tagged w/ WORLDbytes
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According to government figures, there are over a million illegal immigrants living in the UK. This thirty-second eye opener provides a simple solution and is guaranteed to stop illegal immigrants hiding in your cupboards. Watch it and pass it on.According to government figures, there are over a million illegal immigrants living in... more
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Dinner guests chew on modern day obesity panics and the obsession with our eating habits. Fellow diner and author of Panic on a plate, Rob Lyons casts a critical glance at the very notion of ‘junk food’ and argues that there is no such thing. Instead, he suggests, we are now living longer, healthier and better lives as a result of industrial scale food production and the availability of fast food. Do you agree?Dinner guests chew on modern day obesity panics and the obsession with our eating... more
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In this illuminating bar chat, film buffs discuss two of the most insightful comedies of our time, Four Lions and In The Loop. Guest expert and media lecturer Dr Philip Hammond argues that comedy has provided greater insights into the nature of terrorism and the war on terror than straight documentaries and drama. The absurdity, political emptiness and narcissism expressed by the characters in these films captures accurately the nature of both suicide bombers and the war on terror, says Dr Hammond. As the Boston marathon explosions capture our imagination and pose an uncanny resemblance to the plot in Four Lions, Dr Hammond’s point is extremely timely.In this illuminating bar chat, film buffs discuss two of the most insightful comedies... more
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In this latest of our spiked shorts series, writer Luke Gittos comments on the recent criminalisation of squatting. Whilst it is wrong to drag more and more of society's poor through the courts, he argues, we should also be critical of those who choose to squat, who are making life more difficult for those who need to. What do you think?In this latest of our spiked shorts series, writer Luke Gittos comments on the recent... more
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In this Battle of Ideas satellite rumble, while some have celebrated the apparent radicalisation of previously apathetic youth, speakers express profound concern over its 'empty politics', contempt for the masses, leaderless-ness and narcissism. The rise of the far right in Europe is a further worry, but it can, we learn, be used to justify anti-democratic trends. These edited highlights are certainly compelling. Are there no promising political movements to inspire us? Your thoughts please.In this Battle of Ideas satellite rumble, while some have celebrated the apparent... more
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The economic crisis in Europe has become the new normal and every attempt to fix it has failed. So why does the Euro, let alone the EU, continue to exist? Is there a distinction to be made between fiscally prudent countries and their irresponsible and profligate neighbours? And why is there such hostility to the idea that countries like Greece, Spain, Portugal or Ireland might be better off with devalued currencies to increase their competitiveness? Closer economic integration seems the only game in town, but surely there is a basic democratic right to decide how our wealth should be distributed? Speakers in this Battle of Ideas debate do battle over the causes of the problem as well as the answers. Who is right?The economic crisis in Europe has become the new normal and every attempt to fix it... more
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There has been a long-term trend of disengagement and apathy with respect to the EU so what does the recent emergence of new social movements – the Indignados, Occupy, the Pirate Party, to name a few –represent? Is there a chance that the people could be about to forge a new European demos? A striking line up of panellists in this debate think not, and challenge us to consider what that might involve. Are they right?There has been a long-term trend of disengagement and apathy with respect to the EU so... more
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This short, terrific offering is far from boring as speakers do battle over why the European project might indeed bore us. From dubious claims that it’s boring due to its success, to fresh insights on our deliberate exclusion since its inception, the debate gets heated. Filmed at the Battle of Ideas festival 2012 at the Barbican the range of speakers never fail to engage, providing an antidote to boredom in fact. Did it bore you? Join the debate by leaving your comments below.This short, terrific offering is far from boring as speakers do battle over why the... more
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There is widespread concern that a breed of far-right groups are starting to gain acceptance and a purchase among the European public, who are attracted by their ‘populist’ policies. Why is this happening and are there more Breviks on the loose? The edited highlights of this debate are very revealing. It was filmed at the recent Battle of Ideas festival 2012 at the Barbican in London as part of the crisis in Europe debate series. Should we be worried? Let us know.There is widespread concern that a breed of far-right groups are starting to gain... more
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The talented Bold Futures team produced as a spoof and an experiment, a suit that allows for the innocent cuddling of children. When the child wearing the suit is touched for too long or in inappropriate areas an alarm goes off, first gently hinting to potential ambiguities, finally assertively reminding (flashlights! bells!) the parent or care-taker and others around of their responsibility. The proposal was shown to parents, child minders and a child protection professional to spark debate about rational and irrational fears, about risks, technology, the media and attitudes within society towards child safety. The project was also presented and discussed in exhibitions and on various blogs. WORLDbytes is delighted to host edited highlights of their experiment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekGLF4o70ocThe talented Bold Futures team produced as a spoof and an experiment, a suit that... more
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In a new series of studio shorts, WORLDbytes has invited Spiked writers to share their insights. In this first programme, deputy editor Rob Lyons provides telling commentary on the crisis in Europe and to end austerity explains why growth itself needs defending.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZmoZc-idgM&feature=relmfuIn a new series of studio shorts, WORLDbytes has invited Spiked writers to share their... more
