Random Thoughts – Page 27

Why the Ashes?

You may see people on the streets, or maybe co-workers, displaying black smudges on their foreheads today. If you’re wondering what’s going on, if it’s an after effect of too much Mardi Gras partying – by you or by them – well, it’s mostly a Catholic thing. One of the benefits of Catholicism is the aura of mysteriousness it conveys to others. The smudge is actually supposed to be a cross, applied by a priest during mass.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection. Ashes are a reminder of humankind’s humble place in the great cosmos: “Remember, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

Click here for a primer on Ash Wednesday’s meaning and symbolism.

Preparing for Lent

For Christians, Shrove Tuesday is a traditional day given to self-examination and seeking absolution for wrongdoing. The day is also known as Fat Tuesday – or Mardi Gras – the last day to indulge in rich foods such as butter, eggs and sugar, before beginning forty days of Lenten fasting. A pancake feast is the custom for many. If pancakes aren’t enough for a last-day blowout, then take to the streets and join the Mardi Gras or Carnival celebrations. Which brings us to Professor Longhair.

Roy Byrd, born in 1918, grew up on the streets of New Orleans. He progressed from tap dancing for tips on Bourbon Streets and gambling with card games, to becoming a piano legend, revered long past his death in 1980. Fats Domino, Huey “Piano” Smith, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Marcia Ball and many others paid homage to Professor Longhair – nicknamed for his shaggy mane – as their inspiration and whom they did and still do try to imitate.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Academy Awards Preview

To get in the mood for Hollywood’s annual bacchanal of self-congratulation, have a look at the opening of the 25th Academy Awards ceremony in 1953 – the first to be televised.

Lots of jokes about that new curiosity taking up space in living rooms – television.

Making America Great Again

Our new administration has pledged that everything it does will be to make America number one. For some reason that doesn’t seem to be working in the category of tourist destinations. Only a month after the inauguration, foreign tourism in the United States is down 6.8%. And it’s probably going to get worse. Internet searches for flights to the U.S from locations outside our country are down 17%. This translates to many billions of dollars that will not be spent here. New York City alone takes in $60 billion annually from tourists.

Business travel in the U.S. declined $185 million in the first week after the Executive Order was issued banning travel from seven countries.

If you make your living from hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail stores, tour operations et cetera… good luck.

Willamette River Watch

Ross Island, near downtown Portland-

Christo & Jeanne-Claude and Artsy

About a year ago, we reported on The Floating Piers, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s participatory installation in northern Italy. As with their other public projects, The Floating Piers was temporary, removed last July. If you want to keep up with the artists or purchase some of their work, check out Artsy.net.

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