This article was in The Guardian in January this year:
The depraved heroes of 24 are the Himmlers of Hollywood
"The message of the TV series, that torturers can retain their human dignity if the cause is right, is a profound lie "
I thought it was very interesting, and it made me think about what I'm watching, and what message it is giving out to people. Having said that, I'm still watching season 3.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Meetings and [no] mentor
Someone has commented on my post "This week at work". I am a bit worried it might be someone at work - hope I haven't written anything bad about my lovely work colleagues and library on here! If I have I am very sorry! Eeek.
We're having some more meetings this week. One about the evening and weekend rota for next year (which I have mentioned before), and one about the integration and what's going to happen in the library. Maybe after that confusion won't be reigning quite so powerfully?! We will see.
My latest would-be mentor turned me down, so I am still on a mentor hunt. I've written to another possible person, but no reply as yet.
We're having some more meetings this week. One about the evening and weekend rota for next year (which I have mentioned before), and one about the integration and what's going to happen in the library. Maybe after that confusion won't be reigning quite so powerfully?! We will see.
My latest would-be mentor turned me down, so I am still on a mentor hunt. I've written to another possible person, but no reply as yet.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Webbing
Yesterday was full of annoying people, disputing fines, loans etc. Also a meeting about library documentation and webpages. I went on a course about authoring university web pages on Tuesday, which was interesting and useful. Learning how to use FrontPage. I think I might buy it to put on my own computer, but it will depend on how much it is. We're re-designing the library web pages at the moment, because the uni web pages are now created to a new template, and our pages aren't in the new template yet. Apparently we have 363 pages of stuff on our current site, so some (lots) of this needs to go! Lots of it is duplicae information, so we can get rid of it. I'm looking forward to getting the new site up and running - it will look a lot better and hopefully be much easier to use. This week we just looked at the main headings for the homepages - the side menu headings and the short cut links. We're hoping to have images for the short cut links. It was actually quite difficult to decide what to have as the main menu headings, and as the quick links. Some things were obvious, but it was hard not want to put everything as either a quick link or a menu heading!
It's quite a slow process, and we don't really have very long to do it, given the amount of work there is to do. The site has to be up and running by September, when the new academic year begins. I have the second and last session of the course this coming week. I think I'm the only person in the group that has edited a page in the new template (even if the page was only a trainng page), so I had better pay attention! I think some others in the group have done more web editing in general though, so hopefully between us we should be ok.
No plans yet for this weekend, apart from the usual housework excitement. Currently watching Season 3 of 24.
It's quite a slow process, and we don't really have very long to do it, given the amount of work there is to do. The site has to be up and running by September, when the new academic year begins. I have the second and last session of the course this coming week. I think I'm the only person in the group that has edited a page in the new template (even if the page was only a trainng page), so I had better pay attention! I think some others in the group have done more web editing in general though, so hopefully between us we should be ok.
No plans yet for this weekend, apart from the usual housework excitement. Currently watching Season 3 of 24.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Brick Lane
I have now finished Brick Lane. Well, I say finished, but I actually skipped through most of the last third. I am sorry to say I just got bored. I got bored before the last third, but ploughed on, hoping something would happen. But alas, nothing did. OK, things did happen (obviously) but just not enough to hold my interest.
Maybe I missed something. I sympathised with Nazneen, her family and especially her sister back in Dhaka, but there was not enough 'meat' in the story to hold my interest. It was a bit of a shame, as the themes were interesting. I suppose the story reflected Nazneen's life for the first years of her life in England - the boredom and repetitive routine, but it didn't make for a story I really cared about very much.
Even in the later parts of the book, after she meets Karim, I didn't really care about what happened to them. I found it quite unbelievable that their affair would have begun in the first place, and when it did happen it was just there, seemingly without any warning. Maybe that is how it was supposed to come across. Maybe that's how these things happen sometimes, or, again, maybe I just missed something. The ending was at least [moderately] happy, but also slightly cheesy and formulaic, especially when Nazneen starts dancing around the flat.
The writing style was ok, but not what I expected from a book that had such rave reviews when it was first published. It seemed like Ali was trying to copy the style from other books she had read, but it didn't really work for me.
One thing I will say, the book did a good job of highlighting the horrible conditions endured by immigrants coming into the UK, and the dangers and hardships of being a Muslim woman (both in the UK and in Bangladesh).
I'm sorry I didn't like this book. I wanted to. Maybe Monica Ali's next offering will be better...or maybe I'll just 'get' it next time? I don't know why I'm criticising anyway, I can't do any better!
