Will the Palm Springs Escort Weekend get cancelled?

[RA1]

11 minutes ago, RockHardNYC said:

I've been inundated with COVID-19 emails from travel companies that store my registration. They want me to know they care about my health, and to assure me that they're doing everything possible to protect me when I return to using their products or services.

I can't help but envisioning all CEOs getting on the phone and saying, "Hey, it's time to contact our customers and let them know we still exist, even though the markets are saying otherwise." First it was the airlines, then it was the hotels, now it's the car rentals. With every letter I smelled rubbing alcohol, as they promised me a germ-free environment next time I book with them.

This can't be any easy time for any service business. I wonder how long it will take to recoup all this damage? And who might not survive? For those that do survive, will any of these businesses attempt to show an improvement in customer appreciation? Service has been sorely lacking in the past few years, especially in the airline industry.

Absence has a way of making the heart grow fonder.

They want your business.

Best regards,

RA1

[RockHardNYC]

33 minutes ago, RA1 said:

They want your business.

Based on treatment, some seem only interested in my money.

[RockHardNYC]

4 hours ago, Buddy2 said:

To be fair, the Palm Springs Weekend is more than a month away.

I'm quite confident the men who view this event as exalted and life-affirming will cling to every last crumb of hope that cock and deviled eggs will be at the ready, with Oliver's old naked body on his knees serving everyone.

When it comes to devoted cock suckers, very little stands in their way.

[Buddy2]

2 hours ago, RockHardNYC said:

What's your point? Does anyone believe the world goes back to normal in thirty days?

Nobody knows what the United States and the world will be like in a month. Palm Springs is just a tiny part of the world. After all, the president "put the health care of Americans first," according to Vice President Mike Pence.

[Lucky]

2 hours ago, RockHardNYC said:

I'm quite confident the men who view this event as exalted and life-affirming will cling to every last crumb of hope that cock and deviled eggs will be at the ready, with Oliver's old naked body on his knees serving everyone.

When it comes to devoted cock suckers, very little stands in their way.

Rockie, you really come across as an unmitigated asshole for posting trash like the above. You don't even know Oliver. Are you jealous because he has a "following" such as you so desperately wish you had?

Edited March 13, 2020 by Lucky

[Buddy2]

The  Boston Marathon has been cancelled, Mayor League Baseball homes have been cancelled, Broadway shows have been cancelled.

 

Enough about Palm Springs 

I once lived near the route of the Boston Marathon, a much bigger event than anything in Palm Springs. The Marathon always included a Boston Red Sox  baseball game. Not this year.

[RockHardNYC]

1 hour ago, Lucky said:

you really come across as an unmitigated asshole

I figured you needed some company.

1 hour ago, Lucky said:

You don't even know Oliver.

But I know several people who do. And none of them are blind.

Edited March 13, 2020 by RockHardNYC

[RockHardNYC]

I don't normally go grocery shopping, unless I'm in the mood to check things out. Much like doing laundry, I leave the menial tasks to someone who enjoys doing them and is good at it, and I never object to paying them for their services. My housekeeper is a sale and a coupon hound. I admire her for her tenacity and her desire to save money. We are fortunate, I have a large pantry space near my large kitchen. In an emergency, we could feed the residents of my building for a week or two. Lots of storage space. Lots of beverage and tasty goodies with lengthy shelf time.

Today was a shopping exception. I was looking for something particular. I almost forgot about COVID-19, until I got in my elevator and saw new signs posted on how to keep things inside the elevator sterile. That was another first.

I visited two grocery stores, and I've never seen such mayhem. Some New Yorkers are in a panic. Lots of people wearing masks and plastic gloves. Some shoppers are downright crazy. One would think there was an electrical grid blackout, and someone on the corner was yelling, "LOOT HERE!" I went to speak to the manager, and his facial expression said, "Don't talk to me, I've been bitten by a zombie invasion."

Then I passed a popular East Village bar with young folk. On this unusually warm, sunny day, the doors were open and merry drinkers were slipping onto the street. It reminded me, when people want to part-ay, they let nothing stand in their way. But 4 PM on a Friday afternoon? I suppose work let out early for some, and others simply lost their jobs. Seems like there was plenty of reason to visit this particular watering hole.

Edited March 13, 2020 by RockHardNYC

[RockHardNYC]

Just received notice from The James Beard Foundation.