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As abortion hits UK headlines with calls to cut the time limit again, Dr Ellie Lee sets the record straight on what should be a personal choice for women and doctors, not a legal matter, not a matter for science or MP predilections and posturing. This timely ‘on the sofa’ discussion is a must for everyone concerned with where this debate is heading. In a civilised society Dr Lee explains, we need to make it possible for everyone to act according to their needs and views. In practice she argues this requires the decriminalisation of abortion and she tells us, the Sarah Catt case provides a cast iron argument for that. Not everyone will agree the stage at which life matters she points out and not everyone on the sofa agrees with Dr Lee. Yet, her compelling insights leave us in no doubt that her approach would make it possible to cater for women’s needs and doctors' preferences without imposing on anyone.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqc4LYw3Ux4&feature=relmfuAs abortion hits UK headlines with calls to cut the time limit again, Dr Ellie Lee... more
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Can’t afford to have your own shop but still want to make it big time in retail? This mobile vending machine promises to abolish poverty, keep you fit and solve the crisis in a sustainable way. Based on the device of the same name developed for South African street vendors, you can kiss delivery vans and superstores goodbye with this all-in-one people-powered shop on wheels. Our sustainable living advice guru shares the experience with you and shows you how to make your own amazing, portable boutique.Can’t afford to have your own shop but still want to make it big time in retail?... more
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This timely, highly informative debate asks whether democracy and sovereignty can mean anything in the European Union. We learn of the use of the EU by national governments to evade responsibility, the need for a clash of ideas, why banks must be allowed to fail in order to shake things up, the dangers of technocracy replacing democracy and more. An exceptional line up of speakers take us beyond the usual Eurosceptic versus Europhile debate and challenge us to consider what sort of Europe we want, who we are and what democracy means. The speakers are Brian M. Carney, editor of The Wall Street Journal Europe’s editorial page; Brian Denny, convenor, No2EU:Yes to Democracy; Declan Ganley, founder and chairman, Libertas; Brendan O'Neill, editor, spiked; Linda Yueh, Economics Editor Bloomberg TV, Adjunct Professor of Economics at London Business School, Fellow at Oxford. Arranged by the Institute of Ideas, this event took place at Goodenough College as part of the Crisis in Europe debate series, organised by the European Network of Houses for Debate "Time to Talk", with the support of the Open Society Institute. WORLDbytes volunteers are delighted to be filming and editing this series.This timely, highly informative debate asks whether democracy and sovereignty can mean... more
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Following the conviction of Charles Taylor and the now on-hold trial of Ratko Mladic, volunteers raise awkward questions about the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and tribunal proceedings. London Legal Salon coordinator, Luke Samuel, responds with far-reaching insights and tells us it is an irredeemable behemoth set up to massage the moral standing of Western powers. He explains why the ICC is, in essence: anti-democratic, is undermining the sovereignty of nations and cannot stop ‘war crimes’ or facilitate reconciliation. Interwoven with evocative news footage and compelling arguments, we are left in no doubt that we’d be better off without the ICC altogether.Following the conviction of Charles Taylor and the now on-hold trial of Ratko Mladic,... more
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In this gripping on the sofa discussion, volunteers raise questions on the press and free speech in light of the Leveson Inquiry. The online journal Spiked has launched a campaign against the Leveson Inquiry and spiked journalist Patrick Hayes challenges participants not to go along with the Inquiry’s dangerous underlying assumptions. Support for the Leveson inquiry with its bewigged judges, celebrities and government seeking to control the press, shows nothing but elitist snobbery and contempt for the public. Free speech and a free press with no ‘buts’ are essential for democracy he argues and while not everyone on the sofa agrees, WORLDwrite and WORLDbytes does.In this gripping on the sofa discussion, volunteers raise questions on the press and... more
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Technological advances have benefitted humanity; we can all see how fitting prosthetic limbs to amputees can raise no moral objections. But how might we respond if designers invite us to upgrade to Arm 2.0 or Brain 4.0? Is there a point where technology transforms what it means to be human and should we be wary or embrace it? Speakers include Daisy Ginsberg, design fellow, Synthetic Aesthetics, Stanford University/University of Edinburgh; Professor Andy Miah, director, Creative Futures Research Centre, University of West Scotland; Marilyn Mond, emeritus professor of molecular embryology, University College London; Susana Soares, designer; senior lecturer, London Southbank University.Technological advances have benefitted humanity; we can all see how fitting prosthetic... more
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Until recently, leaking confidential information was perceived as disloyal and irresponsible and not only was it rare but involved a moral dilemma. Yet now, it is secrecy, confidentiality and privacy that are stigmatised and Wikileaks is lauded for enabling individuals to spill the beans. Is this development a triumph for transparency or a blow to moral integrity? This debate is superb and speakers include Mick Hume, editor-at-large, spiked; writer, The Times; Joyce McMillan, theatre critic, Scotsman, Henry Porter, political columnist, Observer; UK editor, Vanity Fair; Gwyn Prins, research professor, LSE; Richard Sexton, partner, PwC.Until recently, leaking confidential information was perceived as disloyal and... more
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Ever thought about building your own house, or putting up a garden wall with just the mud you have around you? Forget expensive builders’ costs and environmentally oh-so-painful machinery to do your work. Here’s how to do it yourself. Do let us know how you get on.Ever thought about building your own house, or putting up a garden wall with just the... more
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This exciting new strand features volunteer’s stories of migration. Natascha’s story interweaves lessons from history with contemporary political insights. Under apartheid South Africa her mother married a white man at a time when mixed race relationships and marriage were illegal, hence they moved to Germany. Returning to South Africa and to a new school, she was asked what race she was, she wasn’t sure. Racial classification maybe a thing of the past, but today’s border controls are classifying people by place of birth preventing the freedom of movement we need to realise our potential.This exciting new strand features volunteer’s stories of migration.... more
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