Monday 27
April 2020 6.22am
It seems an
almost “nothing type of a week” as we become set in our
new Covid 19 self-isolation routines.
That aside,
it has also been societally revealing.
We, as in
Australian’s, have a certain “self image” we imagine defines us.
We like to
portray as a nation of sun loving, beach going, laid back, relaxed, sports mad,
successful, rebellious, anti-establishment lovable (responsible) rebels.
We will cope
with what ever comes our way, stare down danger, wrestle challenges and then go
for lunch.
If you ask
us, he will offer enthusiastic opinions backed by indisputable proof that we
have the best beaches, biggest rocks, produce the worlds best wines, seafood, beef,
wool, surf boards, ugg boots and board shorts. And as for sports people, there
is no dispute. Same for our musicians, writers and actors, including those born
in New Zealand.
We roll with
the punches, laugh at adversity and take a “no problem, she’ll be right”
approach.
Except we don’t,
do we?
Now, I am
not diminishing by any means the hardship many are facing right now and will further
face for many months if not years to come.
What has
become evident is just how “us” Australians’ really do value certainty.
We even
value “fake” certainty. Some sports have announced actual dates for resumption
of competition. They are being applauded for doing so because players, coaches,
broadcasters and supporters are desperate for certainty. They also say they don’t know if these dates are
achievable.
Commentators are going nuts demanding other sports make similar announcements
of resumption dates, even if they don’t happen.
We also seek certainty as to seeing a movie, sitting at a café or having a BBQ.
The thing most certain about this point in our history is there are no
certainties. Much of what we took to be for ever more, will no longer be.
The
Australianism we need to tap in to is that of innovation, creativeness, our
ability to be calm in a crisis and our nature to support those most vulnerable.
If we can maintain these quality, in time She will be right. In the meantime, embrace uncertainty as the new normal.
To matters more serious.
Melbourne
considers itself to be the Coffee Culture capital of Australia (if not the
world).
Similarly, Melbourne
has appointed itself the “Latte Art” capital of Australia.
So, imagine
how thrilled I was to receive a message from one of Melbourne pre-eminent “Latte
Artists” recommending a Podcast and providing written support for it.
The recommended
podcast is “Girl Taken” produced by BBC Radio 4.
Our Latte
Artists words of recommendation are:
“Do
the podcasts you listen to start to merge in to each other so you can’t define
one from the other easily? Girl Taken will remain with you.
Amazing
true account of a charismatic English ex-soldier putting his trust in a refugee
and the twists and turns that journey takes him. Unforgettable”.
I have
listened to 9 of the 10 episodes of Girl Taken and confirm it as a quite
gripping and moving story. The two story telling protagonists are the accidental represent the perfect skill and
personality alignment of a the journalist's determination
to get a story and the desire and dogged determination of the ex soldier to achieve a
compassionate and decent outcome. I am
surprised I was not already aware of the story. Some of the middle episodes seem to labour
a little with some of the road side chatter but it ultimately does enhance the
story.
I still have
about 150 pages to read from last weeks book, Once While Travelling – The Lonely
Planet Story. As such, I may not get to start a new book this week.
However, if
you are interested in a little history about the discovery of our continent, a
book I enjoyed last year is The Great Race by David Hill. This is a most
informative, interesting and easy to read story about the race between the
English and the French to complete the map of Australia. Irrespective of this
being a genre you read, I am sure it will be enjoyed.
This week I discovered a re-worked version of the Midnight Oil hit Beds are Burning performed and recorded by Julia Stone. It is a very different, almost haunting interpretation with a thought provoking film clip. I am interested to hear what you think about it. Beds are Burning by Julia Stone
And new
words are creeping in to our vernacular including “Zumped, used as follows in a
conversation between 2 teenagers.
Teenager 1. Why are you so upset?
Teenager 2. I’ve just been “Zumped”
Ist Teenager Don’t you mean dumped?
2nd
Teenager No, it happened on Zoom
And a
thought to ponder:
Just think,
in 25 years time, our leaders will be the products of home schooling, where the
teachers were day drinkers.
Stay safe,
stay healthy, stay flexible; continue to support and assist others, smile, read
and listen.
Colin Morley
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