tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345122622024-03-07T08:46:11.026+00:00Joe BlogsJoe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comBlogger1556125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-56197185826127817102015-10-01T07:03:00.000+01:002015-10-02T07:05:37.193+01:00At The Races<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Originally posted on <a href="http://www.ticketarena.co.uk/news/in-review-mint-festival-2015/index.html" target="_blank">Ticket Arena</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing signals the onset of autumn like darker evenings, adverse weather conditions and the end of the festival season. Fortunately for anyone stuck in the city that belongs in a field, Mint Festival came galloping back to Leeds on September 19th as a two-day camping event at Wetherby Racecourse. Now in its fourth year, the festival continues to showcase the best in emerging and established musical talent. Returning to Leeds after last year’s relocation to Lincolnshire Showground, Mint Festival continues to expand and this year’s event boasted an impressive eight arenas and promised amazing visuals and production. I frequently travel to Leeds from London, attending events at Mint Club and Mint Warehouse and I have always been impressed with the bookings and organisation. I missed out on last year's event in Lincolnshire, but have some great memories from Lotherton Hall and was excited to be heading back to Leeds to experience the new venue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the approach to the festival, the campsite was visible and there were many people that had taken the option to pitch a tent for the weekend. I decided against camping, instead opting to attend the after parties in the City Centre of Leeds. The main entrance to the festival was located only a short distance from both the campsite, and the drop off point, plus there was minimal queue time which meant we were soon inside the arena. The sun was shining, the ground was good to firm and we were ready for a weekend at the races.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Heading straight into the Knee Deep in Sound arena, hosted by Hot Since 82, Denney was warming up the crowd with acid-tinged synths and 303 basslines. After purchasing some drinks tokens and exploring the facilities, I was ready to experience more music and my group made our way to the System and Set One Twenty arena. When we arrived, Premiesku were on the stage performing a live set. I really enjoyed their track selection and have grown an appreciation for Romanian influenced techno with its deep basslines and hypnotic atmosphere. There were some familiar faces in the crowd and everyone was enjoying the music. French trio Apollonia, featuring Shonky, Dan Ghenacia and Dyed Soundorom, were the next artists on the agenda. The threesome are popular in Leeds and always entertain the crowd with their one-record-each concept. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although the festival was nowhere near a sell out, many of the arenas were busy, with the Bitch stage being at capacity for most of the day. I spent the remaining few hours between stages watching Luciano and Hot Since 82. Both artists incorporating steady builds, drops and breakdowns, accompanied with crisp visuals and production. Before leaving for the after party at Mint Warehouse, I caught up with Mint Club resident Ethan Marin who was keeping the dancefloor moving whilst closing the No Way Back tent. Anticipating a long wait to navigate back to the City Centre of Leeds, I was impressed that I was promptly on my way and there were no delays leaving the site, a considerable improvement on previous years. Circular resident Finn and Tom Haigh were playing in the main room when I arrived at Mint Warehouse, with Gas House Kids upstairs in the Loft. The music in both rooms continued the vibe from the festival and the up for it crowd partied through until the early hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I headed back to the festival early the following morning, I was there to watch Gas House Kids warming up the Paradise stage and to support Jack Bettinson and Jordan Day in the Hard Times tent. The production crew in the Elrow arena must have worked through the night to transform the stage into their Rowshow 'Sambodromo Do Brasil' theme. The Brazilian Jungle decoration, complete with a snake, was born one Sunday morning in Barcelona. Having experienced Elrow in Barcelona and more recently the Rowshow in London, I was anticipating another carnival atmosphere. Due to last minute technical issue with one of the tents, organisers had combined the Elrow and Seth Troxler Presents stages which eased the program congestion, helped further with the slight short fall of attendees on the second day and made for some exciting back to back collaborations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The afternoon was slow to start but that soon changed once the crowds started returning to the festival site. The Sunday line-up was incredible, which meant that it was impossible to see everyone on the schedule. The production in the Elrow arena was fantastic, with DJs and performers recreating the rhythm and spectacle of a Brazilian carnival. Skream’s remix of the Chemical Brothers “Sometimes I Feel So Deserted” and Eats Everything’s “Dancing Again” generating a huge response from the crowd. System presented London’s infamous Sunday party, Fuse in another tent and the label’s refreshing sound accompanied with veterans Ricardo Villalobos and Zip provided an education in minimal techno. At the same time, Paco Osuna was expressing his precision and creativity on the Paradise stage. At this point, I headed to Elrow to watch Tuskegee close out the arena before heading on to the after party at Mint Club. At the venue, Dyed Soundorom and Enzo Siragusa treated the crowd to the best set of the whole weekend. Roll on next year.</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-9063750167660015972015-07-04T13:28:00.000+01:002015-07-04T13:28:40.454+01:00Off Sonar 2015<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was the first time that we met and I'll never forget the moment that you stepped into the room and took my breath away. Barcelona has been my guide and inspiration for a while and finally the dream had come true. Arriving at the airport I was greeted by my friend who I would be sharing a hotel room with for the duration of the stay near La Ramblas. She was holding a pint of Estrella and a cigarette, which quickly became the staple diet for the holiday. We travelled on the Aerobus Express to Plaça Universitat, checked into the City Park Pelayo Hotel and then headed towards Plaça Reil Square. Once there we located some friends and decided to check out one of the local clubs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This turned into a baptism of fire, music played, voices sang and the celebration had well and truly started. The following day we explored La Ramblas, there is a rich cultural heritage in Barcelona and it almost felt an injustice that I would be spending the majority of time at Off Sonar parties. After we visited La Boqueria, Barcelona's main food market, we made our way to Port Vell and relaxed on the beach for the afternoon. That evening it seemed that everyone in Leeds was at Mono Cult, the intimate space of BeCool lacked Mint Club's iconic ceiling but the music was quality. The special guest from Amsterdam had everyone talking and people were still buzzing that morning. The taxi situation afterwards was really frustrating but eventually made it back to La Ramblas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />That afternoon it was the [a:rpia:r] Showcase at Poble Espanyol Picnic Area, these Romanians know how to entertain and I was excited to experience my first open air event in Barcelona. I had barely seen the girl I was staying with since Mono Cult and unfortunately she didn't have a ticket for this event. She had met some friends from home and attended an event with them instead. I really enjoyed the [a:rpia:r] Showcase and spent the afternoon basking in the glorious sunshine with friends. I was introduced to several people that I hadn't spoken to before and planned to meet them at Marco Carola and Paco Osuna's event at Club 4 afterwards. This turned out to be the event of the week, Paco Osuna acknowledged the special connection created between everyone and I'd agree with that statement. The music was incredible and I'm definitely booking a flight to Ibiza to catch them both at the Music On closing party in September.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We didn't want the night to end but after being propositioned on La Ramblas, headed back to my friends to relax around the pool. The other guests weren't impressed and when the police arrived I decided to head back to my hotel. My friend was there and I tried not to wake her up but completely failed. Later in the afternoon we compared stories, she had managed to spend the day in the company of my ex and her sister. I'm beginning to regret outlining my plans to my ex at the start of the year because she has attended several of the events. Wouldn't mind but it creates an awkward situation. Especially when attending events with her sister who appears to be the cure and the cause. After eating we met some friends and headed to Plaza Mayor de El Poble Espanyol. IR BCN presented a special event hosted by Ricardo Villalobos, that featured Mathew Jonson and Sonja Moonear. El Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum and the stage was surrounded by several replica buildings characteristic of the region. The event proved to be a popular choice with my friends because there were several groups in attendance, including my ex who scurried by with her sister faster than a white rabbit. Rumours circulated about an after party at Vetro but unfortunately this one was over capacity. I spent the majority of the night travelling around the city in taxis before eventually staying with some friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That morning we caught a taxi back to the hotel to get changed, grabbed some items for the afternoon and headed to the Next Wave + Local Gathering x Fact Music Pool Series. The poolside atmosphere was relaxed, the line-up featuring several artists from the Romanian scene to take us on a musical journey. Next Wave's special guest for the event was tINI, who enchanted the crowd with her dynamic, carefully layered sound. Barcelona is routinely named the pickpocket capital of the universe and unfortunately I encountered this twice today. First whilst tINI was playing; I heard a friend complaining that a local had his hand in her bag and this led to a confrontation. Nothing was taken, but later that night at Bloc one of our girls had several items taken from her handbag. I confronted one of the guys believed to be responsible but it was too late. Despite this the night was quality, the sound system at the venue was incredible and Capriati played all night long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having seen so much in the last few days, I thought that we might have experienced the best of Barcelona but Elrow Sunday raised the bar even higher. The production was out of this world, quite literally, as there were alien beings, animals and various other characters walking through the crowd. After queuing to enter the event, we were provided with a complimentary drink and made our way onto the terrace. There were decorations everywhere, a band playing brass instruments accompanied by an accordion player and even the game of twister! The music was quality too and this felt like a party, everyone there had a smile etched across their face or a camera phone held in the air to capture a memory. What a way to end Off Week in Barcelona! I went back to my friends apartment afterwards, this was a low-key gathering until another group arrived. Suddenly it became a one-man show, there were three of them but the others said after twelve hours of energy they couldn't handle any more. Haven't laughed so much in ages, they shared so many stories about their afternoon and echoing around the apartment could be heard a tagline that made absolutely no sense - dónde! I've had an amazing week, met so many people and shared an experience that will stay with me forever. We will meet again soon Barcelona!</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-76077315889083046752015-06-10T23:58:00.000+01:002015-06-11T00:20:38.317+01:00Parklife<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I get up when I want except on Saturdays when I'm usually travelling around the country. This time last year I put my trousers on, had a cup of tea and made my way to Manchester. I was staying with my then partner and her sister last year but she's cut me off and made out it never happened and that we were nothing. It's nothing less than I deserve because I woke up with her sister lying in my bed. This was a while later, things had changed by that point, sharing a bed with her sister was accepted in the early days but towards the end there were clowns to the left, jokers to the right and there I was getting stuck into both of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hadn't made sleeping arrangements this year, instead I travelled to Heaton Park anticipating a chaotic weekend. Stepped off the train all alone at dawn, straight onto a coach for the next few hours. I arrived in Manchester around midday; feeling ready for what I believed to be the final stage of the journey. The tram didn't take me the distance, instead there were problems on the line and everyone bundled out onto the tracks. I quickly booked an Uber and asked some people close to the station whether they would be interested in a lift to the festival. This proved to be a great decision as the group were really friendly and we ended up spending the day together. We spent the early stages at the Warehouse Project stage and in the Resident Advisor tent. Later we tried to catch as many of the artists as possible and during Jamie XX's performance in the Now Wave tent I noticed my ex in the crowd. Maybe she recognised me but she treats me like a stranger and that feels so rough!