Alright, it's not a do or die topic, but it's been bothering me the last few months, and I need to know if I'm the only one who feels this way. Where did all the applause go? Two times in the last few months I've noticed a lack of clapping in places I used to love to hear enthusiasm: on airplanes and in the movie theater. Sounds strange, I know, but the space seemed empty without the cheers.

On a recent plane trip, the silence when the plane landed caused me to remember when the passengers used to clap upon landing. The wheels would hit the runway and the passengers would cheer. Why doesn't anyone do that anymore? It was such an exciting time: the plane landed safely, you had arrived at your destination or arrived home to see family. People always seemed genuinely excited to be traveling. Is that it? Are people simply just going through the motions or has the atmosphere changed on flights?

And what about after you see a great movie? Remember when the audience would erupt in applause at the end of the film?  It was like seeing a live show. It was a way of saying "what a great movie, I really enjoyed the last 2 hours of my life." Maybe I've just seen a lot of bad movies recently. Even though I'm the only one, every now and then I go ahead and clap when the credits roll up - even at the embarrassment of my company - sorry Justin!

We need to round up some applause don't ya think? Clapping just feels good. Let's applaud, even if you get crazy looks from the person next to you. Hey, it may even start a ripple effect and they'll clap too. Maybe they're thinking the same thing.

Where do you feel the lack of enthusiasm?

See you in the morning,

Allison