Tag: coronavirus

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Feature

In May

Entering the second year of Covid lockdowns. After 14 months, perhaps, the end of the tunnel is near. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu. But, the uncertainty continues in every industry. Normally this time of year I’m in a work lull. Few events, not so much to cover because of the summer build up. Mens Fashion Weeks in June, Couture Week in Paris, summer film press junkets before the releases. A quick holiday, then the real work starts. September brings IFA, followed by London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Not this year. It looks like more virtual events. Can anyone say “YIPPEE” while Zooming? Over the past two days one event after another has been cancelled for 2021. Why? The pandemic, politics combined with ineptness. As the EU grudgingly admits, their vaccine policy roll out leaves a lot to be desired. Political short comings cross boarders.

Leadership + Hubris = Failed

Chancellor Angela Merkel only makes pronouncements with her signature statement“There is no other way” while grabbing more power to demonstraterelevance.For those of you who thought Germans learned their lesson about blindly following leaders without questions, WELL. This writer feels better knowing Germany does not have an offensive army. Are there any wonders why the left leaning political Green Party could make history in September?

The other EU Power leader, President Macron, nothing can choke a person harder than hubris, The Gallic leader has a lot of ego to pass around. As France faces more lockdown time, the natives have grown weary. Emmanuel Macron is fighting on two fronts. His outcomes are far from certain.

With the 2022 election campaign now in swing, a political earthquake could be likely. Marie La Penn closed the polling gap. Could the French Right Wing staple lead the country? It cannot be ruled out. 

Life was full of uncertainty in May 2020. What changed in 2021? 

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Feature

Not Missed?

TISK! TISK! Trump, the Political Foil is gone along with his spotlight antics. No longer do we have those off the cuff Tweets taking over the global front pages. The distractions were laughable yet made many feel safe and superior. But today is a different time. Suddenly, many leaders look shoddy at best, mediocre handling of a crisis without end.

The EU is now finger pointing at everyone for their Corona Virus actions. See AstraZeneca headlines. Chancellor Merkel’s puffy, exhausted face looks as if she has not slept in a week. President Macron has pulled another vanishing act, while EU head Von Der Leyen is in the “blame anyone with a pulse” mode for the blocs on going Virus Vaccine disaster.

Meanwhile, The Netherlands is on the edge after 3 nights of Covid Riots. Hundreds have been arrested, with city mayors declaring the country could be headed for civil war.

At least Prime Minister Johnson apologized for his government’s failures. It may not be enough to save him from voter’s wrath.

Spain ran out of vaccines. Portugal is asking for international help. In China, there is a new outbreak possibly forcing millions back into quarantine.

A Plan Based On Hope Is Not a Plan

The Democratic Party hopes platitudes and announcements will cover up the reality of “they have no real plan.” California Democratic Governor Newsom wants to reopen the state. Newsroom’s new business as usual approach in the middle of new more aggressive home grown Covid strain makes sense only to a man saying a pray over and over again in his head.

Newly elected President Biden claims 100 million could be vaccinated by the fall. There is no real structure in place for such an operation. Good intentions can only paper over leadership failings for so long.

We may not have liked Donald, despised him. But without his headlines to distract us, focusing on today’s headlines and leaders is alarming.

For some reason, today, I think a lot country heads miss President Trump. If I were their shoes, I would.

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Feature

Partial,, Lockdown PT2

Berlin, like the rest Europe, entered another lockdown today. Will this work? The air of growing uncertainty cannot be ignored.  Supposedly for only 30 days, then the curve will be under control.   Bars, restaurants and gyms have closed.  Citizens are understandably a bit  frustrated by the backward step handling of the Corona Virus.  Once Merkel garnered international praise for her calm handling of the pandemic.  Today Covid-19  has marched past Chancellor. Her once precision decision making skills seems reactionary. 

