Friday, December 31, 2010
Elton John's Sacrifice
Elton John and David Furnish made no sacrifice in buying having a baby, and this news was greeted in the media with much delight and joy, but there were a few voices of dissent.. to which, I would align my views with.
Age. Is it irresponsible for an adult to bring a child into the world without considering age? Not accounting for accidents and illness, most parents will live a healthy and productive life after the birth of their children. Parents will see their children grown, graduate and even have children of their own, this being the happy course of life. It's foolish to bear a child knowing life will be cut short because of old age. Of course death may lay his ghostly hand on a shoulder at any time, but that doesn't mean fate should be tempted by having a child later in life.
Elton Johns' son, Zachary, will want for nothing whether Elton is alive or dead. Zachary's material needs will be met but will his emotional needs be fulfilled if Elton passes away in the next 10 years? Will a child resent an absent father who has provided for him in every other way except the most important; that of physically being there? The money which Elton John has paid to have a surrogate child, could have been spent adopting a child. Is it right to buy a life or rent a womb?
In matters of life and death nature has its own way forward. I don't believe anyone should receive medical assistance to reach a state pregnancy. I appreciate that Elton John went to a Californian clinic and the treatment wasn't IVF but the truth still remains; in the UK the government spends millions of pounds on IVF treatment for couples every year. Not being able to have children isn't an illness and shouldn't be approached as something we can cure, nor is having a child a right. The cash spent on IVF and other treatments could go to sustaining life that already exists. In cases were couples are unable to have children they could adopt and give the love they have to a baby who has lost his/her parents. To me, this is natures sign that some people shouldn't have children, the genetic line ends here.
This blog must sound incredibly heartless. I spent a great many nights considering whether to write it at all. In the end, I had to write something I felt strongly about. I value life. Life is precious. I find it hard to believe that people can pay for life. I'm not naive, I realise that there is still slavery in the world, people trafficking and prostitution - all of which I'm against. Life it seems has become the ultimate commodity. With Elton John and other high profile surrogacy cases it's become sadly just another ‘Sponsored Link’ to click on.
Age. Is it irresponsible for an adult to bring a child into the world without considering age? Not accounting for accidents and illness, most parents will live a healthy and productive life after the birth of their children. Parents will see their children grown, graduate and even have children of their own, this being the happy course of life. It's foolish to bear a child knowing life will be cut short because of old age. Of course death may lay his ghostly hand on a shoulder at any time, but that doesn't mean fate should be tempted by having a child later in life.
Elton Johns' son, Zachary, will want for nothing whether Elton is alive or dead. Zachary's material needs will be met but will his emotional needs be fulfilled if Elton passes away in the next 10 years? Will a child resent an absent father who has provided for him in every other way except the most important; that of physically being there? The money which Elton John has paid to have a surrogate child, could have been spent adopting a child. Is it right to buy a life or rent a womb?
In matters of life and death nature has its own way forward. I don't believe anyone should receive medical assistance to reach a state pregnancy. I appreciate that Elton John went to a Californian clinic and the treatment wasn't IVF but the truth still remains; in the UK the government spends millions of pounds on IVF treatment for couples every year. Not being able to have children isn't an illness and shouldn't be approached as something we can cure, nor is having a child a right. The cash spent on IVF and other treatments could go to sustaining life that already exists. In cases were couples are unable to have children they could adopt and give the love they have to a baby who has lost his/her parents. To me, this is natures sign that some people shouldn't have children, the genetic line ends here.
This blog must sound incredibly heartless. I spent a great many nights considering whether to write it at all. In the end, I had to write something I felt strongly about. I value life. Life is precious. I find it hard to believe that people can pay for life. I'm not naive, I realise that there is still slavery in the world, people trafficking and prostitution - all of which I'm against. Life it seems has become the ultimate commodity. With Elton John and other high profile surrogacy cases it's become sadly just another ‘Sponsored Link’ to click on.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tron: Legacy
Anyone who loves film soundtracks will tell you how integral they are to the story, the emotions and the atmosphere of the film. The best soundtracks enhance the film and stay with the viewer long after the film has ended.
