A bit of Bollywood and Tolkien

Sunday was a very early start, leaving for London at just after eight in the morning. After walking the length of Oxford Street without finding anything except for 'Tie Rack' open (and not wanting any new ties) I headed off for the British Museum.

Anyone would have thought, due to the proximity to where I have lived for many years, that I would have visited it often. Alas, this was but my second time (my first I don't remember, I was in a pushchair). And what a mistake that had been !

The exhibitions of the Greeks and Romans, of Egypt, of the changing faces of Britain, and the Gallery Ceiling and the Reading Room were amazing, I could not have stumbled upon a more interesting and worthwhile venue to spend the morning at. Most highly recommended !!

After eating at a very tasty Japanese restaurant, we went along to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to watch Bombay Dreams, Shakalaka baby !!.

Today (okay, yesterday now as it's one in the morning) was spent shopping in Aylesbury (finally some new trousers !!!) and the final hours in the cinema watching the astounding The Lord of the Rings : The Two Towers. One of the best spent three hours of my spare time. Amazing film, astounding cinematography, gripping plot. I can no longer wait until the next one comes out, I have the book and will read it cover to cover as soon as possible.

Tonight, New Year's Eve I will be up in Birmingham celebrating with friends from Uni. You might get to hear about what happened, but only if I remember it :)

Other thoughts will go out to Javi, however, who will be running the 10km San Silvestre in Madrid from 6pm local time. We wish him speed, stamina, and a good helping of food for when he comes home. You can watch the rankings on the dedicated website and look for number 5294, Javi Gonzalez (should be somewhere near the top).

Shopping

A brief overview of what's been happening with me lately. Christmas Day was spent with my family cooking and serving Christmas Dinner to the old people of Great Missenden (the nearest town to my village). The food was great, everybody enjoyed themselves, and at 6pm we returned home just in time to sit in front of the TV for an evening of entertainment (frequently interspersed with a game of cards).

Boxing Day saw us eat some of the remnants of the Christmas turkey, so our own Christmas Dinner was put off until the 27th. Suckling Pig, mmm, need I say more?

Today was the day for shopping. We went off to Watford (another town relatively close by) and spent the day buying clothes, books and a DVD. Coming home a bit lighter in the pocket, but with something to show for it.

Other news from slightly further afield is that at last Javi has received his suitcase that was lost in transit from Germany to Spain. And nothing was broken inside. So someone is definitely feeling relieved this Christmas.

Still no word from Noelia to confirm if she's alright, so we'll just have to wait to see if she turns up at some point. However, the old Erasmosian Pili is alive and in Spain still :) Apart from that, Mavi is going down to Cordoba for New Year, Jordi is staying in Valencia and Laura is going down to Tuscany. I wish them all a great time on this night, and to just think of me stuck here in Blighty.

Back to bed...

More News

Well, I know what my new-year's resolution will be, to find time to update this site more often !!!

The last week has seen many people disappearing back to their countries of origin, which is why there has been less and less things to do here recently. However, the news still happens; In Birmingham, in a popular (depending on who you ask) electronics store, a father bought a CD-writer as a Christmas present for his family. When they ran the CD that they found in the box with the equipment, however, they were in for a shock. Child pornography is not normally associated with family electronics stores, but...let's just say that there's a lot of apologising going on at the moment.

In California a 15-year old student hacked into his school's computer system and changed his grades. For the worse! Nobody quite knows why he did this, but he got an award for his 'project'. Just goes to show which way the education system is going...

When you are driving along the roads in your new BMW or Merc (possibly a Christmas present?) just hope you're nowhere near a military base. As TheRegister reports, they are using an increased surveillance system that demobilises these new cars. Wait to see what happens if they up the power a bit more...

Well, after the departmental party on Thursday, the final Erasmus party in Mainzer Kolleg of the year was visited, where I have to admit I had probably the best night of this semester, thanks to messers Smirnoff, Blue Caracau, Gluehwein, Hefeweizen, oh and of course, the impeccable company of Laura, Giulia, Ramsy, Paco, Carlitos and the many others that I don't remember if I saw or not ;)

Will be heading back to blighty on monday, so no more dirty phonecalls on my german number, alright :)

Have a great Christmas !

Catch-Up

Ok, a quick resume of what's been happening here recently. Firstly I have been really busy with work, homework, and numerous other little things, which is why there hasn't been an update for a long while (ok, five days feels like a long while for me, actually it's a lot longer since I've written anything in English...).

Last Saturday was spent in Nuremberg with the italians (Laura, Giulia, Alicia and Silvia) visiting the Christmas market and a bit of the city itself. All had a good time, but were relieved in the evening when we got back to our warm rooms.

The last week has seen the temperature plummet, and has not gone above -2 degrees for 6 days. Today, however, everything changed. It is no longer so cold (about 1 degree I think) because it is now raining. What lovely weather we have here. As for those of you in Spain, if anyone even mentions what the weather is like over there again, I'll...

By the way, to check out the actual weather here at the University of Mainz, visit this page.

Other things that have happened recently; the italians had to lead a discussion in class about Shakespeare's Sonnets. After two hours of talking, the teacher congratulated them, so it must have gone well.

A brief for a nameless person just to say that trying to do the washing-up drunk, and thereby using olive oil instead of washing-up liquid, is not recommended :)
Friday night saw Jordi and Miquel take to the stage in Hechstheim Bar playing guitars and singing various populour Spanish tunes. The serving of cold beverages was seen to by myself and the man known as "Mit Scharf". The evening went with great success, seeing 102 litres of beer drunk (it wasn't all me, honest) and various sing-alongs by members of the audience.

At 4am today Jordi had his shift with the Nuclear Physics Experimental Group, and at midday I took over. So all in all quite a tiring weekend.

Lastly I have to mention that the fabulous sister of Laura (Chiara, or "mongolona") is here on holiday at the moment (why anybody would swap Bologna for Mainz is beyond me...) and hopefully enjoying herself a lot.

This coming week sees many people returning home for Christmas, in particular Noelia and Jorge on Monday, Alberto on Wednesday, and me on the 23rd. To everybody go out Christmas Greetings, and wishes for a Happy New Year.

Enjoy yourselves !

Birthdays and some News

Yesterday saw both Pili (in Valencia) and Fernando (here in Mainz) become a year older. Best wishes to them both, and let's hope they celebrated accordingly :)

Now to what's been happening lately. Yesterday saw two demonstrations take place in this otherwise quite town. One in Schillerplatz by the Police, Dustmen, Gasmen (still don't know what the protest was about though) and the other one at the Hauptbahnhof by students to protest about student fees for education.

Elsewhere, a fridge has been developed that cools its contents by using sound. Something to teach youngsters not to swallow things they're not meant to, a woman had to jump-start her car by pressing her toddler against the steering wheel after he swallowed the de-mobiliser chip. And for those of you who get really annoyed with those pop-up ads that look like error messages, the company who invented them is being taking to court for misleading millions of workers to disturb their jobs in order to visit this site.

Apart from that, it's just left for me to welcome Jen from Birmingham, who will be coming to visit for the weekend, and also Soph and Beecs who will be coming Sunday til Tuesday. Just remember to bring your coats ladies, because it's freezing here now !

