tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67250452453528439332011-12-18T07:53:31.629ZMiss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.comBlogger3831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-41839723850994855022010-04-10T17:09:00.001+01:002010-04-10T17:11:30.457+01:00

My commiserations to the Poles for the sad news today.I sincerely hope that the event won't be used as an excuse by those who would want to stymie the increasingly good relationship with Russia.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-40530592350520577172010-03-22T21:57:00.001Z2010-03-22T21:58:49.763Z

"A few insults and a touch of sarcasm scattered across 45 comments is the blogging equivalent of a standing ovation"(taken from: here (Doug Pascover Mar 16th 2010 3:22 GMT)

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-61953960100003921312010-03-16T17:52:00.002Z2010-03-16T17:54:53.179Z

Well, it appears that I either have the playing skills of Harry or someone used a confundus charm on the other candidates but I am over the moon to tell you all I appear to have caught the golden snitch!

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-58539980852146298652010-03-03T07:47:00.001Z2010-03-03T13:55:40.784Z

I received this one via email recently:A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said,'Jesus knows you're here.'He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze.When he heard nothing more , after a bit, he shook his head and continued.Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-22607192102295266582010-03-02T10:02:00.004Z2010-03-02T10:28:03.765Z

I met a girl this weekend who is a third year law student who wants to do the BVC.She had evidently heard that I had completed it a little while ago and wanted to 'network' (well, that was what it felt like when she sought me out). It felt odd to be the object of a networker and is a salutatory lesson in remembering to be subtle in order to not instantly annoy your networkee.She asked me how

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-86217377468866467902009-12-16T18:20:00.002Z2009-12-16T18:23:07.207Z

Hmmm, given the rubbishness that has been the Pupillage Portal this year. And given it has closed for the year. And given there is no longer 'newsflash' - what is the position if I have seen a pupillage advertised but if it is not listed on the Portal? I have already applied for it, and would be very keen to get it, but is it worth me flagging this issue up with them? (I only found it because

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-80434995824047904262009-09-23T13:15:00.001+01:002009-09-23T13:16:55.176+01:00

... is at Boing boing.On a less sensational note, if you haven't seen the Daily Mail headline generator, check it out here.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-61767469362125499812009-09-16T06:04:00.001+01:002009-09-16T06:04:00.891+01:00

How much does crime pay? $22 per day for burglary, according to "When Brute Force Fails: How to have less crime and less punishment" as reviewed by Marginal Revolution.I wonder if the reason for crime rates not falling proportionally can be explained by Sudhir Venkatesh's analysis of why drug dealers live with their mothers (also used in Freakonomics)PS: Also love penguin bringing back their old

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-55696592729438455132009-09-15T15:39:00.000+01:002009-09-15T15:39:00.227+01:00

I tend to be in favour of parties being allowed to contract any which way they choose on most issues - and I think it's good that people should be able to pick and chose aspects of health insurance to find a policy that fits them.However, I draw a pretty big exception line under the policies which are classing domestic abuse as a 'pre existing condition'. Whilst I can see it is perfectly logical

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-26948230478815638182009-09-15T09:38:00.003+01:002009-09-15T11:01:41.851+01:00

Marbury makes an interesting comment about the different visual that you see at a left wing protest over a right wing protest commenting that:... The [right's] protests were homemade, and touchingly so: unslick, amateur, unorganised... [At] rallies organised by the left - you see thousands of identical signs... At these tea parties, everyone made ... their own....EDIT: Marbury writes: Um, not my

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-50422558315366610192009-09-14T09:15:00.004+01:002009-09-14T09:23:27.841+01:00

This post from Dizzy Thinks observes that of all the influential women in politics over the past century (according to a Government list publish recently), only one is listed without her name.Check out 1979 by clicking on the picture to make it bigger.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-25219453221690836712009-09-13T12:06:00.003+01:002009-09-13T14:15:48.653+01:00

This observation on Marginal Revolution is interesting in terms of Lehman Brothers spurring government action:...without the immediate panic caused by the Lehman default, the government would never have agreed to make the loans needed to save A.I.G., a company it knew very little about. In effect, the Lehman bankruptcy caused the government to panic, which in turn caused it to save the firm it

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-28089656119205757482009-09-09T06:08:00.000+01:002009-09-09T06:08:00.422+01:00

