I’d just seen William Jefferson Clinton speak, and was pretty charged up to go and “redefine the country” and “shape the message of the 21st century” and “frame the discussion” so my children and grandchildren would be richer for my efforts.

Seriously, ol’ Willie J has a way with words. Thusly inspired, I bolted from the Hilton, headed over to the 6 train, and…waited and waited and waited. Fifteen minutes later, as my enthusiasm for changing the world slowly ebbed, the second announcement in the last five minutes promised that “the downtown 6 train is approoaching 51st Street.”

Finally, the train limped in like a ‘79 Skylark with two busted cylinders. Soon as we boarded, the conductor announced, “The 6 train will be going local to Grand Central, then goes express to 14th.”

One stop later, we were waiting for another damn 6 train.

Nearly an hour passed since Bill wrapped up his talk and I returned to my office. I wasn’t so much focused on redefining the world at that point, just having a little lunch.