TheGreatBriishMedia

The Great British Press

Posted on by The Grumpy one

I have often discussed the topic of the great British press with my friends. As a result, and to follow on from my previous blog about having too much news, I am going to discuss the press and media.

Not only the British press, but the speculation, guessing, rumours, and sensationalism that goes with it.

22nd September 2020

The date is Tuesday 22nd September 2020. This day provides us with a great example of what is wrong with the system right now.

The day started with few facts. People started the day knowing that their was a cabinet meeting of the government.  Also known was  that a statement would be made to the commons by the Prime Minister about Coronavirus.

Discussing no news

Cue, rumour, speculation, sensationalism, expert opinion. In other words, ZERO news.

There was only one fact that seemed to have been leaked and that related to the pubs having to close at 10 PM.

Speculation and Rumour

The TV and radio managed to fill hour after of hour of expert analysis on nothing. Spreading rumours of lockdown, travel bans, circuit breaks. All of which were pure conjecture.

Work on facts

I have learnt through my profession, that the best decisions are based on facts. With facts, I can make logical decisions. To go on a staycation or not to go on staycation. To work in the office or from home. Do I order shopping for delivery or to go to the supermarket.

Is it good for us?

Why oh why, do we tolerate hours and hours of experts and journalists guessing the future? Is this productive? Can we consider this useful or helpful? I think not.

Indeed, I would suggest the opposite. The actions of the journalists has a negative affect on people. It adds stress. Uncertainty and confusion rules. As well as this, it confuses the message and news when it does actually arrive.

It is my belief that this is not only unhelpful, but dangerous. Everyone is calling for clarity of message, yet the journalists are confusing it.

Report News rather than speculation

I fully respect and certainly welcome a free press. If done properly, they are a valuable part of society. I even enjoy the analysis and commentary that they provide on facts that they know.

My plea to the journalists is report facts. Analyse facts. Provide your thoughts on the facts. But please, stop muddying the waters. Stop causing confusion. Right now, we need clarity of message. The responsibility of distributing that message lays firmly with the journalist, newspapers, radio and TV. It is a big responsibility. The population needs them to pass the messages and facts accurately.

We need The Great British Press to behave responsibly.

Reference

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Travel during Pandemic

Foreign Travel in a Pandemic

Posted on by The Grumpy one

I recently read a comment on Facebook than anyone making foreign travel in a pandemic was a, well let’s just say the language was colourful.

As I sit by a sunny poolside, gathering my thoughts, I consider if this person was talking about me. (The comments were not aimed at me on Facebook).

Could I be the person they so colourfully described? Am I being selfish and putting the country at risk?

The answer is not as simple and as straightforward as this person suggests in their post. Indeed, it is far from it.

Simplistic Approach

I have to say, that there are some attractions to such a simplistic approach to life. i.e. If I don’t agree with a persons actions then I can be abusive towards them. Simple is it not?

I could ignore the fact that I don’t understand the full thought process of the person I am abusing. Perhaps jumping to my conclusion without knowing the full facts is a good idea? I don’t have to put forward a salient argument to support my opinion, I can just insult.

Not everything is as it seems

But on the other hand, that’s just not me. Whilst it is true that I often don’t agree with the things people do or say, is it really my place to make an opinion so vocal that I resort to abuse? Indeed, is there ever a place for abuse?

To the original question….

To the original point they raised (not directly to me) about if it is wise to travel to foreign countries during a pandemic.

There are two big topics that this question raises.

Safety = common sense

The first is of safety and infection. Safety is first and foremost a question of common sense. A question of taking precautions and following the guidance. If you keep your distance whenever possible, wear a mask when asked to do so, wash hands etc, then the risk is heavily reduced.

Common sense – not very common

Unfortunately, common sense isn’t very common and I see so many people not following basic procedures. Perhaps they consider themselves invincible. Do they care?

The human constraints

The second consideration, is very much more complex. It deals with how the human race has developed and how we manage our lives.

We have developed a way of living that means livelihoods, health and wellbeing, and the quality of our life depends on money.