I've had a general background mistrust of the 'six litres of water/vitamin supplements/organic food/five a day" 'science' for a while. Too much seemed to be taken too literally with too few footnotes to seem wholly true.I therefore found this article "Science and Pseudoscience in Adult Nutrition Research and Practice" by "CSI" (Committee for Sceptical Inquiry) quite interesting.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-73968532323889956542009-09-07T16:01:00.001+01:002009-09-07T16:02:54.189+01:00

I was on McSweeney's and I quite enjoyed this piece of analysis within commentary on the American healthcare debate... Can't help but feel he might just have hit the nail on the head there!MYTH: People in Britain are deeply unhappy with their socialized medicine system, which ours will become. FACT: People in Britain are deeply unhappy with everything. It is their only source of happiness.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-64230425994090391892009-08-28T13:01:00.001+01:002009-08-28T13:03:07.030+01:00

I thoroughly recommend this TED talk:

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-10862544860282541162009-08-24T22:49:00.004+01:002009-08-24T22:57:03.430+01:00

Bonsoir!Well, I start in French because The Boy and I have recently started private French lessons.Mme V is very good and provides a two hour lesson at hour house followed by complimentary supplementary lessons over the phone.The reasons for the French lessons are because we plan to hold the wedding in France. My French is inexact, but I am happy to muddle along until I find I forget a word so

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-72614985089957384082009-08-07T23:10:00.003+01:002009-08-07T23:11:57.060+01:00

Ohhh, Superfreakonomics publishing date is getting closer and closer...They've just shown what the front cover looks like, here.The exploding Orapple/Apange underneath the suicide bomber question on the front tickled me.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-60922733305503348002009-08-06T23:25:00.003+01:002009-08-06T23:32:15.632+01:00

I tried this is Odder on the Oxford Road and was inspired to try my own at home.This is the best recipe I've managed to do:Chorizo Potato Cassero'Ingredients: Red onion(s), red pepper(s), Chorizo(s), tinned tomatoes/tomato sauce, paprika, tabasco, garlic, chicken stock. New potatoes.To serve: Creme Fraiche and sour dough breadFry a red onion and red pepper (chopped roughly - this is a rustic

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-86450819525786665232009-07-31T16:27:00.000+01:002009-07-31T16:28:05.843+01:00

**Boo Hoo**

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-33449986727137031762009-07-30T17:24:00.002+01:002009-07-30T17:28:57.295+01:00

Please tell me the waiting is crippling everyone else?I seem to have spent every moment that I've been within 5 metres of the internet flicking between the Portal (of Doom), thestudentroom, other 'snitch seekers' blogs and my email.Thoroughly unproductive.On another note, does anyone know whether there has been a 'freeze' on the portal (so that even if it were updated, no information would come

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-81796042581559510522009-07-19T20:07:00.003+01:002009-07-19T20:12:28.152+01:00

Well, this year have had 3 first round interviews.One of which I fluffed and they promptly (and rightly) told me I wasn't through to the second round a couple of days later.On the other two, however, the panel appeared to have suffered from a collective delusion and have invited me back for second interviews.One of these, I have already done (hence the previous question on written exercises - in

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-2269643411074407252009-07-03T12:44:00.000+01:002009-07-03T12:45:28.644+01:00

Are there any guesses as to what a "written exercise" at an interview may entail?

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-25598673635678682009-06-29T22:34:00.005+01:002009-06-29T22:39:27.357+01:00

Anyone else noticed pupillage portal down?I'm getting the message to the left when I go to www.pupillage.comRedirect Loop Redirection limit for this URL exceeded. Unable to load the requested page. This may be caused by cookies that are blocked.The browser has stopped trying to retrieve the requested item. The site isredirecting the request in a way that will never complete. * Have you

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-67594604337049026022009-06-27T08:27:00.003+01:002009-06-27T08:30:10.748+01:00

I received a message from my boss last night wishing me luck for today, with the following message:"...Same advice as to witnesses: Listen carefully to the questions and be honest with them!..."I thought it was a lovely analogy (especially as much of my job is chatting/preparing the witnesses before they give evidence).Now I just need to make sure I come up to proof :)

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-85023418281601171532009-06-26T13:59:00.003+01:002009-06-26T14:04:20.557+01:00

Yes, he was talented. Yes, he broke new ground. Yes, it's sad when anyone dies.But really, unless you are a family or friend, why on earth are you in floods of tears/joining a support group/setting up a shrine?"Oh no, that's a shame. I wonder if anyone will make a joke about [insert here]" would seem a far more usual approach.JK Rowling dying before Book 7 came out would have been upsetting.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-3701691114031120652009-06-23T22:58:00.002+01:002009-06-23T23:00:37.790+01:00

