An eye for an eye is so boring. That’s why I love Dave Carroll (he and his brother Don make up the Canadian band, Sons of Maxwell). When this guy is wronged, he gets even - creatively.

It seems Dave and Don were on tour last year – and while in Chicago, sitting aboard their United plane, one of the guys spotted baggage handlers tossing guitars in the air. Their guitars – including Carroll’s $3,500 710 Taylor guitar.

So, Carroll, who seems like a pleasant and engaging fellow, begins the process of getting reimbursed for the damage to his instrument. A process that goes on for weeks. Then, months. Bottom line? Nothing. United won’t cough up any money. (And United, if you’d just respond to my email, I’d be happy to give your side of the story).

[UPDATE! According to the Los Angeles Times, United spokesperson Robin Urbanski has made contact with our hero, and said "This should have been fixed much sooner". Duh.]

Eventually, Dave says the heck with it (but I gotta say, he hung in there a lot longer than I would have), but at least he gets a little payback. Take a look at this Sons of Maxwell video called, “United Breaks Guitars”. Terrific song, lots of zingers and – best part – watch for the guitars flying through the air!

And check out the Sons of Maxwell website here – load up on some of their tunes, they’re terrific.

?

It’s 9-degrees in Chicago as I write this (or, as The Weather Channel puts it oh-so-cheerily, “It feels like -12!”). So why does a certain travel website suggest freezing New Yorkers should check-out a “Sunny Getaway” to the City-of-Big-Shoulders? (Thanks, Upgrade: Travel Better). But wait, there’s more: CNN runs a loony AP article on how tourists gush about the glories of Chicago in winter time. Gush! But wait, it gets better! Just click “more” and see for yourself.

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