!!Those *crazy* Americans….
The Beat Blue Monday campaign has picked up some good coverage (see below for self-congratulatory back-slapping) across the world.
Over in the You Ess of Ay (USA) coverage of Beat Blue Monday campaign got confused with the Colts Blue Monday – something good to do with their version of football??
Also, I wondered how the weather factor would affect people in hotter climes than Britain. Over here it’s blowing a gale, wet and grey. In Florida it’s ’93 in the shade’ (whatever that means) and everyone’s sipping pina coladas.
But thanks to a great article by Bridget Hll Grumet I now understand how tropical weather can be a pain:
“But even Florida’s fabulous weather poses problems: Lawns need mowing, fleas bite, and we can’t wear those smart winter styles.”
Lastly, even if the factors in the equation do translate across the Atlantic… does anyone care? Those *crazy* guys at The Big Dumb Fun Show don’t seem to be with comments like this:
“Happy Blue Monday. Today is the worst day of the year according to English researchers….but lets face it, it [sic] love their muffins, but other than that, who’s listening to the English?”
How very dare they!
Now we’re over Monday… here’s to Friday 22 June 2007
Well if you’re reading this you’ve made it past Blue Monday. The good news is that there is less than five months to go until the Happiest Day of the Year!!
Dr Arnall – the guy behind the Blue Monday formula – has also put together an equation for the happiest day of the year, which is:
O = Outdoors and Outdoor Activity – playing out , sport, exposure to wind, sun and water (sea, rivers and streams)
N = Connection with Nature – trees in full bloom, lots of flowers, lots of wild animals visible
S = Socialisation – talking with neighbours and friends
Cpm = Positive Memories of Childhood Summers – especially the beach, picnics, ice cream, playing out with friends
T = Mean Temperature – usually warm, sun high in the sky, warm southerly winds
He = Looking Forward to Holiday or Time Off (e = expected)
All of which means that Friday 22 June 2007 will be the happiest day of the year….
(Full disclosure: Dr Arnall devised this formula on behalf of Walls ice cream!!)
Thanks for all your lovely comments
Just a short post to say thanks for all your lovely comments! I especially like the one about wearing a hat. I too am a big fan of hats. More people should wear them. It cheers me up to have one on my head and it usually cheers someone else up to see me walking down the street in my grey felt fedora!
Pictures please…
Happy Blue Monday!
A belated Happy Blue Monday! I would have posted this earlier but have had a manic day sorting out various media enquires which started at 8.30am with a live piece for BBC Radio Leeds which came live from our early morning beach party! Pictures should on the homepage courtesy of Flickr.
Excellent coverage also included pieces in the Independent; Guardian; Daily Mail; The Sun; Telegraph and loads of locals. In the interests of balance it’s worth also pointing out that The Guardian’s Newsdesk podcast has Ros Taylor casting doubt on the scientific voracity of Dr Arnalls ‘Blue Monday’ equation.
Also, some lovely blog coverage too…. have a look here.
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Beach is up-and-running
The Beat Blue Monday beach is now up-and-running complete with palm trees. Pics of the beach building should be on the homepage courtesy of Flickr. It takes many millions of years for beaches to be produced by the continuous erosiion of coastline and weathering of rocks but ours was ready in about half-an-hour thanks to Zoe, Lorna and Francesca!
Feell free to uplaod your pics of morphology-defying beach building attempts to Flickr with the tagbeatbluemonday!
Plans for Costa Del Wakefield coming on a treat
The countdown has begun: four days until Blue Monday. Have a look at the events happening around the country and get in touch if you want more info.
Share your thoughts
Welcome to the Blue Monday blog. This is a blog about the year’s most depressing day, ‘Blue’ Monday 21st January 2008. But we’re not dwelling on how awful the weather is, or when the next pay-cheque is going to come through the letter box. Oh no, we’re here to give you some ideas of how to brighten up your day. Why not join us in the world’s biggest beach party or download New Order’s hit Blue Monday.
Most importantly share your ideas for beating the blues with us here… or upload your pictures of you enjoying Blue Monday to the full here.
We look forward to hearing from you!!