Last week I was given a Nobel Prize

But it was Bertrand Russell's and I had to give it back. Now, it is not everyday that one sees, let alone is given, a Nobel Prize so you may ask yourself how such a thing came about. Well, Bertrand (he and I are on a first name basis) was given the prize for literature - not peace, for which he would have been equally suitable - in 1950 (you can hear and read his Nobel Lecture should you be so inclined). The Bertrand Russell Archives came to McMaster University in 1968 after they shelled out a big chunk o' change for it so he could fund his peace work and so they could look like a bunch of fancypants academics instead of being looked upon as colonial dullards (as was the custom at the time).

I was at "Mc" (the school is commonly referred to as "Mac" but there ain't no "a" so I am starting a one-man re-nick-naming campaign) for a conference, fittingly enough dealing with philosophy, and went on a tour of the archives. The archives houses treasures including the archives of numerous Canadian and international writers and publishers, musicians, businesses, labour groups, religious groups, and a slew of archives from long haired hippy pinko types, as well as a ton of rare books and other groovy stuff (hey look! Finding Aids!). Add to this the more-or-less complete archives and library of one Nobel-winning philosopher (they actually have stuff from three Nobel laureates) and I was suffering from an acute case of archival envy as my archives, while extremely interesting and important yadda-yadda-yadda just can't hold a candle to theirs.

The group was taken around by the head archivist - a very entertaining fellow - and we eventually ended up in the storage area of the Russell Archives. He brings out the Nobel Prize which consists of the medal (see above, actual size) and an illuminated manuscript, both in cases. He fumbled a bit with them for a while and I stuck out my hand offering to help him out, thinking he would hand me the manuscript case while he showed the group the medal. Instead, after looking at my name tag and a quick security check, he hands me the medal. Then, after showing the gathered throng the manuscript he take the case from me, pops the medal out and plunks it in my hand saying something like "Heavy, ain't it?" but much more eloquent, I'm sure. I don't remember...i was kinda dazzled...and nervous. As it is rather large and 22 karat gold, it was heavy. And rather cool. And I figure it will be the only time I will every be given an Nobel Prize, even if only for a few seconds. Although I won't say no if the Committee should like to consider me...just sayin'.

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While I've been going on at length about my rather unimportant non-awarding of a major prize, my mom actually was given a major recognition and deserves a mention . She was awarded the Loyalist College Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award. Here is an extract from the press release:

The Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes a Loyalist graduate who has made an exceptional contribution to his or her community through professional and community leadership, or through volunteer service. This year’s recipient was Vicki Bateman, a 1972 graduate of the Information Systems program. From 2002 until 2005, Vicki served on the College Board of Governors and as a director on the Loyalist College Foundation Board. She has been an active member of the Alumni Association, serving on the executive since 1995, and as President for five years. She has had a successful career in the information technology sector as a Systems Analyst, Project Leader, Training Consultant and teacher. Vicki has served as a director of the East Central Ontario Training Board and of Quinte United Immigrant Services and is a long-time canvasser for both the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. She is the secretary and a fundraiser for the River Valley Community Centre in her home community and serves as secretary of a sub-committee for the Stirling-Rawdon 150th Anniversary.

You give a helluva lot to that school and I am glad to see you get recognized for it. Congratulations - we're proud of you.