I believe that one of the biggest problems “we” face as individuals-in-groups-trying-to-unfuck-the- world, is the seductive call of ego-foddering. This piece explains what I mean by ego-foddering, the two main types that I have spotted (there may well be others!). It then moves on to who benefits from it, who does NOT and what consequences... Continue Reading →
So, recently I reviewed two books "about" infiltration/undercovers, and asked for suggestions. I got loads of really helpful pointers. Here is the first very rough list of additions (there were some others, mentioned in the blog post. I've kept track of the various people I have to thank for these tips too, but decided not... Continue Reading →
The Spanish Researchers UK network is kinda cool. They were created to ”promote communication within the community of Spanish Researchers working in the United Kingdom by creating a social network that facilitates the sharing of professional and life experiences. The association has encouraged this communication via the establishment of Constituencies throughout the UK.” Last year... Continue Reading →
Books reviewed: Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad (1911) Demo by Richard Allen (New England Library, 1970) So, I am guiding my reading a bit, because I am Writing A Paper. These two are both about Russian secret intelligence operations overseas. about the infiltration and attempted disruption of dissident social movements. pretty tough to... Continue Reading →
So, just did a review of Joseph Conrad's Under Western Eyes (and another, truly atrocious book) - next up on this site. UWE had me reaching for the dictionary on three occasions- buckram, carmine (I kind of knew) and vaticinated- “He felt his lips go stiff like buckram, and instead of a reassuring smile... Continue Reading →
Down to Withington to get anti-worming stuff from the vet for the stripey monster (and tell captive audience a terrible joke) get someone to succeed in shutting my "talking shoe" up buy new (second-hand) jeans. As Mr. Loaf sings, two outa three ain't bad. And I absotively posilutely did not buy four books for the... Continue Reading →
A friend of mine just shared this blog post by Duncan Green which begins Tomorrow night I am doing an ‘ask me anything’ session on skype with some students from Guelph University in Canada, who have been reading How Change Happens. They have sent an advance list of questions, which are really sharp. I’d appreciate your views... Continue Reading →
The future is not written, but there are several excruciatingly safe bets about the years ahead. atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane will continue to rise poor people will suffer the resultant impacts of #climatebreakdown hard and first the state will try to suppress social movements which seek to do anything about rendering these... Continue Reading →
Here's the tl:dr - The Paris Agreement and Extinction Rebellion are two sides (or symptoms) of the same coin, i.e. the suspension of critical faculties by people who know better but are in desperate search of reasons to be hopeful about our grim meathook future.... Back in 2015 I wrote a piece about the Paris... Continue Reading →
How it could have been (Starting on time instead of fifteen minutes late) Having someone clearly identified as welcome/way of making sure people who don’t know anyone know where to come to etc. Having a note taker Introductions Pairwise. "Sit with someone you don’t know. You are going to find out their name and what,... Continue Reading →
