Saturday Snippets…1st May 2021…

Welcome back to Saturday Snippets where I indulge my whimsy and my passions… maybe a tune or two…something which has caught my eye this last week…just anything out of the ordinary or extraordinary…

We are back with covid restrictions here in Thailand as cases have taken a hike upwards…travel between provinces is discouraged unless absolutely necessary and the wearing of masks is now mandatory although most people do wear them here…It sounds like full lockdowns will know be in place for Bangkok and 5 other provinces where infections are high…here it will probably just be essential shops open and restaurants can only do take out/away…which means we will not be going out unless absolutely necessary…and as I cook at home the restaurants don’t cause us a problem although to help the local ones we do order in at least once a week.

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone it is flying by…and covid is here to stay methinks…or for a while yet…

This last week I have been on a mission…Spring Cleaning…

A biological explanation for why we clean in the springtime has to do with melatonin production. In the winter our bodies are exposed to less sun, which decreases melatonin production and increases sleepiness. When days are longer and our bodies see more sun, melatonin production increases as does our energy.

Anyone who lives where the sun shines most of the time knows how it shows the dust…which is never-ending…sigh..and no fancy hoovers here just a broom..a witches broom as my hubby reminds me…

It is also May Day…when traditionally maidens danced around the maypole which was adorned with pretty ribbons…

Said to be named after the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants. Also from the Latin word maiores, “elders,” who were celebrated during this month. Maia was considered a nurturer and an earth goddess, which may explain the connection with this springtime month…when all the plants are growing and animals awakening from hibernation…

I always remember my mothers warning “Never cast a clout until the May is out” she referred to our winter clothes and the flowers of the May tree/Hawthorn tree…

Such a beautiful tree when in bloom with either white or pink flowers it is truly a sight to behold…my mother and grandmother used to harvest the berries and make a jelly/jam…or a Hawthorn extract…it also has nasty thorns which caught us quite a few times when we were berry picking with my grandmother…

Did you know?

May 1st 1979: Elton John becomes the first pop music star to perform in Israel. In the absence of any decent video’s of that concert, I chose this one…Lively it will wake everyone up …lol.

Also on May the 1st 1972, the Eagles released their first single…”Take it Easy”…That was the start of my admiration and love of the Eagles…Hotel California, Ly’in Eyes, One of These Nights, New Kid In Town, Witchy Women, Heartache Tonight…I could go on and then there was Dr Hook 1979…When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Women and Better Love Next Time, Sexy Eyes…

The ’60s and 70’s my favourite music era’s…

Did you know?….

Batman first appeared #27 in the Detective Comic…way back in May 1939 and today he still makes the headlines…

Early May…the 6th, 1994 — The Channel Tunnel, linking England and France, was officially opened nearly 200 years after the idea was first suggested.

There were many misgivings, the sea having protected for centuries what Shakespeare described as “this precious stone set in the silver sea . . . this fortress built by Nature for herself against infection and the hand of war”.

Conservation Corner…

Microplastics are hugely problematic and pose a major risk to food chains and human health, They are not easily bio-degradable, where they retain in the ecosystems for prolonged durations. This results in the uptake of microplastics by organisms, leading to the transfer and retention of microplastics down the food chain.

They are also something I have highlighted on this blog before…Glitter and such are a big threat to the environment…from big girl to little girls glitter seems to draw them in..after all, it is so pretty…

But thanks to scientists there have been huge leaps forward…The Good News Is…

Microbiologists have found a way to use bacteria to trap microplastics, removing them from the environment and making them easier to recycle.

The new technique, developed by scientists at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, uses bacterial biofilms—a sticky substance created by micro-organisms—to trap microplastic particles. The biofilm is then processed and dispersed, releasing the microplastic particles for processing and recycling.

The school curriculum is changing in Wales…Black History is to be mandatory…by 2022…a step in the right direction? Many will celebrate BUT for me, that is not enough…To change the injustices and prejudices in the world it needs to go a lot further…

We have disability laws around the world BUT that is not enough…grassroots..teaching on the ground… there are some fabulous teachers out there, committed to their pupils…we need to celebrate our differences and that can only be done by inclusion by learning about differences, by celebrating differences…in the classroom…there are children who are still isolated through deafness, an autoimmune disease, blindness, being dumb so many examples and that must change …Ok …have special schools but also regularly integrate those children into normal school life…Our world would be richer…we would be more knowledgable ..there would be less bullying, more inclusion, less fear and the unknown makes us uncomfortable and fearful..what we know enriches us…

This made me weep and so sad that it could so easily be prevented…so many changes are required for us to live in a fully inclusive world…Bigger steps must be taken …

That’s all for today thank you for dropping in I hope you enjoyed my whimsy… see you tomorrow for my weekly roundup…Love Carol xx

48 thoughts on “Saturday Snippets…1st May 2021…”

  1. Victoria Zigler

    Until society is educated and changes how it looks at people who are different – either because of the colour of their skin, or because of a disability – special schools are essential for some. There are people who can still thrive being different in a mainstream school, but it’s not for everyone. My brother thrived, I didn’t, and because we had a mainstream school that would accept disabled students so close to home we couldn’t get permission for me to be sent to a special school, so I ended up homeschooled. For now, we need the option for all inclusive schools to be there, but for it to be decided on an individual basis what is right for the child in question. Perhaps, one day, society will reach a level of acceptance where mainstream schools can be for everyone. But right now it’s a long way from being ready for that.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Fair point, Tori…I agree acceptance needs to improve only then can things move forward …interesting points you have made …Thank you, Tori its good to get another view 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  3. alexcraigie

