Results tagged “facebook” from Birmingham Post - Lifestyle Blog

News in the Mail that yet another canal-side development is planned for Brum shouldn't be a shock, but the proposed 'Baskerville Wharf' has upset me. For this "exciting mixed-use development" will mean the closure of one of Birmingham's most important music venues.

The Flapper and Firkin (formerly the Longboat) has seen thousands of tiny, sweaty, gigs over the years. It's one of the few places in Birmingham that a new band might be able to get on the bill, supporting a band that are on a national tour. Much needed practise, exposure, and ultimately culture for the city. After the loss of the similar venue The Jug of Ale earlier this year, it might be one blow too many for the local music scene to cope with.

I'm not anti-regeneration, I accept that on the whole the new buildings and facilities in Birmingham over the last ten years have been a good thing. But. If we remove the good stuff along with sweeping away the bad, we will become a souless city.

Paul Dale's Iron Angle last week got me thinking: are we a generation which is too reliant on on-line communications?

Certainly the foibles of Facebook have tripped up a few people. I know of several people who are desperate to leave their jobs, courtesy of the aforesaid 'social utility', along with exactly what they think of their bosses and their organisations. Let's just say it's not exactly positive. If I can stumble across this info, think how much damage could be done by someone looking for dirt/gossip/reasons to dismiss someone.

Fellow blogger Stef Lewandowski has also identified Facebook stalking as a source of confusion. You know the kind of thing. You bump into someone who says "Have you cheered up now? How's your cold?" when you haven't seen them for weeks. The penny drops. They are a Facebook friend and have been watching your status line.