Take a day off...

...and suddenly there is a lot to write about!

I had a pleasant day in central London yesterday, despite hassles on the tube journey getting in. The main purpose of my visit was to be a guest speaker at a university, something I have done for the last three years and very much enjoy. My work was finished by 3pm so I wandered off to Borders for a long browse and a coffee in the Starbucks concession before heading homewards.

Although I wouldn't want to have to commute into London every day (been there, done that), I find that to go in every now and then for work or meetings, as well as pleasure, can be very energising.

So home for an evening in front of The Apprentice, with Sir Alan playing Katie perfectly. I then watched the follow-on show on BBC2 and was amazed how much younger and prettier Katie looked, having lost the dated blue eyeshadow and bright lipstick and got herself a sharper new haircut. A real improvement, just a shame the same couldn't be said for her personality!

Then there was the announcement of the Orange Broadband Prize last night. The hot favourite, Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was the winner. It sounds like a challenging yet rewarding read, but I'm not sure if it is for me, or at least not at the moment. I have, however, been fascinated by the reviews, such as this one by the always reliable dovegreyreader and this one on Eve's Alexandria.

Finally, I have been tagged by Marianne, but that will have to wait for another day.