If you are not into film soundtracks or don't believe them to be of any great significance then try to imagine Jaws without scary shark motif, Star Wars without the space themes or Indiana Jones without its opening music. All these themes add that suspense and anticipation to the film. When you hear an Ennio Morricone tune whistling the start of a spaghetti western it immediately paints a sonic landscape, same can be said for Alan Silvestri without whom the time travelling escapades of Marty Mcfly wouldn't seem as dynamic, I can't even begin to contemplate Gladiator without the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.
Sound plays such an important part in a film, it is usually the very first sense to be alerted to the deception of a 3D moving image shown in front of you on a 2D surface. In a darkened theatre the opening bars of music or the sound effects are all that is needed to set the audio scene.
The soundtrack to Tron: Legacy is so complete in its sound scape that it takes the listener into that circuit board world of Tron. Never have a band been so perfectly suited to composing a soundtrack to a film than as is Daft Punk! to Tron. The French electro-house band consisting of Thomas Bangalt and Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo readily admit that the original film and score influenced their own music. Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo stated that Tron was a strong influence on him as a child. "Maybe I only saw it two or three times in my entire life, but the feel of it is strong even now, that I think the imprint of the first [film] will not be erased by the new one. It has a real visionary quality to it." Daft Punk! even make a cameo in the film too - as mp3 files! The ultimate accolade!
If you are not into film soundtracks or don't believe them to be of any great significance then try to imagine Jaws without scary shark motif, Star Wars without the space themes or Indiana Jones without its opening music. All these themes add that suspense and anticipation to the film. When you hear an Ennio Morricone tune whistling the start of a spaghetti western it immediately paints a sonic landscape, same can be said for Alan Silvestri without whom the time travelling escapades of Marty Mcfly wouldn't seem as dynamic, I can't even begin to contemplate Gladiator without the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.
Sound plays such an important part in a film, it is usually the very first sense to be alerted to the deception of a 3D moving image shown in front of you on a 2D surface. In a darkened theatre the opening bars of music or the sound effects are all that is needed to set the audio scene.
The soundtrack to Tron: Legacy is so complete in its sound scape that it takes the listener into that circuit board world of Tron. Never have a band been so perfectly suited to composing a soundtrack to a film than as is Daft Punk! to Tron. The French electro-house band consisting of Thomas Bangalt and Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo readily admit that the original film and score influenced their own music. Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo stated that Tron was a strong influence on him as a child. "Maybe I only saw it two or three times in my entire life, but the feel of it is strong even now, that I think the imprint of the first [film] will not be erased by the new one. It has a real visionary quality to it." Daft Punk! even make a cameo in the film too - as mp3 files! The ultimate accolade!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Fighting Fat
I am sick of reading, in the press, about people who have been on diets and lost weight. The body beautiful is a media obsession and sells countless papers everyday. Anyone, (and I mean anyone) who has lost weight from 1lb to 100 stone (Yes! I'm still using imperial measurements) is featured with the stock photo of them holding up (or wearing) their old trousers, which of course look like the Michelin Man's spare trackie bottoms. It doesn't interest me if someone is fat or thin. When people take weight loss to the next level by broadcasting it needlessly, that's when it irritates me.
The idea that someone who has lost 25" from their waistline suddenly gets 25" of column space to praise how great they are, is just unbelievable. These people haven't hiked up Mt. Everest or swam the Amazon.. Yes it is an achievement, for them! Yes they are now the person they've always wanted to be, but really.. is it that important that we all know?
Then, just when I thought I'd read every type of weight loss story the body conscious UK media could throw at me, I read the ultimate.. The wife of a returning solider lost 5stone, her husband (who had been away for 6 months) almost didn't recognise her! According to the paper whilst he was fighting the war, she was fighting the fat.. and then out come the Michelin Man trackie bottoms.. Just stop please.. I can't take it anymore!
The idea that someone who has lost 25" from their waistline suddenly gets 25" of column space to praise how great they are, is just unbelievable. These people haven't hiked up Mt. Everest or swam the Amazon.. Yes it is an achievement, for them! Yes they are now the person they've always wanted to be, but really.. is it that important that we all know?
Then, just when I thought I'd read every type of weight loss story the body conscious UK media could throw at me, I read the ultimate.. The wife of a returning solider lost 5stone, her husband (who had been away for 6 months) almost didn't recognise her! According to the paper whilst he was fighting the war, she was fighting the fat.. and then out come the Michelin Man trackie bottoms.. Just stop please.. I can't take it anymore!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Top Ten Musicians
At the end of every year there is always a glut of countdowns, no exceptions here..
