Community Chat

[Oznell]

How interesting.  Apropos of the current pandemic crisis, Scottish historian Niall Ferguson tweeted that that famous slogan was not in actual use during another great world crisis, World War II.  It had been prepared by the British government, but not distributed.  The "Keep Calm and Carry On" slogan only became a widespread 'thing' in the 21st century!

Instead, this bit of encouragement is what the Brits used during the War:

They're all good watchwords for stressful times.  And just like the gallant "I'm All Right, Jack" that I'm familiar with, they sound like the Brits at their best.

[stuyvesant]

The Brits have the same emotional need for toilet paper in times of trouble that all toilet paper cultures have exhibited recently.

[deepwaterdotter]

I am 'carrying on' today by mailing my absentee ballot in my state's primary election.

[golding76]

You zeroed in on my recent sentiments, oznell.  In addition to looking to my faith for strength and inspiration, I have reflected upon the many depictions of the British during World War II.  My images may well come from the silver screen and history books, but the nature that the Brits cultivate prevails to this day, I do believe.  Perhaps it is the older generation that still radiates that inner calm and strength; I truly do not know.

So, whenever I wonder how will I get through this overwhelming time, I try to assume that "we will muddle through" philosophy of E.M. Forster.  My dad, an anglophile of the first order, would be proud.

[Oznell]

Ha, ha, good-o, as the Brits would say!

[PamfromCT]

@Oznell, You are correct about the history of of this famous saying.  A current play on this is quite clever.

                            KEEP CALM

                            AND WASH YOUR HANDS

I have always loved all things British.  I wonder if it is a coincidence that the kitty we recently adopted from a shelter was named WINSTON.  The folks at the shelter told us Winston would have nothing to do with potential adopters.

However, he took to us immediately, kissing each of us.  We loved him right away, but Winston certainly chose us.

[Oznell]

Ahhhh, @PamfromCT ,  everything I've heard about Winston suggests his total kitty cuteness, (including his Churchillian name), and he is a very lucky boy, I might add!

[godi]

🙏🙏🙏❤️

[Oznell]

As an historian who has made quite a study of past epidemics, Niall Ferguson has another interesting tidbit he tweeted out.  I had been doing some interesting reading that suggested the Spanish flu responsible for the great pandemic of 1918 may have been "fueled" by the troop movements of World War I, which of course ended in 1918.

Ferguson talks about how the Spanish flu affected the fighting capability of the German army in 1918.  Fascinating to know if that sealed their ultimate defeat:

[jellyBEAN]

Let us not forget "When you're going thru h e l l, keep going".  - W Churchill

"The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself".  - FDR