My husband Bruce and I are spending the week in Oxford, England for a meeting at the Bodleian. Beforehand, I checked the weather -- rain every day it said, and cold. So, we bundled up all our winter clothes which I had put in the cedar chest and bought a new umbrella. Guess what? The weather is delightful. Sunny and cool enough for a sweater but not cold, cold, like we had expected. Oxford is such a charming and delightful city. History is everywhere. And the Blackwell's Book Shop is right down the street where we have already bought enough books that we are wondering if there will be enough room in the suitcases! And just had a delicious lunch with Rita Ricketts and her significant other, Willy, who is quite a painter like Rita and my husband Bruce. Since I can't draw a straight line, let alone paint (even on a wall), I am enjoying the art all around.

WOW!!!! Blackwell has just appointed Andrew Hutchings Blackwell Group Chief Executive Officer! In his new role Andrew will have full responsibility for both Blackwell Book Services and Blackwell UK Ltd. Andrew takes up his new role with immediate effect and the BUK Board now report directly to him. Andrew joined Blackwell's Oxford office in 1987. He led both the Information Technology and Marketing departments in Oxford while also completing the Blackwell's Management Training program. After a three year assignment in Blackwell USA Oregon offices leading the integration of the global businesses, Andrew took on global responsibility for the Acquisitions and Distribution functions. Andrew took on the role of BBS UK Managing Director in March 2005 and led the recovery in performance within that business unit. Andrew was appointed Blackwell Book Services CEO in March 2007. During Andrew’s time, Blackwell have acquired Everett’s Library Services and more recently Houtschild Library Booksellers in The Hague.