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From Blogger to Julia

As I told Richard when we chatted on Radio Manchester, I wasn’t keen on blogging initially. At first, I was totally against the idea, then in late July 2006 I began to contemplate on it (it must’ve been Futuresonic influence). Eventually I saw myself one August night signing up for an account. I’ve chosen Blogger because I had a Google email, so it made sense. And I’ve been generally happy with the service, bearing in mind that I’ve never blogged before. The only thing I find difficult to get my head round is the multiple changes, which may not be the changes after all, but which put a non-hack on alert.

When I was signing up people were advised to sign up for Blogger in Beta, which I did. Now I note that ‘Beta’ sign is crossed out, and I’m reading that we’ve got a fantastic ‘Blogger’ instead. To say that I’m confused is to say nothing, really. Add to this the whole Christmas fever and attempts to manage the list of presentees, and here you go. From what I’ve seen in the new Blogger tour, I’m signed up for the right version of software, and my only hope is that the guys at Blogger have some pity for poor journos, authors and non-hacks and don’t make us switch to something else. That’s our unanimous Christmas wish, and I’m sure all agree.

This Friday I’m hoping to get to this John Lennon Imagine charity gig at RNCM, on which Mancubist blogged some time ago. Which means I’m going to stay up at work until at least 6.30pm. But like I said previously, I’ve been once to Lennon’s commemorative gig in Moscow, so I’m keen to compare my impressions with what they’ll do in Machester. If you see a girl in round specs, it’s probably going to be me.

And – to answer the question someone has been asking to a search engine – Julia is not a Russian name. To be honest, whoever asks exactly what my Russian name is, usually says next that it’s a very nice name. I do agree, but when I was coming over to England in 2003 I reckoned I’d have just enough trouble helping people to spell my surname correctly. I thought I’d do a lot of good to everyone if I use the English equivalent to my Russian name. Besides, I’ve always been translating my name into English.

Believe it or not, most of the times when I say that my name is ‘Julia’, people hear either ‘Julie’ or ‘Julianne’. Whilst doing a radio programme, I have had a plenty of chances to listen to myself pronouncing my name, and as far as I’m concerned it sounds ‘Julia’. Nevertheless, my effort to solve possible problems didn’t bring the desired fruit, as in addition to helping to spell my surname I also have to explain, exactly what my name is.

But after all, I love my name for its versatility, for the fact that it’s spelt and pronounced differently in different European languages. I do like being a chameleon, I must admit. The name itself is of Latin origin, and I will never forget this dialogue with my Latin tutor in Moscow.

Tutor: I note your name is Julia.
Me: Yes.
Tutor: Your parents must’ve named you after Julius Ceasar.
Me: I don’ think they remembered him.

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