Cisco’s Public Services Summit 2010 brought 200+ public officials together for a couple of days in Stockholm, a five-and-a-half hour train ride to Oslo, and an evening at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
The first day I flew in from Qatar. A speedy car whisked me from Stockholm airport to the Sheraton; I arrived just as my session on educational reform began. Surprise, surprise! A participant from Los Angeles was also named James Cross (which is the name in my passport.)
A sumptuous supper with new-found friends was followed by an introduction from Stockholm’s bubbly mayor and a very funny musical group.
Some of us finished the evening with a few bottles of God beer.
On Friday I skipped the keynotes and visited the immense 15th century war ship Vasa. The Vasa capsized in Stockholm harbor in 1625 because of insufficient ballast and was only re-discovered and salvaged in the late 20th century. Because she sunk in brackish water, the Vasa hardly deteriorated during her three centuries under water. This is one impressive ship, a floating advertisement for Gustavus II Adolphus, the Lion of the North.
Following afternoon keynotes from John Chambers (see previous article) and Clay Shirky, we repaired to the Grand Hotel for yet another sumptuous meal. Linda, a classical violinist who had appeared in an episode of Bay Watch entertained us.
Cisco brilliantly planned and executed the overall event. Stirring keynotes were followed by breakouts attended by a couple of dozen people each. The best part was the ride on a private train
. I talked with people in each of the six coaches. We joked and got to know one another. We had the Dunbar number of participants on board. Most people collaborated. Some slept. A few pecked at their laptops.
After after another magnificent dinner, we trooped along an inside corridor to the theatre for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
Anne Hathaway and Denzel Washington repeatedly slammed the Chinese government for incarcerating the prizewinner, humanist Liu Xiaobo. One act after another rocked the audience. A frenetic singer named Robyn got things throbbing. A fellow on electric sitar was fantastic. Bollywood dancers exuded energy. Herbie Hancock was masterful. The only downer was the closing a
ct, Barry Manilow, who lip-synced his way through several songs. Barry’s had so many facelifts he hardly looks human.
Then we marched back to the hotel for a party that lasted into the wee hours. Not for me, though. I had to get up and am writing this as I zip along through the Dutch countryside on a high-speed train.
My dear sir, I normally do not correspond or respond to people like you, but your unnecessary and hurtful comment about Barry Manilow was enough to stir my ire.
If you do not like Mr. Manilow that is certainly your opinion, but to bash a human being you do not know is disgusting. First of all I know for a fact the man does not lip-synch. I know people who were at the concert and your statement is totally false. Secondly, what does his appearance or face-lifts, if he’s had any – apparently you have that information from a good source – have to do with his performance or the concert.
Have you ever met Barry Manilow? I have many times! Have you seen his performance? I have many times. Do you know Barry, have you spoken to him, do you know the tremendous man he is? Obviously you don’t. His legendary talent aside, what he’s done for public school music programs in the US, not to mention his involvement with other charities makes him deserving of a Nobel Prize.
If you were half the person he is you would not have posted such insulting, cruel comments. It’s sad there aren’t more people in the world like Barry Manilow who would never bash another person for any reason, and less like you who find pleasure in hurting people, what a nicer world this would be.
Respectfully,
Helen Holdun
A chaqu’un son gout.
I only know Barry from a distance. This was the first time I’ve ever seen him.
Dear Mr. Cross,
I happened upon your post as my son and I are researching a report for his small history class. We have been studying Gustavus Adolphus. What a mighty fortress and great man of God.
I’m wondering if you could share with my family some of what the summit was about that you were attending and what the breakout sessions were about as well.
We live in the midwest of the US and are intrigued by your opportunity to be with such a group of people and certainly ideas.
Hope this finds you and your family well.
Thank you,
Cynthia Thomas