Squeed

On of the (few) advantages to the Covid-19 restrictions—apart from the obvious one of reducing spread—is an acceleration in various venues embracing online exhibitions and performances. Rather than being limited to seeing things that come to Bristol and a few things I made an significant effort to travel to another place to see, I can …

Muffin It Up

Over the weekend I had a startling revelation about how the misperception of technology makes the ineffective seem deliberate. On Saturday, I noticed an email in my spam folder that seemed almost identical to one I'd received and deleted on Friday. Obviously, I didn't feel the need to read the same information twice but I …

Jumping the Stress

In the United Kingdom (and other places) Covid-19 restrictions are easing. However, we aren't in the better world yet; and even when we are, the impacts of the last many months are likely to linger. So, if you are feeling less than ideal, you are not wrong. The way to clear that cruft is potentially …

Touching Joy

The world is decidedly imperfect but also joyously beautiful. Like most people, I do not exist in constant conscious awareness of that beauty, but reminders surround me, reaching out—sometimes more literally than others. Severed at the wrist yet still reaching toward the audience, echoing the many Classical marble hands exhibited across Europe, this sculpture evoked …

Deep Green

The Green Party are joint largest party in Bristol City Council. Sandy Hore-Ruthven, the Green Party candidate, was in clear second place for Mayor. Joy? Deep Joy! Hearing the Greens had more seats was good, but seeing it on the map really drove it home: I'm a firm believer that politics works better when people …

The Path Less Followable

As long-term followers will know, I deliver letters for the Green Party. Moving house has not changed this volunteering but has changed some of the anomalies I encounter. With local elections coming up at the start of next month, I have undertaken a delivery most weeks this month so have become quite familiar with parts …

Disappearing Women

Henny Beaumont's "Disappearing Women" project is inspired by the list of women murdered by men in the previous year that Jess Phillips MP reads out each International Women's Day. Beaumont records herself painting a portrait of the murdered woman, then edits that footage to play backward, creating an image that disappears. I find them starkly …

Peacock Gramophone

And lo did the Prophet Irving say that forsoever there be the light of the moon and melodious sounds and the communion of souls and the seeking thereto, the righteous shall move their limbs in defiance of looming imperfections. Nina Paley's Sita Sings the Blues evoked that spirit in me; maybe it will you. The …

Wangarĩ Muta Maathai

This International Women's Day, I'd like to celebrate Wangarĩ Muta Maathai, a inspiring campaigner for the environment and a fairer world. Among her many achievements are: First East African Woman to receive a PhD. Chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nairobi. Founder of The Green Belt Movement, a Kenyan NGO focusing on …

Publishing Turtles

Over the weekend, I came across Hugh Howey's listing of his publishing values. So, I decided to try the exercise myself. Turns out my ordering of things needed for publishing is somewhat different from his. The exercise is to list groups/entities needed for publishing in order of importance. My first thought was that I agree …