So here is my top ten musicians/bands that I've played in the last 12 months, according to last.fm. I've added in some links to the band names. (also the Savoy I like are the norwegian/american indie band, not the American electronica band of the same name!)
10. Mike Oldfield.
9. Electric Light Orchestra
8. Mark Ronson & The Business Intl
7. DataRock
6. The Coral
5. Dangermouse & Sparklehorse
4. Cherry Ghost
3. a-ha
2. Savoy
1. Broken Bells
So here is my top ten musicians/bands that I've played in the last 12 months, according to last.fm. I've added in some links to the band names. (also the Savoy I like are the norwegian/american indie band, not the American electronica band of the same name!)
10. Mike Oldfield.
9. Electric Light Orchestra
8. Mark Ronson & The Business Intl
7. DataRock
6. The Coral
5. Dangermouse & Sparklehorse
4. Cherry Ghost
3. a-ha
2. Savoy
1. Broken Bells
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Vince Cable Unleashed
I feel like everyday there is something in the news that irritates me, or am I just getting old (don't answer that!) I was reading today that Vince Cable had made some comments to two women who he thought were constituents - only they were reporters! opps!
and his comments?
..on Rupert Murdoch he said he didn't agree with him being able to expand his empire in the UK media. People as powerful as Murdoch should stay out of politics, I believe. Murdoch wines and dines all the world leaders and heaven knows if he is pushing whatever agenda he likes.
... on The Coalition Vince Cable said he’s fighting for a tough line on bankers and tax! That’s good! He’s said that the Tory party don't like what Cameron and Osborne stand for? Well no surprises there... and finally he said that if he left office the government would falter. Um.. I'm not sure how right he is there, he is definitely a heavy weight, and the coalition needs him to sell some of the decisions they have to make. The Tories need a Lib Dem face and they know the public respect Vince Cable.
I think the whole episode is very sad. He was making comments to two women who he thought were concerned members of the public not journalists out to trap him. In that situation people should be allowed to speak frankly and off the record. He hasn't said anything that we didn't already know; he's just said it in a way we wouldn't expect.
Ed Milliband is wrong to call for his resignation, but then Ed is just jumping on the media bandwagon and making a political point – nothing more.
and his comments?
..on Rupert Murdoch he said he didn't agree with him being able to expand his empire in the UK media. People as powerful as Murdoch should stay out of politics, I believe. Murdoch wines and dines all the world leaders and heaven knows if he is pushing whatever agenda he likes.
... on The Coalition Vince Cable said he’s fighting for a tough line on bankers and tax! That’s good! He’s said that the Tory party don't like what Cameron and Osborne stand for? Well no surprises there... and finally he said that if he left office the government would falter. Um.. I'm not sure how right he is there, he is definitely a heavy weight, and the coalition needs him to sell some of the decisions they have to make. The Tories need a Lib Dem face and they know the public respect Vince Cable.
I think the whole episode is very sad. He was making comments to two women who he thought were concerned members of the public not journalists out to trap him. In that situation people should be allowed to speak frankly and off the record. He hasn't said anything that we didn't already know; he's just said it in a way we wouldn't expect.
Ed Milliband is wrong to call for his resignation, but then Ed is just jumping on the media bandwagon and making a political point – nothing more.
You'll always find him in the kitchen at parties
Great to hear this 1980 classic from Jona Lewie, even if it was on an Ikea commercial. If you look closely at the beginning you'll see Jona is the host of the party and the lads say hello to him at the beginning. I hadn't heard this track in years but it took me back to being a kid and 'Stop the Cavalry'. There is a warmth in his songs. Check out the original below, with Kirsty Maccoll as a backing singer..
Go on then.. I'll include 'Stop the Cavalry'
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Old Years Resolutions
January 1st. 2010 I set myself 10 new year’s resolutions.. now it is coming close to the end of the year I wanted to revisit them and see exactly how well I did in achieving them (or not)..
1. Get a new job.
I didn't achieve this; I applied for jobs but didn't reach interview stage. My current job is hanging increasingly in the balance, because of this no doubt next year I will have to find another position.
