Author Archives: Vandal
The Shape of Things to Come
‘To a person finding himself at the beginning of an era, its simple fundamental structures may become visible like a distant landscape in the flash of a single stroke of lightning. But the path toward them in the dark is … Continue reading
An Annoyance
I am, I’m afraid to easily distracted. Sitting here reading Richard Rhodes ‘The Making of the Atomic Bomb’ while my open door ferrets the sound of ‘Just a Minute’, try as I might, my focus is lost, spiralling into that … Continue reading
The Confession and Manifesto of a Lethargic Student
I started my M.A. with a mission statement namely, learning was its own reward and regardless of my disenchantment with academic institutions I would continue to explore the different tenets and ideologies so I might learn more about the world around me, … Continue reading
A Juxtaposition of Themes
‘The grand marshal of the palace complains bitterly [wrote the governor] that despite repeated prohibitions the soldiers continue to obey the call of nature in all the courtyards, and even under the Emperor’s own windows.’ – War and Peace, Leo … Continue reading
On the Complexities of Discourse
When watching Korean shows there are a host of cultural differences that throw themselves at me, some of them, the constant commenting on the attractiveness and weight of the women on the shows is something that I can, in a very … Continue reading
On the question of un-occupying Tahir Square
‘There are no lights. People are standing in clusters, arguing, shouting. Abu Muhab holds my arm, steadies me: it’s dark and hot and the ground is treacherous. Judge Baroudi appears and begs everyone to understand the importance of unity, of … Continue reading
Extract from War and Peace
‘No, but the best bit of all,’ said one of them, describing a disaster that had happened to a service colleague, ‘yes, the best bit was the minister had told him that his appointment to London was definitely a promotion … Continue reading
Talkin’ About a Terrible Self-Righteous Term
There are I think only two things that are applicable for my generation. The first is the death of the phrase my generation, the plurality of the internet has revealed just how radically diverse peoples interests are, sub-cultures within sub-cultures, … Continue reading
Statement of intent
Mere moments ago* I finished Hunter S. Thompson’s fascinating work ‘Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72’ and I’m really glad I read it, but it is a very easily consumable work by its nature. I feel that I … Continue reading
Extract from Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72
‘Any re-writing now would cheat the basic concept of the book, which -in addition to the publisher’s desperate idea that it might sell enough copies to cover the fantastic expense bills I ran up in the course of those twelve … Continue reading
The Vandals Triumphant 