Yes, that would be me. I received a Federal Jury Summons a couple of weeks ago, which was to run for a period of 3 weeks. Over the first 2 weeks, I called in whenever I was instructed to do so, and was informed I'd have to call back at a later time. Over and over. I almost got the notion in my head that I was going to be exempted somehow. Riiiiiiiight. This evening when I called in as directed, I was told to be at the Courthouse at 8:00am tomorrow morning. Because of that, I've tied my trawler to the pier and locked her down. The bridge will be vacant until I'm back holding the wheel my own self.
Hopefully this will be a 1-day event, but it's a civic service and far be it from me to try to wiggle out of something, particularly since everybody's supposed to take a turn doing it. There is a likelihood I won't be blogging while I'm serving on Jury Duty, so just go on about yer lives and keep checking back here daily, until you see some kind of new heading. I promise I'll include all the latest whatever-it-is-at-the-moment for the betterment of your well-being, especially as it relates to travel or a bit of comedy to lighten the load. Later, Mates.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Aloha Also Means Goodbye
A short while ago, gas was over $4 per gallon, and airlines were raising rates a dozen times a day. For many folks, that only meant fewer trips to Grandma's house, and maybe we'll take the train or a bus instead of fly or drive. However, we have a STATE that is completely surrounded by water, nearly 2400 miles from the Mainland USA. No Amtrak or Greyhound service available, sorry. Tourism, the life-blood of Hawaii, is in the midst of a serious landslide. Nearly 14% fewer visitors arrived in October 2008 than the same month a year ago, making it the 8th straight monthly decline and 5th consecutive double-digit drop in tourism. That's huge, and although everyone is talking about Detroit and Michigan's economy with the auto industry, Hawaii is being hammered in a different manner. There are still people coming to the islands, but they are staying at more moderate properties and also shortening their stays by about 12% as well. Industry insiders expect this trend to continue, at least in the short term due to the economy, even if airfares come back down to earth with lower fuel costs.
Having said all that, Hawaii is not blameless here. They know they are a one-of-a-kind destination, and have loaded visitor tax on top of visitor tax. They put in place protectionist policies such as no casino gambling, which along with the infamous "Jones Act" has kept cruise ships from being a successful venture there. Just 3 years ago, Norwegian Cruise Line was running 3 ships from the islands, with dreams of a lucrative permanent market. However, you can only charge so much for drinks and shore trips, and the lack of casino revenue forced them to remove 1 ship, then a 2nd ship, leaving only the Pride Of America remaining. Even that has been a difficult sell, though compared to a hotel-based Hawaii vacation where you do not have meals included, it's still an absolute BARGAIN. Maybe when the Dow was at 13,000, the local officials were able to strap visitors with hefty fees and service charges, and get away with a little moderate gouging. Guess what, guys. Aloha means hello, and it also means buh-bye. It may be time to re-think a little about "want" versus "need" these days, and very few people in the lower 48 "need" to come to Hawaii. A little love goes a long way, so maybe you can freshen your approach and not make people feel they're being taken advantage of at every turn. At this point, it can't hurt!
The one bright spot for Hawaii has been Canada, where more people have visited this year, while the Canadian Dollar enjoyed a better margin against US currency than in a very long time. That is changing rapidly, though. Earlier this year, the Canadian Dollar actually passed the US Dollar in value, which hasn't happened in decades. Reality check! As of this morning, the Canadian Dollar is back below .81cents against US, meaning fewer Canadians will be visiting Hawaii moving forward. So once again, I encourage Hawaiian Tourism officials to re-think some of their strategies, before they drive more businesses under in a stark economy. Anyone still interested in visiting the islands, check with us for discount rates on Pride Of America. As I mentioned, your meals and nightly entertainment are included, AND you get to sample Oahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii (2 stops) and the lush beauty of Kauai. Plus the 7-day itinerary includes two overnight stays, so it's a fabulous way to check out the various islands, while holding down costs!
I mentioned the fall of the Canadian Dollar over the last ten months, but for Americans that means one thing: NOW is the time to book a vacation trip to Canada! You don't have to be an outdoorsman or lumberjack. Myth! My favorite city in the World is Toronto, and there is a great article on USAToday.com about what to see and do "on the cheap." Here's a link:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-11-25-toronto-on-a-budget_N.htm
Forget the part about staying in a youth hostel, but it's an excellent article overall! You can also visit the likes of the Hockey Hall Of Fame, Second City Comedy Club, or Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant & Bar. Toronto's theater district rivals the best in the world. And sports of all kinds, professional or otherwise. There's amazing shopping at Eaton Center. Friendly people. World-class cuisine from fine dining to the finest "street hot dogs" on the planet. Toronto has it all, and you're only 2 hours away from Niagara Falls, and only 3-4 hours away from wilderness areas of amazing beauty. Right on Lake Ontario, too!
The Associated Press reports puzzled Japanese zookeepers have finally cleared up a mystery, over a lack of chemistry between two polar bears at a Japanese zoo. Tsuyoshi, a four-year-old male polar bear, and his 11-year-old female partner, Kurumi, have been living together since June at the Kushiro Municipal Zoo in Hokkaido, Japan. But much to the frustration of breeders and zookeepers, the bear couple showed no signs of "special chemistry", the kind polar bears (and some of us humans) have when mating. Tsuyoshi has never once tried to perform with Kurumi, even during a normal mating period. Observing his behavior almost continuously, zookeepers became suspicious, and sent Tsuyoshi for fertility testing. He was put under anesthesia earlier this month, where it was discovered he was a she! Upon learning this, Tsuyoshi and Kurumi have decided to adopt, and have asked for an immediate transfer to the San Francisco zoo....
Two men are accused of outfitting their car with red and blue flashing lights, then using it to make fake traffic stops according to police in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. An anonymous tip led Monroe County sheriff's detectives to 2 men, who on Monday faced charges of being party to false imprisonment, impersonating an officer and disorderly conduct. 20-year-old Cody Hobson and 21-year-old Ronald Lyons, both of Sparta, Wisconsin are alleged to have stopped two motorists on Nov. 18, but the men didn't make contact with either driver after pulling them over. A 3rd stop was attempted, but aborted without incident, when the driver hesitated to pull over . During one of the stops, 1 of the 2 men arrested turned to the other and said, "No matter how many times we do this, it never gets old!" How would authorities know about that exact conversation? Because these 2 brain surgeons filmed the entire thing from inside their car, and posted the video on YouTube. The anonymous tipster instructed the police to view the video, which incriminated Hobson and Lyons. The pair are free on $5,000 bond, pending an upcoming trial. Man, I'd like to be on that jury.
OH YEAH, Sailors. I almost forgot to tell you something very important...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
The Cap'n
Having said all that, Hawaii is not blameless here. They know they are a one-of-a-kind destination, and have loaded visitor tax on top of visitor tax. They put in place protectionist policies such as no casino gambling, which along with the infamous "Jones Act" has kept cruise ships from being a successful venture there. Just 3 years ago, Norwegian Cruise Line was running 3 ships from the islands, with dreams of a lucrative permanent market. However, you can only charge so much for drinks and shore trips, and the lack of casino revenue forced them to remove 1 ship, then a 2nd ship, leaving only the Pride Of America remaining. Even that has been a difficult sell, though compared to a hotel-based Hawaii vacation where you do not have meals included, it's still an absolute BARGAIN. Maybe when the Dow was at 13,000, the local officials were able to strap visitors with hefty fees and service charges, and get away with a little moderate gouging. Guess what, guys. Aloha means hello, and it also means buh-bye. It may be time to re-think a little about "want" versus "need" these days, and very few people in the lower 48 "need" to come to Hawaii. A little love goes a long way, so maybe you can freshen your approach and not make people feel they're being taken advantage of at every turn. At this point, it can't hurt!
The one bright spot for Hawaii has been Canada, where more people have visited this year, while the Canadian Dollar enjoyed a better margin against US currency than in a very long time. That is changing rapidly, though. Earlier this year, the Canadian Dollar actually passed the US Dollar in value, which hasn't happened in decades. Reality check! As of this morning, the Canadian Dollar is back below .81cents against US, meaning fewer Canadians will be visiting Hawaii moving forward. So once again, I encourage Hawaiian Tourism officials to re-think some of their strategies, before they drive more businesses under in a stark economy. Anyone still interested in visiting the islands, check with us for discount rates on Pride Of America. As I mentioned, your meals and nightly entertainment are included, AND you get to sample Oahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii (2 stops) and the lush beauty of Kauai. Plus the 7-day itinerary includes two overnight stays, so it's a fabulous way to check out the various islands, while holding down costs!
I mentioned the fall of the Canadian Dollar over the last ten months, but for Americans that means one thing: NOW is the time to book a vacation trip to Canada! You don't have to be an outdoorsman or lumberjack. Myth! My favorite city in the World is Toronto, and there is a great article on USAToday.com about what to see and do "on the cheap." Here's a link:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-11-25-toronto-on-a-budget_N.htm
Forget the part about staying in a youth hostel, but it's an excellent article overall! You can also visit the likes of the Hockey Hall Of Fame, Second City Comedy Club, or Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant & Bar. Toronto's theater district rivals the best in the world. And sports of all kinds, professional or otherwise. There's amazing shopping at Eaton Center. Friendly people. World-class cuisine from fine dining to the finest "street hot dogs" on the planet. Toronto has it all, and you're only 2 hours away from Niagara Falls, and only 3-4 hours away from wilderness areas of amazing beauty. Right on Lake Ontario, too!
The Associated Press reports puzzled Japanese zookeepers have finally cleared up a mystery, over a lack of chemistry between two polar bears at a Japanese zoo. Tsuyoshi, a four-year-old male polar bear, and his 11-year-old female partner, Kurumi, have been living together since June at the Kushiro Municipal Zoo in Hokkaido, Japan. But much to the frustration of breeders and zookeepers, the bear couple showed no signs of "special chemistry", the kind polar bears (and some of us humans) have when mating. Tsuyoshi has never once tried to perform with Kurumi, even during a normal mating period. Observing his behavior almost continuously, zookeepers became suspicious, and sent Tsuyoshi for fertility testing. He was put under anesthesia earlier this month, where it was discovered he was a she! Upon learning this, Tsuyoshi and Kurumi have decided to adopt, and have asked for an immediate transfer to the San Francisco zoo....
Two men are accused of outfitting their car with red and blue flashing lights, then using it to make fake traffic stops according to police in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. An anonymous tip led Monroe County sheriff's detectives to 2 men, who on Monday faced charges of being party to false imprisonment, impersonating an officer and disorderly conduct. 20-year-old Cody Hobson and 21-year-old Ronald Lyons, both of Sparta, Wisconsin are alleged to have stopped two motorists on Nov. 18, but the men didn't make contact with either driver after pulling them over. A 3rd stop was attempted, but aborted without incident, when the driver hesitated to pull over . During one of the stops, 1 of the 2 men arrested turned to the other and said, "No matter how many times we do this, it never gets old!" How would authorities know about that exact conversation? Because these 2 brain surgeons filmed the entire thing from inside their car, and posted the video on YouTube. The anonymous tipster instructed the police to view the video, which incriminated Hobson and Lyons. The pair are free on $5,000 bond, pending an upcoming trial. Man, I'd like to be on that jury.
OH YEAH, Sailors. I almost forgot to tell you something very important...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
The Cap'n
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
2008 New Ship of the Year
Over the last week or so, I've noted a few comments about Celebrity's new "Solstice", and the votes of industry critics are now in. Even though the new Carnival Splendour and Ruby Princess had their moments in the sun, Celebrity Solstice is the hands-down and near-unanimous victor of this year's best newbie award. At a cost of $750 million dollars, the Solstice will price higher than the competition as well, so it'll be interesting to see in the current economy how that translates. But all indications are that people will pay more for better. Historically, they always have. There are reasons why finer hotels such as the Ritz-Carltons of the world remain full and in high-demand. Congratulations to Celebrity on a lot of ground-breaking ideas, and for anyone who is able to travel on short notice, there are still some bargain rates on Solstice for last-minute travel. Once word gets out completely, and in light of this award, many of the "deal" prices will disappear.
Didja ever hear about a good relationship gone bad? How about a bad relationship gone worse?! That's apparently the case with the TSA's airport screeners and the traveling public. In a report on USAToday, the dysfunction came pouring out when groups of passengers and screeners met for the first time with a TSA consultant. Passengers complained that screeners are "poorly skilled, poorly paid and mistake-prone." Screeners bristled at "daily instances of lack of respect and abuse." A 73-page report by the Manhattan company provides rare insight into the perception of a high-profile Federal agency, and illustrates how public opinion shapes policy. For example, after hearing business travelers and families say they didn't like sharing security checkpoints, the TSA began guiding them into separate lanes at nearly 50 airports. Last week, TSA rolled out a series of videos accessible through travel websites that explain why passengers have to take off their shoes, take out their liquids and show IDs at checkpoints. YES, apparently we need videos to explain all this to us (good heavens). Watching the news every night of our lives isn't nearly enough!
The research approach is the brainchild of Ellen Howe, the TSA's chief spokeswoman and head of Communications and Public Affairs. The company she hired held five 3½-hour sessions with 16 to 18 passengers in New York City, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. Two three-hour sessions were held with 12 to 15 screeners at Chicago O'Hare and New York's John F. Kennedy airports. Passengers were told only that they would be asked about travel. "Some of it was hard to hear," Howe said, "and they weren't holding back, either." The report points out that passengers want to respect screeners, so they can have confidence and feel they really are safe. The consulting firm had suggestions for screeners, such as no slouching, pristine uniforms, making eye contact and (get this) smile a little. They also suggested checkpoint signs should be "less dense", although I often think it's the passengers who are a few carrots short of a bunch, which you just can't really blame on the signs, now can you? A.J. Castilla, a screener and union leader at Boston's Logan International Airport, said the TSA needs to do a better job marketing the seriousness and deadliness of the job. He sees passengers assault screeners and heave shoes across a checkpoint. European passengers are far more respectful, Castilla said, because their countries have seen more terrorist acts, such as the attempted car bombing of the airport in Glasgow, Scotland.