Hi-ho, and back to work I go.

Tech News and More

First up in this news roundup is the story of an English student who took his revenge out on his two-timing girlfriend by putting up explicit photos and videos on his website, and also on her profile for friendsreunited. The full details can be found here at The Register as always.

Next comes a warning for people inclined to use their laptops as the name suggests - on their laps. A 50 year-old scientist was admitted to his doctor because of burns he had received whilst using his portable computer on his lap. And yes, he did have clothes on.

Keeping the same theme (sorry, it was the only thing in the news) a man (well it's not going to be a woman, is it?!) has been forced to remove his masculinity from that well known auction site Ebay after offering advertising space on it. It isn't mentioned if Durex had made an offer...

And for all those out there that keep on saying that size doesn't matter - it does. Apparently it accounts for 1.5 percent of accidents in the home, not many of which are fatal, we are told.

One for the other gender now, a lady in Taiwan was taken into hospital with a novel internal mobile phone. That is to say, that during her adventurous bedtime-games with her partner, something went wrong. Let's hope that her boss didn't ring in the morning...

Other things that have been happening, the Miss World contest has been moved from Nigeria to London today, due to the number of deaths occuring (last count over 100) due to it's presence there.

Hechtsheim is more or less empty this weekend, due to Laura, Giulia, Noelia, Jorge and Ramsy going off to Amsterdam. If you see them walking funny on monday, don't mention body-cavity-searches.

Congratulations go out to Luca who has just passed his English exam in Milan. The celebrations will be held tomorrow at his place (he doesn't know this yet).

Photos are up

OK, just a quickie to say that the first lot of photos (ie those from my digital camera) from our trip to Holland are now up. You can find them under Photos-Places-Roadtrip.

Also, photos from the first twister party of this semester can be found under Photos-Parties-New Twister.

And an endnote, photos of how Noelia's room looked when she came back from Switzerland can be found under Photos-Others-Teeth.

Good viewing

Roadtrip

If you have read my spanish site, you would know that the weekend just gone was spent visiting Holland and Belgium with Jordi, Javi and Alberto.

However, our plans changed before we even left Hechtsheim. The BMW 3-series we were meant to be hiring was not available, so in the end we had to make do with a Mercedes CLK-240 !!!

The visits to Den Haag, Rotterdam, the dykes, and Brussels were great, but it was this car that made the holiday that extra bit special.

Well, you'll be seeing the photos of this holiday later on this week and you can judge for yourself...

Brooooooooooooooom

Birthday Parties

The last few days have seen me rushing around getting things done, seldom having chance to check my email, let alone write something here.

However, I can now state that I am fully registered as a postgraduate of the University of Mainz. This of course means that I am giving classes to physics and chemistry students in basic physics - at least I hope it's basic!!!

Now to the interesting part. On the the evening of the 31st we went to Mainzer Kolleg to celebrate Halloween. After much time and effort on the part of Giulia and Laura (and a bit from Ramsy too) our faces were painted grotesquely (which, of course, is good for such a night). We turned up first to the old favourite Kulturcafe only to find that no-one was dressed up and that it still cost 4.5 euros to get in, whatever you wore!! We quickly changed plans and headed for the Kolleg. Here we danced the night away and enjoyed ourselves a lot.

The following day was quite special. Not only because it was my birthday, but also that of our old Erasmonian Mavi. We, of course, wish her all the best for her following year of old age, and let's see f she motivates herself to come over here to visit us (which Marilo and Julio were wanting to do as well).

As my parents had come over with all my stuff, I felt obliged (only kidding, I enjoyed it really) to accompany them (along with Jordi) to dine at Mykonis (the Greek restaurant by 'An der Philipsschanze' tramstop). Here we had a very filling meal with a good shot of 'digestive'.

For this night we went to Caveau. Here we met up with Patricia (whose birthday it was on the second of November) and a load more of the spanish lot. The evening was spent as usual there - drinking and dancing. We made our way home some time later (so I'm told), during which certain ape-noises were enacted by a member of our group.

Saturday was spent with my parents going around Media-Markt looking for a DVD-player (yes, I do have it installed now ready to set up for cinema nights :) and then to Real where I used the space in the car to put my weekly shopping in. During this outing we ate at a restaurant that was within this building, and you're not going to believe me, but the food was worse than in the Mensa !!!! In fact, up until today I have been quite ill as a result of eating there.

For the evening I entertained a few (about ten) of the people in Hechtsheim to a game of Feigling-Twister. The photos of which you will see up here soon.

Sunday saw Noelia return from Switzerland to find about fifty sets of teeth moulds in her bedroom. These were placed there by Ramsy and Company after there visit to Wiesbaden (the only interesting thing they found there, apparently).

Today I attended a shift in the experimental hall in order to learn what I should be doing the following wednesday. Apart from it not working for the first two hours, everything else went fine.

One last piece of news, the German Secret Service have been bugging people's mobile phones, and because of a bug in the software, the users have paid for the calls !!!

Ok, that's it for now, back home for a rest, bye.

Moving In and The Poster

This morning I signed the last bits of paperwork and moved in to my new house. Not that I had a lot to move in, but at least now I have a proper bed to sleep on, and a place to put all my clothes. Thanks go out to Alberto and Luca for the kind use of their living room over the last week.

Ok, you can't have failed to notice the huge poster above Karstadt from Schillerplatz to the Cathedral of a very attractive lady opening her shirt (well the men amongst you anyway). Well this lady is non other than Verona Feldbusch advertising her new website (she also has a range of lingerie at the aforementioned department store).

Tonight, being Thursday, there are parties going on all over the Uni, but of course the one to go to is at the Kulturcafe, and for no better reason than that that's where I am going !!

As it's a national holiday here tomorrow (they new it was my birthday) we will have to see what happens and where we go, but something is definitely going to happen :)

Well, I need to go shopping and start to fill up my new room, enjoy the holiday...

Oh Saturday Night

The evening of Saturday saw the first party in the Forum at the University. Alberto, Jordi, Luca Carmen, Noelia and myself went along to see how it went.

We met up with loads more people who we knew, but I can't remember them all right now, suffice it to say that half of the party-goers were Spanish (or claimed to be, at least).

The night saw many a beer get drunk, many a foot get trodden on (because of all the dancing) and many a person not remember quite what they did. Yes, we all had a great time there (insomuchas we can remember) and returned home at about six in the morning. Needless to say, most people slept in on Sunday, some with headaches, some without (although having to piece together what they did during the evening also caused headaches...).

Well, if you have read this page in Spanish, you will know that I have my own place as of the first of November (huh-hum, my birthday, by the way). So there might be some reason to have a party there...

Tonight seems to be a quiet one, as we'll probably be going to the cinema (depends if it's a chick-flick or not) but hopefully it will be fun all the same.

See ya

Diary Attacked and News Stories

Yesterday afternoon saw a change in my schedule, as some annoying kid (probably) attacked the website where I along with millions of others write our diaries from. The fact that I was actually writing in mine when it happened meant that I was right in the thick of it.

