Ahh, yes. Karaoke cab. On our way out to the conference fate brought us to a very happy Korean fellow who happened to be listening - and singing along to - classical opera, while at the same time driving like the stunt driver for Jackie Chan in The Tuxedo. How's that for a mental picture?

Now anyone who has ridden in a cab knows you can meet some very colorful people out there, but this guy took the blue ribbon, hands down. In between doing his best Pavarotti impressions, he kept up a string of witty banter in a heavy accent that made him sound like he just got off the boat, even though he'd apparently been in Vegas for 16 years. Of course, he did this while looking over his shoulder at us and doing 60 down side streets.

Pandora's Box really got opened when we arrived outside the convention center, and RS Tom can't stop himself, so he tells the driver "You sing well.", to which we get "Oh, I sing every day!" which leads to "You should start a Karaoke cab.".

Oh no. It's on now.

Our gracious host pulls out - I am not making this up - a Mr. Microphone like mic that transmits to his car stereo, and pushes the play button. What else would have Korean classical music lover sing to?

Light My Fire. The Doors.

So we're outside the convention center, windows down, people in business suits coming in and out, and we have this guy singing the opening words to the song in a heavy accent. At which point, of course, he turns around and shoves the thing in my face.

What could I do? I sang the chorus.

Now that's what I call arriving in style.

RS Tom tipped him nicely.

...And then there's the one about the NYC cabbie working in Vegas the next night. Well, maybe another time. :)