Finished

It's done. The PhD is finished, submitted and all I do now is wait for the department to set a date for my viva (Two hour plus oral exam). Plenty to talk about - and coming up now, plenty of *time* to sit down and type it up. For now, just thought I'd spread the good news. Coming soon - photos. :-)

Cheers everyone!

So close, I can almost touch it.

It's *almost* done. I've almost got to the stage where I can hand it in. I've been fairly quiet during the last few days - and that's not because I've got bored of blogging. Far from it. It's just that I've a Thesis to finish. But having said that, I've written more than I could have hoped for in the last few days. Only a couple of thousand words granted, but a couple of thousand concluding words that seem to draw everything together and make sense at the same time. Right now, I'm printing out my Appendices. I'll finish up soon, head round to Hardy Street - where I'm crashing out (big thank you to Eddie, Mik and Will as ever), and have a couple of drinkies. Tomorrow morning, it's the title page, the contents pages, the abstract, the acknowledgements, and another go at that dodgy-looking correlation matrix on page 103. Damn you Table Seven!! ;-)

Mr and Mrs Price

Not much about *me* today. Far too many fish to fry. Instead, a moment to reflect on the newly married Mr Richard Price and his lovely new wife Louise (nee Skelton). I think they'll make a lovely couple, and I'd like to ask us all to wish them well as they honeymoon in Italy. In fact, let's push the boat out and wish them a little bit of wonderful. [Warning: *Minor Sop Attack*]

-ahem- Good luck, you two. :-)

More hits than an Amish website

Yes, it's true. I've figured it out - all possible because of the help of Gareth who's ability to explain it in non-jargon has been rewarded with a Blog-link of his very own. I'm now able to count the number of hits this Blog recieves. Yesterday I got ten. *TEN* That's ten real people checking for more random utterances from yours truely (plus some revisits).

Pretty darn good, I'd say, considering that this ain't Harry Potter. ;-)

Other stuff (a) Am off to Rich and Louise's wedding today/tomorrow so no more blogging from me until Monday. (b) If you're a Star Wars fan, do check out the IMPS link. If not, *AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE*

Busy busy busy

I have so much on at the moment that my head is spinning like something out of The Exorcist. But I have good news (for me). My Thesis must be in on Saturday 30th, so that really means Friday 29th. The good news is that the University Print Shop binds while-u-wait and only costs £5 a copy. Whoo-hoo!! Even better, if needs be, I can hand it in on the Monday. Cue one crazy week, then one extended holiday. :-)

Whoa!

It's been a few days, hasn't it? Mainly because I've moved back in with the parents - though I'm away a bit - and to be frank, I haven't really settled yet. I'm still sifting through piles of old stuff but slowly and surely the cardboard boxes are disappearing away inside each other Russian-doll style.

Back in Hull today. Crashing out at Hardy Street again (Guild Wars), before a supervisor meeting tomorrow that may just see my almost-finished final draft given the thumbs up. I'm checking my references at the moment - yes, the bit that comes at the *END*! ;-)

Otherwise, more bloggy goodness.I'm not too fussed about whether people read this or not, but it's great to write something from time to time - or add a picture. If you have some good pictures, do let me know and I'll post them. I've got several good pictures from the BBQ on Saturday but alas, they haven't been cleared by all involved (i.e. Sally in this case). But a good time and a good weekend. I still suck at ten pin bowling though...

To reciprocate...