So here's the deal, friends and neighbors. Whenever you come on board my vessel, I'm gonna be standing there by the gangway, and I'm all smiles and says "Welcome, Land-lubber." That's about the time I expect you to smile back and say "Thanks, Cap'n!" 'Cause if'n you don't, or you make some kind of snide remark about how my ship needs a fresh coat of paint or why does that Cap'n guy have grease on his shoes, you'd better be prepared for an impromptu bath, overboard as quick as she goes. Respect me, and I'll respect you, and vicey versey. If it works on my tug, it ought to work at the airport just about the same way. C'mon people now, smile on your brother everybody get together, try to love one another right now...
In 2003, retired Colorado businessman John Haines, visited the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, and was disturbed by the number of cracks and the condition of the monument overall. He decided to take matters into his own hands, and wanted to set things right for this historic and reverent gravesite. Mr. Haines went on a 1-man crusade, and after going to great lengths of personal research and expense, he was able to find and purchase a huge slab of the identical high-grade white marble of which the Tomb is constructed. As a service to the United States as a concerned citizen, he offered his astounding find free of charge and including shipping, to the U.S. Army, whom he had read had been considering reconstruction of the Tomb, since 1987. It was the answer to everything the Army needed, absolutely without cost to the American taxpayer. Oops. That's a problem. Apparently Mr. Haines thought of the idea, not Army brass. So now, in the ensuing five years according to a story in the Denver Post, the Army continues to ignore Mr. Haines' generosity. They simply won't take his gift, or even contact him about it. Periodically, however, they discuss opening up the proposed reconstruction project to competitive bidding! This kind of thing gripes me no end, and we can only hope for better under the next Administration. I only wish the newspaper would have named names on who is turning down a free donation. It would be nice to see who among the Army's top dogs needs to be demoted, or have their backsides booted for ignorance.
Here's your daily dose of KARMA! The Dayton (Ohio) Daily News tells a story about local police, who were trying to arrest a 31-yr old man on dog-fighting charges. Dayton Police Lt. Patrick Welsh said his department received a tip, and when the suspect was confronted, he turned-tail and ran off into the night. Luckily, the anonymous tip had been answered by a K-9 Unit, and the suspect was brought to the ground by a furry, 4-legged officer. He was treated for dog bites to his wrist and ankles, and taken directly to jail. RUFF justice, Mates!
Didja ever hear about a good relationship gone bad? How about a bad relationship gone worse?! That's apparently the case with the TSA's airport screeners and the traveling public. In a report on USAToday, the dysfunction came pouring out when groups of passengers and screeners met for the first time with a TSA consultant. Passengers complained that screeners are "poorly skilled, poorly paid and mistake-prone." Screeners bristled at "daily instances of lack of respect and abuse." A 73-page report by the Manhattan company provides rare insight into the perception of a high-profile Federal agency, and illustrates how public opinion shapes policy. For example, after hearing business travelers and families say they didn't like sharing security checkpoints, the TSA began guiding them into separate lanes at nearly 50 airports. Last week, TSA rolled out a series of videos accessible through travel websites that explain why passengers have to take off their shoes, take out their liquids and show IDs at checkpoints. YES, apparently we need videos to explain all this to us (good heavens). Watching the news every night of our lives isn't nearly enough!
The research approach is the brainchild of Ellen Howe, the TSA's chief spokeswoman and head of Communications and Public Affairs. The company she hired held five 3½-hour sessions with 16 to 18 passengers in New York City, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. Two three-hour sessions were held with 12 to 15 screeners at Chicago O'Hare and New York's John F. Kennedy airports. Passengers were told only that they would be asked about travel. "Some of it was hard to hear," Howe said, "and they weren't holding back, either." The report points out that passengers want to respect screeners, so they can have confidence and feel they really are safe. The consulting firm had suggestions for screeners, such as no slouching, pristine uniforms, making eye contact and (get this) smile a little. They also suggested checkpoint signs should be "less dense", although I often think it's the passengers who are a few carrots short of a bunch, which you just can't really blame on the signs, now can you? A.J. Castilla, a screener and union leader at Boston's Logan International Airport, said the TSA needs to do a better job marketing the seriousness and deadliness of the job. He sees passengers assault screeners and heave shoes across a checkpoint. European passengers are far more respectful, Castilla said, because their countries have seen more terrorist acts, such as the attempted car bombing of the airport in Glasgow, Scotland.
So here's the deal, friends and neighbors. Whenever you come on board my vessel, I'm gonna be standing there by the gangway, and I'm all smiles and says "Welcome, Land-lubber." That's about the time I expect you to smile back and say "Thanks, Cap'n!" 'Cause if'n you don't, or you make some kind of snide remark about how my ship needs a fresh coat of paint or why does that Cap'n guy have grease on his shoes, you'd better be prepared for an impromptu bath, overboard as quick as she goes. Respect me, and I'll respect you, and vicey versey. If it works on my tug, it ought to work at the airport just about the same way. C'mon people now, smile on your brother everybody get together, try to love one another right now...
In 2003, retired Colorado businessman John Haines, visited the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, and was disturbed by the number of cracks and the condition of the monument overall. He decided to take matters into his own hands, and wanted to set things right for this historic and reverent gravesite. Mr. Haines went on a 1-man crusade, and after going to great lengths of personal research and expense, he was able to find and purchase a huge slab of the identical high-grade white marble of which the Tomb is constructed. As a service to the United States as a concerned citizen, he offered his astounding find free of charge and including shipping, to the U.S. Army, whom he had read had been considering reconstruction of the Tomb, since 1987. It was the answer to everything the Army needed, absolutely without cost to the American taxpayer. Oops. That's a problem. Apparently Mr. Haines thought of the idea, not Army brass. So now, in the ensuing five years according to a story in the Denver Post, the Army continues to ignore Mr. Haines' generosity. They simply won't take his gift, or even contact him about it. Periodically, however, they discuss opening up the proposed reconstruction project to competitive bidding! This kind of thing gripes me no end, and we can only hope for better under the next Administration. I only wish the newspaper would have named names on who is turning down a free donation. It would be nice to see who among the Army's top dogs needs to be demoted, or have their backsides booted for ignorance.
Here's your daily dose of KARMA! The Dayton (Ohio) Daily News tells a story about local police, who were trying to arrest a 31-yr old man on dog-fighting charges. Dayton Police Lt. Patrick Welsh said his department received a tip, and when the suspect was confronted, he turned-tail and ran off into the night. Luckily, the anonymous tip had been answered by a K-9 Unit, and the suspect was brought to the ground by a furry, 4-legged officer. He was treated for dog bites to his wrist and ankles, and taken directly to jail. RUFF justice, Mates!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Terminal Illness
A while back, Tom Hanks appeared in a movie called "The Terminal". It certainly wasn't anything Oscar-worthy, but it killed a couple of hours in a theater. There's an old saying that art imitates life, but now life imitates art. Hiroshi Nohara is a Japanese citizen who had a layover connection in Mexico City back in early September. It has now lasted almost three months, and he has no plans to leave. For reasons no one seems to be able to explain, the Japanese man has been in Terminal 1 of Benito Juarez International Airport since Sept. 2, surviving off donations from fast-food restaurants and passengers, while sleeping in a chair. At first, he frightened fellow air-travelers, and airport authorities asked the Japanese Embassy to investigate why the foul-smelling man refused to leave. Now, he's become somewhat of a celebrity, capturing Mexico's collective imagination with near- daily TV reports on his life at the food court. Tourists stop to pose with him for photos or get an autograph. A native of Tokyo, he flew into Mexico with a tourist visa and a return ticket home, but inexplicably never left the airport. In a recent interview, he said he had no motive and doesn't know how much longer he'll remain.
"I don't understand why I'm here," he said through an interpreter. "I don't have a reason." The embassy can't force him to leave if he's mentally competent (apparently he is), and since Nohara's visa is valid, all Mexican officials can do it wait for it to expire in early March. During his stay, Nohara's wiry goatee has grown into a scraggly mess. His red-tinted hair is speckled with dust and dandruff, and his jacket and fleece blanket are dingy with overuse. He hasn't had a shower in months. Various stalls in the food court give Nohara free snacks and drinks, and strangers often buy him pastries or hamburgers; of the two, he clearly prefers hamburgers.
Is it just me, or wouldn't this whole scene put a damper on the ambiance of the food court? Then again, how much ambiance is there in a food court in Mexico City to begin with? Hopefully in March Mr. N will make his way back home. It would be nice to know exactly which day he's going to fly, as I'm sure nobody is going to want to be on that same plane. Pheeew!!
Phoenix-based Residential Cruise Line is the latest to try the super-luxury cruises, aimed at a condominium/time-share concept. There will be an invitation-only sales event in Dubai on Dec. 15th, and if you're one of the lucky bidders you can get the top-of-the-line suite. Pricetag? A mere $18 million dollars. In this economy. I might send out those top executives for drug testing at this point, but then again maybe rich folk have more money than sense. Anyway, the ship's $18 million Portofino penthouse (there are TWO of them, too!), comes with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and measures more than 4,300 square feet. Yeah, I know whenever I cruise I like to bring the aunts, uncles, a few dozen Gypsies and a small Midwest town.
The other day, I blogged about a not-too-smart rap "artist", who got himself convicted by rapping the true details about his crimes. Well, if that was "A" this is "B"....
When 24-year-old Andrew Vactor of Urbana, Ohio, was convicted of violating the city's noise ordinance, Judge Susan J. Fornof-Lippencott offered to reduce the normal fine of $150 to just $35, if he agreed to listen to 20 hours of classical music. Wanting to save money, Mr. Vactor agreed to the unusual punishment. The sentence was to include Beethoven, Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. Chief Probation Officer Glenda Runkle says the department keeps three CDs on hand, and he was getting a "greatest hits" assortment of the classics. Judge Fornof-Lippencott often assigns creative sentencing options." She selects episodes of Dr. Phil & The Oprah Winfrey Show that she considers relevant to other misdemeanor offenses, supplying copies to the probation department for forced viewing. The idea is to inspire people not to come back for the same violation, and at the same time broaden their horizons. Vactor, a student at Urbana University, listened to a full 15 minutes of the classics before calling the judge, to say he'd changed his mind. He agreed to just pay the full $150 fine! He claims it had nothing to do with the musical style, only that he was late for basketball practice. So much for "YO"hann Sebastion Bach.
"I don't understand why I'm here," he said through an interpreter. "I don't have a reason." The embassy can't force him to leave if he's mentally competent (apparently he is), and since Nohara's visa is valid, all Mexican officials can do it wait for it to expire in early March. During his stay, Nohara's wiry goatee has grown into a scraggly mess. His red-tinted hair is speckled with dust and dandruff, and his jacket and fleece blanket are dingy with overuse. He hasn't had a shower in months. Various stalls in the food court give Nohara free snacks and drinks, and strangers often buy him pastries or hamburgers; of the two, he clearly prefers hamburgers.
Is it just me, or wouldn't this whole scene put a damper on the ambiance of the food court? Then again, how much ambiance is there in a food court in Mexico City to begin with? Hopefully in March Mr. N will make his way back home. It would be nice to know exactly which day he's going to fly, as I'm sure nobody is going to want to be on that same plane. Pheeew!!
Phoenix-based Residential Cruise Line is the latest to try the super-luxury cruises, aimed at a condominium/time-share concept. There will be an invitation-only sales event in Dubai on Dec. 15th, and if you're one of the lucky bidders you can get the top-of-the-line suite. Pricetag? A mere $18 million dollars. In this economy. I might send out those top executives for drug testing at this point, but then again maybe rich folk have more money than sense. Anyway, the ship's $18 million Portofino penthouse (there are TWO of them, too!), comes with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and measures more than 4,300 square feet. Yeah, I know whenever I cruise I like to bring the aunts, uncles, a few dozen Gypsies and a small Midwest town.
The other day, I blogged about a not-too-smart rap "artist", who got himself convicted by rapping the true details about his crimes. Well, if that was "A" this is "B"....
When 24-year-old Andrew Vactor of Urbana, Ohio, was convicted of violating the city's noise ordinance, Judge Susan J. Fornof-Lippencott offered to reduce the normal fine of $150 to just $35, if he agreed to listen to 20 hours of classical music. Wanting to save money, Mr. Vactor agreed to the unusual punishment. The sentence was to include Beethoven, Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. Chief Probation Officer Glenda Runkle says the department keeps three CDs on hand, and he was getting a "greatest hits" assortment of the classics. Judge Fornof-Lippencott often assigns creative sentencing options." She selects episodes of Dr. Phil & The Oprah Winfrey Show that she considers relevant to other misdemeanor offenses, supplying copies to the probation department for forced viewing. The idea is to inspire people not to come back for the same violation, and at the same time broaden their horizons. Vactor, a student at Urbana University, listened to a full 15 minutes of the classics before calling the judge, to say he'd changed his mind. He agreed to just pay the full $150 fine! He claims it had nothing to do with the musical style, only that he was late for basketball practice. So much for "YO"hann Sebastion Bach.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Chinese Food For Thought
Yellowstone. Yosemite. Grand Canyon. Glacier Bay. Mammoth Cave. Hawaii Volcanoes. Those are just a few of the designated National Parks of the United States. They are as diverse in style as they are in location, from the US Virgin Islands to Alaska to American Samoa there are more than 60 recognized landmark areas, which make up our National Parks system. In fact, these great destinations represent a connect-the-dots of vacations for many travelers. Why go halfway around the world for sightseeing, until you've seen what's in your own back yard? Many people check these parks off a list as they go, hoping to see them all in their lifetime. To make that easier, some tour operators even combine National Parks and sightseeing trips in the region in a travel goulash called "Canyonlands". It's a great way of seeing a lot of American wonder, in the shortest period of time. What got me thinking about this today is a story on USAToday.com about China, mentioning that China just announced last month its first officially named "National Park". It's an area near the Russian border that at one time was stripped clear of vast forests, fueling the Communist Revolution in the 60's. Now it's back, and the Chinese government is aiming to preserve the area for future generations, as well as creating a National Parks system like the one we enjoy here. Think about that. We're many years ahead of the curve, compared to other major countries and civilizations, in trying to save natural beauty for future generations. So when was the last time you visited a National Park? Hmmm? Don't need a passport, you just walk right in and start taking pictures. Did you know if you do an Alaska cruise and a couple of extra days extension, you could actually experience 3, 4 even 5 National Parks? On your next gambling junket to Las Vegas, if you don't feel like sitting at gaming tables every day, did you know you can do day-trips to Death Valley? Zion? Grand Canyon? Great Basin? It's true.