2. Save up and pay off 10% of my mortgage
Done.
3. Buy new clothes.
I am not a fashionista, I'm more utilitarian in my clothing outlook. However, out of necessity I did buy a new pair of jeans this year and I got a couple of hand-me down fleeces from my dad!
4. Be positive and confident, say yes more, engage with new opportunities.
I'd like to say I've done this every time, but I know I haven't. More times than not though I've said yes. A month ago I went to a book signing/party which is just the kind of event I previously would have shied away from. I have said yes to working at different schools this year - which have taken me out of my comfort zone.
5. Prepare different Vegan dishes, don't rely on the same old stuff.
I'm guilty of not achieving this resolution, although I have eaten different foods, I do rely on a staple of curry, soup, chips, pasta, pottage. This year has definitely been the pasta bake year.
6. Read more books, listen to and be accepting of a wider range of music
I’ve read a few books this year, including; a-ha's biography, Letters to a young poet, stasis none, how to be good, a week at the airport. I’ve also tried to listen to new music some I’ve just heard on the radio and liked but mostly stuff that Bux recommends that she knows I’ll like including; mark ronson, dangermouse n sparklehorse, harper simon and vampire weekend.
7. Draw, paint and write more.
This year I’ve definitely felt more creative than I have in a long time. As I finished off my string theory picture that I’d been planning for 10 years I suddenly had loads of other painting ideas I wanted to get on with. I also painted my typeface pictures which I’m very proud of. Add to that the 44 poems and 121 blog entries this year I feel I’ve had a pretty creative time. I’m well aware that I could have done more, that is something I plan on taking forward to next years list.
String Theory 2
String Theory
George Harrison - All things must pass
Bob Dylan - Ye shall be changed
Tom Petty
Facial recognition - self portrait
Redesign of Sponsored Linx Blog Logo
8. Value and don't take for granted true friends
I hope I haven't.
9. Face my fear of travelling
Driving to Liverpool on my own during the summer was a massive landmark and gave me a lot of confidence. I'm not sure about to get on a plane just yet, but it doesn't seem as scary as it did this time last year.
10. Learn to handle stress more effectively.
This is ongoing. I think I’ve developed a little bit more patience this year.
-
Best moments of the year..
Without a doubt or hestitation, spending a frenzied couple of days with Bux in Liverpool was the best moment of the year, getting the chance to spend some quality time with me bessie mate, seeing our favourite bands Cherry Ghost and The Coral, sitting in the Phil, and going round Liverpool was amazing. Everything from the nervousness of driving there, to the excitement of getting on a train again for the first time in years, was really ace! Seeing the sights was brill, all the photo's and chips in the rain.. For further information click this link. and yet there is still so much left to see together. I feel another road trip next summer coming on already!
Another highlight was seeing a-ha in Sheffield. What made this special wasn't just that I'd loved a-ha since I was a kid and this was their final gig, but it was that I was going with my dad. a-ha blog post click here. It was great to share that moment with him. Talking politics on the way there and music on the way back.
1. Get a new job.
I didn't achieve this; I applied for jobs but didn't reach interview stage. My current job is hanging increasingly in the balance, because of this no doubt next year I will have to find another position.
2. Save up and pay off 10% of my mortgage
Done.
3. Buy new clothes.
I am not a fashionista, I'm more utilitarian in my clothing outlook. However, out of necessity I did buy a new pair of jeans this year and I got a couple of hand-me down fleeces from my dad!
4. Be positive and confident, say yes more, engage with new opportunities.
I'd like to say I've done this every time, but I know I haven't. More times than not though I've said yes. A month ago I went to a book signing/party which is just the kind of event I previously would have shied away from. I have said yes to working at different schools this year - which have taken me out of my comfort zone.
5. Prepare different Vegan dishes, don't rely on the same old stuff.
I'm guilty of not achieving this resolution, although I have eaten different foods, I do rely on a staple of curry, soup, chips, pasta, pottage. This year has definitely been the pasta bake year.
6. Read more books, listen to and be accepting of a wider range of music
I’ve read a few books this year, including; a-ha's biography, Letters to a young poet, stasis none, how to be good, a week at the airport. I’ve also tried to listen to new music some I’ve just heard on the radio and liked but mostly stuff that Bux recommends that she knows I’ll like including; mark ronson, dangermouse n sparklehorse, harper simon and vampire weekend.