Those eagle-eyed types amongst you will have noticed a link from this Blog to that of my friend Jason. Those of you that went there may well have noticed that whe had a few (kind) words about me and my "caffiene-fuelled" activities so I thought I'd return the favour. ;-)

I have known Jason since I was three-and-a-half, though it was a few years before I got to know him better, when the poor soul had to stay down a year at school (his October birthday) and I managed to catch him up. I then spent the next ten years at school trying to keep up. [You swot, Jase. ;-)]. It was a pleasure to be Best Man at your wedding, amigo. I don't know if I ever told you this but that speech cured me of any possible fear of public speaking and has led me to the lecture-bound career I'm aiming for today; being perfectly willing to lecture two hundred twenty 18-21yr olds at 50mins a go. So cheers for that Jason! Being down in London and all makes it harder to keep in touch, but since heand his wife Serena (a busy London doctor) have a child on the way, I'd just like to take the to be a little serious and wish them both (or all three rather!) the very best of luck in front of the rest of you. So there we have it

PS. Jim? Not sure I'm ready for the Jim (Kean and co. aside). My Dad is Jim as you know. Since you know him, could be confusing... However, Uncle Jim, I like that. I can be that uncle who steals all the kids noses, talks too loudly and tends to be slightly tipsy. :-)

The awesome power of Blogging

Yes, here it is as promised. Reading this very Blog spurred Rich into action. Thanks mate, I do appreciate it when you're so busy. Am a bit miffed that Louise had her laptop (with wedding seating arrangements) nicked so close to the wedding, but now the one *bad thing* has happened, your wedding should go like clockwork. I'm very much looking forward to it. How old is this photo, would you say? Three years, maybe four? Elsewhere, my cup of tea tastes rubbish. Still, that's what you get for finding an open bag of teabags that have been hidden behind your office curtain for so long, you've no idea how long they've been there. I'm betting months, but thankfully, that they can't be as old as this photo. :-)

Back in Hull

Yep, yo-yo time.

But I'm back in the office and skiving as if I've never been away. It's Graduation Twisted tonight. Cue hordes of girls gathered in circles and crying about missing each other, and roving bands of lads, threatening Christmas cards and getting completely off their face. For those of you clueless as to what Twisted is, Sheffield types can imagine Loveshack. Edinburgh people, I forget what thay called it. Yorkies: erm... we never did have a good club, did we? :-(

More later. But now, lunch.

Back in York

Or more precisely, back in York and *online*. :-)

Lots of things to talk about, thankfully, so no fear of me dying of boredom just yet, though it's a distinct possibility further down the line.

Right then, Saturday. Didn't make it. In fact, didn't make it halfway. Here's sculpture 14 to prove we had a stab though. [We got as far as number 23 incidently]. Went to The Mission for the first time in years. That place really has gone downhill - even the Hen Party seemed pretty jaded. Only two balloons- what were they thinking of?? But I digress... And why not? It's my blog. ;-)

Another Saturday photo. From left: myself; Yvonne; Mik; Kathrine. As taken by Eddie. Hull lightship in the background - though out of position and not switched on these days obviously. With Yorkshire ingenuity available, who needs a silly old lighthouse anyway?

It's printing!! It's printing!!

It's not over yet, I'm printing out the first complete copy of the Thesis as I blog. Printer cartridge, don't fail me now!! Then it's back home, some final packing, and then into town to the Admiral of the Humber at 6pm for food. Then, my friends, the Fish Trail. 41 fish sculptures, who knows how many pubs!!

<-- Here's the plan of action.

My camera may go too. :-)

Off the top of my head

After four years and a bit writing my PhD Thesis - now entitled: "The Relationship between Tinnitus, Cognitive Performance and Demands on the Individual", you think I could do better than scrabble together a 2,500 word joining section - bringing my Introduction and my Studies together - *off the top of my head*. Sheesh. Got there in the end though. Now, it's time to go home and spend the next 36 hours throwing rubbish out before I pack up what's left.

Still, Dave's bought me a bottle of wine. When I'm back up Wednesday/Thursday, we're going to drink it in the office. A fond farewell to Room 243 is in the offing. You did me proud. :-)

Time to blog?

Serious times. :-(

For that reason, and meaning no disrespect, it's a day to keep light. The world has changed, but we keep on walking. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, lack of seriousness. In a group e-mail, my old school friend Julian has wondered aloud where we get the time to write these blogs. Never fear. I'm printing lots of stuff out at the moment, and this is all my office PC can cope with while it struggles with my introduction(!)

