A letter to Benedict Cumberbatch - Ice Bucket Challenge and animal testing

Dear Mr Cumberpants,

Yes that means you Benedict.  ;-). 

Firstly may I congratulate on a thoroughly fantastic Ice Bucket Challenge.  It was funny, entertaining and dare I say, rather oooer exhilarating.  We, your fanbase, enjoyed a wet t.shirt scene, a suited and booted scene, a motorbike scene and, phew, it’s getting hot in here, a shower scene.  It was almost too much for a fangirl to handle.  However, I struggled on, and watched the video a few more times (ahem). 

It was a challenge well worth waiting for.  I was particularly impressed by the pant slipping scene.  I assume it was acted but it looked very real. I do hope you didn’t twist your ankle mid-slip.

Despite the majesty of your challenge, I wonder if I can draw your attention to the animal testing activities of the ALS?  Obviously everyone absolutely wants a cure found for this disease.  Much like we want a cure for Cancer and other terrible diseases.  However, is animal testing really necessary, given the advances in Science? 

I would like it if wonderful actors such as yourself, would use your position to encourage the ALS to refrain from animal testing.  If there weren’t alternatives, perhaps, at a push, we could prioritise the avoidance of human suffering over that of the suffering of animals but there are alternative methods of researching.  So why test on animals?

I was alerted to the animal testing activities of the ALS by Pamela Anderson.  I was taken aback by her bravery to stand up against animal testing rather than taking the Ice Bucket Challenge.  That said, I enjoyed your challenge immensely.  And take nothing away from the effort expended in taking time out of your schedule to simultaneously appease and entertain your fans whilst raising awareness.  However, I ask that you speak out against animal testing.  Goodness knows that your fans hang off your every word.  If a man such as you speaks out against animal testing, people will actually listen and, moreover, societal change might occur. 

You can’t stand up for every cause, I know.  There are only so many hours in day.  You already do a lot for charities.  But a few words against animal testing, mentioning the ALS but also animal testing in general, could make a difference.

Your humble fangirl, random blogger and the original Renegade Glitter Fairy,

Hazel xx

Benedict Cumberbatch: Tweet on Twitter

Dear Mr Cumberbatch,

It has been sadly noted that you are not on Twitter.  Granted, there are many fabulous Tweeters, tweeting in the name of but we, the people, remain without the tweeted words of the man himself.

Of course, you do not need to tweet to raise your profile.  If your profile was raised any higher, it would have a birds-eye view of the furtherest reaches of galaxies, light-years away from this one.  So, if not for self-promotion, why tweet?  Tweet because your fans wish to hear your words.  You can actually squish quite a bit of wisdom into a micro-blog.  That said, we, your fans, would be rather impressed to read that you were currently enjoying a nice cup of tea or about to go grocery shopping.  We'd like to virtually share in your tea sipping or household goods buying experiences.  Of course, if you wanted to woo us with philosophy, encourage us to notice a particular cause or hint at future Sherlock plots, we'd be happy to share in those too.

Essentially, I know I speak for all Sherlockians, Trekkies, LOTR geeks and Cumberbitches, when I say, you really should get on Twitter.  Share your words.

You can tweet on the move (probably best to avoid plane tweeting though).  You can tweet in between takes.  You can tweet in the bath (just don't drop your phone or tablet). You can tweet whilst reading a good book.  Basically you can tweet pretty much anywhere and during most activities. Most importantly you can tweet about anything!

So, we appeal to you, Mr Cumberbatch, join the micro-blogging world of Twitter.  You know it makes sense - cushty.

xx