Following last weeks rant, I am pleased to report that at least one part of my game has improved, as my short game rescued my most recent round. It was the only area to return to proper service, however, as I seemed to be drawn towards the out of bounds along the 2nd and 3rd as if there was a giant black hole just the other side of the hedge, my golf balls seemingly unable to resist being drawn towards the bemused cattle in the opposite paddock, in the world's least efficient method of tenderisation. Still a session on the range, and some golfing gymnastics in the front of the bathroom mirror and I think I have worked it out (of course I haven't, but there is always hope, isn't here, please !?!) But, in more important matters (I say this grudgingly), here we are again, COVID rears it's inappropriate viral presence, and again we are obliged to acquiesce and adjust our habits and daily processes accordingly. With the move to the Red light level though, we should be thankful that, for the moment at least, we are not locked down again, and we are still able to play, albeit with restrictions on the post-round celebrations/commiserations. One thought did occur to me, however, as I have been thinking about the whole traffic light system, and it strikes me that when it comes to marketing, the delivery of the message that any person or body (in this case the government) want to communicate, the choice of words is critical. A nuance either way, and the message can be completely misconstrued. The idea then, of using a traffic light system would, on first thought, be perfect for communicating a complicated message. After all, we all understand and appreciate the concept of traffic lights (although I have been in countries where the concept was considered, shall we say, slightly more fluid - more guidelines than requirements - which led to some interesting moments in the car). This particular message though, in my humble opinion, is potentially open to misinterpretation. My point, is that we are now living in the Southern Hemisphere's only, officially recognised, Red Light District. Where I come from, this has a very different connotation from the one I would suggest the government wishes to portray. Suffice to say, that the Red Light District in a lot of countries of the Northern Hemisphere at least, is the area one would visit should they wish to purchase services of, how can I put this delicately? Services of the most intimate nature. In the words of Bob's (short for Kate) Dad, (see the always great, Blackadder), this is a noble profession, with the opportunity for spending days on one's back, getting plenty of vigorous exercise, and meeting lots of interesting people. One can only only assume that the oldest industry in the world would be able to find ways around, nay positive consequences, for the compulsory masks, however, I imagine that the 1 metre social distancing requirements, would be slightly more problematic. No doubt, the entrepreneurial spirit will prevail During the pandemic, I do think that this is an area of the countries complex economic stability that has been underplayed in the press, I cannot think of any reason why this would ever be the case? One other unexpected consequence, reported globally, is that our illustrious leader has decided to postpone her forthcoming nuptials, presumably having seen the utter shambles that inappropriate "work events" have caused the British Government, they have decided on discretion being the better part of valor - it is nice to see that some people can learn from the mistakes of others Still, in the face of further restrictions, remember to stay safe and follow the guidelines to reduce the risk of passing on a highly contagious disease, but also remember to enjoy yourselves out there Play well Steve |