Happy Halloween

I've got a very excited 4-year old today. She is looking forward to her first proper trick-or-treat adventure tonight (in past years, she's dressed up to help hand out candy). Thanks to Grammy and Papa, she is going to be dressed as Snow White (black wig and all) and I'm very grateful it takes so little to make her happy.

Halloween around here seems to be more about the darker side of the tradition than the fun side. There are far more devils, ghouls, witches, undead and vampires than lighter characters. This is a concern to some, especially the Bishop of Bolton who has made a statement about it. I think it did seem to have an inpact this year, with retailers offering a wider range of costumes, especially for those smaller ones.

Mad ad

I just saw a TV advert featuring Suggs of Madness, selling Birds Eye fish fingers! Give it a look.

Shame on Gap

I'm not saying Gap (or as I always seem to refer to it, The Gap) is the finest clothing retailer in the world. They definitely cater to the slim who have excess funds in their clothing budget, but they have always had a place in my personal wardrobe. Their black long-sleeved t-shirts are part of my professional uniform. Their sales are pretty decent and in fact just yesterday I bought a pair of jeans off the sale rack. If I had read this before I went there yesterday, I would've skipped my Gap visit.

Why, Royal Mail, Why?

As a mental and fiscal supporter of the Royal Mail I feel personally slighted that one of the coolest aspects of their service is now finished. The Sunday collection was so civilised; it was comforting to know you could drop a letter or postcard in the collection box and that the postal workers (who I imagine never sleep) would take it and give it all the attention it deserves. Weekends may be the only time I have to write that witty postcard or put that helpful/interesting/funny/suggestive clipping in an envelope, and knowing my Sunday post was treated as respectfully as Monday-Friday post was quite an assurance. Alas, now it's over.

Admittedly, although I am always praising the best parts of the mail service, my faith started to diminish when I was in TK Maxx one day and saw the postman in there, mailbag and all, browsing the latest blouse bargains. It was mid-morning (so it wasn't an official lunch hour) and it was clear this guy was doing his rounds and decided to take an un-sanctioned break. I'm not saying it's completely wrong to discretely do a small and very quick personal errand while on the clock, but usually you try to do this when out of uniform (and certainly not carrying a large bag of undelivered post).

Skinny ties

This Guardian editorial is a hoot. I'm no fashionista but I'm all for skinny ties. I think it's because I've seen some wide ones in my day, with knots so big they are wider than the wearer's head. This is something I've seen more times than really fair, always up north.

Giant spider

Following Sunday's visit to Tate Modern, here is a photo Bailey took of the giant spider sculpture. I think her wonky horizon makes the spider look pretty scary...

Academic bookseller

Blackwell is a well-regarded academic bookseller (they call themselves "the knowledge retailer"... I like that kind of confidence). I don't often go in their stores, mostly because I manage my academic book life from within and because we don't have one very nearby, but I do try to visit the Charing Cross branch when I'm in town and the Oxford art book store when I'm in that area. Today my friend DM has made me aware of an excellent line of study guides they publish, and they look perfect for any student. I can't wait to get the entire set.

Not plagiarising in Manchester

I've been in the great north, for a detecting and deterring plagiarism course at the University of Manchester. I made the most of this professional opportunity to do some quality family things too; Bailey joined me for the trip and we stayed with my in-laws. Whilst I was engrossed in plagiarism, Bailey spent the day in complete bliss, being with her grandparents and having a lot of fun.




The course included lots of hands-on activities, both as individuals and in groups, and I came across some fine websites I just have to share...



The Columbia Law School Music Plagiarism Project allows you hear the contested sings involved in court cases.



Academic Integrity at Princeton offers some great examples of plagiarism in action.



This Telegraph article gives the dirt on a slew of applicants who plagiarised when applying to university.



Glatt Plagiarism Services offers an alternative way to detect plagiarism, by establish your writing patterns. Give the self-test a try. I'm not entirely convinced on this one but it is fun to explore.



On a slightly different topic, have I ever mentioned how much I love Manchester? Aside from the hideous traffic getting into the city centre, I have no complaints. I was going through the Castlefield part of town, featuring the Museum of Science and Industry (Zil, remember when we three went there?), the Opera House, and the Coronation Street studios, and it has such a fun vibe. And yet again, everyone was so friendly, from the guy working in the convenience store by the carpark, to the students at the university, to the staff running the PC lab I passed and asked directions. Sorry, locals, but you can't say that about our postcode.

And closing on a completely different topic, I think the 24 Hour Museum is fab.

Admiring the crack

Yesterday Bailey and I joined Dr Crook for the day and visited the Tate Modern, with the mission to see Doris Salcedo's Shibboleth. This massive crack down the length of the Turbine Hall had all ages in its grip. The little ones were trying to jump over it, the older ones were trying to keep anyone from tripping, men were overheard trying to figure out how this was made, and lots of people were taking photos.