Maybe I missed something. I sympathised with Nazneen, her family and especially her sister back in Dhaka, but there was not enough 'meat' in the story to hold my interest. It was a bit of a shame, as the themes were interesting. I suppose the story reflected Nazneen's life for the first years of her life in England - the boredom and repetitive routine, but it didn't make for a story I really cared about very much.
Even in the later parts of the book, after she meets Karim, I didn't really care about what happened to them. I found it quite unbelievable that their affair would have begun in the first place, and when it did happen it was just there, seemingly without any warning. Maybe that is how it was supposed to come across. Maybe that's how these things happen sometimes, or, again, maybe I just missed something. The ending was at least [moderately] happy, but also slightly cheesy and formulaic, especially when Nazneen starts dancing around the flat.
The writing style was ok, but not what I expected from a book that had such rave reviews when it was first published. It seemed like Ali was trying to copy the style from other books she had read, but it didn't really work for me.
One thing I will say, the book did a good job of highlighting the horrible conditions endured by immigrants coming into the UK, and the dangers and hardships of being a Muslim woman (both in the UK and in Bangladesh).
I'm sorry I didn't like this book. I wanted to. Maybe Monica Ali's next offering will be better...or maybe I'll just 'get' it next time? I don't know why I'm criticising anyway, I can't do any better!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
This week at work...
I was working Friday night and Saturday morning this week, which wasn't good. We sent the letters about changes in hours and the end of term out to the part-time staff this week. The whole situation with people's hours is so complicated that I get confused when I try explaining it to people. We have a meeting about it all next week, which I am not looking forward to at all.
Otherwise, things are ok. People got their letters confirming their positions. Got to know the desk staff a bit better, due to the fact that I was on the desk a lot at the end of last week. They are all nice, which is a good job really! I think things will be a lot easier when we (the helpdesk and the library desks) are properly integrated and open at the same times, all staff dealing with all enquiries (library and computing) etc. At the moment it is quite confusing, for us and the students. We should be integrated on 1st August, but until then...confusion reigns!
Otherwise, things are ok. People got their letters confirming their positions. Got to know the desk staff a bit better, due to the fact that I was on the desk a lot at the end of last week. They are all nice, which is a good job really! I think things will be a lot easier when we (the helpdesk and the library desks) are properly integrated and open at the same times, all staff dealing with all enquiries (library and computing) etc. At the moment it is quite confusing, for us and the students. We should be integrated on 1st August, but until then...confusion reigns!
24 Season 2
We are now watching 24, season 2. Yep, I have got Mr C into it too. In fact, he has been watching more closely than me, as I've been meandering around the Internet at the same time. Always multi-tasking - must be cos I'm a girl.
Anyway, I've been reading some interesting stuff about the B'nai Noach (sons of Noah), people who keep the seven laws of Noah, the Noachide/Noahide laws. The Noachide laws are seven laws passed on to all people. They're called the Noachide laws, as according to the Hebrew scriptures, all people are descended from Noah. According to the Talmud the Torah (law) is a truth for all humanity, both Jewish and non-Jewish. These seven laws are seen as "the pillars of human civilization" (Aish.com). According to the Rabbis, any person who observes the Noachide laws because of love for God and desire to live a holy life can acheive a place in heaven. The Noachide laws are:
1. Not to worship idols.
2. Not to blaspheme.
3. Not to murder.
4. Not to steal.
5. Not to be involved in illicit sexual behavior (adultery, incest, homosexuality, etc.).
6. Not to eat the limb of a living creature [not to be cruel to animals].
7. To establish courts of justice to enforce these laws. (see AskMoses.com)
Non-Jews are also free to keep any of the 613 mitzvot (commandments), apart from the following:
Anyway, I've been reading some interesting stuff about the B'nai Noach (sons of Noah), people who keep the seven laws of Noah, the Noachide/Noahide laws. The Noachide laws are seven laws passed on to all people. They're called the Noachide laws, as according to the Hebrew scriptures, all people are descended from Noah. According to the Talmud the Torah (law) is a truth for all humanity, both Jewish and non-Jewish. These seven laws are seen as "the pillars of human civilization" (Aish.com). According to the Rabbis, any person who observes the Noachide laws because of love for God and desire to live a holy life can acheive a place in heaven. The Noachide laws are:
