Shutdown Shutterbugs
Dear Brentwoodians,
For some, one of the rare silver linings of our period of global self-distancing, quarantine, and isolation (coming up to a year and counting when the March issue is released) has been the development of a new hobby, or a renewed focus on an existing one. One such hobby is photography, and in this issue columnist Lee Hunt chats virtually with some of the photographers who have graced the cover of the Bugle over the past year.
It goes without saying, however, that for many the pandemic and its attendant shutdowns have not been all sourdough and cross-stitching. Even those who have stayed healthy have had to contend with job losses or pay reductions, the challenge of trying to work from home while watching kids, and the attendant strain on everyone’s mental health and relationships from all this.
How has your COVID year been? We would love to hear from readers – the good and bad. Please share your stories at the email address below.
The Power of Critical Thinking
One other negative of these times is all the false information being shared and amplified through online platforms. Con artists and grifters have always preyed on the lonely and the fearful, and this pandemic has presented them with rich hunting grounds. Remember to always keep a critical eye to information being passed on – does a theory rely on thousands of people keeping a huge, terrible secret with nary a slip-up? Are nefarious forces trying to track people’s every movement and thought? We are already freely sharing our thoughts and movements by walking around with GPS-enabled devices and posting our lives on Instagram and Twitter! Let’s not let our fears, and the persuasiveness of fraudsters on social media, override our collective common sense.
Finally, a note for any readers who think they might like to contribute. The Bugle is an open space for all views from the residents of Brentwood, and provided that we have the space and that articles meet some basic guidelines (no promotion of businesses or political parties/candidates) we are happy to consider and print your contributions. Please get in touch at the email below if you have an idea for an article or have any questions about the process!
Photo Contest
The Bugle is looking for Brentwood’s best amateur photographers to provide cover images each month. If you have a great snap of our neighbourhood saved on your phone or posted on your social media feed, send it in for a chance to be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue! Photos must be 300 DPI or higher (i.e. from a newer model phone or good digital camera), 6.3 x 8.2 inches minimum size, and portrait orientation. If submitting pictures of minors, please make sure that you have direct, express permission to submit the picture from a parent or guardian. Send your photos, or any questions, to [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Jucker, Editor, Brentwood Bugle
