I had the oddest thought today, and it simply came from the act of carrying a couple of books around. That's right: books, in my arms, being carried. It gets no more complicated than that. This seemingly redundant process of movement (WITH BOOKS!) reminded me of my BA days. Oh, I was an English student, put on this earth for one reason, and one reason only... to learn in the ways of the Literai! The crumpled pages of a beaten-up second-hand volume of Gaskell's North & South, the hard-bound spine of a text by some wonderfully arbitary author ruminating on the structures of power in a Pinter play, the piles of books discussing Wilde, and Faulkner, and Joyce, and Eliot... This excess that I lumbered around was an armour that swelled up in my chest and the layered pleats of the pages were my protection, voicing the sentiment that 'I was learning!' I was learning, and even as I moved the pressure points of my fingertips were drinking all that inky knowledge up, where it would lie dormant in my mind as tiny fractured splinters of wisdom until I needed to call on them to support an exclamation of swaggering and moving importance...
Then I realised I was walking, carrying some books.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Monday, 1 March 2010
Not who, but how
FPTP. AV. PR. EH?
It was a month ago that Gordon Brown broadcast his plans to reform the current voting system, from first past the post (FPTP) to an alternative vote (AV). The tension between the talk of reform and the impending elections has meant that I can't help but ponder, with my limited political understanding, the more simplistic facts of our voting system, rather than all its many intricacies. And what has bewildered me is why it is put in the hands of the government to decide how we vote.
In the proposed referendum, we would have the option of either FPTP or an AV. If common sense prevails, surely proportional representation (PR) is the nearest means of creating a clear democratic process in Britain? This is my opinion, and others may feel differently. What seems ridiculous is that the public don't even command the right to address what election process we vote under. Why is it not put to us as to what voting system we favour? FPTP is heavily criticised... so why do we still have it? Why should I choose between FPTP and AV if I believe proportional representation is the fairer system? Because a government who was elected into power through FPTP says so? An open choice of how we vote may even inspire more people to get involved in politics if they felt their voice counted for something. Currently, I feel it's less about who we vote for, and more to do with how.
It was a month ago that Gordon Brown broadcast his plans to reform the current voting system, from first past the post (FPTP) to an alternative vote (AV). The tension between the talk of reform and the impending elections has meant that I can't help but ponder, with my limited political understanding, the more simplistic facts of our voting system, rather than all its many intricacies. And what has bewildered me is why it is put in the hands of the government to decide how we vote.
In the proposed referendum, we would have the option of either FPTP or an AV. If common sense prevails, surely proportional representation (PR) is the nearest means of creating a clear democratic process in Britain? This is my opinion, and others may feel differently. What seems ridiculous is that the public don't even command the right to address what election process we vote under. Why is it not put to us as to what voting system we favour? FPTP is heavily criticised... so why do we still have it? Why should I choose between FPTP and AV if I believe proportional representation is the fairer system? Because a government who was elected into power through FPTP says so? An open choice of how we vote may even inspire more people to get involved in politics if they felt their voice counted for something. Currently, I feel it's less about who we vote for, and more to do with how.
Friday, 26 February 2010
Let them eat cake
Ellie Goulding is like a cake. From a distance you spy the ridiculous packaging, all blown-up and outrageous. Made out to be more than it actually is. Marketed as the 'Critics Choice' of cakes. Then you get a little closer, and it doesn't even look particularly appetizing. They've taken quite an ordinary victoria sponge and pumped gallons of squirty cream in there just to fill it out; to give it another layer which it doesn't even need. But you're forced to buy one because it's all the rage. Everyone you know is chomping on this cake at the moment, and you don't want to be left out. You pay for it at the checkout, pretending you're the toast of irony, when really you're just the bastard that bought the same victoria sponge as everyone else.
As you cut yourself a slice, you know it won't be as good as last year's 'Critics Choice' cake: this one's no ginger nut cake. That one may have been a bit of a fruit-loop, fed with so much brandy that even Mrs Scroggin's wouldn't know what had hit her, but at least it was truly deserving of the title. Tangy and rich, it certainly left you wanting more.
You slowly move the helping to your mouth, bite down and digest. It's stodgy, and a bit sickly, but the actual sponge isn't too bad. In fact, it's pretty good. But all this extra cream and jam...? You wipe it off, scoffing only the light, pleasant sponge.
When you see past the hyperbole in the media about Ellie Goulding, you come to realise she's not half bad. Nice enough pop melodies that include hints of pop, electro and folk. It's not groundbreaking stuff, but what she's meant to do she does well. But the marketing circus surrounding the release of her debut is a farce. I understand the reason behind a 'Critics Choice' record, but the artist has yet to prove anything worthy of such a high accolade. Under The Sheets is a good song, but if it wasn't for the Brits award would anyone be taking any notice of Goulding's bed-linen dramas? Of course, that's not to say that the recognition is not warranted, just that it's been dressed up as more than it is.