1. Not to worship idols.
2. Not to blaspheme.
3. Not to murder.
4. Not to steal.
5. Not to be involved in illicit sexual behavior (adultery, incest, homosexuality, etc.).
6. Not to eat the limb of a living creature [not to be cruel to animals].
7. To establish courts of justice to enforce these laws. (see AskMoses.com)
Non-Jews are also free to keep any of the 613 mitzvot (commandments), apart from the following:
- Keeping Shabbat (the Sabbath)
- Keeping other Jewish holidays
- Studying parts of the Torah that don't apply to the Noachide laws (however, one Rabbi has said that most of the Torah does apply to the Noachide laws)
- Writing a Torah scroll
- Wearing tefillin
- Putting a mezuzah on the doorpost
- Other laws that are a sign between God and the Jewish people specifically, e.g. wearing tzitzit
(Please click on the links for more information about Jewish terms)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
JFK
I'm watching JFK at the moment. I've never seen the whole of this film (at least not that I can remember) because something always stops me from seeing the ending. The same goes for The Pelican Brief. I have no idea why this is the case. Poor Kennedy is about to be shot (it's quite near the beginning).
Yesterday we went to Wagamama's for lunch. I had chicken curry, Mr C had ginger chicken with noodles. That wasn't what the dishes were called, but I can't remember the proper names.
I've done quite a bit of shopping this week. Probably not a good idea, but at least I now have some things other than work clothes, jeans and t shirts to wear. I even bought a skirt and a dress. People moan about Marks and Spencers, but I do sometimes find some good stuff there, that I can't find anywhere else. Anyway, Mr C and my friends will be pleased as they are often complaining about my lack of feminine clothing. I also went to H&M earlier in the week. I never usually find anything I like there, but I did this time. Good for my wardrobe, not so good for my bank balance.
It's been really warm during the day today, but now it's getting quite cold. Must go and concentrate on JFK, otherwise I won't have a clue what's going on.
Yesterday we went to Wagamama's for lunch. I had chicken curry, Mr C had ginger chicken with noodles. That wasn't what the dishes were called, but I can't remember the proper names.
I've done quite a bit of shopping this week. Probably not a good idea, but at least I now have some things other than work clothes, jeans and t shirts to wear. I even bought a skirt and a dress. People moan about Marks and Spencers, but I do sometimes find some good stuff there, that I can't find anywhere else. Anyway, Mr C and my friends will be pleased as they are often complaining about my lack of feminine clothing. I also went to H&M earlier in the week. I never usually find anything I like there, but I did this time. Good for my wardrobe, not so good for my bank balance.
It's been really warm during the day today, but now it's getting quite cold. Must go and concentrate on JFK, otherwise I won't have a clue what's going on.
Another Sunday
Which means, alas, that it is nearly Monday. But that's ok. I don't hate my work. Of course, things annoy me, but it could be a lot worse.
Last week was quite exciting, because the new desk was finally finished and up and running. At present we are at the "co-location" stage, as opposed to full integration, so library and computing people are working side by side on the desk, but not together as such. Does that make sense? That's what we wondered. It's working, but we felt a bit sorry for the computing people, who weren't introduced to anyone and had no idea who we are, who does what and how our rotas work. They only have slightly more idea now, thanks to library staff introducing themselves when they had the chance, and an 'impromptu' chocolate sharing session in our office. I expect the communication side of things will get better. Hopefully the computing people will get some sort of induction soon.
Meanwhile, still no news on what is going to happen to RS - how jobs are going to be divided up etc - or how they are going to work the staffing situation. It would be nice for those that applied to new jobs to actually know officially whether they have been accepted or not. We always seem to be waiting for information. Communication is not the institution's strong point. Or rather, it's not the strong point of the people in it, I expect the institution is crying out to communicate...but what could it be saying?!
I am getting a bit fed up of people thinking that I know all the answers to problems that have nothing to do with me, and the people in question should be asking management staff, whose job it is to sort these particular things out! Maybe I am just the nearest 'management' person, even though I am not a manager at all! In theory, I just "oversee" the office. This is according to my job description, which is not realistic anymore, however. Maybe I have missed something?
Mr C has disappeared into the attic. Hopefully he will be back in time for tea. I don't know what I'm going to make...
Must get back to Hebrew soon. I have probably forgotten everything I learnt before. Aggh.
Last week was quite exciting, because the new desk was finally finished and up and running. At present we are at the "co-location" stage, as opposed to full integration, so library and computing people are working side by side on the desk, but not together as such. Does that make sense? That's what we wondered. It's working, but we felt a bit sorry for the computing people, who weren't introduced to anyone and had no idea who we are, who does what and how our rotas work. They only have slightly more idea now, thanks to library staff introducing themselves when they had the chance, and an 'impromptu' chocolate sharing session in our office. I expect the communication side of things will get better. Hopefully the computing people will get some sort of induction soon.
