Week beginning 12 June 2024

Paul Kahan Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania Press, October 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Philadelphia is an immense narrative history, laying out a story that is engrossing, while so dense that initially it is difficult to decipher the themes that some readers will want to draw from the material. I am one such reader, and was not disappointed, although I needed to adopt an unfamiliar reading style. Rather than surge through the book, I found it useful to ensure that read a few chapters, reconcile the material into the thematic streams that are my preferred historical accounts and move forward. I am so pleased that I did, the narrative was so detailed, so informative, so enticing that from knowing little of this part of American history, Philadelphia became a known, thriving city of ethnic, religious, and racial diversity from the seventeenth century to modern times. In the introduction these are referred to as grand forces. Indeed, general  categorisation as ethnic, religious and racial, does not fully describe the life that Kahan gives to each. It is this life that makes Philadelphia a truly engaging history, one to which I shall return on many occasions.

The chapter headings – Philadelphia before 1681; The Founding of Philadelphia, 1681 – 1718; Franklin’s 1718 – 1765; The Revolutionary City, 1765 – 1800; Civil War and Reconstruction, 1854 – 1876; Corrupt and Contented, 1876 – 1901; Wars, Abroad and at Home, 1901 – 1945; The Golden Age? 1945 – 1976; Crisis…and Renaissance? Philadelphia Since 1976; and the conclusion, A symbol and a Place provide markers to the swathe of ideas and information that is covered in Philadelphia. In the introduction the way in which citizens’ dedication to using public space to encourage particular outcomes is referred as a theme Kaplan addresses throughout the book. To have this pointed out was useful and I would have liked more such pointers to deal with the mass of information. On the other hand, having so much detail provides the material for developing a thematic approach.

In his conclusion, Kahan refers to the continuing history being made in Philadelphia as he completes his narrative. He talks of his own history in Philadelphia, his familiarity with popular culture associated with the city, its historic sites and the changes that have taken place in his lifetime. It is Kaplan’s own willingness to be engrossed with the city, alongside his academic prowess and diligence that makes Philadelphia a book that, while I found challenging initially, one that I genuinely admire.  

In this blog: Heather Cox Richardson and Philadelphia campaign; Jocelynne Scutt, IN THE MASTER’S HOUSE – MALE VIOLENCE IS THE PROBLEM, DOES THE MASTER HAVE THE SOLUTION? and Even in the Best of Homes; Excerpts from Secret London; Tom Watson, Michael Mosely; Cindy Lou eats in Changi Airport

Heather Cox Richardson: Philadelphia, 29 May 2024 as part of the election campaign

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned today in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They spoke at Girard College, a school where Black Americans make up most of the student body, where they emphasized the importance of Black voters to the Democratic coalition and the ways in which the administration’s actions have delivered on its promises to the Black community. 

“Because Black Americans voted, Kamala and I are President and Vice President of the United States,” Biden said. “That’s not hyperbole. Because you voted, Donald Trump is a defeated former president.”

Harris noted that Black Americans are 60% more likely than white Americans to be diagnosed with diabetes, and called out the administration’s capping of insulin at $35 a month, along with the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that permit Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. She called out the administration’s relief of more than $165 billion in student loan debt for more than 5 million Americans, as well as the first major bipartisan gun safety law in 30 years. 

What has guided them, Harris said to applause, is the “fundamental belief” that “[w]e work for you, the American people, not the special interests, not the billionaires or the big corporations, but the people.” 

She contrasted their record with that of former president Trump, who tried to get rid of the Affordable Care Act that puts healthcare within reach for millions of Black Americans, proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and handpicked Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. “And as he intended, they did,” she said. “[T]oday, one in three women and more than half of Black women of reproductive age live in a state with an abortion ban.”

Then Biden took the stage to chants of “Four more years!” He added to Harris’s list of ways in which the administration has worked for racial equality: reconnecting the Black and brown and poor neighborhoods that were cut apart by highways in the 1960s and addressing the decades of disinvestment that happened as a consequence of the carving up of those neighborhoods (this cutting apart of neighborhoods is a really big deal in urban history, by the way); getting rid of the lead pipes that still contaminate water, especially in minority neighborhoods; making high-speed internet widely available and affordable; investing in historically Black colleges and universities; appointing more Black women to federal circuit courts than all other U.S. presidents combined. 

