Civil Partnerships in Parliament?

In whats starting to become a "trend" (thankyou Penny Corfield), here is another gender-based blog for all you Labbers out there.

In perusing the dailies' websites the other morning, I came across this article in the Independent, revealing Gordon Brown's plans allow Civil Partnerships to be held in the 14th century Crypt-Chapel attached to Westminster, traditionally reserved for the heterosexual marriages of MPs and their families.

Potentially good news, though the Independent could only point out 2 openly gay politicians that would benefit from this change to 'make the House of Commons more representative of the nation', so its unlikely the chapel will be fully-booked just yet!

Hands off our bibliography: to the barricades!

By now you will have heard the terrible news. The RHS bibliography, that glorious free resource from which we all download heaps of books for research and teaching, is under threat. Very much the launch pad for historiographical enquiry in British history, this vital resource is under threat. Government funding has run out and the new provider is charging £750 or so for us to get it.

The Lab has immediately begun a petition, urging the library to subscribe, and we have already gained very many signatures. If you haven't yet signed it, you can add your signature by visiting Lucy Byrne during the week, or waiting until the Lab next Friday. I urge you to do this: it is so important!

It would be great if you could write to Evelyn Cornell ([email protected]) and tell her how useful it is, how much more important and comprehensive than Historical Abstracts it is, and how vital it is for both teaching and research.

Thanks for your help, Labbers

A treat from ELH

Lucy Byrne kindly sent me details of a forthcoming ELH event. Professor Mick Aston will be talking on 'In the light of the results of the Shapwick project, how should we have done the research now?' on Friday 20 November 2009. He'll be taking coffee from 10.45-11.30, and all are welcome to join him. At 11.30 he will give an informal seminar in the seminar room in no. 5, which will be about the Shapwick research project (an investigation of the origins and development of a Somerset village).Anyone intending to come should let Lucy know in good time (0116 252 2762). There is limited space.

UFOs through time.

Sorry for the recent Torygraph binge here on the blog, but this is rather good fun. A history of photographs of UFOs. Parts II and III here. Over 140 years old Fakes, something else, or proof of life outside the Lab? Remember a UFO is only unidentified and not necessarily little green (or pink?) men from Mars. Who knows. But worth a click through. A nice illustration of photographic techniques over time too. I suppose, if nothing else, it's an evidenced history of unknowns. Could be the basis of a history book even Donald Rumsfeld might read?

How much didn’t you do today?

If you've found today fairly unproductive, then there's good reason. According to this Telegraph
article the dark nights this week are hard work. I'm no fan myself. The best cure? More light. Let the New History Lab lighten your life this Friday, as we shine the torch of enlightenment on the murky depths of theory.

Lift

I've just discovered this excellent short film by Marc Isaacs, shot entirely inside the lift of a London tower block.