Meanwhile, still no news on what is going to happen to RS - how jobs are going to be divided up etc - or how they are going to work the staffing situation. It would be nice for those that applied to new jobs to actually know officially whether they have been accepted or not. We always seem to be waiting for information. Communication is not the institution's strong point. Or rather, it's not the strong point of the people in it, I expect the institution is crying out to communicate...but what could it be saying?!
I am getting a bit fed up of people thinking that I know all the answers to problems that have nothing to do with me, and the people in question should be asking management staff, whose job it is to sort these particular things out! Maybe I am just the nearest 'management' person, even though I am not a manager at all! In theory, I just "oversee" the office. This is according to my job description, which is not realistic anymore, however. Maybe I have missed something?
Mr C has disappeared into the attic. Hopefully he will be back in time for tea. I don't know what I'm going to make...
Must get back to Hebrew soon. I have probably forgotten everything I learnt before. Aggh.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Bank Holiday weekend
I've spent my weekend in the following ways:
Mother-in-law came to stay again last week. She's been travelling around the UK. Her main reason for coming over was to see her dad on his 80th birthday, as a surprise. This was accomplished, and she then went to see all of her children, who are scattered all over the UK. A's younger brother is in Glasgow, his sister is in Nottingham, and we're in Kent, so we couldn't have tried much harder to live further away from each other!
A has gone to Wiltshire to do a 26 mile walk, which he actually did yesterday. He's coming back later today. It was quite nice to have some visitors, as otherwise I would have been on my own the whole weekend...apart from the company of Jack Bauer, family and associates. I don't know whether I'll finish the series before tomorrow. I borrowed the DVD from the library (work) and I've already renewed it a few times - this is the first time I've got round to watching it at all!
I'm still trying to get a mentor for Chartership. At the moment I'm re-writing my CV so that I can send it to my mentor with the mentee registration form. I thought it might help the potential mentor get more of an idea about my background etc. I'll try and send the email tomorrow.
- Watching series 1 of 24 (currently on 9.00am)
- Being at work (Saturday morning)
- Going to church (Sunday morning)
- Having people for lunch (not literally, Sunday afternoon)
- Having friend from uni plus husband to stay (Sunday afternoon and night, Monday morning)
Mother-in-law came to stay again last week. She's been travelling around the UK. Her main reason for coming over was to see her dad on his 80th birthday, as a surprise. This was accomplished, and she then went to see all of her children, who are scattered all over the UK. A's younger brother is in Glasgow, his sister is in Nottingham, and we're in Kent, so we couldn't have tried much harder to live further away from each other!
A has gone to Wiltshire to do a 26 mile walk, which he actually did yesterday. He's coming back later today. It was quite nice to have some visitors, as otherwise I would have been on my own the whole weekend...apart from the company of Jack Bauer, family and associates. I don't know whether I'll finish the series before tomorrow. I borrowed the DVD from the library (work) and I've already renewed it a few times - this is the first time I've got round to watching it at all!
I'm still trying to get a mentor for Chartership. At the moment I'm re-writing my CV so that I can send it to my mentor with the mentee registration form. I thought it might help the potential mentor get more of an idea about my background etc. I'll try and send the email tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Another nupital event
On Saturday we went to the wedding of yet another of my Uni friends. This time the wedding was held in Bangor, Gwynedd (as opposed to N Ireland). It was a really lovely service. Saw lots of old friends, which is always good. I hadn't seen some of them for about 5 years! No one has really changed very much, which is not really a surprise! Everyone seems to be doing ok. The good thing is that we can pick up where we left off, even though we haven't seen one another for a while. I was reminded how much I love certain people and why this is so.
We had a twmpath/ceilidh/barn dance in the evening, which was fun. I was a bit reluctant to dance, especially as I had on shoes that were too big for me and thought they might fall off. However, the shoes stayed on and I was glad I danced.
It was good to see the old place again - memories on every corner though - good mainly, a few poignant ones as well. It felt like going home really - I was quite sad on Sunday when we left.
The town centre of Bangor is not particularly pretty, apart from the cathedral area, but the surrounding area more than makes up for it. Some beautiful countryside, mountain (it's really near Snowdonia) and sea views. Will try to post some pictures at some point. Meanwhile, you can link to the University website here.
We had a twmpath/ceilidh/barn dance in the evening, which was fun. I was a bit reluctant to dance, especially as I had on shoes that were too big for me and thought they might fall off. However, the shoes stayed on and I was glad I danced.
It was good to see the old place again - memories on every corner though - good mainly, a few poignant ones as well. It felt like going home really - I was quite sad on Sunday when we left.