Money does not grow on trees

It can surely not have escaped anyone’s attention, the interventions the governments around the world have had to make to support their economies and therefore peoples welfare.

Such interventions can not last for long. Despite the opinions of many, money does not grow on trees. We have to abide by the constraints that the human race has placed upon itself.

So how does this affect holiday decisions?

So, I hear you say, how does that affect the question of holidays in a pandemic. The answer is simple. Tourism, hospitality and travel make up an enormous segment of our economy. It supports thousands of jobs in the UK and more beyond. Some countries economies will fail if this sector stutters.

Should I stay or should I go?

So to the original question, should we travel in a pandemic? My answer is yes, if the risks are low.

A game of Risk

Ultimately our climb out of the pandemic is a risk management game (although it is far from a game).

If we want to return to our normal lives, with jobs and income intact, with the same quality of life as before, we must most certainly take risks. Not any risk, but sensible and calculated risks.

Risk Management

As an individual, I am so very very risk averse. I go out of my way to avoid risks. But even I acknowledge that risks are a way of life. It is how we control the risk that is the key, how we get it to an acceptable level.

So yes, I will take a foreign holiday if I believe I can safely do so. I will be sensible and take the normal precautions and I will support the rebuilding of what we know as normal. Yes there are risks, both with health (not just mine) and finance. But these risks can be managed.

Back to the abuse

So to those who resort to foul and insulting language, please think upon what I have said.

The decisions about activity should not be taken lightly. The risks should always be assessed. But that is surely no different to anything?

Different people will come to different conclusions depending on the scope of their assessment and their risk profile.

You don’t need to agree with it. You don’t even need to like it. But please be respectful and if you should feel a challenge is needed, be polite and constructive to whoever you are challenging and be open new ideas and information and to changing your mind if appropriate.

Remember, Stay Safe if you decide you can take foreign travel in a pandemic.

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Oxford Circus

The High Street – Part 2

Posted on by The Grumpy one

On the 10th of April 2020, I wrote a blog about The High Street. I spoke Of the importance of it to our community. In such a few short months, so much has changed I felt I must write The High Street – Part 2.

In the time since my last blog on this subject, the Coronavirus Pandemic has changed so much. The way people are living and shopping is changing at much faster rate than we thought possible. The use of cash has plummeted in favour of electronic payments. Online has excelled in all regards as people have restricted their movements. The high streets quickly became deserted. This has all happened out of necessity.

What does this mean for our High Street

When I last wrote on the subject, I questioned if the changes that our beloved High Street had undergone were sustainable. Are they desirable?

Even now, as the pandemic restriction continue to be lifted, the High Street footfall remains low.

Is it a generational issue?

The older generations have been particularly hard hit by Coronavirus. Many of these people we instructed to shield. As it is this demographic that have grown up using local shops and cash. It would be true to say that whilst these people continue to be nervous, some shops will continue to struggle. However, the problems run deeper.

Big and Small affected

It seems that hardly a day goes by where we don’t hear about a high street failure. Alongside this, jobs are being lost in large quantities. A toxic combination that will be hard to break out of.

Stalwarts of the high street such as John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser are all struggling. As a result of their store closures, it is not just the local High Street that is being affected, but the streets of of towns and cities up and down the country.

Hospitality and entertainment

More than retail, the new hope for the High Streets survival is struggling. Pubs, restaurants, Cinemas and the such like have been closed and are now running on much reduced capacity. In other words, they are struggling as well. Many have not re-opened after lock down. Those that have are struggling to break even.

Working from home

There can be no doubt that the empty office blocks that adorn our cities, towns and suburbs are making the situation worse. As the occupants of these offices continue to work from home, they are not shopping at lunchtime. They are not travelling. In short, they are spending less money, and the money they do spend is online.

Community Spirit

The heart of the community has shifted. One of the positive things to have come from Coronavirus has been the community spirit. As a direct consequence, folk are looking after those around them. The street is the community rather than the High Street. The humble corner shop is thriving.

What does the future hold?

I really don’t believe that anyone knows how this will end. There is no rule book or computer model for this situation. As a result, no one can predict the future.

