LOCKDOWN II: CONSOLATIONS

Thoughts on Lockdown II 
Courtesy of Pinterest  © Snoopy & the Peanuts and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Last week the Blogger had a grumpy moan about Lockdown II, not doing very well at seeing  the bright side.

This week, even before news of the vaccine trails and Wales coming out of Lockdown a little better off, a bit of optimism surfaced.

  

Lockdown II: consolations 

1. News of successful vaccine trials doesn't really change the requirements of Lockdown II but certainly looks good for the not-too-distant future.
2. Current weather forecasts for November are for moderate temperatures and little rain.  So, plenty of opportunities for happy tramping through woodland and in parks (though parks officials get an 'F' for closing most public toilets)
3. Is it my imagination or have telly execs brought out pre-Christmas treats early?  More Dark Materials, Nigella, eye-catching movies ('artistic', whizz-bang and classical musicals) are available this month.  Apple TV keeps improving, so much so, maybe a subscription to Disney is not so much-have
4. Radio, as always, provides enjoyable distractions and new content really perks up usual listening.  

Times Radio is so far wonderful; you can have it on all day and find lots to enjoy. 

67's Times Radio favourites: 

• G&T: Gloria de Piero & Tom Newton-Dunn's political analysis makes Andrew Marr, look dated, stale and lacking in context. (10 am, Sundays) 
• Mariella Frostrup's surprising - in a good way - arts programme (1-4 weekday afternoons).  
• Also try John Pienar, M-T 4-7pm, F with Cathy Newman; Michael Portillo Fri evening; the News from America Hour 11pm weekdays
• Ayesha Azareka on weekend afternoons manages to mix first-class news interviews with pockets of hilarity and female fun 

Scala Radio: classical music but unpredictably so.  'In the Park', with lots off birdsong, beguiles from 5-7 am but anytime on the net.

Watch out BBC Current Affairs!  Independent Telly is preparing for launch and GB TV already has Andrew Neil on its books.  Neil is already broadcasting regularly in 'The Week in 60 Minutes' (sometimes a little rough and readily) on Spectator TV, You Tube.

Otherwise, choose your sources of information carefully -

 

Radio 4 News:  1pm, 6pm and 10pm, closest to unbiased news

Politics Live, BBC2, noon M-Th

Moral Maze, Radio 4, Wednesdays and on the net

LBC: Eddie Mair, 5-6pm, round-up of the day's events

Question Time (BBC I) used to be a slug-it-out shouting match but these days one can come away feeling a little more knowledgeable and better informed.  Hope it continues after the American election.

 

The opinions expressed are the personal views of the Blogger.