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new celebrity colonialism

This type of behaviour would more often than not get severe reactions. A whole slew of people would be screaming out 'anti-democratic, dictatorial, sanctions'.

• a Western security force effectively took over the small African nation
• sealed off with security cordons, and
• armed security personnel kept both local residents and visiting foreigners at
  bay.
• A no-fly zone was enforced over part of the country
• severely restrict the movement of journalists into and out of African nation.
• The Government agreed and, in a move described by one human rights organisation as heavy-handed and brutal, banned certain reporters from crossing its borders. [ref]

Unless its for the birth of the chosen one.

Who will free me from my slavery to advertising

So much of the advertising we encounter we don't even think of anymore as advertising. the logos on our t-shirts, shoes and bags. the packing on our toothpastes, cornflakes and plastic bags. Our journey through our day has a constant companion in advertising.

So it was a rude shock to me to read this letter in Today.

"Public spaces are the responsibility of the Government. Licences for aesthetically-designed and strategically-placed billboards can be awarded to advertising agencies on a revenue-sharing basis. ...

State land can be rented out for suitable events. Lampposts can have small television sets attached to them.

... What is needed is a single coordinating body between the various Government ministries and the advertising agencies." [ref]

Andrew Yap, who wrote the letter, actually wants more advertising. He want the government more involved in commercial activity. What he is suggesting is that the state set up some kind of trust fund into which advertising revenue from leasing out public space is channeled. state land, lampposts, parking coupons - its all worth using for advertising.