Author: martinjamesphd
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Clacton on Sea
Hey, I completely forgot that Clacton is now the centre of Faragedom on Earth. If I knew that I would have probably still visited but it did send a shiver down my spine to think that that racist, smug crocodile is the kleptocratic MP for this town. It wasn’t an overtly a racist or hateful…
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Summer in the City: first day at Bayes
Like every first day it was exciting, chaotic and somewhat overwhelming. This was no normal first day though because my new job is in the heart of the old City of London, which for me is the most interesting part of the city. It is after all its financial and economic engine and the centre…
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Barber Institute of Fine Art
As part of a flying departure from the University of Birmingham I spent an hour or so enjoying the Barber Institute of Fine Art. It’s an incredible place featuring fine works by world famous artists (e.g., Turner, Monet, Van Gogh, Magritte, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec). There was also a special exhibition by Claudette Johnson, a current finalist…
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Winterbourne Gardens
The horror! The horror! I worked next to Winterbourne Gardens for two and a half years and I never visited. On my very last day I decided to pop by for a now-or never-visit. Thank the Gods I did, it’s stunning! I kick myself though because I could and should have been a regular.
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Saying goodbye to my beautiful office
The thing I loved most at the University of Birmingham was my amazing office. It was such a unique space, such an opportunity – over the course of months I made it incrementally more cosy. Moving out was sad, it was not so long ago that I thought that the University of Birmingham and that…
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Graduation & the end of an era at the University of Birmingham
As a last act as Programme Director of the Undergraduate Business Management Suite I attended graduation on Monday 15th July. The weather was unfortunate – it was both warm and raining – meaning that it was almost impossible to feel comfortable. Still, there was every sign that the students and families were enjoying themselves and…
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The Netherlands and Belgium for ITP #2
I really looked forward to this and it didn’t disappoint. The 2nd in-person ITP course was at Vlerick’s main campus in Ghent, giving me a chance to enjoy that city and Bruges nearby. Both were complemented by exceptional weather and incredible atmospheres, due in part to football fans passing through on their way to and…
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Kyoto @ the RSC
I’ve never managed to get to a show at the RSC Stratford so I was delighted to get tickets for the world premier of “Kyoto.” I didn’t expect much, the premise wasn’t exactly my thing (or so I thought) with the show being about a climate accord and the processual build up to it. I…
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Championing an Underdog
Birmingham does not lack for critics and some of the criticism is hard to refute. It’s not the prettiest city, compared to the best of mainland Europe it’s embarrassing. The shopping scene is poor compared to rivals and its poorly connected and disjointed. Still, from up on high on a summer’s night there’s a certain…
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Off to see the Wizard
It’s not really my thing but I was happy to accompany a friend. For those who care the stars attractions were Craig Revel Horwood and a guy from JLS – a boyband (apparently). It was very well written up by the critics and the show was well put together. Lots of children were on hand…
Dr Martin James 