More good news today!Let's hope that one will be good practice for the other. I'm having absurdly unrealistic fantasies about possible outcomes.Any spare digits, please cross.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-79931999142577181162009-06-21T21:47:00.000+01:002009-06-21T21:48:02.005+01:00

Debating tip #56: Use your POPTART.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-3547823375921669402009-06-20T21:34:00.003+01:002009-06-20T21:45:11.210+01:00

I'm busy cramming for the upcoming interview (having forgotten that areas such as 'contract' even existed) and so am sorting the legal knowledge for myself, have got my supervisor at work to run through with 'fluff HR questions' with me (eg: dinner party, biggest weakness, why the bar) but would like your collective opinions on two ethics questions. I don't think there is necessarily any 'right'

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-45913758769180133062009-06-09T20:08:00.001+01:002009-06-09T20:10:06.127+01:00

Well, after even more rejections over the past week (including a few of the ones I especially wanted) have just got a first round interview with one of my top ones! Whoop :)Most happy and far less cynical with the whole process now!All fingers and toes crossed, please!

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-35452747435125963732009-06-04T21:37:00.001+01:002009-06-04T21:38:41.976+01:00

...Courtesy of The Onion, here is an example of the easiest way to win an international relations round.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-598869373545696552009-06-04T20:48:00.003+01:002009-06-04T20:51:07.675+01:00

Well, it turns out not everyone hates me.I have just been told I have been successful at the telephone interview stage for a job and have been invited to the assessment centre.Fingers crossed.That, and another pupillage form submitted. This one has been my favourite so far for ease of lay out - I was able to C+P my CV into most of it an the 'free writing' sections had suitably broad, yet

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-85738276376530837792009-06-03T23:17:00.002+01:002009-06-03T23:20:35.689+01:00

Well, I have accumulated 7 rejections over the past 2-3 weeks, a mixture of OLPAS and non-OLPAS.Will review the rejections soon - some I genuinely like far more than others.I think (though I seem to have lost track!) I have 9 applications outstanding at the moment. I also have two half completed which I need to submit.How are you all doing on the win/lose/draw front? Many interviews? If so, at

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-21446390408424819562009-05-08T08:39:00.000+01:002009-05-08T08:39:00.270+01:00

I was chatting with the barrister I was clerking, yesterday, and it turns out that she is on the pupillage committee for her chambers.In terms of the number of interviews in the provinces v London, she said that in her set they get about 400 applications for 3 pupillages. They interview about 20 people. I'd be interested to hear more on how many interviews other London sets offer relative to

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-64588759687811000172009-05-07T07:40:00.000+01:002009-05-07T07:40:00.246+01:00

Interestingly, it turns out one of my pupillage providers is less competitive than I had anticipated.They have just sent me an email telling me that my form has been printed and who will be considering it - which is a nice touch in itself as it gives a warm fuzzy glow of positive progress before the inevitable rejection - but they have also been kind enough to tell people the odds.There aree

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-7465956664572611232009-05-06T06:44:00.000+01:002009-05-06T06:44:00.468+01:00

What are you all doing re: the OLPAS clearing application when it comes to the various mini essays?I can change many of mine to be fairly generic, but am currently unsure what to do about the 'why this chambers' section.Provisionally, I have just written 'CLEARING' in the box and left it at that - but my clearing form isn't yet submitted so can change.Other approaches?

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-40761279087953966902009-05-05T20:57:00.003+01:002009-05-05T21:05:55.262+01:00

As I stayed up until 2 am on the original deadline date to finish my apps (falling asleep on the computer) I was both pleased and disappointed that the deadline was subsequently extended. By the time I fell asleep, I had done 8 applications. Luckily, I started with the ones I wanted the most as the final ones were not good!The next day I was at a hearing which meant I did not have any internet

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-84370207485316151822009-04-23T19:11:00.002+01:002009-04-23T19:13:46.841+01:00

Crap. I have logged in and filled in the bits about name and address, but haven't actually got round to any of the rest of the form.That would seem ok (given that we have a week) except that I'm out to dinner tonight, spending the weekend at a debating competition in Newcastle and I have a training session after work on Monday.12 OLPAS applications in 3 days? (well, in 9-12 hours ass I have a

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-89903676782146497522009-04-18T00:52:00.002+01:002009-04-18T00:57:07.684+01:00

Pupilpedia's blog has now been added to the blog roll.I firmly believe he needs a new name (and PP just doesn't sound good out loud). Perhaps on the PP theme, I want to call him Pingu (no, I don't know the link either - it's just a worrying insight into my mind. Take an aspirin, it'll be over soon!).Thoughts?

