Yesterday we went to Worcester Art Gallery, where they currently have an exhibition of Paul Kidby's Illustrations.

FutureLearn

The Power of Languages (University of York)
A look at how languages shape culture and identity.  Of reasonable interest, but I found I already knew quite a lot of what was said, having picked it up from other courses and elsewhere.

Critical Approaches to Film (Film Distributors' Association)
Although I don't go to the cinema very often, I do find the FDA's courses very interesting.  This one looked at film criticism, not just at the critics who recommend (or not) a film, but also the analysis of films.  My own feeling is that if I'm analysing a film as I'm watching it, it's not the film for me, but having a better idea of why certain things worked or didn't work when I look back afterwards is interesting.


OpenLearn

Getting Started with German 1
Basic revision prior to going on holiday next April.  It never hurts to be reminded of things.

Citizen Science & Global Biodiversity
An eight week badged course.  Having been doing a few things which can be called Citizen Science (bird counts and butterfly counts) I thought taking the course might be interesting.  There were a number of areas which would be more applicable if I had more time for commitment, but it was worth taking to understand the relevance of counts by citizen scientists.  And I joined Zooniverse, so I now participate in Penguin Watch - counting penguins via the computer.

Beginners' Chinese: A taster course
I have no wish to learn Chinese (far too complicated), but I have a course on China coming up, so I used this to provide background information.

Neighbourhood Nature
A really short course which was signposted from the Citizen Science one.  Really about the age of plants, especially trees, in various locations, and the importance ancient trees have in promoting biodiversity.


Deutsch fur dich

My main German studies have been concentrated on short teaching videos by the Goethe Institut.  I've taken 20 of these videos and have some more lined up for when I've finished the OpenLearn courses.

Now, I know it's only the beginning of November, but I need time to organise myself, write cards and get them to the post office, and the last date for posting anywhere except with the UK is the first week in December.  So...

If you would like a card from me this year, please let me have your name and address - comments will be screened.  And if there are any particular preferences, e.g. non-religious, no robins (UK variety) etc, do let me know.  I will post to anywhere in the world, but cannot guarantee, even though cards will be posted very early in December, that they will arrive on time.

Alternatively, if you'd like an e-card, then please let me have your email address.

And if you'd rather not risk a screened comment, do drop me a DM.

Lastly, if you've had a card from me in the past and don't want to receive one this time, or you've moved and I don't have your new address, please let me know.