Still, for the rest of you, who is this Julian Bond? Here is a picture of him at a Kung Fu demonstration. Yes, unlike the rest of us, he actually exercises. He's the bloke at the back on the right. Don't fear for him though. Instead, fear for the bloke at the front. He may look like he's doing ok, but look at his female assailant. Her hands are a blur. Always a *bad* sign.

London attacked

To my knowledge, no-one I know has been killed or injured. I hope it stays that way. However, I know many of you have been affected. Though, in most cases, it seems limited to a long walk home without buses or trains. Again, I hope it stays that way.

Safe journey to you all.

A tale of two aitches

Whoo! Another day, another blog. Dave is bravely resisting the distraction, but I just can't help myself. With all the work I've got, I should know better. I really should. Ho hum.

Still, while I'm leaving Hull on Sunday, it's the infamous Fish Trail on Saturday night. And about time too. How come none of us have every dared it? And then Huddersfield next weekend for a BBQ. Hull Huddersfield. Huddersfield Hull. Do I ever end up anywhere that doesn't begin with aitch? Erm... York. D'oh! *slaps forehead* Still, they are good photo opportunities. Talking of photo opportunities, it's back to Hull for Rich's wedding to the lovely Louise on the 24th. Once Rich is safely married, he may reclaim enough time to scan a vital photo and send it on. Years ago, for the HUU e-zine, I interviewed Johnny Ball. Yes, *the* Johnny Ball. I may be showing my age, but I don't care. He was great - he even looks a little like my Dad?? - and Rich captured the moment. That photo will appear here. Until then, to see if I've got the hang of it, here is a photo of me that you should all recognise. ;-)

Staking a claim

Looks like knowledge of the "Blog" is spreading far and wide. Not sure why I'm even doing it, save to copy Jason, but I'm finding it quite theraputic. Thanks to all who've commiserated about me not getting the Trinity job. If it makes you feel better (and it's making me feel better) I'm just about to post my Claim for Expenses. £71.25. Muah ha ha ha ha!! ;-)

I've forgotten something, I know I have.

Argh!! How many people need to know my forthcoming change of address? The bank. The university. The Psychologist. The BPS. Specsavers. The TV lot. The Student Loan company. Other magazines, the utility people... I've missed somebody out, I know I have but I've been reading and re-reading my draft so much, I'm addled.

Exit stage right. Cup of tea.

It's London

I've just checked the BBC website. It's London for the 2012 Olympics. Nice one. Even better for someone like me with *no* intention of living in London and contributing who-knows-how-much in council tax.

Yay. Beach Volleyball on Horseguard's Parade!! ;-)

PS. One of these days, I'll figure out how to put photos on this site. Untlil then, I'll revel in the fact that I'm only semi-geeky. Hopefully demi.

Weather Woes

Blasted weather. It's 6.30pm and I want to go home. *But* it was really sunny this morning and I walked onto campus in my t-shirt. Now, it's teeming it down and I'm trapped in my office, waiting for the rain to stop. *sniffle*

War of the Worlds

Oh, and a few people are talking about War of the Worlds. I liked it. Good direction. Will have to get the book one day - and read just how hard the Martians hit Woking in 1898...(!) But why are sleeves so immune to alien death rays? Why not shoes as according to tradition? And what was the deal with the arteries everywhere?? "Huh?" And again with the "huh?" (Very surfer-speak of me). Bad James.

Trinity Blow

Ah, I didn't get the job I was hoping for. (Trinity and All Saints, in Leeds). Good feedback though. Gave a good interview, and a cracking 30mins presentation apparently. Kean, enthusiastic, understood the job. All that. But they went for the bloke with a little more xp. I think it even went down to research area. Only problem I have is that I don't have a weakness to work on. Tsk! ;-)