The confidence of the human race is the key factor. Somehow, this confidence needs to be restored. The country needs to slowly rebuild itself. The fear of a resurgence of this invisible enemy is all pervading and needs to be overcome.

Inevitably, there will be challenges. Such a challenge has not been faced in recent times. There is no rulebook for this situation. I for one am very glad that I am not the one making the decisions. We can have no doubt that mistakes will be made. We must all be positive. Not only positive, but forgiving. Let us not belittle or embattle those making those decisions. We must trust that the errors they will make are as a result of them wanting to do the right thing. There is no space for negative politics.

Let us look forward. We must build The High Street – part 2.

Positive attitudes and support for the community in whatever form it emerges in are a must. Let us embrace The High Street – Part 2.

Stay safe.

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Face Mask in hand

The mind behind the mask

Posted on by The Grumpy one

Right now, face masks are very much in the news. However, I am more concerned with the mind behind the mask (or lack thereof).

I don’t believe that anyone likes wearing these masks. However, for the common good of everyone, the law demands that we wear them in certain circumstances.

Purpose

It is perhaps a good time to understand the theory behind the rules and who they protect.

The mask is intended to stop the wearer infecting those around them by limiting the distance that water droplets from the person can travel. In other words, we are protecting those around us.

What does this say about the non-wearers?

When I consider this question, I arrive at two different answers.

The first is that these people do not understand the purpose of the mask and think that the risk of not wearing one is there’s. Perhaps they think they won’t get it.

The second is that these people just don’t care about others and have no morals.

Why?

This is such a massive question. Why do people think the rules don’t apply to them? What makes people think they can use the health loopholes without the actual ailment?

I am no psychologist so I just cannot answer that question. However, the question is largely irrelevant. Indeed, it should be replaced with the question; why can’t they obey the law?

I really do not know that answer to this question either. I can only suggest that they are either stupid, selfish or ignorant. Perhaps even all 3!

Sad

I think it is really sad and worrying that these people are out there. Right now, we need everyone to obey the rules. It matters not to me if you agree or like the rules or not. Rules are rules.

If we as a country are to get this virus under control, we must all obey the rules. Indeed the law.

Wearing a mask is a simple thing to do. Not massively pleasant, but simple non the less.

For those people who think they don’t need to wear them, I say, “Grow up. Play your part. Don’t be ignorant”

Be the good mind behind the mask!

References

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Burning News

News Overload

Posted on by The Grumpy one

Did you know, that it is estimated that 1 weeks worth of the New York Times contains more information than a person in the 18th Century would come across in their whole lifetime? Much of this information will be News. I believe this is News Overload.

For the purposes of history (should this blog page last), this entry is being written in middle of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. It is such events that make us turn to the news stations, papers and websites. This for me causes an overload of news.

Why do we do this?

I am not a human psychologist and can only speak for myself.

When bad news strikes, I seem to have an intense curiosity to understand it. Selfishly, this curiosity is usually driven by selfish motives; how will this affect me? When will the current bad news end is also another question that desire.

Drawn in.

With the advent of the ‘Always on’ world the news is plentiful, of this there is no doubt. We can listen to news radio. A plethora of 24 hour news TV. Internet web sites. I seem to get drawn in and readily accept the 30 minutes cycle of the same news.

Do we need this much?

Humans, by their very nature, are inquisitive and social animals. As a result, we do quest knowledge and understanding. Such understanding enables learning. Actions and behaviours can be adjusted. Perhaps this is self preservation. Understandable human instinct.

I do sometime question if we always need to know what is happening on far away shores. Events that will not affect our local lives. My mind is open and un-decided on this subject.

Expert Opinion

Many news shows have a never ending stream of so called experts. For me, this is just a way of stretching out the news item until the next cycle can start. A piece of news is presented and then analysed endlessly. I would suggest that it is the exception rather than the rule when these ‘experts’ bring additional value to the news snippets. Very often, they are opinion. There is a time and a place for opinion, but not every 30 minutes!

Is there such a thing as too much?

