Airplanes

Post vacation, people love to talk about their trips; in fact, they get animated when speaking about travel. By travel, I mean the experience getting there, the actual process. Without question, a lot of stress is derived from air travel and car rentals. Sure, par for the course is delayed flights and getting bumped, but what about the nuances of other travelers? Below are some grievances compiled from my post Winter break conversations.

Let's start with the debate over reclining. Who has the right to enjoyment, the person who wishes to recline (from uncomfortably upright) or the person trying to do work on their laptop? The airline is (clearly) to blame for shoving too many seats into Coach. Perhaps, the reclining problem is financially advantageous to airlines at the cost to flyers. I know, for me, it makes me look longingly at Business Class (very subversive). Now onto the armrests. Who do they belong to? In a typical set of 3 seats, there are 4 armrests. When then does the person next to me and my Loupers, always think they deserve 2? Food for thought ...

Then there is the miracle that occurs every day on flights (shout out to fellow Louper Susie C.). It seems that those requiring assistance are magically cured when transported to their location. They enter on a wheelchair (you know the scene on a flight to Florida), and then miraculously, they are running off the plane when they land (highly suspicious). We all know how much flyers appreciate pre-boarding. The other miracle is the relationship between man and their pet. I know many people that go from never walking their dog to being beholden to their little furry friend (not just dogs!) when they fly. These animals become the mental strength they need to get through these traumatic flights. One Louper, recently complained that he was in a middle seat with a furry dog on the lap on one side and a Persian cat on the other.

The other truth is that with Coronavirus (Kung Flu) and other maladies, why experience any hassle at all. This week's Loupe is dedicated to staying home and taking it easy!

The Owl
Technology

The key to avoiding uncomfortable airplane trips is to skip the journey altogether. If there is a work meeting that requires face to face contact, you no longer have to suffer through business travel. Enter this genius device called the Owl. It is a video conferencing tool with a 360-degree view of the room. It allows you to see everyone and everything happening. It automatically focuses the relevant camera on the person talking. Seeing everyone in the room is critical, so no sidebars are happening behind your back (other than on text, of course). By avoiding travel, primarily via airplane, you are maintaining your sanity and doing something positive for the environment. Kudos to you!

Oculus Quest
Technology

If you really want or need to escape, you must check out VR. When I wrote about it over two years ago, it was quite expensive and clunky. Now, you no longer need to be tethered to an expensive computer, which is a considerable advancement in this space. The price has also come down, and the software options have improved, making it time to take the leap (though Magic Leap hasn't launched yet). So, with VR, you can travel to the end of the world, without the expense, hassle, or exposure to germs.

The Good News Network
News

We all need some good news. I think many of us (everyone) are tired of the constant negative news and the coverage thereof. Maybe you feel like you need some positivity in your life. If you go to the Good News Network (GNN), you have come to the right place. There is no negativity in this safe news space. At GNN, there is no negative talk of Presidents, Congress, War, Anti-Semitism, or Deadly viruses. Instead, today's top two articles are titled Keep Your Eyes in Good Shape With These 4 Simple Ocular Stretches for Computer Users and The Guys Who Sell Ocean Plastic Bracelets Are Closing in on 8 Million Pounds of Waste Pulled From the Sea. I am not saying bury your head in the sand, just that you could use some soothing news and imagery in your life. This site has positive human interest stories that can make you sigh a breath of relief. Their Instagram just told me that US life expectancy rose for the first time since 2014 .... now, I can start my day on the right foot. Thank you to Louper Lisa L. for this introduction.

My Germ-Free Zone
Travel

If you must travel, then consider taking every precaution possible. This handy and inexpensive insurance policy has everything you need: hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, seat cover, tray table cover, face mask, disposable gloves, and even a toilet seat cover! This is the surest way to induce panic by your fellow passengers that they aren't sufficiently prepared, and maybe you know something they don't know! I know that with the news today (CNN not GNN), this may be a necessity, not a luxury item.

Travel in the comfort of your own home, and consider Owl, Oculus Quest, Good News Network, and My Germ-Free Zone Found!