7. Draw, paint and write more.
This year I’ve definitely felt more creative than I have in a long time. As I finished off my string theory picture that I’d been planning for 10 years I suddenly had loads of other painting ideas I wanted to get on with. I also painted my typeface pictures which I’m very proud of. Add to that the 44 poems and 121 blog entries this year I feel I’ve had a pretty creative time. I’m well aware that I could have done more, that is something I plan on taking forward to next years list.
String Theory 2
String Theory
George Harrison - All things must pass
Bob Dylan - Ye shall be changed
Tom Petty
Facial recognition - self portrait
Redesign of Sponsored Linx Blog Logo
8. Value and don't take for granted true friends
I hope I haven't.
9. Face my fear of travelling
Driving to Liverpool on my own during the summer was a massive landmark and gave me a lot of confidence. I'm not sure about to get on a plane just yet, but it doesn't seem as scary as it did this time last year.
10. Learn to handle stress more effectively.
This is ongoing. I think I’ve developed a little bit more patience this year.
-
Best moments of the year..
Without a doubt or hestitation, spending a frenzied couple of days with Bux in Liverpool was the best moment of the year, getting the chance to spend some quality time with me bessie mate, seeing our favourite bands Cherry Ghost and The Coral, sitting in the Phil, and going round Liverpool was amazing. Everything from the nervousness of driving there, to the excitement of getting on a train again for the first time in years, was really ace! Seeing the sights was brill, all the photo's and chips in the rain.. For further information click this link. and yet there is still so much left to see together. I feel another road trip next summer coming on already!
Another highlight was seeing a-ha in Sheffield. What made this special wasn't just that I'd loved a-ha since I was a kid and this was their final gig, but it was that I was going with my dad. a-ha blog post click here. It was great to share that moment with him. Talking politics on the way there and music on the way back.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Keep Britain Tidy
I don't want to sound like a design traditionalist, but somethings are best left alone. Why change a winning formula? Why remake a classic film? Why cover a classic song? Actually, maybe I am a traditionalist. I don't like my favourite songs being covered, I don't like my favourite films being remade (Get Carter.. Stallone? No!) and I like my Tidyman logo.
The Keep Britain Tidy (Tidyman) logo has been part of my visual culture for all of my life, designed in 1972 to nudge people into throwing litter into bins instead of on the street, the logo and slogan have been referenced many times in popular culture from the Beatles to the film Quadrophenia.
So why recycle it? and why change the slogan to "Love The Place You Live"? Out with the concept of Britain and in with localism. Out with a graphic presented in black and white and in with fashionable green.
 |
| Original 1972 "Keep Britain Tidy" Logo |
 |
| New "Love the Place you Live" Logo |
The new logo is presented in green - the colour of nature and traditionally associated with recycling, because of the Green movement of the 60's. Ask any graphic design student to think of a logo for something that involves reducing, reusing, recycling or restoring, there will be an overwhelming series of designs that involve the colour green! Ask those same students to come up with a logo for "Love the Place you Live" and you will be inundated with love hearts in one form or another. With that in mind, wouldn't it have been more original to come up with something that didn't (re) use two of the most obvious graphic ideas.
 |
| 1972 Tidyman Logo with details |
The 1972 Tidyman is involved in the act of throwing a newspaper in the bin. I've edited a version of the original graphic and added coloured lines to illustrate why the original graphic was so effective. Firstly, the break between upper and lower body and the angle of the torso shows he [the character] is in the act of throwing. The action is also reinforced by the angle of his legs, being parallel to the bin, makes him seem off balanced and thus in motion. The viewers is naturally led around the bin from right to left and bottom to top. The red arrows show where the eye looks. The eye of the viewer takes a journey into the bin following the curve of the back of the man as he's throwing away a newspaper. The underside of the arm is parallel to the newspaper being thrown which helps direct the eye.
 |
| 2010 Tidyman with details |
Another point (no pun intention) worth noticing is that the new graphic has curved points. I almost feel like the Health and Safety Executive has had a say in the design. Those sharp edges could hurt someone! As a result all corners are now rounded off.