After some desperate phonecalls to England in order to stop the attack before it directly affected my website, I was able to go home a bit less stressed. Apparently everything is working again properly, which is why you can see this latest entry :)

On a lighter note, Javi, Jordi, Alberto and I went to Scrooge´s again and had a weekly dose of Guinness last night. Nothing did actually happen the night before, which is why, despite it pouring with rain, we just had to go out last night :)

Well, today sees Giulia, Jorge, Laura, Noelia, and Ramsy depart on a little adventure in Laura´s car to Luxembourg (or was it Berlin or Zurich, or Konstanz...). Let´s just hope the weather holds up for them, so that thy don´t have to swim back.

A couple of news stories caught my attention recently. Firstly, a german condom manufacturer is offering one hundred English students a year´s free supply in order to find out what people prefer.

If that wasn´t enough, a South African insurance company has sponsored the research into a high speed condom, that instead of taking 30 seconds, only takes 3 seconds to put on. Working out how many spare hours arts students have, and dividing by three seconds, you can expect the birth rate to increase dramatically over the next year :)

Women are not left out though, they get to do an online measuring session, by guessing hand, foot and nose sizes of their prospective partner, the program comes back with his estimated size. Try it out :)

Better be off now, as I just remembered everything shuts in about fifteen minutes, and I haven´t got anything to eat later.

bye

Ok, time to get back to my breakfast of milk and swiss chocolate. Mmmmm.

Paperwork and 50grad

This week has seen me running around the Universe(ity) getting people to write and sign letters, then getting others to say they need different documents, then getting told that it will take at least another week to sort it out.

Yep, I am currently trying to register myself for the work that I already have started, and the red tape is taking its toll on me once again. Of course, not being registered means I can't go to classes, nor can I eat at the Mensa (what a pity) and I have to pay for the busses and trams every day.

Last night we took to the town to visit a club called "50 grad" - fifty degrees. It was my first time there, and I have to say first impressions are very good.

We actually went in order to see our pet Gallega at her first day of work, taking care of people's jackets whilst they dance the night away. However, I don't know if she is suited to the post, as she refused to take my shirt :)

The music started off a bit unsettled, but as the beers flowed (which were only 1.60 euro each) it got better (or did our noise tolerance level increase?) and by the end of the night we had enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

I must not forget to mention that it was Ruth's (the Alicantina) first day of work behind the bar as well, and by the looks she was giving the customers, I think she must have been getting some large tips from the male contingent.

In fact I would have to say that last night was one of the best nights I've had out recently. Hopefully next time, though, Noelia will not forget her keys and have to wake Laura up at 5am... nor will Gunnar drink so much...nor will Jorge (from Galicia) play the fool on the way home. Talking of the Gallego, it is his first day at work at the same club tonight (Gay Night) so if you are going there, when you hang up your coats, don't forget to give him a kiss :)

Well, it might be Kulturcafe tonight, but then again it might not. You'll have to return tomorrow to see what I write to find out...

Ciao

Back to Mainz

Yep, you read right, I am here,gone back to my roots (ok, that was a bit over the top, but i´m back here anyway).

So if you even think about not asking me to a party...

Well, maybe this year i´ll even manage to get this site up in german and italian...

Well, got to go and prepare for lunch with Alberto (in whose place I am staying) Laura and Giulia, after last night´s "Flurparty" it´s not going to be a very stressful meal :)

So, now you know I´m back in Mainz doing my Diplomarbeit (research project), I want to know what you lot are doing - so send me an email right now !!!

Ciao bella

The Spanish Inquisition, Irish disbanded and Peckam's Angels

A few newsbites today. Spanish websites have been closing down this week in protest against new government legislation forcing them to be censured and registered by the state. The Register has more.

The power executive of Northern Ireland has been dismissed for the fourth time, due to allegations of IRA information gathering within the Assembly.

And finally, the once eye-sore of London, Peckam, has cleaned up it's act with a new take on the 'Guardian Angels'.

Stupid Computer

Before you say anything, it's not my fault.

You can see by the fact that nothing has been written on my website or that of Jordi for a while. This is because the website we use to publish our diaries has had lots of problems recently. I have only just now been able to mend my bit so I can write again.

Anyway, talking about Jordi, his website has changed address, it can now be found under http://wwwa1.kph.uni-mainz.de/~llongo/.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in my well-being during my brief visit to Mainz.

OK, too much of a good thing can be bad, so I'm going to sign out while I can. Have a good day, and we'll meet again...

Body Bits

Whiling my time away at home whilst waiting for my course results, I decided to do another trip to that great big city - London.

After walking along the Thames taking photos as the city turned it's lights on, I met up with Nick, who had just finished work for the day. We then went to dine at Wagamamas. This is a chain of japanese restaurants serving such dishes as noodles, dumplings and soups. The food was amazing, the waitresses very attractive, and the atmosphere was very happening.

Later on we watched a couple of DVDs back at his place. Lola Rennt is a German film released about 7 years ago, which I first saw in an open-air cinema in Ludwigsburg, South Germany. It's an interesting film, one to watch. As we were still wide awake after this (the soundtrack was quite lively) we put on another film. This time Jennifer Lopez took the stage (amongst a plethora of other famous actors) in U-Turn. Quite a slow moving film, it does have it's moments though.

Having finished watching films at about 5.30am, naturally I wasn't in a fit state to wake up before midday. So I didn't. I then met up with Kathy (physics, brum) to have a coffee , a chat, and do some shopping (her, not me). Afterwards, I met up with my parents who were just sitting down to a meal in a restaurant in Chinatown (free food). As my dad went off shopping for some food to take home, my mum and myself went along to the amazing Bodyworlds exhibition. This has real human corpses which when the person has died, are plastinated so as to keep them in the same shape and texture as before. Amongst the exhibits were one of a skeletal man with muscles holding in his hand his entire body skin. Also a rabbit entirely made up of it's arteries. These really have to be seen to be believed, and as it is now extended until December 1st, you have no excuse.

Well, tomorrow sees Jordi make his way back to Mainz (this time with his friend Alberto) to continue his work (or is it study/partying?). I will then be joining him from October 3rd til 9th, so anyone up for a party in Mainz, get in contact. I will then be heading down to Munich (all the cities begin with 'm', hmmmmm) to meet my good friends Gerald and Alex (and any others that have made their ways down there). The return flight is on the 12th, whereby I will have 4 days before the results are made known (apparently).

OK, nothing else been happening in my life recently, how about yours?

Adeu

Back in the UK

Just a quick note to say that at last I'm back in England after a gruelling (that's a lie - amazing) 3 weeks in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

After surviving a 6.8 earthquake in Taipei, Taiwan, it was almost comic to arrive back in Britain and experience a 4.8 one in Birmingham !!! But you have to remember, the scale is logarithmic, so a 2.0 is 100 (ten to the power of two) times stronger than a 1.0. So the one in Brum was no way near comparable to the one in Taiwan in reality.

OK, lack of sleep still being a major factor, I am now retiring to bed.

Goodnight

A couple of interesting Newsbites

Some interesting news to prove that physicists are useful, is that a new tank-protection system has been invented by the MoD which is basically a huge capacitor.

