A long time ago

Check this out on Vimeo – a long time ago

A moment of critique of definitions of engagement

The literature is full of evangelistical definitions of engagement, but somehow they seem to paint only half the picture. Why does nobody mention how powerful a driver negative affect is for online engagement? A cursory glance at the comments field of any news site, or pretty much anywhere in ‘the bottom half’, shows very clearly that people actively seek out contrary views and a satisfying degree of indignation.

Denise’s birthday do

Denise’s birthday do was a lively and upbeat affair. We arrived late afternoon, when quite a few of the guests had already been celebrating for a couple of hours; sort of in between the first and the second shift.

Many of the usual suspects were there, as well as a significant amount of cake and drink. Not a savoury thing in sight – this gathering clearly was intent on skipping straight to the dessert.

Much discussion around engagement – many definitions are focusing exclusively on ‘positive affect’, which clearly is only part of the picture. Consider not just the military context, but internet trolling, heated debates, and right wing media. Being irate holds a lot of attraction to many people. And it is highly engaging.

Stoke is good, yet again

We are enjoying Stoke again. Nachi’s lab, including the fab people there, is as good as ever. I am beginning to feel quite at home here. We have done research comparing Tekscan chair mat and Vicon, with the 12-stimuli set. It looks as if we are poised to get a few things published this year, which is exciting.

We have had excellent food every evening, courtesy of TripAdvisor – this is not a plug, by the way. But it is a good way to find out about reasonable restaurants. Letif’s in Alsager was great the first evening, Portofino last night was very good, and Jalfrezi tonight was good. Latif’s was a cut above the rest, I have to say – we think they may be Bangladeshi, and the food was excellent: succulent, aromatic, and subtle.

North Staffordshire Hotel is its wonky self, so all is well in the world.

Academic integrity

Hm. I was faced with the need to reprimand someone about academic integrity today. Disappointing. He accepted my point without struggle, and gave an excuse that he acknowledged was insufficient. And he agreed to rectify the matter.

Snow Satan

Walking past St. Nicholas last night, we saw that someone had built a snowman with two curly devil horns in the graveyard… Only in Brighton.

The Story

I went to the latter part of The Story in London. Some very interesting presentations, particularly one from an economist (on the narrative side of economics – ‘performative economics’), one from the exhibition designer at the Maritime Museum, and a couple of very entertaining presentations from animators.

Freakonomics: Real data on differences between men and women

This is interesting. Take the time.

Post-birthday musings

A very lovely day. It started beautifully, continued with an unexpected lunch out with Cai, champagne with Jamie, and then my love gave me an utterly gorgeous evening that was full of surprises.

We are going to Book of Mormons, plus oodles of loveliness, plus an amazing feast.

Brighton Science Festival – Bright Sparks

Right. Today it is the Brighton Science Festival family day, Bright Sparks. Cai is very enthusiastic about going; says he wants to be a scientist when he grows up. I actually think it would suit him, knowing what I do about scientists.

Katla is now in Austria – her very first trip abroad on her own. Or rather, with school. My grown up girl. I was looking at some baby photos my mother sent recently, and it is amazing to see. Both girls are so familiar to me – the little one, and the big one. And somewhere within the big one, there is still the little one. She has grown so much that all her skiing gear is too small – I had to lend her mine.

They had a hiccup with the coach last night – just as they had loaded everyone on, they driver realised it wouldn’t start. They had so sit around waiting for a while, but it was eventually fixed.

Cai and I will have plenty of one-on-one time during half term – I think he will enjoy that. We shall start today with a good dose of science.