🗞️ So what happened last week?

• First UK pet cloning clinic

• Is Band Aid reenforcing stereotypes?

• Where customers aren’t always right

Would you clone Lassie for £40k?

(By Alister) Incredible news for both pet lovers and biology enthusiasts - the UK’s first pet cloning clinic. Whilst regulation means the actual “cloning” process happens in the US, the UK-based service is legal and seemingly popular.

We’ve come a long way since Dolly the sheep in 1996, with prize animal cloning representing big business. And now, it’s going mainstream with a chance to bring back your dearly departed family pet. 🐈‍⬛ 🐩 

There are some legitimate concerns, but ultimately it’s services like these which help us discover the art of the possible - be it eradication of genetic disorders, extending life with cloned organs, or even preserving endangered species.

One day we’ll be able to answer, what makes us human? Aristotle must be thrilled.

🤜 🤛 Squabble Scale - 5 (Stay away from my dog!)

(By Meridyth) It’s one thing to use science to save lives with cloned organs. It’s entirely different to clone thinking, feeling, sentient animals. They aren’t commodities to be reproduced for the amusement of humans. But ethics aside…

There’s a reason why the cloning process isn’t legal in the UK. Some studies have shown that only up to 20% of cloned embryos survive. Of those that do, many will have painful health issues. These complications have even led to concerns from the FDA over eating the meat from cloned cows (and other animals).

When my sweet Jelly Bean departs, it will be a sad day. But when ready, as the RSPCA recommends, I’ll be adopting a new dog in need of a good home instead.

Christmas joy or privileged saviour complex?

(By Alister) Band Aid is out with a remix of their famous Christmas song, but it comes with controversy. Ed Sheeran wasn’t asked about his vocals being used and he isn’t thrilled about it. He and others disagree with the stereotyping of an entire continent.

Well-intentioned in the 80s, these fundraisers are now claimed to harm the region’s perception. It’s understandable, I got annoyed when Lewis Hamilton called Stevenage a slum. The problem is, the fundraising has helped thousands across Africa.

I’ve never considered how these charities could influence my assumptions, as the vocal critics clearly have. Surely there is a fair trade-off in return for additional and much needed aid. Or does it really reenforce a world view of “haves and have-nots”?

🤜 🤛 Squabble Scale - 3 (I’m telling Santa you’re on the naughty list)

(By Meridyth) Oh come on! Stop sitting on the fence. It’s stereotyping, plain and simple. It’s akin to saying illegal immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating dogs for food.

Apparently, the lyrics have been updated due to the backlash. The main line was changed to “Let them know it’s Christmas time again.” But that still doesn’t fix the condescending tone of divide between the “haves and have-nots,” with Africa needing to be saved. It’s still a gross and patronising generalisation.

Just write a new song from scratch, for heaven’s sake!

Failure to eat

(By Meridyth) A new London eatery, Yellow Bittern, caused an uproar, saying people are treating restaurants as “public benches”. Complaining they aren’t ordering as much, only sharing mains, and just drinking tap water.

Some call it tone-deaf, given the economy. However, the owner might have a point. 60-90% of all restaurants fail in the first couple of years. Just last year, almost 2,000 closed in the UK.

It could be anachronistic thinking, but its views do match the establishment’s vibe - lunch only and a very limited menu - a throwback to the days of yore when you ate what was served. So you can’t be too surprised by the owner’s comments.

🤜 🤛 Squabble Scale - 2 (Fine, I’ll order my own chips)

(By Alister) Days of yore is right. Cash only, 17 seats, and a throwback menu of guinea fowl, kidney, and partridge. I half expected the bill to come written on the back of a WWII ration booklet.

We all know reviews play a critical role in deciding where to go, and a minimum order amount could easily resolve concerns without insulting customers. Then again, is this the marketing ploy of the century? The Standard, The Nudge, Interview Magazine, Hot Dinners, and major publications like The Guardian, all want to talk about it. 💸 

Fine-dining is a treat, but I absolutely despise an atmosphere that is snobby and pretentious. It didn’t appeal to me before, and it’s not appealing to me now. ❌ 

🇬🇧 No squabble required

• “Get busy living or get busy dying” (to quote Shawshank Redemption). A bill on assisted dying will be debated this week. Some say it will end needless suffering, others say it allows “unscrupulous families” to take advantage.  

