Weekend Reading: Keeping Busy

It’s another one of those weeks when I just don’t have anything to say. I haven’t read anything, or watched anything, or done anything of any interest; I’ve pretty much just sat at my desk and tried (with little success) to keep up with the incoming marking. It’s frustrating, because at last count I had five projects that I really want to get off the ground – but some weeks just work out like that!

So instead of rummaging around in my brain trying to find something exciting, I thought I’d use this week’s post to highlight recent or new initiatives from past Comfort Classics contributors, to give you some more things to follow. I’ve heard of a few really great new things which are coming up, so there’ll be more to come over the next few weeks – but here’s a list to keep you going!

Edith Hall has recently started posting lectures on her YouTube channel. At the moment she’s looking at the Mycenaeans – but I suspect she’ll be covering a lot of other topics in the near future, so her channel is one to keep an eye on!

The ever-inventive Jenks of Greek Myth Comix fame has started a brilliantly ranty new podcast, Ancient Geek, covering important topics like ‘How annoying *is* Paris?’. Do check it out!

Abigail Buglass has just set up a new website, which looks like it will cover some really interesting content: so another one to bookmark or follow.

OU MA graduate Colin Gough has been working on his own blog , which so far has taken on an range of topics from Ben Hur to Medea. I know he’s keen to receive comments and suggestions, so do take a look at his website and get involved!

MA student Tony Potter has been continuing to interview people about Roman gardens on his website, Classical Fix, and this series is turning into a very useful resource for anyone interested in learning more about gardens in the ancient world.

LJ Trafford has recently brought out a new book called ‘How to Survive in Ancient Rome‘, packed full of handy (and very funny) tips for anyone who might inadvertently travel back in time.

Jan Haywood‘s Herodotus Helpline series (co-organised with Tom Harrison) continues, and has built up an impressive archive of recordings dealing with all kinds of surprising responses to, and elements in, Herodotus. Definitely worth a look!

Tony Keen‘s popular course on Greece and Rome at the cinema is still bookable for individual sessions: you can find the full list of sessions here.

Danny Bate has been posting more on his fabulous linguistics blog – if you’re interested in languages you should take a look.

Alex Imrie, on behalf of the Classical Association of Scotland, has been organising some great free sessions on all kinds of things. This is the next one: send Alex an email if you’d like to register!

Having put together this list, I’m now feeling even more unproductive than I was before! But I hope this has given you some enjoyable things to check out – as well as the usual links below, of course. Hopefully by next week I’ll be a person again, rather than a Marking Machine, and will have some things of my own to share. So many plans, so little time…!