Thinking of going to San Francisco for a few days, and maybe hitting the wine region as well? Sounds great, but don't forget you're less than 6 hours away from Sequoia, Redwoods, and only 4-5 hours from Yosemite! Do a combo vacation. There are so many fantastic parks in the US, yet sometimes people get blinded thinking the only two things they can do on vacation is go to the Caribbean or Disney. Not that those are a bad thing, certainly! But talk to your family and see if you might like a taste of adventure mixed in with your next getaway. You'll have a new appreciation for the USA, without ever leaving "home".
There's a new TOP TEN list out, this time from Oxford University, whose researchers compiled the 10 least-favorite expressions people use in conversation. The researchers created the list by monitoring the use of phrases in databases, books, papers, magazines, broadcast networks, the internet, and just plain talkin' to folks. It's oxymoronic language, over-used meaningless filler words, or things that just stick in yer craw and give you the willies when people say them. I would have thought George W Bush's butchering of the word Nuclear (Newk-u-lar) would have clearly made the grade, but NO - there are others! People hate hearing phrases like "isn't it ironic" when irony is not even in the example, or folks using new-age words like synergy or even worse, synergistic. Ready for the list? Break out your checklist, to see if you're guilty of any of these guilty pleasures in human mis-speak:
10) It's not rocket science
9) 24/7
8) Shouldn't of (instead of shouldn't have)
7) It was a nightmare
6) Absolutely!
6a) You Betcha! (thanks, Sarah Palin)
5) With all due respect
4) At this moment in time (or and time)
3) I personally (unnecessary)
2) Fairly unique (it's unique or it's not)
And the #1 most hated, at the end of the day?
1) At the end of the day
Son of a gun....I made the list at least once or twice. Did you?
Thinking of going to San Francisco for a few days, and maybe hitting the wine region as well? Sounds great, but don't forget you're less than 6 hours away from Sequoia, Redwoods, and only 4-5 hours from Yosemite! Do a combo vacation. There are so many fantastic parks in the US, yet sometimes people get blinded thinking the only two things they can do on vacation is go to the Caribbean or Disney. Not that those are a bad thing, certainly! But talk to your family and see if you might like a taste of adventure mixed in with your next getaway. You'll have a new appreciation for the USA, without ever leaving "home".
There's a new TOP TEN list out, this time from Oxford University, whose researchers compiled the 10 least-favorite expressions people use in conversation. The researchers created the list by monitoring the use of phrases in databases, books, papers, magazines, broadcast networks, the internet, and just plain talkin' to folks. It's oxymoronic language, over-used meaningless filler words, or things that just stick in yer craw and give you the willies when people say them. I would have thought George W Bush's butchering of the word Nuclear (Newk-u-lar) would have clearly made the grade, but NO - there are others! People hate hearing phrases like "isn't it ironic" when irony is not even in the example, or folks using new-age words like synergy or even worse, synergistic. Ready for the list? Break out your checklist, to see if you're guilty of any of these guilty pleasures in human mis-speak:
10) It's not rocket science
9) 24/7
8) Shouldn't of (instead of shouldn't have)
7) It was a nightmare
6) Absolutely!
6a) You Betcha! (thanks, Sarah Palin)
5) With all due respect
4) At this moment in time (or and time)
3) I personally (unnecessary)
2) Fairly unique (it's unique or it's not)
And the #1 most hated, at the end of the day?
1) At the end of the day
Son of a gun....I made the list at least once or twice. Did you?
Apology to Dolly P
Earlier this week I mentioned Dollywood and Ms. Parton in my blog, regarding the interactive portions of the new Titanic museum in Pigeon Forge. The newspaper source I referenced made a connection between the 2 that proved to be inaccurate, so my apologies to her. Dollywood and Ms. Parton are not involved in any way. No apologies are forthcoming, though, regarding my disdain for the interactive portions of that museum. At least when I'm wrong, I'll admit it.
Cap'n Bob
Cap'n Bob
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Project Runway...FABulous!
No, I'm not talking about Heidi Klum, or any of the skinny, over-chic'ed girls from the Bravo Network. We're talking real runways here. Chicago O'Hare. Seattle-Tacoma. Washington Dulles. Each of these 3 hyperactive airports have new additions to be proud of, one extra runway apiece, which is the largest 1-day capacity increase in the US in more than a decade. Even though airlines have scaled back the number of flights in some areas, these cities still were having major delay issues and long waits on the tarmac. This won't be an immediate complete fix, but it's gotta help with backlog. Estimates are they will allow an additional 20 flights per hour, which should curb delays and taxiway backups at least to a degree. The fact that all three of these airports act as connection points for international flights (such as people heading to Europe or Asia), means anything that eases connection times and puts people's minds at rest is welcome.
Puerto Rico has long been known as one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the Caribbean. But new airfare competition and promotions are making it an even better deal this winter. Plus, U.S. travelers to Puerto Rico don't need passports, unlike all other Caribbean destinations (except the U.S. Virgin Islands). Not having to spend an extra hour or more to pass through Customs means you'll be on the beach that much faster! The new air-wars started when American announced it would cut routes to the island. Almost immediately, JetBlue, AirTran, Continental, Delta and USAirways jumped in, adding more service from various cities. American then got back in the game (after kicking a few backsides for a bad decision), and announced it would continue its service after all. What first looked to be a loss in service has turned into a boom, and travelers benefit from the increased competition, especially when hotels are running sales or promotions. San Juan in particular is incredibly rich in history, featuring such sights as El Morro Castle which guarded the harbor for hundreds of years, and there's the little-known but very interesting Casa Blanca. Casa Blanca is only a couple of blocks from El Morro, but most tourists never see it because you have to walk instead of taxi. It was the original Governor's mansion on the island, back when Ponce De Leon was its 1st Governor. He then famously headed off to Florida searching for the Fountain Of Youth, but met an untimely death at the hands of the Seminole Indians. The people of Puerto Rico decided to maintain Casa Blanca as a shrine to Ponce De Leon, and all the original trappings are still there. San Juan has numerous casinos, the Bacardi Rum factory (daily tours available), and if you want an eco-friendly day rent a car or hire a driver and head to the El Yunque rainforest, which is less than 2 hours away. Add in duty-free shopping, great golf and nice beaches, and you've got a fantastic Caribbean vacation spot! If you'd like to visit Puerto Rico, contact us for special rates and deals.
A New York pastor says one of his congregants donated a winning lottery ticket worth $3 million to his church. Pastor Bertrand Crabbe of the True North Community Church in Port Jefferson NY says the donor, who asked to remain anonymous, donated the “Ba Da Bling” scratch-off ticket immediately after he won. A state Lottery official says the independent Christian church will get a little over $100,000 a year through 2028. The amount could be higher if withheld taxes are refunded because of the church’s nonprofit status. Crabb says the 650-member church will give the first year’s proceeds to other charities. Kind of renews your faith in humanity, doesn't it? The old saying "God works in mysterious ways" has never been more true, working through a program called Ba Da Bling.
The Colorado Springs chapter of the Salvation Army has taken new steps towards having a successful Holiday season. They will still have their iconic Red Kettle and bell-ringers, stationed outside grocery stores, malls, pretty much wherever you go. But instead of asking people to drop in spare change, these Salvation Soldiers will now be able to process credit cards and debit cards on-site. Each of the new-and-improved kettles is equipped with a machine for processing plastic, and people seem to like the idea. One was quoted as saying "I always want to pitch something in the pot, but often I'm not carrying cash." I'll give 'em a thumbs up for being enterprising.
Yo! Yo! Yo! A rapper in Dublin, Georgia was so proud about shooting a man twice, he wrote a song about it, according to AP reports from the local police. The smart-mouthed thug went so far as to describe the shooting in details that only the perpetrator would know, and even calling the victim by his real name. Maybe that would make him a not-so-smart-mouthed rapper, eh? In what amounted to an audio confession, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Rico Todriquez Wright Monday to spend the next 20 years in prison, for 2 counts of aggravated assault. His victim, Chad Blue, had actually heard the song and mentioned the hip-hop confession to police. Mr. Blue told police he had known Wright before the September 2006 shooting, and that the men weren't friendly. (This story might be stranger if he had said they were buddies). At trial, he testified that Rico's companions egged him on, as he chased and shot him twice. It was only later he recognized the voice on a CD, the rapper saying "Chad Blue knows how I shoot."
Yo! Yo! Bozo! Why don't you hip-hop up on the upper bunk, and chill for a couple of decades while you get some religion about right, wrong, and stupidity, Dog.
Puerto Rico has long been known as one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the Caribbean. But new airfare competition and promotions are making it an even better deal this winter. Plus, U.S. travelers to Puerto Rico don't need passports, unlike all other Caribbean destinations (except the U.S. Virgin Islands). Not having to spend an extra hour or more to pass through Customs means you'll be on the beach that much faster! The new air-wars started when American announced it would cut routes to the island. Almost immediately, JetBlue, AirTran, Continental, Delta and USAirways jumped in, adding more service from various cities. American then got back in the game (after kicking a few backsides for a bad decision), and announced it would continue its service after all. What first looked to be a loss in service has turned into a boom, and travelers benefit from the increased competition, especially when hotels are running sales or promotions. San Juan in particular is incredibly rich in history, featuring such sights as El Morro Castle which guarded the harbor for hundreds of years, and there's the little-known but very interesting Casa Blanca. Casa Blanca is only a couple of blocks from El Morro, but most tourists never see it because you have to walk instead of taxi. It was the original Governor's mansion on the island, back when Ponce De Leon was its 1st Governor. He then famously headed off to Florida searching for the Fountain Of Youth, but met an untimely death at the hands of the Seminole Indians. The people of Puerto Rico decided to maintain Casa Blanca as a shrine to Ponce De Leon, and all the original trappings are still there. San Juan has numerous casinos, the Bacardi Rum factory (daily tours available), and if you want an eco-friendly day rent a car or hire a driver and head to the El Yunque rainforest, which is less than 2 hours away. Add in duty-free shopping, great golf and nice beaches, and you've got a fantastic Caribbean vacation spot! If you'd like to visit Puerto Rico, contact us for special rates and deals.
A New York pastor says one of his congregants donated a winning lottery ticket worth $3 million to his church. Pastor Bertrand Crabbe of the True North Community Church in Port Jefferson NY says the donor, who asked to remain anonymous, donated the “Ba Da Bling” scratch-off ticket immediately after he won. A state Lottery official says the independent Christian church will get a little over $100,000 a year through 2028. The amount could be higher if withheld taxes are refunded because of the church’s nonprofit status. Crabb says the 650-member church will give the first year’s proceeds to other charities. Kind of renews your faith in humanity, doesn't it? The old saying "God works in mysterious ways" has never been more true, working through a program called Ba Da Bling.
The Colorado Springs chapter of the Salvation Army has taken new steps towards having a successful Holiday season. They will still have their iconic Red Kettle and bell-ringers, stationed outside grocery stores, malls, pretty much wherever you go. But instead of asking people to drop in spare change, these Salvation Soldiers will now be able to process credit cards and debit cards on-site. Each of the new-and-improved kettles is equipped with a machine for processing plastic, and people seem to like the idea. One was quoted as saying "I always want to pitch something in the pot, but often I'm not carrying cash." I'll give 'em a thumbs up for being enterprising.
Yo! Yo! Yo! A rapper in Dublin, Georgia was so proud about shooting a man twice, he wrote a song about it, according to AP reports from the local police. The smart-mouthed thug went so far as to describe the shooting in details that only the perpetrator would know, and even calling the victim by his real name. Maybe that would make him a not-so-smart-mouthed rapper, eh? In what amounted to an audio confession, a judge sentenced 25-year-old Rico Todriquez Wright Monday to spend the next 20 years in prison, for 2 counts of aggravated assault. His victim, Chad Blue, had actually heard the song and mentioned the hip-hop confession to police. Mr. Blue told police he had known Wright before the September 2006 shooting, and that the men weren't friendly. (This story might be stranger if he had said they were buddies). At trial, he testified that Rico's companions egged him on, as he chased and shot him twice. It was only later he recognized the voice on a CD, the rapper saying "Chad Blue knows how I shoot."
Yo! Yo! Bozo! Why don't you hip-hop up on the upper bunk, and chill for a couple of decades while you get some religion about right, wrong, and stupidity, Dog.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Epic Film = Epic Tourism?
Coming soon to a theater near you, "Australia". Award-winning director Baz Luhrmann is in charge of this WWII-era romantic drama, which is highlighted by stunning scenery and an appreciation for the continent down under. Oh yeah, there's also Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, who earlier this week was named "Sexiest Man Alive 2008". I never have figured out why they throw in that 3rd word...alive is pretty much assumed. "Sexiest man dead" wouldn't pose much attraction now, would it? Anyway, back to the film. Luhrmann has tried to capture the Outback in all its glory and wonderment, from spectacular colors and scenery to stark emptiness, with a soaring soundtrack that plays as a travelogue for Australia. The aboriginal culture is addressed as well, and Tourism Australia has budgeted $26 million dollars to promote the film world-wide. Australia the movie opens internationally on Nov. 26th, just prior to America's Thanksgiving Day, and is sure to be a blockbuster for the Holidays. Don't forget to order the $32 bucket of corn when you hit the theater ($49.95 if you want that yummy hot-butter sludge topping).
One reason I brought this up in the blog is that numerous Australian tour operators are setting up trips, for travelers to re-trace the steps of the film and experience the highlights first-hand. This should be a resounding success, and Mann Travels will have access to those tours if you're interested in such an adventure. While you're there, you may want to consider adding on other parts of Australia and New Zealand as well, if you have the time. I always tell clients if you know you're only going to make it to a certain area of the world once in your life, plan on doing everything that works logistically and financially. Because airfare from the US is very long and tends to be a bit high (it IS halfway around the globe after all), the vast majority of travelers only make the crossing one time. We'll be happy to help with suggestions and planning this dream trip for you.
More on Celebrity's new "Celebrity Solstice", a world-class vessel that just began its career at sea. The reviews? She's a stunner! Here is a capsule summary from a travel writer recently on board the ship:
Solstice's dazzling features range from a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck to a wine-tasting cellar down below. But it's not just the unusual features that define this ship; architecturally, it's amazing. The public room areas are large with full-size furniture, large corridors, and an overall light and airy ambiance. Take one small example--the public bathrooms have giant glass sinks that create no splashing even when turned on full force. Unique to Solstice, there has never been an area like the Lawn Club on a cruise ship, and it features the Italian favorite game, bocce ball. It's like horseshoes, but you lob wooden balls. A member of the social staff tells people how to play, and everyone was having fun with it. An even bigger attraction is the "Hot Glass Show," in partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass. There are demonstrations in the art of glassblowing three times a day and one at night. It's called the 2300 Show, referring to the heat of the oven.
