Hello wonderful, worldly people!
The past week has finally offered a little respite from the scorching and oppressive heat of the previous weeks. Refreshing breezes and protective cloud cover has made for far more focused and productive days! But, the sun has its hat on once again… hip, hip, hip… heigh ho! So, as we take a final, cool breath in, today, I’m delighted to share with you 5 social tips, treats and talking points that I’ve come across or re-discovered over the past fortnight! Please enjoy!
1. Lo que estoy viendo: David Attenborough’s Ocean – If you haven’t yet managed to see this, drop whatever you’re doing and make it a priority! A gorgeously shot documentary that blends the very best of Attenborough’s nature filming with critical journalism akin to Blackfish y Seaspiracy: this is the documentary we need for our oceans, our marine populations and for the future of our wonderful world.
2. Quote to pair Ocean with: “Even then, we should remember that fish are wildlife, not ‘seafood'” – Simple words from the ever-lucid George Monbiot, but worth repeating 2 or 3 times to oneself to remember that – yes! – fish are indeed free, fabulous wildlife, minding their own business in the seas. But they are fiercely hunted: Attenborough’s documentary boasts the best footage I’ve ever seen of bottom trawling – it will leave you open-mouthed and hurt by the barbarity of it all.
3. Who I’m listening to: Clara Peya – It is not hyperbole to say I may have experienced the single best concert of my entire life just last week. Playing as part of Barcelona’s Grec Festival, I was inordinately lucky to witness the musical and artistic genius that is Clara Peya: queer, Catalan pianist and musician par excellence. Set in the outdoor Greek amphitheatre in Montjuic, welcoming illustrious guests including Albert Pla and Sylvia Perez Cruz, this was a concert that surpassed almost any I have ever seen. Her music: rousing, harmonically gorgeous and blending classical and contemporary piano with choirs, emotive vocals, percussion, synths and dance transfixed me to the core. Clara Peya – a consummate musician!
4. A new chapter I’m beginning: Joining the Vegan Society – In the past two weeks, I’m pleased to announce that I have joined as a Trustee for The Vegan Society – the older vegan organisation in the world. I have been looking for a way to centre veganism more in my professional and personal life, after almost 7 years of practising this philosophy, and am very excited to be a part of its Council! Become a member for free if you’re under 26, or get advice, recipes and ideas about how to go vegan aquí.
5. Lo que estoy explorando: Tech Injustice Evidence Repository – if you ever needed a list of all the bad things that the big, bad, Big Tech wolf is doing, here is your evidence-based answer. This list of UK-focused tech injustices is replete with clear examples, sources and themes. A sobering reminder that there is so much work to be done around tech inclusivity and justice – and that this isn’t simply a ‘nice to have’ for our time spent online, but rather issues that intersect with our employment rights, economic wellbeing, democracy and health. Read more about its creation aquí.
📣 Opportunities from me and my network
🎼 Know a school looking for an Indonesian Gamelan? We’re selling one! Email me!
💻 Time for a new website? Visit Diseño circular, my non-profit web agency
🔥 Need pro bono legal support for your charity? Try out PILnet y TrustLaw
🥦 Become a Vegan Society Member for free si tienes menos de 26 años
📖 Don’t forget to order your copy of Remnants of War, Migration, Love por Taha Salim.
🎨 ¿Buscas arte fabuloso para regalar? Apoya a mi brillante amiga y artista Nadine aquí.
⭐️ ¿Conoce a alguien con espíritu crítico? Me encantaría nominarle para Aspen Rising Leaders.
Esto es todo por esta quincena. Como siempre, les ruego que me hagan llegar sus opiniones y comentarios, y que me envíen por este medio todo lo que deseen que incluya en próximas ediciones.
