Issue #41
Hi Page Turners,
The UN this week all voted for a ceasefire in Palestine all but the UK (who abstained) and the US (who voted no) didn't pass. Both countries claimed the ceasefire won't be A) seen as condemning Hamas and B) in the long run won't be beneficial. It makes me laugh because what is seen as the alternative leaving the Palestinians starving and destructing their country beyond recognition. Why is a ceasefire not enough? How much more do they want to put Palestinians through? The ceasefire can become so much more only if countries such as the UK and US allow it. They need to call for a ceasefire and they need to call it now!
Humanitarian aid is desperately needed for the people of Palestine and donations still are the matter of life and death so please, please, please donate as much as you can with the link below.
Books 📚
This week I finished listening to the audio book of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. 'This is not the usual villain origin story Collins is subverting and in a way critiquing this narrative of villain stories' read the full review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6004106703?book_show_action=false
Opinion piece 📰
Taylor Swift is named as Time's person of the year! Not surprising as we have literally been talking, listening and watching about T Swift all year. Her power and influence is immense as is what her tour brought in and the fact 'Swifty' is named in the Oxford World dictionary. It makes a nice change since the last two years the award has gone to men.
Exercise I feel is not appreciated enough especially when their are case studies showing the benefits of exercise. Now I am not trying to be preachy especially as I am someone who should do much more exercise than I do. However these studies: https://theconversation.com/exercise-benefits-physical-and-brain-health-in-people-with-downs-syndrome-new-research-218403 always do inspire me but also for people with Down's Syndrome and early onset Alzheimer's this is such a good way to improve vital skills.
This week the much loved and celebrated poet, actor, activist and musical luminary, Benjamin Zephaniah passed away. He made so much change and was an inspiration for many. I am glad his work will be honoured and treasured for years to come.
Further Reading 📑
It is a shame that they are putting up the licencing fee again admits the cost of living crises. I think it will cause a backlash as they will see a decline in people paying for it. Let's be real between tv licensing and paying your bills what would you go for?
The Oxford World dictionary 'Rizz' an internet slang term for romantic appeal or charm, has been named the Oxford word of the year. Honestly I have not used it myself and don't see myself using it in a conversation.
This week saw Boris Johnson and other members of his government during the pandemic being questioned about how they dealt with Covid. Everything to come out of this inquiry has highlighted how inadequate Johnson and his government were. From parties to eye tests to WhatsApp messages details how they acted not in the interest of the public but themselves and how they could have imposed lockdown sooner but chose not too. It is actually disappointing that they are not imprisoned for their actions. Also these coincidently missing WhatsApp messages need to have more pressure on so we can find them. Talk to the company or whoever because one can only think what would be found it them.
💭 My 3 am thoughts 🕒
I am always interested in how fine the line is when fictionalising real life especially after reading Playing Games by Huma Qureshi.
Quote of the week ✏
'Take care of each other, be patient, be kind, and try to forgive.' Taken from Playing Games by Huma Qureshi
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With Love and Dua's
Fiz @