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-500784327314589092009-04-13T22:11:00.001+01:002009-04-13T22:13:16.867+01:00

Damn, 4 whole days off work and not a single word further into my OLPAS app. To the extent that I didn't actually log into OLPAS all weekend. Double damn.Oh well, can feel marginally virtuous on the grounds I have now chosen the 12 sets I want to apply to. Some progress, I guess.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-11820310938454611252009-04-13T00:23:00.004+01:002009-04-13T00:28:32.875+01:00

On the whole, there is very little I agree with PETA about.However, credit where it's due, I love this campaign to 'save the sea kittens'.(My sea kitten is called Dee Dee and has a unicorn horn, a ball of wool and a pink dress. She's one hot salmon!)

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-64519367454023727842009-04-13T00:01:00.002+01:002009-04-13T00:10:33.502+01:00

The lazy option for any blog post! This month's top key words, by order of number of hits:1. olpas 2009 2. site:thissideofthehouse.blogspot.com marc_newcomb 3. fat people 4. this side of the house 5. yakka recipe

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-81694686223679158082009-04-11T00:11:00.004+01:002009-04-11T00:22:34.101+01:00

My post on 'what law would you change and why?' (I gave anonymity to those accused of serious sexual offences) has been picked up and responded to by Ms Marcella Chester in her blog abyss2hope.She disagrees with me on a many issues. Her post is copied, in full, in italics below, followed by my response (in non-italics). As you can see, I take the view that many difference of opinion lie in the

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-20718494960196135322009-04-09T06:42:00.001+01:002009-04-09T06:42:00.574+01:00

Cracked has an article on 5 laws with unintended consequences - Freakonomics style and worth the read.Hat tip: Prometheus Titan (his blog here)

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-79166590700043028262009-04-06T20:06:00.000+01:002009-04-06T20:06:00.224+01:00

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-44296913750184339862009-04-05T12:31:00.002+01:002009-04-05T12:42:16.364+01:00

Traditionally, I've gone for my 'change maternity leave into parental leave' rant. Then there are all sorts of laws which are great to change in debate world, but less suitable to discuss in an interview.Now, I think I might opt for anonymity for people accused, but not yet convicted, of serious sex offences.I think that rape is a very serious accusation to make, one of the most serious after

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-46458891310455990662009-03-25T18:31:00.005Z2009-03-25T18:35:53.177Z

I have just been asked the following by a friend, and would be interested in your opinions:He has applied for the BVC and has offers from MMU, UWE and City.He did his undergraduate at MMU.He cannot decide between MMU and City. The course fees for MMU are c£9,500 and the course fees for City are £14,500. He has applied for an Inns scholarship but does not know if he will get it. He has to make

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-12220789022127740242009-03-17T18:54:00.002Z2009-03-17T18:55:56.394Z

Well, it would seem that it's the time of year when we all start complaining about how rubbish pupillages.com is - and with good cause. This year, however, the site has been re-done which offers SO much more scope for comment. Firstly, the good: The ability to search by city/circuit is a very positive step. The old system of London/everywhere else showed the wonderfully London-centric

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-16229783333719663392009-03-11T17:28:00.002Z2009-03-11T17:29:29.105Z

D Doyle has a very interesting post on the Northern Ireland Army attacks of last weekend. I recommend reading it. Here.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-37287553331270528202009-02-25T16:09:00.001Z2009-02-25T16:09:38.973Z

Please let me view your blog!

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-70302376446762303152009-02-24T15:47:00.002Z2009-02-24T15:49:26.539Z

Well, after a bit more research I found out here that the Crystal Macmillan prize is "A memorial prize [which] is awarded annually in her name by the society of the Middle Temple to the highest placed woman student in the bar's final examinations".Who'd have thought it?

