Kia ora Friends,
Firstly, thank you to all everyone who has messaged me saying how much they enjoy these little lockdown ramblings of mine. I really appreciate it!
Secondly, I have to apologise to BDS member Jock Bielski and the entire town of Umutoi for stating that Ruby Tui was Captain of the Black Ferns. That title belongs, in fact, to Sarah Hirini (née Goss) who, according to Jock, "is a fine lass brought up at Umutoi near Āpiti on the farm. Reared by hard working (and I mean hard working) parents and taught by a good teacher at the small local school, she and her sister and brother have turned into fine citizens." — A big thank you to Jock for reaching out so I could set the record straight.
Thirdly, in case you missed Monday's message in your inbox, we've updated the important information for book groups in various parts of the country here on our website. We are keeping the staff in the Christchurch office to a minimum while in level three, so thank you for your kindness and patience as we work to catch up on dispatches and arrange contactless pick-ups.
Finally, if you're still with me, read on for some 'good news' themed reads, recipes to try at home and, of course, your next cryptic clue!
|
|
|
Read
Confession time: I've been doom-scrolling on my phone again and obsessing over the 1:00PM (sometimes 3:00PM and 4:00PM) updates. And frankly, I'm a little disheartened that there isn't more good news in 'The News'. Between Delta, climate change, Afghanistan and a literal Karen plotting to overthrow the government, I could really use a break.
So I'm recommending two books that I've found are an excellent antidote to bad news, cynicism and despair.
Humankind (NF) — Last year, I recommended this as 'my antidote to 2020'. That might as well apply to this year too, or anytime one starts to lose faith in our species as a whole. Dutch historian and author, Rutger Bregman, takes the reader on a journey of discovery, exploring the pervasive idea in our society that human nature is innately selfish and bad, and providing convincing evidence to the contrary.
For some bonus inspiration, check out Bregman's TED Talk: Poverty isn't a lack of character; it's a lack of cash
Factfulness (NF) — Among other things, Factfulness is proof that too much news is bad for you. It skews your sense of how things are actually going in the world and causes us to, as Rosling says, "miss the majority". This book isn't an excuse to sit on our chuffs thinking everything's fine, but it does argue we need to start with the facts in order to shape the future.
Test yourself: Take the Factfulness online quiz
|
|
|
Laugh
NZ Police's social media game is strong. If you haven't seen their #FridayFloofs, you might want to give them a follow. This time, it's a feline stealing the spotlight, as they revealed Arnold the cat and his training regime as part of NZ Police's Secret Cat Division!
PS Arnold's trainer has since revealed the video was filmed prior to lockdown and was released at a time when they knew NZ would need a bit of a lift. Thank you for your service, Arnold.
|
|
|
Eat
Here's a fun word: Fakeaway — like takeaways, but homemade (and probably better for you).
While the majority of us moved to Level Three today (aka Level Four with Takeaways) I thought I'd spare a thought for our Auckland members who are bravely holding our line of defence by remaining at Level Four — kia kaha guys — and let you know about some homemade alternatives to the takeaways you may be missing. Honestly, some of these knock-offs look just as good, if not better than the real thing.
- Stuff shared a recipe with 11 (not-so-secret) herbs and spices for recreating KFC at home.
- Jamie Oliver's got you covered with a huge list of family fakeaways from fish 'n' chips to vege nachos.
- The Herald shared a list of impressive fakeaways, including a Saagwala I am definitely going to try (possibly with haloumi instead of chicken).
|
|
|
Drink
Ok, so this isn't technically a drink, but it comes in a cup and is the perfect addition to your fakeaway menu: A DIY McFlurry. Made with just four ingredients this no-churn ice cream is ridiculously easy to make and you can be creative with your flavours.
PRO TIP: Substitute the M&Ms for your favourite candy or crushed biscuit of choice. Or, if you're my husband, have both.
|
|
|
Cryptic Challenge
Each week, our manager, Barbara Brown (who is also the author of the cryptics in the Your Weekend section of The Press, Dominion and Waikato Times newspapers) is providing you with a cryptic clue, the answer to which is a title from the BDS catalogue. Email Renee (that's me) your answer and go in the draw to win a mystery parcel of five pre-read books!
Last week's answer explained:
Rugby forwards followed the artist briefly to get the porridge thief (10)
Answer: Goldilocks
A charade clue: Goldi = artist briefly [last letter missing from Goldie], locks = rugby forwards (rugby forwards followed the artist briefly)
We had lots of correct guesses last week (too many to email you all individually!) However there can only be one winner: Congratulations to Viv Bunny — a Mystery Parcel of pre-read books will be on its way to you soon!
Your cryptic clue for Wed 1 Sep is: The Queen leaves the church contribution, a book of fiction from the BDS catalogue (3, 6)
|
|
Trevor Noah's life goals are all of us in level 3 right now
Renee and the BDS Team
|
|
|
|
|
|
