In May 2018, 2econd Friday was at Mandarin Oriental.  The destination had been chosen by Ian, as part of his prize for being Year 1 Champion.  The Year 1 Awards Ceremony took place at the wonderful restaurant, Twist, at Mandarin Oriental.  In August 2018, Mandarin Oriental closed its doors.  In September 2018, those same said doors re-opened, and the name above them was Waldorf Astoria.  Hooray, a new Las Vegas resort 2econd Friday could visit, but the same wonderful restaurant, Twist.

In April 2019, 2econd Friday was at Waldorf Astoria.  The destination had been chosen by Peter and Zoe, as part of a rather simple plan.  The Year 2 Awards Ceremony took place at the wonderful restaurant, Twist, at Waldorf Astoria.  Hmm, this paragraph has a subtle scent of déjà vu, hasn’t it.  When it comes to Twist, a subtle scent of déjà vu is most desirable; ooh, yeah, a return visit is exactly what you hope for.

We were delighted to return to Twist.  We were delighted Anthony could be our fantastic server; it was great to see him, again.  There was to be a Very Special Guest, to be awarded the Customer Service Award, but sadly, plans changed, last-minute.  2econd Friday sends their very best wishes to Fassiga.

Let me just pop back to the April 2018 blog, for a reminder of why Fassiga was being awarded:

“I start typing this with uncertainty.  I’m uncertain on any possible tune selections, for something released in 2018.  Drat, Hardfloor’s latest album was released in 2017.  Hmmm, hopefully some inspiration will rise from the mind, by the end of this typing.

What I certainly am not uncertain about is a fantastic piece of customer service which I received at Park MGM. 

It happened at about 4.15am on the Saturday morning.  I was racing in the Corporate Challenge 5k, later that morning, and I realised I’d forgotten to bring some salt with me (for its fantastic anti-cramp properties).  I popped down to the shop. 

I didn’t expect them to have salt.  I had a nosey around.  I was asked if I was looking for something in particular.  I explained my situation.  The very nice young lady (Fassiga) suggested I could try through at the bar.  Aha, good thinking.  I went along, but the gent behind the bar explained that they had margarita salt, which was different.  Fair enough.  I walked back towards the lifts, passing the shop again.  Fassiga caught me as I went past, and asked if I’d managed to get some salt.  On hearing of my lack of success, she had a ponder, and told me to wait there, and she’d be back in a few minutes.  Wowser, in a few minutes, she returned, with salt, and good wishes for my race.  I thought this was fantastic.  She could so easily have just said right at the start that she was sorry, but the shop didn’t stock salt.  I would’ve been completely accepting of that.  But no, she went above and beyond, to get the customer what they were after.  Which is surely the biggest part of customer service.  Big thumbs up to Fassiga, she currently leads the challenge for the 2econd Friday Customer Service Award.”

Someone else who was missing from the Year 2 Awards Ceremony, was the Year 2 Winner, Clare.  Fear not, she was available for a live satellite link-up, on the Saturday morning (see video).

Aphex Twin released a new EP, in 2018.  The chosen song is from that.  Was Aphex Twin's musical peak his very first album, "Selected Ambient Works, 85 - 92"?  As a bonus, I'll also include the opener from that album.

Opening Date: 1st of September, 2018

Tune: "T69 Collapse" by Aphex Twin

Tune 2: "Xtal" by Aphex Twin

Dress Code: Resort Casual