Midlifing

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In between Christmas and New Year things get spooky when Lee confesses his undying (and somewhat middle class) love for M. R. James' ghost stories. Be afraid, be mildly afraid.

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• M. R. James: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._R._James
• The Mezzotint: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06w5x96
• Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27Oh,_Whistle,_and_I%27ll_Come_to_You,_My_Lad%27
• Kennedy Lincoln coincidences: https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/1109
• Strange Stories, Amazing Facts (1975): https://archive.org/details/strangestoriesam00alwa/page/n615/mode/2up
• Hannibal Lecter fava beans and a nice chianti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIahXVJrvT0
• Peanuts and Charlie Brown: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown
• Charles M. Schulz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_M._Schulz
• Calvin and Hobbes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes
• Barbra Streisand "People" lyrics: https://genius.com/Barbra-streisand-people-2014-lyrics

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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In part two of a two-part episode, Simon and Lee complete their reconstructed argument (about violence against women and responsibility) that was edited out of Episode 57 ("Trying to get back to normal"). They then reflect on part two as a way to wrap around the reconstruction. "Confused," madam? Nay, it is; I know not "confused."

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• suicides in the UK: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2018registrations
• by-law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By-law
• Julia Kristeva: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Kristeva
• Hélène Cixous: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hélène_Cixous
• Luce Irigiray: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luce_Irigaray
• Irigaray (not Kristeva) on use value and exchange value "Women on the Market": https://libcom.org/library/women-market-luce-irigaray

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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In part one of a two-part episode, Simon and Lee attempt to reconstruct a heated argument (about violence against women and responsibility) that was edited out of Episode 57.

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• The Shining: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shining_(film)
• Palm Springs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Springs_(2020_film)
• Groundhog Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day_(film)
• Yusaku Maezawa goes to space: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-59544223
• Wine and cheese 'affair' at 10 Downing Street: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/downing-street-party-joke-officials_uk_61afb56fe4b01fcf12b894a3
• Kiss Me Kate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Me,_Kate
• Stephen Sondheim: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Sondheim
• Allegra Stratton apology (note use of word 'seemed'): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-59584418
• Hamlet quote about seems: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/397286-seems-madam-nay-it-is-i-know-not-seems-tis
• straw man: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man
• steel man: https://simplicable.com/en/steel-man
• Epidemic of violence under way: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jul/07/women-girls-facing-epidemic-violence-police-watchdog-warns-england-wales
• ONS statistics presented on End Violence Against Women website: https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/about/data-on-violence-against-women-and-girls/
• Stuff article about tackling violence in NZ: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300472124/the-impossible-task-how-new-zealand-plans-to-tackle-violence-without-maligning-men
• Alanis Morissette 'Ironic': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironic_(song)

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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This week's episode begins with a failure, descends into a very boring discussion of airline seating before being warmed up by Lee's new heating system. In other words, Simon and Lee are united in the same timezone (physically, not psychically).

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• economy 7 (refers to the number of hours, not when it finishes): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_7
• sophomore slump: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophomore_slump
• gynocentrism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynocentrism
• first wave feminism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-wave_feminism
• second wave feminism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-wave_feminism
• suffragette movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffragette
• comment on Lesley Hill's 'Suffragettes invented performance art': https://roworthd.wordpress.com/suffragettes-invented-performance-art/
• Emily Davison: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Davison
• Suffragette City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-cHiWZdHm4
• Roe v Wade: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_v._Wade
• Turducken: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turducken

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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Simon and Lee dig into Lee's gallbladder before thinking through Simon's NZ buffer between being home and, well, being home home. 

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• Simon's glamorous podcasting setup: https://www.skellis.net/midlifing/setup
• adventure racing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_racing
• Lee's gallbladder scan: https://www.skellis.net/midlifing/gallbladder
• There are known unknowns: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_are_known_knowns
• Jet planes: https://lolliesnz.co.nz/lollies-nz/lolliesnz/gummy/pascall-jet-planes/
• World famous in NZ: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_famous_in_New_Zealand
• Tiki tour: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/tiki-tour
• Crossing the rubicon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossing_the_Rubicon
• Hericlitan leap: just do a Duck Duck Go search yourselves faithful and unfaithful listeners
• Dalmation smile: https://wowpooch.com/why-do-dalmatians-smile/

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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A hypothetical drunken situation (and necessary use of the subjunctive) forms the basis of some spoonerisms and a conversation about death cleaning and things that matter. Also, Simon talks to a newly deaf chocolate bunny.

