21
May

It ain’t over, ’til it’s over. . . .

You have probably learned that there is some viral disease causing quite a bit of aggravation for everybody these days. And while we may miss fine indoor dining at McDonald’s and hanging out at our favorite pub; we must try to conceive of the idea that this too shall pass. If it doesn’t; then perhaps Macbeth was correct when he opined that life was often too brief and too easily forgotten.

We can’t let that happen to the creative arts, whether our interests be in paint, glass, dance, music, stage, or any other non-political enterprise. Atlanta is fortunate in that it has THE airline hub of the nation, school systems that have come back from some lower grades, and a VERY active cultural arts community.

Alas, I would be remiss were I not to say that we shall probably lose some of our theatre groups, as well as the humans who bring them to life for every one of us. For as the economy falls deeper, there are things such as food and shelter which must take priority for each of us.

If you are computer knowledgeable and know how to do stuff like streaming, zoom, and all that jazz; then know that all the theatres seem to be trying to reach out in any way they can to help you get through the day; and in the hope that we may be able to help them get through the storm.

Even if you are financially stressed right now, you may wish to make a list of organizations, be they theatres, museums or other groups and amend your will to provide some remittance when you shuffle off this mortal coil. At least you shall be remembered and appreciated and it is paying backward, not forward.

For we must not accept that we strut and fret our hour upon the stage, to be heard no more, and signifying nothing

To each and every one who has brought entertainment, relief, deep thoughts, and so much more to every one of us; we stand and salute you all and love you dearly; hoping you shall stay well and partially sane.

NEVER GIVE UP.

14
May

Ahoy Matey !

With all the problems in the world right now, the hospitality and travel industries have been devastated. Hotels are empty, airplanes are sitting on the ground, and cruise ships are just standing by. But, when things finally get somewhat resolved, fear not for you shall once more be free to set sail.

If you think about health safety, the cruise ships have always been front line; a lot more than hotels and other businesses. For where else will your living quarters be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by a couple of hard working folks on a daily basis? These are the same people you see who are constantly sanitizing and wiping down all the hand rails in the ship and carefully setting up the dining areas to safely serve you.

Yes, there will be some changes. The cruise lines may do a temperature check on every person who embarks, and they may amend their contracts so that anybody who tests positively may be disembarked and transported to a proper facility for care. You’ll probably see small jars of sanitizer among the toiletries as well. And one thing you may wish to remember is that when you have to press the buttons to call an elevator, or to select the deck level you want, bend your finger and press with your knuckles, not your finger tips. And you will probably find a brochure in your cabin setting forth the usual routines to avoid contracting some problem you neither need nor want.

Right now there are still some ships off shore with loads of staff who will hopefully get transportation back to their homes. A large percentage of these hard workers come from the Philippines and Indonesia and they have families as do we, and we are concerned for all of them.

So, if you are one who enjoys the time at sea, keep your eyes and ears open as the lines may start to offer some incredibly good deals in a few months. None of them will leave port if they are afraid they should not do so. They are concerned for your well being as well as their continued success.

Raise your glass and Ahoy Matey !