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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…
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Reset – Workout #1
Just back from 3 weeks abroad, it was amazing but a touch frustrating too because I want health, wellbeing and fitness to be my top priority right now. I went away with vows of “lean/clean eating” but deep down I knew it wasn’t realistic. The nature of both trips militated against a non-indulgent dietary system.…
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Workout/new phone
I was planning to buy a new phone but I lost any discretion over timing. Having been dropped 100s of times the straw finally broke the camel’s back on Friday, leading to a panicked rush to get a replacement several weeks ahead of schedule Of course, with new tech comes new headaches – the size…
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Home Improvement: Before & After
Some things take care of themselves, other things don’t and home and garden are amongst them. I do not recall the last time I painted the shed, fences, etc., but it certainly was not last summer. The algae build up suggests three years at least so it was well overdue. It represents about a week’s…
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Special Buys and the German Invasion
Who doesn’t love a bargain? Well, asides extreme anti-capitalists and anti-consumerists perhaps? (which obviously I am not – although I’m all for stakeholder capitalism) LIDL and ALDI have changed the UK retail scene and from my narrow consumer perspective, they have changed it for the better. Before I switched away from the “big four” I…
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Not everything in Britain is crap: our postboxes are AWESOME!
For years now a secret army – armed only with needles and yarn – have been designing and gifting letter box toppers to the general public throughout the UK. It’s the only example of David Cameron’s “big society” I know of, although this wonderful trend has nothing to do with political losers like him. Here’s…
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Dr Martin James 