The town centre of Bangor is not particularly pretty, apart from the cathedral area, but the surrounding area more than makes up for it. Some beautiful countryside, mountain (it's really near Snowdonia) and sea views. Will try to post some pictures at some point. Meanwhile, you can link to the University website here.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Fruhe Ostern
I still have to try not to think about Van Tassel, otherwise I start feeling angry...
In other news, we are my parents' house for the Easter weekend. We came up yesterday, and went to see my aunt, uncle cousins and small second cousin to show them the wedding photos. We had a good catching up session. Hadn't spoken to my older cousin for ages, so it was goo to have a proper chat- as much as we could do with a four-year-old wanting us to play with her at the same time! I had to protect the ducks' food by knocking over the horse with a marble. Very important work.
Mr C's mum is over in the UK at the moment, so she stayed with us on Thursday night, and is now staying in Nottingham with A's sister. We went over there today and ate food and played 'Articulate', which was fun. Also played Chinese snap, which I hadn't played (or heard of) before - it's 'like normal snap with more rules'. You have to have really quick reflexes.
We're clearing out my room at the moment (not right at this moment obviously) to prepare to take the remainder of my stuff down to our house on Monday. We're leaving quite a lot behind to be sorted/kept/given away/thrown out by mum, but there is still lots of stuff (especially books) to be fitted into our small house. I think a lot of it will go in the attic. We're acquiring a new bookcase into the bargain, which is just as well as our current one is overflowing already. This evening we started sorting through all my old letters. It was interesting, but quite sad in a way. Lots of people I don't really keep in touch with any more. I should make more effort. The letters are currently kept in a cardboard sheep, which I would like to keep, but not sure where. I am optimistically thinking he could go in the spare room, but not sure how realistic that is. We're going to move the desk from the bedroom into the spare room, swapping it with the chest of drawers, in an effort to make the bedroom more bedroomy and the spare room more officey. We'll have to see how it goes and how well things fit in.
In other news, we are my parents' house for the Easter weekend. We came up yesterday, and went to see my aunt, uncle cousins and small second cousin to show them the wedding photos. We had a good catching up session. Hadn't spoken to my older cousin for ages, so it was goo to have a proper chat- as much as we could do with a four-year-old wanting us to play with her at the same time! I had to protect the ducks' food by knocking over the horse with a marble. Very important work.
Mr C's mum is over in the UK at the moment, so she stayed with us on Thursday night, and is now staying in Nottingham with A's sister. We went over there today and ate food and played 'Articulate', which was fun. Also played Chinese snap, which I hadn't played (or heard of) before - it's 'like normal snap with more rules'. You have to have really quick reflexes.
We're clearing out my room at the moment (not right at this moment obviously) to prepare to take the remainder of my stuff down to our house on Monday. We're leaving quite a lot behind to be sorted/kept/given away/thrown out by mum, but there is still lots of stuff (especially books) to be fitted into our small house. I think a lot of it will go in the attic. We're acquiring a new bookcase into the bargain, which is just as well as our current one is overflowing already. This evening we started sorting through all my old letters. It was interesting, but quite sad in a way. Lots of people I don't really keep in touch with any more. I should make more effort. The letters are currently kept in a cardboard sheep, which I would like to keep, but not sure where. I am optimistically thinking he could go in the spare room, but not sure how realistic that is. We're going to move the desk from the bedroom into the spare room, swapping it with the chest of drawers, in an effort to make the bedroom more bedroomy and the spare room more officey. We'll have to see how it goes and how well things fit in.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
What about what she wanted? If you don't want to know what happens in All He Ever Wanted, by Anita Shreve, please do not read!
As avid readers of my blog will know, I'm currently reading All he ever wanted, by Anita Shreve.
...and now I've finished it.
I don't think I have ever felt so disgusted by a protagonist in a book before. Van Tassel is a man of such self-deceit, such insiduous evil, that I'm going to have to give the book away rather than have him in my house for too long. His numerous episodes of hypocrisy, deceit and manipulation degrade his moral character and increase in ruthlessness, cruelty and brutality as his tale unfolds.
His wife is caged by her circumstances. It is 1899 when they marry, and her choice is stark: either become the near-servant of her sister and brother in law, or become the wife of a man she doesn't love and never will. She agrees to the marriage because she thinks she will then at least have the 'freedom' to run her own household and bring up children. In the end, however, Van Tassel's jealousy and desire to possess her entirely meant that she is not able to partake of even the small spaces of liberty she starts to create for herself.