Under the Biden administration, he noted, Black unemployment is at a record low and Black small businesses are starting at the fastest rate in 30 years. The wealth gap between Black Americans and white Americans is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. “We’re opening more doors for economic opportunity, including access to capital, entrepreneurship, workforce training so you can build a life of financial freedom and create generational wealth…all while being the providers and leaders of your families and community,” the president said.

Biden drew a contrast between his administration and Trump, saying, “I’ve shown you who I am, and Trump has shown you who he is. And today, Donald Trump is pandering and peddling lies and stereotypes for your votes so he can win for himself, not for you.” “[W]e’re not going to let Donald Trump turn America into a place that doesn’t believe in honesty, decency, and treating people with respect,” he said, “and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Donald Trump turn America into a place filled with anger and resentment and hate.” 

According to Myah Ward and Brakkton Booker of Politico, this was Biden’s fifth trip to the Philadelphia area and his seventh to Pennsylvania this year. As he tries to win the state in 2024, the campaign has opened 24 field offices and outspent Trump there by a ratio of more than 4 to 1.   

Harris and Biden’s appearance in Philadelphia looked pretty much like a normal day in a normal presidential campaign season…

Heather Cox Richardson from Letters from an American <heathercoxrichardson@substack.com>

IN THE MASTER’S HOUSE – MALE VIOLENCE IS THE PROBLEM, DOES THE MASTER HAVE THE SOLUTION?

Dr Jocelynne A. Scutt, Barrister & Human Rights Lawyer

Last century the feminist poet Audre Lord provocatively provided the answer:

For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.

It is therefore understandable that some workers or academics in the field of addressing men’s violence against women, particularly in the domestic sphere, express reservations about current government proposals for ending, or at least addressing, the epidemic of woman-killing and brutalisation of women as wives or ex-wives, partners or ex-partners, or even those targeted in ‘stranger’ attacks that are not random but programmed and planned.

Some women say that imprisoning rather than bailing men on violence against women charges won’t end the violence or risk to women, rather delaying or suspending it until, eventually, the man is (inevitably) released to resume his violent regime. Murder itself will be merely postponed.

Yes, of course that’s true. Permanent imprisonment does not follow even for crimes where the sentence is ‘for life’. ‘Life’ rarely means lifetime incarceration and crimes of violence against women are rarely met with a prison sentence of significant length or at all. And yes, it’s true, imprisonment won’t make men ‘nicer’ to the women whom they treat as property or even less than property, for what man would inflict violence upon his inanimate chattels when ‘the wife’ is there to be bashed.

Yet advocating against government action to ensure (as far as possible – which may well not be far enough) that men are not allowed out on bail automatically, or with little or no attention paid to the realities of violence against women is itself to ignore the necessary affirmation of women’s right not to live in fear of violence or death. It is notorious that women killed are killed by men on bail or by men against whom intervention orders have been issued. Letting men out on bail ignores this, as does issuing orders declaring that men should desist from beating their wives or stalking ex-partners or threatening them or engaging in any other of the myriad ways men exercise power over women.

Intervention orders bluntly convey that the status of a court is superior to the bodily or psychic integrity of a woman. No order will be issued unless a crime or more often crimes have already been committed by the man against the woman – and action at criminal law, not the civil law of an intervention order, should be the route. If any action is taken (and how often is it) when an order is breached, this is action for contempt of court, not action that recognises a crime against the woman.

As for imprisonment rather than granting bail? Well, yes. Prison is not a place designed to make violent men gentle, nor to make brutes into babies.  Yet does anyone seriously assert that men on violent robbery charges or offences labelled ‘terrorist’ should be granted bail? And what of March 2021 research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showing bail most likely to be refused where defendants have multiple concurrent offences, multiple prior offences, or previous prison time? At least some of the men on violent robbery or terrorist charges, with multiple concurrent or prior offences will be wife beaters or will become so after their release. So should they be granted bail because of this risk to ‘their’ women? On that basis, the bail system may as well be abandoned altogether with no man denied bail whatever the crime. This might make some sort of logical sense, but it hardly addresses the bail system rationally nor the problem of criminal assault at home and other forms of domestic violence.