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our Saturday ended watching Richie Hawtin; afterwards there were further travel complications and instead of heading to an after party we went back to the girls apartment. The following morning I was alone again, unfortunately the group had work commitments and after saying goodbye I headed back into town. After having breakfast, I travelled back to Heaton Park to meet up with friends who were performing on the Africa Stage. They were in great spirits and I really enjoyed the energy during their performance. When they finished we occupied the bar before losing each other and then regrouping to listen to Hot Since 82. Heading towards the Kaluki tent I received a text message from my ex's sister who's also at the festival. A previous ex, who's sister even has the same name! She had lost her friends and once I found her we headed back towards Piccadilly. I made sure she got home before walking towards the coach station. I probably should have booked the following day as annual leave but too late for that now! The coach was packed and I ended up adopting some children and talking to two sisters from Clapham. There's definitely a pattern emerging here and once back in London I was invited back to their house. When I woke up for work I couldn't find a pen to write them a note to show my appreciation for letting me sleep on their sofa. I also wanted to apologies for waking up their housemates as I might have fallen down the stairs. Another great weekend in Manchester, proving that there's no rest for the wicked. Same again next year?</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-6496686710467653502015-01-10T23:20:00.000+00:002015-01-20T20:55:48.041+00:00Back To Basics: New Years Eve<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that the curtain has come down on 2014, before the dust
begins to settle and the events calendar begins to take shape for the next few
months. Following more influential venue closures; Plastic People and Trouw
being the latest venerable institutions to bring the curtain down, there’s time
to reflect on another roller coaster year for Back to Basics. The UK’s longest
running club night being no stranger to venue closure, having seen the Garage close
without warning last November. The search for another building continues, which
we're told will consist of a music academy for emerging talent and clubbers can
expect at least two music rooms. Whilst Basics seeks its new full time venue,
they've enjoyed some memorable nights around Leeds since September, with Wire
emerging as a popular choice. The venue hosted the recent ‘Back to Basics Gets
Wired’ parties. On December 31st, Basics returned to the venue for a special
New Year’s party with One Records label manager Adam Shelton. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Arriving at the venue, we filtered into the queue and were
greeted by Dave Beer who assured us that he would have everyone inside before
the countdown. Once inside we were soon down the front with James Holroyd warming
things up at the start of the night. As Denney stepped up to the decks, Dave
Beer appeared, taking the role of Master of Ceremonies and advising the crowd
that if they can’t understand him, it was because he’s from Yorkshire. His
words were greeted with a huge cheer and as the countdown approached the party
really got started. Steve Lawler - <i>House
Record</i> being the track that started the year, the new release from Hot
Creations providing old school house with a modern twist. Denney has an
upcoming Hot Creations EP, with <i>Low
Frequency</i> being played recently on Skream’s Radio 1 show. Adam Shelton was
next on the decks, providing a track selection of raw underground music with a
strong influence of acid house and techno. Really enjoyed hearing Willie Burns
- <i>Waste Your Time</i> played at Wire. Shelton
had said earlier in the week that Basics' has been a staple source of
inspiration, being a meeting place for some of his best friends. Since moving
to Leeds, this is something I've also discovered and the reason I travelled up
from London earlier that evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Basics resident James Barnsley is another selector that
keeps things real and underground. His music working the dance floor and sound
system. Barnsley’s productions have received a great amount of support and </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mystery</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> taken from his latest release </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Magician EP</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> being another strong offering.
The night concluded with a back-to-back set from Aden Konrad and Josh Plews,
who were joined by Dave Beer to combine experience with exciting new talent.
The Basics head honcho playing Syclops - </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Where's
Jason’s K</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, which is a personal favourite through to recent releases from
Hot Creations. It’s been an exciting year for Aden Konrad and Josh Plews,
having gained recognition for pre-parties at Distrikt, they're now closing Back
to Basics with their signature sound. The bass from Junior Jack - </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thrill Me </i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">being a classic piece from
early 2000’s house music. I've really enjoyed these underground sessions, the
New Year’s party providing an incredible party atmosphere. Basics has developed
quite a soft spot for Wire and will be returning there at the end of the month
with successful DJ, producer and Dame Music label owner Bloody Mary. </span></div>
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Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-27805464748961194872014-12-11T22:44:00.036+00:002022-03-17T23:18:29.555+00:00She's Electric<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Once upon a time, a few mistakes ago I travelled to Manchester, where I was introduced to her sister. We hit it off and became friends, which I should have realised was going to be problematic. Curiosity became a heavy load, far too heavy to hold, and forced me to be cold. </span><div><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">I started this weekend attempting to win some prizes playing bingo. I had a few lines and nearly completed a full house. The night took a few turns and I ended up missing my coach to Leeds the following morning. My thoughts betrayed me but I decided to honour what we agreed. Apollonia were incredible that evening. She was amazing too but we were soon tearing apart the ties that bind. If only I could press rewind.</span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span><div><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Well the morning was complete. There was tears once the music faded, I struggled to change the beat. Summer loving had me a blast. This blog should have been overflowing with stories about us splashing around, but things turned cold, and that's where it ends. So often we ended up talking over each other, not allowing ourselves to see things from the others’ perspective. I had found myself on the rocks again, borne back ceaselessly into the past.</span></div></div>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-6209595581081324862014-12-05T11:51:00.000+00:002015-01-08T11:54:05.518+00:00Basics All Stars<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Back to Basics</i>,
the UK’s longest running club night, celebrated its 23rd birthday at the
weekend. Reading commentary in the build up to the night, it’s clear that there’s
a real sense of loyalty and respect with what the Leeds based institution has
achieved. <i>Basics</i> remains a pioneer
and continues to push boundaries to achieve the best clubbing experience with
audio-visual entertainment. This year’s birthday celebration was held at Beaver
Works, featuring a plethora of talent and the 3D visual installation from Haydn
Robinson, Simon Fong Wah and Zeon Sam on the production that was popular at the
previous event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Basics All Stars were advised to dress for the red carpet, the
theme for the event being superstars, movie stars and all stars. We arrived in
costume and true to word the red carpets were out and we made our way inside
the venue. Tinsel town had come to Leeds, Beaver Works being transformed to
represent the glamour and extravagance of Hollywood. With four rooms of quality
music we were in for a memorable night. The Bar Room reminded me of a drinks
reception, guests gathering for a few glasses before being taken to their seats
for the ceremony. Dave Beer and everyone involved behind the scenes had delivered
in converting ideas into reality, something <i>Basics
</i>has achieved for over two decades. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Bar Room provided the early entertainment, Maurice
Fulton proving that he’s one of the true originals with his enviable back
catalogue. George Benson’s smooth sounding ‘<i>Love
X Love</i>’ being a personal favourite in the opening stages. Heading into the
Main Room for Crazy P (Live) and the 3D projection mapping that encased the DJ
booth was incredible. The audio-visual experience passing my expectations with
a blistering set from Crazy P which provided so many great moments. Andre
Bratten ‘Trommer Og Bass’ being one of the highlights of the night. The
extensive birthday line-up included so much top underground talent, mixing
experience from veteran Ralph Lawson, with a new wave of talent eager to make
an impression. Down in the Basement Room was Circo Loco regular Clive Henry,
joined by residents Laura Jones, Burnski, Frenchy, Jon Woodall, Gavin Herlihy and
James Barnsley. There was a great atmosphere and I really enjoyed listening to
the DJs playing back-to-back and serving up some great track combinations. We
then moved back to the Bar Room as head honcho Dave Beer was closing out his
set to receive much-deserved acknowledgement from the crowd. Aden Konrad and
Josh Plews followed, both making their debut at the venue and proving that
Basics is still uncovering exciting new talent. After a turbulent year, <i>Back to Basics</i> proved why it has been around
for so many years and provided a memorable night for everyone involved.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-32756214662685846502014-11-18T23:27:00.000+00:002014-11-19T23:50:19.403+00:00Bugged Out 20th Birthday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Carling British Cider is the official Cider of the Warehouse Project this season. The award winning Cider view the Warehouse Project as being at the cutting edge of clubbing and electronic music. Regarded as the 'spiritual home' by both fans and organisers - tickets to the return to Store Street have been like gold dust. It's refreshing then, that Carling are offering fans the chance of winning two guestlist places to every night at the iconic venue. I was announced as one of the winners, here's what happened when I travelled to Manchester ―</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Located underneath Manchester's Piccadilly Station, the one-time air raid shelter was home to the Warehouse Project for five years before moving to Victoria Warehouse. This season the venue opens its doors for a one-year residency and I was excited to be returning thanks to Carling British Cider. Bugged Out! were the host returning to the Warehouse Project to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Arriving at Store Street, we made our way inside and after fighting through the crowd we ordered some Cider. After having a few drinks, I noticed that the tempo had gone up a level and displaying a blatant disregard to his set time; Erol Alkan played a 10pm like it was a close. Generating a huge response with Andre Bratten '<i>Trommer Og Bass</i>' and Josh Wink '<i>Talking To You</i>', before finishing with his closing track '<i>A Hold On Love / Only Love Can Break Your Heart</i>' (taken from the acclaimed FabricLive 77).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">George FitzGerald followed, making his debut at Store Street and clearly enjoyed the atmosphere in the main room. Heading over to the second arena, I was eager to catch Moon Boots (French Express) having missed out on attending the MixMag Lab event on Friday afternoon. Moon Boots has been on the French Express' UK tour - alongside Jonas Rathsman and Isaac Tichauer - but tonight was his last show in the country for a while. There was a great vibe by this point and we moved between both rooms absorbing the atmosphere. It was heaving in the second room by the time Skream took to the stage and he played a rousing set. Returning to the main room, Paul Woolford had everyone moving even the security personnel. '<i>Fly Life Xtra</i>' by Basement Jaxx is a popular track with my friends and it was great to hear that played. Green Velvet closed proceedings and a section of the crowd lifted up someone in a wheelchair to get closer to the action. Incredible scenes in Manchester and thanks to Carling British Cider for a memorable night.</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-33635314734755096212014-10-31T11:30:00.000+00:002014-12-11T23:12:50.078+00:00Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2014<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently entered the Wells and Young’s ‘Barclaycard Mercury Prize’ giveaway. The competition which was announced on the Estrella Damm Facebook Page, required participants to tag one friend in the comments section of the original competition post. The winner received two tickets to the Barclaycard Mercury Prize and complimentary Estrella Damm (four per person). Estrella Damm is a pilsner beer, brewed in Barcelona, Catalonia. <i>Estrella</i> means "star" in both Catalan and Spanish. It's apt then that Estrella Damm were sponsoring the Mercury Prize, considering that the shortlist shines a light on future stars that could benefit from the exposure. I was announced as one of the winners, here's what happened that night...<br />
