Friday, 28 November 2008

Operation Iraqi Freedom

I love YouTube. If it wasn't for the video-sharing site then most people still wouldn't understand just how much democracy and freedom Bush and his government have brought to Iraq... just look at this video clip, for example.

Friday, 21 November 2008

Guardian Chief: BNP map scandal highlights blogging evolution


Neil McIntosh, outgoing head of editorial development of the Guardian Unlimited yesterday hailed the controversial map detailing BNP members’ locations as “an interesting sign of a rise in online data”.

Created two days ago by 26-year-old blogger Ben Charlton with the data from the leaked BNP membership list, the Google map plotted the 10,244 members of the far-right party.

Although Charlton has now removed the map from his website amid criticism of inaccuracy and fears that it could spark vigilante attacks, it has raised the discussion of how increasing access to online data is providing bloggers with new ways of presenting stories.

“People immediately took that information and made it more accessible so anyone could instantly log on and check if they live next to fascists" said McIntosh.

McIntosh, who found one BNP member in his hometown, also revealed that he had concerns about how ethical it was to make such data available, "If you're a liberal you believe that everyone has a right to privacy even if you don't agree with their views".

Charlton defended the map stating that it did not show where individual members lived but rather a general overview of where membership was higher.

Despite being admittedly cynical about citizen journalism, McIntosh emphasized that although bloggers are now doing innovative things with data the BNP map is only the start and given the chance web users will continue to find new ways to push the boundaries of online journalism.

Links for Silver Surfers

It's not just young people who use the net you know ... the rise of the Silver Surfer has resulted in a wave of pensioner-friendly websites.

Here are some links to give to your gran and grandad:




Friday, 14 November 2008

Wossy, Russell and Kerry Katona...

A couple of weeks after Manuel-gate and the dust is finally starting to settle, i.e. The Daily Mail has found something else to occupy itself with.

Wossy emerged from hiding last night looking much slimmer than usual (probably due to that 3-month suspension and the loss of £1million...). And although Russell is still busying himself States-side at least we have his Ponderland show to keep us amused (or rather perplexed and not-that-surprised when he revealed that as an ESOL teacher he tried to bed all of his adult female students).

However... this begs the question of why oh why is Kerry Katona self-confessed coke addict, alcoholic and general mess still fronting the Iceland adverts? As a family company who exactly do the advertising execs at the supermarket chain think they're appealing to? Although it is hardly surprising considering Katona's co-star is no other than Colleen Nolan who once promised to get her son a hooker if he passed his GCSEs (as you do).

So how come Wossy, Russell and others before them (Kate Moss, anyone?) lost contracts and millions of pounds through their various scandals and Katona is still recieving fat checks which are likely to be spent on the you-know-what?