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-56013818658856400262009-02-20T23:37:00.002Z2009-02-20T23:44:55.922Z

Interesting article on Comment Central about placebos, both in medicine and in the economy.I don't think homeopathy works, per se. However, it certainly has an effect when people think it will. Given that many diseases to have a psychological link (look at how quickly many patients recover when told they will be discharged in the next few days) then perhaps it is as well to continue to use

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-10385501583196391322009-02-20T13:43:00.003Z2009-02-20T13:52:03.948Z

Well, this seems to be a more intellectual version of the '25 things' meme going around Facebook:The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?Instructions:1) Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read.2) Add a '+' to the ones you LOVE.3) Star (*) those you plan on reading.4) Tally your total at the bottom.5) Tag some

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-90041016032916113132009-02-19T15:07:00.002Z2009-02-19T15:09:41.786Z

Well, it turns out that Scary Defence Barrister has just been made a Silk.Makes her even scarier, IMHO, but she deserves it really.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-90160914915416692032009-02-17T22:50:00.001Z2009-02-17T22:51:44.959Z

Two-for-one voucher for pizza at pizza express valid until end of February from the Times website.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-88137115369042151562009-02-12T08:14:00.002Z2009-02-12T08:22:49.721Z

On Megan McArdle's blog, one of the commentators posted this, which is interesting. "I've never seen a libertarian theory of the economy that's plausible in a country as large as the US. I think things like voluntary payments in lieu of taxation might work in a community of, say, 100 homogenous people." Bob, what makes you think the current system is plausible? It should be obvious to anyone who

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-48238467328681130632009-02-09T20:53:00.004Z2009-02-09T20:56:45.071Z

Scrabulous is back on Facebook, though it's renamed to Lexilous (or similar) and has 8 letters.I'll admit to being a little OCD on scrabble, I like it and I'm good at it - not the least because I learned the two letter word list a loooong time ago.It's quite amazing how much harder the game is when you have one extra letter. All the bingos which usually fall into place fail me

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-43727318777842974792009-02-08T18:50:00.002Z2009-02-08T18:53:58.632Z

Just spent most of the weekend watching coupling.I'd seen the first series before, but not seen any of the others and had forgotten how funny it was.I do recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it.My only problem is how much sense Jeff makes. Ahem.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-25433212405004089002009-02-04T00:53:00.001Z2009-02-04T00:53:44.439Z

I'm engaged!

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-87795637785839849412009-02-03T13:48:00.001Z2009-02-03T13:50:18.028Z

An Indian Court has been petitioned to ban Google Earth because it allegedly helped the Mumbai terrorists plan their attacks.Yes, well, so did the map makers of paper maps. And the airlines/train companies who transported them. Don't forget the markets that fed them.Ahem, for a far moer articulate rebuttal ofa silly idea, click here.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-35916172160315263952009-02-02T06:46:00.000Z2009-02-02T06:46:00.296Z

Well, it seems the best way to ride out the recession is to be a trainee in a law firm as they are almost completely unsackable - even for gross misconduct, let alone minor details like profit margins.In order to sack a trainee, you need the permission of the SRA....More here.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-4875703468921956632009-02-01T10:46:00.002Z2009-02-01T11:01:19.966Z

Goodness knows what was going on in the depths of my subconscious last night but I merrily dreamt all about Galbraith submissions. That and images of plums and little piles of dust (representing duff, I imagine) were floating in an out... I think I need to drink more and eat less chocolate!My only possible reason for this is that the case with Scary Defence Barrister has finished and in the

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-88262439428796293472009-02-01T05:48:00.000Z2009-02-01T05:48:00.635Z

Genny Spencer is twittering a day-by-day diary of a 1937 farm girl.You can follow her here. Definitely worth a visit.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-21239117314773390302009-01-31T19:06:00.002Z2009-01-31T19:10:51.950Z

Well, I was pleasantly surprised to open the post today and find a letter from Middle Temple enclosing a cheque to me for being awarded the 'Chrystal Macmillan Prize' in 'recognition of [my] acheivements on the BVC'.A brief research on the internet shows that Chrystal Macmillan was a suffragette and one of the first female barristers, the prize is therefore for women at the Bar. However, more

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-25613754172408498572009-01-28T22:45:00.004Z2009-01-28T22:55:02.896Z

I have just discovered, to my joy, that the funniest man in the world (or at least the 2007 and 2009 debating world championships) has a blog.For those dear blog watchers out there who don't know who Willard Foxton is, I can tell you that words cannot possibly do him justice and you just MUST go over and have a read.He will be added to the blog roll straight away.(ps: the rule with Willard, by

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-70066009894773560112009-01-26T20:16:00.003Z2009-01-26T20:42:53.307Z

Well, I got the Japanese tour so I'm very excited about that. I go in October, which is useful in terms of annual leave.Decided that seeing as the Japanese are allegedly about as good at foreign languages as the English it would be a good idea to spend the next few months being able to read and speak some Japanese before I go. Turns out, after a very brief bit of internet research, that having