We also enjoyed some time with the huge metal spider just outside the Bankside entrance. Bailey became quite attached to it and even gave one of its legs a kiss as we left (go ahead and pause a moment to discuss my questionable parenting skills here).

The weather was gorgeous, with bright sunshine and cool temps, and it was a perfect day to be out walking around. Waking anywhere in London with Dr Crook turns into a learning experience and yesterday we got to wander around the Globe Theatre, including a visit to the site of the old Globe and the Rose. I hadn't walked around that area in quite a while (honestly, I feel as if I've done more time than required in this part of town, thanks to my old job at FSU) and was pleased to see more there than just the Globe. There are now plenty of places to eat and drink, and the entire area was so clean. I consider that progress.

We also came across a marching band parade, starting from St Paul's Cathedral. It seems to have followed the 25th Anniversary Service of the London Massed Bugle Band, which also included a celebration for the 125th anniversary of the Boys' Brigade.

When spell check lets you down

This is a real e-mail message from the IT helpdesk at West Herts College. I received it on 18 October. It's so hilarious, I'm sure you all will think it's a fake but I assure you, it's genuine...


Pro - Achieve will be unviable from 12:00 on Wednesday 17/10/07 for a necessary upgrade.

Apologies for any incontinence this may cause and we will of course advise when the system becomes available via email and system notices on iShare.

Regards

Helpdesk

The perks of being in rehab

Yesterday I was stuck in traffic on the way to work (for what feels like the 100th consecutive day) so I got to listen to the entire Radio 4 broadcast from 8:00AM to 8:30AM. One of the stories covered was about heroin addicts being rewarded for commiting to rehab through "positive re-enforcement". This includes prescriptions for higher quality drugs. Well done to the NTA for giving addicts what they need!

Man Booker Prize

The Gathering has won the Man Booker Prize. I didn't know what the book was about until this morning (when I heard the author interviewed on Radio 4), but I think it's going to be a great read. I just ordered my copy.

Missing cat

One of our boys, Percy, has been missing for two nights. I reported this to the vet today and rang a few neighbours last night. He's wearing a collar with an ID tag and has a microchip, so hopefully he'll be returned if he's found. I'm quite down about it and Bailey is very concerned. This morning she even postponed breakfast, put on her coat and shoes with her pyjamas and went to the bottom of the garden to search for him. Let's hope this missing cat story turns out to be a happy tale that gets included in the family folklore. I'll keep you posted.

So wrong, it's right

Taking Pete Doherty out of rehab to do an interview with Sir Paul McCartney is such a gesture of indulgence and pretty poor taste (when was the last time a ex-con non-celeb deep in rehab got to take a sojourn with a friend for an afternoon of chat?) it's a must read. I wouldn't diss on either's music (regardless of personal taste, a huge amount of people are fans of both) but their personal lives leave a lot of room for clucking of tongues and rolling of eyes. The trash that came out in Paul McCartney's divorce proceedings was enough to negate the respect he'd earned through the years of musical accomplishment. It all made him look like a big old fool (surely the first Lady McCartney is sitting in a finer place than this, laughing at what an ass her husband has become). And if Pete Doherty didn't have a music and celebrity career, he would simply be a junkie, most likely in jail or living on the streets, stealing sandwiches from Boots. Well done, yet again, to the Guardian for making must-read journalism.

A proud day for Americans

Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize and has given every American a reason to be proud. Thank you, Mr Gore, for giving us the feeling of hope.

Random photos whilst stuck in traffic

I had my camera on me yesterday while I was stuck in traffic. It inspired me to take a couple pics of local things, and now I share them with you...

The first is of the changing leaves.

The next is a pic of Simon's favourite sign; like, if the bridge comes down, you'd have the clarity to ring this number??

The last is a pic of a Banksy knock-off, right at the top of our road!

The autumn hotline

This blurb about a new US autumn leaf hotline made me think of my Floridian friends and family. I know you all are pining for that fall feeling, so make the most of this fab service!

Gorgeous day

Although the day started with thick fog (and a huge accident on the M1 that backed up traffic just about everywhere in our area), it's a beautiful autumn day. The leaves are starting to turn and feels very refreshing.

All of these good vibes are very much needed. Our household is in a sour mood following the relsease of the pre-budget statement in the House of Commons this week.

One good thing about being stuck in fog traffic this morning was I got to listen to more of Radio 4's Today show. There was a segment on speed reading (following one of the Booker Prize judges saying he has to speed read to get through the long list), and Radio 4 followed up with a test you can do at home.

Speaking of reading, this French bestseller looks like a must read.

And even more about books, Doris Lessing wins the Nobel Prize.

Moving on to art, I really want to see this new installation at Tate Modern.

