Random thoughts from the Arizona getaway...

Phoenix traffic can be horrible. We Kansas Citians don't realize what a blessing it can be to have so many highway options.

The Royals can be horrible. Man, they looked bad against the Rangers. But it was easy to overlook that when the sky was blue, temperature was near 80 and you're sitting 5 rows from the dugout. That said, there should be a law against funnel cakes costing $6.

Every vacation should include time to just do nothing.

Sedona is like Manitou Springs, CO on steroids.

What a great place for running in April. (June/July/August/etc., not so much.)

If you're ever in Scottsdale and think it'd be nice to visit Taliesin West, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes, bring your wallet. You can't go in without going on a tour…and a tour costs a minimum of $27.

Kudos to Valle Luna restaurant in Scottsdale…and to Cary for recommending it.

Thoughts during the Springsteen show:

#8 show I've seen…and I'd probably rate it 8th out of the 8. It was a great concert, just not as great as the other seven. Only the second show of the tour, so saw a few more screw-ups than I'm used to.

Updated concert rankings (in order): Kansas City, Houston, Dublin #2, Omaha, St. Paul, Dublin #1, Dallas, Phoenix

Kind of weird to see "Badlands" open the show.

Lots of stuff from the new album—"Outlaw Pete," "My Lucky Day" and "Kingdom of Days" were great.

There should be a law against a bag of roasted nuts costing $7.50.

Clarence is showing his age...but the big man looked great dancing during "Out In The Street," whistling during "Working On A Dream" and hitting all the big notes when he had to.

Does any song really need two tambourines? ("Because The Night")

Two new backup singers for this tour…that means 12 people on stage.

I could do with "American Land" leaving the setlist…but it was great to finally hear "Land of Hope and Dreams" live.

Can't wait for the Denver show (Good Friday)