iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 20h

Dreamt was giving a talk on a dark, disused railway platform. Ppt ready. As I started, 8 ballet dancers got up from audience & started dancing. I hadn't planned this. Now audience was tiny. I was ready to recommence but unexpectedly someone else appeared from the shadows to speak. Gazumped! I woke.

static.klipy.com

Swan Lake Ballerinas Ballet Performance

ALT: Swan Lake Ballerinas Ballet Performance

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Another day of deliberately returning to an earlier era, today. 1978 recipe for Normandy Chicken went down well, as did pears and custard. Feeling quite pleased with myself!

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Someone asked if I'd posted about my Leng Medal #OralHistory research, and I realised that it might be worth sharing the updates since I started. So, that's what I'll do:- #LengMedal Memories Updates - Collated karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/10/01/l...

karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog

Leng Medal Memories Updates – Collated

Since beginning this research into Dundee’s Leng Medal competitions, I’ve posted updates from time to time. Seven of them, to be precise! If you’d like to read more, I’ve pu…

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy 169th birthday to Hebridean song collector and composer #MarjoryKennedyFraser 'To the Women of the Hebrides', as she said in her dedication.

Songs of the Hebrides, by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser and Kenneth MacLeod, published Boosey & Co

Marjory Kennedy Fraser dedication 'To the women of the Hebrides, who were not only skilled in the spinning and weaving of fine linen and in the curious arts of the dyer, but who sang at their work, and, singing, fashioned for themselves songs that are as rich in colour as the wools they steeped in lichen and heather, and as curious in construction as the tartans they designed - subtle, too, at times as the interacements of Celtic illuminative art - this attempt to preserve and restore some of their songs is dedicated.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

After attending last week's #Donne launch, I looked back at my open access article (2023) about increasing #WomenComposers' representation in the Whittaker Library. Did you miss it? Here it is! Representation of Women Composers in the Whittaker Library karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2023/02/22/r...

karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog

Representation of Women Composers in the Whittaker Library

I’m delighted to see my article, Representation of Women Composers in the Whittaker Library, published in the Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice (pp.21-26) this week! Vol. 1…

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Yesterday's research outing was greeted with such suspicion (and cynical questions), that today I've reverted to 1960s wife - a more acceptable model - doing laundry and baking. This may sound cynical on MY part, but the sad thing is ... it works!

Prune and oatmeal muffins. Whilst I attract suspicion for going to an archive to inspect old church records, I get appreciated for baking muffins. I'll never abandon the research, but it looks like I'm stuck with the muffin-baking to keep the peace ...

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Eh? For my #MechanicalEngineering research? 'A new home, from the Nature Portfolio, for your mechanical engineering research' ... Y'know, sometimes I even surprise myself. Is my memory failing, or was I the worst in the top set of science at school ...? #ResearchGate fail.

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

English and Creative Writing Goldsmiths University @goldsmithsenglish.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Watch the brilliant Kae Tempest deliver his acceptance speech at Graduation having been awarded an Honorary Fellowship. Kae graduated from Goldsmiths' BA English programme in 2008. www.youtube.com/shorts/7cH08...

youtube.com

Kae Tempest's Honorand Speech

YouTube video by Goldsmiths, University of London

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

Robin Bisson @robinbisson.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

When the STFC crisis hit, someone said on here it was time to "wheel out the Cox" Well he was fully on show to policy types at the Labour conference yesterday, as @johnmorgan3.bsky.social witnessed He also said he had the last STFC crisis to thank for his stardom (HT @mgmcquillan.bsky.social)

In fact, Cox told us he owed his television career to a previous crisis at STFC, on its inauguration, when he appeared on Newsnight to make the case against cuts and the BBC picked him up for a documentary series. Now he is back beating the drum for curiosity-driven research.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Returned home from a day on the archives to be greeted with #suspicion. Sure, I've been playing away from home ... with a pile of old Episcopal church minute books!! The most innocent of amusements. karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/09/29/m...

karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog

My Early Start, in Search of the Trumpet Major’s Youngest Daughter.

