bird watch

Meant to mention that recent weeks have seen me discover that catbirds reside in profusion in the Maryland suburbs.

In the last week I've also seen a mocking bird (near our apartment) and an American goldfinch (in Springfield, VA).

None of these folks are particularly rare; I'm just enjoying seeing them. :-)

calling all academics (especially those with UK experience)

A member of an editorial group I'm part of is working on an article for our society newsletter; the topic is the editing of theses. University students often contact members of our Glasgow group seeking editorial services for their theses, which has raised some interesting questions of professional and academic ethics. What my colleague is particularly interested in accumulating are examples of guidance provided to students by their universities about what is acceptable and what is not in terms of getting their work professionally edited.

So if you've been a student (or a university official) involved in such discussions, and you would care to share the guidance you received (or formulated), contact me at the usual address; I (and my colleague) will be very grateful!