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Arriving at the Roundhouse entrance with my date, we were given the red carpet treatment which included a drinks reception. After having a few beers, guests were taken to their seats for the live performances and ceremony hosted by Nick Grimshaw. All the shortlisted artists receive a specially commissioned 'Album of the Year' bronze trophy. The overall winner receives a cheque and a special winner's trophy. I've seen live performances at the Roundhouse before during the iTunes Festival. Most notably, performances from Bombay Bicycle club, The Courteneers and Phoenix. The iTunes Festival is an annual, month-long music concert series which takes place in September. Bombay Bicycle club were one of the big names shortlisted tonight alongside Damon Albarn, with seven debuts and three jazz artists.<br />
<br />I was eager to see FKA Twigs and Jungle perform at the Roundhouse, having listened to the majority of the albums when the shortlist was announced. All the live performances were impressive and in a shortlist in which there was no obvious winner ― I believed that either FKA Twigs or Jungle would be announced as the winner. Dinner followed the live performances and guests were treated to a mouth-watering menu. Nick Grimshaw returned to the stage afterwards to run through the nominations for this year's award. Then came the announcement that Scottish hip hop group Young Fathers had won this year's Barclaycard Mercury Music Prize for their debut studio album Dead. Young Fathers then took to the stage with the shortest acceptance speech: “Thank you. Thank you. We love you all. Thank you!” The aftershow party beckoned but we decided to be sensible and head our separate ways. This proved to be an expensive choice because my date for the evening slept through her stop and ended up miles away from her destination. Mouth open you're. . . getting a cab home from Coventry! A massive congratulations to Young Fathers and thank you to Estrella Damm for an amazing night!</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-82702595707919362632014-09-30T15:58:00.000+01:002014-12-11T23:18:21.982+00:00A Close Shave<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have experienced so many grand days out this summer and on several occasions I have worn the wrong trousers. On 18th September, I completed the hat-trick of <i>Wallace and Gromit</i> short stories when I opted for a close shave at the #ShaveMeSir Barber Shop. Facial hair has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. November has become synonymous with growing a moustache and I have grown several in an attempt to raise awareness of men's health issues. Last year I chose to grow a goatee for Halloween, the inspiration being Walter White from the drama series <i>Breaking Bad</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beards, dodgy moustaches and sideburns were commonplace in the seventies and they have made a triumphant return. Facial hair has become more popular than ever and I have been focusing on growing a fine mane. This prompted the visit to the Barber Shop. <a href="http://manmadelondon.com/">Man Made</a> is London’s finest Gentlemen’s Grooming Room and they collaborated with online grooming shop <a href="http://yes-sir.com/">Yes Sir</a> to provide the #ShaveMeSir Barber Shop in the heart of Marylebone Village. At the pop-up shop a shave and a haircut cost you nothing more than a tweet or Instagram photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The barber started with a face wash and scrub to unblock pores and remove excess oil. Then a face mask was applied to help soften the beard, reduce sensitivity and reinvigorate the skin whilst a head and neck massage was performed. Hot towels infused with essential oils were then used in conjunction to the steps along with a shaving oil, cream and the sharp blade. The beard was also hair dried, which was something I have never considered doing before the appointment. I will definitely be returning for more once the beard needs maintenance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This summer there have been several themed events for the bearded men of London. The Kopparberg Urban Forest was a pop-up bar that provided a mix of live music, mouth-watering food and drink behind the city streets of Dalston. They invited bearded men to get involved in the latest trend for floral beards. I attended the event and had a variety of flowers weaved into my beard that afternoon. It’s hard to identify who started the trend but if we ever go to San Francisco, we'll be sure to wear some flowers in our hair. </span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-43555809678226091102014-04-28T14:07:00.000+01:002014-12-11T23:19:08.891+00:00Mischief. Mayhem. Wardrobe.<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>“Simple thing where have you gone?”</i> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you wake up at a different time, in a different place, could you wake up as a different person? I once wrote that I woke up in a tree. That wasn't exactly the truth, but this weekend I woke up in a forest! Snow White found refuge with the dwarfs in an enchanted forest. In <i>Grimm's Fairy Tales</i>, the hero goes into an enchanted forest and finds a place of transformation.<br />
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My problem isn't transformation, it's looking in the wardrobe and finding towels instead of Narnia. I'm new in this city, and I'm down for a few nights. These halls may not be a home, but I decided to go ahead and lay down.<br />
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Last weekend I tried to start a revolution from my bed, but instant messaging took me on a journey instead. I have been impressed with the easygoing attitude in Leeds and take it for granted. Other cities don't have the same tolerance and it's a shame because there's no rest for the wicked. No harm, their armed. Setting off all your alarms! I attended an event on Friday but unfortunately the signal wasn't right and I didn't last the night. The "Flaming Moe" provided another memorable situation; the complimentary tip afterwards exceeding expectation. Anticipation has the habit of setting everyone up for disappointment in the evening's entertainment. But tonight there'll be some cocktails ― tonight there'll be a revelation regardless of what has gone before!</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-8869911782458569352014-04-14T23:02:00.000+01:002014-12-11T23:02:06.060+00:00Come On ― It's My Birthday!<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Euston, we have a problem...” </span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have seen further by standing on the shoulders of giants; but in those symbolic shadows we stand today. Stepped off the train all alone at dawn, back into the hole where I was born. Oasis defined the nineties and became the inspiration for an entire generation. <i>Chasing The Sun: Oasis 1993 - 1997</i> is an exhibition that features rare and iconic photographs and memorabilia from the early years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had planned to attend the event but became distracted by the street art, murals and bars in Shoreditch. <a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/attractions-museums-and-galleries/sculpture-in-the-city/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Sculpture in the City</a>, located nearby in the heart of the Square Mile, also provided an alternative cultural environment. Louche returned to London on Saturday for an intimate event at Autumn Street Studios in Hackney Wick. We weren't sure what to expect but the night was enjoyable. Mister! Look at your girl, she loves it! The only disappointment was the journey but even that provided some nuggets of information to take home!</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-26055630480514298572014-04-08T00:27:00.000+01:002014-12-11T23:05:39.762+00:00Do I Wanna Know?<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>“It's a small world...”</i> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When one door closes, another door opens; but what happens when the closed door opens on another floor? The concept behind <i>Inception </i>(2010) is the placement of an idea into a character's subconscious. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, a professional extractor who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating the subconsciousness of his targets. Cobb has been consumed with regret and in his subconscious he has built an elevator containing various memories, with each floor being defined by a moment that he regrets. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> These are moments that you can't shift? The type that sticks around like summat in your teeth? Are there some aces up your sleeve? The basement opening to reveal the kitchen instead of the hotel room. No time for interviews! Yeah she's dashing for the exit, collecting breakfast for her clutch bag. The second mouse moves closer to the cheese, but how many secrets can be kept for a rainy day? <br />
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Never recreate from your memory. Always imagine new places! We started from the bottom now we're being compared to Drake?! Limbo beckoned, songs about poisonous apples written once upon a time! Who's the fairest of them all? The Disney princess-inspired burlesque dress I purchased meant that my daughter shall go to the ball! You're waiting for a train. A train that'll take you far, far away... When the cat's away, the mice will play and today I celebrate my birthday. I'm grateful to everyone that made an appearance on Saturday and the parade continue in London this weekend!</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-79352871110793472282014-04-01T20:43:00.001+01:002014-05-14T14:11:35.574+01:00Silence is Golden<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>“The nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day.”</i></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I want to be, and that distraction feels like a constant boundary. I can't help myself and all I want to hear is “Are you fine?” I have assumed the attitude of the true connoisseur in being within and without. The way I write on my blog is open to interpretation but only I know the true meaning. That includes throwing shapes, throwing drinks or communicating with gremlins! Recently the-one-that-broke-the-curse has drifted away, the situation comparable to <i>Cast Away</i> (2000) with the high breakers on the coral surrounding the island, Wilson falling from the raft and Chuck becoming overwhelmed by loneliness. Guti played at Mint Club this month for <i>system presents Desolat</i> and everyone became overwhelmed by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rct-YWvPc7U" target="_blank">Loneliness (Original Mix)</a>. Does that compare? For me, this provided one of the outstanding moments from the events that I have attended this year. I'm still unable to forget about that volleyball sized head! After buying a new volleyball, Chuck travels out into the country to return the unopened FedEx package to the sender. I want to travel and explore the world but I'm having too much fun at the moment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To be popular means that one is part of the group and apart from it at the same time. F. Scott Fitzgerald describes this in <i>The Great Gatsby </i>(1925), acknowledging that “[Nick Carraway] was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” Could Nick be described as being popular? Then again, could Gatsby? He is renowned for the lavish parties he throws and there are many guests who so eagerly took advantage of his hospitality. Few people could recognise their host though and no one cared enough to show up to his funeral! