Status-Q

This essay by Stephen R. Barley is a very nicely written commentary on the changing motivations of academic journals and institutions, and the effect it has on the disciplines they represent. Recommended for anyone involved in academic research, whether or not you're in his particular field.

I rarely receive any comments these days on my findings, my data, or my analysis. In fact, I am usually complimented on these before being told why the paper can't be published as is. Instead, the vast majority of comments focus on the theoretical or substantive frame of the story I want to tell. The logic of such comments boils down to this: "You say your paper is about X, but I think it is really about Y."

Thanks to Paul Dourish for the link.

My car's going in to the garage for a service today. Oil? New tyres? Shock absorbers?

No.

A software update.

I imagine the actual update will take a couple of minutes and a USB stick. But they're keeping the car for about three days, presumably to test all of the things that it affects.

Trumpington Meadows is a large new housing development on the southern edge of Cambridge. The houses are, well, modern houses. Perhaps a bit better than some. But the developers have done a nice job of gentle landscaping on the big field between the housing estate and Byron's Pool. It's become a favourite dog-walking area.

Last night, a combination of fog and sunset made it look particularly beautiful. One of those times when I kicked myself for not having a proper camera with me: these are iPhone shots.

And if you look carefully (or click for the larger version) you'll see that this is actually a photo of the M11:

I'm not often grateful to housing developers, so I feel I should give them credit when it's due!