As the coronavirus drags on into May, here is the latest sample of what’s been happening online—with plenty more available everywhere, even as some easing of the stay-at-home restrictions is underway.
VIRTUAL THEATER
The Irvine Barclay Theatre promoted a free-streamed “Frankenstein” through Friday. It was a filmed version of a play based on Mary Shelley’s novel of the man-made monster.
The online offering in partnership with the National Theatre in London was one of many designed to provide high-quality entertainment during the pandemic, and is part of the online series presented locally at no cost.
Other offerings this month include the streaming of a filmed version of Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra,” as well as “National Geographic Live: Backstage” every Wednesday.
ONLINE GAMING FOR KIDS
Blizzard Entertainment Inc. in Irvine shifted its “Take your child to work day” to a virtual format on April 23. That included art tutorials centered on Warcraft scenes and drawing characters from across the Blizzard spectrum, while company alumnus Chris Metzen read from his children’s book “Snow Fight: A Warcraft Tale.”
Hundreds of Blizzard kids tuned in from around the world and participated, the company said.
TAXES, TAXES!
The ClientWhys Learning Center of Newport Beach is offering a “COVID-19 Tax Related Issues Webcast” for a fee. “This is a stressful time for all. The role of the tax and accounting professional assisting clients through this turmoil is vital,” the company says. The webcast is recorded and can be watched at any time.
MORE MONEY
Members of the Financial Planning Association of Orange County are “meeting and strategizing” on key topics each Tuesday afternoon via Zoom. One recent session dealt with “Successfully Navigating Today’s Volatile Fixed Income Markets.”
MENTAL HEALTH
Keenan, an insurance brokerage and consulting firm with offices in San Clemente, has a webinar planned for May 12 on mental health strategies for children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
The webinar promises a wide range of “topics, tips, insights and best practices for coping with the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic.”
STOPPING ZOOM-THUGS
The rush to use Zoom to hold meetings and keep in touch with family led to a new term—Zoombombing by cyber-thugs seeking to disrupt the private sessions.
UCI Tech Prep on its website offers tips on how to keep the unwanted intruders out, along with the rest of its cyber guide for dealing with a temporarily closed campus.
STARTUPS
Aliso Viejo-based Octane, the business accelerator for technology and life science companies, said it will continue to deliver content through its events, programs, and webinars “along with enhancements to assure the safety, comfort, and flexibility of our attendees.”
The organization said there will be a virtual component to all conferences. “Octane will continue to bring high-quality content from expert speakers and convene the ecosystem, virtually and in person. We believe people want and need a return to personal interaction.”
