Working in a company where travel is a way of life, it didn’t take long for my co-workers to discover my secret to survival. I am of course speaking of my Airplane Action Pants. My prized pair of long and loose black jersey pants have gotten me through many a flight. That magic pair of pantalones acts as my super-powered mobile security blanket ready to spring into action in the off chance that our plane should go down with the possibility of escaping to a deserted island far less sketchy than the one featured on the television show Lost. Unlike my regular standby, good old fashion blue jeans, they will not restrict my range of motion when climbing over seats to reach the nearest emergency exit. Dive head first down the inflatable slide allowing my skirt to fly over my head? No thank you sir, I am a lady. I will glide to safety with my dignity in tact in my Airplane Action Pants thank you very much.

Once upon a time before my transformation into the high rolling jetsetter I am now, flying to such exotic locations as Tampa, Miami, and um, Tampa, I had never stepped foot on a mode of transportation larger than the family station wagon. It was around this time that I found my guru. As a devout disciple of Oprah, I watched the show religiously everyday through my high school and college years.

Life lessons from Oprah stick with me more than a decade later. From the goddess of daytime television I learned that when in the bathroom stall at an airport, put your purse between your feet. Thieves and scalawags are on the prowl just waiting to reach over the thin metal door, daring all non-Oprah-watching fools to use the purse hook. Oh, and never turn your back to the door as you approach the toilet. The thieves are watching your feet for the opportunity to reach under the door and grab your bag. There must have been other tips on the show about airport security (this was years prior to 9/11) but the bathroom purse thing is the only one that stuck with me. As you may have already guessed, it was an episode of the Lady O show on how to survive a plane crash that inspired my Airplane Action Pants. Again, I’m sure there were other perhaps even more helpful tips in that episode, but the part about wearing pants that are easy to move in is the only part I remember.

Oprah doesn’t just give me travel tips; she also guides my spending habits. I ran out and bought the first ever book club selection in hardback, Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon (and read it three years later). When I got my first grown-up paycheck my first purchase was nice matching set of towels, just like Oprah. While shopping for my college dorm I told my mom that only 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets would suffice—and not just any 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, they had to be the ones featured on Oprah’s favorite things list.

It’s been years now since I’ve watched the Oprah Winfrey show with any regularity but she still has an impact on my everyday life. The episode on accidental tragedies—horrific life-changing events that occurred all because someone wasn’t paying attention—scarred  me enough for life that I now check the backseat of my car every morning to make sure I don’t accidentally leave the baby before I head into work. My memory of that episode is so strong that it makes the fact that I don’t have a baby an insignificant detail. Everyone at one point or another finds their guiding light and Oprah is mine. I’m not ashamed to admit it. You’re totally thinking now about what pants you’re going to wear on your next flight, aren’t you?

See you on the flip side,

Joy

Last Wednesday, our third Sixthman Sessions came to an end.  I’m excited to say that lightning has struck all three times, and we came away with some amazing songs.  Steve posted a video from Sessions last week, but I wanted to give you a little more of the behind-the-scenes play by play.

Last week was the first time we brought together a group of artists from Cayamo, and I don’t think we could’ve found a more perfect collection of five.  Shawn Mullins and Rebecca Lovell joined us for dinner on Sunday night.  We didn’t have any writing sessions planning until everyone got in Monday morning, but Rebecca and Shawn felt inspired to begin writing right away.  So as Alan, our sound guy, and I set up for the following day, Shawn and Rebecca wrote a beautiful chorus.  They started on guitar and mandolin, played around with a piano part, and ultimately decided at midnight to put the song on hold until the morning.

We knew Edie Carey and Glen Phillips were riding up with Mike Sunday night and were getting in late late, so Alan and I waited up.  Until 3:30am.  After getting everyone situated, we were about to hit the sack when Chuck Cannon texted me and said he would be in at around 4:00am.  After showing him to his room, everyone was able to get a couple hours rest before diving into the songwriting process.

Morning began, and Rebecca and Shawn wanted to continue writing the song they had started, but wanted to add Chuck, a seasoned co-writer, into the mix.  Typically we limit the writing sessions to 3-4 hours, but those three were on a roll and requested to keep writing when it was time to switch things up.  Edie and Glen were happy to write another song together (what would become “Comfortable,”) and the trio ended up recording “Must Be Love” 24 hours after the chorus was born.  After the excitement of the creation of 3 new songs, we couldn’t wait to see what Tuesday brought.

