Starting conversations, pseudonyms and banning Trump?

Why we English talk about the weather; problems with pseudonyms; Cambridge Open Studios images; Speaker John Bercow averse to Trump.

Why do we English talk about the weather? Not because we are necessarily interested in it but rather, because it is a way to initiate conversation. When a person makes a comment about the weather "Cold today isn't it?" the correct response is generally something in agreement. In fact disagreement can be a faux pax! I was chuckling away last night as I made the mistake of taking a quick peek at Kate Fox's book "Watching the English" and it took till 2pm before I put it down and reluctantly went to bed.

Monday started as a review of work done and work ahead with Jane, and a division of the tasks ahead. It looks like our next author is getting closer to completing her children's book. I'm looking forward to seeing the final manuscript before it goes into print. She did raise an interesting question on whether there was an issue with having one pseudonym as author for two people.

From a publishing perspective there is no problem, as the publisher is the key contact for the book trade. I know who the actual contact is. It is important when you respond to readers, you have to be consistent with your using your nom de plume, to avoid confusion. You also need to: Either have a new account in the authors name; or come to an agreement with your bank to accept payments in that name on the account under your real name.

Following on from the Cambridge Open Studios AGM, I had a visitor this evening who had asked for assistance with uploading the COS Guide entry image online. I'd practiced myself and also added some images to my artists entry portfolio for 2017. Similarly Jane was editing her entry. Fortunately, the guest had actually worked most of it our herself and just needed confirmation. This left more time for conversation on Brexit, Berlin and films.

The Brexit Bill is entering the first voting stage for amendments in the Commons, but currently the only item making the news is that the conservative MPs were dragged out of a party to vote down a suggestion that PM May should update Parliament on the progress of negotiations every two months.

The main news item was the Speaker of the Commons, John Bercow expressing reservations about President Trump being asked to address the two houses. He said:

“We value our relationship with the United States. However, as far as this place is concerned I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism and to sexism and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary are hugely important considerations in the House of Commons.

“Before the imposition of the migrant ban, I would myself have been strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall.

“After the imposition of the migrant ban by President Trump I am even more strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall.”

It even made prime news slot in Der Spiegel in Germany!