For me the character has been taken out of the graphic. Green colours, heart shapes and safety edges have been added which take away something unique from the original. In remaking it, I feel it's been ruined.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Beady Eye
Oasis front man Liam Gallagher isn't looking back in anger with new band "Beady Eye". They are set to rival his old britpop band, but Liam said he doesn't mind being compared to Oasis; he'll roll with it. I couldn't help but laugh when I read in the NME today that he wants to get back to playing in front of smaller audiences and more intimate gigs. Oasis casts no shadow for Liam.
"Without a doubt the smaller gigs are where it's at," he said. "You only go to the big ones for financial reasons. But I'm looking forward to playing big, small whatever. We're rehearsing at the moment and it's going to blow people's heads off." - Liam, quoted from the NME
Some might say that after all he's a millionaire it's not like he needs the cash. He's half a world away from where he was in 1993 when Oasis were starting out. So you can imagine my surprise when I scrolled down the webpage to see the links to the venues and ticket prices for the upcoming gigs!
Barrowlands - Glasgow - £55!
I was part of the queue at Barrowlands when I saw Franz Ferdinand play there a few years ago and it certaintly isn't a small venue nor is £55 cheap!! Maybe this ticket price was a one off I thought... scrolling down further...
02 Apollo - Manchester £50
I wonder(wall) does Liam understand the idea of smaller venus and intimate settings? The 02 Apollo Arena isn't a small intimate setting and I have to ask IS Liam in it for the money?.. still he's a rock and roll star who wants to live forever.. I can't blame him..
"Without a doubt the smaller gigs are where it's at," he said. "You only go to the big ones for financial reasons. But I'm looking forward to playing big, small whatever. We're rehearsing at the moment and it's going to blow people's heads off." - Liam, quoted from the NME
Some might say that after all he's a millionaire it's not like he needs the cash. He's half a world away from where he was in 1993 when Oasis were starting out. So you can imagine my surprise when I scrolled down the webpage to see the links to the venues and ticket prices for the upcoming gigs!
Barrowlands - Glasgow - £55!
I was part of the queue at Barrowlands when I saw Franz Ferdinand play there a few years ago and it certaintly isn't a small venue nor is £55 cheap!! Maybe this ticket price was a one off I thought... scrolling down further...
02 Apollo - Manchester £50
I wonder(wall) does Liam understand the idea of smaller venus and intimate settings? The 02 Apollo Arena isn't a small intimate setting and I have to ask IS Liam in it for the money?.. still he's a rock and roll star who wants to live forever.. I can't blame him..
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuition Fees Don't Grow On Trees
What a sad, sad day in the UK today. Someone vandalised one of the most important trees for Christians. The Holy Thorn Tree in Glastonbury, which was said to have grown from the staff carried by Joseph of Arimathea from the Holy Land 2000 years ago, has been senselessly torn apart. The tree which was a symbol of Christian faith, a landmark, tourist attraction and place of pilgrimage for millions of people has been all but destroyed. Very, very sad, especially if it was destroyed by a land owner who wishes to build on the land, but couldn't because of the historic tree. I hope the police discover who did this. Further info >here
Tuition Fees: I have always passionately believed in free education and today free education was sold to market forces. The government voted to increase course fees to a maximum of £9,000 per year. Forcing every student to now get roughly £40,000 in debt on leaving university. I am embarrassed and ashamed to be British. The fees were increased and at the same time 80% of funding for higher education was dropped. Thereby showing that the connection between the state and the individual to fund their course jointly is no more. Now the individual will fund it solely!
I don't have children. Yet, my taxes fund the education of other people's children
I am not (currently) in need of medical attention. Yet, my taxes pay towards the health and well being of others who need it.
Education and Health are universal and should be completely free for all. They benefit the individual but more importantly they benefit society as a whole.
I wonder now, should I lobby my MP to get a rebate on my tax, because after all, those with children should pay for their own education? Also maybe I can claw back some cash from my National Insurance since I rarely need medical assistance! The condem policy is showing that the state likes people to be in debt, and selfish.
We are not American. We should be encouraging education and learning for all; freely.
I will not vote Liberal Democrat again.