And for those of you with outdoor leisures on your mind, check out the UK's top surf beaches.

Hot hotels

I'm always happy to share good accommodation ideas. It's probably because I live in constant struggle with my wanderlust. Here's a list of some great UK hotels, courtesy of today's Guardian.

Control

Last night Simon and I went to see Control at the Camden Odeon. It was the best film we've both seen in ages, and from the looks on the faces of other viewers (and from the overheard bits of departing conversations), we weren't the only ones who felt it. I enjoyed the film so much because it clearly tells a story, whilst artistically portraying the North and the cultural shift already underway. If you take the simpliest view of the film, Ian Curtis had a horribly full plate for a young man; a record contract, a wife and baby, a mistress, epilepsy, and financial stresses. The film makes it all clear; I recommend it to all.

Royal Mail, why have you forsaken me?

As you know, I'm a supporter of the Royal Mail. When others praise the good old days of mail service, I sincerely state the glories of our present service. I also end up posting something from one of our local post offices at least once a week so I'm a committed customer as well. I guess that's why their current strike hurts so much. We're facing a week without mail delivery service. For those of you who enjoy little packages or postcards from me from time to time, your items may be riding around in my car for a while until the proper post service resumes.

Thursday's list

Today's activities:

1. Work: Sessions scheduled all day, including how to use our electronic resources, note taking, and three on how to research specific assignments.

2. Toddler swimclass: For those of you who have attended, you know it's great for the kiddies but an exercise in humiliation (having to dress and undress in front of all the other mommas) and danger (there's always the chance someone will expel body fluids in the pool).

3. Birthday dinner for Pooh, a small toy pony and a child's blanket: This morning Bailey decided it was all three's birthdays so we are going to celebrate tonight. Party food is great; why would I say no?

4. Carefully handle fishnets: It's fishet Thursday and I'm wearing mine with pride but they aren't the easiest to handle throughout the day. They aren't as sturdy as they look, especially when wearing them from 7:00AM to 5:00PM, and I'd like to get through one work day without making an enormous hole in a pair. Indeed, they look hot but this comes at a price.

It's OK to be patriotic, and more

I have been reading my current issue of The New Yorker (1 October issue; great cover) and am intrigued by the coverage of the CD entited Song of America. Truth is, it looks very cool and I'm fascinated by this expression of patriotism and/or pride...

One thing I can't live without lately is double-sided tape. I use it all the time, and even carry a spare in my handbag. It has nothing to do with crafts; I just think it's fuctional and efficient...

I worked quite late to do an induction for about 40 part-time adult students at our Dacorum campus Learning Centre. I ended up working a crazy amount of hours yesterday but doing the induction was actually fun. The people were so nice and there is nothing wrong with getting to speak with authority in front of a gang of strangers and have them listen. Actually, it feels pretty good...

At Selfridges on Sunday I smelled a limited edition of Thierry Mugler's Angel parfum. It is gorgeous and very sexy...

Autumn is here (stop booing, Floridians) and now I am waking up in the dark. No matter how many autumns/winters I've spent in this country, I still can't get used to the severe change in hours of daylight through the year. I'm sure I'm a prime candidate for SAD.

Trying to make some sense

I heard about Islam Is Peace today on Radio 4. It's a relief to see someone has recogised the information gap in our culture and is trying reconcile this with facts.

Sunday in London

Yesterday Bailey and I joined Dr Crook for a gorgeous day in London. We started with a fine bus ride (we are all lovers of public transport and Oyster cards) which took us to toward Marylebone. We had a great play in the Regent's Park, then made our way to the Royal Academy of Music for a family fun session. Bailey got to participate in an hour-long session in the piano room that included singing, using percussion instruments and learning about pianos and the different sounds they can make. To tell the truth, it was a really fun session for the adults as well because we got to participate and learn too. The Academy students who led the session were not only talented but really great with all the kids. They were able to take all the spontaneous questions and comments from the children and turn it toward what they were showing.

After that, we headed up Baker Street for lunch then walked on to Selfridges. The store was packed and I very easily could've spent hours people watching (most of the customers were very pleasing to the eyes) but my mission was to visit the Clinique counter for some lip treats. Dr Crook wisely took Bailey for a look around the fragrance and cosmetics hall whilst I took care of business. They both returned quite pleased to have an acrobat doing a show in the store. We also enjoyed the current window displays.

We decided to head back to Dr Crook's flat on Gower Street, taking the 73 up Oxford Street to Goodge Street. It was a packed bus and we got to see lots of interesting people and overhear a few conversations that weren't G-rated (especially when the bus driver and a passenger got in to shouter after the driver told her to move on down the bus and she said she couldn't because it was packed). Oxford Street was heaving at this point and I think public transport stress was a bit high, even though it was a Sunday.

The day ended with a Magnum bar break, a very civilised way to finish our time in London.