Had a great time this weekend; went down to my parents on Friday night in anticipation of my Nan’s 80th birthday party. Mom had taken on the catering for the event, and laid on a spread for 70 people, a gorgeous buffet. Dad’s already mentioned most of what went on, including my cousin Damien’s somewhat risque (given the audience) joke. I really enjoyed the night because I got to see loads of family I don’t often get the chance to meet, including all my cousins, apart from one who lives in America, and all seven of my cousins’ children, some of whom I hadn’t even met before. The last time I met the oldest, he was just 5 or so. Now he’s started secondary school. It really is scary how quickly they grow up.
Nan was in high spirits all evening, loving being the centre of attention and grand matriarch of the family. You’d never guess she was 80, and a great-grandmother. I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised if, 10 years down the line, we all got together again for her 90th, with some great-great-grandchildren to add to the family tree. Talking of which, I’ll be adding the family tree that was housed at Little Blue Fox back in here soon. It needs a bit of updating first, given there’s a recent addition to it - my cousin Kieron and his wife June’s third child, Grace, cute as a button.

I read an article in the Times Higher this morning that made me roll my eyes in disbelief. A final year student at the UKC plans to sue the university because he plagiarised his essays, copying chunks of text from internet sources without acknowledgement. The university didn’t notice until a routine review was done, at which point they marked all the essays down to zero. The student says that yes, he completely admits using uncredited sources of information, but it’s the university at fault, not him, because they didn’t say anything and didn’t provide enough information about what constitutes plagiarism. He’s got virtually no chance of graduating with 13 failed essays, so he’s going to sue them for negligence.

I work in a university, and I can’t believe this kind of litigation is going forward. Course handbooks, issued to each and every enrolling student, detail examination and marking procedures, including specific guidelines on cheating and plagiarism. I guess this just goes to show what kind of litigious society we’re turning into. What next, customers suing McDonalds for their coffee being too hot? Oh. Wait. Been there already.

So there I am, sitting in front of the computer, talking to my dad via MSN and webcam, showing him what I’ll be wearing for a party on Saturday. My mom wanders into view behind his shoulder. The conversation goes as follows:

Mom: Turn around a minute.
Me: (slightly confused and bemused, turning around to look behind me) Um…ok?
Mom: See that empty Pepsi bottle? Put it in the bin and keep your place tidy.
Me: *speechless*

70 miles away, and still she points it out, over a webcam, no less. Technology DOES have its disadvantages.