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have several groups of friends in Leeds, despite attempts to merge them. Being in two places at the same time is challenging, especially when I enjoy spending time with everyone. The other weekend I attended an event that my friends were hosting and a private party at another venue. The events were within walking distance but I missed DJ and producer <a href="https://soundcloud.com/joshplews" target="_blank">Josh Plews</a> provide everyone with an education. Afterwards the challenge increased; I attempted to be in three places at once but it didn't really happen. I’m up in the club. I'm down on the grind. I'm needing a still to slow down the time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That evening Loco Dice returned to Leeds with Robert Dietz, both were playing at Mint Warehouse and the extensive lighting improvements were well received. The crowd favourite, Loco Dice constructed an impressive set, playing with reverb and delays. The track that stood out the most from his performance was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUXv7kwc7yc" target="_blank">Adapter - Yasir (Original Mix)</a>. Mint Presents<i> </i>was enjoyable, especially with the improved lighting but not sure about the impromptu dancing at the end. The [<a href="http://www.mixmag.net/words/features/shuffle-trouble" target="_blank">foot shufflers</a>] have sent us a message... that they can dance however they want. That no one can stop them. Well, we will send them a message. And we will show them that they can't dance! And that this... this is our land! I imagine auditions for modern dance schools requiring similar choreography! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon that I hadn't experienced before the weekend. It's a transition state between being awake and rest characterised by an inability to move. I didn't enjoy the experience, being unable to move and having visions was overwhelming. I watched my daughter leave the room, heard a baby crying and attempted speaking but these incidents were constructed by my subconscious. I felt like someone was pressing down onto my body and I couldn't support the weight. Many people that experience sleep paralysis are struck with a deep sense of terror, because they sense a presence in the room. I tried to explore the room but the pieces of the puzzle didn't fit together! Not too much difference with events from the real world! </span>
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Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-78659034422701781082014-03-21T11:40:00.000+00:002014-03-21T11:40:51.466+00:00Lights Will Guide You Home<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>“Harry'll do it. I know it. He doesn't know how to fail.”</i>
</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wasn't looking for anything but then I found myself and lost something that I couldn't replace. I was holding onto three years but all I found was cigarettes and alcohol. Human sympathy has its limits, and we weren't content to let arguments fade with the city lights behind. It's true that store fronts rarely change and it's time to learn how to manage on my own again. Thirty — the promise of a decade of loneliness, but I wasn't alone and we're still going down in an earlier round!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last weekend provided plenty of drama, entertainment and distraction. I had intended to attend an event in London but work related matters took priority. I arrived in Leeds Friday afternoon, preparations were in the advanced stages for an event in Headingley and everyone was getting ready! There was so much enthusiasm, but unfortunately when we arrived security confronted one of my friends and created a situation. I didn't know what was occurring because it happened so suddenly but it was soon resolved. The event was hosted by Loco, combining music with installations and live art. The venue was impressive and the event was well organised throughout the night. I spent that morning at a friends house and in the afternoon I was abducted by pirates. By the time I left the 'boat' it was dark outside again, but I was ready for the night ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had expected more people to be involved that evening as Nest were celebrating their fourth birthday. Those that were in attendance witnessed one of the founders of Nest being escorted from the premises. Security again overreacting and creating an unnecessary situation. Afterwards I travelled to another venue and then headed to an after party with some friends. It escalated quickly at the house! What started as pitching pounds, descended into carnage as several guitars were broken over the head of the founder who had earlier been dismissed from the club. He'll break any guitar in' world! I was then introduced to a modified version of Turkish wrestling. I didn't participate, those that did looked like they had been hit with a chair! The highlight of the afternoon was when one of the guests became acquainted with a rubber toy. My face hurt from laughing so much! Also at the party was Yorkshire music mogul, Dave Beer, promoter of the UK's longest running club night Back to Basics and recently crowned undisputed champion of pitching pounds. It's the first time I've spent any time with the unofficial mayor of Leeds and I hope I'm still going strong at his age. When I returned home that evening, I realised I had managed to distance from recent problems and enjoyed the weekend. That's something I need to do more, anyone for pitching pounds?</span>
Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-88881652794376797192014-03-12T18:59:00.000+00:002014-05-14T14:13:47.428+01:00Too Good To Be True<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“<i>I'm the king of the world!</i>”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been polishing the brass on the Titanic. It's all going down, man. Those close enough to the iceberg will understand my frustration. Only know you've been high when you're feeling low. Only hate the road when you're missing home. Only know you love her when you let her go, and in the <i>Titanic </i>(1997) he let her go. The film portrays the struggle Jack Dawson, a penniless artist, and Rose DeWitt Bukater have to fight to be together. After braving several obstacles, he dies of hypothermia and she is saved. The closest I have been to developing hypothermia is receiving the cold shoulder; the symptoms aren't related. The film is directed, written, co-produced, co-edited and partly financed by James Cameron. Unfortunately Jack Dawson never did exist. Instead <a href="http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/the-real-jack-dawson.html" target="_blank">Mr Joseph Dawson</a>, 23, from Dublin, Ireland came to Southampton to look for work. He joined the Titanic as a Trimmer and perished in the sinking. His tale, and the stories of many others taken tragically at an early age, remain untouched by a brush with recent fame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During the 19th century, the Steel City might have had something to say about the construction of the passenger liner. Having gained an international reputation for steel production. Many innovations were developed locally, leading to an increase in the population during the Industrial Revolution. The rapid construction of passenger interchanges has been the subject of recent developments. For example, new rail stations, bus, tram and light rail systems. The population increased momentarily this weekend. While she starts to cry, mascara running down her little Bambi eyes: "Lana, how I hate these lies." </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The signals don't seem right, I don't understand why they last for just one night? I believe this 'non-disclosure agreement' causes more harm than good. The future is history!</span><br />
Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-24592907968737799552014-03-04T20:38:00.002+00:002014-05-14T14:13:57.642+01:00Don't Believe in Yesterday<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Been on another level, since you came...”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He waits; that's what he does. But sometimes that isn't enough. I have recently finished reading <i>The Great Gatsby</i>, and in the book there's a phrase stating that 'there are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.' I'm tired. I'm tired of pursuing. I'm tired of the lies and I'm tired of waiting for opportunities because recently it's felt like I'm in <i>50 First Dates </i>(2000). The mistake I made was to believe there was a chance. Don't blame it on me because you wanted to have fun. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rct-YWvPc7U" target="_blank">Who can you trust</a>? Ladies and gentlemen, this is me expressing my loneliness. Kiss me hard before you go, because it might be the last time. The lies have created a fabricated reality, providing the blissful ignorance of illusion. Take the blue pill and the story ends, you wake up in <i>his</i> bed and believe whatever you want to believe!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Summer had come and passed, the innocent can never last. I attended a festival in September and afterwards we became close friends. I spoke to her frequently and one night in October we ended up together. I had started the final year at university, pressure was overwhelming, relationship was lying on the cold hard ground and the ascent from depth should have led to the bends. I thought my partner was overreacting. By the time her mother intervened the tension had reached a crescendo. I should have listened, because when she reached out it was already too late. There was no subject, but I will never forget the words. I decided to tell her everything when she returned to Leeds. Honesty is supposed to be a virtue but no one wants to hear the truth. She was nervous and I could feel how vulnerable she was when we embraced. I broke her heart that night. Rather she hear what happened in my words, than someone who might not be as intimately involved. I wouldn't have been able to pursue the relationship. The guilt would have been unbearable and I would have placed our mutual friends in a position. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's unfortunate that I have become the other person. It's three in the morning and I'm trying to change your mind. Drunk in love? It seems you only want to know when you're high! I'm disappointed but it's provided a valuable insight. I now understand what it feels like to be on the outside looking in on the situation. Running through the streets; buying oregano; or writing about the experience. There's always someone with a reason...</span><br />
<br />Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-52137110360752954182014-02-25T23:11:00.000+00:002014-02-25T23:13:59.170+00:00Easy Tiger<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“I'd ask you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes...”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I met her in London, she's new in the city and she was down for the night. When travelling to the city people tend to just aim for the bushes. I hadn't read the script but London beckoned, songs about misogyny written by American rap artists. I took a leap of faith, waited for the train and headed for Leicester Square! I would have liked to have prepared something symbolic, instead I ended up at <i>that</i> American restaurant. I have always wanted to assemble a flash mob together in a public place to perform a random sequence. A few years ago I participated in a re-imagining of Mary Shelley's masterpiece, Frankenstein. In a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wimEd__gLj8" target="_blank">unique take on audience participation</a>, thousands were invited to attend Frankenstein's Wedding in their best outfits and play the role of wedding guests. I really enjoyed the event at Kirkstall Abbey but would prefer the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goPvYeQwlPI" target="_blank">Grand Central Station sequence</a> in <i>Friends with Benefits</i> (2011). Closing time, you didn't have to go home but you could have stayed at mine! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I met her in Leeds, she came from the South she had a first for knowledge. I travel to the city every weekend and aim for the night life. There's no closed doors and I'm always on that okey dokey! That evening I attended the Apollonia showcase, I had been anticipating the night for a while and wasn't disappointed. Apollonia is the project collaboration of Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom and Shonky, three of Paris underground's hottest exports. The night exceeded expectations, the highlight was when Dyed Soundorom played the track that we know only through the vocal sample. The night changed direction when she messaged! I wasn't sure what to expect, especially knowing that she doesn't approve of the creatures of the night. She came to the house where I was staying and we spoke briefly. People are so eager for the inside story though and the circus in the basement became a distraction. Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end! </span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-66238156227361574102014-02-20T22:48:00.001+00:002014-02-20T22:48:49.116+00:00Chasing Balloons<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Nights ends so much quicker than the days did.<br />
Same clothes, you aren't ready for your day shift.”
