There's so much discussion of this meme right now (based on ”From What Privileges Do You Have?,” an exercise about class and privilege developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen and colleagues at Illinois State University), and so many comments from UK LJ-ers who feel that the questions are US-centric, that I thought it was worth ( Read more... )

I'm very proud to announce that my uncle Michael Deakin's book, Hypatia of Alexandria: Mathematician and Martyr, has finally seen the light of day. See the Prometheus Books site for info on how to order.

"A work of outstanding scholarship", says Simon Mitton, in this week's THES. Glad he approves. This book is the fruit of many years' research and ( Read more... )

Right before Christmas, I went to see English National Ballet's Nutcracker at the Coliseum in London. The production was designed by Gerald Scarfe (UK artist, poss. best known for his Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister credits sequences), and was as colourful, exaggerated and witty as you might expect.

Scarfe borrowed from Alice in Wonderland and ( Read more... )

A very happy New Year to you and yours ( Read more... )

I finally got around to watching the DVD my mother gave me for Christmas, The Sheltering Sky. I can't quite believe it's taken me this long to see it, not least because a whole chapter of my PhD was devoted to Paul Bowles, author of the novel it's based on ( Read more... )

A mad scientist. A programmer. An evil intern. And a superintelligent gerbil.

What's not to like?

I'm pretty late off the block with this one, but it's great.

(Next post: will not be webcomic related).

Via xkcd.


( Read more... )

A few friends have told me recently that the best eating in Brick Lane isn't curry - it's bagels. I didn't realise this, but apparently, before the Bangladeshi community moved in, the area was home to a large Jewish population, remnants of which (viz., bagels), still remain. I'm definitely mourning the lack of bagels in my diet since I got back ( Read more... )

Not any kind of profound dilemma (aka "Thanksgiving = Invasion Day?"), but hey.

Need pie. Must have pie. Must somehow bake pie and transport to friend's house on Thursday without devouring said pie before arrival.

What kind of pie should I bake?

Leaning towards pumpkin at the moment, but willing to consider options. Suggestions welcome.

Paging dalmeny... I was reminded of this by your Lone Star State bat experiences :-)

The winner of the Bat House Project has been announced ( Read more... )