While we work on genuine change, upon which women have been working for centuries though memories are short and rarely is this recognised in these historically ignorant times, let’s support rather than undermine government efforts to at least acknowledge that women’s lives matter, that women’s safety must be pre-eminent. Refusing bail (even in the restrictive terms proposed – ‘serious’ ‘domestic violence’ offenders) is just one step designed to bring home to men that their violence is taken seriously, at least until the trial.  And that, of course, is another story.

Jas © May 2024

1983 Even in the best of homes

Even in the Best of Homes: Violence in the Family by Jocelynne Scutt, was a ground-breaking and influential book contributing to new and heightened awareness of the problem of violence in the family.

“The family has long been seen as a haven of help, comfort, affection and goodwill, shielded from a heartless world.  But too often, it is a façade concealing violence and abuse meted out by husbands to wives, and fathers (and sometimes mothers) to children.

Her study of Australian Families revealed the beating, rape and murder of wives, the bashing and sexual molestation of children – and the apathy of friends, family, doctors, police and the courts.  In any other situation, these acts of violence would be regarded as serious crimes, but because they occur within the family, usually in the privacy of the home, people are reluctant to ‘interfere’.  Jocelynne Scutt argued that the abuse will stop only when the laws to protect people are properly enforced, when women gain public and private autonomy, and when children are regarded as human beings, not property. (Source: Even in the Best of Homes: Violence in the Family)

Excerpts from Secret London

Kicking off on June 1, you can look forward to a typically excellent array of free artworks on display at the Southbank Centre; running all summer long. You Belong Here lets you amble along through the works of many artists, from the returning Appearing Rooms by Jeppe Hein to the new neon work of unity by Yinka Illori. Find out more about the free artwork this summer at the Southbank Centre here. 

Catch the London leg of the Independent Bookshop Week running through the city from June 15-22. You can expect a roster of shops hosting events with authors throughout the week to celebrate the written word throughout the summer in London. Pop down to one between reading-in-the-park sessions during the sun-soaked time of year. Read more about the events here. 

Plan a quick day trip out of London

Look – we all love it here, but the furiously fast-paced city life is enough to grind down even the most hardened of Londoners. There are plenty of beautiful locations out there primed for a day trip out of the city. You’ll feel better for seeing somewhere new, or a familiar favourite, and, shockingly, London (your overpriced flat, your beloved housemates, and your local haunts) will still be there waiting for you when you get back.

Get your inspiration for a day trip to plan out of London here.

If logic is anything to go by, June should deliver some pretty great days for us. Logic, however, doesn’t always apply when it comes to the weather – it’s been a stop-start affair in 2024 so far. But, I’d wager that we will get at least one sunny weekend in the month of June — and escaping to a hidden beach near the city for a day out is a near-perfect way to welcome the warm season. Escape the city buzz with a wander at West Wittering, a bounce across Botany Bay, and a meander around Mersea Island to guarantee a fresh batch of high-grade summer endorphins.

Read our guide to the hidden beaches near London here.

Anyone on the lookout for a wholesome end to the month should make a beeline over to Stoke Newington on June 29-30 for an event bringing 70 established ceramic artists from across Europe to one space. You’ll find pretty cups, painted sculptures and plentiful pottery scattered all around this colourful market. Find out more at their event page.

It’s your last chance to visit the stunning world of the Delight exhibition, which is due to show for the last time in June before leaving its Borough Yards location. Explore the history of Seoul through the multi-sensory exhibition with authentic tales from 60 residents, and marvel at the stories told through art and technology. Find out more and book your spot here.

Sing your heart out in the great outdoors

Bearpit Karaoke is making a return to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for a stack of dates this summer. If you’re feeling brave enough you can take to the mic at the event hosted by Joe Hatchiban for your take on a classic tune, guilty pleasure, or a new pop banger. Plus, once you’ve exhausted your vocal cords, you can sit back and enjoy some of the brilliant street food from the vendors as the next singer takes centre stage. It’s also completely free, though you’ll need to pre-register to book your spot with the microphone.  Bearpit Karaoke’s session this month is on June 8, and you can find out more or book your spot here.

Try an ice cream topped with… caviar?

What do you get when you mix classy with chilly? Why, it’s the caviar ice cream, of course! Why has no one thought of this before? Chin Chin will be offering this up as a reimaging of the classic 99 flake, alongside their new frozen hot chocolate ice cream bar. You might be curious to try both, but if not, you can always try another of Chin Chin’s decadent offerings. Read more about Chin Chin here.