    Sorry to hear that Covid cases are on the rise in Thailand – it was brilliant at dealing with the early cases and I hope that the restrictions work and that you get vaccines soon.
    We have a lovely hawthorn tree in the garden and my Scottish mother would say, ‘Ne’er cast a cloot til May be oot.’ The temperature’s bitter today and there’s no buds on the tree yet. This time last year it was in full blosson.
    It was a delight to come across references to Lyin’ Eyes and When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman! Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Yes they were and thank you, Alex… Lucky you with your tree and yes I think our mothers had a point… I am pleased you liked my references to those songs always a favourite for me… x

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Monday May 3rd 2021 – #WATWB D.G. Kaye, #Injustice Jill Dennison, #Snippets Carol Taylor | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  6. OIKOS™-Editorial

    Sir Elton is for sure one of the best. Please don’t remind me of the spring cleaning, Carol. Lol It’s gotten a bit colder here by now. I think there is still time here. 😉 Thanks for the info that the tunnel was opened in 1994. There was still hope that we could finally take the island by land. Lol Michael

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Jennie

    Happy May to you, Carol! There are so many wonderful snippets in this post, from news events to conservation to inclusion of children with differences. And of course Elton John singing will brighten any day.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Pingback: CarolCooks2 weekly roundup…25th April-1st May 2021…#Recipes, Whimsy, Music and Lifestyle Changes | Retired? No one told me!

  13. Darlene

    I love Doctor Hook. It was great to see that clip after all these years. Sorry to hear things have taken a turn for the worse in Thailand. My brother says there is no vaccine available yet either. I agree, the virus will be here for a while. Sigh. Have a great week. xo

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Me too, Darlene.. Yes, your brother is correct.. the vaccine side hasn’t been well handled.. I hope your brother is ok it is worse up his way than here… sigh.. I can’t see an end to this at the moment.. Stay safe and well, Darlene.. Have a good week too xx

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Clive

    I saw The Silent Child when it was shown on tv here. A profoundly moving piece of cinema. I’m with you all the way on 60s and 70s music, and especially The Eagles – where do you think my blog name came from!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Jim Borden

    a couple of great music selections – I too am a big fan of the Eagles – Peaceful Easy Feeling being my favorite; I always liked the Batman I grew up with on TV, where it was more of an over the top farce with Adam West as Batman. And thank you for always keeping the issues of inclusion front and center; we can all do better… I look forward to watching the short film at the end of your post…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Same here with Batman, Jim and I’m with you on the Eagles such easy listening…I will always do that as it is my passion…I feel sorry for anyone who has to live with racism but it has to be all inclusive and not just about colour …x

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Pingback: Saturday Snippets…1st May 2021… – MobsterTiger

  19. Pingback: Saturday Snippets…1st May 2021… – MobsterTiger

  20. beetleypete

    I have seen The Silent Child before, but I just watched it again because the acting is outstanding, and it makes its point so well.
    The Channel Tunnel was great for me. I loved getting the train to France and Belgium, as it meant I no longer had to suffer seasickness crossing The Channel on a ferry.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      It does, Pete I have watched it a couple of times and its gets me everytime such a simple solution sign language should be part of the school curriculum… I have always travelled on the ferry I don’t do tunnels… x

      Liked by 1 person

  21. tidalscribe.com

    Happy May Day Carol. I think spring cleaning became a thing in the northern hemisphere because sunlight reveals the dust and longer days give you a chance to get it done. We have had frost thus proving it is wise to adhere to those garden centre warnings not to put out your delicate plants.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Nice although on the plus side I used to love driving to work in the UK when the trees were sprinkled with frost so pretty…Happy May Day to you, Janet and trust me sunlight reveals the dust here and it can be copious as the soil gets so dry and the slightest breeze blows those little particles through the screens…South or North we still have to clean…sigh x

      Liked by 1 person

  22. petespringerauthor

    I had never watched The Silent Child before. That was heartbreaking. I never taught a deaf child, but I do know that parents have to be advocates for their children. Every child has the right to an education. It is the school’s responsibility to provide it. I’m not ragging on schools as I worked in one for thirty-one years. Schools are so overwhelmed and don’t have the resources in place when students like this show up, but I’ve also seen that proactive parents or advocates like the young lady in the film sometimes make the difference between a child succeeding and helping to get our children the help they need. We can do better. Powerful and heartbreaking film!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Absolutely, Pete…HOWEVER I am an advocate for teachers getting better training in disabilities plus being better paid and recognised as being the guardians of our future…unless as I said if we don’t ensure that we are more inclusive change will never be complete and bullying will carry on it isn’t just about colour there is a bigger picture for me…Yes, that film was heartbreaking and so very preventable no child should have to suffer isolation like that…Have a great weekend , Pete x

      Liked by 2 people

  24. Steve Tanham

    Lovely roundup, Carol. Good news on the microplastics! I had a feeling that solutions would emerge from microbiology… and nightmares that a superbug would eat ALL our plastics!!
    Dr Hook – defo! I still get wet eyes at ‘Sylvia’s Mother’. I was mixing cement on a building site, opposite the school where I had just finished my A-levels… heady days! x

    Liked by 3 people

  25. BACK ROADS AND OTHER STORIES

    You packed a lot in here and there is always something new to learn from you! In Canada, we are also in another lockdown. Even with with more vaccinations, it does seem like it will stay a little longer. We are kind of lucky to have our blogging community to keep us company.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. CarolCooks2 Post author

      Yes, the blogging community has been a godsend for me and many others…Ours definitely will we have no vaccinations on the horizon for us ..yet…Covid is here to stay methinks like measles and flu 🙂 x

      Liked by 2 people

Comments are closed.