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I'm busy at the moment. Even for me. While I thrive on having a crammed schedule, a lot of what's keeping me occupied is work that I can't see the fruition of. I'm creating the skeletal structure of a thing that doesn't exist yet; the tone of voice documents, the metadata, the endless spreadsheets. We don't even have the keys to the bar at the present moment (please don't ask, it gives me eye twitches).
What I've been forced to face lately is that I use being busy, and to an extent, being addicted to work, is not healthy. I know I should try to switch off. I know I should take a bath or light some candles or whatever it is people do to unwind. But I look forward to a good research session. I like pretending that constant learning and professional growth is a hobby. I find peace in distraction. This is not healthy. I understand that.
Which is why, among many other personal reasons, I've gone back to therapy. I have been very open about this on Twitter. I want to help normalise and encourage the seeking out of mental health support.
I was resistant to going back to therapy because I didn't want to admit that my coping mechanisms had slowed down and seized over time. I didn't want to start again, dragging up things I have buried over and over again. Having restarted therapy I have quickly realised that I need it, and it's good for me. My new therapist is positive and practical, and sussed me out in less than an hour.
If you feel you might benefit from seeking professional mental health support, please don't drag your feet about it. I use Better Help, but it's not for everyone. The NHS have lots of resources and information available. Please take care of yourself. You matter.
Other Stuff
29 tons of "fresh, unwanted" carrots were dumped at Goldsmiths Uni this week. It was part of Rafael Pérez Evans' "Grounding" work, which I found really interesting -- it's about protest, labour and therapeutic ritual.
The always excellent Andy Kelly on the healing power of Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Noel Fielding's bakeoff shirts (and jumpers) and where to buy them.
A really important piece from Pellicle this week - David Jesudason speaks to industry professionals about working towards equity in beer.
The Independent Salford Beer Festival is back! And it's online this year!
A heartwarming story about pumpkin spice memes and good people.
Maybe the question isn't how we can take violence out of policing - maybe it's how we can take policing out of society.
A treasure trove of VHS tape cover designs.
How dub reggae became the essential sound of 1970s London.
My Stuff
Many of you have asked me how you might get involved or help with the bar from afar. Last week I shared artwork by Carmela Caldart. I would love to commission a piece by her for Corto, and contacted her saying so. She is up for it, but my bank balance isn't. If you enjoy this newsletter and feel like you can afford to spare a couple of quid, I would be eternally grateful for donations towards this commission! My paypal is www.paypal.me/hyggoth - if you leave your name I can add you to any future posts/newsletters about the artwork. Thank you!
Social clubs - evolve or die. That's the harsh reality of pub culture in the UK at the moment, but what I loved most about researching this piece is that there are clubs out there really working to adapt to be what their changing communities need and want.
Robot Waiters. Over lockdown I read a "joke" tweet about how we need robot waiters to keep bars and restaurants open during the pandemic. It made me pretty mad. "What a great idea, if all you credit serving staff with is the physical act of bringing your food and drinks to the table without major incident."
Grounding, by Rafael Peréz Evans