It is amazing how quickly the whole notion of ‘The Big Society’ has gone from Conservative Party platform, which was actually treated fairly sceptically during the recent UK elections, to catch-all label which can be ascribed to almost any of the coalition government’s policies. Generally, at least in my read of the situation, the label … Continue Reading
It had to happen eventually…
… the design is ever so generous in providing the space for it. Culture jamming that is. Of the Boris bikes, seen here in Bloomsbury near my office.
Reflective light media
I was going to simply post this photo along with a pithy caption… but it reminds me of how I’ve always been enticed by the idea of mediums of light, even if that light does not necessarily communicate in some identifiably semiotic way [Update: I’ve later realised that I unintentionally lifted this basic idea straight … Continue Reading
Television, city and the British countryside
Came across an interesting forthcoming symposium at the University of Derby on Saturday 13th November entitled ‘Television explores the Hinterland’. The main themes of the conference (appended below) appear to focus primarily on those programs that explore Britain’s countryside – such as the excellent BBC/Open University program Coast (which will be discussed in the symposium) … Continue Reading
Commit no nuisance
A painted wall sign in an alley – Melbourne, Australia. The ‘No’ repainted at some point.
Media production sites and urban public space: or, stumbling into The Apprentice
Earlier today, as I approached Euston Station in search of a bite to eat, I was approached by a woman politely offering a very small container of mixed fruit. She didn’t state a price, though I later learned it was on sale for a seemingly steep £2.50. I walked on … and in my fast-paced-negotiating-London-myopia, … Continue Reading
The heat of approaching term time
I am on the precipice of my first full and proper new teaching year since joining Birkbeck College in January 2010, and I must say, I can feel the heat. But I have good reason for my senses to be a little on the edge – I am starting two (more or less) completely new … Continue Reading
B.S. Construction
Construction hoarding – Manchester, I think.
Advertising board palimpsest
Finsbury Park Tube Station, North London
Give pix a chance
Looking back over eight months of writing this blog I can see that, well, there just aren’t as many posts as I imagined there would be when I got started. And although I’ll give it my all, honest, from this day forward, really I don’t expect the frequency to skyrocket anytime soon. So, to augment, … Continue Reading