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-56357096870756484902009-01-26T00:11:00.002Z2009-01-26T00:19:14.233Z

"Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."-Jingo, Terry Pratchett

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-73514466660873689832009-01-24T23:58:00.002Z2009-01-25T00:02:51.644Z

I recently applied for ESU debate tours and went to London for the interviews today.Was asked what I was doing in life and I am increasigly glad for The Barristers as I now get to say "well, I've just finished Bar school but I'm working as a paralegal whilst I search for pupillage which is like a barrister apprenitceship" and the response is "oh yes, I watched the TV programme on that..."My first

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-50809858582052259622009-01-23T07:54:00.003Z2009-01-23T07:59:27.866Z

I was reading one of NHS's facebook notes and so have directly stolen the following from him, needless to say, I like it. for those of you who do know him, the link is here . EDIT: Forgot he has a blog, the original post can therefore be seen here._____The government loves micro-managing classrooms in the state sector. And why not, you might ask? It's their money, and if they want to decide

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-64175545191841319342009-01-22T19:48:00.002Z2009-01-22T19:48:00.890Z

It's questions like this one (on the varied behaviour of rickshaw drivers in Mumbai and Delhi) that make me remember why I love the Freakonomics blog :-)

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-18340995544320211222009-01-22T06:36:00.001Z2009-01-22T06:36:00.830Z

People behave more badly when they are in worse environments.By worse environments, I don't mean surrounded by bad people or violence or crime. Litter, disorder (mislaid shopping trolleys) and graffiti all made people behave in less acceptable ways than when the same situation was set up in a tidy/pleasant area.Well worth a read, here.(For physics geeks, go here)

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-79578220577572569572009-01-21T19:43:00.002Z2009-01-21T19:47:59.813Z

I like Obama as a symbolic president, I think he's pretty to look at and nice to listen to but I cannot say that I like his policies and I would never claim to be a fan of his - unlike the many other 'Obamaniacs'.Frankly, had McCain not gone crazy - and boy will I concede that he did, even before Palin - I would have voted for him over Obama (or Clinton).So perhaps it's my instinctive dislike of

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-2171210689756617512009-01-21T19:41:00.001Z2009-01-21T19:43:06.983Z

I like this piece on why the idea of 'Judeo Christian' culture/heritage/society makes more sense than Judeo-Islamic.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-64667449375265641832009-01-20T20:52:00.000Z2009-01-20T20:52:00.680Z

This article is interesting in taking down the common claim that popular sanctions ended apartheid in South Africa and arguing, instead, that it was that Apartheid became economically unfeasible.It's a tempting argument, and I'm happy to believe that the fall of many undesirable social systems was caused by economics rather than any moral imperative (see Anne Applebaum's Gulag - worth a read, by

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-78813209307952588622009-01-19T20:20:00.000Z2009-01-19T20:20:00.718Z

Another pupillage application rejection. Bugger.Well, I didn't like them anyway.*And who cares about getting pupillage?***Not strictly true** Erm, so asside from me and 2000 other people every year, no one. In a world population of 6 000 000 000. See, it really isn't that popular!

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-15337042961352351552009-01-18T20:40:00.000Z2009-01-18T20:40:00.758Z

No, I wouldn't use the word. Yes, the world would be a nicer place if we were all nice to each other. On the other hand, he said it in private, to a person who hasn't publically objected. Frankly, what is the issue?A word has no inherent value in its own right, it's just a sound. All words are context specific. "You bitch!" said to a woman is very different when the proceeding line is:1. "

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-57655538268922890552009-01-17T20:04:00.003Z2009-01-17T20:13:49.533Z

Does anyone else get very annoyed that newsflash advertises new pupillages, but then doesn't provide a link to the chamber's page on OLPAS/their own website?It surely wouldn't be difficult to do and would save crucial minutes of annoyance each time.There is a hearing tomorrow which I am providing paralegal cover for (as we get days off in lieu and the solicitors don't). As most of it will be

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-41773922446260908222009-01-16T20:23:00.002Z2009-01-16T20:25:21.316Z

Went and saw this the other day. It manages to be 'feel good' whilst being fairly brutal and decidely non-corny. I definitely recommend seeing it.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-14729045936139686502009-01-16T20:16:00.003Z2009-01-16T20:20:30.116Z

Annoyingly, the Boy's birthday is on 4 February - ie: only a month from Christmas after the long 'pay month' which is January :(However, I found the 'perfect' present for him. I won't say what it is as whilst I don't think he reads the blog, Sod's law has to kick in at some point.However, annoyingly, it's a 'thing' to do which I can only do on 7 February. I just asked him if he was free that

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-3417578836485652392009-01-15T20:26:00.000Z2009-01-15T20:27:45.184Z

Have a new computer :)Now I have no excuse to not blog frequently!

