'Top Banana' Doesn't Slip.doc

It's been the busiest week of term thus far. But thankfully, it is the last of the five weeks of intensive seminars and lectures that they promised. After this week we have a reading week, filled with a portfolio project I'm afraid, and then four weeks of group work leading to a final presentation.

On Monday night Lotte and I went to 'Top Banana' which is the university's biggest on campus party night. Monday night might seem like an odd choice but I think it encourages a lengthening of the weekend and most students are unconcerned with homework on Monday since a whole week of procrastination lies on the horizon. I accompanied her and some of her Warwick friends from undergrad and we joined the lengthy cue. It's an odd rule, but one is not allowed to drink in a queue at Warwick even though the country allows drinking outside. Lotte showed me an incredible trick where she placed a can of Fosters in her sleeve - it deserved a slow clap. The move reminded me of 'roadie' maneuvering back home. She also made allusions to the way in which freshers don't always keep track of their alcohol (read: OPDing!) Sorry, I know there is a generational translation gap here. It seems these ritualistic drinking methods transfer across borders.

'Top Banana', affectionately known as 'Top B', is mostly an undergrad night - debauchery and Dionysian excess rule the roost. It was fun, however, to reconsider a time when readings were pseudo-optional and a good night out meant a good morning of sleeping in. I was talking about "the graduate perspective" being something akin to distance, estrangement, and alienation to the university culture and Monday night was a reminder of this type of engagement. Lotte introduced me to a popular drink called 'purple' which if I remember correctly is a combination of cider, beer, vodka, and a splash of Ribena (syrupy black current juice) You'd think the concoction would have a nasty taste but it actually tastes a lot like fruit juice - a few too many would have been dangerous I am certain. 

Again, it was an eclectic night music wise. It definitely had its share of "cheese" which the DJs introduced with much glee, but they did branch out and play some more alternative hits. We headed back to a residence gathering "Post B" at one of the undergrad halls. The atmosphere could not be more different from Heronbank where the corridors are empty and the students are studying. I was thankful for a return to what I remember residence being: loud and exciting.

Tuesday was a dark day. You may have heard about it. It snowed here...in October. Not only did it snow for four straight hours, which made the Brits crazy with excitement, but it stayed on the ground for a good 36 hours! I leave Canada to get away from snow and experience the first October snowfall is 70 years here. How lucky I am to have been present. Now, to think more positively, I was told that Warwick only got one snowfall last year so I'm hoping we continue with the norm and the one and only snowfall is behind us (something tells me I'd be delusional in thinking that)

We have project proposals tomorrow for our final presentations which means that we'll be split into groups. I'm hoping my proposals are well received since I've put a lot of work into them, but more importantly I'm looking to work in either the creative practice or curation modality instead of scholarship. Should be an interesting session; I have no idea how they'll split the groups but we'll be working closely together for four weeks.

Tomorrow night, as a celebration of the END of the five weeks of seminars and lectures, we're going to a Halloween party on campus and then to another on Saturday night. As usual, no set Halloween costume yet although I have a few ideas. Last year Hincks and I were running around the city dressed as Posh and Becks - a little ironic considering where I am now.

Doc's Prescription of the Day: Trick or Treat? Well, I think the answer is obvious - treats in moderation and tricks only if they are accompanied with pranks. Always seek out the houses with full chocolate bars.