Next up is the article about NASA deciding to measure peoples' thoughts as they pass through an airport to see if they are about to commit an act of terror. Feel safe now?

OK, that's it for now, adios

Uh-oh

Feeling thankful that I don't live in East Germany (re: floods), I have just found out that the Yangtze (biggest river in China, where we are starting our holiday by cruising down it...) has also been closed due to sever rainful and flooding in the surrounding regions. I'm starting to feel like taking my umbrella and wading boots with me at this rate. I just hope that in the remaining 13 days before we leave, the water levels will reduce and the weather will be fine again.

Oh, and congratulations are in order to Ana who got her results for the English Proficiency Test. This is the highest level that is available, and it just goes to show that sometimes foreigners are able to understand us (whether the reverse is true, I daren't ask).

Bye for now.

News Update

A quick splattering of news today. Again I find myself in the central city of Birmingham, visiting Nuria and Pablo before they fly off back to Spain next week.

As you have undoubtedly heard, the water levels across europe are still rising, and have now got to such a stage that in Dresden (Eastern Germany) the level is rising by four centimetres an hour !! Fourteen people have so far been killed, and many buildings have been ruined, including monuments and museums. To think that we're in the middle of summer !!

Again, white Zimbabwe farmers have been arrested and others mobbed in order to make way for Mugabe's supporters. This is yet another step to utter destruction of a once beautiful country, as without these farmers, crops will no longer be available to the starving population.

On a lighter note, how do you fancy flying from London to Sydney, Australia in two hours? Well, the machinery to make it possible has successfully completed its tests.

Apart from that, nothing much else happening here. Elena (P) had her birthday yesterday, but what with exams coming up soon, I doubt whether she could enjoy them as she would have wished. Never mind, after the exams there's plenty of time for parties :)

Fin.

Hacking Politicians, Fighting Office Workers and Shooting Stars

If you've looked up into the sky over the last few days, you might have noticed something different. No, not more helicopters rescuing victims from the rising water levels across northern europe, but the Perseids, a group of meteors passing through the night sky at the moment. So get out there now and start making wishes.

Now you remember that film from three years ago about an office worker who starts up an underground movement of fight clubs? No, well get a refresher at the official site. Now, in a life-imitating-art scenario, this movement has actually been set up in the UK for office workers bored of their jobs and seeking something more from life. They call it The Real Fight Club. To get your equipment, have a look here.

In an interesting twist on governments' increased intrusion into internet surveillance, it has been claimed that a government minister had hacked into the bbc's website to change content that was deemed not to be in the government's best interest.

One more point of interest for all you superstitious folks. Today is Tuesday the 13th, an unlucky day for the spanish. Best of luck to you all for the next 24 hours.

Quickie

Mostly sorting out things still, but others are enjoying themselves. Mavi is off in Rome with Daniella, Giulia and Chiara, Jordi is back in Spain with his family and friends, and Andy (whose birthday is this friday) and Helen are off in Sweden or somewhere.

It's not all fun fun fun, though. England is now under heavy rain, so much so that the underground was flooded this afternoon.

Anyway, enough of me, until the next.

More News

Firstly, the weather here in the UK has been getting hotter steadily, and is expected to get up to 30 degrees later in the week. Which is why this morning we packed up our car with all manner of bits and pieces and went down to a field for a Car Boot Sale. This is where people sell all sorts of second hand goods in order to clear out their houses.

However, if you are not one for the english weather, you could do a lot worse than going to Romania this weekend, as there is the annual Virgin Fair going on. If you hurry, there might still be some good offers :)

Yesterday was System Administrator Appreciation Day so you should have sent loads of presents to anyone fixing your computers.

And lastly, it has been found that chicken feathers provide a quicker throughput of signal than silicon, and could therefore be used inside computers. Weather they'll also produce eggs is not stated.

Have a great day.

News Updates

The Commonwealth Games started yesterday in Manchester, with some of the world's best sportspeople competing against each other in a number of events. Also it was a great day for british cricket yesterday when Nasser Hussain scored his first century on home ground for four years.

Another major news story is the fact that large americans are getting together to sue the fast-food companies for not giving enough warning that their food was going to make them fat. This is getting ridiculous, but read the story anyway.

That's it

Graduation

Yesterday was weird. Getting together in the Great Hall at University, wearing our robes, hoods and mortar-boards (hats) we received our degree certificates. It just doesn't feel like we've finished here. There is no sense of loss, just of normality.

Anyway, had a great time after the ceremony with all my friends here, managing to meet up for a drink with most, and dined with Nuria (Pablo was working hard in his department til after 1am !!).

Anyway, little time left before I have to start making my way back home, so I'll be off to meet up with some others that are still around for a bit.

Later

Apologies

Ok, I know I haven't written in here for ages, but I'm not even going to proffer an excuse. I have been away on holiday for a couple of weeks. That's right, I hopped on a plane and made my way to Spain for the sun, sand and...did I mention the sun?

Spent the beginning of my time staying at chez Jordi's, and from there visited the University of Alicante (palm trees, sun, oh, and maybe some studying) along with the Valencia in order to sort out things for my coming year studying/working there.

Managed to meet up with Jordi (obviously), Alberto, Longino and Paco (physicists), Elena P, Blanca, Mavi, Gloria and of course, Ana. It was great to see them all again, it's only a pity that I had to leave so soon.

Apart from finding out info for my stay, I also managed to find time to do a bit of shopping, visit the cities of Alicante, Valencia, Tarragona, Barcelona, Altafulla and Reus, and go to the beach for about 4 days :) Got browned on the arms and legs, but slightly red on neck and ankles, never mind, it was 36 degrees out there !!

Got home at half past midnight to find that Leanna (yes that sweet little american girl we once knew in Mainz) had come to London for a few days and was leaving that very day when I arrived. Unfortunately, due to a tube strike (trains not running at all in london) we were unable to meet up. Next time, I hope.

Well, that's what's been going on recently, more news soon.

Oh, and just in case anyone will be in the vicinity of Birmingham tomorrow, if they make their way to the University there will be a spectacle not to be missed. My Graduation Ceremony, no less.

Bye for now.

Web Update

OK, a quick note to say a load more photos have been added to this site. Under Birthdays Pablo's and Helen Booth's have been added; in Meals Physics Graduates, Vanessa's Barbecue and Our Barbecue; in Others Birmingham Haircut and Random Birmingham; and finally under Friend's Sites a link to Fabien's page has been put. Enjoy.

Off to the Sun

As you might have guessed from the title, I'm off to Spain for 15 days. I'll be arriving in Barcelona on the 2nd July and will leave there on the 17th. I hope to spend the beginning in Valencia and the end in Barcelona. During this time I will be applying for my Masters courses, and also looking for work for the coming year. I will also be looking forward to meeting anyone else who is around when I'm there, as it would be great to catch up with what's been happening. So send me an email or a text message, and we'll meet up.

An invitation for all to come for my graduation ceremony stands. You are all cordially invited to watch my collect my degree wearing full gown, hood and hat on 23rd July in Birmingham. So get your planes/trains/submarines booked now.