At least Germany is not France.  The 450 mile/724 kilometres traffic jam of Parisians fleeing the capital made global headlines.   Is this a new form of Gallic public defiance?  The French have become weary of Macron’s decrees. Or to put it simply, “The masses no longer have faith in the leader”.   Uneasy is the head that wears the crown. 

Patience has run out in Spain and Italy. Riots continue to shake their respective cities.  The governments of the two Latin countries are behaving as parents in a store with uncontrollable children.  But the children no longer believe the parents have their best interest at heart.  Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez veers from one pronouncement to another.  He is losing control. 

The UK will enter a new lockdown on Thursday.  Prime Minister Johnson is one step away from open political revolt. There will be no praise for the British head’s fumbling.   The very “Britisness” of the system worked against him. 

And it is only November. 

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Fashion

2020 PART 2

Black and Paper prepares for the second half of 2020. How do we do it?

Taking CUES! 

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Fashion

Gym Gone

Berlin is reopening slowly but steadily. Stores, then restaurants have opened. On Monday hotels and museums re emerge from slumber. Sadly for me, gyms are not on the long reopening list. In Cologne the gyms opened but with many protocols some requiring reservations. Working out was also a way to clear my mind, detox. A sort of escape. Somethings cannot be ignored. Coronavirus has upended every part of life. 

As a person who hits the studio 5 times a week, this hurts. I manage a daily run through the streets and parks of the city. But, it is not the same as having all the exercise equipment indoors. I tried buying kettle bells and bands for my outdoor routine. All completely sold out. The odds of winning the lottery are better than obtaining a set. 

Part of my daily morning routine involved walking to my neighborhood fitness chain, saying “hello” to the trainers. Interacting with gym friends I only saw there.

Doing my plan: Monday-Arms, Tuesday-Chest, Wednesday-Legs, Thursday-Back and Shoulders, Friday-Aerobic.

Now gone. Before the lockdown I managed to hit a lean 83 kilos. The summer goal was 79 kilos. Then hit the biceps with extra reps to gain 1/4 inch of muscle mass. Nope! My legs have benefited.  Running up and crunches. 

In the New Normal, if or when the gyms open again I will have to start over rebuilding. Having lost my gains. I am terrified to get on a scale. A fear after opening the refrigerator a million times a day.  

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Fashion

Fashion Biz Trends

Continuing my conversation with Editor Alex Popov.  We moved to the topic of Fashion Biz Trends.  What do we expect to happen in these uncertain times? How will fashion evolve? No easy questions to answer. But, we had fun.  

Stay Safe.  

 

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Fashion

Shopping in the New Normal

The second part of my reports on Shopping in the New Normal. The world is changing really fast. 

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Travel

Is It Worth It?

As the Coronavirus takes a toll on travel. Global Tourism has crashed down around us. I could not decide if it is appropriate to post or encourage destinations. Accounting for in some cases up to 20% of countries GDP. Many livelihoods depend on the travel industry. 

Boarders are still closed. Airlines on the brink of insolvency. Hotels remain vacant.

As a travel enthusiast, I started questioning over tourism After a trip to Prague, the whole system looked as if it had come off the rails. Too many people. Cheap. Little value. Overrun. At times Tacky.

Things changed fast. Lockdowns are being eased. I am not ready to get on a plane. Traveling involves risk from the time you purchase a ticket. Will the destination be virus free? A long weekend to a beach is not worth it in the “New Normal”. On return, a possible 14 day Quarantine. No Thanks!

I am keeping an eye on events. My fingers crossed.  Meanwhile, I am at home like everyone. 

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Fashion

Ikea after Lockdown

I had to pop over to IKEA for a few home items.  Getting inside the store today, similar to waiting to get on a ride at Disneyland.  Crowd Control in the New Normal.

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Fashion

Fashion Mags Relevance

Before the lockdown many fashion magazines were under pressure.  Are they relevant during an ongoing pandemic?  As consumers face stark choices, the existence of many publications looks uncertain. Editions cut. Titles closed.  Selling bling is out of style. 

Check out our video on the matter.