Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

Well, the bright side of life has revealed itself in two different 180^ degree U turns (or clarifications, or developments) today. Neither of them in any way a panacea but both welcome in their own way. First, I understand that the prime minister has undertaken after pressure from colleagues and "the media" to send every household an A4 sheet of toilet paper. Bravo Sir. Your finest contribution so far. I have so far been unaffected by this aspect of the developing crisis, and if I'm honest had rather thought it to be an invention. After all, the best way to cheer up the British is to point a finger at how poorly some of our former colonies, Australia, the United States (not Canada) seem to manage without us at the helm. What content editor could resist footage of overweight Trump voters engaged in fisticuffs over 4ply before returning home to meet an early death from lack of health insurance.. The President of the United States For The Time Being must surely be the first to reduce his vote share by bringing about the early death of his core support. It surely wasn't happening here? However, the other night in a Zoom meeting an otherwise sensible comrade (who I previously imagined lived a well ordered life) was on his 'phone in the streets after dark hunting down loo paper. He was passing the home of someone else in the meeting and so a couple of rolls were defenestrated to everyone's delight and his relief. Wasn't clear whether it was a failure of household management, a failure of the supply chain or simply poor time management at the root of the crisis - but we all laughed. Not having a shortage in the People's Republic, I shall find an alternative use for the prime minister's gift when it arrives.(Suggestions in the comments welcome) In the second volte face, Brian Chesky, one of the founders of Airbnb summoned us all (Airbnb hosts) to our screens at 11pm this evening for "a chat". I've always liked him. And trusted him. In the early days he would come and visit. He couldn't I think quite understand how this bonkers english bloke, living in a leaking unheated hovel with mice (The Watch House) in Bethnal Green had so embraced his very Californian platform and with such success. I didn't take to the others and their funny little San Francisco ways but I took to him. That the whole AirBnb phenomenon happened in the teeth of his Grandma's opposition, "Don't be silly Brian dear. People will never have strangers to stay in their home" showed a contrarian streak that appealed. Anyway tonight he came good. Not only did he say all the right things, he announced a financial package which by no means compensates, but will mean poverty instead of penury and that is a great improvement on how things looked this morning. As well as a substantial sum in a 'hardship fund",there are measures to ensure the sudden losses will be more equitably shared going forward and retrospectively. And in a touch that really does speak to the Airbnb I embraced eleven years ago, all guests who have stayed with me in that time will be contacted. They will be given the opportunity to get in touch and offer a bob or two if it would help. Sweet in it's way, but I'm about to find out whether my adventures think of me as fondly as I do of them and I'm not sure I want to know. But, hey ho, needs must.