Category: Culture
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Mark Fisher
Not sure how I missed this in January, but genuinely saddened to hear that Mark Fisher has died. Very open about his struggles with mental health, he took his own life. There’s a fantastic summary of his huge influence on cultural theory here, and also here. On a more personal level, I was hugely impressed…
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Theology and Fiction: Telling Stories of Order Amidst The Chaos
I just this week finished John Yorke’s book Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them. It was recommended by a good friend who’s a director in theatre and is also now writing for television. She insisted that I read it before I began any more writing. I’m really glad I did, for…
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Monsters vs Aliens | Immigration, Space Travel and Becoming Syrian
Through a discussion club I run at school I got to thinking about the coincidence of two recent major news threads: immigration and space travel. I know, never a dull day in teaching. In the back of my mind were good friends in a sea-side village about 200 miles from London who have been getting…
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Hockney at Tate Britain
Excellent exhibition. Get there if you can. Find a Tate Member if possible 😉
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Manchester by the Sea | American Men and Emotional Shut-Down
I went to see Manchester by the Sea yesterday evening. Central London cinema. Quite excited. Heard lots of great stuff about the film. Really thought I’d love it. Didn’t. To be clear, I thought the performances were excellent. I thought the cinematography was great. It’s just that the drama left me cold. I wanted to care.…
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Steve Hewlett | Dealing with Cancer
Steve Hewlett, long-time host of the excellent Media Show on BBC Radio 4, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus a few months ago. In typical style, he decided to record regular interviews with new anchor Eddie Mair about his treatment, and how he and his family were dealing with the disease. They have been…