Cover Story: And Now For Something Completely Different
The 1960s brought us many important changes. While I could go through a long list of influences, one of the most memorable media moments was Monty Python’s Flying Circus. You may not agree with my assertion about the importance of Monty Python, but here’s just one piece of the television show’s legacy: the title to this cover story.
An ongoing Python line was usually spoken by John Cleese as he sat at a desk, wearing a business suit like a television newscaster. Somewhere between a transition from a man being roasted over a BBQ spit to an attractive young woman (or a man) in a bikini, Cleese would utter the line “And now for something completely different”. His matter-of-facts delivery helped secure hilarious results. This week I couldn’t help but hear Cleese’s voice in my head as we prepared this issue of the Lighthouse Peddler.
It’s been an entirely new world for us this week, this month, this year and we owe it all to Clovid-19, . . . the Corona Virus. Like most of our readers our world is upside down. We love publishing the Lighthouse Peddler. Each month we have 20-25 articles about upcoming events plus another 8-10 original articles, essays and short stories. This month, as readers already know, the only events in our area are going out to buy groceries, medicines, take-out food, pet food, gasoline, visiting the doctor and working for essential businesses.
Given all of the shelter-in-place orders throughout California, we are not even able to publish a print edition of the Lighthouse Peddler this month. Besides, there are no movies, no live theater, live music events, art openings, poetry readings or anything else. All that being said, we’ve decided to publish our April issue as an online-only edition of the Lighthouse Peddler, with an emphasis on original writing.
Inside this issue of the Peddler you will find articles about how local healthcare and non-profit organizations are working to support the coastal population. MTA has reduced their schedules and we have an article about that. There’s a hopeful article about locals putting a spotlight on climate change as Earth Day nears. Mendonoma Health and Action Network want to help with grocery shopping. The Coast Highway Art Collective turns 8 this month. Rozann reminds us that there’s no opening reception but . . . the Collective is having a birthday worth noting. Of course our favorite writers will be here too. We’ll have Mitch’s “Scuttlebutt”, Karin’s “Words on Wellness”, MJ’s view from the Farallones, Jennifer’s book review and more.
Our hope is that you’ll find the April Lighthouse Peddler worth finding online. While we’re sheltering in place we believe we’ve created a solid issue for you. After all, our goal is to continue creating a monthly newspaper that helps you find things to do, and also bring you some of the best original writing of any paper our size in northern California. This month, stay sheltered as needed, check in with your friends and family, keep your distance in public spaces, wash your hands regularly, say a prayer, burn some incense, talk to the beautiful sky or ocean or tree and above all else, think good thoughts. And please, stay well.
