newsletter...May 1, 2009
Separate Rumors from Reality
Over the last few days, I've heard the most preposterous and inaccurate rumors constantly repeated and each time, with even more exaggerated hype disguised as facts.
The news media cautions not to panic in a one-sentence throwaway line, yet devotes innumerable articles to worst-case scenarios and 'what-ifs'.
If you read the newspapers or watched TV, you would think that the world is about to succumb to some new plague and wipe out civilization. Not so.
The truth is this particular strain of flu has infected a few hundred people around the globe, and has killed 10 people so far around the globe. Ten people.
That fact is courtesy of The World Health Organization (WHO) which is publishing daily updates (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html). WHO also says that this particular flu strain is fairly mild and has much less capacity for virulence than other flu strains. Most people have recovered after a few days. However, these facts are buried under more sensational headlines from the press.
Colds and flus have been a regular part of our lives for eons. The mortality rate from your regular, everyday run-of-mill flu strain that infects yearly is 36,000 deaths per year in the U.S. That's from regular flus. Compare that to 10 people from this new strain. You don't see doomsday scenarios every winter from news media. You don't see schools closing every cold and flu season, and you don't see rampant panic every cold and flu season.
So why now, why this?
Call me a cynic, but newspapers want to sell newspapers, and catastrophes sell and make great photo-ops (how many pictures have we all seen lately with crowds of people wearing face masks?). And I personally think they have done a grave injustice by fomenting unjustified fear and panic (not that panic is ever helpful anyway!). So, the news media are pretending to be responsible by cautioning you not to panic, yet in the next breath offer up the most inflammatory, fear-inducing distortion of the truth.
It also reminds me of just about every woman's magazine positioned to catch your eye while you're waiting in line at the grocery checkout. Invariably, the cover features some decadent, goo-ey dessert that's a gazillion calories with the headline, "wow your family with our best-ever chocolate cake'. And below that cover line, you will also see the cover line, 'Lose pounds fast with our no-fail diet". Why do they do that? Simply to sell magazines whether you're in an eating mood or a fasting mood! And also to set themselves up as experts regardless of your needs.
So, I fault the news media for exploiting unfounded fears to make sales, and I'm also angry at the politicians who would exploit our fears to solidify or enlarge their power.
On a daily basis, I am more concerned about catching a cold from someone sneezing in the produce department at my grocery store or not using the serving utensils at a restaurant buffet bar! Not that that concern has stopped me from either grocery shopping or dining out.
Don't buy into the panic. Get the facts straight. And you can trust us to tell it like it is, so you can either call us or email us with any questions or concerns.
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Featured Travelers
Oh where to begin to describe Anne Rose... she's incredible! If you are thinking about Hawaii for a honeymoon, she is the person to call. She's based out of CA so we did all of our communicating on the phone and email. I was a little nervous about this at first, but it worked out perfectly. She visits the islands all the time and is super knowledgeable (not to mention very good about keeping in touch, getting you the best rates/deals, researching options, etc.).
Our honeymoon was 2 weeks and we went to Maui, Kaui and Lanai. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Maui and Kaui and they both were gorgeous (especially Kaui's). We ended the trip at the Four Seasons in Lanai which was incredibly romantic and relaxing... perfect way to end the honeymoon! We had such an amazing time and had so many fun activities planned (which you have to do in Hawaii to see the islands!)... from kayaking, ziplining, hiking, sunset sails, star gazing, surfing, zodiac boat ride (our favorite), helicopter tour, scuba diving, etc... you name it we did it! Anne would have little treats and cards addressed to the new Mrs.& Mr. sent to our rooms. It was truly an incredibly memorable and romantic honeymoon and she really helped to make it so special for us. We definitely recommend Anne Rose for your travels! Kyleigh and Chris
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What's New
We've been making lots of exciting changes to our website. Come visit us at www.celebrate-travel.com and be sure to visit Our Slideshows page often for updates. We've uploaded videos for Hawaii, Italy, Mexico, and more. We also have slideshows for some of our favorite resorts as well as our favorite activities in the regions. Make sure you are kept in the loop by subscribing to our weblog!
Also, I am very excited to announce that I have been selected as the Resort and Spa Reviewer for the national news site Examiner.com. I'll be reporting weekly on my latest resort and spa inspections to keep everyone updated on the best gems around the world! Get the latest here.
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Your Feedback Appreciated
I welcome your feedback, so email me at editor@celebrate-travel.com and tell me your thoughts.
We really do believe in visiting all the destinations we serve so that we have true expertise when you come to us for help. That’s our commitment to you. Don’t trust a travel consultant who doesn’t travel herself! Till next time, remember to plan some quality time with your loved ones, even if it’s a mini-getaway. Let us help.
We’re a phone call or email away!
Happy travels, Anne Rose, Celebrate-Travel, Inc.