We began Tuesday with Rebecca, Edie, and Chuck in one room and Glen and Shawn in the other.  After only 3 hours or so, Glen and Shawn walked out, ready to record (I secretly think Glen is a super-fast songwriting ninja), and laid down “New Dream” while the others finished up.  After another couple of hours, the trio emerged from their room with a kick-ass (and hilarious) blues song called “You Want It.”  After laying down the initial vocals and instrumentals, the group of five collaborated for another couple of hours, adding tons of harmonies, hand claps, and a killer slide guitar part.  That song ended up as one of my favorites by far.

For the last session, we planned n breaking everyone into groups again, but they wanted to all write together.  Who are we to deny that magic?  While the boys all went off to call their wives and children, the girls hung around the main room, strumming chords and finding a direction for the new song.  When they all came together, the talent was overflowing.  Everyone stayed up into the wee hours writing and recording, and continued the process the following morning, eventually putting finishing touches on the song “Snows of Winter.”

There were many similarities in this Sessions retreat to our other retreats, but I noticed one huge difference – the time and thoughtfulness put behind every word, every note, every song.  Instead of writing a line and moving on, the amount of editing was astounding.  By the end, that’s all everyone talked about…how songwriting was all about editing.  Making tweaks, changing words, adjusting whole verses in an effort to create a masterpiece.  And that’s just what we ended up with – 5 masterpieces.  I can’t wait until you guys hear them in their entirety on Cayamo.

-Lauren

I probably get this question more than any other and don’t think I have ever answered it.  So if you are ever on The Price is Right and you are asked how much a band makes when they play a concert, here is what I know from my experience.

A good rule of thumb is that the band makes between 50-70% of the total amount of ticket sales.  So the next time you are at a show, do some quick math about how many people are there and what the average ticket costs.  Ex) 10,000 people @ $25 = $250,000 then multiply by 60% leaving the artist with $150,000

Once you figure out how much the band actually makes, then make the following deductions.  10% for the Booking Agent, 15% for the Manager and 5% for the Business Manager or 30%.

$150,000 x 30% (see above) = $45,000 in commissions and $105,000 remaining for the band.  But that’s not all…..the band is responsible for paying for the expenses for their crew, buses, hotels, gas etc which can be anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 per day depending on how many crew and buses the band has on the road. (A band playing for 10,000 people would be on the high end of this seeing as they would have lots of buses, trucks, crew, hotels etc.)

So at the end of the day, the band walks with between $80,000 – $100,000 of $8-10 of the $25 you paid to get in.  Assuming the band has 5 members and they split it evenly, they each make $16,000 – 20,000 per person to do what they love.  Not as much as you thought but still not a bad day.

Sure that works when they are playing to 10,000 people, but what about when you are playing to 1,000 people?  1,000 @ $15 = $15,000 Total x 60% for the Band = $9,000.  Then take out the Commissions of 30% and it leaves the band with $6,300 to pay for the bus, crew, gas, hotels etc.  In this case, the additional expenses would be in the $2,500 range resulting in a take home of $3,800 or $760 per person.

No two scenarios are the same and sometimes bands get crazy money to play birthday parties, corporate conventions and weddings but this should get you close enough if you were ever on The Price Is Right and had to guess in the Showcase Showdown. (FYI…this link is a 1:00 video of a man guessing the amount of his Showcase on the nose.)

Andy

PS. Drew Copeland from Sister Hazel won a car on The Price is Right in 1999 while the band was in LA recording their album.

This past week, we brought five Cayamo artists out to Augusta to participate in the first annual Cayamo Sixthman Sessions.  Check it out:

Sixthman TV – The Cayamo Sixthman Sessions

-Steve

So, last year, some of you may remember, I blogged about one of the best parties I have ever attended in my life – a Denver, Colorado, Rock Boat-ish, middle of the mountains, ‘Throwdown in the Rockies’.

Why did I travel all the way to Colorado for a party you ask? Well, it’s a little thing called the Sixthman Throwdown. It’s a challenge to our past guests, future guests and prospective guests to show US the environment you call a ‘party’ the 361 days you aren’t cruising with us. It’s a way for us to connect with guests on a deeper level and get to know their life outside of ship hallways and SXM usernames. It’s a way for us to help them strengthen their community – be it friends, family and maybe people they don’t even know.