"Due to health and safety concerns and considerations regarding limiting the travel of the chef teams who come to cook at the James Beard House and the communities they return to, we have decided to postpone all scheduled Beard House dinners through April."

[Buddy2]

I have gone to the grocery stores nearby for the past three days. Even at the local Target there was a line early this morning (7 am), but it is still managing at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

 

I am more concerned about my brother and his family. They ive a hour from a store,  near Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Even in not emergency times, it is just too far.

[RockHardNYC]

1 hour ago, Buddy2 said:

I am more concerned about my brother and his family. They (l)ive a(n) hour from a store,  near Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Even in not emergency times, it is just too far.

People who have to drive long distances to stores only to encounter empty shelves are a serious concern. The elderly, who are the most vulnerable, don't always get a first-in-line chance to get to a store.

This evening's PBS News Hour was interesting. Judy Woodruff ended the program on a personal note, asking viewers to be more mindful of the needs of seniors at this time, given that they are most at risk. She mentioned the empty shelves on the grocery stores, and the shortage of paper products and sanitizing gel in many communities. She asked viewers to be more thoughtful, and I scratched my head thinking to myself, "Judy, this is the age of Trump. Not even our president has any compassion. He left people on a docked cruise ship because he didn't want the number of infected to be counted."

A client recently told me that there is a drug store in Scarsdale charging $500 for N95 Respirator Masks. Apparently, the masks flew off the shelf in a buying frenzy. Of course I was shocked. I have about ten brand new N95 masks in my construction closet. I keep stock when I'm working on wood projects, which is a hobby of mine. I said to my son (joking), maybe we should put them up on eBay. Might be a better profit margin than those six Hamilton tickets I bought and sold on StubHub for double the price.

[Buddy2]

1 hour ago, RockHardNYC said:

People who have to drive long distances to stores only to encounter empty shelves are a serious concern. The elderly, who are the most vulnerable, don't always get a first-in-line chance to get to a store.

This evening's PBS News Hour was interesting. Judy Woodruff ended the program on a personal note, asking viewers to be more mindful of the needs of seniors at this time, given that they are most at risk. She mentioned the empty shelves on the grocery stores, and the shortage of paper products and sanitizing gel in many communities. She asked viewers to be more thoughtful, and I scratched my head thinking to myself, "Judy, this is the age of Trump. Not even our president has any compassion. He left people on a docked cruise ship because he didn't want the number of infected to be counted."

A client recently told me that there is a drug store in Scarsdale charging $500 for N95 Respirator Masks. Apparently, the masks flew off the shelf in a buying frenzy. Of course I was shocked. I have about ten brand new N95 masks in my construction closet. I keep stock when I'm working on wood projects, which is a hobby of mine. I said to my son (joking), maybe we should put them up on eBay. Might be a better profit margin than those six Hamilton tickets I bought and sold on StubHub for double the price.

Please don't "improve" my writing. It is rude and very annoying.

Edited March 14, 2020 by Buddy2

[RockHardNYC]

35 minutes ago, Buddy2 said:

Please don't "improve" my writing.

I did not improve your writing, and nor would I have that intent. I fixed your typos in the sentence I quoted for the benefit of fellow readers. It's a kind and thoughtful thing to do for readers. The correction has nothing to do with you.

[RockHardNYC]

And the hits keep on coming...

Perhaps this is an early casualty of COVID-19. Tonight I received an email announcing the end of Gotham Bar and Grill.

I've been living in the hood for many years, and shared wonderful times at Gotham with countless friends, family, and celebrities. It was one of my favorite dining rooms in Manhattan. Gotham was my go-to restaurant in NYC. I had an account there. None of my guests ever had to endure the awkward moment after dinner when payment became necessary. We simply exited the table when we were ready to leave, with nothing more than a thank you to the staff. Pure heaven. When the statements arrived in the mail, never a mistake. A super class act.

I mourned when Alfred Portale recently left. I loved his wonderful food creations. Victoria Blamey, Alfred's replacement, was never able to re-create the spark, IMO. I had a feeling it was only a matter of time.

They were hanging on by a thin thread without the talent of a superstar chef. The virus had to be devastating for them.