Dining room "Blu" is a beautiful white room with a white rose sculptured wall. Celebrity has given it cachet by giving priority to people in suites and Aqua-class for the two set dining times, making it the first mainstream American cruise ship with a class system for dining. Overall, the 10 dining venues run the gamut from Asian fare at Silk Harvest to the alternative French restaurant, Murano, Tuscan Grill (an Italian steakhouse) to the alternative casual Bistro on Five, with sandwiches, salads, and crepes ($5 for as much as you want), open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The buffet is a wide variety of food stations, in a large open public area that will easily handle the few thousand people onboard. The room has higher ceilings than the usual buffet area, lending a real feeling of openness. Indeed, spaciousness on this ship is evident throughout. In the showroom, they could have crammed a lot more people in, but instead designed one that holds 1,150 people. Seats are comfortable, aisles are spacious, and the lower deck is beautifully tiered.
There are two production shows: a Broadway-theme and another which bears similarities to the former Cirque du Soleil at Sea (people flying around over the audience, etc.). Both 45-minute productions clearly pleased the audience, as did the ship itself. Solstice is a winner.
The Mankato Minnesota Free Press reports a local juvenile has been detained on forgery charges, after trying to cash a check for $30 million dollars. The check was made out to the unnamed boy, written by his mother. Authorities have ruled out the possibility of his mother's involvement, though. It turns out she had written him a birthday check for $30, and the boy added the additional zeros on his own. A spokesman for Northern Star Bank said the forgery appeared fairly obvious, as the young lad wrote the additional zeros in a different colored ink...
One reason I brought this up in the blog is that numerous Australian tour operators are setting up trips, for travelers to re-trace the steps of the film and experience the highlights first-hand. This should be a resounding success, and Mann Travels will have access to those tours if you're interested in such an adventure. While you're there, you may want to consider adding on other parts of Australia and New Zealand as well, if you have the time. I always tell clients if you know you're only going to make it to a certain area of the world once in your life, plan on doing everything that works logistically and financially. Because airfare from the US is very long and tends to be a bit high (it IS halfway around the globe after all), the vast majority of travelers only make the crossing one time. We'll be happy to help with suggestions and planning this dream trip for you.
More on Celebrity's new "Celebrity Solstice", a world-class vessel that just began its career at sea. The reviews? She's a stunner! Here is a capsule summary from a travel writer recently on board the ship:
Solstice's dazzling features range from a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck to a wine-tasting cellar down below. But it's not just the unusual features that define this ship; architecturally, it's amazing. The public room areas are large with full-size furniture, large corridors, and an overall light and airy ambiance. Take one small example--the public bathrooms have giant glass sinks that create no splashing even when turned on full force. Unique to Solstice, there has never been an area like the Lawn Club on a cruise ship, and it features the Italian favorite game, bocce ball. It's like horseshoes, but you lob wooden balls. A member of the social staff tells people how to play, and everyone was having fun with it. An even bigger attraction is the "Hot Glass Show," in partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass. There are demonstrations in the art of glassblowing three times a day and one at night. It's called the 2300 Show, referring to the heat of the oven.
Dining room "Blu" is a beautiful white room with a white rose sculptured wall. Celebrity has given it cachet by giving priority to people in suites and Aqua-class for the two set dining times, making it the first mainstream American cruise ship with a class system for dining. Overall, the 10 dining venues run the gamut from Asian fare at Silk Harvest to the alternative French restaurant, Murano, Tuscan Grill (an Italian steakhouse) to the alternative casual Bistro on Five, with sandwiches, salads, and crepes ($5 for as much as you want), open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The buffet is a wide variety of food stations, in a large open public area that will easily handle the few thousand people onboard. The room has higher ceilings than the usual buffet area, lending a real feeling of openness. Indeed, spaciousness on this ship is evident throughout. In the showroom, they could have crammed a lot more people in, but instead designed one that holds 1,150 people. Seats are comfortable, aisles are spacious, and the lower deck is beautifully tiered.
There are two production shows: a Broadway-theme and another which bears similarities to the former Cirque du Soleil at Sea (people flying around over the audience, etc.). Both 45-minute productions clearly pleased the audience, as did the ship itself. Solstice is a winner.
The Mankato Minnesota Free Press reports a local juvenile has been detained on forgery charges, after trying to cash a check for $30 million dollars. The check was made out to the unnamed boy, written by his mother. Authorities have ruled out the possibility of his mother's involvement, though. It turns out she had written him a birthday check for $30, and the boy added the additional zeros on his own. A spokesman for Northern Star Bank said the forgery appeared fairly obvious, as the young lad wrote the additional zeros in a different colored ink...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Titanic Misjudgement
If you had to describe the "Dollywood" theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (home of everything Parton), the word classy never really comes to mind. Over-the-top, certainly. Cornball, absolutely. Family-friendly, I guess so. That is, until their latest attraction went from blueprint stage to actual groundbreaking. The keel was laid this week for what's being billed as Titanic Pigeon Forge, a massive attraction (or detraction) of some 30,000 sq. feet, designed in the shape of the ill-fated liner. At a cost of $25million, the new "ship" will be christened in the spring of 2010, and it will contain a museum with artifacts raised (stolen) from the watery grave where Titanic still sits, on the North Atlantic floor. They will attempt to re-create the ship's famous winding Grand Staircase, a 1st-class Suite, a 3rd-class cabin and even the Marconi wireless room, where the original crew tried in vain to summon assistance. Mom, Dad and the kiddies will get to touch an iceberg, feel what 28 degree water is like (by dipping a pinky in, not shivering in horror while hundreds of people around them were dying), and they can climb into a lifeboat and send an SOS message. 'Scuse me while I throw up, but does this macabre, crass, profiteering idea sound like a day of fun for the family? I think it's insidious. If you want to cash in on people's death and tragedy, do your little museum. But to re-build a replica of the ship like it's some kind of Epcot thrill ride? Shame on you Dollywood Management, and shame on Dolly herself for not stepping forward and admitting this is all about the money. What's next, a 9/11 museum with interactive experiences? Yeah, that would last about 5 minutes before you'd be screamed into submission. And don't go saying it's like visiting Pearl Harbor or some such garbage, either. Pearl Harbor is an actual shrine in and of itself, but if some dollar-monger decided to build a fake Pearl Harbor at Dollywood to make a buck, I'd be on this same pulpit!
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK. The Attleboro, Massachusetts Sun Chronicle ran a story recently about Eileen Wilbur, a 74-year old blind woman, who received a threat from the City that they were going to put a lien on her house, if she failed to pay her water bill which was over a year past due. City Collector Debora Marcoccio said that her office had actually sent out over 2,000 similar notices, in an effort to re-coup lost revenues. Mrs. Wilbur, the offender, did not know about the discrepancy until her daughter happened to stop over and read the notification. She was given until Dec. 10th to pay the past-due debt, or face an additional penalty of $48 as well as the lien on her home of 50 years. Tax Collector Marcoccio defended her department's position on principle, saying "My question is, why wasn't it paid when the original bill went out in 2007?" I'm sure there is some merit to the question, although there is virtually NO merit to the situation. As it turns out, Eileen Wilbur owes the City of Attleboro .01 cent. That's right, her bill was for a penny. Ms. Marcoccio spent .42cents of taxpayer money, not counting any manpower time spent (wasted), asking the offender to pay .42cents as well, to collect a penny. Mrs. Wilbur's daughter, Rose Brederson, called the entire incident laughable and ridiculous, and said she'll drop the penny off at the City Collector's office when she's downtown next week. I can just hear Collector Marcoccio's thoughts in reply to that: "You'd BETTER, that's all I have to say...."
Or what, Madam?! A quick P.S. to the daughter, Ms. Brederson....get a receipt....
The Colombia SC State newspaper has also reported a situation involving a public servant, who is doing her best to be her worst. Police in Cobb County, Ga. recently accused County Commissioner Annette Kesting of asking a local high voodoo priestess, GeorgeAnn Mills, to perform a death ritual on her longtime political rival, Woody Thompson. Ms. Kesting didn't want it to be too gruesome or exotic, asking only for something simple like cancer or a car accident. Mills acknowledged taking money from Kesting, to attend to some "family" issues for her by sacrificing three hens and a rooster, but said she would never be involved in anything criminal. Heaven forbid! Or if not Heaven, maybe it's that other place.
Congratulations to British citizen Sarah Burge, age 49, who has just made it into the Guinness Book Of World Records, according to the London Daily Mail on Oct. 29th. The lovely Sarah B. broke the standing record for most cosmetic surgery procedures, having now spent what amounts to around $850,000 US dollars on more than 100 nips, tucks, squeezes, slices, dices, juliennes, peels, layers, removals, additions, insertions and extractions. Joan Rivers could not be reached for comment. Sarah said "It's all good, really. The only downside, besides the financial part, is that people often mistake me for Michael Jackson or a car that's been dropped from a 10-story building. Otherwise, it's pretty much life as usual...."
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK. The Attleboro, Massachusetts Sun Chronicle ran a story recently about Eileen Wilbur, a 74-year old blind woman, who received a threat from the City that they were going to put a lien on her house, if she failed to pay her water bill which was over a year past due. City Collector Debora Marcoccio said that her office had actually sent out over 2,000 similar notices, in an effort to re-coup lost revenues. Mrs. Wilbur, the offender, did not know about the discrepancy until her daughter happened to stop over and read the notification. She was given until Dec. 10th to pay the past-due debt, or face an additional penalty of $48 as well as the lien on her home of 50 years. Tax Collector Marcoccio defended her department's position on principle, saying "My question is, why wasn't it paid when the original bill went out in 2007?" I'm sure there is some merit to the question, although there is virtually NO merit to the situation. As it turns out, Eileen Wilbur owes the City of Attleboro .01 cent. That's right, her bill was for a penny. Ms. Marcoccio spent .42cents of taxpayer money, not counting any manpower time spent (wasted), asking the offender to pay .42cents as well, to collect a penny. Mrs. Wilbur's daughter, Rose Brederson, called the entire incident laughable and ridiculous, and said she'll drop the penny off at the City Collector's office when she's downtown next week. I can just hear Collector Marcoccio's thoughts in reply to that: "You'd BETTER, that's all I have to say...."
Or what, Madam?! A quick P.S. to the daughter, Ms. Brederson....get a receipt....
The Colombia SC State newspaper has also reported a situation involving a public servant, who is doing her best to be her worst. Police in Cobb County, Ga. recently accused County Commissioner Annette Kesting of asking a local high voodoo priestess, GeorgeAnn Mills, to perform a death ritual on her longtime political rival, Woody Thompson. Ms. Kesting didn't want it to be too gruesome or exotic, asking only for something simple like cancer or a car accident. Mills acknowledged taking money from Kesting, to attend to some "family" issues for her by sacrificing three hens and a rooster, but said she would never be involved in anything criminal. Heaven forbid! Or if not Heaven, maybe it's that other place.
Congratulations to British citizen Sarah Burge, age 49, who has just made it into the Guinness Book Of World Records, according to the London Daily Mail on Oct. 29th. The lovely Sarah B. broke the standing record for most cosmetic surgery procedures, having now spent what amounts to around $850,000 US dollars on more than 100 nips, tucks, squeezes, slices, dices, juliennes, peels, layers, removals, additions, insertions and extractions. Joan Rivers could not be reached for comment. Sarah said "It's all good, really. The only downside, besides the financial part, is that people often mistake me for Michael Jackson or a car that's been dropped from a 10-story building. Otherwise, it's pretty much life as usual...."
Monday, November 17, 2008
Celebrity Meets Paparazzi
Last weekend, Celebrity Cruises introduced their new ship "Celebrity Solstice" to the world, and early reports are that she is stunning. There is still a large segment of the population unfamiliar with Celebrity, and that's a shame. Ever since their inception nearly 20 years ago, they've made themselves known more by word-of-mouth than advertising. More recently they've tried some ads, but they're too laid-back and not representative of the actual onboard product. With as many ships as I've sailed on, if you told me I could have a free ticket to go on any cruise I wanted, it would almost certainly be a Celebrity ship. The level of service, the cuisine, and overall ambiance compared to the dollars spent is second to none. The only downside to sailing them has been no new ships for years. That's not much of an issue for me, since I've sailed and piloted ships 50+ years old. But just like cars or anything else mechanical, age tends to mean more can go wrong, and technology is behind the times. That's why there's so much excitement for the new Solstice - it's the best of all possible worlds!
Last night, new Prez Obama gave a fascinating interview to 60 Minutes. With all the challenges to be faced, I'm not sure I've ever seen someone carry more dignity and calm into the job. Somehow he makes you feel like it's going to be OK, and in these turbulent times, that's about all we can ask up-front of anyone assuming such a role. I wish him all the best, and hope America is smarter than a 5th grader, to will rally around him.
Holy Theft, Batman!
Orthodox officials in a central Russian region say an abandoned church building, which was intended to be put back into use, has been stolen by local villagers. Say what? Orthodox priest Vitaly of the regional diocese said officials last saw the two-story Church of Resurrection intact in July. When they returned to the area in early October, the church was gone. Sometime during those 3 months, he said, people from the nearby village of Komarovo (near Moscow) had dismantled the building and stolen it, brick by brick. Villagers apparently sold the structure to a local businessman, for one ruble (about 4 cents) per brick. "Of course, this is blasphemy," he told The Associated Press. "These people have to realize they committed a grave sin." Vitaly said police were investigating the theft of the 200-year-old building, which no longer had its icons and other religious valuables. Most recently it had been a school for disabled children during the Soviet era, before it was closed down in 1998 and turned over to the church. The businessman in question claims complete innocence in the situation. He says that after the church "went missing", he simply wanted to perform a community service, by re-building a similar structure for the townsfolk. That's why he offered money for bricks, to complete the project. He said he had no knowledge of where those bricks came from, and purchased them in good faith. Kind of reminds be of the scene in This Is Spinal Tap, where they talk about how their drummer died. Can't really tell the story in this-here clean-cut bloggin' thing, but if you know the movie, you know what I'm talking about.