The minute I left Colorado last year (and 8 other sixthman team members left 4 other respective parties), it was already decided we would host this competition again. It was brilliant (not to mention incredibly fun) because it provided so many stories for us and the guests we visited.

On Saturday, September 12, 2009 (about 2 weeks ago), the Sixthman team crashed more parties as a part of Sixthman Throwdown – Part 2. We were all still so anxious and excited from last year, that we couldn’t wait to get back out there. And to no surprise, the parties – although each very different – gave us just as many stories to tell.

The reason I’m writing is because once again, the minute I left my party, I started thinking about the 2010 Sixthman Throwdown. Almost instantly, my mind began spinning with ideas about how to improve the competition in the future, and freshen it up. Not surprising at all, several of the other ‘Sixthman party goers’ were having the exact same thoughts.

So, we met recently to talk through any challenges we may have met, the great moments that seemed ‘Sixthman-esque’, and solutions we each had to make it better next year. We are searching for the secret formula to making a killer Sixthman party environment on land. I am super excited with what we came up with.

So, without outlining the promotion in its entirety before we even have a date for it, I will give you this sneak preview:

*party guests will participate more in 2010 year, than in the past
*the number of people in attendance is not as important as the quality of the community there
*activities and creativity are NEVER underestimated
*the amount of money spent absolutely does NOT make a difference
*everyone, whether throwing a party or not, might get to participate on a deeper level

So, as the title demands… watch out for the 2010 Sixthman Throwdown. It’s coming back, with force, and it’s gonna rock!

-Ape

This weekend, I had an idea. Inspiration cannot be scheduled and definitely cannot always be explained, but I am going to attempt to explain the train of thought that lead to my idea. Let’s start from the beginning:

My name is Becki Carr and I’m a Sixthman newbie. I’m here to help out with the public relations efforts; I want to tell the Sixthman story to as many people as possible! I’m also a cruise newbie, though, and over the past week I heard and read so much cruise jargon that I was becoming confused. I’m going on The Elvis Cruise in November, so I really need to learn the terms in time to know what I’m talking about. I found a GREAT cruise terms glossary online.

Many of you are cruise veterans and returning Sixthman passengers, but I’m sure there are people out there who are booking Sixthman cruises who have never been on a cruise before at all… What’s the best way to share this cruise-speak and celebrate the cruise lifestyle? Here’s where I finally get to my point: Saturday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day – my very favorite holiday. My idea: why not have a Talk Like a Cruiser day for all of us cruise rookies? So…

I’m officially dubbing today Talk Like a Cruiser Day!!! Your office is now the Lido Deck. Everything behind you is your Aft. Your kitchen is your Galley. Your window is now a Porthole. If an officer pulls you over for speeding, tell him you were traveling at 14 Knots (ok, maybe this one is actually a bad idea). Practice makes perfect, and I hope to see all you Landlubbers on our Maiden Voyage speaking as if you’ve spent your whole life on a ship. Take care, and LIVE LOUD!

Becki

When I work on something, I need to be immersed in it, I need to get a feel about the community around it and I need to see how everything is connected for me to be able to do a job I’m proud of. The Elvis Cruise is coming up in about 6 weeks; I am diving ever deeper into the Elvis culture. We have cardboard Elvis stand-ups all over the office, I’m listening to Elvis while I work, and I just finished reading Me and a Guy Named Elvis, written by Jerry Schilling, Memphis Mafia member, longtime friend, confidante, and employee of Elvis. He also happens to be the host of the Elvis Cruise.  (I can’t wait to meet him!)

It is written from such a perspective that it gave a true soul to this person who has become an icon on his best days, and a caricature on his worst. When I think of Elvis, I think of an almost deity, untouchable, with a perfect pompadour. Jerry has turned him human, and shown that he is a regular man, one who yearned for creative release, affection, and who was a generous, loving soul.

I was skeptical about this friendship at first. Jerry just seemed like a fan who wanted into the inner circle, but as the story goes on, he grows up and his bond with Elvis turns into a true friendship, one based on trust, loyalty, and a common respect.