It's the equivalent of being force-fed that victoria sponge. Just a little too hard to swallow.
As you cut yourself a slice, you know it won't be as good as last year's 'Critics Choice' cake: this one's no ginger nut cake. That one may have been a bit of a fruit-loop, fed with so much brandy that even Mrs Scroggin's wouldn't know what had hit her, but at least it was truly deserving of the title. Tangy and rich, it certainly left you wanting more.
You slowly move the helping to your mouth, bite down and digest. It's stodgy, and a bit sickly, but the actual sponge isn't too bad. In fact, it's pretty good. But all this extra cream and jam...? You wipe it off, scoffing only the light, pleasant sponge.
When you see past the hyperbole in the media about Ellie Goulding, you come to realise she's not half bad. Nice enough pop melodies that include hints of pop, electro and folk. It's not groundbreaking stuff, but what she's meant to do she does well. But the marketing circus surrounding the release of her debut is a farce. I understand the reason behind a 'Critics Choice' record, but the artist has yet to prove anything worthy of such a high accolade. Under The Sheets is a good song, but if it wasn't for the Brits award would anyone be taking any notice of Goulding's bed-linen dramas? Of course, that's not to say that the recognition is not warranted, just that it's been dressed up as more than it is.
It's the equivalent of being force-fed that victoria sponge. Just a little too hard to swallow.
In stitches
North Staffordshire University Hospital's annual charity show opened at Stoke's The Rep Theatre on Wednesday. Click the link below to find out more.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/art_and_design/journalism/staffslive/wordpress/2010/02/23/university-hospital-create-a-song-and-dance-at-rep-theatre/
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/art_and_design/journalism/staffslive/wordpress/2010/02/23/university-hospital-create-a-song-and-dance-at-rep-theatre/
Monday, 22 February 2010
*Newsflash!*
Artist Andy Scott to produce two sculptures for Uttoxeter
One of the UK’s leading public artists has been commissioned to design and build two major sculptures in Uttoxeter.
Andy Scott, and his project manager Caroline Scott (no relation), had been friends for over 20 years when they replied to a call for artists to submit ideas for the Uttoxeter Regeneration project.
Around £95,000 has been secured for the completion of two sculptures to be displayed on the roundabouts at either end of Town Meadows Way.
The sculptures, which will be based on a particular theme that represents the town, have been commissioned to create a ‘point of arrival’ into the town.
Forty people applied from across the country, but Andy Scott was quickly identified as the stand-out candidate.
Paul Challacombe, Community Arts Officer for East Staffordshire, told StaffsLive: “We wanted to have a piece of art that is recognisable to people driving past, but it is the quality of the work that is most important.
“The history of work Andy has done is fantastic and his enthusiasm is really good. This project started in the summer last year, but it’s still early doors.”
But before he starts on his work Andy decided to give the residents of Uttoxeter the chance to influence the design.
A stand was set up in Uttoxeter’s market place displaying examples of Andy’s previous public art work, with questionnaires for locals to share their views.
Caroline Scott, Project Manager of ‘Andy Scott Public Art, said : “We’ve been trying to glean nuggets of information from the locals about Uttoxeter, so there is more to it than the information we could have simply found online.
“This is a process and it is developmental. People read things in very interesting ways.
“We want to create an atmosphere where the piece does not come from out of nowhere. The people who have engaged with us will feel connected to the sculpture.”
Andy and Caroline are planning to get schoolchildren and youth groups involved.
Artists will be doing workshops to help young people in the area relate to the sculptures, and Andy is planning to take a local youth group to his studio in Scotland so they can witness first hand the process of the sculpture being made.
Displays of Andy’s work are now showing at the Uttoxeter CSC, Library, Town Hall and Heritage Centre, and those who wish to express their views can download a questionnaire here: http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/
*Produced with Leanne Kirtley
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/art_and_design/journalism/staffslive/wordpress/2010/02/22/artist-andy-scott-to-produce-two-sculptures-for-uttoxeter/
One of the UK’s leading public artists has been commissioned to design and build two major sculptures in Uttoxeter.
Andy Scott, and his project manager Caroline Scott (no relation), had been friends for over 20 years when they replied to a call for artists to submit ideas for the Uttoxeter Regeneration project.
Around £95,000 has been secured for the completion of two sculptures to be displayed on the roundabouts at either end of Town Meadows Way.
The sculptures, which will be based on a particular theme that represents the town, have been commissioned to create a ‘point of arrival’ into the town.
Forty people applied from across the country, but Andy Scott was quickly identified as the stand-out candidate.
