Monthly Archives: June 2009

Infinite Jest and Attempts on Her Life

Posted on 30 June 2009 by Robert

I’ve taken the plunge and started reading Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, using the Infinite Summer blog as a handy pacemaker and reading aide to what I am beginning to understand is a supremely complex book. It’s only annoying … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Theatre | 1 Comment

#MichaelJacksonRIP vs #IranElection

Posted on 29 June 2009 by Robert

News coverage is not a zero-sum game. Coverage of one piece of news could enhance awareness of another. If you consider M.Jackson’s output, there are plenty of songs that the Iranian revolutionaries could use as a theme-tune. Continue reading →

Posted in Internet Philosophy, Liberal Conspiracy, Media, Middle East, Music, Politics, Visual | 1 Comment

Jacko

Posted on 26 June 2009 by Robert

Was surprises me, is that somehow I am not more surprised. Horrible to think it, but a premature death seems somehow appropriate for the narrative, the modern folklore. Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 5 Comments

Votes and Violence in Iran

Posted on 25 June 2009 by Robert

During the Mumbai attacks, I said that “social media has come of age”. But now, looking at the Iranian events, I worry about that. Establishing awareness is not the same as ensuring a critical mass of people for effective action. Continue reading →

Posted in Globalisation, Human Rights, Internet Philosophy, Middle East | 2 Comments

Vegetarianism and Religion

Posted on 21 June 2009 by Robert

The arguments made for eating meat are very similar to the arguments made for religion: “its always been this way, why should we change?” Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Religion | 25 Comments

Anti-free speech? UK courts can help

Posted on 21 June 2009 by Robert

Here’s another piece I have just had published at Comment is Free. Continue reading →

Posted in Comment is Free, Human Rights, Literature | Leave a comment

Timeshifted Blogs

Posted on 17 June 2009 by Robert

The Apollo Plus 40 Twitter Feed reminds me of the Orwell Diaries project. Each pulls a piece of history forward to the present day, where you can experience it in real-time. Continue reading →

Posted in History, Internet Philosophy, Science, Space Travel | Leave a comment

Recharge

Posted on 16 June 2009 by Robert

If a blogger goes on holiday, and no-one reads his posts, does anyone notice? I was away, now I’m back. Continue reading →

Posted in Europe | 2 Comments

Free Expression in Oslo

Posted on 5 June 2009 by Robert

Its been a bit quiet on the blog this week. That’s because I’ve been at the Global Forum on Freedom of Expression in Oslo. Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Cultures, Human Rights | 1 Comment