According to the Plymouth Guardian newspaper, Researchers at Plymouth University in England, using a small Arts Council grant, wanted to test the theory that an infinite number of monkeys, with an infinite number of typewriters, could eventually produce the works of Shakespeare. However, like I said it was a small grant. So instead of an infinite number of monkeys and time, they got six Crested Macaque monkeys and a computer, and decided to base their research over a four-week period. According to a report in The Guardian, the little critters produced a total of five pages of text between them over the month-long project, mostly consisting of the letter "S". According to University professor Geoff Cox, the monkeys spent a lot of time sitting on the keyboard, and the "S" appeared to be a pressure point on the keyboard.
I wouldn't complain if I were professor Geoff Cox. Lots of worse things COULD have happened, with monkeys plopped down on your keyboard. Some even start with "S"....
Last night, new Prez Obama gave a fascinating interview to 60 Minutes. With all the challenges to be faced, I'm not sure I've ever seen someone carry more dignity and calm into the job. Somehow he makes you feel like it's going to be OK, and in these turbulent times, that's about all we can ask up-front of anyone assuming such a role. I wish him all the best, and hope America is smarter than a 5th grader, to will rally around him.
Holy Theft, Batman!
Orthodox officials in a central Russian region say an abandoned church building, which was intended to be put back into use, has been stolen by local villagers. Say what? Orthodox priest Vitaly of the regional diocese said officials last saw the two-story Church of Resurrection intact in July. When they returned to the area in early October, the church was gone. Sometime during those 3 months, he said, people from the nearby village of Komarovo (near Moscow) had dismantled the building and stolen it, brick by brick. Villagers apparently sold the structure to a local businessman, for one ruble (about 4 cents) per brick. "Of course, this is blasphemy," he told The Associated Press. "These people have to realize they committed a grave sin." Vitaly said police were investigating the theft of the 200-year-old building, which no longer had its icons and other religious valuables. Most recently it had been a school for disabled children during the Soviet era, before it was closed down in 1998 and turned over to the church. The businessman in question claims complete innocence in the situation. He says that after the church "went missing", he simply wanted to perform a community service, by re-building a similar structure for the townsfolk. That's why he offered money for bricks, to complete the project. He said he had no knowledge of where those bricks came from, and purchased them in good faith. Kind of reminds be of the scene in This Is Spinal Tap, where they talk about how their drummer died. Can't really tell the story in this-here clean-cut bloggin' thing, but if you know the movie, you know what I'm talking about.
According to the Plymouth Guardian newspaper, Researchers at Plymouth University in England, using a small Arts Council grant, wanted to test the theory that an infinite number of monkeys, with an infinite number of typewriters, could eventually produce the works of Shakespeare. However, like I said it was a small grant. So instead of an infinite number of monkeys and time, they got six Crested Macaque monkeys and a computer, and decided to base their research over a four-week period. According to a report in The Guardian, the little critters produced a total of five pages of text between them over the month-long project, mostly consisting of the letter "S". According to University professor Geoff Cox, the monkeys spent a lot of time sitting on the keyboard, and the "S" appeared to be a pressure point on the keyboard.
I wouldn't complain if I were professor Geoff Cox. Lots of worse things COULD have happened, with monkeys plopped down on your keyboard. Some even start with "S"....
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Three D's for D-D-Disney!
If you think you've seen just about every kind of entertainment on cruise ships, Disney is about to overturn your applecart. Back in the 50's, there was a popular new medium that came to movie theaters, where everyone put on these snorky-looking cardboard glasses, one eye covered in red, the other in blue. There's no doubt those glasses were atrocious looking, but nobody was wearing 'em for style. It was to experience a movie in 3 dimensions, instantly dubbed "3D". A handful of filmmakers have attempted to forge a comeback for 3D, including the "Jaws" series a few years ago. What they failed to realize is we really don't NEED to see bloody human body parts, floating off the screen and into our laps. This time, though, it's Disney's turn in a family-friendly genre. They will be debuting 3D movies on the Disney Wonder next Friday, and on the Disney Magic in December. Looking ahead to 2009, it won't be just movies in 3D, either. They are going to attempt to combine 3D films with a live-action theatrical extravaganza, including fog machines, laser lights, streamers and other special effects. Passengers will get to experience first-run, full-length Disney movies, the same week they are released in theaters nationwide.
Leave it to the wholesome likes of Disney, to try to re-create a 60's psychedelic happening on a cruise ship. Of course they say it's for the kids, but 3D is definitely for adults as well. I remember going to an all-night 3D film festival in 1970, highlighted by the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. Oh my! If I were on a Disney cruise, I might even swig down a handful of rum punches and check it out....I wonder how those little paper umbrellas look in 3D?
This week marks a special occasion here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nothing fancy, but then again Billy Graham probably doesn't have a fancy bone in his body. He's just a country preacher, whose easy style and quietly powerful voice shaped a generation, and then some. I remember my parents attending a Billy Graham crusade, and coming away more hopeful and more at peace than before. Reverend Graham will be turning 90 years old on Friday of this week, and although it won't get a lot of bells and whistles nationally, around here there will be a knowing nod and a "thank you" for his years of dedication, leadership and service. Happy birthday, Rev. Graham.
Speaking of North Carolina familiar faces, John Edwards came out of his shell last week, raising questions about his future in politics. Voters have proven over and over again that they'll forgive and forget, when it comes to fast-talking politicians. Just look at (dare I mention it) Alaska, where incredibly the voters almost re-elected a man recently convicted of multiple felonies, and ethical improprieties! Sorry, that's just plain ignorance in my opinion. I don't think carte blanche forgive-and-forget is a good thing. Sure everyone deserves a second chance in life, but it doesn't mean a second chance at the SAME life. If that were true, it means there are virtually no consequences for people's actions. In Mr. Edwards' case, he has the stigma of being not only a losing VP candidate with John Kerry, a losing Presidential candidate blown out by Hillary Clinton and President-elect Obama, but also cheating on his wife during a time she was trying to cope with cancer. If ever there were a trifecta for staying the heck out of politics, John....all I have to say is TAG: you're it.
Congratulations to Ricoh. You know Ricoh, the office equipment company? It's true they've left a carbon footprint that rivals a Brontosaurus, but at least in their latest advertising effort they're trying something new in the heart of excess, Times Square, New York. Ricoh is putting up the first "green" billboard this winter, a 35,000 lb. sign powered solely by wind and sun! There will be 16 wind turbines and 64 solar panels, which will save between $12,000-$15,000 per month in electricity usage and cost. The billboard will be lit by floodlights instead of light-emitting diodes, so potentially it could go dark during long periods of no wind or sun, but it would take more than 4 straight days of nothingness to have that impact. A lighting ceremony has been scheduled for Dec. 4, for the 126-foot wide, 47-foot high billboard. Good idea, guys, and a hearty round of applause from the old Skipper.
"Wash your hands, Bernard." I'm pretty sure that's what 33-year old Bernard Wood's mother told him, but the boy became the man and he just didn't listen to his Mama. Police in Lynchburg, Virginia were trying to solve a series of break-ins, without success. Apparently the bandit had been careful enough to use gloves, when breaking into peoples' homes and stealing their goods, while also helping himself to goodies from their refrigerators. Recently, the bandit raided a fridge and found a rather large helping of leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken, and decided to sit down for a quick feast. Colonel Sanders said it best, it's "finger-lickin'-good", which means you just can't properly eat it in gloves. So the thief took his off long enough to devour the chicken, and gulp down a bottle of orange juice. He carefully wiped down the table and fridge handle before throwing away the bottle and leaving. Oops! Police were able to lift greasy fingerprints from the orange juice bottle, and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Harrison said those fingerprints led to Bernard Wood. Police found incriminating evidence at his apartment, and last Friday he was sentenced to 6 years in prison, after being found guilty of 3 counts of burglary and 2 counts of grand larceny. I think he should have been given an extra year for aggravated disregard of using Handi-Wipes, and misdemeanor stupidity....
Leave it to the wholesome likes of Disney, to try to re-create a 60's psychedelic happening on a cruise ship. Of course they say it's for the kids, but 3D is definitely for adults as well. I remember going to an all-night 3D film festival in 1970, highlighted by the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. Oh my! If I were on a Disney cruise, I might even swig down a handful of rum punches and check it out....I wonder how those little paper umbrellas look in 3D?
This week marks a special occasion here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nothing fancy, but then again Billy Graham probably doesn't have a fancy bone in his body. He's just a country preacher, whose easy style and quietly powerful voice shaped a generation, and then some. I remember my parents attending a Billy Graham crusade, and coming away more hopeful and more at peace than before. Reverend Graham will be turning 90 years old on Friday of this week, and although it won't get a lot of bells and whistles nationally, around here there will be a knowing nod and a "thank you" for his years of dedication, leadership and service. Happy birthday, Rev. Graham.
Speaking of North Carolina familiar faces, John Edwards came out of his shell last week, raising questions about his future in politics. Voters have proven over and over again that they'll forgive and forget, when it comes to fast-talking politicians. Just look at (dare I mention it) Alaska, where incredibly the voters almost re-elected a man recently convicted of multiple felonies, and ethical improprieties! Sorry, that's just plain ignorance in my opinion. I don't think carte blanche forgive-and-forget is a good thing. Sure everyone deserves a second chance in life, but it doesn't mean a second chance at the SAME life. If that were true, it means there are virtually no consequences for people's actions. In Mr. Edwards' case, he has the stigma of being not only a losing VP candidate with John Kerry, a losing Presidential candidate blown out by Hillary Clinton and President-elect Obama, but also cheating on his wife during a time she was trying to cope with cancer. If ever there were a trifecta for staying the heck out of politics, John....all I have to say is TAG: you're it.
Congratulations to Ricoh. You know Ricoh, the office equipment company? It's true they've left a carbon footprint that rivals a Brontosaurus, but at least in their latest advertising effort they're trying something new in the heart of excess, Times Square, New York. Ricoh is putting up the first "green" billboard this winter, a 35,000 lb. sign powered solely by wind and sun! There will be 16 wind turbines and 64 solar panels, which will save between $12,000-$15,000 per month in electricity usage and cost. The billboard will be lit by floodlights instead of light-emitting diodes, so potentially it could go dark during long periods of no wind or sun, but it would take more than 4 straight days of nothingness to have that impact. A lighting ceremony has been scheduled for Dec. 4, for the 126-foot wide, 47-foot high billboard. Good idea, guys, and a hearty round of applause from the old Skipper.
"Wash your hands, Bernard." I'm pretty sure that's what 33-year old Bernard Wood's mother told him, but the boy became the man and he just didn't listen to his Mama. Police in Lynchburg, Virginia were trying to solve a series of break-ins, without success. Apparently the bandit had been careful enough to use gloves, when breaking into peoples' homes and stealing their goods, while also helping himself to goodies from their refrigerators. Recently, the bandit raided a fridge and found a rather large helping of leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken, and decided to sit down for a quick feast. Colonel Sanders said it best, it's "finger-lickin'-good", which means you just can't properly eat it in gloves. So the thief took his off long enough to devour the chicken, and gulp down a bottle of orange juice. He carefully wiped down the table and fridge handle before throwing away the bottle and leaving. Oops! Police were able to lift greasy fingerprints from the orange juice bottle, and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Harrison said those fingerprints led to Bernard Wood. Police found incriminating evidence at his apartment, and last Friday he was sentenced to 6 years in prison, after being found guilty of 3 counts of burglary and 2 counts of grand larceny. I think he should have been given an extra year for aggravated disregard of using Handi-Wipes, and misdemeanor stupidity....
Friday, November 14, 2008
16 minutes of fame...17...
There's just no getting rid of Sarah Palin's face, is there Mateys? She's gettin' to be more of a barnacle on my hull every day. The media obsession continues to confound me. Plucked from obscurity, and now somehow she's the face and voice of the GOP. Albeit a losing face and voice, it's still there filling up my TV screen on every news report, pundit show, CNN, morning talk show, and anywhere else people dish about dishing. All I can say is please gimme back my airwaves! I'll take some more attack ads, as opposed to hearing her opinion on every form of human existence, no thank you very much. Alaska is starting to be known as "Whine Country." It's enough to make a grouchy old seafarer even grouchier (if that's possible).
With winter starting to peek over the horizon (maybe Alaska will get frozen over, and not a moment too soon), I'm sending my clients to places they don't have to worry about shoveling sidewalks. Not everyone is into cruising or going to a Caribbean island, believe it or not. Some people prefer active vacations, such as hiking, climbing, river rafting and sightseeing, while still finding time to relax and enjoy pampering at a premium hotel, with fine dining options and spa facilities. Where is this dreamy kind of place, you ask? None other than right here in the US-Of-A, our desert Southwest. We're talking about the Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona area. So many choices! There's great golf, incredible resorts, top-of-the-line spas, and a wide variety of desert sightseeing activities. There are full-day trips available to Lake Havasu (transplanted home of the original London Bridge), The Grand Canyon, and working ranches if you want a real-life cowboy experience. Yesterday I did a Top 10 of Chicago, and here's one for Phoenix:
1) Camelback Mountain. This rusty-red giant sports superb hiking trails and climbing, offering breathtaking views of desert scenery and the Phoenix area.
2) The Heard Museum. The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., this museum reveals the culture of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. It displays the work of contemporary Native American artists, who demonstrate their work during the week, while musicians perform most weekends.
3) Grand Canyon National Park. This can be done as a long, full-day trip from Phoenix. World-class sightseeing, photography and river rafting make this the Greatest Hole on Earth!
4) Golf, Golf and Golf. Some of the best desert courses anywhere are found here, both challenging and beautiful.
5) Canyon Creek Ranch. One of the most popular attractions, it's outside the city in a remotely gorgeous area. Spend your day on horseback, and leave your city cares behind.
6) Hall Of Flame Museum Of Firefighting. Fascinating look into what make a hero tick, you'll have a new appreciation for these public servants.
7) AliceCooper'sTown. Yes, that Alice, and Phoenix is his hometown. Alice is an outstanding athlete, and this lively Sports Bar has it all, from sports on 16 screens to rock 'n roll. It's 6,000 sq. feet of "warehouse-style" dining, with a twist. Check out the rockin' menu: http://www.alicecooperstown.com/ It'll make you feel 18, 18, 18, 18 and you'll like it!