</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I travelled to Leeds at the weekend, hoping the city would provide a distraction. I spend so much time on the move, passing through transitory space, travelling between cities and places. It would be impossible to undertake the routine practices of my life without public transport, telecommunications and mobile applications. The world consists of a complicated series of events and the connections alternate, overlap or combine and thereby determine our sense of place. I had a busy schedule. Intending to avoid the bright lights and fly like paper, get high like planes. Twelve months ago it was a different story. I was struggling with my emotions, deadlines and <a href="http://vimeo.com/65856079" target="_blank">paper cuts</a>. I wasted the good surprise! I wasn't folding planes this year, I was folding pages and trying to find the questions. I hadn't spoken to the-one-that-broke-the-curse in a few days but I expected to hear her voice at some point over the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I won't ever understand why people upload unnecessary photos. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A moment on your lips, forever on your Facebook profile! Although i</span>t makes a change to be featured because I usually avoid the photojournalists. I rarely attend student nights but it was my friend's birthday and we had an area reserved. It was a good night, everyone had so much enthusiasm! The night ended early, but so did my resilience and I lost my page again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hate sending those text messages, obviously motivated by impaired judgement through alcohol consumption. Fortunately the response I received was positive so I was spared any embarrassment. There's a chapter in <i>The Great Gatsby </i>(1925) that I have thought about in depth recently. The scene where Jay Gatsby has a greenhouse brought to Nick Carraway's house in preparation for the arrival of Daisy Buchanan. I have always thought that these grand gestures are appreciated but I'm not sure they are any more. I still remember the email that everyone received after last year's showcase!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The following nights merged into each other but I remember coming up to breathe before diving back into the music. On Friday I arrived at the club with some Valentine's Day balloons that had been acquired from a restaurant. These proved to be a popular choice but they were a distraction so I decided to give mine away. The aftermath provided the usual exemplary performances. The talking points focused on someone's choice of clothing and a friendship that appears to have taken the scenic route. Birthday proceedings resumed that evening and while everyone looked stunning and fresh I was struggling to keep pace. During the night I was even asked whether I wanted to get on someone's shoulders! I refused because the girl was clearly not considering our difference in size. The after party continued on to the afternoon before everyone headed home. I was played out that weekend by an interesting phone call with several friends. Ain't nobody got time for that...</span><br />
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Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-6898797646826606542014-02-12T17:49:00.000+00:002014-02-12T17:49:32.672+00:00A Day in the Life<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I envy those that don't stray too far from the path. The people that can hide their emotions and abandon everything without looking back even once. Too often I have been secluded by the isolation of being on the outside looking in. But at the same time I'll always take a leap of faith. I would rather believe in something intangible or unproven, than become an old man, filled with regret... I travelled to Leeds at the weekend. I have made the journey many times in the last few months and there's no chance I'll wake up on the wrong side of any bed. I was physically present throughout, but mentally absent due to being preoccupied with my wandering thoughts. I saw <i>her</i> face again, oh boy, but unfortunately I didn't make the grade. I was reminded of twenty-eight but there are no words to describe the depth of indifference. Walking through the streets I encountered an expression etched across a familiar face that could easily have been my reflection. I chased shadows for much of the weekend and when it was time to leave I doubt anyone even noticed. Most people forget the first two rules of Fight Club but I was greeted with a different interpretation. The more you beat yourself up, the harder it becomes to find the answers and move on...</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-61694540213799720522014-02-05T23:59:00.000+00:002015-11-20T07:09:09.056+00:00Empire State of Living Under Influence<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have been told on numerous occasions that I should start writing again. Forgive me Father, for I have sinned. It has been a while since my last <strike>confession</strike> blog post and a lot has happened since then! These are my sins...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Firstly where to begin? That's usually the hardest part, but the start was essentially the beginning of the end of another chapter. In 2010, I became disenchanted by London and pouring myself a cup of ambition wasn't fulfilling. I met someone around this time and decided to travel to university with her and start an undergraduate course. The pursuit of knowledge leads to many places and Leeds appeared on the horizon. Moving to another city provides many challenges and opportunities. Learning another culture, discovering new places and new habits. The first year at university wasn't easy, and settling in was difficult with so many distractions. Freshers Week will be remembered for the wrong reasons but it made my relationship stronger. At least that's what I thought at the time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Previously I wrote about travelling to Ibiza to work there with my partner and several friends. I expected so much from the experience because Ibiza is a spiritual island but I returned early with a burden bearing down on my shoulders. When we first arrived at the airport there was so much anticipation. Ibiza. Billboards, palm trees, clubs on the beach and everything makes you wonder. Then within a month it felt overwhelming. And in that moment, I swear we were finite. The hourglass measuring <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiZNSzWIaLo" target="_blank">our time together had been influenced</a>. You have to play the best game you can with the cards that you're dealt. I focused on university assignments, spending longer in the library as a distraction. This only widened the divide and I began to neglect feelings and responsibilities. Then I dismissed what was important and became immersed in the music scene.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Reckless is fun when you're not the one that gets hurt. I broke her heart and then questioned how “[she] could abandon me so unceremoniously, without any sort of goodbye, without looking back even once.” The quote is from Yann Martel's <i>Life of Pi </i>(2001) and it's one that has resonated with me in regards to the pain. We shared so many memories over the three years, both in London and in Leeds. There are ways of mediating space and we made a home in the routine passages of life, producing our own version of the city. I still see her everywhere, the language written through the streets and read out as if aloud but only I can locate the landmarks. I composed our image on the city and now all that remains are memories. I pursued her for months, but there was no reconciliation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I finished University with First Class Honours and Joint Winner of the Alan McGregor Prize for Exceptional Contribution to the School of Cultural Studies and Humanities. I also had my dissertation published with Lambert Academic Publishing titled '<a href="https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details//store/gb/book/978-3-659-43425-9/a-critical-analysis-of-facebook-as-a-method-of-manipulating-consent" target="_blank">A Critical Analysis of Facebook as a Method of Manipulating Consent</a>'. I dedicated the publication to our time together but everything paled in comparison to how much I loved her. It wasn't the ending I had envisioned for university. I watched her graduation from a lecture theatre although it wasn't the same as being there to celebrate her achievement. Even though it's not much of a consolation I hoped she would at least want to be photographed beside me that afternoon but she wasn't interested. The night before my graduation ceremony we had an argument and her words were devastating. I wept like a child. I had never experienced that side of her before and I felt betrayed. I managed to hold it together during the ceremony but when she approached outside the Great Hall I couldn't control my emotions and I fell to pieces. I'll always regret not having my photograph taken with her that day!</span>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-36956587256882377692012-11-22T22:59:00.000+00:002013-08-09T23:09:55.017+01:00Run From The Lights<iframe src="http://prezi.com/embed/xnnbwcq7dm35/?bgcolor=ffffff&lock_to_path=1&autoplay=0&autohide_ctrls=0&features=undefined&disabled_features=undefined" width="550" height="400" frameBorder="0"></iframe>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-20279816286972791902012-02-17T08:40:00.000+00:002012-03-08T13:28:43.026+00:00Nine Lives. One Destiny.<div class="zemanta-img" style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pussboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Puss in Boots (Shrek)" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="194" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/74/Pussboots.jpg/300px-Pussboots.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Being a parent, I know that children need to be entertained.
My son, for instance, has a short attention span, so finding something to keep
him occupied has many advantages. I have found that cinema offers an attractive
outing for the whole family. Rather than stare at the small flickering box in
the living room, you get to share the experience with strangers in front of a
much larger box. At least I don’t have to contend with him arguing with his
sister about what they’re watching. A box of popcorn and they’re content until
the credits.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448694/" rel="imdb" title="Puss in Boots (2011 film)">Puss in Boots</a> was the preferred choice, the
computer-animated film acts as a prelude to the Shrek franchise. After his
success as a supporting character, Puss (Antonio Banderas) gets his own
self-titled movie. We learn that Puss has been known by many names; Diablo
Gato, The Furry Lover, Chupa Cabra, Frisky Two Times and then The Gingerhead
man. But to most Puss in Boots, outlaw! Based years before he meets Shrek and
Donkey, the story follows his early adventures at an orphanage in San Ricardo.
We’re introduced to lifelong companion Humpty Alexander Dumpty (Zach
Galifianakis), and love interest Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Those familiar with the Shrek lineage will know what to
expect, there’s the fairy tale characters <a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1619573,00.html" target="_blank">parodied and popular culturesaturated</a>, <a href="http://articles.boston.com/2011-10-28/ae/30333038_1_puss-salma-hayek-boots" target="_blank">plot points, and conventions</a>. Through much of their childhood, Puss
and Humpty grew up in the orphanage. However, as they grew older, the harmless
pranks they performed as children soon turned into crimes. They eventually
drift apart, their dreams of finding magic beans abandoned through betrayal.
