A Day Too Long: Our latest pod is another story that is difficult to classify. Although we have tagged it as one of TheSpouseTrap series, it does fit the CrimeWithoutGrime series too. But if you give thought to the story a little more, it could easily classify as MakesYouThink. Why? Well, usually our Spouse Trap stories cover marital discord in some way. But this marriage has lasted for over 40 years. Yet it would appear that 40 years is A Day Too Long
Anne of 1000 Days is a true story. Not much action it is true,but plenty of emotive value. Not only that but it represents a vast number of our elderly citizens. To say they are a ‘dying breed’ is literally true, for age is their enemy, and one that everyone must face eventually.
Of course each generation will have its own story to tell. But not everyone is a hero. In fact, let us go back to the days before Womens’ Lib – or more exact, the womens’ liberation movement. This was led by people such as the irrepressible Germaine Greer), and the launch of her revolutionary book The Female Eunoch. 1970. This was a time when women didn’t work (ir again, more exactly, have paid employment. Instead they looked after the house, husband and family, which was not considered work. But sometimes they would gain a little recognition. And more so if they could claim to be part of the saying, “Behind every great man, there is a little woman.” On which note, I leave you with Anne of 1000 Days, part of our series, LifeInThe Slow Lane, but hopefully it will also MakeYouThink.
Today we pay tribute and homage to the millions who served and lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war. It was the war to end all wars, and possibly the last one where face-to-face combat was the norm. Servicemen suffered two horrors. That, of being automatically enlisted into war, and expected to kill the enemy. And second, to be prepared to die or be maimed while doing so. A no-win situation.,
100 years later and there are more wars raging around the world than we can name – or even know about. Warfare has changed, in many ways it has become simplified. The enemy doesn’t even have to be in sight. Yet people are still dying, or if fortunate, survive – and carry the battle scars physically and mentally – for ever.
Our very first podcast was released on Anzac Day, 25th April. This is a day personal to Australia and New Zealand. But the story, Wheeled Prison, brings to light the simple naivety of young men before going into battle, and the sheer reality of it when facing the enemy, or returning home, often broken and bitter.
Ordinary people can do little to stop this, other than vote for politicians who will do everything possible to avoid this carnage and confrontation. But we CAN be aware of the personal sacrifice given by so many, and often forgotten or ignored.
Ray, the Refrigerator Man. While we often say that most of the fastfictionpodcasts have their genesis in true stories, our latest pod is completely true. It brings to light two factions – the background and lifestyle of Ray, and our reaction, as a middle-aged couple living in a totally different world. And yet, with the passage of time, and the work cycle, we find ourselves sharing a cup of coffee, and his viewpoints.
When you have listened to the pod, why not let us know how you think you would react if you had been with us on the balcony that day. And in a back-to-front-way, does the #MeToo movement apply in this case? Lots of questions, but where are the answers? We still haven’t got any. Have you?