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• Swedish death cleaning: https://www.realhomes.com/advice/swedish-death-cleaning
• Lee and Jeffrey celebrating the end of another Midlifing episode recording: https://www.skellis.net/midlifing/episode-end

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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Simon and Lee talk about instability, letting go of cynicism, and being profligate with love.

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• casket vs coffin: https://www.legacy.com/advice/what-is-the-difference-between-a-coffin-and-a-casket/
• pīwakawaka (fantail): https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/fantail-piwakawaka/
• Simon's eulogy for Gabrielle: https://www.skellis.net/midlifing/eulogy
• Patere: https://maoridictionary.co.nz/search?idiom=&phrase=&proverb=&loan=&keywords=patere
• Patere performed by Lisl Prendergast for Gabrielle Anne Eastwood Ellis (16 January 1937 - 4 November 2021). It was taught to Lisl by Maria Copeland (Ngapuhi) in 1978.
• "Hekeheke te manu ki tonu tauranga": The bird comes to her resting place

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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This is a strange one. Simon and Lee talk about the death of Simon's mother Gabrielle, eulogies, and racism. These things are not connected. Also, Simon's recording crackles in sadness (or something went wrong with his setup).

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• King Lear and Cordelia (more than words can wield the matter): https://www.bard.org/study-guides/more-than-word-can-wield-the-matter
• Critical Race Theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_race_theory
• Yorkshire County Cricket Club racism scandal: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/06/protests-and-death-threats-stoke-yorkshire-crickets-racism-scandal
• Toddlering: censored
• Pet-parenting: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20180912-when-a-pet-dies-should-you-be-allowed-time-off-work
• Pauline Hanson, Please explain: https://youtu.be/01-_rmxSKys
• Boris Johnson, mask, no mask, asleep, awake: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/boris-johnson-david-attenborough-cop26-mask-sleeping_uk_6180fcb3e4b0bf8728dc5bbb
• p-word: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/politics/article/britain-racism-paki-word
• Simon's Dad's Sydney University blazer: https://www.skellis.net/midlifing/blazer

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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Simon thinks he might be losing his sense of humour. Lee comes to the rescue. One of them cries into his beer.

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• Aotearoa Pale Ale: https://www.tuatarabrewing.co.nz/beer/aotearoa-pale-ale/
• Jenny Morris "Aotearoa": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phJ1kOBhQfM
• The Three Marriages by David Whyte: https://davidwhyte.com/products/the-three-marriages-reimaging-work-self-and-relationship
• time millionaire: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/12/time-millionaires-meet-the-people-pursuing-the-pleasure-of-leisure
• uncanny: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

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Simon and Lee talk about a shaky landing, get lost in a sea of terrible old movies, then discuss apologies.

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

Related links (and necessary corrections):

• Text message from Air New Zealand regarding the weather: http://skellis.net/midlifing/weather
• Video of airplanes landing at Wellington airport (not for the fainthearted): https://youtu.be/m0jnahV81AU
• Airplane!: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airplane!
• Disaster films: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_disaster_films
• Leslie Nielson taking pee while wearing mic in Naked Gun: https://youtu.be/ruCsYGL3QlY
• And Leon's getting larger: https://youtu.be/-cJmpwkUx4s
• A Hat, A Broach, A Pterodactyl: https://youtu.be/L8oAQOvOEXY
• Murder by Death: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_by_Death
• Sometimes my gas kills: https://youtu.be/AW0Fa7k3O9Q
• Yazz and the Plastic Population, The Only Way is Up: https://youtu.be/vjD3EVC1-zU
• Annamaria Testa 'Scusarsi è molto difficile ma è meglio farlo': https://www.internazionale.it/opinione/annamaria-testa/2017/07/03/scusarsi-difficile-meglio-farlo

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)

Get in touch with Lee and Simon at [email protected].

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The Midlifing logo is adapted from an original image by H.L.I.T: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29311691@N05/8571921679 (CC BY 2.0)