that more corporate money has been freed-up for feel-good events. The evidence of all this – more public relations events held in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall.
Historically speaking, Vanderbilt Hall was once a waiting room where passengers waited to board famous trains such as the New York Central's Twentieth Century Ltd. Yes, this is the train that they literally rolled out the red carpet (giving rise to that often-used iconic phrase). It is fitting that a room that was used to physically transport passengers to other parts of the country, is now used to take visitors into different realms and places.
Within the past few weeks, many events have been held there. At first, I'll use the past week as an example, I’ll explore the happenings.
Bermuda Tourism held a day-long event that featured CBS-FM’s live morning drive program hosted by Dan Taylor with his sidekicks Mr. G (weatherman) and newswoman Debra Rodriguez. The public got a rare glimpse into seeing this popular radio program in progress in addition to being able to have autographed publicity photos of those broadcasting stars. The overall event had booths with handouts, samples of drinks and a band that played music you would expect to hear in Bermuda. This was held on the eastern side of Vanderbilt Hall.
Nintendo had a two-day event on the western half of the famed hall, allowing the public to experience 3-D gaming and other features their new technology had to offer. Even I, a noted non-computer game player, was lured into the modernistic shell to experience this new visual. My impression is that this is certainly a long wayfrom Pac-Man and other games from thirty years ago.
In a couple of weeks prior to this, NBC-TV staged an event for their latest 'reality show', America's Next Great Restaurant. The public was treated to various prepared food samples ranging from a bean salad to fried chicken in a bun. Not only were the food samples quite good, but it got me to view the program that Sunday evening (maybe it was the food that got me to watch the program).
The economic recovery has been slow but moving ahead nonetheless. With worries about inflation creeping into the economic puzzle, that is worrisome for sure – but the trip to Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall took me away from all those issues. So relaxing, it felt like Bermuda or even being in a great new restaurant with a great meal. The red carpet may not be rolled out here for 'The Century' anymore, but visitors still get the royal treatment.
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