I Predict a Capitalist Riot
The riots in London have been shocking. We still don’t really know exactly what happened to turn a peaceful protest about a man’s death into full-scale riot, but the violence, arson and looting… Continue reading
The Red Post Box: A Royal British Icon
There is nothing more British than guards’ red: Beefeaters, telephone boxes, the London bus, the Yeomen of the Guard, and post boxes. In bright, vibrant red the post box is a highly visible… Continue reading
Masks, Wigs, Diamonds and Hair: Lady Gaga’s Identity Parade
Lady Gaga’s eccentric performance of Hair on the Paul O’Grady Show raised more than a few eyebrows. Hair was an intriguing choice of song, a self-validating anthem of teen independence which certifies that your hair has a crucial… Continue reading
Obliterating a Discipline: Fiscal Gain at the Price of Impoverished Minds
The news hit the web this week that the Classics Dept at Royal Holloway is seriously under threat from closure, due to financial concerns. This is terrible news, and the way it is… Continue reading
H. M. The Queen and Eternal Style
Two new photos emerged in the Sunday newspapers this morning: one of Princess Elizabeth (now H.M. The Queen) on honeymoon with the Duke of Edinburgh, and the other of Queen Elizabeth (later The… Continue reading
Feminism for the 21st Century?
I have to admit, I don’t follow the stereotype of Woman, but only because I don’t want to. I want to be who I am, and not someone else’s (let alone, “society’s”) concept… Continue reading
Magneto, Nazis & Modern Cinema
Magneto is the villain? Right? Maybe… sometimes… sometimes not. In cinema, he’s most certainly the principal character of X Men: First Class. Whether due to his ruggedly handsome appearance, high-calibre acting or charisma,… Continue reading
H.M. The Queen of Green
The first thing that strikes you about this stunning portrait is the dominance of green in the composition, and it draws the eye towards the centre of the portrait: Her Majesty The Queen. She… Continue reading
Red Kites: You Can’t Keep a Good Raptor Down
Red Kite After a lazy start to the day, I was having breakfast in a rather noncommittal manner late one Saturday morning. Just as I thought that the most dramatic moment of the morning would… Continue reading