Downton Abbey...and Ultrarunning

Since the bride was away cavorting in the Caribbean, it was only last night that we watched the season finale of Downton Abbey.

I am an unapologetic fan--I LOVE this show!  The essential issues that this family faces are the same real issues that can face any one of us, yet the extreme wealth and connections of the extended Grantham family offer solutions that are not available to the masses.  As with the 1% today, the Granthams are far removed from the day-to-day struggle for existence that occupies the rest of the world.  Thus one of the pressing problems of this episode dealt with some real or imagined embarrassment that would befall some royal.  See, even a whiff of a scandal is devastating.

As Echidne put it in a recent post:

The way politics is financed in the US, combined with the increasing inequalities in income and wealth, means that democracy is at risk.

And the larger the wealth differences between the rich and the rest, the more will the political goals of the two groups diverge.  Whose goals will be taken care of when money comes from the top one percent of the one percent?  

One article argues that the current US wealth and income inequalities match those of the 1920s UK, portrayed, in its extreme form,  in the 'Downton Abbey' television series.   It's the Lord Granthams of this world who are funding the US elections, and it's their concerns and goals which will weigh the most.  Even very nice Lord Granthams will not have the same worries and concerns in life as Daisy, the kitchen maid.

And the link to Ultrarunning is simply this tenuous one: this endeavor has yielded countless riches to me.  The day I stumbled into the joys of endurance running has proven to be of immeasurable wealth. 

Tales from the Perimeter: Downton Abbey

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

As I look over that things I've posted over the years, I see where this is my 25th installment of Tales From the Perimeter. If you scroll down to the SEARCH box at the lower right and hit perimeter you will be able to access that treasure-trove of literary brilliance.

Well, seems the Pope resigned this week, to be effective the end of the month.  One of our running group (Pete) is quite religious--though NOT obnoxiously so--thus he naturally became an easy target.

Here's the email string that resulted, with me first stirring the pot by imagining Pete as the Pope:

++++++++++++++++++++From: Gary
To: Running Buds
Sent: Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:46 AM

Subject: Holy Quit!

In thinking about Pete as Pontiff, despite his sincere religious convictions, I think he'd be a wretched choice, simply dreadful.  A rubbish bin would make a more suitable Pope.  You chaps will no doubt agree.

Now I'll begin dressing for lunch.

Regards/Gary

(who this weekend joined the bride for a Season 1 and 2 marathon of Downton Abbey--some 16 episodes but maybe I just lost count)

++++++++++++++++++++

From: Michael

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:52 AM
To: Gary and Running Buds

Subject: RE: Holy Quit!

Downtown Abbey???? You're really "Living the Dream"!!

  

++++++++++++++++++++
 From: Gary

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:56 AM

To: Mike and Running Buds

Subject: RE: Holy Quit!

Actually the show is very good, and I'm kinda hooked.

Kevin...defend me here...you also like British drama.

Regards/Gary

++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jack
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 9:52 AM
To: Running Buds
Subject: Re: Holy Quit!

I think Gary has officially turned in his man card!

 

+++++++++++++++++++

 From: Gary
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 10:05 AM
To: Running Buds
Subject: RE: Holy Quit!

My Man Card?  Oh, that was surrendered long ago. 

And in honor of the occasion:

Jesus, Chuck Norris, and a Pope are stranded in the middle of the ocean in a boat. Jesus gets out and walks on the water to shore. Chuck Norris watches and does the same. The Pope tries and drowns. After seeing this, Jesus turns to Chuck Norris and says, "Do you think we should have told him about the rocks?" and Chuck Norris smiles and says, "What rocks?"

Or this:

The Pope confesses to Chuck Norris.

Regards/Gary

++++++++++++++++++++
From: Kevin
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 10:10 AM
To: Running Buds
Subject: RE: Holy Quit! [also addresses our ongoing raging debate over what topics are appropriate for discussion during the run]

Gary, tempting to throw you under the bus, but since my sons' troop is hiking on your trail this year, I'll cut you some slack.

Mike, first of all it's Downton Abbey, not Downtown Abbey.  And it is getting rave reviews for its authenticity in 1910's and 1920's England.

xxxxx [his bride] watches it, as the first two seasons are on Netflix. 

Anyone who watches Survivor or Amazing Race doesn't have a man card to begin with.  However, those that take charge of 7,500 of their little workers who can easily sting someone to death, now that person has a mancard!  And just for you Jack.  I mailed a birdhouse (in the shape of a church) to my mother for her birthday.  It involved using woodworking tools and equipment, and will house some fluffy little bird family.

I've got building plans for butterfly houses if you're interested?

Boy Scouts - check; bees - check; woodworking - check; butterflies - check; ragging on worthless reality television shows - check; new topic, British shows - check.

 

++++++++++++++++++++

 

Gary here: God, I miss these guys!  Our perimeter runs are always just filled with laughter, in short supply these days.