See y'all soon

Giving Up

OK, that's it, I give up. No sooner had I changed my allegance to Spain, are they knocked out by South Korea in a game that was even more affected by bad referee decisions. In fact, as well as FIFA conducting an investigation into bad refereeing, the BBC has put together a list of some of the worst misconducts.

Made what could be my last tortilla in Birmingham last night, Cristina and Thibu joining me for the meal. Slowly all my food supplies are being used up and all I will have left is Cup-a-Soups and noodles.

Into my last week up here, and it is noticeable that most people have already disappeared. However, my plans for visiting everybody are in progress, so we'll soon see each other.

Back to applications...

Catch-Up

A long time has past since I last wrote, but my excuses are good.

Firstly, as if you hadn't noticed, the World Cup is currently in progress. This has led to many a morning/afternoon being spent in front of the TV shouting at the referee. Unfortunately, today England were knocked out of the quarter-finals by Brazil in a match that was marred by the amount of Brazilian fouls, falls, and the referee's bad decisions. However, now I will be changing my allegiance for Spain for the rest of this Championship.

Ana has finally left for Barcelona, not a day too soon, as there was a general strike in Spain the day after. In fact, most of the Erasmus students have now departed, as have most of the British ones. So it's only me left working away at the International Office once again.

What else has been happening...oh yeah, I just remembered, I finished my degree with a 2:2. So no more physics for me, yipee !!

Just a quick note on the news, an australian mayor has announced that he thinks illegal immigrants should be used as live targets for the army. Some people are objecting (as if you couldn't guess).

Another thing that has happened recently. The University of Birmingham has deleted all email and logon accounts of all graduates without warning and barely a few days after finishing term. This has caused outrage amongst the students who have had job applications, shopping orders and logon confirmations set up with their uni addresses. The fact that there was no warning given is probably the reason why nobody is taking responsibility for this action, the blame being passed between the computing helpdesk and Administration Services. As one of those seriously affected by this move, I will endeavour to find out who the culprit is and make you all aware how you can complain.

OK, I think it's time to get more things organised, good luck to Spain tomorrow morning, and bye for now.

Holiday

This will be my last update until next weekend, as tomorrow morning Ana and I leave for Edinburgh, Belfast and Durham, coming back on Friday evening. During this time we'll be meeting up with Douglas, who will hopefully be showing us around the sights of his University city.

On Saturday a BBQ was held at our house with over 20 students coming for over 7 hours. Fun was had by all, and photos will follow shortly.

OK, that'll be it for now, have a great holiday.

Me

Finished Degree

As you can probably guess from the title, after a month of exams I have finally come to rest with the knowledge that I will never have to look at a physics textbook again. I said have to, I might just need them for something else, but that will be my decision.

So, you can probably guess that my time since has been spent celebrating, meeting with friends, and generally catching up on things I haven't been able to do for the last year.

To top everything off, the sun has decided to descend on us today which will definitely help our BBQ which is set from 5pm tonight. Wow, it feels like summer already - hold on a minute, it is summer !!!

Of course others still have exams to do before they finish this year, namely all those in Mainz and Valencia. Well, I wish them luck, but as I don't have a beach nearby to go to, I'm still envious of them.

Ok, that's it for today, let's see if I can get online later on this bank holiday weekend (for those of you that aren't in the know, because of the Queen's jubilee, we have a holiday until wednesday !!!

Happy celebrating

TV Tonight and Scandals

Well, with another exam under my belt, I have the weekend to relax a bit with just one exam on monday afternoon and my final one on tuesday morning. Others amongst us will undoubtedly already be in the pub as many finish today.

Either there hasn't been much going on in the news recently, or my exams really have taken their toll on how up-to-date I have kept. So only one news story today.

Although I don't agree with publicising public figures' private lives too much, I will avert my course slightly and mention the fact that the recent claims in the tabloid papers about TV star Angus Deayton having sexual relations with a prostitute will come to a culmination tonight at 9pm as this week's episode of Have I Got News For You (hosted by the aforementioned) will be shown. Expect lots of harrassment from both sides of the studio all being directed in one way - at the presenter. Promised to be a worthwhile viewing.

That's it. It appears Jordi is still away in Milan enjoying himself, and I haven't heard anything from him, so presume/hope everything's going well.

Until the sun setteth...

Off to lunch

Just a quick note before I go off to eat with Becca and Soph (haven't seen them in ages, probably a lot to talk about). I am now halfway through my exams, having just completed the Catalan certificate this morning (yes, a 9am exam on a saturday!). I can't say that they are all going as well as I expected, but one can but hope.

Anyway, a couple of pieces of news before I leave you. Germany is on the verge of introducing legislation for animal rights to be incorporated into the constitution. It will be the first european country to pass such a law. On a more amusing note, read this report of a journalist's search for love by text message which is quite amusing.

Well, good luck to those that need it, and have fun to those that actually like the exams.

Hamsters, Children, and 8086 chips

Following the enhancement of mobile phone technologies, how would you like a hamster to read out your SMSs? Or Kylie Minogue?
Well, the mobile companies are now banking on the fact that you'd love it as it is the latest feature being incorporated in the new handsets.

In a first of its kind court case, a mother of five children has been put in jail for 60 days because she didn't ensure that they went to school regularly. At first glance you would think this reaction is stupid, but if you delve deeper into the effects of it, it actually seems to work. Apparently her children now are attending school and are sorry for what has happened as they did not know how missing school would effect their mother.
Just had another thought. What if a law was passed for university students missing lectures? Would personal tutors be put in jail for not ensuring our attendance. Of course they could improve turnout rates by actually making the courses interesting...

And finally, NASA is looking on internet auction sites for old 8086 computers so that they can take out the chips to use for their old equipment on board their space shuttles. They say that they stick with the old technology because it is tried and tested, although i'm sure there's enough bugs in the old processors as well to warrant concern (Y2k anyone?). I wonder if any other government agencies are using the same method to buy up bargains. Let's just hope the CIA don't fall for one of the many hoaxes around, and try buying small countries or governments - wait a minute, they do that already, just not officially...
Of course the health service might be able to find many people's hearts available on ebay, including those of Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, Bill Gates...

Finally, for those of you that want something to put in your diaries, here followeth my exam timetable:

(May) - Wed 15th, Fri 17th, Sat 18th (Catalan), Wed 22nd, Fri 24th, Mon 27th, Tue 28th.

You are kindly requested to refrain from calling me during the times of the exams (phone is switched off anyway), and if you want to be able to talk to me after me last one, it's better to make the call within the first couple of hours (ie before lunchtime) as I may no longer be coherent after that :)

To infinity and beyond...

News Updates

OK, lots of information for you to saok up, so keep your eyes peeled.

In a great reversal of roles, it has recently been discovered (although the event happened years ago) that the company most associated with trying to combat piracy of its software (yep, Microsoft again) was in fact found guilty and fined by a french court for doing just that - selling software from another company as its own. Read the Register's great article for more info.

A novel but disturbing way to clone mobile phone SIM cards has been discovered by IBM. So be aware. It only takes minutes to make a copy of your phone so that someone can make phonecalls that appear on your bill.

