Menowerit; Drawn Out

Sitting pondering what to post I was in two minds; take another fallow day, or have my whinge. You'll gather I chose the latter.

It's all a bit fuzzy damp squib if you ask me

Yes, it's a big historical moment. Really though, the full-blanket coverage has been soooooo drawn out. One can't turn anywhere in terms of news outlets of any sort, and escape the fact the Her Madge has passed and His Maddie has inherited. (He gets mad about pens...) I have absolute sympathy for grief and mourning. I spent 15 years in professional practice which included many cases of grief counselling. Everyone must find their own path through such times... but they must also not expect that the world will stop because they feel theirs has. The BBC in particular appears to be determined to have us believe that the entire populace is in mourning. And there have been reports of strong policing against those who may have an alternative view.

It is fair to say that ERII's passing leaves a big hole in the psyche of society. There has certainly been some surprise among even those inclined to the republican mind (myself included) how the passing of a woman who was a monument to decorum and diplomacy has brought us some level of sorrow. 

That sorrow, however, does not necessarily translate into being supporters of an antiquarian institution. There are many who see this as the chance for things to truly change. (A 'taster' of this taste for a shift.)

Reading and listening around the place, I will say no more myself, but offer you some of the items that have had me nodding along in agreement. First an article by one of my favourite authors. Having myself wrangled with that concept of the psyche and fabric of society, Ben Okri hits the right notes.

One of the newer podcasts I alluded to when embarking on my Thursday series, has actually become very pertinent... I have great respect for William Dalrymple (and he is held in high regard in India). The discussions between him and Anita Anand have been riveting, and if you are inclined, I would heartily recommend listening to all episodes thus far - this one included. In that one, along with guest David Olusoga, very meaningful discussion around the place of monarchy in the wider world, and how history is written, is to be enjoyed. (It is only available on Spotify or Apple podcasts, sorry no other just now.)

Historical contexts are one thing, but what about the political and current affairs aspect? Alistair and Rory have a good old natter about the goings on in this episode of TRIP. The follow up Q&A episode is also worth a listen, I feel. Proper 'both sides' argument.

The mention of Ukraine in that first TRIP link is expanded upon further in another of the more recent podcasts to start up and which I find myself following - The News Agents. In their report on the 12th, they delved a little more deeply into the fact there had been significant goings-on in the eastern war front. Something that - here in the UK at least - the majority of the media has barely mentioned, if at all. Indeed, there are major events all over the place, but right now, right here, we continue with the full-blanket coverage...

As ever, thanks for listening.