Singing, juggling and balloon animals were once only offered to the birthday boys and girls at chain restaurants. But, no longer! Now, thanks to the inventive people who brought Virgin Airlines to San Francisco International Airport, entertainment might now be provided by those who hand out tickets as well as by those who dish up food.
Samceda, the group that lobbied to bring the carrier to the Bay Area, promised the company that the performing arts community will train employees. The idea is that juggling balls could teach customer service workers how to juggle multiple clients. If someone can judge who wants a pink latex giraffe what is stopping them from knowing who wants an upgrade, a free drink pass or maybe just a shoulder to cry one when a passenger misses a flight?
These newfound talents might not be for public consumption, though. The idea is to use the tricks to teach employees how to read audiences and make people smile. Officials don't necessarily expect the workers to actually break into a soft-shoe routine or twist a plane ticket into an origami creature. But, they should.
It's genius and gives something to do to those customers who eschew the obligatory pit stop into the terminal bar while waiting to board. For those with youngsters, San Mateo County will soon surpass Disneyland as the happiest place on Earth. Kids will be tugging on their parents' arms, crying "Mommy! I don't want to go to Disneyworld! I want to go visit the clown taking boarding passes!"
Other agencies and businesses in the county should be clamoring for the same training; residents should be demanding something to help keep their cool while stuck in a long line or sitting through a never-ending public meeting.
There are those that say that business and government are no laughing matter. I disagree. Humor is often the only way to keep one's wits when stuck at the post office on tax day, twiddling your thumbs at traffic court or waiting for a final vote at a city council meeting.
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The Department of Motor Vehicles is the first place to start. Maybe by the time people make it to the front of those snaking lines they will actually smile wide for their new driver's license photos. Heck, take the photo with the balloon animal - see if the next CHP officer who pulls them over can tell the difference. The officer can reciprocate with a little sleight of hand (hopefully, making the potential ticket disappear).
How about Caltrain and BART? Ditch those vests and navy pants and bring on the red noses and curly wigs. Yes, Clown-train! It offers commuters a laugh and a lift all at once.
Clowns might be better used, though, at intermissions during city council meetings. Got chloramine, recycled water, Safeway or power lines on the agenda? Schedule in 15 minutes for juggling and magic. After all, it is hard to have bickering and balloons at the same time. If a resident seems to be getting a little testy during public comment or tears well up during budget hearings, an elected official can interrupt with, "But did you hear the one about ... ?"
Once those ideas prove successful, the county can integrate creativity in other ways. For those who don't jump on the public transportation bandwagon, how about clown cars? With the number of people those vehicles fit, the Peninsula's traffic congestion problem will soon be a thing of the past. That in turn might be the best attraction for new business yet. No joke.
Michelle Durand's column "Off the Beat" runs every Monday and Thursday. She can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this column? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.
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