On June the 25th 2014, it will be the seventh continual year there has been a symposium (picnic) at George Orwell’s grave. It's also of course his birthday. Back in 2007 we sat on the grass sharing food and drink, experiences and stories. As we have done every year since. Asking questions, discussing threatened freedoms and eroded civil liberties... all things Orwellian. We once used the … [Read more...] about The Picnic is a Political Act
1984symposium
Public until proven otherwise
I once heard of a TV journalist who kept the names and addresses of his Syrian sources in a little black book, and all the video he shot of activists, complete with faces, on an open hard drive. He was detained by the secret police in Damascus, which was scary for him, but worse for his contacts. In his easily accessible files he had neatly identified, catalogued and given phone numbers for a … [Read more...] about Public until proven otherwise
Are we finally living in 1984?
How do you feel about the world we are creating right now? What were your thoughts when the #PRISM news hit the headlines and Edward Snowden appeared in your browser saying these words?.. "If living unfreely but comfortably is something you’re willing to accept, and I think many of us are, it’s the human nature, you can get up every day, you can go to work, you can collect your large paycheck … [Read more...] about Are we finally living in 1984?
1984 Looks Like This
On the 2nd of May this year I took a walk from Manchester into Salford with Dr John Perivolaris. (Here is a conversation we had on the way.) listen to ‘Walking into Salford’ on Audioboo We were heading to see David Dunnico's Exhibition entitled '1984 Looks Like This' currently showing at Salford Museum and Art Gallery until the 1st of July. I first met Manchester based David Dunnico at a … [Read more...] about 1984 Looks Like This
Reinventing Communication & Protecting Community
For me a community is not tied to a geographical area. It's more an area of common life. I live across a number of communities. Family, friends, work, and a number of geeky tech loving groups who exist both on the web and in physical space. Some hold a fellowship of solidarity and trust. Others merely contain a group of peope who share a common interest. Either way these communities are really … [Read more...] about Reinventing Communication & Protecting Community