Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.1 hour:He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made..... How many other things are we missing?
MICHELLE BRANCH stopped by the show this morning. She has a new disc in stores in November. She's on a radio tour and plans to do a full blown tour later this fall. For more, check her out at www.michellebranch.com
After hosting "CHESTER-FEST" in Chesterland over the weekend, I enjoyed one of the best pizzas i have ever had at "GUIDO's"! "THE WORKS" was amazing! I'll be back....
Thanks to everyone who joined us at PARTY IN THE PARK in Northfield, Ohio on Friday night. "THE BREAKFAST CLUB" was awesome. My friend Brian Dossa from the band and I share a moment...with, uh, my shirt....
Glenn and I backstage with Chad and Ryan from NICKELBACK at Blossom on Friday night. 
My friends and web designers Val and Todd Renner
Gabby and Daddy on The HomeRun Porch
My daughter Gabby's best friend Gabrielle (left)
I caught up with newly inducted Hall of Famer BRUCE SMITH of The Buffalo Bills on Sunday at The Hall of Fame Game. Smith, was by far, the star of the weekend festivities in Canton. It's pretty cool gettin' a photo-op with a Hall of Famer as he sports the gold jacket! : ) 
ESPN'S TOM JACKSON
HANGIN' WITH ESPN'S TREY WINGO
JACKSON AND WINGO ON THE ESPN SET
After weeks of fostering "LUCY" from The Cleveland APL, we have finally decided to officially adopt her and make her part of our family. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for our daughter Gabby. She has wanted to adopt a dog for the longest time. She has clearly earned it and couldn't be more happy! 
I FINALLY ate at MOMOCHO in Ohio City-and LOVED IT! The place has been open for nearly four years and I finally got around to eating there. It's my kind of place; casual, festive and amazing food! The guacomole sampler was fabulous! Wonderful food, great patio, great bar, awesome service... I will be back...very soon!
I snapped these two pix this week at Edgewater Park at sunset.
I've been spending a lot of time hangin' out with friends at Spennato's in Northfield. I never look at the menu, I just ask "G" to bring "whatever"....and he does the rest. His Pasta Carbonara is mind blowing! I've learned that when you go to a good italian place, you shouldn't tell them what you want...you should have them tell YOU want you want.... : )
Mexican food in Parma Heights...good times!