8) Lake Havasu/London Bridge. Can also be done as a full day trip from Phoenix. It's a man-made lake in the desert (with excellent fishing), complete with a world-famous bridge flown half-way around the globe, and re-assembled "just because." Need I say more?
9) Pro Sports Teams. For 6 months of the year, it's baseball with the Diamondbacks, and the other 6 months you can enjoy the Phoenix Suns playing hoops, or drop the puck with the Coyotes.
10) Cacti! Whether you want to visit Saguaro National Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, or just hop in your car to drive the highways for sightseeing, the Sonoran Desert has every form of flora and fauna imaginable. Be sure to ask for safety tips at your resort, before venturing out on your own, though.
Even from the East Coast, it's easy finding nonstop flights or simple, single-connections to Phoenix, depending on where you live. Contact me for rates and availability, ranging from mid-priced hotels and resorts to world-class spa facilities.
Recently, Police in central Pennsylvania made an interesting collar. Their "perp" had tried to rob a bank in Springettsbury Township earlier in the day. Police Lt. Scott Laird said the tellers were waiting for their cash drawers to be filled when a man entered a Susquehanna Bank branch, and demanded money. The first teller fainted. The next 2 showed him empty cash drawers. Laird says the robber became agitated, and threatened to file a complaint with bank management! All the tellers looked at each other, like "Huh?" Meanwhile, a customer in the drive-through lane saw what was happening and dialed 911. Shortly thereafter, a 48-yr-old man was arrested a few blocks away. After a quick identification, he was held in the York County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. He was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery. He should have been charged with a lame attempt at making a threat....
With winter starting to peek over the horizon (maybe Alaska will get frozen over, and not a moment too soon), I'm sending my clients to places they don't have to worry about shoveling sidewalks. Not everyone is into cruising or going to a Caribbean island, believe it or not. Some people prefer active vacations, such as hiking, climbing, river rafting and sightseeing, while still finding time to relax and enjoy pampering at a premium hotel, with fine dining options and spa facilities. Where is this dreamy kind of place, you ask? None other than right here in the US-Of-A, our desert Southwest. We're talking about the Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona area. So many choices! There's great golf, incredible resorts, top-of-the-line spas, and a wide variety of desert sightseeing activities. There are full-day trips available to Lake Havasu (transplanted home of the original London Bridge), The Grand Canyon, and working ranches if you want a real-life cowboy experience. Yesterday I did a Top 10 of Chicago, and here's one for Phoenix:
1) Camelback Mountain. This rusty-red giant sports superb hiking trails and climbing, offering breathtaking views of desert scenery and the Phoenix area.
2) The Heard Museum. The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., this museum reveals the culture of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. It displays the work of contemporary Native American artists, who demonstrate their work during the week, while musicians perform most weekends.
3) Grand Canyon National Park. This can be done as a long, full-day trip from Phoenix. World-class sightseeing, photography and river rafting make this the Greatest Hole on Earth!
4) Golf, Golf and Golf. Some of the best desert courses anywhere are found here, both challenging and beautiful.
5) Canyon Creek Ranch. One of the most popular attractions, it's outside the city in a remotely gorgeous area. Spend your day on horseback, and leave your city cares behind.
6) Hall Of Flame Museum Of Firefighting. Fascinating look into what make a hero tick, you'll have a new appreciation for these public servants.
7) AliceCooper'sTown. Yes, that Alice, and Phoenix is his hometown. Alice is an outstanding athlete, and this lively Sports Bar has it all, from sports on 16 screens to rock 'n roll. It's 6,000 sq. feet of "warehouse-style" dining, with a twist. Check out the rockin' menu: http://www.alicecooperstown.com/ It'll make you feel 18, 18, 18, 18 and you'll like it!
8) Lake Havasu/London Bridge. Can also be done as a full day trip from Phoenix. It's a man-made lake in the desert (with excellent fishing), complete with a world-famous bridge flown half-way around the globe, and re-assembled "just because." Need I say more?
9) Pro Sports Teams. For 6 months of the year, it's baseball with the Diamondbacks, and the other 6 months you can enjoy the Phoenix Suns playing hoops, or drop the puck with the Coyotes.
10) Cacti! Whether you want to visit Saguaro National Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, or just hop in your car to drive the highways for sightseeing, the Sonoran Desert has every form of flora and fauna imaginable. Be sure to ask for safety tips at your resort, before venturing out on your own, though.
Even from the East Coast, it's easy finding nonstop flights or simple, single-connections to Phoenix, depending on where you live. Contact me for rates and availability, ranging from mid-priced hotels and resorts to world-class spa facilities.
Recently, Police in central Pennsylvania made an interesting collar. Their "perp" had tried to rob a bank in Springettsbury Township earlier in the day. Police Lt. Scott Laird said the tellers were waiting for their cash drawers to be filled when a man entered a Susquehanna Bank branch, and demanded money. The first teller fainted. The next 2 showed him empty cash drawers. Laird says the robber became agitated, and threatened to file a complaint with bank management! All the tellers looked at each other, like "Huh?" Meanwhile, a customer in the drive-through lane saw what was happening and dialed 911. Shortly thereafter, a 48-yr-old man was arrested a few blocks away. After a quick identification, he was held in the York County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. He was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery. He should have been charged with a lame attempt at making a threat....
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rocky Mountain "Hi"
News from Colorado ski country....the resorts and ski shops are in the process of expanding their rental inventory, in an attempt to make it easier for tourists to come out and play. Over the last year or so, many airlines have started charging for checked bags, including premiums on a 2nd or 3rd checked bag. That intimidates many people who are used to bringing 3 or 4 pieces with them to ski (boots, skis, suitcase, etc.). Particularly hard-hit are families, who can just about be priced out of the market. The ski shops feel this will help people travel lighter, and once they arrive they can still enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. I applaud their creativity in a struggling economy.
With the recent Election behind us, there is a new form of tourism making its way to the Midwest. People are flocking to see the home where Barack Obama lived in Chicago. It may not yet be in the class of "George Washington slept here", but it's equally historic in its own right. Just because it's new and hot as a tourist destination, if you do go to Chicago, be sure to catch a number of other fabulous highlights. Here's a Top-10 List for your listening and dancing pleasure:
1) Wrigley Field. It personifies baseball history, and if the Cubbies happen to be in town, there's nothing quite like it.
2) Second City Comedy Club. If there's a cradle of comedy genius, this is it. Irreverent, slapstick, a little on the blue side, cutting-edge improv at it's finest. World class.
3) Gino's East (pizza). The original home of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Small, a bit crowded, not an ounce of class to be found, but BOY is that good pizza! Two of us tried to split a medium, and couldn't come close to finishing it!
4) Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club. Once again, if you're looking for high-class and posh, this is the wrong place to come. But if you want genuine Chicago-style blues of the finest order, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better on planet Earth. Never heard of Buddy Guy? That's a shame....Eric Clapton called him the "greatest guitarist of all time", and his influence on Rock, R&B and Blues is immeasurable.
5) The Navy Pier. Opened in 1916 in downtown Chicago as a shipping and recreational facility, it now showcases unique restaurants, boutiques, and theater events. There's the 50,000 sq. ft. Children's Museum of Chicago, a 440-seat IMAX theater, and a 32,000 sq. ft. indoor botanical garden. An excellent all-'round day for the entire family.
6) John Hancock Observatory. Always something going on, and the bird's-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are stunning.
7) Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the Nation's best.
8) Grant Park. Beautiful place to stroll, and now has the historic presence of an Election-night happening, featuring Barack Obama and a quarter-million of his closest friends.
9) Art Institute of Chicago. Possibly the greatest collection of fine art in the Midwest.
10a) Magnificent Mile. This area of Chicago is legendary for designer shops, one after another, in a stunning array of chic, class and style.
10b) Chicago-Style Hotdogs. Nothing like 'em, folks. You might think you've had one, but until you have one in Chicago you've not done the real deal. There is a specific, time-honored method of EXACT ingredients, from dog to bun to all the extras. Any variation (including being eaten outside of Chicago) voids the authenticity. You'll be asking "where DO they get those little peppers??!"
And that's not all. Go see Oprah! Ride to the top of the Sears Tower. Take a day cruise or fish on Lake Michigan. Walk the famous downtown bridge area over the Chicago River. You'll be amazed at the color of the water, too. Looks almost like the Caribbean Sea it's such a lovely shade of blue-green. Lake Michigan itself is ten times cleaner now than years ago, and is now an area of pride for the city. Ride on the "El" (elevated train, like an over-the-ground subway). Chicago's nickname is the Second City, but it's second to none when it comes to a good time.
Police Blotter Time:
The proprietor of an Arkansas recycling plant was suspicious when a group of youths brought him a large, 63-pound grey metal bar. He said "Boys, what you've got yourselves there is a big 'ol hunk of lead", and he paid them $30 for their trouble. He got one of the boys to sign for the $30 and post his address on the receipt. After the young gentlemen left his office, he called local police to report the incident. It turns out, the 63-pound metal bar was a solid silver ingot, valued at $15,000. Police Detective Mike Stegall investigated further, confronting the boy who had signed for the $30 with his parents present. He confessed and implicated five of his friends as accomplices. Turns out, the boys had stolen 2 safes, which contained a rare D.H. Lawrence 1st-edition book valued at $5,000, silver and gold coins valued at $25,000 and the silver ingot. The rare book was still missing at last report, but most of the other items had been recovered. The would-be criminal geniuses had managed to get a total of $70 for their $45,000 worth of loot. When asked why they did it, the response was "we needed gas money."
I guess mowing lawns, raking leaves or getting a job would be out of the question, eh boys?
With the recent Election behind us, there is a new form of tourism making its way to the Midwest. People are flocking to see the home where Barack Obama lived in Chicago. It may not yet be in the class of "George Washington slept here", but it's equally historic in its own right. Just because it's new and hot as a tourist destination, if you do go to Chicago, be sure to catch a number of other fabulous highlights. Here's a Top-10 List for your listening and dancing pleasure:
1) Wrigley Field. It personifies baseball history, and if the Cubbies happen to be in town, there's nothing quite like it.
2) Second City Comedy Club. If there's a cradle of comedy genius, this is it. Irreverent, slapstick, a little on the blue side, cutting-edge improv at it's finest. World class.
3) Gino's East (pizza). The original home of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Small, a bit crowded, not an ounce of class to be found, but BOY is that good pizza! Two of us tried to split a medium, and couldn't come close to finishing it!
4) Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club. Once again, if you're looking for high-class and posh, this is the wrong place to come. But if you want genuine Chicago-style blues of the finest order, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better on planet Earth. Never heard of Buddy Guy? That's a shame....Eric Clapton called him the "greatest guitarist of all time", and his influence on Rock, R&B and Blues is immeasurable.
5) The Navy Pier. Opened in 1916 in downtown Chicago as a shipping and recreational facility, it now showcases unique restaurants, boutiques, and theater events. There's the 50,000 sq. ft. Children's Museum of Chicago, a 440-seat IMAX theater, and a 32,000 sq. ft. indoor botanical garden. An excellent all-'round day for the entire family.
6) John Hancock Observatory. Always something going on, and the bird's-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are stunning.
7) Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the Nation's best.
8) Grant Park. Beautiful place to stroll, and now has the historic presence of an Election-night happening, featuring Barack Obama and a quarter-million of his closest friends.
9) Art Institute of Chicago. Possibly the greatest collection of fine art in the Midwest.
10a) Magnificent Mile. This area of Chicago is legendary for designer shops, one after another, in a stunning array of chic, class and style.
10b) Chicago-Style Hotdogs. Nothing like 'em, folks. You might think you've had one, but until you have one in Chicago you've not done the real deal. There is a specific, time-honored method of EXACT ingredients, from dog to bun to all the extras. Any variation (including being eaten outside of Chicago) voids the authenticity. You'll be asking "where DO they get those little peppers??!"
And that's not all. Go see Oprah! Ride to the top of the Sears Tower. Take a day cruise or fish on Lake Michigan. Walk the famous downtown bridge area over the Chicago River. You'll be amazed at the color of the water, too. Looks almost like the Caribbean Sea it's such a lovely shade of blue-green. Lake Michigan itself is ten times cleaner now than years ago, and is now an area of pride for the city. Ride on the "El" (elevated train, like an over-the-ground subway). Chicago's nickname is the Second City, but it's second to none when it comes to a good time.
Police Blotter Time:
The proprietor of an Arkansas recycling plant was suspicious when a group of youths brought him a large, 63-pound grey metal bar. He said "Boys, what you've got yourselves there is a big 'ol hunk of lead", and he paid them $30 for their trouble. He got one of the boys to sign for the $30 and post his address on the receipt. After the young gentlemen left his office, he called local police to report the incident. It turns out, the 63-pound metal bar was a solid silver ingot, valued at $15,000. Police Detective Mike Stegall investigated further, confronting the boy who had signed for the $30 with his parents present. He confessed and implicated five of his friends as accomplices. Turns out, the boys had stolen 2 safes, which contained a rare D.H. Lawrence 1st-edition book valued at $5,000, silver and gold coins valued at $25,000 and the silver ingot. The rare book was still missing at last report, but most of the other items had been recovered. The would-be criminal geniuses had managed to get a total of $70 for their $45,000 worth of loot. When asked why they did it, the response was "we needed gas money."
I guess mowing lawns, raking leaves or getting a job would be out of the question, eh boys?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
OnLine Like A Hooked Fish?
If it weren't for the internet, you wouldn't be reading this amazingly wonderful blog 'o mine, so I'm not going to tell you it's an evil medium. It's not, but as a new generation comes along who have grown up not knowing a pre-internet world, their comfort level can be naive when it comes to purchasing certain things online. Like travel, for example. Back in the 90's, people found all these travel websites saying "Biggest, Best, Cheapest, We're #1" and they figured it must be true, because it says so. Somebody out there in government is watching out for me, aren't they? Maybe, maybe not. As you see on numerous TV scam reports, there really is no such thing as The Internet Police, meaning there's no true accountability and no safety net, for do-it-yourselfers who think they are immune to being hornswaggled. Personally, I do a lot of my shopping on line for clothing items, books, and things I can hold in my hand. I always investigate a website first, see how long they've been around, and when I place my order I'd better have it in a timely manner or I get involved asking why not. Again, I only buy physical items , but I don't book services online, because I have no idea if I'll actually get that service....like travel.