Working or Not Working? At home, I wonder if I’m perceived as somewhat perverse and illogical. Why would I want to go out early to examine archival records on a ‘Not Working’ day?…

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵 @threadinburgh.scot · 29/09/2026

That makes more sense than this as despite the 30+ vans the only high viz to be seen was the bin man repeatedly exclaiming "is the 'hale o' fuckin' BT here or whit?!" Loud enough to be heard 2 streets away over the sound of a bin lorry

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Sewing #superpower. Doesn't everyone cut off a couple of inches and reattach the cuffs when the sleeves of new rollneck jumpers are too long? (Sewing machine tomorrow afternoon!)

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Saturday night and the 'boys' are watching #Spiderman. Grown men, all three! Happy times.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I've a theory. If aged folk like MUSIC from their early 20s, maybe they also like LIFE to be that way too. So today I've been a 1960s wife. Did what was expected (shopping, baking, cooking, laundry); all went PERFECTLY. But I didn't bargain on the #mansplaining & 'putting your mother right'! Argh!

static.klipy.com

Thank You For Mansplaining That To Me

ALT: Thank You For Mansplaining That To Me

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) @themerl.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

if you say "The Museum of English Rural Life" three times in a mirror, nothing happens. but if you speak it a fourth time, a man in a smock appears and asks you to incant the poem on the side of this rather menacing jug

harvest festival jug featuring a rather spooky sunshine design

the reverse of the jug, featuring a poem. it reads: "Harvest is come all
busy now in making
of the Barley mow if
you the Barley mow
neglect of Good ale you
can not then expect"

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

Dr Vanessa @hpsvanessa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Cannot tell you how much I hate this & how ashamed & angry I am that @ukri.org have taken this step. We KNOW this sort of gAI is socially biased, we KNOW it favours slopAI output over human-written. Our research landscape is falling apart due to underfunding, & they do this? it's *appalling*

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Safely back in Glasgow after my London invite to a Donne report launch. Then - Himself pulls up to pick me up, & a young bloke calmly opens the back door of the car & starts getting in! Himself sitting bemused, me yelling 'GET OUT, IT'S NOT A TAXI!' karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/09/24/e...

karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog

Equality & Diversity in Global Repertoire 2025/26: Launch of Donne Report

When I received an invitation to this event – at the Royal Albert Hall, no less – I hesitated for only a few seconds – it’s not exactly just down the road! And the trouble w…

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Wow, you Londoners do a fair bit of walking! Almost completed my steps for the day already. And not a step put wrongly! #ResearchFellowsOuting

Aha! A much needed up-to-date tube map. Grateful!

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Vis a vis Monday's misery - No-one can object to my having coffee here today 😉 #RoyalAlbertHall #ResearchFellowsOuting (just a bit early for the big event!)

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

@royalalberthall.bsky.social also curiously quiet at 8.22 am! So ... where does a fellow get an early coffee? #ResearchFellowsOuting

Destination found - Royal Albert Hall door 12 - but I am far, far too early 😀

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Sunrise over Watford Junction. The research fellow's outing ...

The sun's rising, and so have I. View of a sunrise from the Caledonian Sleeper train.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Erm, why does Amazon think I'd like some goods 'for my motorhome'? Like Nicola Sturgeon, I was unaware that I even HAD a motorhome ... Or have they worked out that I'd really benefit from having one? Not a caravan, oh no. The #Fiat500 wouldn't like that at all.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Slow puncture. A Tyre Mechanic has been called. But, 'Have you SEEN how badly you're parked?', says the resident critic, more concerned about Appearances than about me and my immediate problem!

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Google health noticed my swim, and I feel SEEN. Pathetically grateful, but seen.

static.klipy.com

Nathalia Arcuri: Nadar Swim

Alt: Nathalia Arcuri: Nadar Swim

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

'Neigh'ther neigh nor nay. I don't want the pin!

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

This is very informative. Required reading!

