Author: martinjamesphd
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Four Seasons
Guess what? I’ve been busy, too busy to post on here lately so I’m doing some catching up. On the last weekend of November I went to see Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by candlelight at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. It was so much better than I expected, I’ll definitely go again next year.
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Lodge improvement: the work office
My campus office was a depressing sight when I first moved in. I’ve done what I can to add heart and soul on a very modest budget. Much of the artwork is from charity shops so they are not the product of a free hand, although I’m genuinely happy with what I’ve got for a…
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The en-suite bathroom’s new look
It’s not finished yet but much of the overhaul is complete. It’s fair to say that it exhibits the house style of rich complementary colours alongside bespoke art. I like each room to have it’s own personality and character, functioning as a unique part of the greater whole. You can catch a glimpse of the…
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Is this the most handsome clock ever made?
For years I have wanted a centerpiece for a display in my home office but all options fell short. That is, until now. I stumbled upon this stunning clock when I was buying a Mondaine watch with an identical design and colourway. As soon as I saw it I knew it to be the solution…
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2023’s shaping up
After 5 years intensely dominated by home improvement, career development, personal development and external chaos (Brexshit, endless Tory-induced nightmares, Covid-19 and now stagflation), I am looking to make a small return to holidays abroad next year. I have therefore booked a modest holiday in Majorca, mindful that the only way is up for prices in…
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Two weeks on from the operation
Despite limited mobility in the last 2 weeks I have still lost over 6lbs. I’m not entirely sure how, my diet hasn’t been any more disciplined (nor any worse mind you), and my calorie burn is well down on before. Maybe I have simply turned my body into a calorie burning machine over summer, and…
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Autumn ’22 House Progress Update: sexy double oven
Such has been my meandering focus over the last few months that I have not documented any recent home improvements, of which there has been a few. The drama I had over the installation of this new oven was genuinely hard to believe (I’ll spare you!). This only makes satisfaction with the end result more…
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Dr James’ Good News (2): Living to tell the tale
OK it might have only been a hernia operation rather than say, brain surgery, but it’s not entirely trivial. It is after all open surgery under general anesthetic, a full day in hospital with strict rules on what you cannot do before and after. For instance, I am not allowed to lift anything heavier than…
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Dr James’ Good News (1): How do you like those apples?
There’s a dizzying amount to feel depressed about at the moment so here’s some good news: my apple tree produced its first batch this year! As you can see it’s a monster bounty, almost a bowl full. 🙂 Just wait until next summer, there’s no stopping us now.
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Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
There’s not much I can add in terms of superlatives, it was an incredible event and I’m super proud of how the city I’ve made home hosted this festival of sport. Only world class planning and organisation could have made such a huge occasion go off without a hitch. If nothing else, it shows there…
Dr Martin James 