Tunnel down below for an immersive reenactment of the Gunpower Plot in London

This truly unique experience is taking place at Tower Vaults, as the Gunpower Plot Experience invites you to take part in the exhilarating world of one of London’s most infamous of tales. Get those cloaks on and get ready for an hour and 40 minutes of drama and deceit. Once you’ve played out this piece of history with the help of live and virtual actors, you can relax with a drink at the themed bar. Find ou more and book your place here. 

Enjoy a soothing concert by candlelight

Sway back and forth to the sounds of your favourite artist or movie soundtrack with a candlelight background this month. After a day in the sun, there’s no better way to end the day than with an enchanting concert that’s all lit up. There might even be a chance to get a taste of even more Taylor Swift music this month as the Eras Tour comes to town.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (June 22)

Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele at St. Mary’s Church (June 29)

Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran at St. Mary’s Church (June 29)

A life changer Tom Watson <tomwatsonofficial@substack.com> 

A Tribute to Dr Michael Mosley

In 2017, I found myself morbidly obese, grappling with type 2 diabetes, and staring down the barrel of an early demise. During this dark period, I encountered the transformative work of Dr Michael Mosley. Initially encountered through a Kindle, his writings on ultra-low-calorie diets were revelatory. I devoured his book and meticulously read every scientific paper he referenced in his footnotes, forwarding all this research to my GP, Dr Nazeer.

Dr Mosley’s writing stood out for its simplicity and clarity, presenting radical ideas grounded firmly in science. Amidst the public health debates dominated by orthodoxy and industry interests, he remained unassailable because he never strayed from empirical evidence. His approach not only challenged conventional wisdom but also provided a beacon of hope for many like myself.

I had the privilege of meeting Dr Mosley once, and he was exactly as I imagined: gentle, kind, and exceedingly generous. He endorsed my book, Downsizing, and his praise was heartfelt. He noted that my personal journey, extensively quoting his work, had the potential to help countless others. This endorsement was not just a professional courtesy but a testament to his genuine desire to support others.

Regrettably, my last exchange with him haunts me. He had invited me to London to be interviewed for a programme he was making. At the time, overwhelmed by a bereavement, I failed to respond. The guilt of this unacknowledged generosity weighs heavily on me, especially now that it is too late to apologise. This missed opportunity is a profound regret, a moment lost in the chaos of life that can never be reclaimed.

Dr Mosley was not just a public figure but a revered mentor to many who transformed their lives through his guidance. In our community, he was a trusted voice, a symbol of hope and scientific integrity. His passing feels like the loss of a close friend, a sentiment undoubtedly shared by thousands. Tributes have poured in from around the world, underscoring his impact. Many have shared stories of personal transformation inspired by his work.

Dr Mosley’s influence extended beyond his books. His Radio 4 series Just One Thing reached millions, offering simple, scientifically-backed health tips. His final social media post, poignantly shared just a day before his disappearance, encapsulated his life’s mission to improve public health with accessible advice. He wrote: “If time is tight, what’s the one thing that you should be doing to improve your health and wellbeing? In my Just One Thing series with @bbcradio4, I explore the surprisingly simple top tips that are scientifically proven to change your life”​

After my recent cancer treatment, I regained weight, but I’m on the path of shedding it again, albeit more slowly. Revisiting Dr Mosley’s Fast 800 Keto and The Fast Diet books, I hear his encouraging voice, gently urging me forward. His influence remains in my ongoing health journey.

God bless you, Michael. You are already deeply missed.

Cindy Lou eats in Singapore airport

I chose to eat at Jamie Oliver’s Deli where I could sit looking out, and in the sun. The coffee was good, but the banana and walnut muffin was disappointing.

The Aerotel, transit hotel, provides rooms with bathrooms, very comfortable beds, space, a kettle and teabags/coffee (but alas ‘creamer’) and a meal. There is a pool nearby. The Aerotel can be booked for up to 24 hours, starting when your plane arrives at Changi. The meal was reasonable, but the coffee I made was awful!

This is chicken with peanuts, tomato and cucumber, with saffron rice and a chili sauce.

Butterfly Garden Changi Airport

The garden is small, but a delight to visit. There was a variety of butterflies and attractive foliage, as well as information. l found this garden a calming environment, and plan to visit if I have the time, on future occasions. It is at Terminal 3, a short train ride from Terminal 1 where Qantas arrives.