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

Cllr Dr Alex Powell @apowelllaw.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

So, just to be clear, Daniel Thomas was: 1- Carrying a knife contrary to section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 2- Used that knife to commit criminal damage (Criminal Damage act 1971) 3- likely engaged in the criminal offense of endangering Life at Sea (Merchant Shipping Act 1995)

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Okay. Now to sew three more repeats of the motif ... #embroidery #vintage

Vintage embroidery design. Children hanging out the washing.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I'm doing a trawl of Episcopal Church year books. (Don't ask!) In my own neighbourhood, I now learn that St Michael's in Whitefield Road, Govan was in a *building originally erected for baths, adapted and fitted up as a church, 1890.* I know that Moray House library was once a swimming pool, too...

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

Dr Darcey Gillie @dfgillie.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Me to security person at Dublin Airport: I was given a lemon as a prize today. Can I bring my lemon through security? Security person (solemnly): Yes, you may bring your prize lemon through security.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The answer has to be cake. Poem: the Presbyterian goes to Confession.

A poem ... The Presbyterian goes to Confession.
'Forgive me, Father, I have sinned, the Kirk-attender cried
'I have nae seen ye here before', The priestly man replied.
'What did you do, my child, that brings you weepin' tae ma door?'
She wrung her hands and tore her hair - the memory made her sore.
'I had a coffee in the town, which made my husband mad.
I had no right to so delay the lunch he might have had.’
'There has to be a penance, child, for that was sin indeed!'
'I baked some muffins to atone', the sinner tried to plead.
'You naughty, naughty temptress!' - The godly priest's voice shook,
'But if I might have just one taste ... Your sins I'll overlook.'

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Feeling rebellious. Apologies for being irreligious. Poem: The Presbyterian goes to Confession. 'Forgive me, Father, I have sinned, the Kirk-attender cried. 'I havenae seen ye here before', The priestly man replied. 'What did you do, my child, that brings you weepin' tae ma door?' There's more...

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Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay

Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Over the last few months these guys made me proud to be British: kind, practical, profoundly moral, a testament to this island. Now they're targeted by the very worst of us. I just gave them a bunch of money. You should too. Show those fascist clowns what's what. rnli.org/support-us/g...

rnli.org

Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea

Your donations really make a difference. We depend on your generosity to educate people to stay safe and prevent tragedies on and offshore. Donate here.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Tell me. Hygienist appointment 12.30-13.00. Tiny coffee then bus home. Arrived home 13.39. "WHERE DID YOU GET TO? What do you mean, you went for a coffee? You just wandered off for coffee?" In what world is this reasonable?

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Because I was brave at the #hygienist ... (too feart for cake!)

Speciality coffee in a speciality coffee shop

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Listening to my oral history interviews, I'm reminded that really, there's no greater privilege than singers (renowned or otherwise) breaking into song, just for you. Magical. #OralHistory #LengMedal #Dundee

static.klipy.com

Feeling Grateful with Lucas & Friends

ALT: Feeling Grateful with Lucas & Friends

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Thinking about fin-de-siecle women musicians led me to think about their #DomesticHelp at home. I allowed myself a day to check census returns. See what I discovered! karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/09/18/t... #SocialHistory. (THIS is what I do on semi-retirement days! Daytime TV? No thanks!)

karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog

The Maid of All Work: Then and (Ahem!) Now

Biddy, the Maid of All Work Biddy, the Maid of All Work is the title of a children’s book, dating from as early as 1871 in its original version. My own copy is an attractive bound compilation…

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Effie was appalled that Mama objected to her green and lilac outfit. Why, Mama couldn't even SPELL Suffragette! Such an old-fashioned creature. #GirlsOwnCC

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

#TechTrouble! Tyre pressure monitor showed problem & FitBit had a blackout. Tyres inflated; conquered Fiat dashboard buttons; Fitbit sorted. I told Himself, hoping for a "good for you". He ignited. 'Fiat are ridiculous. Shouldn't be difficult' &c &c &c. Sigh. Blood pressure monitor shows problem.

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Dr Karen McAulay @karenmca.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I'm quite good (and quick) at copying out music. My offer to help was actually accepted gratefully. I was shocked. Until ... I was told I'd omitted several bars. (Not so.) I sighed. 'If, as you say, I've omitted those bars, I'll put some in. How many? WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO STICK 'EM?'

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