The constant repeat of the same news, may be convenient for some. For many it can become addictive. Constantly listening, reading or watching, searching for the new snippet. Perhaps progress. Maybe even the beginning of the end of the news story.

In my opinion, you can have too much news. I recall being in the USA on September the 11th. The TV news was watched for 5 hours solidly before my friend and I decided that the news was not changing. Facts were very few and far between. It was time to take a break from the news. Under the circumstances we did the only other thing we could. Yes, we went to the pub and got drunk. In the morning, the news was still there and the meaningful news nuggets had not massively increased. We missed little.

In the Corona pandemic, the same is true. As the lockdown started, I watched endlessly. Became addicted. The result was stress and despondency. Little additional information was learnt by the constant ingestion of news.

In answer to the question – Yes, there is such a thing as too much news. My conclusion is that it is also bad for a persons mental stage.

Protection

As a result of the current news overload, I have developed my own protection mechanisms. These are so very simple and depend on what I am doing. They are –

  • If am working, I listen to music radio with just a 2 minute news bulletin.
  • If am home, I limit myself to a maximum of 1 hour of news broadcasting each day.

For your own sanity, please limit your news intake. Rather than absorbing ‘Expert Opinion’, listen to the facts and form your own opinion. As a result, you will prevent yourself suffering from News Overload. Not only that, you will own your own opinion.

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Stupidity

Do I have it wrong?

Posted on by The Grumpy one

As a country, the United Kingdom has been in lock down for several weeks. The rules that we are operating under are simple, or so I thought. Seeing some people, I have to ask, Do I have it wrong?

I am very fortunate as I have a nature reserve on my doorstep. I am able to undertake my 1 hour of exercise alone, with social distancing very much in mind. I understand that many people do not have such a wondrous resource to use on their doorsteps. As such I note that for some, it is less pleasant. However, this is no excuse for stupidity, ignorance and arrogance.

They say you can’t teach stupid. It seems you cannot quarantine it either.

In Nottingham, it is believed that cycle activity was up over 300% during the last weekend over normal levels. In essence this is good news; people are exercising. However, I have witnessed groups of 5 – 20 cyclists out together. Clearly they don’t all live together, so it is against the rules. Do I have it wrong?

I have witnessed groups of mums out walking together with their kids. I find it hard to believe that they all live in the same house. It is a group of more than 2. Not only this, but judging by the car keys they were carrying, they had clearly driven to meet up. Do I have it wrong?

On my way home from the hospital earlier in the week, I felt so tired that I used the bus rather than walk. I was the only passenger on the bus at first. Another traveller boarded and sat on the seat behind forcing me to move. Is this social distancing or common sense? Do I have it wrong?

The rules are really simple

The rules are really simple. The vast majority of the population is doing an amazing job of staying in and being sensible. To all of those people, I thank you.

For those cockwombles that think they know better. Believe the rules don’t apply to them. Perhaps they feel it won’t happen to them. To this people I say don’t be so selfish, arrogant or stupid.

Consequences of stupidity

For those breaking the rules, I have one simple message; Stop!

I care not a jot for you. I do care for the people you may infect. The people in the emergency services and the NHS that put themselves in harms way to look after you and your victims are heroes and they should not be put in more danger than they already are.

When I see your actions, I weep for humanity.

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Virus

Coronavirus

Posted on by The Grumpy one

It has been suggested to me that what we are living through now is something that you would normally expect to read in a history book. Coronavirus is indeed writing a new chapter of that book. Perhaps the chapter can be called the Coronavirus legacy.

The disease does not recognise rich or poor. Nor does it select who to infect based on age or race.

Approaching the peak

At the time of considering this particular blog post, the United Kingdom believes it is approaching the peak of the pandemic. There is little more I can do right now. I will continue with social distancing and staying home. All that is left for me to do right now is consider what legacy the virus may leave behind.

A change is happening now, let us not change back.

It is probably no understatement to say that the country, indeed the world, will never be quite the same again.

Whilst there can be no doubt that the virus is powerful, we can also be sure that we will overcome. As a human race, we do come together when the need arises.