The forever popular australian soap opera Neighbours has reached its 4000th episode. This is the program that has launched the careers of many a famous singer or film star (including Kylie Minogue).

With only a few more days left before the release of Spiderman and Star Wars episode II it has been announced that copies of the films are already circulating on the internet. This comes as no surprise, as most things spread quickly over the net and there is definitely enough people who would like to get hold of them in advance. What does surprise me, however, is the fact that people are still able to make recordings of the films in previews at cinemas. Wouldn't you think that the companies would try to ensure that nobody carries in with them any recording equipment? Although, on the other hand, it probably does the films good to have a version released in advance, as people see it on their computer screens and decide whether its worth seeing or not. If it is, they tell their friends and everbody goes. If it isn't, there won't be much abuse from people who have paid to see it and didn't like it at all.

And now some very sad news about another train crash that's happened close to london. Yet again the english railway system is proving that privatisation of essential services does not work. Six people have died this time (the Hatfield one had 4) and nine are seriously injured. It has also caused substantial damage to the station it was passing through at the time its three coaches derailed.

So, after all that news you are probably wanting a break. Well, go forth in the knowledge that you didn't have a Maths exam set by a sadistic lecturer, where the results came out too complicated to be able to manipulate afterwards. Yes, I'm not in the best of moods about today's exam.

Back to the grindstone.

One down, eight more to go

No doubt the reason for my recent silence is obvious, so I'll leave it like that :)

Had my first exam yesterday, Philosophy of Science. Didn't even get stressed beforehand (stress forgot to stop off to visit me this year). Went quite well, I think, ok 2 out of the 3 questions did. But as it was an essay exam, the marking is totally subjective, so let's wait and see how the professors mark it.
Next up is Applied Maths, which I am currently underway getting to the appropriate standard (ie so that I know what those functions mean).

Haven't had much time to catch up on any interesting stories, but that's understandable, I hope. However, a couple of things need to be mentioned at this point. The final game of the spanish football league was played the other day. And who are the winners you may ask? None other than the glorious VALENCIA. 31 years they've been waiting for this as far as I gather. Seems very similar to the England for the World Cup scale of things. I wonder if that means we're going to win this year....

On the subject of the football, the licensing laws in England have now been changed in order to allow pubs to open in time for the games live from the other side if the globe. This means that you will find me down at the pub cheering our side at about 6.30am. Wow, it should be a weird feeling supporting your side whilst others are just thinking about getting up :)

OK, that's it for now,
til later

Quick Update

Revision seems to be taking up a lot of time at the moment (understandably since my first exam is in 5 days), but I just have time to give a couple of news clippets.

The second leg of Madrid-Barcelona semi-final was played yesterday, but the result was not the main news. ETA terrorists planted a car bomb about 50 metres from the stadium and another one within the city of Madrid. Luckily nobody was killed, but enough damage and injuries were caused.

Local elections took place today in the UK, but lets wait and see how apathetic the population was this time before we take note of who won.

That's about it at the moment, lots more has been happening, but alas you will have to find it out for yourselve at the moment whilst I get stuck into some more revision notes.

Bye

Shocking News

Germany is in bemusement today, as they come to terms with the high school massacre that occured in Erfurt (East Germany) yesterday. An expelled pupil came back to school whilst the class was taking a maths exam and shot 13 teachers, 2 pupils and a policeman that was summoned. The most moving part of this saga was the fact that whilst the shooting was going on downstairs, the pupils upstairs could do nothing except put up a paper sign on the window saying "Hilfe" as they didn't know what was going on. At the end of his rampage, the ex-pupil took the coward's way out and shot himself as well. Apparently he had on him enough ammunition to do a lot more damage.

hopefully better news tomorrow...

Quickie

Lots of revision going on, but I still manage to find out what's happening around the globe.

Despite the lack of celebrations, today is Saint George's Day, the patron saint of England. So take to the streets proudly sporting your red cross ! (unless you're foreign, that is).

Tonight also sees one of the most gruelling and interesting football matches being played. Madrid are playing their arch-enemies Barcelona in the semi-final of the european cup. Just one thing to add. Up Barce !! (only because I don't like Real).

Classes have started again back in blighty, and revision lectures are the order of the day. However, as a change from the other years, this year they aren't a complete waste of time. I am actually understanding the points that are brought up, and this makes a big difference to how positive (or is it realist? - philisophy of science lecture) you feel.

For anyone in the Birmingham area over the next week, the spanish film festival is currently taking place at the Electric Cinema. However, what with revising in the library all day, and getting home at various times of the morning (no naming of the culprit, but you know who you are :) I haven't found time to see any of the films. Maybe sometime next week.

Taking a quick break from study schedule to go to an IT Security conference in London tomorrow, but come wednesday night I'll be back in good ol' brum.

feel the force.

More bits and bobs

A few bits of news in a second, but first I need to mention that Jordi has now arrived in Mainz again, Alberto is in Naples, and I'm still stuck here in Birmingham.

Now a bit of internationalisation. Amidst fears of further economic collapse, Argentina has closed all banks, not allowing anyone to withdraw their money. Although this is for the good of the country, it really doesn't inspire confidence if people need to buy food or something. In fact, surely it means that businesses will go bankrupt because no-one can buy anything from them any more.

Next up is the 'friendly fire' incident. In case you haven't heard, an american bomber dropped a 227kg bomb on a bunch of canadian soldiers in the middle east. Certain scenes from South Park come back to me at this point. For those of you that still remember the Gulf War, you will recollect that there were more allies killed by 'friendly fire' than by the enemy. America says that accidents do happen, and people have been killed by 'friendly fire' before. But if you look at the details the 'friendly fire' has always come from the american military. I don't want to draw any conclusions (don't want the FBI knocking at my door), but...

Last, and most interestingly, if you look up into the sky just after sunset over the next week, you should see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn all lined up. As the week goes on they will move closer together, so to be able to distinguish them better, look as soon as possible. The next time this will happen will be in over 100 years, so it's worth looking now.

Off to the symphony hall tonight, 'til then.

A Bit of News

1. No, that was just a joke (only those that understand binary and computers will get it, so don't worry).

Listening to the great SWR3 whilst studying 'philosophy of science' it was brought to my attention that there was an attack on Java (the island, not the programming language) earlier on in the week. Despite the fears from all the germans out there that this was a direct attack on them, it has since emerged it was against israel/america. Oh, that's okay then.

A new book has just been released in Germany. Nothing spectacular in that, except that it is a dictionary with seperate definitions for males and females (eg for 'fidelity').
I will keep you updated when I find out more.

Another quick bit of info, the american supreme court has just deemed virtual child pornography legal. They did this because it was decided that if the law was kept as it was, all pieces of artwork must be removed from museums if they depicted something of that form. Interesting development.

That's it.

Helping the World

Now that some people are actually exploring this site more, I have put up some new links under useful sites. The most important of which are the hunger site, save the rainforests, and breast cancer sites. Just by visiting these sites and clicking on a link you help these worthy causes. So come back and click on them every day and make this a better world.