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-71352152178629547332009-01-13T19:40:00.002Z2009-01-13T19:44:45.664Z

Child abuse, abandonment, slavery, cannibalism and being burnt alive - the recipe for a good story, usually, as Hanzel and Gretel would seem to show.However, these sorts of tales are now 'too scary' for children, apparently.I remember as a child, one of my favourite books was a complete collection of Grimm's fairy tales. There were loads of stories in there that aren't in the 'usual' fairytale

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-1730522221421933892009-01-12T20:38:00.003Z2009-01-12T20:50:26.136Z

For pupillage fun and games to begin again.Logged onto newsflash today to find 6 new pupillages up. On the other hand, two of them are for property/land sets so not going to be applying to those. The other 4 are London and look way out of my league meaning my decision to apply could well be partly based on how long their application form is...!I'm more worried about the fact that they want all

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-66097441526850199572009-01-11T15:18:00.001Z2009-01-11T15:21:08.237Z

I have an answer to the old question of "if you could take one thing to a desert island, what would it be?"Think taking Ray Mears would be the obvious choice, really!On a side note, work computers weren't letting me blog and the computers at home have packed up. However, my new computer is due to arrive in the next week (fingers crossed!) so will start blogging again far more regularly then.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-90348767693745379602008-12-15T22:40:00.003Z2008-12-15T22:45:02.635Z

I can possibly forgive Virgin the hell they have put me through returning to London over the past few months as the Sunday journey time is now the same as any other day of the week - 2 hours, instead of 5.Few blog posts as work a bit manic at the moment (and I was covering a hearing this weekend) and too little time. Boo hoo.Pupillage situation (ie none) still sucky. Especially as I meet this

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-55738303578821332442008-12-02T22:37:00.002Z2008-12-02T22:51:45.465Z

Just got back from spending a weekend in Prague (with the Boy, not debating).Was great fun :)If you go, I do recommend doing one of the walking tours for one of the mornings, our guide was fantastic and it meant we got lots of extra anecdotes.Hotel was great (5 mins from Josefov, the Old Town Square and Wenceslas square) and I hava e anew found love for Bohemiam Sekt and Moravian red wines... I'm

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-65150262205829788762008-11-24T21:07:00.004Z2008-11-24T21:29:19.874Z

I was feeling very intellectual when I decided to spend the portion of my birthday money that people had insisted be spent on books (damn) on Amazon the other day (see here) and bought:Atwood, Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of WealthFerguson, The Ascent of MoneyScharma, The American FutureI haven't yet started the last one, but thought I might review the first two.I thought Payback was good,

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-84044020418763797912008-11-21T22:08:00.005Z2008-11-21T22:18:53.333Z

I've just watched the second episode of the Barristers and it made me miss dining quite a lot as I always really enjoyed it (perhaps I'm odd in that regard?). I do like seeing Middle Temple on there though - and I did like that they interviewed the porter (who holds a special place in my heart for letting us park the MDU mini bus there for a weekend instead of paying extortionate London car

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-99125489163149722008-11-17T11:05:00.000Z2008-11-17T11:05:00.523Z

I watched The Barristers last night on the i-player and enjoyed it very much.By the end of it, I remembered quite how badly I want a pupillage and consequently wandered off to pupillages.com to look at the newsflash. Well, one more application in the post....It was slightly nice, actually, I was re-reading my covering letter and whilst it wasn't bad it didn't flow especially well. Having spent

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-69155008230010452662008-11-16T10:45:00.004Z2008-11-16T10:57:33.971Z

When I first heard of the Botswana Worlds bid for 2009 I thought it was a little crazy. Whilst I would have liked to visit Botswana (blame Alexander McCall Smith), it was almost impossible to get to (flights into Jo'Berg or Harare - neither is particularly appealing), would cost the earth to travel to and the debating base in Botswana and the surrounding area didn't seem strong enough to pull in

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-18135992795959156982008-11-13T16:47:00.000Z2008-11-13T16:47:00.394Z

