Speaking at my 25 year reunion at USC was such an honour. I took part in a mid-careers panel where five Trojan alumni spoke about their lives and careers, how they got where they are now and where they hope to go in the future. Thank you Wanda Wen of Soolip Paperie and Press for organising my participation in this wonderful event.

The Alumni Association hosted a fabulous tailgate party outside Doheny Library and the unmistakable sound of the marching band brought back memories. It was an all-time great afternoon which finished with a football game, USC vs Oregon State. We were so busy chatting outside the Coliseum tunnels we missed the game – nothing changes!

It was a whirlwind trip home. I flew back to London the following evening.

Please click on the thumbnails below to scroll through the gallery.

We were booked by BBC local radio to talk about sibling rivalry at Christmas. With over tired children, exhausted parents and expectations at fever pitch there are almost bound to be fights on Christmas day. We broadcast from BBC television centre in White City, and then made a pilgrimage to the Blue Peter garden and the outdoor Doctor Who exhibition. For Georgia in particular, who watched almost nothing except Blue Peter and Doctor Who (unlike California there wasn’t much on British television in the 1970s) it was a thrilling afternoon.

Please click on the thumbnails below to scroll through the gallery.

And tips for Sibling Harmony at Christmas?

1. Don’t fill the stockings with sweets and chocolate unless you can cope with a 6 am sugar high.
2. Get your children to help, you don’t have to create a “perfect Christmas” for them on your own, in fact they will enjoy themselves much more if they contribute.
3. Get your imperfect Christmas sorted as early as you can. If you’re not stressed on the day, they are more likely to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Listen to Karen on BBC Radio London as she speaks to Simon Lederman about sibling rivalry.

Click here to listen again online – Karen speaks 45 minutes into the clip.

Listen to Georgia’s pick of children’s books for Christmas, including boy-eating lions, girly princesses, pirate dinosaurs and a billionaire boy.

Click here to listen again online (click on the Listen Now button, and move the slider to 23.04 minutes to hear her review.)

There is also a long-list of new books that would make fantastic Christmas presents.

Listen to Karen talk to Ted Robbins about mothers favouring on BBC Radio Lancashire. It’s 33 minutes and 30 seconds into the segment.

Click here to listen again online

Listen to Karen on Radio 5 Live as Karen speaks to Tony Livesey about mums favouring sons. She speaks 1 hour and 21 minutes into the clip.

Click here to listen again online

Listen to Karen talk to Jamie Owen and Louise Elliott about the Miliband Brothers on BBC Radio Wales. It’s 11 minutes and 30 seconds into the segment.

Click here to listen again online

Listen to Karen on Wendy Austin‘s debate about the Miliband Brothers on BBC Radio Ulster. It’s an interesting debate – listen to the whole thing or jump ahead to 11 minutes and 30 seconds when Karen comes into the conversation.

Click here to listen again online

Listen to Karen and Georgia talk to Julia George about the Miliband Brothers on BBC Radio Kent. It’s 2 hours and 34 minutes into the segment.

Click here to listen again online

Karen discusses how to prevent sibling rivalry with Heather Stott on BBC Radio Manchester, Wednesday 8 September between 10:40-10:45am.

Click here to listen again online.