Also there is a link for downloading a piece of software that runs in the background, using your processor when you are not using it, to find a cure for cancer. I have started up a team as well, so any of you that start using it can join my little group.

And for those jetsetters among you, there are also links to the major budget european flights, so you can get that cheap ticket and come and visit me :)

Cheerio

News Clippets

Firstly, I would like to confirm that Marilo is alive and well (unless someone else is using her mobile - video phones would be able to help here). Yep, I received a response from the long-time-no-see malagan after wishing her the best for her birthday (yesterday). Apparently she gets so scared of computers that she is developing an allergy to keyboards :)

A few IT bits and pieces now. Anyone who has actually done the dirty and installed MS Windows XP will find along with the numerous critical updates that have been coming out, when searching for files on your hard drive it tries to connect to the internet to transfer information. Now do you trust them?
And for people that believe their work systems are secure, read this report of people giving out their passwords to complete strangers at Victoria train station. Combine these two articles, and the next time you are on the tube you may be hearing the person next to you telling his mate about your unusual search requests. Makes me feel safe already.

For the first time last night I saw a film in which I could not understand a single word. Yep, I visited the Electric Cinema (the oldest running cinema in the country) to see a canadian film called Atanarjuat, which was all in Eskimo!!. It beats icelandic any day :) Great film, by the way (but prepare for 3 hours), definitely worth seeing.

That's all folks.

Website Update

Due to getting completely bored with revising, and in order not to fall asleep in the library too often, I managed to get a load more photos put up. Here goes:
My trip to Munich, return to Rome, Birmingham Christmas Market, Touring Birmingham with visiting friends of Nuria, the physics trip to the Lake District, going around London with the cousins of Nuria, the birthdays of Jessica, Rebecca and Valentina, meals with Nuria's Friends, my Retun to Mainz, and from New Years Party 2002. Of course you can find little additions to some of the other pages as well, but you'll have to find them out for yourselves.

Wow, now I've got that over and done with, I'll get back to "How to Cook a Christmas Pudding" - from my Diffusion and Flow notes. If only it was a practical exam...

Spam and the french girl

Just a little bit of news this lunchtime, as the only thing that is on TV the last few days has been the Queen Mum's funeral.

Firstly, to all those of you who hate receiving thousands of spam email in your inbox every day, there is hope. A law firm in america has taken up the case to sue a company that sent unsolicited junk email to their accounts regularly. Let's see if they win, and if this will have an effect on the amount of wasted time spent deleting emails every morning.

Despite how it may sound, there are no revelations on the next topic. I went and saw the french film "Amelie" on sunday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Another foreign film I can recommend at the moment.

Off for lunch

Races, Money, and a bit of Culture

On saturday the most famous horse race in Britain took place. The grand national went ahead this year without any problems, although being stuck in the library I didn't get to see it.

Another race about to take place is running across the Sahara Desert. This has to be the most difficult race known to man, and I certainly wouldn't want to do it (I would get sunburn). There is a good reason for doing it though - they are raising money for an african charity. Good luck to them all.

On to money. The Sunday Times has published its annual Rich Lists again, showing who has the most money. Apart from the usual suspects, a woman has entered the top 10 (daughter of heinken beer founder). However, the more interesting information can be found, by who gives the most (percentage) to charity. Our hats go off to Brian Souter who donated a whopping 41.1% of his foundation's assets to charity. Other interesting features are that in the top ten richest companies or bands, the Beatles come in third, with the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd further down. Number one company belongs to Richard Branson. Now people are as proud as ever to be with a Virgin :) Others of note include Amancio Ortega of Spain at number 8 in Europe, and Silvio Berlusconi of Italy at number 11.

Well, none of my friends made it into the list this year, so no christmas bonuses for me :(

Laurent is having fun in Spain at the moment, let's see how the country copes with the swiss sexbomb :)

Went and saw "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Brotherhood of the Wolf" last week, and thoroughly enjoyed them both. Great cultural experience.

Bysey-bye

A few tit-bITs

A few stories that have hit the press over the last few days.

Sony is being sued by an american mother because her son committed suicide soon after playing the game Everquest. She actually wants warnings to be put on the box stating that it can damage your health - like cigarettes. I haven't played this game yet, but from her comments I really want to try it out once I've finished my exams !! (probably not her desired effect).

Now a bit of a warning to anyone who has a yahoo email account. They have changed their privacy rules, and now they will be able to allow any company to email/post/phone you with offers, ie spam. This follows after the company has been having financial trouble, firing over 400 staff. The Register has more info, including how to delete your account.

Now something to really cheer up those of you who hate the letters MS, no not the disease (well, not in that sense anyway), a certain big software company. Apparently they started a big campaign to get companies to use their operating systems (yep, the one you look out of) instead of the UNIX alternative. Their promotional website, however, was soon found to be running UNIX itself. When pointed out to them, it was quickly switched to the appropriate alternative (Fenestre) and soon afterwards it stopped working. Not quite the promotional success they were hoping for. Again this clippet was donated by The Register where you can follow the whole story.

Another thing you might have noticed (at least with the english TV ads). A few months ago we had the Windows XP (ok, now I've said it) adverts showing that you can fly with Microsoft, obviously trying to allure teenagers to get high on their products. Then came the adverts for the X-box which, in keeping with the drug theme, showed what happens to you when you allow Microsoft into your life (still flying but aging quickly until after 2 minutes you crash, dead, into your coffin). Also maybe not a link they would like you to make between their products...

On a completely different note, I hear on the grapevine that Laurent is making his way to Spain this Friday. This is the prelude to his summer trip he will be making followed by the winter semeter in Madrid he is planning on undertaking. Good luck to him :)

Back to dinner,

Tenerife floods and Gunnar's dictionary

The quaint little spanish island off the african coast where the lovely Ethel resides saw an incredible amount of rain fall in little time over the weekend. It resulted in mass flooding where six people died and many more injured. The city of Santa Cruz has been left with many buildings destroyed and others unstable. However, I am assured that Ethel herself was not injured, albeit scared. Let's just hope that everything gets repaired and running as per usual so that I might be able to visit sometime.

Whilst searching for some catalan-spanish dictionary on the web I came across this very unusual variant. Yes, it's icelandic-catalan !! You might wander who would this dictionary be aimed at, there can't be that many icelandic people learning catalan or catalonians learning icelandic. Well, I didn't have to wait long for the answer. I happened to meet Elena Carrasco in messenger, and she was speaking to Gunnar (icelandic). They apparently speak a mix of english and german. Now hopefully they'll be able to change that to a mix of both their languages :)

Well, suppose I should be getting back to my revision again. As the University is still closed until thursday, I'm having to study on my bed at the moment, which isn't the easiest of things to do, especially not with all that chocolate close at hand.

Bye

Queen Mother Dies

The most important news just in. The Queen Mother, at the age of 101 years, died today in her sleep. Full coverage of her life can be found on the BBC website.

Despite not being a significant part of news stories recently, her death will leave a feeling of loss in all our lives.

About-Time-Too Update

OK, lots has been happening of late, which is the reason I haven't found time to write anything for a while. I will now try and give you a short overview of what I've done since the last posting.