Went to see Manon the other night at the Palace theatre.I've not been to the ballet before but was very fortunate to be given tickets by the barrister who I was clerking who was unable to go at the last minute. (The five-year-old girl in my got very excited!)Persuaded the Boy to go with me (he was a tad apprehensive) and initially sounded like he would prefer to learn how to walk on hot coals

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-22305662125660332832008-11-12T16:36:00.001Z2008-11-12T16:43:42.019Z

As I had recieved money for my bitrhday with the instruction to spend it on books, I decided to poodle along to Amazon as I had a fair idea of what I wanted as was sure it would be cheaper (it was).When it came to shipping, I typed in my home address figuring that even if I wasn't there, it would be delivered to the Royal Mail depo which is around the corner and I could pick it up later, after

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-82614838809522079032008-10-31T08:27:00.001Z2008-10-31T08:29:01.306Z

This is an interesting article by Karl Rove (yes, I know) about the impact exit polls potentially have on changes the results of US elections by changing the way people vote in 'later' states.Definitely worth a read.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-13856593221493086802008-10-30T20:44:00.000Z2008-10-30T20:44:00.603Z

New series of all.Loving it.Season 2 of Heroes suffered not only because it was weak in and of itself, but also by comparison to season 1. Season 3 looks better by far. Plus, as the BBC is only a week behind the US and showing episodes on the i-player, I'm probably going to stop downloading them and watch them legally instead - what a novelty! It's marginally more inconvenient to me, but as

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-17287951230137828772008-10-30T09:00:00.000Z2008-10-30T09:00:00.966Z

I have finally bitten the bullet and submitted my first training contract application.The initial form was VERY vague and would be wonderful for people who hadn't actually done anything (hence my annoyance, as in my view, I have) but the next section is a verbal and numerical reasoning section. Not looking forward to that at all - think I might need to crib up on statistical manipulation before

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-41573785049156809592008-10-29T20:50:00.003Z2008-10-29T20:54:57.359Z

I have been told today that Law Firm may be seeking to hire a new paralegal in their Manchester office.If you are interested in public regulatory work in Manchester, please leave a comment and I will arrange to send you the details (and/or chat to you about applications)I can assure you, they are a lovely firm to work for and the work is interesting/fun/public spirited and the pay isn't bad at

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-18745885640283813802008-10-29T20:34:00.002Z2008-10-29T20:41:41.154Z

It was Andropov's plaintive comment of 'where are youuuuu?' which made me realise that I haven't posted in aaaaaaages.To cut a long story short, I've been out of the office most of the days of the past couple of weeks and my evening internet time has been spent trying to help people with various debating stuff - and sleep!Think it may be summed up by the fact that in the past 2 weeks, I've slept

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-629276980956905342008-10-14T18:38:00.002+01:002008-10-14T18:39:09.003+01:00

This story about an Italian judge with an identical twin is quite amusing...

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-13765227459875845462008-10-13T17:48:00.002+01:002008-10-13T17:49:11.758+01:00

Didn't get it.Am most upset.At least they got back to me quickly though.

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-76412999388180294832008-10-12T15:05:00.005+01:002008-10-13T08:04:19.173+01:00

Below is a provisional timetable and travel information for SOAS IV 2008.Friday night:Arrive from 5pm and registerSocial is from 8pm.(There aren't any rounds on the Friday)Saturday:9am-9:30: registration9:30: first round is announced11am: second round is announced12:30: Lunch13:30: Third round is announced15:00: Fourth round is announced17:30: Fifth round is announced (closed adjudication)19:00 -

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-42110591915514694902008-10-12T09:42:00.002+01:002008-10-12T09:57:58.075+01:00

There seems to be a huge amount of vitriol going around targeted at buy-to-let investors and I just don't understand it.Yes, I would like to buy a house one day when I am secure enough to afford it. By secure, I mean borrow no more than 2.5 times our joint salaries and be geographically fixed in terms of career for a while. So, perhaps in 3-5 years, a house would be good.In the meanwhile,

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6725045245352843933.post-20664981881657494232008-10-11T17:00:00.004+01:002008-10-11T17:11:52.216+01:00

I'm not sure that I've ever been more nervous in my life than I was this morning - and I couldn't get rid of the nerves which made it worse. Admittedly, they were probably not helped by the can of Red Bull I had for breakfast on the way over to Liverpool.The people were as lovely as I remember from my mini and it was nice to see their Liverpool base as I spent my mini in their Manchester one.The

Miss Middle of Manchesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16057304348178484164noreply@blogger.com8