Good Morning my Directors Of The Bored,
A little wet outside my window today, which means a day largely stuck indoors, finally getting round to the housework tasks I’ve been conveniently managing to postpone whilst outdoors in the better weather.
The only delay tactic I have left open to me at this late stage is through writing a bumper blog, and I fully intend to exercise that option.
First, a little more on #BlackLivesMatter. Recently, certainly in the UK, I get the feeling the initial thrust of goodwill and powerful intent has lost its way a little, and been sidetracked, if not entirely derailed, by news stories of violence amongst the protests, and debate over whether or not statues of historical figures should be pulled down.
By contrast, here’s a tiny stroke of genius on a statue of Yoda, outside his spiritual home on earth.
I’m not trying to demean or reduce the message of #BlackLivesMatter, I simply thought that was a particularly clever way of having that message seen by a wider audience.
I am particularly careful of my language around this subject, because I don’t want to offend, I want to learn, to change if necessary, and help others to as well, if they want to.
So I will never say, “I understand”, or, “I get it”, because I don’t. I can’t.
There are two things which have struck me over the last couple of days. On the subject of the removal of statues of historical figures, or the suggested changing of street names of people who dealt in or profited from slave trading – this must be massively important for many, but, in my initial opinion, it detracts from the battle here and now.
Surely education of the past is more important than its immediate destruction. If we’re educated, I believe you’ll find we’ll go out, rename those streets and tear those statues down ourselves.
I know there have been petitions signed by thousands without any valid consequences, but the moment this turns to what can be perceived as violence or vandalism, some of those who most need to change, turn away.
For the record, I don’t believe there’s a conspiracy amongst the media to simply portray only the bad side of organised protest events, but that pictures of scuffles breaking out or status being pushed over make quicker, easier, more widely consumed headlines than a peaceful group dance taking place.
It’s the nature of the beast. And all the while there’s a camera friendly side-show, it detracts from the main feature.
There are people out there in the mass media who are trying their best to educate, and be educated. I would cite Ellen and James Corden as two such minds, making the most of the platform afforded to them.
And there are others.
It amounts to this-if you want change, you’ll find it, then become it.
This can’t be ‘them’ and ‘us’.
There is no ‘them’, just US.
If you can help me to help others, especially if I’m missing something or professing a massive wrong that needs addressed wth immediate effect, please tell me through our comments section, or, if you prefer, email me privately, in confidence, and of course I’ll protect your anonymity – john@sociabledistance.com
I want to help.
OK, for now, on with today’s blog.
People Are Amazing
I’ve written previously about a lady in our neighbouring village who knits around the clock, from what I can tell, exclusively to delight and entertain others. It started when she effectively made a woollen bunnet/toorie for the village post box one Christmas. A knitted festive scene which sat snugly on top of it.
However, during the pandemic she’s surpassed herself, making woollen dolls of the village’s key workers, button adjusters for mask wearers so they don’t develop rashes or broken skin over their ears, as well as countless little items for village kids to collect and keep, which have been secreted at public spots around the village where they might be seen on a family walk.
The Useful
As we tip toe out of Lockdown and start to think about returning to the everyday realities of life, this article has considered what that might mean to your dog who’s been living his best life with all his hoomans in one place for the last few months, with more walks than ever plus cuddles and stroking on tap. To have all that ripped away could potentially stress your dog, so here’s how to introduce the idea of change slowly.
Meanwhile, when you’ve found the time to groom your dog more readily, have you been neglecting on grooming yourself?
Who cares, right? No-one’s going to see you.
Well, those days could be coming to an end. Captain Caveman is not an endearing look.
The Teen-Angels were the only three who thought so, and they were under contract.
Luckily for you, John Lewis is launching a virtual grooming workshop.
Whilst many of us have given up on the idea of a holiday abroad this year, whether because of income or Coronavirus, Iceland is preparing to welcome visitors again from June 15th, subsequent to a few restrictions for passengers entering the country.
Put it this way – would you be prepared to spend an extra 90 quid to get there? If so, read on.
I’m still not sure whether you’d have to take a further 2 weeks off to self isolate upon your return to the UK, I’m merely making you aware of the option.
When restrictions finally ease to the point finance is our only potential barrier, there’s still a warning here from one of the world’s preeminent biological warfare experts to avoid the swimming pools of Las Vegas.
And finally today in The Useful, if you still have time to kill, and exhausted nearly every box set ever filmed, I direct you to the work of the fabulous Anthony Bourdain
World Of The Weird
For the first time ever I think we can award a gold medal in our World Of The Weird section. It’s a category’s highest honour, which until literally 5 minutes ago I hadn’t even devised, but exists to represent the fact the gold medal winning entry cannot ever be bettered. In the rarest of circumstances it may be equalled, but never, ever surpassed. Winning on this historic first occasion, pictures of bizarrely presented meals by various restaurants around the world.
Things That Make You Go Awwwwww
Things We’ve Discovered In Lockdown
An actual real-life treasure hunt for a chest containing a million dollars worth of jewels and gold has fully come to an end after over 10 years.
It’s time for The Funnies
Very clever, but in comedy terms, for my money, still some way behind spoof Nicola, which reminds me, where’s my Janey board?
Today’s News In Brief
Let’s finish with some music. I told you the other day, The Royal Albert Hall has started a Royal Albert Home Lockdown Sessions series. Here are a couple more of those. Enjoy the brilliance and the contrast.
Thanks for reading.
Stay safe x
#LaughterSpreadsFaster
Sociable Distance 