Qatar 🗞️ Slow News Day #22

Hey,

Well, it’s here. World Cup fever feels more like a stuffy nose and tickle in the throat this time around.

Everyone’s got a stance, everyone’s got their hypocrisies. And I really don’t know where I stand with it.

I know that I completely disagree with Qatar’s policies around and treatment of LGBTQ+ people, migrant workers, and women. I know that I love football and the meeting of countries, citizens, and cultures that the World Cup uniquely provides.

I know that the pundits are making good points and shining a light on important issues. I know that the pundits are taking home a fat paycheque for being there.

I know that the players are there to do their jobs, didn’t ask for it to be held here, and had no say in it being so. I know that their attempts at protest seem weak-willed and like acts of empty symbolism.

I know that I’m watching a lot of it and feeling uncomfortable.

Maybe the tension isn’t something to get past, but to sit with instead.

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’ll be brewing up the end of Cafédirect’s Machu Picchu roast. Not a small-batch speciality roaster with millennial-friendly designs, but B Corp’s highest-ranked coffee roaster and overall ‘Best in the World’ for community impact in 2019.

A good reminder to not rely on superficial factors when deciding which beans to buy. It’s worth digging a little deeper, still.

Looking to listen to something as you sip a brew? I’ve not brought much hip-hop or rap to this newsletter so far, but today’s the long overdue day. Give Shad and Mah Moud’s Slot Machines a go if you like an addictive beat and a smooth flow—a cool Canadian accent tops it off.

Take it easy,