29/06/23 18:54

I thought I’d try something a little different tonight.  Not really different, just out of my routine.  Nothing new by any stretch.  However, I’ve been feeling creative for a few days (typing up my entries and even writing one) so I took myself down to Bella’s.  I’m using two phones to record ambient noise in preparation – and testing – for the upcoming podcast episodes.  I’ve started to research heavily into this and, episode guests aside, and even with ideas and scripts still absent, I’m getting ready to start.  I’ve somehow stumbled upon a new podcast called La Vie Creative who has just started up on Instagram, despite having 332 episodes already on Spotify (my podcast platform of choice).  And it’s through Spotify that I’m going to attempt to do all my podcasting type things.  I don’t need a vast array of technology or equipment.  I’m a basic “spur of the moment” creative.  And that’s how I’m hoping my podcasts will be created.  Whims and spontaneity.

But first, in the real world, Paris has riots.  Again.  This time it’s because of the police.  Again.  The facts still aren’t clear although it is connected to the police shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Nanterre, a banlieue of Paris.  This is a part of the La Défense business district, 7 miles northwest of the center of Paris.  The shooting took place 2 days ago and the office involved is being investigated for “voluntary homicide”.  The officer, being remanded in custody, hadn’t met legal requirements for the use of his weapon, according to the investigation at this moment in time.  There are numerous surveillance images, witness videos and statements that are assisting with the reconstruction of events.  French prosecutors are stating that the teenager had been driving at high speed with two passengers when they crossed a bus lane.  After the attempt of two motorcycle police officers to stop them at traffic lights failed, the car continued along a pavement.  When the officers eventually caught up with the car again, they both aimed toward the driver’s door with their guns.  As the suspect set off, one policeman fired a shot.  The car then accelerated off, crashed into a nearby post and the driver died at the scene with bullet wounds in his chest.

At this point, I’m not going to venture into politics, religion or legislative actions.  Like everything, I have my own thoughts and this isn’t the platform to voice them.  Regardless, my thoughts are with the people affected directly and indirectly by this tragic incident.

I’ve just noticed that one of the phones hasn’t been recording for the last half an hour.  Oh well, at least it’s not that busy here tonight so I’ve not lost too much ambience.  And as I quickly check on my Instagram for statistical purposes, I can see my 146 posts have gotten me 248 followers.  I suspect some of those will drop off, some are “like for like” and some are simply dormant accounts.  I don’t mind, I’m still not here for the numbers, yet.  That’s for once my book is near a publishing state.  Then I’ll be hammering home the messages that my book is almost nearly ready and I need help and support to get it over the finishing line.  I have one or two thoughts regarding this stage but as it’s many years away (my 25-year plan) I can wait to announce it.  Or at least investigate the options.

For now, I have to focus on writing, posting, blogging, podcasting, running and losing weight.  It’s very nearly coming back to the rugby season again and I’ll lose both the time and energy.  That may assist in the panic mode of life and could actually motivate me more.  Doubtful, but it could happen.  Until then I have got to carry on typing up what I’ve written and with only around 25-30 pages left of this notebook (An Englishman in Paris – Désolé, Je Suis Anglais), I need to order some new ones.  I have a few titles up my sleeve, already.