• Is it Ta-ta for TikTok? The UK is considering a ban on social media for under 16s. With fears of addiction and increased rates of depression, old Nokia phones just might come back into favour.

• Snow Day(s)!!! ☃️ Kids rejoiced, while parents groaned. The first snow of the season hit parts of the UK on Tuesday, closing almost 200 schools… and again on Thursday.

• And then… Storm Bert hit over the weekend with heavy rain and strong winds, causing floods and power outages. Parks, zoos, and even London’s Winter Wonderland were closed on Sunday. Here’s to hoping this week is fairly mild. 🤞 

🌎️ The rest of the world… according to us

• Arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu by the ICC. While it can’t make arrests, it relies on its 124 state parties to enforce them, including the UK who have indicated they would. The US is not a state party and is opposed. Let’s see how US/UK relations pan out as a result. 🚓 

• Trump-proofing. It’s not just California and Europe racing to put in guardrails to limit the impact of Trump. President Biden approved Ukraine’s use of long range missiles to target Russia due to fears over Trump withdrawing support. France and the UK have also followed Biden’s lead. I say it again, US/UK relations may start getting a bit rocky next year. 😬 

• Hijab Protester Released. After much outrage, a woman in Iran was finally released from prison for violating the country’s strict dress code. Violently harassed by paramilitary who tore her clothes, she protested by stripping off the rest of her wardrobe in public; the video of which made waves across the world. Thankfully, it was a better outcome than the death in 2022 for a similar crime.

🍎 Healthier habits, happier you

• Healthier stress-eating. New research claims raw or minimally processed cocoa or a green tea helps you avoid some of the health impacts of stress. It won’t satisfy cravings, but it will keep your heart healthy from the stress. I’ll stick with ice cream either way. 🍨 

• Can COVID-19 cure cancer? Researchers discovered the virus may trigger production of special cells that fight cancer. They’re not planning to give cancer patients COVID, but looking to isolate these unique cells and incorporate them into new treatments. 🤞 

🧦 The odd sock

• From canoes to flamethrowers. 🔥 What we all knew in our hearts is now official: men buy more from Lidl’s middle aisle. Who hasn’t argued about the completely unnecessary gadgets that litter the centre of Lidl?

• Please sir, may I have some Moore? T hat’s what The Captain Tom Foundation inquired. Captain Sir Tom Moore helped keep spirits up through COVID. The Charity Commission has found his family committed misconduct and misled the public, by benefitting financially from the Foundation. A terrible footnote for an inspirational man.

• NERD ALERT! (Meridyth: Guess who wanted to share this bit on Game Awards 2024??? 🙄) It’s that time again, and we are certainly spoilt for choice this year - from Wukong to Balatro. Let’s not forget harder-than-nails Elden Ring. Winners announced on 13 Dec! 🕹️ 

⭐️ Recommendations by Meridyth

If you look at my Instagram account, the feed is filled with photos of my friends’ kids and cooking videos… with one exception, The Legendary Glamma (@legendary_glamma).

I’m obsessed with this grandmother in Zambia and her chunky sunglasses! 😎 She poses every couple of weeks in vibrant colours, textures and fashion styles sent from her granddaughter, against the backdrop of her rural life. She’s definitely the GOAT in my books. 🐐 

🤣 What do you meme? I’m holding space for that

(By Meridyth) Wicked’s press tour just got a bit odd, defying its own sense of reality… in a recent viral interview.

The interviewer shared that people are “taking the lyrics of Defying Gravity and really holding space with that and feeling power in that.” Elphaba (or Cynthia Erivo) replies, “That’s really powerful. That’s what I wanted.” And to show support, Ariana Grande reached over to hold Erivo’s index finger - not hand, just one finger.

Memes and posts are flying like the Wicked Witch of the West herself.

Whew, you made it!

We appreciate you holding space for us on a Monday morning. We hope you join us again next week for another squabble!

Alister & Meridyth