Gotham Bar and Grill Is Closing Permanently After 36 Years

[Buddy2]

1 hour ago, RockHardNYC said:

I did not improve your writing, and nor would I have that intent. I fixed your typos in the sentence I quoted for the benefit of fellow readers. It's a kind and thoughtful thing to do for readers. The correction has nothing to do with you.

There were no typos.

[RockHardNYC]

7 hours ago, Buddy2 said:

There were no typos.

Then maybe the virus has affected Oz's software. On my screen, your sentence reads: They ive a hour from a store. Unless you speak East End Cockney, on my board these look like typos. I apologize if I am wrong.

[RockHardNYC]

And now from Bloomingdales:

"As we navigate this unprecedented time…

We consistently hear that you come to us not just when you're looking to buy something, but for the fun experience you have whenever you visit. Today, that is unchanged -- we are here and will continue to provide you with the service you expect from us..."

[Buddy2]

1 hour ago, RockHardNYC said:

Then maybe the virus has affected Oz's software. On my screen, your sentence reads: They ive a hour from a store. Unless you speak East End Cockney, on my board these look like typos. I apologize if I am wrong.

an before a word starting with a bowel. Hour starts with a h.

Edited March 14, 2020 by Buddy2

[Lucky]

Here's something Rockie should rail against!

https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-gay-cruise-operator-not-cancel-trip-caribbean-20200313-xv3uhiyv5zep5kswud4pts3u4u-story.html

[RockHardNYC]

Vatican cancels public participation in April at pope's Easter events due to virus

I don't see anyone from Oliver and Co. taking their cues from Pope Francis, and truthfully speaking (ignoring the stirring-of-the-pot from the Queen Hypocrite of stirrers), I don't expect sainthood from any gay man, least of all myself. None of us is perfect, even if some of us try harder than others.

In a Capitalist society, money will always be a motivation, whether you are gay or not. To accept Capitalism, you have to deal with the good and the bad.

Of course gay cruises (on chartered boats) are going to attempt to keep their party alive. Similar to the PS Pool Party, these are events that people plan months in advance and look forward to, often with energetic fervor. The planning of these events almost always involves a commitment of money. I'm sure the people who organize the gay cruise have to put a hefty deposit on the chartered boat well in advance, not to mention many other costly things as well. What are the chances that no one has insurance to cover a pandemic? If they had appropriate insurance, cancellations caused by a pandemic would be covered. At any rate, any service business who refuses a refund in the midst of a pandemic is a good reason for a consumer to speak to a lawyer.

Gay men who like to party in a certain way, and who cherish these events as life-affirming, don't ever want to face an obstacle that could cause them to cancel. They often choose denial over fear or caution. At least in Oliver's case, he's not charging guests to join naked escorts in his pool. He doesn't treat the PS Event as a business. But other businesses would be affected by cancellations. These decisions can feel like a tough call.

Gay men are notorious for doing the dangerous thing, often at their personal peril. Gathering right now puts other people at risk, so how selfish are we? Since the Pope has cancelled public Easter events in April, one can only wonder what Stephen and Michael at Triangle Inn will do with their Healthy Friction Event in May.

[Latbear4blk]

Even I am coming to my senses and starting to think (look carefully at my wording), slowly starting to think of canceling my trip. Oliver is probably going through the same process.

Edited March 15, 2020 by Latbear4blk

[Buddy2]

1 hour ago, Latbear4blk said:

Even I am coming to my senses and starting to think (look carefully at my wording), slowly starting to think of canceling my trip. Oliver is probably going through the same process.

Very glad to have another point of view than an obscure poster with an ax to grind. Thanks, Latbear.4blk.

[RockHardNYC]

3 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

Even I am coming to my senses and starting to think

I'm confident many gay men appreciate that approach and the non-gays in your life with whom you interact.

Edited March 15, 2020 by RockHardNYC

[TotallyOz]

I don't really care about this one event. However, I do not understand why anyone in their right mind would travel or get into a gathering with people who do travel. I am not a doom and gloom kind of guy. But, I have no desire to go to a party, event, etc. in the USA or abroad right now. I have not been to a mall in 6 weeks or so and all my shopping is done online. I love movies but will not be going for the immediate future. There are precautions that we all must either take or know the risks. If others want to meet and play, that is their call as an adult. I just prefer not to be a part of it.

[TotallyOz]

https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article241212146.html

Gov. Newsom tells California bars to close, tells older residents to isolate due to coronavirus