But, Humpty returns with a plot to achieve their lifelong goal, and with Kitty
Softpaws plan to steal the magic beans from Jack and Jill, grow a beanstalk,
and find the golden goose of legend. Naturally, there are complications along
the way! Jack and Jill for instance aren’t the cute kids from the nursery
rhyme; they’re angry outlaws with domestic issues. Humpty the long-estranged
childhood friend has questionable intentions. Whilst Kitty Softpaws, one of the
most feared and well-respected high-end thieves, takes on the role of the femme
fatale. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Banderas, as he proved with the <i>Shrek </i>franchise, was <a href="http://www.boxofficemagazine.com/reviews/2011-10-puss-in-boots-2011" target="_blank">born to play this role</a>. He’s much better than
any visual effect and the advantage is that you don’t need to use fancy glasses
to appreciate him. All you need are your ears! Salma Hayek does well as Kitty
Softpaws, while <a href="http://www.miami.com/039puss-boots039-pg-article" target="_blank">Galifianakis gets so into character</a> that I didn’t realise it
was him. He doesn’t have the same impact as Walt Dohrn’s, Rumpelstiltskin from
the <i>Shrek </i>series but he’s still
likeable. Overall this is a pleasant story for the character that felt
like the best part of the original movies. The beginning has decent pace and
originality, even if the ending does become predictable. Children and adults
will really enjoy this movie and even though this was intended to be a straight
to DVD release, I’m hoping there will be more from <i>Puss in Boots</i>.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=d922fcaa-0b34-44d5-ace8-4b919a3d44a8" style="border: none; float: right;" /></span></a></div>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-14207983541446055962012-02-15T23:00:00.000+00:002012-02-16T01:22:39.630+00:00Keep Talking..<div class="zemanta-img" style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anonymous_at_Scientology_in_Los_Angeles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Anonymous with Guy Fawkes masks at Scientology..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="164" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Anonymous_at_Scientology_in_Los_Angeles.jpg/300px-Anonymous_at_Scientology_in_Los_Angeles.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stephen Hawking’s famously stated that “…all we need to do is make sure we keep talking.” Freedom of speech is a necessity but it’s also a myth, especially with censorship and privacy concerns frequently appearing in the news. What’s the Arab Spring again? Governments and organisations compete to regulate and moderate the Internet and there’s an arms race developing between Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Together so much could be achieved but legislation and lawsuits only widen the divide. There would be anarchy if there were no rules in place, but bills like the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) are bad policy and would harm innovation. While I support the desire to stop piracy and protect intellectual property, the US government already has considerable power to arrest people and seize assets in other countries. Is more power even necessary?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Adam Curtis’ documentary series <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0430484/" rel="imdb" title="The Power of Nightmares">The Power of Nightmares</a>: “Baby it’s Cold Outside” (2004) claims that in the past, politicians offered us dreams of a better world. When this optimistic vision failed, people lost faith in ideologies. Today’s politicians are seen as managers of public life, instead of delivering dreams they promise to protect us from nightmares. Threats like the war on terror, that Curtis claims is an imagined threat, an illusion created and played out through the media. Such a view marks out a decline in trust in democratic politics, which in the last decade have become increasingly trivialised, with political consultants “spin doctors” attempting to shape the public attitude. David Cameron’s Big Society aims to provide a platform to communicate, but pressure groups have emerged with similar intentions to engage communities into public discussions. These assemblies allow people to voice their ideas for a better future through collaborative production. Declaring it’s time for citizens to represent themselves. The revolution might not be televised but the media have an important role in shaping the public opinion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In recent years digital activism has become common place, allowing groups to raise awareness in issues that might oppose the mainstream. WikiLeaks are an organisation that takes this further by publishing and commenting on leaked documents. The site is designed to protect whistle-blowers, journalists and activists who have sensitive materials to communicate to the public. The organisation has been applauded and condemned for its approach to releasing information to the public, but despite the mixed reaction, there’s no denying that people coming together can make a difference. Since the publications of “CableGate”, WikiLeaks has faced an unprecedented global financial blockade by major finance companies including Mastercard, Visa and PayPal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first step is admitting there’s a problem, and then collectively, people can work towards finding a solution. Fight Club (1999) could be interpreted as an example of how activist groups mobilise to challenge the mainstream. The narrator attends support groups, becomes increasingly disillusioned with consumer culture and through collaborative participation leads to the collapse of several financial buildings. Anonymous who are Internet activists parallel Fight Club, they are a large, decentralized group of individuals who share common interests and coordinate to achieve self-agreed goals. Members don’t talk about their involvement and they conceal their identities. The imagery of the “suit without a head” represents leaderless organization and anonymity. When appearing in public the Internet-based group use the Guy Fawkes mask popularised by V for Vendetta (2006) for ‘collective identification and simultaneous anonymity’ (The BBC, 2011).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another people-powered movement that utilises the Internet are <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_Wall_Street" rel="wikipedia" title="Occupy Wall Street">Occupy Wall Street</a> and the other occupations around the world (occupywallst.org). Organized through a non-binding consensus based collective decision making tool known as a “people’s assembly”. They are fighting back against major banks and multinational corporations, who they believe are responsible for the ‘economic collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations’. The movement is inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, and aims to fight back against ‘the richest 1% of people that are writing the rules of an unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future’.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Internet has become an important political platform, national borders have become much less important and there’s growing organisational complexity in contemporary life. To resolve issues, people need to communicate much more and fulfil promises; the blame culture needs to change before we’re able to move forward. This won’t happen overnight but rather through evolution than revolution.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-related">
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Related articles</span></h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themetonline.co.uk/culture/keep-talking/">Keep Talking..</a> (themetonline.co.uk)</span></li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.joedawsons.com/2011/12/to-what-extent-does-it-make-sense-to.html">To What Extent Does it Make Sense to Think of Britain's Political System as Outdated in the Context of Sophisticated New Technology Use and Creative Direct Action by Pressure Groups Such as Occupy London Stock Exchange? (Essay)</a> (joedawsons.com)</span></li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/world/anonymous-explainer/index.html&a=74699583&rid=f122008b-ab35-410e-9037-e7afe9a6c2e8&e=ce58c6f8c88123041ef3d75048259c75">Who is Anonymous? Everyone and no one</a> (cnn.com)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=f122008b-ab35-410e-9037-e7afe9a6c2e8" style="border: none; float: right;" /></span></a></div>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-17708087994632410592011-12-16T10:30:00.000+00:002012-02-09T16:19:09.555+00:00To What Extent Does it Make Sense to Think of Britain’s Political System as Outdated in the Context of Sophisticated New Technology Use and Creative Direct Action by Pressure Groups Such as Occupy London Stock Exchange? (Essay)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">To understand
whether Britain’s political system represents the rights and interests of the
vast majority of people, it is necessary to analyse the technology available, how
pressure groups influence debate and how the media frame public opinion. Adam
Curtis’ documentary series <i>The Power of Nightmares:
“Baby it’s Cold Outside”</i> (2004) claims that in the past, politicians
offered us dreams of a better world. When this optimistic vision failed, people
lost faith in ideologies. Today’s politicians are seen as managers of public
life, instead of delivering dreams they promise to protect us from nightmares.
Threats like the war on terror, that Curtis claims is an imagined threat, an
illusion created and played out through the media. Such a view marks out a
decline in trust in democratic politics, which in the last decade have become
increasingly trivialised, with political consultants attempting to shape the
public attitude. The Big Society aims to provide a</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">platform
to communicate, but pressure groups have emerged with similar intentions to
engage communities into public discussions. These assemblies allow people to
voice their ideas for a better future through collaborative production.
Declaring it’s time for citizens to represent themselves. The revolution might
not be televised but misrepresentation through the media seems inevitable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">In
the book <i>The Structural Transformation of
the Public </i>Sphere (1989), Jürgen Habermas argues that in the twentieth
century the critical concept of public opinion has been replaced by mass
public, manipulated by commercial and party political interest groups
(Outhwaite, 1996: 25). This decline of the public sphere thesis underplays the
potential for social movements and mediated publics. Especially when we consider that technological
advances are ‘ altering the way we are born, we live, we learn, we work, we
produce, we consume, we dream, we fight, or we die’ (Castells, 2000: 31). Providing
access to broader opinions, access to non-mainstream and localised political
material, and offering greater interactivity than other media. The rise of
communications media has overcome barriers and ‘made the boundaries of all
social spaces more permeable’ (Meyrowitz, 1994: 67). Rather than being
overwhelmed or distracted, ‘emergent publics’ (Angus, 2001: 55) have become
more focused on relevance and collaborative production. Wikipedia being the
most famous example, the non-profit organisation has thousands of volunteers contributing
to articles around the world with collective action and shared responsibility. The
‘people’s encyclopedia’ has become one of the largest and most popular websites
on the Internet (Alexa, 2011). Hans Magnus Enzensberger emphasises the capacity
of an individual to be an active contributor to his or her own condition,
unlike in ‘marches, columns, parades’ in which people are simply ‘pushed to and
fro’; the mobilised persons would be ‘as free as dancers, as aware as football
players, as surprising as guerrillas’ (Hands, 2011: 50). Enzensberger details
the capacity to create multidirectional communication, disseminating knowledge
and information on a scale and time-frame that was impossible before the
emergence of the Internet. In recent
years digital activism has come to widespread attention, the power of
communications, networks and mobile technology, demonstrates the sheer power of
cumulative connections (Hands, 2011: 3). The Internet has become a key resource for
activism, allowing groups to raise awareness in issues that might oppose the
mainstream. WikiLeaks are an organisation that takes this further by publishing
and commenting on leaked documents. Designed
to protect whistle-blowers, journalists and activists who have sensitive
materials to communicate to the public (WikiLeaks, 2011). The organisation has
been applauded and condemned for its approach to releasing information to the
public, but despite the mixed reaction, there’s no denying that people coming
together can make a difference. Since the publications of CableGate, WikiLeaks
has faced an unprecedented global financial blockade by major finance companies
including Mastercard, Visa and PayPal (Wikipedia).<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">People should not be afraid of their
governments. Governments should be afraid of their people – <i>V for Vendetta</i> (2006).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
first step is admitting there’s a problem, and then collectively, people can
work towards finding a solution. <i>Fight
Club </i>(1999) could be interpreted as an example of how activist groups mobilise
to challenge the mainstream. The narrator attends support groups, becomes
increasingly disillusioned with consumer culture and through collaborative participation
leads to the collapse of several financial buildings. The Anonymous Group parallel
<i>Fight Club</i>, they are a large,
decentralized group of individuals who share common interests. Members don’t
talk about their involvement and they conceal their identities. The imagery of
the "suit without a head" represents leaderless organization and
anonymity. When appearing in public the Internet-based group use the Guy Fawkes
mask popularised by <i>V for Vendetta</i>
(2006) for ‘collective identification and simultaneous anonymity’ (<i>The BBC</i>, 2011). The group became well
known in 2008, launching an online campaign against the Church of Scientology.
