Red Rose In The Gutter

I'm rather enjoying using the accidental photographs of the day to reflect the political situation of the day. This photograph is taken at the site of the Big W, in Brunstane, Edinburgh.

This site emerged during the boom times of New Labour. It was a big store owned by Woolworths, that sold all sorts of consumer goods to avaricious people, often not very well off, who through Affluenza needed the latest stuff to feel good, and part of the crowd.

As recession bit, Woolworths suffered, and the big bloated stores suffered even more than the much loved high street branches. Now the entrance is sealed, and the road in barricaded.

Interestingly because the railway station is next door, and the bridge to nearby housing allows people to get to Asda, there was a great deal of footfall through the deserted car park. This shot of the Brunstane Bridge so nearly made it to blip.

But how could I ignore this...the red rose is in the gutter, the red flag of the consumer tat emporium behind is jaded and out of focus. A piece of plastic fantastic pocket money crap sits in the gutter nearby...perhaps reminiscent of one of the phones that isn't ringing in Kirkcaldy but in Witney and Sheffield Hallam.

Later tonight I am doing first aid duty at a talk by Malcolm Gladwell, a journalist, author and thinker who admire greatly. His books Blink and The Tipping Point are particular favourites.

Back to work tomorrow. We'll see what the week brings. I have some nascent thoughts about my future career but nothing that is sufficiently crystallised to ponder on as yet.

The eagle eyed among you may have noticed that I accidentally posted as SPS a minute ago...her blip from yesterday is one of her best...in case you missed it is worth a look :)