Simulacra & Simulation: The rise of replicated Western towns in China
I was recently contacted about and interesting project by two London based artists, Phil Thompson and Sebastian Acker. Thompson and Acker, are in the process of making a film and a book about the current phenomenon in China, which sees construction companies building entire replicas of Western towns. Some towns are complete replicas, whereas others...
WWF Earth Hour 2013: Switch lights off tonight for climate change
Today millions of people and business around the world are taking part in the largest mass participation even in the world, WWF’s Earth Hour, to raise awareness about climate change. Earth Hour takes place at 8.30pm local time so has already started in Eastern countries and Australia, and is currently moving around the world like a...
Coffitivity: Bring the coffee shop to your desk
I have always found I work best in coffee shops, in part because of the steady supply of caffeine and partly due to the background noise. It turns out I am not alone. A recent article entitled “Is Noise Always Bad? Exploring the Effects of Ambient Noise on Creative Cognition,” published in the The University of...
Love languages: Learning Mandarin with Rosetta Stone
As someone who grew speaking a language that’s only spoken by 5 million give or take a few, the importance of languages and how essential they can be in both work and education soon became apparent. As my wanderlust grew, I soon realised that Norwegian, with its many quirks, would not get me far...
Selfridges Silence Room / No Noise
London’s famous department store Selfridges has opened a sanctuary for shoppers seeking a bit of peace and quiet from the hectic world outside. They’ve called it The Silence Room. As explained on their website, back in 1909 Selfridges founder, Harry Gordon Selfridge – who is currently being portrayed brilliantly by Jeremy Piven in itv...
Valentino, Master of Couture at Somerset House
This winter, London has become host to one of the greatest collections of Valentino Couture, in a celebration of the designer’s life and work. The show, which is hosted by Somerset House has been open since the 29 November 2012 and will continue until the 3rd of March 2013. The exhibit is a glamorous showcase...
Introducing Saddle & Spoke
It probably comes as no surprise to our regular readers, but here at The Locals we are massive fans of all things cycling related. However, unless you are willing to spend hours trawling the internet, it can be hard to track down some of the great independent products out there. That is why we were...
Snow on demand in Shoreditch
Dreaming of a White Christmas? If you’re in Shoreditch, than you are in luck! Thanks to EE and POKE simply call these local rate numbers along Rivington Street: 020 3322 4824; and Hoxton Square: 020 3322 2376, or check-in on FourSquare to create your very own blizzard – with a little help from snow cannons, set...
The End of the World Lecture with Crystal Head Vodka
If you believe the Mayan prophecy is accurate, the end of the world is a little less than a month away. So what better way to celebrate our last days, than by sitting in a 13th century crypt hidden beneath St Andrews Church in Holborn, discussing the end of the world? Well on Wednesday 5th December you...
The Silent History
Part book, part app, and part map-based game, The Silent History, creates an immersive experience that is the first of its kind. Through the iPhone or iPad app, users can access the main story through daily updates called Testimonials. Each offers a new character’s perspective that weave together and build the overall narrative. The...
Bike like a New Yorker
We love this campaign, created by BikeNYC in collaboration with Transportation Alternatives. In order to stay ahead of the debate on the upcoming bike share program, the campaign has been launched to call attention to cyclists in the city. Print ads and billboards featuring concise quotes in striking typography presented as street labels, will be...
Precious Fashion with Archivist Magazine
W Hotel London held the third event in a series of monthly breakfasts that not only feed the belly, but inspire the soul. Intended to bring together London’s tastemakers in music, fashion and art to W Hotel’s patrons and local curious minds, Ideas for Breakfast is worth waking up early for. This Sunday’s session, Precious...