Prince Philip reached the ripe old age of 99 today and was seen looking very dapper and upright in a photo with the queen taken last week. Well, he’s well known for opening his mouth and putting his foot in it and anyone who’s been watching The Crown now knows a few more juicy bits. I’m never sure how useful the royals are with their expenditure, scandals and in some cases a sense of entitlement but there’s no doubt that the queen has spent her life dedicated to her role as head of state and Prince Philip has been steadfastly by her side. So happy birthday and congratulations, it couldn’t have always been easy. In spite of the perks that come with the job.
Today was also the funeral of George Floyd, a man who shouldn’t have died but who may unwittingly have brought about positive change to racial inequality. His niece spoke at the ceremony and said that someone once said ‘Make America Great Again’ but she asked, when was America ever great? And although it might have been for many people there are many descendants of slaves, immigrants and indeed native americans for whom it hasn’t been great. The POTUS used that slogan during his presidential campaign, he also used violence to clear a path for a photo opportunity and also wondered out loud if George Floyd was looking down and praising the US economy.
Shops will be reopening next week just in time for summer sales although we won’t look very good because hairdressers remain closed. Now here’s the thing, nothing has been said about masks or hand sanitiser to be used on entering a shop. In other countries this is a standard requirement but they aren’t making people queue or marking out the floor for social distancing. Portugal for example has used this system and it seems to be working. The theory is that if I wear a mask and apply hand sanitiser when I enter a public place I’m less likely or even unlikely to spread the virus.
In Chechnya bridegrooms are required to make a payment either to the bride or her family. Following the economic impact of the pandemic the men are unable to make the payment. So, believe it or not, the country’s ruler has stepped in and offered to make the payment for them. So far 207 grooms have benefitted from this payment each receiving 50,000 roubles (about £600). The leader Ramzan Kadyrov isn’t always so romantic or generous as he is one of the most feared men in Russia.
Toilets are still closed although maybe when shops open we can pop into House of Fraser or Debenhams for a quick pee. Again if there were plenty of masks, hand sanitiser and even seat covers like they have in the US we could be careful and manage. You know those spray attachments on the end of a hose for fertilising your plants, couldn’t something similar be used with antiseptic to spray toilets? Honestly, someone needs to take note. Good night everyone, time for bed. 😴💤😴