Again in the 90's there was a cruise boom, where people felt they could go to websites and get a cheaper cruise fare. And because there were some huge discounters in the marketplace, there was a smidgen of truth to it, though success stories were still hit-and-miss. That changed about four years ago, when cruise lines realized these low-ball websites were diluting the value of their product. In turn, they forced all online vendors to advertise the same price. That put some of them out of business quickly, when they suddenly had no price advantage as a claim-to-fame. But others have hung in there, until the recent economic downturn started a domino effect on them as well. Here's how they have kept their market share, by creating a perception of lower rates, even when it's not true:
People call or email me asking my price on a cruise, and I give them the full, actual cost. It's amazing how many times I hear "Well, I saw a lower price on XYZ cruise website". That's a little trick of the website trade. They list their cruise rates in the initial online quote you see, and they include what's called port charges, so the consumer wrongly assumes that's the price. What they DON'T tell you (or show you initially) is they are not including additional government taxes (which can be as high as another $150-200), and they are also not including fuel supplements or surcharges (which can be as high as $15 per person per day). The only way to see the true final price online is to select the cruise, pick a cabin, fill out names and personal info, and keep clicking through more screens until you get to the one where they want your credit card. At that point, you truly see what the cruise costs, but by then most people figure "oh well, I guess this is the best deal." That's really not a good way to do business. When I quote somebody, I always quote the entire package price, period. Straightforward and professional. That's why my quote may appear higher than what you initially see online, but again the online cruise retailers have stayed afloat by creating this perception of value. It's bait-and-switch, if you think about it. Imagine you were buying a car and asked the salesman how much it is, and he says $15,000. Then when you're filling out the paperwork to buy it, the price is $20,000 and when asked about the price difference, he says "You DO want it with an engine, tires and seats don't you?" My thought is the engine, tires and seats pretty much make it a car in the first place! So why quote something lower, just to sucker the person in? That's not how we do business where I come from! When you ask for our help, we give you straight talk and accurate information. Not the bait-and-switch mentality that online cruise retailers thrive on.
Why the talk about online, you ask? Because of a startling announcement about one of the largest online cruise-only agencies in the US, Cruise Value Center. It appears they have literally closed their doors, and walked away. Over the last few days, worried clients of Cruise Value Center have come to realize they may be involved in something really big, and in fact the links on their website no longer work, either. The site is still up, but it's basically inoperable. Cruise Week's Special Edition today notes insider reports saying as much as $3 million dollars in customers' money never made it to the cruise lines! You're probably thinking "Boy, I hope those people were smart enough to buy trip insurance to cover that." Guess what. They thought they were smart enough. But now there are reports that an additional $1.5 million dollars in customers' insurance payments never made it to the insurer, either! Prime Travel Protection (the insurer for Cruise Value Center) has sent out a letter to over 1500 customers, explaining that their policies, believed to be in force by the consumer, were actually null and void, cancelled for non-payment by the online cruise company. That gets a big WOW across the board, but not in a good way. It's too soon to know all the details, but early indications are Cruise Value Center took these peoples' money and has now left them with no vacations, no money refunded, and no recourse other than through the judicial system. It ain't pretty, folks. Keep in mind, this was not a fly-by-night operation...they were one of the largest online cruise suppliers in the US. But when you're sending your money into cyberspace, you don't really know where it's going, or who it's going to, now do you?
Why am I telling you all this?
You're probably asking "Doesn't the agency you're affiliated with, Mann Travels, also have a website?" Yes we do, but here's the point. We have a website for customer convenience and contact, and people can make reservations online for certain air and land packages. But the website is only a small portion of what we do, and who we are! Unlike online retailers who have no storefront, just a call-center building somewhere in Podunk America, Mann Travels is a highly-respected American Express representative agency, being awarded Rep Excellence status every year of our partnership with them. Our Company has been privately owned by the same 2 people, Gary and Maxine Silverstein, for 30 years. We have physical office locations across North and South Carolina, where you can sit down and talk to an agent, if you prefer that type of contact to emails, dealing online or by phone. We are Premium Level with ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents), and Top Account status with all the major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival to name a few. Back in the mid-90's we were actually Carnival's Worldwide Agency Of The Year! So there's a lot more to using our services, than those of a faceless website you really don't know anything about from a business or longevity standpoint. Also, because we're part of the American Express Network, we have access to group pricing on many travel packages, including cruises. Oftentimes our rates are significantly LOWER than the online retailers, too. Working with an established agency like Mann Travels is your personal guarantee of a successful vacation. It's called peace of mind, knowing you're booking your trip with a reputable, stable, long-term travel supplier. So keep those calls and quote requests coming, gang!
Here's an oddball story. Police in Florida arrested a Connecticut man recently, after he tried to steal communion wafers during a Catholic Church service. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said a 33-year-old man was cornered by fellow churchgoers, after he grabbed a handful of wafers from the priest during communion services Saturday. The Stuart News reported the man was being held down by six or seven offended parishioners when deputies arrived at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach. Police say 2 parishioners, age 82 and 61, received minor injuries in the scuffle. The man was charged with two counts of simple battery, theft and disruption of a religious assembly. He was being held Tuesday on $2,000 bond at the Martin County Jail.
Apparently he had not seen that a nearby Albertson's grocery store had Whole Grain Ritz crackers "buy one, get one free".....
Again in the 90's there was a cruise boom, where people felt they could go to websites and get a cheaper cruise fare. And because there were some huge discounters in the marketplace, there was a smidgen of truth to it, though success stories were still hit-and-miss. That changed about four years ago, when cruise lines realized these low-ball websites were diluting the value of their product. In turn, they forced all online vendors to advertise the same price. That put some of them out of business quickly, when they suddenly had no price advantage as a claim-to-fame. But others have hung in there, until the recent economic downturn started a domino effect on them as well. Here's how they have kept their market share, by creating a perception of lower rates, even when it's not true:
People call or email me asking my price on a cruise, and I give them the full, actual cost. It's amazing how many times I hear "Well, I saw a lower price on XYZ cruise website". That's a little trick of the website trade. They list their cruise rates in the initial online quote you see, and they include what's called port charges, so the consumer wrongly assumes that's the price. What they DON'T tell you (or show you initially) is they are not including additional government taxes (which can be as high as another $150-200), and they are also not including fuel supplements or surcharges (which can be as high as $15 per person per day). The only way to see the true final price online is to select the cruise, pick a cabin, fill out names and personal info, and keep clicking through more screens until you get to the one where they want your credit card. At that point, you truly see what the cruise costs, but by then most people figure "oh well, I guess this is the best deal." That's really not a good way to do business. When I quote somebody, I always quote the entire package price, period. Straightforward and professional. That's why my quote may appear higher than what you initially see online, but again the online cruise retailers have stayed afloat by creating this perception of value. It's bait-and-switch, if you think about it. Imagine you were buying a car and asked the salesman how much it is, and he says $15,000. Then when you're filling out the paperwork to buy it, the price is $20,000 and when asked about the price difference, he says "You DO want it with an engine, tires and seats don't you?" My thought is the engine, tires and seats pretty much make it a car in the first place! So why quote something lower, just to sucker the person in? That's not how we do business where I come from! When you ask for our help, we give you straight talk and accurate information. Not the bait-and-switch mentality that online cruise retailers thrive on.
Why the talk about online, you ask? Because of a startling announcement about one of the largest online cruise-only agencies in the US, Cruise Value Center. It appears they have literally closed their doors, and walked away. Over the last few days, worried clients of Cruise Value Center have come to realize they may be involved in something really big, and in fact the links on their website no longer work, either. The site is still up, but it's basically inoperable. Cruise Week's Special Edition today notes insider reports saying as much as $3 million dollars in customers' money never made it to the cruise lines! You're probably thinking "Boy, I hope those people were smart enough to buy trip insurance to cover that." Guess what. They thought they were smart enough. But now there are reports that an additional $1.5 million dollars in customers' insurance payments never made it to the insurer, either! Prime Travel Protection (the insurer for Cruise Value Center) has sent out a letter to over 1500 customers, explaining that their policies, believed to be in force by the consumer, were actually null and void, cancelled for non-payment by the online cruise company. That gets a big WOW across the board, but not in a good way. It's too soon to know all the details, but early indications are Cruise Value Center took these peoples' money and has now left them with no vacations, no money refunded, and no recourse other than through the judicial system. It ain't pretty, folks. Keep in mind, this was not a fly-by-night operation...they were one of the largest online cruise suppliers in the US. But when you're sending your money into cyberspace, you don't really know where it's going, or who it's going to, now do you?
Why am I telling you all this?
You're probably asking "Doesn't the agency you're affiliated with, Mann Travels, also have a website?" Yes we do, but here's the point. We have a website for customer convenience and contact, and people can make reservations online for certain air and land packages. But the website is only a small portion of what we do, and who we are! Unlike online retailers who have no storefront, just a call-center building somewhere in Podunk America, Mann Travels is a highly-respected American Express representative agency, being awarded Rep Excellence status every year of our partnership with them. Our Company has been privately owned by the same 2 people, Gary and Maxine Silverstein, for 30 years. We have physical office locations across North and South Carolina, where you can sit down and talk to an agent, if you prefer that type of contact to emails, dealing online or by phone. We are Premium Level with ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents), and Top Account status with all the major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival to name a few. Back in the mid-90's we were actually Carnival's Worldwide Agency Of The Year! So there's a lot more to using our services, than those of a faceless website you really don't know anything about from a business or longevity standpoint. Also, because we're part of the American Express Network, we have access to group pricing on many travel packages, including cruises. Oftentimes our rates are significantly LOWER than the online retailers, too. Working with an established agency like Mann Travels is your personal guarantee of a successful vacation. It's called peace of mind, knowing you're booking your trip with a reputable, stable, long-term travel supplier. So keep those calls and quote requests coming, gang!
Here's an oddball story. Police in Florida arrested a Connecticut man recently, after he tried to steal communion wafers during a Catholic Church service. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said a 33-year-old man was cornered by fellow churchgoers, after he grabbed a handful of wafers from the priest during communion services Saturday. The Stuart News reported the man was being held down by six or seven offended parishioners when deputies arrived at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach. Police say 2 parishioners, age 82 and 61, received minor injuries in the scuffle. The man was charged with two counts of simple battery, theft and disruption of a religious assembly. He was being held Tuesday on $2,000 bond at the Martin County Jail.
Apparently he had not seen that a nearby Albertson's grocery store had Whole Grain Ritz crackers "buy one, get one free".....
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Shear Delight!
The last few days, I've been writing about Paloma, the 3rd-trimester storm that came out of nowhere, and is now - nowhere! After being ripped to shreds by the high, jagged mountains of Cuba, wind shear took the tops off the remaining clouds yesterday and she is officially off the radar screen. Some computer models showed the storm reforming and turning back South or West, but the models didn't see the upper-atmospheric cross-winds, that finally gave Paloma the crew cut she needed to disappear. I think we're ready for some nice Fall & Winter calm about now, don't you? In this age of mostly negative press, any good news item is worth blogging about.
Yesterday Holland America's "Zuiderdam" came back to port, following a 17-night voyage, and 14% of the passengers (261) reported symptoms of what appears to be a Norovirus strain. That's an unusually high percentage, but I will tell you some preventative ways you can beat the bug whenever you cruise.
Norovirus is fairly common all across the country from October to April, and people who have paid for a cruise are still going to go, even if they don't necessarily feel 100%. They're not going to risk losing all the money they spent on the cruise, so they'll show up and bring their little viruses and microscopic whatsits with them. Typically the Norovirus is not spread air-borne (except in a small area by a sneeze or cough), but those same little droplets of a sneeze or cough that are expelled always land on SOMETHING. It's called gravity. So let's review your memory bank - what did your Mom tell you to do before eating when you were a kid? No, "brush your teeth" was after. Think harder. Yes! Wash your hands. On a ship, people will often go back to their cabin to freshen up before a meal, and they'll be sure to wash their hands thoroughly. Then they walk out of their cabin and grab the door handle (unwashed), then as they head to dinner they often grab the handrails in the hallways (unwashed) or on the stairs (unwashed), or press the elevator buttons (unwashed), and when they get to the dining room, they take a menu from the waiter (potentially unwashed - THE MENU, not the waiter!). Get the picture yet? People are casually hygienic, and they think they've taken preventative measures, but naively so as you can see. That's why Norovirus spreads so easily in an enclosed shipboard environment.
I always go to the galley (dining room), and wait until I've read the menu and ordered, before excusing myself for 1 minute to go to the restroom and wash my hands. That doesn't bother me to do, but for people who get embarrassed by leaving the table, just take a small Purell pack or squeeze bottle to the table. Anyone who would criticize you for sanitizing your hands is the same type of person who catches the Noro.
Did you read between the lines at all here? There's another trap set, if you didn't. People might follow these instructions completely, and still set themselves up for a fall. What's the first thing many people do when they sit down at a table? Unwrap the silverware, put the napkin in their lap, just like Emily Post or Miss Manners. WRONG! As mentioned, you just grabbed the rail, touched the wall, all that Noro-stuff and then grabbed your silverware! Just because you're on vacation, don't check your brain at the door. Go to the dining room, grab the menu and order, then sanitize your hands one way or another, and now you're ready to unwrap your napkin, grab your glass of water (did you think of that one?), or help yourself to a dinner roll (see? there are lots of dangers if you're not thinking!). All us lifelong Seafarers know these tricks, and if you're careful you and your family can enjoy cruising with very little chance of contracting a Norovirus, regardless of the season.
Did you read between the lines AGAIN? Forget about the dining room, sometimes you're out on the deck, and are just going to grab a burger and fries. All the same rules apply, Mates. Same for when you stop in for tea and cookies in the afternoon, or grab an ice cream cone, and on and on. Do you see how easy it is to slip up? Add to the equation that many people have had a cocktail or six when they're on a cruise, and their inhibitions are minimized, while carelessness is maximized. Those are what we professional sailors refer to as the "unprotected sects."