The prejudices and attitudes of the time (1899-1933, with the main story set between 1899-1914 (?)) are well in evidence, played out particularly through the the character of Van Tassel. He is misogynistic and racist, although his attempts at corruption through racism are countered (however, he eventually brings about the downfall of his 'enemy' by corrupting his own daughter). The hypocrisy evident in Van Tassel is all too reminiscent of the society of the time, when it was perfectly acceptable for a man to have had previous lovers or even been with prostitutes, but not for a woman to have been anywhere near a man, to name but one example.
The most disturbing feature of Van Tassel's particular evil is that he himself seems to be so full of self-deceit that he seriously believes that, most of the time, he is the wronged party. As a person, a man, of his time this is perhaps somewhat understandable. However, the way he twists perceived wounds (mainly in his own mind, caused by his own jealous and possessive nature) to defend his dispicable actions is sickening. A truly repellent man.
Fly away Etna, fly away...
...and now I've finished it.
I don't think I have ever felt so disgusted by a protagonist in a book before. Van Tassel is a man of such self-deceit, such insiduous evil, that I'm going to have to give the book away rather than have him in my house for too long. His numerous episodes of hypocrisy, deceit and manipulation degrade his moral character and increase in ruthlessness, cruelty and brutality as his tale unfolds.
His wife is caged by her circumstances. It is 1899 when they marry, and her choice is stark: either become the near-servant of her sister and brother in law, or become the wife of a man she doesn't love and never will. She agrees to the marriage because she thinks she will then at least have the 'freedom' to run her own household and bring up children. In the end, however, Van Tassel's jealousy and desire to possess her entirely meant that she is not able to partake of even the small spaces of liberty she starts to create for herself.
The prejudices and attitudes of the time (1899-1933, with the main story set between 1899-1914 (?)) are well in evidence, played out particularly through the the character of Van Tassel. He is misogynistic and racist, although his attempts at corruption through racism are countered (however, he eventually brings about the downfall of his 'enemy' by corrupting his own daughter). The hypocrisy evident in Van Tassel is all too reminiscent of the society of the time, when it was perfectly acceptable for a man to have had previous lovers or even been with prostitutes, but not for a woman to have been anywhere near a man, to name but one example.
The most disturbing feature of Van Tassel's particular evil is that he himself seems to be so full of self-deceit that he seriously believes that, most of the time, he is the wronged party. As a person, a man, of his time this is perhaps somewhat understandable. However, the way he twists perceived wounds (mainly in his own mind, caused by his own jealous and possessive nature) to defend his dispicable actions is sickening. A truly repellent man.
Fly away Etna, fly away...
Monday, April 10, 2006
A birthday party
We had a surprise 60th birthday party for my aunt this weekend. Saw lots of relatives we hadn't seen for a while. My uncle and cousin had done loads of organisation, and she had no idea so many people (about 45) were coming. Somehow we all fitted into my uncle and aunt's house, and it wasn't too squishy. Got some more information about the family tree from one of dad's cousins, so I will have to jot that down before I forget it.
This is George, my uncle and aunt's cat. He enjoyed the party whilst sleeping upstairs. He particularly liked the piece of leftover turkey he ate afterwards.
Had the day off today, as we had to get back from mum and dad's, so that's been nice. Haven't really done anything exciting, just some washing, cooking and surfing (the net). It's been a nice rest though.
I've had some comments about my article for h2g2, mainly ok with some suggestions for improvement. I've implemented most of the suggestions, apart from one, because I need to find out how to do something first.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Article update
I eventually finished the 'comment' article I was writing for the CILIP Gazette. I really couldn't decide what to write. I had several germs of ideas, but nothing really meaty. In the end I did manage to get together 350 or so words on the image of librarians, but I wasn't convinced it was any good, and very nearly didn't send it in. Happily, the lady who asked people to contribute disagreed and thought it was good. She said she would use it in a future issue, once the Gazette has been relaunched, which is happening in June. So, I'm glad I sent it in now!
I have also finished my article on PCD for h2g2 (see previous post). I have sent it in for Peer Review, and am nervously awaiting comments...
I have also finished my article on PCD for h2g2 (see previous post). I have sent it in for Peer Review, and am nervously awaiting comments...
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Who are you?
How well do we actually know our work colleagues? It occured to me today that there is a kind of filter through which we see our colleagues, which they put in place and which we in turn put in place to filter their view of us.
I suppose that, to some extent, this is true of all forms of social interaction, but I think it's truer still of colleagues, because (usually) you only get to see them in one sphere of their lives. 'Work' is a very rigid environment, with lots of rules and expected behaviours and patterns of interaction. There are boundaries on what you can talk about with colleagues, and boundaries on how close you can get (socially and physically) to them (unless you develop a relationship/friendship with them outside of work, but that's a different sphere). It seems something of a shame sometimes, because I think some colleagues would make excellent friends (although they may not feel the same about me).