Tuition Fees: I have always passionately believed in free education and today free education was sold to market forces. The government voted to increase course fees to a maximum of £9,000 per year. Forcing every student to now get roughly £40,000 in debt on leaving university. I am embarrassed and ashamed to be British. The fees were increased and at the same time 80% of funding for higher education was dropped. Thereby showing that the connection between the state and the individual to fund their course jointly is no more. Now the individual will fund it solely!
I don't have children. Yet, my taxes fund the education of other people's children
I am not (currently) in need of medical attention. Yet, my taxes pay towards the health and well being of others who need it.
Education and Health are universal and should be completely free for all. They benefit the individual but more importantly they benefit society as a whole.
I wonder now, should I lobby my MP to get a rebate on my tax, because after all, those with children should pay for their own education? Also maybe I can claw back some cash from my National Insurance since I rarely need medical assistance! The condem policy is showing that the state likes people to be in debt, and selfish.
We are not American. We should be encouraging education and learning for all; freely.
I will not vote Liberal Democrat again.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Operation Payback
Paypal, Mastercard, Swiss bank accounts, solicitors acting for the two women who are accusing Julian Assange of "surprise sex!" Have all been hacked by Anonymous. This hacking has rendered Mastercard, Paypal etc useless.. Why have Paypal/Mastercard refused to do business with Wikileaks? Are they politically motivated? Aeems so as Wikileaks show by releasing information showing that US diplomats intervened to try to amend draft law so that it would not 'disadvantage' US credit card firms.
Monday, December 6, 2010
WikiLeaks - The Information Age
Not happy with trying to discredit Julian Assange with suggestions that he raped and sexually assaulted women, not satisfied with an Interpol "red notice" being issued; now the Swiss bank that handles the Wikileaks account has frozen it!
Do governments around the world believe they can hide behind bureaucracy? Julian Assange is one of a few people to bring back power to the masses. Those in charge, governments, churches, media, monarchy, nouveau riche; the establishment have long since known that information is power. This goes back to the beginning of recorded history. Those who could read were seen as dangerous. Julian Assange is presenting this information so that we all have powerful, so that we all have a say. This is true democracy and yet at every turn he is being attacked. I have to ask why?
With the explosion of the internet there is no longer a mass media. Every individual has the power at their fingers to find out exactly what they want, for themselves. The world is about to change - we are on the cusp. The old rules no longer apply and everyone is fighting to write the new rule book. The establishment are aware of what is happening, but it is too late to stop. The information is available and what’s more it is freely and easily available. This truly is the information age.
I'm Julian Assange.
Do governments around the world believe they can hide behind bureaucracy? Julian Assange is one of a few people to bring back power to the masses. Those in charge, governments, churches, media, monarchy, nouveau riche; the establishment have long since known that information is power. This goes back to the beginning of recorded history. Those who could read were seen as dangerous. Julian Assange is presenting this information so that we all have powerful, so that we all have a say. This is true democracy and yet at every turn he is being attacked. I have to ask why?
With the explosion of the internet there is no longer a mass media. Every individual has the power at their fingers to find out exactly what they want, for themselves. The world is about to change - we are on the cusp. The old rules no longer apply and everyone is fighting to write the new rule book. The establishment are aware of what is happening, but it is too late to stop. The information is available and what’s more it is freely and easily available. This truly is the information age.
I'm Julian Assange.
String Theory 2
I spent a lot of time working out the details to the second, in the series of images called, string theory. I wanted a coloured image and instead of a textured background with a heavily magnified piece of string, I opted for using actual string and making it look more like a tied knot. Hoping to give the impression of "tying the knot".
I started by pixelating an image I'd made up from an observation drawing of string tied around a craft knife. Using primary colours the image worked well on canvas, looking vibrant and energetic. I was happy with it and couldn't wait to add the lettering.
Producing a rough draft on photoshop gave an impression of how the final image might look. In adding the final paint, however, the picture didn't look as good as I'd hoped. The painting looked flat and lifeless. Before I'd added the lettering my eyes dottied around the canvas- entertained by the colour, not my eyes weren't drawn anywhere.
I've lived with the final image for about a week now, examining it everyday. Today, though, I had to whitewash the full picture and start again. It takes a lot for me to start back from scratch. When an idea has been growing it's hard to walk away. The picture wasn't going to get any better in that format though.
I'm going to go back to black and white and also add in some background texture like in the original String Theory image.
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