According to the Peninsula Daily News in Port Angeles, Washington there is a new danger in the kitchen. Being shot by the stove. I don't mean being shot NEAR the stove, either. Ms. Cory Davis of Sekiu Washington was trying to take the chill of her house, by firing up her wood-burning stove a couple weeks ago. She had put in some small sticks and kindling, as well as a couple healthy-size pieces of firewood, but it was still going to take a few minutes to get up to speed, so she decided to prep the fire by putting in a few newspapers to hurry the process. She grabbed some rolled-up newspapers from her kitchen table, forgetting she had earlier been cleaning her .22-gauge shotgun. One of the shells had made its way into the newspaper, and as Ms. Davis was standing there warming her hands by the orange glow of the fire, the stove shot her in the leg. She was able to drive herself to the hospital, and her injuries were not life-threatening. When asked about the incident, Ms. Davis said "There's always that one problem stray."
Like it was the shell's fault....
Yesterday Holland America's "Zuiderdam" came back to port, following a 17-night voyage, and 14% of the passengers (261) reported symptoms of what appears to be a Norovirus strain. That's an unusually high percentage, but I will tell you some preventative ways you can beat the bug whenever you cruise.
Norovirus is fairly common all across the country from October to April, and people who have paid for a cruise are still going to go, even if they don't necessarily feel 100%. They're not going to risk losing all the money they spent on the cruise, so they'll show up and bring their little viruses and microscopic whatsits with them. Typically the Norovirus is not spread air-borne (except in a small area by a sneeze or cough), but those same little droplets of a sneeze or cough that are expelled always land on SOMETHING. It's called gravity. So let's review your memory bank - what did your Mom tell you to do before eating when you were a kid? No, "brush your teeth" was after. Think harder. Yes! Wash your hands. On a ship, people will often go back to their cabin to freshen up before a meal, and they'll be sure to wash their hands thoroughly. Then they walk out of their cabin and grab the door handle (unwashed), then as they head to dinner they often grab the handrails in the hallways (unwashed) or on the stairs (unwashed), or press the elevator buttons (unwashed), and when they get to the dining room, they take a menu from the waiter (potentially unwashed - THE MENU, not the waiter!). Get the picture yet? People are casually hygienic, and they think they've taken preventative measures, but naively so as you can see. That's why Norovirus spreads so easily in an enclosed shipboard environment.
I always go to the galley (dining room), and wait until I've read the menu and ordered, before excusing myself for 1 minute to go to the restroom and wash my hands. That doesn't bother me to do, but for people who get embarrassed by leaving the table, just take a small Purell pack or squeeze bottle to the table. Anyone who would criticize you for sanitizing your hands is the same type of person who catches the Noro.
Did you read between the lines at all here? There's another trap set, if you didn't. People might follow these instructions completely, and still set themselves up for a fall. What's the first thing many people do when they sit down at a table? Unwrap the silverware, put the napkin in their lap, just like Emily Post or Miss Manners. WRONG! As mentioned, you just grabbed the rail, touched the wall, all that Noro-stuff and then grabbed your silverware! Just because you're on vacation, don't check your brain at the door. Go to the dining room, grab the menu and order, then sanitize your hands one way or another, and now you're ready to unwrap your napkin, grab your glass of water (did you think of that one?), or help yourself to a dinner roll (see? there are lots of dangers if you're not thinking!). All us lifelong Seafarers know these tricks, and if you're careful you and your family can enjoy cruising with very little chance of contracting a Norovirus, regardless of the season.
Did you read between the lines AGAIN? Forget about the dining room, sometimes you're out on the deck, and are just going to grab a burger and fries. All the same rules apply, Mates. Same for when you stop in for tea and cookies in the afternoon, or grab an ice cream cone, and on and on. Do you see how easy it is to slip up? Add to the equation that many people have had a cocktail or six when they're on a cruise, and their inhibitions are minimized, while carelessness is maximized. Those are what we professional sailors refer to as the "unprotected sects."
According to the Peninsula Daily News in Port Angeles, Washington there is a new danger in the kitchen. Being shot by the stove. I don't mean being shot NEAR the stove, either. Ms. Cory Davis of Sekiu Washington was trying to take the chill of her house, by firing up her wood-burning stove a couple weeks ago. She had put in some small sticks and kindling, as well as a couple healthy-size pieces of firewood, but it was still going to take a few minutes to get up to speed, so she decided to prep the fire by putting in a few newspapers to hurry the process. She grabbed some rolled-up newspapers from her kitchen table, forgetting she had earlier been cleaning her .22-gauge shotgun. One of the shells had made its way into the newspaper, and as Ms. Davis was standing there warming her hands by the orange glow of the fire, the stove shot her in the leg. She was able to drive herself to the hospital, and her injuries were not life-threatening. When asked about the incident, Ms. Davis said "There's always that one problem stray."
Like it was the shell's fault....
Monday, November 10, 2008
Not-So-Great Depression
Paloma lost nearly all her punch crossing Cuba, and she stalled before ever making it to the major Bahamas island chain. Now in limbo, the computer models have her turning back to the South, possibly crossing Cuba a 2nd time, then heading either towards the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, or into the Gulf of Mexico. For all concerned (except Cuba), the best result would be for the high mountains of that island to completely rip Paloma apart, essentially ending this storm. That's the hope, anyway. It's still too soon to tell, but eyes will definitely be on that part of the Southern Atlantic/Northern Caribbean over the next 24-48 hours. Nobody wants this thing to reform and become a danger again.
By 2011, Hawaii is supposed to have a mouse invasion! Not the little critters you whack with a broom. No, we're talking about Mickey. Disney has announced plans to build a resort on Maui featuring 830 hotel and time-share rooms, along with a fantasy-laden water park area. What comes around goes around, since one of Walt Disney's earliest films in 1937 featured Mickey Mouse on a surfboard in Hawaii. This time, it's for real. To read more on the story:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-10-24-disney-oahu-resort_N.htm
This resort will certainly come with a hefty price tag for visitors, with all the extra taxes Hawaii heaps on for tourism, but that's never stopped people from booking the Mouse that roared before. Disney aficionados flat out LOVE their Disney. As for The Cap'n, you can park me at the Ritz-Carlton for that kind of money, since I don't have little 'uns to drag along (I mean lovingly share vacation memories with).
On the other side of the world, the New York Times reports there is a strange new variation on the "log flume ride", that's become so popular at American theme parks. Well, not logs exactly, but kind of shaped like that. And not a ride exactly, unless you're talking a mental walk-about. It seems a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Nayok Thailand is offering quickie reincarnation sessions, in which people climb into coffins to "die", though not really. A priest chants over them, to chase away the evil spirits of the person, who is then "reborn" as someone different. Eh, right. The temple started the procedure with 1 coffin, but has expanded to nine coffins, to serve the ever-growing demands and long lines of optimists looking for a new-and-improved life. People standing in the queue are instructed to stand back while waiting, so as not to absorb the "dying" people's escaping evilness. I'm told that people who have undergone the procedure feel incredible afterward, seeing life in a whole new light and having a burning desire to purchase the Brooklyn Bridge, or swampland in Florida....
By 2011, Hawaii is supposed to have a mouse invasion! Not the little critters you whack with a broom. No, we're talking about Mickey. Disney has announced plans to build a resort on Maui featuring 830 hotel and time-share rooms, along with a fantasy-laden water park area. What comes around goes around, since one of Walt Disney's earliest films in 1937 featured Mickey Mouse on a surfboard in Hawaii. This time, it's for real. To read more on the story:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-10-24-disney-oahu-resort_N.htm
This resort will certainly come with a hefty price tag for visitors, with all the extra taxes Hawaii heaps on for tourism, but that's never stopped people from booking the Mouse that roared before. Disney aficionados flat out LOVE their Disney. As for The Cap'n, you can park me at the Ritz-Carlton for that kind of money, since I don't have little 'uns to drag along (I mean lovingly share vacation memories with).
On the other side of the world, the New York Times reports there is a strange new variation on the "log flume ride", that's become so popular at American theme parks. Well, not logs exactly, but kind of shaped like that. And not a ride exactly, unless you're talking a mental walk-about. It seems a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Nayok Thailand is offering quickie reincarnation sessions, in which people climb into coffins to "die", though not really. A priest chants over them, to chase away the evil spirits of the person, who is then "reborn" as someone different. Eh, right. The temple started the procedure with 1 coffin, but has expanded to nine coffins, to serve the ever-growing demands and long lines of optimists looking for a new-and-improved life. People standing in the queue are instructed to stand back while waiting, so as not to absorb the "dying" people's escaping evilness. I'm told that people who have undergone the procedure feel incredible afterward, seeing life in a whole new light and having a burning desire to purchase the Brooklyn Bridge, or swampland in Florida....
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Paloma, meet Cuba
The last-season hurricane that caused havoc earlier in the week, Paloma, has experienced some havoc herself. She hit Cuba as a Category 3 storm, and the rough terrain and high mountains of central Cuba ripped the storm to shreds. Paloma emerged into the Atlantic as a tropical storm, still at 60mph winds based on the latest readings, but she has stalled - barely moving Northward at 2mph. Nearly all of the computer models have the storm turning back to the South, and then West if there's anything left of it after hitting Cuba a 2nd time. One thing about hurricanes, you absolutely NEVER know for sure what they're going to do. This thing could die in its tracks, or re-form over warmer water. I'll keep you posted.
In the recent doom-and-gloom days, it has been hard to find silver linings out there, but today there was some news from President-elect Obama's transition team. The head of the team says the incoming Administration is conducting an extensive review of virtually all of President Bush's executive orders. Every Agency of the federal government is under scrutiny, as the new-kids-on-the-block attempt to help NOW with a rescue, not wait until January. I salute them for taking pro-active steps. When was the last time any of us saw that from our government? John Podesta of the transition team said a President can actually do a lot without waiting for Congress, if he's of a mind to and cares enough to get personally involved. Lucky for us, Mr. Obama appears to be exactly that kind of man. Podesta said voters can expect the President-elect to try to restore "a sense that the country is working on behalf of the common good." This truly was the most important election of my lifetime, and I'm thrilled at the opening pages of the next 4 years. I'll say it now, if the last few days are reflective of what's to come in this Administration, it's gonna be 8 years, not 4. You heard it here first, Mates. By the way, if you're considering going to DC for the Inauguration on Jan. 20th, better plan on staying outside the city. Hotel rates have skyrocketed, and even at that the entire city is nearing sold-out status.
Baltimore is where Edgar Allen Poe died. With 2009 being the 200th anniversary of his birth, the city decided to spend an entire year celebrating the master of the macabre, with a little thing called "Nevermore 2009". My idea of Poe-A-Palooza was catchier, but do they ever listen to me? No! Anyway, Nevermore 2009 will be a year's worth of exhibits and programs, including a 1-man show called POE In Person. There will be a wine tasting in the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall, inspired by Poe's tale The Cask Of Amontillado. There will even be an elaborate re-enactment of his funeral in October of next year. If you want to learn more, go to http://www.nevermore2009.com/. I'm not sure how they'll keep the excitement level high for a full year, and I truly can't imagine there are enough Poe fans to keep something like this going, but what do I know? I'm a more modern-day horror guy, Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Clive Barker. If nothing else, it's an interesting concept to drive business to the city.
Last week, Roane State Community College (Tennessee) beat King College's junior varsity in basketball, 93-42. What a drubbing. 91 of Roane's points were good, but not great. Just plenty to win in a landslide. But 2 of their points were great. Some kind of half-court buzzer-beater? Somebody tipped one in with his head? Nope. It seems Roane State has a student named Ken Mink who scored two points in the game, and those were 2 great points. Mr. Mink is registered with Roane State as a full-time student, and he had to overcome some long odds to make the team, and even more importantly get on the court during a regulation game. His 2 points weren't even a sweet jumper from the top of the key, or a driving layup...no, Ken Mink got hacked. He was sent to the free throw line, where he calmly sank both shots, with the crowd erupting in applause and cheers. Sincere ones at that. Why? Ken Mink is 73 years old.
In the recent doom-and-gloom days, it has been hard to find silver linings out there, but today there was some news from President-elect Obama's transition team. The head of the team says the incoming Administration is conducting an extensive review of virtually all of President Bush's executive orders. Every Agency of the federal government is under scrutiny, as the new-kids-on-the-block attempt to help NOW with a rescue, not wait until January. I salute them for taking pro-active steps. When was the last time any of us saw that from our government? John Podesta of the transition team said a President can actually do a lot without waiting for Congress, if he's of a mind to and cares enough to get personally involved. Lucky for us, Mr. Obama appears to be exactly that kind of man. Podesta said voters can expect the President-elect to try to restore "a sense that the country is working on behalf of the common good." This truly was the most important election of my lifetime, and I'm thrilled at the opening pages of the next 4 years. I'll say it now, if the last few days are reflective of what's to come in this Administration, it's gonna be 8 years, not 4. You heard it here first, Mates. By the way, if you're considering going to DC for the Inauguration on Jan. 20th, better plan on staying outside the city. Hotel rates have skyrocketed, and even at that the entire city is nearing sold-out status.
Baltimore is where Edgar Allen Poe died. With 2009 being the 200th anniversary of his birth, the city decided to spend an entire year celebrating the master of the macabre, with a little thing called "Nevermore 2009". My idea of Poe-A-Palooza was catchier, but do they ever listen to me? No! Anyway, Nevermore 2009 will be a year's worth of exhibits and programs, including a 1-man show called POE In Person. There will be a wine tasting in the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall, inspired by Poe's tale The Cask Of Amontillado. There will even be an elaborate re-enactment of his funeral in October of next year. If you want to learn more, go to http://www.nevermore2009.com/. I'm not sure how they'll keep the excitement level high for a full year, and I truly can't imagine there are enough Poe fans to keep something like this going, but what do I know? I'm a more modern-day horror guy, Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Clive Barker. If nothing else, it's an interesting concept to drive business to the city.
Last week, Roane State Community College (Tennessee) beat King College's junior varsity in basketball, 93-42. What a drubbing. 91 of Roane's points were good, but not great. Just plenty to win in a landslide. But 2 of their points were great. Some kind of half-court buzzer-beater? Somebody tipped one in with his head? Nope. It seems Roane State has a student named Ken Mink who scored two points in the game, and those were 2 great points. Mr. Mink is registered with Roane State as a full-time student, and he had to overcome some long odds to make the team, and even more importantly get on the court during a regulation game. His 2 points weren't even a sweet jumper from the top of the key, or a driving layup...no, Ken Mink got hacked. He was sent to the free throw line, where he calmly sank both shots, with the crowd erupting in applause and cheers. Sincere ones at that. Why? Ken Mink is 73 years old.
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