But anyway, the filter...
People at work, can, to some extent, choose how they present themselves, in terms both of their physical appearance and the information they choose to reveal about themselves. It's kind of like a blog or personal website really - somewhere you can potentially let people see just the 'good' aspects of yourself and handily omit the less attractive ones.
In reality, this only works to a certain extent in the work situation, because people's personalities are quite diffiult to hide, unless they have some sort of pathological disorder (?), or they have particularly insensitive or unobservant colleagues.
In some places, where there isn't much interaction between colleagues I expect you could pretty much hide your entire true personality, maybe your entire life outside of work, from your fellow workers.
I suppose that, to some extent, this is true of all forms of social interaction, but I think it's truer still of colleagues, because (usually) you only get to see them in one sphere of their lives. 'Work' is a very rigid environment, with lots of rules and expected behaviours and patterns of interaction. There are boundaries on what you can talk about with colleagues, and boundaries on how close you can get (socially and physically) to them (unless you develop a relationship/friendship with them outside of work, but that's a different sphere). It seems something of a shame sometimes, because I think some colleagues would make excellent friends (although they may not feel the same about me).
But anyway, the filter...
People at work, can, to some extent, choose how they present themselves, in terms both of their physical appearance and the information they choose to reveal about themselves. It's kind of like a blog or personal website really - somewhere you can potentially let people see just the 'good' aspects of yourself and handily omit the less attractive ones.
In reality, this only works to a certain extent in the work situation, because people's personalities are quite diffiult to hide, unless they have some sort of pathological disorder (?), or they have particularly insensitive or unobservant colleagues.
In some places, where there isn't much interaction between colleagues I expect you could pretty much hide your entire true personality, maybe your entire life outside of work, from your fellow workers.
Monday, April 03, 2006
At the Zoo: Simon and Garfunkel
Someone told me
It’s all happening at the zoo.
I do believe it, I do believe it’s true.
It’s a light and tumble journey
From the east side to the park;
Just a fine and fancy ramble
To the zoo.
But you can take the crosstown bus
If it’s raining or it’s cold,
And the animals will love it
If you do.
Somethin’ tells me
It’s all happening at the zoo.
The monkeys stand for honesty,
Giraffes are insincere,
And the elephants are kindly but
They’re dumb.
Orangutans are skeptical
Of changes in their cages,
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum.
Zebras are reactionaries,
Antelopes are missionaries,
Pigeons plot in secrecy,
And hamsters turn on frequently.
What a gas! you gotta come and see
At the zoo.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
PCD
I'm writing an entry for h2g2 about Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. It will appear on the blog when I've finished. I still haven't started the CILIP Gazette article. The vicar wants me to write an article about the new library at church for the church magazine. So, articles all round! (If I ever get round to writing any of them!)
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Film 2006
Today we had the discussion about me not having watched various classic films, which is now a standard office conversation. I don't know how I did it, but I managed to grow up without watching ET, any of the original Star Wars trilogy all the way through, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, any of the Jaws films, etc. Maybe I just missed all the Spielberg ones! No, that's not true because I have seen all three Indiana Jones films, Schindler's List and...hmm that's about it. (Not for all the films I've seen, just for the Spielberg ones.)
Anyway, S says I have to go and watch them round her house one day. This discussion stemmed from one I started about which film was people's least favourite, and then which was people's favourite. S's least favourite was Journey to Shiloh, an early Harrison Ford movie about the American Civil War, which also starred James Caan apparently. E went for Pearl Harbor [sic], which is probably on a lot of people's list of least favourite/worst films. Needless to say, I haven't seen either!
Today I spent some time (not work time of course) looking at the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy pages on the BBC website. This particular site, known as h2g2, is a guide created by members of the public. You can log in as a 'researcher' and write your own guide entry. There are loads of entries about anything and everything. I'm planning to write some on various obscure/not so obscure medical conditions, but a lot of the entries are much more light-hearted. For example, there is one about "The Mystery of the Sweet Potato".
Hmm it is late, time for bed.
Anyway, S says I have to go and watch them round her house one day. This discussion stemmed from one I started about which film was people's least favourite, and then which was people's favourite. S's least favourite was Journey to Shiloh, an early Harrison Ford movie about the American Civil War, which also starred James Caan apparently. E went for Pearl Harbor [sic], which is probably on a lot of people's list of least favourite/worst films. Needless to say, I haven't seen either!
