Pete Bennett has advised us that the new A2 textbook, "A2 Communication and Culture: The Essential Introduction" has been published today, Thursday 19th Nov, ahead of schedule.

There is a review of the book here. If you're short of time, read the final paragraph!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/nov/20/pub-hub-britain
Guardian blog on how the role of pubs has changed - may be useful for Spaces & Places

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8362568.stm
BBC News article on how girls are becoming addicted to social networking sites


Watch out - it's Mischief Night By Tamsyn Kent
BBC News Magazine

Treacle-smearing, egg-throwing, gate-stealing, it can only mean one thing - Mischief Night. It is a centuries-old tradition in northern England, but barely known elsewhere in the UK. So, what is it?


Starsuckers celebrity hoax dupes tabloids
From 'flamey' Amy Winehouse to Russell Brand the banker

Grand Tour Great Timing on this Channel 4 Show for A2

SPACES AND PLACES
Who still uses internet cafes?
"....the internet cafe is still a space where we can combine the act of solitary surfing with the physical proximity of other humans. "

Where I write - creative spaces - writer's rooms

A2 Fictions
Berlin Wall An article written about the mythologising of Ronald Reagan and his 'contribution' to the falling of the Berlin Wall. Those of us who were alive at the time may not even know that has happened Stateside. Some are even campaigning to put his face on Mount Rushmore. A man out-acted by a monkey. A classic case of the America-centric view of the world.


Celebrity and Health Reform?
How has the Death of Elvis, Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson (and many, many more) affected health education?

When did Feminism go Nuts? Does this need further introduction? Warning: may contain Nuts!
The Health Care argument US of A. & 'Death Panel' Interesting arguments that look at the health care debate and also aspects of culture and communication, especially using the emotive language of fear. Lengthy but both worth a read.

The King is Dead! Long live the King! How times change - an interesting letter in the Guardian. 1977!

AS Unit 1 Understanding Communication and Culture
From The Times July 18, 2009
How social kissing is changing

Once a simple ‘mwah, mwah’ — or even a peck on the cheek — was fine. But the way we greet people is changing. Simon Mills tries to decipher the new rules of social kissing

COMMS1 Identity and Self
Really interesting website by Ted Polhemus suggested by Helen Jones

A2 Unit 3 Spaces and Places

Changing Cityscapes - Manchester Changing Cityscapes - Glasgow Places and Spaces Milton Keynes: don't you just love it? The 'new' town famous for its concrete cows is now 40 years old, and maybe it's not as dire as people think. Who still uses internet cafes? "....the internet cafe is still a space where we can combine the act of solitary surfing with the physical proximity of other humans. " Some very useful resources suggested by Paul Coffman - thanks very much Paul! Some Teaching Resources on the Internet.doc Instant Po-Mo Essay Desperately short of an essay? Try clicking on the title above for your instant post-modernism essay. It is actually a computer generator which randomly compiles absolutely meaningless essays using post-modernist language. Can be quite amusing too...looking at how language can be manipulated to hoodwink and confuse, and also what to avoid!
Songs that saved your life

The Comtesse Despair runs a website aimed at those with a more morbid view of life combined with a love of architecture and the weird and wonderful. At the moment she is writing unusually personal information about her life on the theme 'Albums/songs that Saved my Life'.

Plinthers! The live streaming (and past efforts) of those on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. Eclectic.

Banned Book Week? Only in the United States!

Technology: Gnovis has an interesting article on 'twitternactments'. The ultimate in minimalism?

Congratulations to Leah Coombs for winning the personal page competition - your Amazon voucher has been emailed to you so don't delete it!!

Amber Mellowship was the only other entrant - there's a little consolation prize on its way to you!

Thanks for taking part you two - what happened to the rest of you?!!!