Through a denial of service attack, they caused the website to crash and then
manipulated Google search results to ensure that the Church of Scientology are the
first hit whenever anyone enters the search string "dangerous cult" (<i>The Telegraph</i>, 2008). They have been
responsible for similar attacks and highlight the collective potential for Internet
‘hacktivism’ (Sharp, 2010). Coordinating and organising through communications
media for political purposes. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Another
people-powered movement that utilises the Internet are Occupy Wall Street and the
other occupations around the world (occupywallst.org). Organized through a
non-binding consensus based collective decision making tool known as a
"people's assembly". They are fighting back against major banks and
multinational corporations, who they believe are responsible for the ‘economic
collapse that has caused the greatest recession in generations’. The movement
is inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, and aims to fight back
against ‘the richest 1% of people that are writing the rules of an unfair
global economy that is foreclosing on our future’.<i> </i>The concept behind the ‘<i>We
Are the 99 Percent’</i> slogan began on Tumblr (Weinstein, 2011), a microblogging
platform that allows users to share various media. Its creator had no clue that
it would go viral and become a touchstone for a protest movement soon to spread
across the world (motherjones.com). Facebook was used to launch the Occupy
London campaign on 15<sup>th</sup> October, the objective to reclaim space close
to the London Stock Exchange. The movement use communications media to raise
awareness, thus bypassing authorities, with Twitter being used effectively to
group conversation and promote ideas. The
mainstream media have been inconsistent with their coverage and increasingly
people have turned to photography and video-sharing services to obtain
information. YouTube and Flickr have been particularly popular, providing
images of heavy handed police tactics and the solidarity between protesters. This
method of documentary is a media output where the technology, the aesthetic,
the social and the political intersect. The visual text has played an important
role in shaping the story and asserting factuality. Walter Benjamin believes ‘that ideas are
structured as images, and that what is at stake is therefore a praxis that can
operate with images – a politics of images, not a figurative or metaphorical
politics’ (Weigel, 1996, p. 10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The media are actively involved in
constituting the social world. By making images and information available to
individuals located in distant locales, the media shape and influence the
course of events and, indeed, create events that would not have existed in
their absence (Thompson, 1995: 117).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Internet offers many ways of connecting cultural-political content in a variety
of forms and styles to audiences (Collins, 2006: 353). The problem is
misrepresentation and the role the media play in shaping the public opinion. In
Stuart Hall’s (1980) theory, the assumption is that any society’s dominant
ideas will be encoded into its media messages. Let’s consider youth audiences,
as unemployment continues to rise, university fees have trebled and there’s the
perception that young people lack interest in politics. Such influence becomes
particularly problematic for young people when certain media accounts,
especially newspapers contain a bias towards negative content. The findings
from this paper claim that it’s a long known criminological fact that a small
number of young people tend to commit a disproportionately high number of
offences, and that positive contributions to society by young people tend to be
both overlooked and overshadowed. In Stan Cohen’s <i>Folk Devils and Moral Panics </i>(2002) emergent groups are referred to
as a ‘threat to societal values and interests’, which are ‘presented in a
stylized and stereotypical fashion by the mass media’. In response to the UK
riots in 2011, <i>The Guardian </i>report
that David Cameron blamed absent fathers and poor school discipline, whilst on
the other hand Ed Miliband blamed MPs & bankers for culture of
irresponsibility. Irresponsibility acknowledged by pressure groups and the
opposition leader but ignored by the Prime Minister. Youth is a problematic
category but the media defining them as the ‘broken society’ is also problematic.
The Conservative Party’s white knight, the Big Society needs to replicate the
grass roots revolution that was influential for Barack Obama. Without the
Internet, Barack Obama wouldn’t have won the Democratic Primary, and would not
have been elected President (Hands, 2011). Obama opened up a dialogue with
people through new technology. This needs to happen in Britain otherwise the
Big Society will be seen as just an imagined community. The government needs to
do more to engage with wider communities, create opportunities and educate
disillusioned groups. The media have an important role because they have the
potential to influence the public but issues of trust, party allegiance and
alternative sources have led to the fragmentation of collective values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Internet has become an important political platform, national borders have
become much less important and there’s growing organisational complexity in
contemporary life. Global economic problems dictate the news and pressure
groups have raised even more questions about trust and accountability. People are
engaging with different, rather than shared, forms of media output (Washbourne,
2010) and the concern is that they ‘will engage with such different ideas that
they will no longer desire to say anything to each other’. People spend an
increased amount of time consuming mass media, but with so much information
available it’s difficult to find accurate representation. This fragmentation
has led to declining television audiences, and forced programme makers to
redesign political broadcasts into entertainment packages. Rather than
sustained and serious analysis, news and current affairs programmes are
shorter, there’s an enhanced role for the reporter who often becomes part of
the story, stories are provided with a good-versus-evil orientation and
celebrities are used as key ingredients of the programmes. This model has been
criticised, and rightly so, because although there’s potential for the content
to reach a greater audience the content seems to be in the best interests of
the media in much the same way as globalisation. To increase profit through
commercialisation, benefiting from larger markets and generating the highest
possible return in a ‘competitive climate’. The decline of the public sphere is
evident, primarily because the media have too much control and powerful
organisation control the information broadcast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">It
appears that the political system is outdated; globalisation and
commercialisation have made it more difficult to be represented properly
through the current model. The mainstream media manipulate the news and are
able to shape the public opinion to ensure profit maximisation and market
control. The Internet provides a gateway to access and distribute information, and
through collaborative production each person can participate, make a proposal,
raise questions, express their opinion and have a consensus regarding the
outcome. This empowers individuals and collectively groups can challenge
dominant views. Pressure groups have emerged and shown that it’s possible to
use various forms of media to show the world that people can make a difference.
Unfortunately we have also seen that the Internet can be used to censor
material and makes it harder not easier for people to be interested. To resolve
the problem, the government need to engage audiences and fulfil promises, the
blame culture needs to change before we’re able to move forward. This won’t
happen overnight but rather through evolution than revolution.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Word count: 2025<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Bibliography<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Occupy Wall Street. (2011) <i>About</i>. < </span><a href="http://occupywallst.org/about/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">http://occupywallst.org/about/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> > </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">[Accessed 15<sup>th</sup>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Outhwaite, William. (1996) <i>The Habermas Reader</i>. MA: Polity Press.
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34512262.post-56880170844347053012011-12-12T17:16:00.000+00:002011-12-12T17:16:19.464+00:00To What Extent has the Rise of Communications Media Affected Patterns of Social Interaction? (Essay)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Symbolic
interactionism (Blumer, 1969: 2) can be used to explore how individuals act and
evaluate meanings, how meaning is generated through social interaction and how
meaning is interpreted according to encounters. In 1968, Andy Warhol predicted
that “In the future, everyone will be famous for fifteen minutes.” In the age
of reality television and video-sharing websites, it could be argued that has
been achieved. Anything, or anyone, has the potential to become a viral
phenomenon, and ordinary people can become celebrities overnight. The rise of
communications media has overcome barriers and ‘made the boundaries of all
social spaces more permeable’ (Meyrowitz, 1994: 67). Through social networks
individuals identify with each other and communicate on mass, sharing
information and experiences. These connections extend social interaction
rituals, allowing celebrities and public figures to become more accessible,
thus creating an ‘illusion of intimacy’ (Horton and Wohl, 2004: 375). The
ability to connect and interact with anyone online has provided more freedom,
but this virtual ‘self’ influences both online and real-life ‘performances’. We
act differently; more confident and aggressive online which seems to compensate
for the restrains we might feel in real life. As these ‘personas’ become more
and more connected and entangled, there’s potential for it to become less easy
to separate them. The derivative of Andy Warhol’s prediction could be that in
the future, everyone will eventually become obscure for fifteen minutes.<span style="color: red;"><br />
<br />
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In
order to understand how advances in communications media influence social
interaction, it is necessary to analyse ‘the dynamic relations between
producers, texts, technologies and interpretive audiences’ (Laughey, 2007: 78).
Technology is changing the world; telecommunications have progressed from the early
use of visual signals and audio messages to email, social networks and video-sharing
services. The capacity and demand to exchange information in ‘real-time’,
across significant distances is growing at an exponential rate. Real-time is
when individuals respond to actions as they’re published, the exact time an action
becomes visible being equal to the time it takes to ‘select, check, suspend,
regroup and transform the meaning’ (Blumer, 1969: 5). The huge volume of this information
produced means that there’s more emphasis on relevance, validity and first
impressions. Erving Goffman’s self-presentation thesis can be used to explore the
techniques deployed by individuals and groups to perform an expression of
themselves to others. Goffman’s theories are mostly concerned with face-to-face
encounters, but they can be applied to mediated forms of interaction. His model
for understanding social interaction is the theatrical stage with individuals
performing roles. The word person, in its first meaning, is a mask (Park, 1950:
249). The mask being a metaphor that everyone is basically playing a role; and
it’s in these roles that we know each other and ourselves. At one extreme <i>Pinocchio </i>(1940), attempts to present
himself in a light that is favourable to him when confronted about school
attendance. He projects the claim that he’s telling the truth, but the
impression he <i>gives off</i> doesn’t
convince those present. If you feign the truth then your nose will grow. At the
other extreme, we find the performance in <i>The
Invention of Lying </i>(2009) to be cynical, deluding others for
‘self-interest’ but the expression is believed as an absolute truth and the
‘audience’ don’t question the validity of the performance. These are extreme
examples, but indicate that obtaining fact lies beyond the time and place, such
factors as the knowledge possessed about the individual need to be considered.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Society is organised on the principle
that any individual who possesses certain social characteristics has a moral
right to expect that others will value and treat him [/her] in an appropriate
way. Connected with this principle is a second, namely that an individual who
implicitly or explicitly signifies that he has certain social characteristics
ought in fact to be what he claims he is (Goffman, 1959: 24).<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Web-based
social networks have made it possible for individuals to maintain social
connections, share interests, activities and control <i>expressions</i> of themselves online through self-presentation
techniques. William Shakespeare’s phrase “All the world’s a stage”, could have
been referring to today’s Internet driven era. Facebook has become the largest
theatrical stage, where individuals perform to their social connections,
providing updates, sharing music, photos and videos. Goffman divides these
‘stage-managed regions’ of self-representation into two parts: ’front’ and
‘back’. On Facebook, individuals attempt to accurately represent themselves, the
‘front’ region through pictures, status updates and shared personal information.