Elvis was a true artistic talent, at his best when in front of an audience sharing his amazing, unique voice. This book follows his career from the humble beginnings of “That’s All Right” through his years as an actor in Hollywood, until his last days. Throughout the years, Jerry was there to protect his friend in times of need, or to share a laugh and a smile.

I cried when Elvis died (Is that a spoiler? It shouldn’t be).  It was such a sad thing.  Without knowing, Elvis touched the lives of millions of people, and continues to do so. He introduced a kind of music to America that scared the establishment . He then got that same “establishment” to love and respect him. Absolute magic, is what that is. Please read this book. It’s beautiful.

-Barb

Once upon a time, I worked in the call center. Back then we were in the big yellow house and we had taken on 5 cruises for the first time. I was doing other jobs on top of call center duties – bookkeeping, office and building management, travel arrangements – you name it. I took maybe 3 -5 calls a day and never really felt the pressure in the cooker, so to speak.

Well a couple of weeks ago the whole company was asked to pitch in and help out on the phones. Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise had just gone on sale and the Call Center was being bombarded. I thought to myself, “I used to work phones. How hard could it be?” Well after two days of being on the phones nonstop my throat hurt, my blood pressure was up, my emotions were haywire and my brain felt like mush…complete and utter mush. I mean, the sheer amount of numbers, and dates, and cabin categories, and ship layouts, and answers to a billion questions that they have to keep at the forefront of their minds every day has blown me away. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the job they do.

It got me thinking…what do the rest my coworkers do? What are their busiest days like? For instance, I work in Operations. We are the “devil in the details” department, doing all the behind the scenes work that makes the event run – lining up delivery companies, creating the on board schedule, ticketing the shows, etc, etc. For the most part, whenever an outsider looks into our area of the office they will find us hunched over our computers working quietly but intensely on spreadsheets (our way of remembering a billion details), emailing Carnival reps or spot-checking any number of things that are currently in the works for a cruise. It may not look or sound as busy as the call center, but about two months before an event we all begin looking red-eyed and frazzled as we keep all the balls in the air and try to make the event go off without a hitch. What would a phone ninja think if she got put in my shoes during my busiest time of year?

If you are like me, there have to have been times when you wondered if your coworkers realize how hard you work, but did you ever stop to wonder how hard they are working as well? Imagine the respect you would gain for each other if your whole office understood the good, the bad and the ugly of each others’ jobs. I highly recommend walking in their footsteps some time…or at the very least, taking a minute to say thanks.

Thanks Ninjas – if for nothing else saving our customers from frazzled old me on the phones.

Jill Mac

I recently witnessed the creation of a half dozen new songs by a talented group of musicians.  Over a 3-day period, I was able to watch the songs develop from embryo to infant to toddler.  As I found myself driving back from Augusta to Atlanta with the demo CD on repeat, proclaiming that every song was a huge hit, I realized why every parent believes their child is so beautiful.

How could I not connect with these songs in a uniquely special way?  I watched them being conceived, nourished and birthed.  It was a pure process combining talent, creativity, experience and vulnerability to make something from nothing.

It was “Discovery” in its purest form.

All I could think about was that if bands could figure out a way to share that process with as many of their fans as possible, they would increase album sales dramatically and the bond with their fans.

You think this is why Google does Beta testing and launches new products that you need to be “invited to” by a friend or Google in order to be a part of the Beta Testing?

Have you ever decided you that you didn’t like something because it was hyped so much by the media or friends?  I loved the book, The Davinci Code, but refused to see the movie because I was never given a chance to discover it.  It was so hyped before it came out that I had no interest.

It was already proclaimed to be awesome and perfect before I had a chance to weigh in.  Why would I go to the movies with no upside?  All the pressure was on me to like the movie and it didn’t matter if I did or didn’t because the Jury had spoken before the trial.

Now that I have had a premiere experience in “Discovery”, my awareness and commitment to integrating “Discovery” into our culture is intense.

Be honest, have you dissed something because it was over hyped and there was no chance for you to “Discover” it?

Andy

For the final podcast of the season, Steve sits down with Sixthman owner Andy Levine to discuss the past, present, and future of the Podcasts and Sixthman TV.  Andy also shares a few stories about the office, the Grand Ole Opry, and Lauren’s birthday.  For our music segment, The Lovell Sisters were nice enough to stop by the office and perform their song, “Time to Grow.”

Sixthman Podcast #36 [ 15:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download