Today is wild and windy but it’s not raining, despite the forecast. I have just hung washing to dry in the spare room and so, of course, the sun has now come out, suggesting I could have hung it out in the garden to be blown around. Maybe it will work like a magic charm and keep the sun shining on us this afternoon. It’s rather like taking an umbrella out with you to prevent it from raining, rather like medieval amulets to ward off evil spirits.
I have been reading and rereading (because initially I read them out of order) a series of books by Kate Mosse, set in medieval France and Holland, with struggles raging between protestants and catholics. My imaginary world is full of medieval characters, one of whom is obsessed with collecting holy relics, such as parts of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. (Medieval madness, nowadays replaced by having a famous singer sign his name on your arm and having it tattooed!) What I don’t want is for someone to make a series for Netflix based on these characters. Sometimes you need them just to remain in your head.
I hear that the young Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has turned down sponsorship from Elon Musk, who wanted him to wear a shirt advertising his Tesla cars during the Italian Open. During a press conference following one of his matches, Alcaraz addressed the situation directly. “I have nothing against Tesla or Mr. Musk, and I respect what he’s done in the tech world,” Alcaraz said. “But I believe in being authentic, and I only represent brands that align closely with my values—on and off the court. For me, it’s not just about money or fame. It’s about staying true to who I am.”
The young Spaniard elaborated, explaining that while Tesla is known for innovation, he felt the brand did not resonate with his personal principles, particularly when it comes to environmental sustainability and ethical alignment. Alcaraz is known for his support of renewable energy and grassroots environmental initiatives in Spain, and he suggested that accepting the sponsorship would have felt hypocritical given his personal stance.
That’s another sportsman making sort of political statements!
Here’s a photo of Palestinians carrying huge packages of aid. Apparently Israeli soldiers opened fire on some of the Palestinians.
Here’s part of a report from Haaretz:
“One Palestinian was killed and 48 others wounded by IDF fire on Wednesday, as just one of four designated distribution hubs for humanitarian aid opened in the Gaza Strip and was quickly overrun. The hub constitutes the first attempt at giving out aid after Israel blocked all entry of aid in early March.
The distribution points are guarded by private security contractors and are surrounded by chain-link fences channeling Palestinians into what resemble military bases surrounded by large sand berms. GHF said its military contractors had not fired on the crowd but "fell back" before resuming operations. The IDF claims it fired warning shots only.
Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories, had earlier told reporters in Geneva that 47 people were wounded, mostly by gunfire.
On Wednesday, the Foundation announced that its hubs would not be opened that morning due to "arrangements" that needed to be made following the events of Tuesday. It also said that it is working diligently to renew the distribution as soon as possible.”
And here’s a link to an article about it in the Guardian.
There must be a better way of doing things.
Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!
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