Consciously omitting flaws and presenting themselves how they would like to be
received. The ‘back’ region emerges through tagged photos and regrettable actions
that might create an unfavourable opinion. Facebook provides extensive privacy controls
to protect individuals and options are available to remove any unwanted items
from the timeline. Positioned as the essential form of interaction for our
generation, the <i>LA Times </i>reported
recently that ‘Facebook had passed 800 million users’, if the social network
was a country, it would be the third largest in the world. Stretching across
continents and bringing people together, new media technologies have no
boundaries. Individuals from different backgrounds are able to interact with
each other in real-time and inhabit the same social spaces. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">People are no longer defined by
physical boundaries or places (where we are) but rather networks of information
and knowledge (what we know) – facilitated by new media technologies that have
no sense of place (Laughey, 2007: 85). <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Joshua
Meyrowitz (1985) draws on Goffman’s notion of front and backstage behaviour,
analysing electronic media and ‘how media can affect social situations and the
social networks with which individuals identify.’ These media environments
enable participants to share knowledge, regardless of literacy skills and
develop interpersonal relationships. These are maintained without ever meeting
in person, with information exchanged without a face-to-face encounter, which
includes facial movements, gestures, and tone of voice. Increasingly television
and electronic media, especially social networks and video-sharing services
like YouTube, have led to public figures becoming more accessible and backstage
behaviour being witnessed by millions. Kanye West has been involved in several
high profile controversies. <i>The</i> <i>Washington Post </i>reported on the benefit
concert for Hurricane Katrina, where he criticised George W. Bush claiming that
he didn’t “care about black people.” The visual text is more significant than
the opinion because those involved appear uncomfortable, displaying
uncharacteristic behaviour. There have also been several incidents at music
award ceremonies, where the rappers public performances have led to widespread
criticism. Russell Brand, Jonathan Ross, Andy Gray and Jeremy Clarkson are
other notable celebrities that have caused outrage in recent years. Politicians
have also been exposed to high profile controversies, George W. Bush had a
gaffe-prone leadership and Gordon Brown was caught on microphone describing a voter
as a "bigoted woman". Britney Spears being the most controversial, with
her breakdown being played out through the media. Meyrowitz suggests that a new
type of behaviour has evolved, referring to this as ‘middle-region,’ which
forces media personalities to be more accountable for their actions. Video-sharing
websites though provide an alternative, creating Internet celebrities that are
ordinary people whose backstage region can gain them widespread recognition. These
ordinary people come from different backgrounds, achieve Internet fame and receive
significant publicity. Social interaction around these video-sharing services
produces interesting results, providing amateurs the means to gain exposure,
respond to popular issues and reach an audience. YouTube comments have
admittedly established a bad reputation for the value that they contribute to
the videos, but essentially the only reading should be achieved through the
visual text. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">YouTube has become the go-to website
for finding topical and obscure streaming video clips, but everyday experiences
also indicate how fleeting such access can be. Viewers and academics have
quickly come to treat the site as an informal archive of television texts
(Hilderbrand, 2007: 48). <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John
B. Thompson argues that media ‘help to maintain and renew our sense of identity,
tradition and belonging’. YouTube rather than displacing corporate media, the
video-sharing service recirculates footage, childhood memories and nostalgia.
Another example is the challenges that face traditional print media, as advertising
revenue and online distribution have changed how media is being consumed. The
main threat will be its ability to understand, implement and embrace new
interactive tools. The web still has ‘pages’, renewing existing news reading
practices, and online distribution has the potential to reach further, provide
more revenue and protect the environment. Thompson refers to ‘everyday
encounters with media, especially television,’ as ‘mediated quasi-interactions’,
which has the effect of bringing global events and issues close to home.
Thompson was concerned with the process of interaction between media producers
and audiences, and ‘the degree of reciprocity and interpersonal specificity’
(Thompson, 1995a: 84), that is available through other forms of interaction.
The Internet has changed that because instantaneous exchanges, through which
audiences can feed back their opinion, have become the norm. Twitter trending
topics and hashtags are a contemporary example whereby conversation, grouped around
syntax, contributes to interaction between media producers and audiences. The
micro blogging service incorporates many of the concepts considered, bringing
distant actions into everyday interaction with others. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The media are actively involved in
constituting the social world. By making images and information available to
individuals located in distant locales, the media shape and influence the
course of events and, indeed, create events that would not have existed in their
absence (Thompson, 1995: 117).<span style="color: red;"><br />
<br />
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These
dynamic relationships are complex, Goffman’s <i>Presentation of Self in Everyday Life </i>(1990) is mostly concerned
with face-to-face interaction and how information is conveyed through conduct
and appearance. Attempting to recreate a representation of ‘self’ online isn’t
straight forward; Facebook encourages exchanges between friends and reproducing
‘real-life’ relationships. The relationship status is the most significant
because it has become a passive-aggressive way to validate the ‘real-life’
connection and confirm that the person is exclusively involved with their
partner. There’s so much emphasis on this in popular culture that the
relationship is only considered official when displayed on the profile. Goffman
refers to this as ‘hyper-ritualised mediated self-representation’, where media
reproduce, artificially, what we learn about ourselves through face-to-face
interactions (Laughey, 2007: 84). This can expand opportunities, but ‘online
fronts’ can also be used to mislead and misrepresent. These advances are
significant but ‘an alternative to, rather than accentuation of, face-to-face
interaction’. Thus, the self-representation theory then can be interpreted as
being ideological. Meyrowitz’s theory of placelessness, claims that media
technologies make information and knowledge more accessible, they provide the
shared domain but language and signification is presumed rather than asserted. The
absence of technological, educational and social exclusion from Meyrowitz’s
argument could be compared to <i>The Matrix</i>
(1999) where knowledge is uploaded directly into the mind. This concept works
in a simulated reality but fails to represent authenticity. Thompson’s theory
of mediated quasi-interaction does maintain and renew, adapting to the
‘material and cultural conditions’. Audiences contribute to the dissemination
of media messages, but also play an important role in the distribution. Thus an
extension of his theory could be mediated quasi-production.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The
Internet has extended communities, created subcultures and provided companies
with more reach to maintain audiences. These technologies have also exposed the
focus on popularity, numbers and selfishness. Search engines provide the most
popular results, follower counts and comments are layered across web pages and
advertisers create this idealistic way of life. Thus ‘serve as a common
resource for judging the adequacy of self and others’ (Glassner, 1990: 215). Let’s
consider the advantages that communications media offers children, these
include access to educational materials and communication tools, but as well as
expanding opportunities they’re being exposed to situations beyond their years.
The ability to connect and interact with anyone online has provided more
freedom, but technology has led to misrepresentation, increased backlash and
enabled protest groups to become more organised. During the UK riots in 2011, rioters
coordinated through the BlackBerry Messenger system, built into BlackBerry
handsets and free to use (<i>The Guardian</i>,
2011) causing widespread disruption. The
Occupy Movement, which is an international protest movement, have used social
media to raise awareness and bypass authorities. These acts are seen as deviance
and often referred to as ‘criminal activity’. Howard S. Becker considers this
to be a social construction, a ‘consequence of the application by others of
rules and sanctions to an offender’ (Becker, 1991: 9). This could be
interpreted as there being no right or wrong anymore, and that there's only
popular opinion. Becker’s labelling theory provides an insight into the
interaction between mainstream and deviant cultures but, often these groups
find that it’s difficult to be represented correctly when they’re labelled as
villains. The media contribute to maintaining and renewing this objective view,
and this misrepresentation means that groups become disenchanted. Protests are
inevitable, especially when people come together to act collective for a
greater purpose. The Internet provides a greater reach to be heard, although
being relevant is difficult when there are so many opinions competing for attention.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It
appears that the rise of communications media has not only affected social
interaction but shaped society. Real-time conversations across significant
distances are the norm, access to information, education, news and other data
is instantaneous. Technology creates possibilities, providing the ability to
build and maintain virtual relationships. Progress has been made but more
problems have gained visibility and self-representation has taken on added importance.
Goffman’s model for understanding everyday social interactions is the
theatrical stage and through communications media, individuals attempt to
accurately represent themselves and inhabit the same social spaces. People are no longer defined by physical
places, and networks of information have arisen where collectively knowledge is
shared and the meaning is interpreted. Social construction can be used to
stereotype through the mass media, although popular opinion appears to challenge
media institutions. The patterns of social interaction are changing all the
time, perhaps that’s always been the case but more acknowledged through
communications media. What’s certain is that through the Internet we have a
gateway to infinite possibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bibliography<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Social Theory of the Media</i>. Cambridge: Polity. p. 117.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Joe Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01404265863160190124noreply@blogger.com