In the academic and publishing calendar in Britain this time of year is known as BTU (back to university). According to recent research, British students work less than their continental European counterparts. You can read the full report here. I'm sure it is true but I have some counter-evidence.

The highest Macmillan entry in today's Amazon bestseller list is none of the titles from the Autumn bestseller competition. It is The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell. Maybe British students are learning how to work smarter rather than longer and this book is the key. I certainly hope so because student life without the pub would be a real drag.

I am indebted to David Silverman for this link to one of the most bizarre website ideas ever - everything should taste like bacon. I know what they mean but...