Paul Challacombe, Community Arts Officer for East Staffordshire, told StaffsLive: “We wanted to have a piece of art that is recognisable to people driving past, but it is the quality of the work that is most important.
“The history of work Andy has done is fantastic and his enthusiasm is really good. This project started in the summer last year, but it’s still early doors.”
But before he starts on his work Andy decided to give the residents of Uttoxeter the chance to influence the design.
A stand was set up in Uttoxeter’s market place displaying examples of Andy’s previous public art work, with questionnaires for locals to share their views.
Caroline Scott, Project Manager of ‘Andy Scott Public Art, said : “We’ve been trying to glean nuggets of information from the locals about Uttoxeter, so there is more to it than the information we could have simply found online.
“This is a process and it is developmental. People read things in very interesting ways.
“We want to create an atmosphere where the piece does not come from out of nowhere. The people who have engaged with us will feel connected to the sculpture.”
Andy and Caroline are planning to get schoolchildren and youth groups involved.
Artists will be doing workshops to help young people in the area relate to the sculptures, and Andy is planning to take a local youth group to his studio in Scotland so they can witness first hand the process of the sculpture being made.
Displays of Andy’s work are now showing at the Uttoxeter CSC, Library, Town Hall and Heritage Centre, and those who wish to express their views can download a questionnaire here: http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/
*Produced with Leanne Kirtley
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/art_and_design/journalism/staffslive/wordpress/2010/02/22/artist-andy-scott-to-produce-two-sculptures-for-uttoxeter/
Saturday, 20 February 2010
The £56 million question
I could write a blog entry with some semblance of a thoughtful and articulate pondering, but instead I'm simply going to throw together several self-indulgent meanderings about, well... nice thingz.
Inspired by the couple who won £56 million last weekend, and tottering around Stoke-on-Trent asking its inhabitants the same question (getting "smashed" featured quite a lot), I considered what three items I would have to immediately go out and buy if I won that amount of cash.
1. Acne leopard print desert boots
Grrrr, I'm an animal. They've been out for a while, and goodness knows why I don't picture myself looking like Bette Lynch on speed, but these Acne desert boots have some kind of strange hold over me.
2. Rodarte crewneck
Now, I realise I could probably create something akin to this just by getting a battered-up old jumper and skewering it with a fork, and for a price of just under £1,800 (gulp!), I'd probably be wiser to. Again, in my ridiculous mind, I imagine I would look like a spindle-spider, adorned in my own cobwebs...
3. Quinny by Henrik Vibskov mad print rain poncho
I'D LOOK LIKE SOME SORT OF DEMI-GOD.
And I'd still have £55,997,803 to play with!
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
The First Inquest
Talk about uncomfortable.
There I was - all high and mighty - envisaging myself as a journalist of the highest order, taking on the world with my ideas of justice and sound moral code. Today was the day of 'The First Inquest', that pivotal event when my shorthand practice and sharp news writing skills would culminate in a bedazzling 200-word article of beauty.
My shorthand fell to pieces. I didn't know what information to take down. I could hardly translate what I had back. I couldn't find an 'angle' for the piece. It was a mess.
But, most significantly, it felt wrong. An inquest is a public hearing to determine the cause of an unusual death, where journalists have every right of being there. So why did this 'right' feel so, so wrong? Marilyn, the subject of this particular inquest, suffered from depression and paranoid schizophrenia, had undergone electric shock treatment, a total of 3 failed marriages under her belt, an alcoholic, and victim of domestic violence.
I understand that a journalist should have the privilege of sitting in court, yet I can't help believing that this freedom should not extend to inquests. Ascertaining the cause of a death is not the same as passing judgment on a crime or incident, and following today I feel quite strongly that, unless it is on a matter of public concern, an inquest should be a private affair between those that are directly involved.
There I was - all high and mighty - envisaging myself as a journalist of the highest order, taking on the world with my ideas of justice and sound moral code. Today was the day of 'The First Inquest', that pivotal event when my shorthand practice and sharp news writing skills would culminate in a bedazzling 200-word article of beauty.
My shorthand fell to pieces. I didn't know what information to take down. I could hardly translate what I had back. I couldn't find an 'angle' for the piece. It was a mess.
But, most significantly, it felt wrong. An inquest is a public hearing to determine the cause of an unusual death, where journalists have every right of being there. So why did this 'right' feel so, so wrong? Marilyn, the subject of this particular inquest, suffered from depression and paranoid schizophrenia, had undergone electric shock treatment, a total of 3 failed marriages under her belt, an alcoholic, and victim of domestic violence.
I understand that a journalist should have the privilege of sitting in court, yet I can't help believing that this freedom should not extend to inquests. Ascertaining the cause of a death is not the same as passing judgment on a crime or incident, and following today I feel quite strongly that, unless it is on a matter of public concern, an inquest should be a private affair between those that are directly involved.
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