March 21, 2015


I don’t know if they still do it, but the New York Times used to brag on the front page, above the logo, “all the news that’s fit to print.”  We have a NYT Digest on board, and if they are still running that, they need to change it to – “all the left-wing commie pinko commentary that’s fit to print.”

Running up to the election of Benjamin Netanyahu there was nothing but critical reporting and critical commentary from the Lame Duck Administration in the White House.  Since the convincing re-election of Mr. Netanyahu the whiners have been louder than before and LDA spokespersons who comment anonymously only with the cowardly excuse that they’ve not been authorized to speak are positively apoplectic!  They have indeed flittered in their drawers!

Maybe someone could suggest to Holland America Lines – a fine cruise line that we are increasingly pleased with – that an opposing point of view could be offered by say, the Washington Post, or the Wall Street Journal.  I’m sure those two papers would like to get their name in front of 1700 who have no other outlet for daily news and commentary.

Oh, to be fair, the NYT did report that Butt-ler won in the NCAA doings.

But enough of that.

How’s by you?

We went to breakfast at the Lido Buffet today and each of your favorite cruisers had omelets.  Mine washed down with lots of black coffee.  Bonnie’s by copious amounts of chocolate milk.  Very tasty all.

Today’s talk, “The Pirates of the Caribbean.” was well received, I think.  They groaned at my jokes, applauded at the picture of Roberto Clemente – one of the most famous Pirates in history, who hailed from Puerto Rico – and clapped roundly at my last Pirate story – an Irish Pirate captain backed up by a Polish stalwart who sent the invading Yankees from New York home in defeat (and yes, my brother, it did happen – Bucs win! Bucs win! Bucs win!).

I just finished rehearsing “Alexander Selkirk: The Real Robinson Crusoe,” while Bonnie naps.  She said she couldn’t get comfortable, but judging from the sounds coming from across our stateroom, I’d say she did.  I’ll do it one more time tonight – tomorrow is Sunday and there is a worship service, but as of yet I don’t know where or when, so I’m working now.  That way we can go to church (there is a protestant chaplain on board who will lead the service).

Tonight’s show features the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers in “Unforgettable.”  I will report back on it, and tonight’s supper in the next installment of “Travels and Tribulations.”

Until tomorrow ... TTFN!