Staying positive

It is at this sort of time, that a person needs to stay positive. The crisis does seem to be bringing the best out of people. There are so very many positives to take.

Over 700,000 people have volunteered to help the NHS. There are hundreds of local schemes to help support the community. So many great stories. Examples of the community becoming one in a way perhaps not seen since the war.

If you have read any of my other blogs, you will know that I often appeal to people to slow down and ‘be in the room’. This crisis is forcing us to do that. The space in schedules is allowing people to think about others. To consider the community and the greater good. It is allowing people to rekindle the spirit and to consider others. I consider it truly glorious that what people call ‘the war time spirit’ is being rediscovered and acted on.

Keeping the legacy

I really hope that once this crisis is over, that each and everyone of us reflect on what has happened. We must remember the bad and learn those lessons. We must however ensure that we really remember and embrace that good. Would it not be a wondrous Coronavirus legacy for even some of this awesome community spirit continues.

Please consider how you can carve out some time to continue this legacy when we return to normality.

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High Street

The high street

Posted on by The Grumpy one

The high street has for years been a centre of a community or town. It has been a hub of activity and a place to obtain a wide range of goods. Alas, things are changing. Out of town retail parks and the internet are having a dramatic affect.

People say, rightly so, that the high street needs to change to survive. This, however, is nothing new. Change is really the only constant in life. Looking back, it is somewhat amazing to see the change that has already occurred.

Change is the only constant in life

Change has and continues. In the years that I recall, the number of bars, coffee shops and eateries have increased to take the space left as the shops depart. Even with this change, the High street is still struggling for survival.

The above is doubly true in these crisis times caused by the COVID-19 virus. Daily we are seeing companies fail and I wonder what shops, pubs and restaurants will open when we emerge from this crisis.

Is the entertainment and hospitality industry stable enough?

As the High street re-invents itself and adapts, there is a hope that both the Cafe culture and perhaps the entertainment industry can revive the fortunes of this precious local resource. The question for me is can the public support this change. Do they want to?

Such changes will rely on the public’s disposable income being sufficient. For the public to have the cash and the desire to spend in such places when all the household essentials have been procured.

In my opinion, this puts the High street at risk once more. It makes it so very vulnerable to the ups and downs of the economy.

The community needs to buy in

If the Coronavirus crisis has taught us anything, it is surely that there is a strong and undeniable community spirit bubbling below the surface. At the heart of any community, are these community spaces.

Would it not be wonderful if additional community facilities were to be created on the high street. Something for everyone and for all ages.

To survive, our High streets need to continue to adapt and more importantly to innovate. They need to do this in-line and with the backing of the community. A place to be social, entertained, fed, watered and provisioned. Perhaps even educated.

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Opions

Respect for Opinions

Posted on by The Grumpy one

Do you have respect for opinions held by others?

In a perfect world, this should not even be a question.

Each and everyone one of us has opinions and beliefs. We have likes and dislikes. This is a very positive situation. So why do some people not respect this?

I am sure most of us have acquaintances with whom we avoid topics of conversation. We do this because we know they won’t listen. There is a certainty that they will do nothing more than force their opinions on others.

This is shows no respect for opinions.

My belief is that opinions are wonderful and personal. I believe that they should at least be heard. Even if people don’t agree with them, at least do me the courtesy of listening. In return, i will listen and consider your opinions.

No one person can know everything

Opinions are not facts. Rather, they are beliefs and ways of thinking based on assumed facts.

No single person, knows everything. This is a fact that I truly believe. This is why opinions are so important.

Through vibrant discussion, active listening, deliberation and consideration we can build true opinions. These opinions should never be set in stone. They should constantly evolve. Only then will the opinion be the best it can be.

Constant improvement

Like anything in this life, we constantly try and improve. Rarely is the first iteration of anything the best it can be. This is why it is so desperately important to garner opinion from many sources. And to listen to that opinion.

The best opinions are those forged by listening. Absorbing information and formulating it all into your own opinion.

Please remember, the opinion will only remain valid and relevant if you constantly adapt it on new lessons.

Be open, and most importantly, respectful to the opinions of others.

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