Diary

I call this a diary rather than a blog. It's the page where I add or link to new stuff with content arranged in date order, rather than where I regularly write short pieces on what I'm doing … although some of this does read rather like a blog.

A first for me

The label at the rear of a bottle of wine

Why is this boittle of wine special for me? Is it because I first heard of Barolo at a favourite local restaurant (Tito's)? Nope … it's all about that QR code.

No need to apologise

Helen MacNamara

Why did one of the most senior women in the country feel the need to apologise for asking a pertinent question of her subordinate? It happens all the time

The Traitors

NThe Traitors UK logo

I really enjoy playing Werewolf. I even enjoy watching it on TV.

Books I've read

I began listing the books I had read in January 2006, just before a friend and I started a new book club. After almost 13 years, I've finally got around to putting the list online.

Radio phone-in

I often listen to James O'Brien on LBC but I have to do it in the evening on catch-up because I'm at work in the day. Yesterday I was listenting to LBC live for a change and decided to call in.

Beyond measure

Britain has been brought low by the most shameless, amoral, xenophobic and corrupt government in our modern history. In one of the latest attempts to distract the populus from its behaviour, the government is running a consulation on bringing back imperial measures. I wish this were a joke.

A much loved aunt

A confident and beautiful young woman, turned slightly to the side, is looking straight at you with a knowing look

The last of her generation. As much a defining part of my life as my parents, siblings and children. Farewell and thank you. The photograph here shows a nearly 18 year old Marion Girton, taken 21 August 1949 by my father, Roy Archer.

Christmas readings

Two videos produced by Nick Lansley for the GS1 office Christmas party 2021 (held virtually). Working with Nick and our colleague Christine Hutchinson on these was a lot of fun.

My presentation to an IEEE workshop on identifers and resolvers

I give talks all the time so I don't bother to record them all here, but this one was special and, since it was given as a video, I'm pleased to be able to include it here.

Signed by the author, or was it?

It's noticeable that publishers increasingly offer first editions of books signed by the author. It's true that an author signature can add signifiant value to a book and, first edition or not, can make a book special. But it's not always as simple as that.