by Steve Tanham
It may be that the present compressed and negative feelings that we humans are experiencing is a birthing chamber rather than a vice. This outrageous idea ties in closely with what was written in last week’s blog. In it, I suggested that just as a body has trillions of cells, so the planet has a vast number of connected parts of its ‘mineral, animal … Read More Where are we going? (2) – the vice
by Steve Tanham
Last night BBC2 aired part two of the documentary Secrets of Silicon Valley, subtitled ‘The persuasion machine’. by Jonathan Bartlett. The programme charted the rise of the modern Tech giants, many of which are not traditional ‘product or services’ companies in the sense we have become used to. For example, Facebook, one of the main subjects of the programme, is viewed as not only a … Read More What value the human? (2) – The disassembly of consent
by Steve Tanham
Where are we going? When things are going well in ‘our’ world, there is an understandable tendency to assume that a generally benign evolution of civilisation is taking place, one in which we play our part, however small, being a kind of swimmer who lives and dies within that flow of slow progress. But when we are faced with the kind of politics, violence … Read More Where are we going?
by Steve Tanham
The Open University (OU) is a wonderful institution. I have watched its progress for decades, and it’s a fine example of the power of education and broadcasting, combined. Last night we happened to watch a BBC Two documentary produced as part of the OU series: ‘Secrets of Silicon Valley‘ by Jonathan Bartlett. Its premise was that Silicon Valley (referred to as the Tech world) … Read More What value the human?
by Steve Tanham
There are two schools of thought on what to wear on a cycling summer day in which there is the possibility of a downpour, far from home… The first (Plan A) says you should put up with the weight and pack a good set of waterproofs. Then, as soon as the heavens open, stop cycling and put them on. The second (Plan B) says that, … Read More Bright in the dark: endeavour and the lighthouse (4 – End)
by Steve Tanham
Something had happened when we decided to approach the strange village by walking along the beach and coming to it via the old but grand harbour, with its mighty blocks and sea-gates. It was only later that we realised that what we had, inadvertently, photographed in the far distance was the focus of the whole story. You could relate it to one of my … Read More Bright in the dark: endeavour and the lighthouse (3)
by Steve Tanham
‘Surreal’ is an often used word and does its best to convey a moment, usually quite fleeting, in which there is both a heightened sense of ‘being there’ and another feeling of strangeness. The two come together and we feel vaguely uncomfortable that something for which we have no real words envelopes us. This state of consciousness is described in more detail in the … Read More Bright in the dark: endeavour and the lighthouse (2)
by Steve Tanham
The tiny airport was a refreshing change to the madness of modern flying, with its scarring signature of ‘security’. You could imagine a kindly local lady rushing out and saying, “Hamish the Russian terrorist is on holiday today, so I’m just going to wave you through, dearies…” There was, though, little distance to wave us through. Tiree is one of a pair of Scottish … Read More Bright in the dark: endeavour and the lighthouse (1)
by Steve Tanham
Amidst the seemingly pristine field of stones, the old oak tree usually went unnoticed… Like this group of happy but somewhat weary pilgrims, newly entered via the gate at the top of the narrow, fern-lined path, most visitors stood in amazed silence at the large oval of twin-chambered stonework in front of them, conscious of the oak within the oval of stones but seeing … Read More An Eye full of Reflections (7 of 7)
by Steve Tanham
Our visit to the actual village of Portmeirion ended quietly, but with an interesting mosaic of happenings. We rejoined our colleagues, silent in our own conclusions – for everyone must find their own in a place like this, and there can be no right or wrong, for the author, McGoohan, is long departed. We took the beautiful coastal walk which would bring us to … Read More An Eye full of Reflections (5)
by Steve Tanham
As the land-train pulls out of the main square in Portmeirion, we head up into the forest. There are three distinct internal regions within the Portmeirion site. The first is the village, itself; the second is the coastal walk; and the third is the forest walk. The little train follows the forest road, but stops to give a view of the coast in several … Read More An Eye full of Reflections (4)
by Steve Tanham
It takes only a few minutes to descend into the village from the entrance archway, beneath which is the McGoohan bronze, but in that time the temperature soars, and the rare and pure blue of the June sky, only a week away from the fullness of the summer solstice, becomes flecked with gold whenever I raise my head to stare at its beauty. But … Read More An Eye full of Reflections (3)
Sun in Gemini 
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