Today I spent some time (not work time of course) looking at the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy pages on the BBC website. This particular site, known as h2g2, is a guide created by members of the public. You can log in as a 'researcher' and write your own guide entry. There are loads of entries about anything and everything. I'm planning to write some on various obscure/not so obscure medical conditions, but a lot of the entries are much more light-hearted. For example, there is one about "The Mystery of the Sweet Potato".
Hmm it is late, time for bed.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Small things
Hmm guess the font was no different!
I was saying in the staff room yesterday that you can tell a lot about people by small things they do, or don't do. For example, people who don't return their cups and saucers to the canteen or, similarly, don't return their books to the shelves say a lot about themselves. To me, such behaviour indicates several character traits:
1. Laziness
2. Lack of consideration for others
3. Selfishness
4. Lack of thought
Of course, people who 'dump and run' on an occasional basis might just be busy or desperate for the loo or something.
I am trying to write an article for the CILIP Gazette. It has to be done by 5th April. I am just not sure what to write about. The piece is supposed to be my opinion on any issue affecting libraries/information professionals - either in terms of the wider profession or more specific to my sphere. I can find plenty to say when I'm chatting to people or whatever, but when it comes to actually writing a piece 'to order' I seem to be stumped. Will have to do some brainstorming. That's how I usually write essays etc, just put everything in my head down on paper and then try to get some sort of structure to it. I think once I've actually decided what to write about it'll be better, but at the moment I am feeling particularly vague.
I'm also looking for mentor to guide me through my chartership, but I'm rapidly running out of time until the deadline for the amount of time allowed between registering for chartership and finding a mentor is upon me. Maybe I should go and email a potential mentor.
Just realised I have forgotten to post a wedding invitation reply. Must do that tomorrow.
I was saying in the staff room yesterday that you can tell a lot about people by small things they do, or don't do. For example, people who don't return their cups and saucers to the canteen or, similarly, don't return their books to the shelves say a lot about themselves. To me, such behaviour indicates several character traits:
1. Laziness
2. Lack of consideration for others
3. Selfishness
4. Lack of thought
Of course, people who 'dump and run' on an occasional basis might just be busy or desperate for the loo or something.
I am trying to write an article for the CILIP Gazette. It has to be done by 5th April. I am just not sure what to write about. The piece is supposed to be my opinion on any issue affecting libraries/information professionals - either in terms of the wider profession or more specific to my sphere. I can find plenty to say when I'm chatting to people or whatever, but when it comes to actually writing a piece 'to order' I seem to be stumped. Will have to do some brainstorming. That's how I usually write essays etc, just put everything in my head down on paper and then try to get some sort of structure to it. I think once I've actually decided what to write about it'll be better, but at the moment I am feeling particularly vague.
I'm also looking for mentor to guide me through my chartership, but I'm rapidly running out of time until the deadline for the amount of time allowed between registering for chartership and finding a mentor is upon me. Maybe I should go and email a potential mentor.
Just realised I have forgotten to post a wedding invitation reply. Must do that tomorrow.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Little Miss Fickle
Testing a new font...
ER's on. I like it. I've always liked it. I started watching it when I was at uni, and have watched it on and off since. 9 minutes til the end of this week's episode. Pratt has just told Neela he wants to go back to Iraq. She's not happy. Poor Neela.
I've tried a new template again. I am so fickle when it comes to these things...or maybe just indecisive. Someone once bought me a Little Miss Fickle book, from the Mr Men and Little Miss series. Should I have been insulted? I think I'm indecisive rather than fickle, but that's not very good either.
ER is back on. Neela and Pratt are having a conversation about him wanting to go back to Iraq. It's very sad. Now it's finished.
I'm on early tomorrow. Someone was covering for me, but she's striking. It's a Unison (public services union) strike to do with the government wanting to remove the 85 year rule. For more information see this Guardian article from today's edition.
ER's on. I like it. I've always liked it. I started watching it when I was at uni, and have watched it on and off since. 9 minutes til the end of this week's episode. Pratt has just told Neela he wants to go back to Iraq. She's not happy. Poor Neela.
I've tried a new template again. I am so fickle when it comes to these things...or maybe just indecisive. Someone once bought me a Little Miss Fickle book, from the Mr Men and Little Miss series. Should I have been insulted? I think I'm indecisive rather than fickle, but that's not very good either. ER is back on. Neela and Pratt are having a conversation about him wanting to go back to Iraq. It's very sad. Now it's finished.
I'm on early tomorrow. Someone was covering for me, but she's striking. It's a Unison (public services union) strike to do with the government wanting to remove the 85 year rule. For more information see this Guardian article from today's edition.
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