Good morning chic@s!
Nowruz, the changing of the clocks, and that small yet always perceptible change in temperature that signals the true arrival of Spring have all completed their catwalk since my last 5 Bullet Friday. So, as we look forward to warmer months, please enjoy this primaveral package of sunny social tips, treats and talking points which I’ve come across or re-discovered over the past fortnight.
1. What I’m watching: Ru Paul’s Drag Race – If you haven’t yet caught a series of this, get on it! I confess, I never understood why friends raved about it so much but after waiting with baited breath each Friday for the next episode, I can attest to it being a bundle of absolute joy. Unabashed gay frivolity that is so affirming to see on mainstream TV.
2. What I’m questioning: Van Life – Easter (or Semana Santa) heralded my first ever van road trip. Much like tamagotchis and quinoa in their day, post-pandemic it feels like the whole world is doing it. But I’m not a convert. It strikes me that the majority of van tourism stays close to main traffic flows, veering off into national parks or areas of outstanding beauty. My question is: what is the impact on small villages? On our trip alone, I was shocked at just how many vans parked along the curb next to small settlements each night. Living isolated and self-sufficiently in their vehicles, is it just a lot of hassle, traffic and ugly vans with no perceivable benefit to the local community?
3. What I’m following: People’s Primaries – Monbiot covers this inspiring case of community-led electoral reformation in this piece focused on the People’s Primary in South Devon. The idea is to help challenge Tory strongholds where a fragmented left might well have a majority, but never wins through. As George says: “The UK’s first “people’s primary” involved seven meetings held around the constituency. Candidates for progressive or vaguely progressive parties were invited to explain to voters why they would be best placed to evict the Conservative. After each meeting, constituents voted by secret ballot to choose their champion. When the aggregate result was announced, everyone in the constituency could see who other people believed was the most promising challenger.”
4. What I’m reading: The Guncle by Steven Rowley– Stumbling across the brilliant ‘Gay-on-Wye’ bookshop recently on a trip to the world’s first book town, I couldn’t resist this volume. Buy, read and you’ll fast-track the arrival of summer in your life. For those uninitiated, a ‘Guncle’ is a gay uncle – so personally this book felt rather timely! But it’s more than just that. It is a gorgeous narration of life, delicately balancing camp frivolity with moving and profound reflections on the nature of family, mortality and addiction.
5. What I’m picking back up: Persian with Chai & Conversation – This has long been my favourite Farsi course. With over 100 progressive podcasts, it’s a brilliant way into learning Persian. Over the years, Leyla has grown the offering, now complete with an impressive website and a Nowruz Persian Bootcamp which I’ve just embarked on!
📣 Opportunities and Offers
👓 Volunteers needed at Light Without Borders – help provide eye care in Greece
💰 Apply for Fundraising Manager at RBB – we’re recruiting! UK salary £32k – £40k
📱 Honest Mobile – use referral code jacobwarn1994 to join the UK’s most sustainable network
That’s it for this fortnight! As ever, please let me know your thoughts and feedback – and send anything you’d like me to include in upcoming editions this way.
