2015 New Year Message

Capitalism presently sits upon the horns of a dilemma.

Two decades of success in EMs deploying 'Asian Values'
Boosted wealth and standards for millions
Yet with much self-sacrifice in hearts and minds.

Whilst western masses feel betrayed  
Yesteryear's 'Anglo model' viewed as inherently broken
Philosophers and politicians debate.

When they should be ever more empowered to promote its growth
Western corporations did little to promote 'as promised' spin-off entrepreneurs
Academic spin-offs often high ideals and money-spinning over credibility.

Perhaps newer "Asian Values" will now learn from the "Anglo" past
Whilst the western power-base likewise fundamentally re-aligns
To respect individuals and their personal power.  

New socio-economic roads must be laid by which
All participants avoid being cuckolded by the horns of capitalism

Alternative Seasonal Message YE 2014

At time of year...

Tired minds wind down
Good cheer is raised
Yet "keep 'em peeled".

Merging of real with cinematic 'reel'
Alters perceptions and perspectives
'Object' and 'Subject' ever more entwined.

Unconsidered social mimicry prevails
The Doors of the Mind opened and availed
Easily played for others' gain.

Stay aware with acute observation
Apart from those who seek to beguile
Direct your own choices, be not easily led.

Alternative Seasonal Message YE 2014

At this time of year...

False prophets abound
From the domestic doorstep
To corporate rhetoric
To PR driven screen media

As the holy-days approach
A useful 'take-away' comes
From the festive Bruce Forsythe

"Believe little [on the screen]...
Except for the time...in the right-hand corner"

Hence, be spiritual, yet not naive.

Alternative Seasonal Message YE 2014

At this time of year....

Original counter-culture need to "turn on, tune in and drop out" is vital.
The cyber-hippy memetic re-engineering of "turn on, boot up, jack in" defunct.
At least for a short period.
Be 'Leary' of  McLuhan's Insights.

Likewise, environments festooned graphics and icons underpin social norms.
Associative "culture-jamming" long since applied to convey core themes.
Self referential irony and paradox increasingly cynical well-worn paths.
So consciously "Feed Your Head" in the Wonderland of today's merged existences.

Alternative Seasonal Message YE 2014

At this time of year...

As Black Friday leads into the season of greatest "Monetisation"
So the Spiritual must regain innate influence over the Temporal.  

Alternative Seasonal Message for YE 2014

At this time of year...

Those with healthy disposable income are morally obliged consider the vulnerable.
And simultaneously mull their own routes to continued prosperity in 2015.