March 2020
We’re an eclectic bunch at team Razor.
Each month, we share with the world a flavour of what’s caught our attention and influenced our thinking and conversations in the office over video calls.
Part one of our special lockdown series…
Chloe B
I’ve been loving Radio 2 this month! I’m usually an avid Radio 1 listener but I’ve been converted to the other side. The songs are great (a really good mix of new and old school bangers) and the presenters have the most soothing voices; perfect for WFH background noise. I know I sound like my mum, but they’ve gained a new loyal fan during lockdown. (Editor’s note: I’m sure CB means no disrespect to her mum. Radio 2 is nothing to be ashamed of.)
Chloe F
Hmm. I’m usually the one watching endless TV, listening to countless podcasts, trying to get out and about to do impressive cultural things. But, in the age of COVID-19, I appear to have dropped off a culture consumption cliff. Perhaps in the absence of seeing people, I’m getting tired of screens. Upside? More books. I’m reading Susan Choi’s Trust Exercise, which I’m utterly in awe of, and have just finished Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age. Both books about adolescence and youth – but with none of the cloying yoof-speak that can mark books about young people. So, if anyone else is tired of screens, read, read, read.
Gem
My favourite things to do usually involve theatre or some kind of unusually themed activity; and most of that involves darting from one end of London (or the country) to the other. The thought of having an extended period at home – while I’m totally embracing the chance to stop and have a breather – initially filled me with anxiety because it wasn’t happening on my terms. But two weeks in, I’m teaching myself to play the ukulele (I’m both a terrible teacher and student), I’ve completed a number of jigsaws, and I’ve attended more quiz nights via video chats than I would have managed in person. Last week, I even ‘went’ to a colouring-in party hosted by a pal in Manchester. I know this kind of technology isn’t new, but I’m in awe of how quickly we’ve adapted (and adopted it in many cases) to bring us closer to others.
Jill
I’ve gone back to basics in an attempt to rediscover my love (okay, tolerance) of running. I’ve taken part in the Great North Run for the last five years and – although I love the day itself – motivating myself to keep running through the year got to the point where running became a chore. So, I’ve gone right back to basics with Runkeeper’s ‘My First 5K’ programme, complete with chirpy motivational Erin and her chirpy motivational encouragement. Such overt chirpiness is the sort of thing I’d usually run miles away from but, turns out, it helps me literally run miles instead (GROAN). It should go without saying that I’m doing all this running at a safe, responsible distance.
Kate
March has been a very strange month to reflect on. Thinking about what I’ve loved has made me think about how much my day-to-day has changed. I’ve been watching hardly any TV (beyond the news) and listening to fewer podcasts. Instead I’ve found more social ways to entertain myself. So this month, I’ve loved playing Linkee and doing crosswords and quizzes, mostly on video chat with my family and friends. It’ll be interesting to see if I revert back to my old ways when all this is over…
Lindsay
We just finished watching the short series, Chernobyl, which chronicles the events leading up to and following the explosion. I was very young when it happened so, other than being aware that it was a place that could no longer be visited, I didn’t actually know much about the specifics. The show explores the reactions of different groups of people and the impact of their decisions and behaviour on the outcome. It’s fascinating and truly heart-breaking at the same time; but an important part of the world’s history. It is so well written and acted. I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about it.
Like us, you probably have some extra time on your hands while isolating. Take a look back at our previous recommendations for ideas on how to pass the time.
February 2020 | January 2020 | November 2019 | October 2019
September 2019 | August 2019 | July 2019