Honouring the Honourables

Finally, the MC appeared but only to say that some matters "beyond our control" had emerged. He craved the indulgence of the hall full of not less than a 1000 for a little more time before beginning the program. The event was already 40minutes behind schedule and the various “sponsors”, not the paying audience were filling in the time with all manner of messages.
 

Another 20 minutes and the MC returned to announce the beginning of the program, but first we needed to acknowledge the presence of some “important personalities among us”. It was a tall list of “notable” public officers from the past and present, known actors and musicians otherwise called celebrities and a number of media bloated figures. Names were called out, credentials laid out and everyone else asked to acknowledge the “important personalities” with a “round of applause”. 

For doing what, I cannot tell; perhaps for paying the entrance fee to a public event and being present to enjoy the program just like me. Not surprising my name was not mentioned.

Anyway, after parading the “dignitaries”, the MC was kind enough to thank everyone for their patience and inform us that the reason for the wait was over, the guest star of the show had arrived.

 

Elsewhere:

The host walks in and out of the meeting room, sweat beads on his forehead. Something must be amiss; but what? I look around and I see that most people that matter (as far I am concerned) are present; the organizers and host, the audience, the high table has only one empty chair. What more do we need?

Thankfully, some 30minutes after the meeting was to have started the Chairman clears his throat and sets the ball rolling. He introduces those on the high table, walks us through the program and invites the first speaker to the podium for his presentation.

It’s 10minutes into the speaker’s presentation and he is making some very interesting point when the host comes in to whisper in the Chair’s ears. The Chair clears his throat again and interrupts the speaker. 

“Ladies and gentlemen”, he says, “the guest of honour has just arrived. Can we welcome him with a round of applause?”

The ensuing includes first, getting the “guest of honour” to his seat which involves re-arranging seats at the high table and shepherding the new arrival through handshakes and exchanges of pleasantries with the “smiling and eager to greet the big man” present. Second is bringing the just arrived and late personality up to speed with proceedings so far- r-r-r-r-r- rewind.

The speaker; is waiting to return to his presentation and the rest of the audience ... well, they wait too or go blazes.