My project was finished, edited and handed in last friday, which led (of course) to the usual celebration down the pub straight afterwards. In the viva (oral exam) that we had on the tuesday we were told our marks so far in the presentation (80%) and written questions (78.5%). We still have to wait to get the final report mark, but I was definitely pleased with them so far.

Tuesday saw the celebration of Matt Robinson's birthday in the pub (after the project viva). After countless Guinesses with various added flavourings, we let him escape back home (with the aid of Gemma).

Wednesday saw my first visit to the new-ish birmingham superclub The Works. I went with the spanish contingent and we danced the night away and enjoyed ourselves a lot.

Thursday was another spanish night, but this time it was my spanish class that went out to La Tasca restaurant for a huge meal. Tapas just kept on piling up on the table, and by the time the paellas arrived everybody was so full that they had to be taken home to eat the following day.

Friday was spent relatively relaxed in the pub whilst everybody else went out to The Academy to celebrate Tom's pre-birthday.

Saturday saw me get up early (well the same time as every day, about 7am) and do a full clean of the house in preparation for the 9 visitors that were coming for lunch. The idea behind this was that my catalan conversation exchange (or "tandem"), Ana, was leaving the following day, and so it was a sort of farewell meal. The spanish lot (Nuria, her friends, Pablo, Christina, Tibu, and Ana) brought with them various ingredients so that Ana could make the "pa amb tomaquet" and I made a couple of tortillas. We had an amazing meal, and listened to a variety of music (including some spanish that the spaniards didn't know of). The night saw the proper birthday party at Tom's house, where various balloon shapes were made whilst the beer flowed.

Sunday was spent showing Nuria's friends around the city centre. But, seeing as the big cities keep their shops open on sundays as well, it was inevitably spent going in and out of shops, occasionally buying things. On returning from the centre, about a kilo of spaghetti was cooked whilst we sat around chatting at Nuria and Pablo's house. Whilst they took one of their friends to the station so he could get back to bristol (where he is studying), I went home and ate dinner before going out and meeting them all at the pub for a couple of drinks.

Monday (and yes, I know it has only just begun) was meant to be the start of my intricate revising schedule. Unfortunately, I forgot that I had an appointment at the hospital, and just my luck they were running two and a half hours late. Seeing as this took up all the morning, and my afternoon I had planned to be at work at the International Office, the revision will have to start tomorrow.

Well, I think most of the recent news has now been told, I will be awaiting further information from anyone when they get back from their weeks of partying. And in case anyone forgot, you are all invited to come and visit me here on my lonely island.

see you

Work and Play

As most of you are now well into the festive spirit of the Fallas, I would just like to remind you that some of us are still working 12 hours a day. The end of my project is drawing near, and after the vivas tomorrow afternoon, there will be some serious relaxation going on.

I went down to london for the weekend. Yep, partly to meet my mates from school, partly to visit a city I love, and partly to get stood up four times over a period of two days, I travelled the 130kms down from Birmingham. Along with the other million or so people that travelled down for the saint patrick's day celebrations, I did enjoy myself a lot, and the atmosphere was very euphoric, but alas not all was to run smoothly. No more detail will be gone into, however, as I am sure it is not of much interest. Suffice it to say that I am no longer a great admirer of spanish people's promises...

On a different topic, whilst the UK and spanish governments were discussing what to do with Gibraltar, the residents (about 90% of them) went to the streets protesting how they want to stay independent of Spain. I think the figures speak for themselves in showing what is best for the rock.

OK, so nothing amasingly new at present, but until I get this load off my back I will forever be dreaming about particles going around at very high speeds.

Good festing,

Happier News - as promised

Something to brighten up your days (well, mine at least).

Getting in to the library at 8.30 this morning I got to work revising for my final exam before may, which was at midday. This time paid off, as I came out of the exam very happy with myself. This makes a stark contrast with the previous two, so hopefully the overall grade will be reasonable.

I got a response from Geir - yes, our icelandic erasmuser is alive and well (although seemingly quite busy).

My cousin, Izzy, gave birth yesterday to a baby girl. This makes me something like a second-cousin to her, but then again, everyone's called uncle, so I'm happy with that too.

So, I've managed to brighten up my day a lot already, I hope it's done the same for you.

Off to work now...

Shocking News from Mainz

I know I should be revising for my exam tomorrow, but I had to take a break to inform you of some really disturbing news.

On friday night at 19.40 in GeneralOberst-Beck-Strasse cries were heard from a woman being put in the boot of a car. One of the residents went to see what was happening, and the man who was in the front of the car ran away through the Wohnheim. The corpse of the woman was cut up and there was blood leaking everywhere. The main-rheiner has more detailed information.

This is the place where the majority of Erasmus students come to stay whilst attending the University of Mainz, the scene of many good parties, and that's why this story really has an effect on me. I can't believe anything like that would happen around the tranquility that exists in the wohnheim. As the body still hasn't been identified yet, I am only hoping it was not one of the students living there, and especially not one that I knew.

Next time I'll try to find something more uplifting to talk about.

Back to the books

Birthday Wishes and News

Firstly our best wishes go out to the italian part of La Familia. Yep, that's right, yesterday was the birthday of Luca. We hope he had a great day (I know that he had a good night on friday as an early celebration).
Next up are a couple of future birthdays. Rebecca has hers on this wednesday, and Geir the friday coming. Lets hope they have great celebrations (I will be attending Rebecca's, but alas I will not be able to visit Geir for his).

Just a quick news clippet that I read whilst viewing some random web diaries. Amongst all the ideas of how to build a memorial to all those that died in the twin towers on September 11th is one that seems very practical and if it went to the votes, I would almost certainly put mine to him.

Anyway, lots more project work to do, and my last exam next monday (12th).

til next time

Getting down to business

As it would appear, I have not written anything for a while. This is because of a couple of factors. Firstly, I have had a huge amount of project work to do and hand in, as well as revising for an exam I have on monday 25th, when I think Ethel also has her last exam and Jordi has his birthday (although, he informs me that this year he will not be dressing up as a woman).

For anyone that is interested, my arm is getting a lot better as well, I think I might even take off the sling during some of the day as well. I will have to see how this weekend goes first, as I am going up to the lake district with a load of other students where we will climb, walk and be merry (or just sit at the pub watching the others walk by). When I come back I should be meeting up with Jen (birmingham student studying physics in Mainz this year) who will be in Birmingham before her trip to Finland. Hopefully we'll have enough time to chat properly and to take my mind off the exam I have the following day.

Since my last posting quite a few things have happened. Most notably, Nuria (on ERASMUS in Birmingham from Salamanca) had 4 of her cousins come and visit her here (all female). We met up down the pub, and I also went with them to london on sunday, and pointed out some things they wouldn't normally see. I had a great time, and I hope they did too, despite the fact that they couldn't stay in the pubs later than 11pm :)

On a finishing note, a couple of news titbits. The Brit Awards were held last night, and saw acts like Dido, Destiny's Child and Kylie Minogue taking home prizes. On the awards theme, Great Britain took back their first medal (bronze) from the winter olympics yesterday, and are guaranteed either silver or gold in the curling tonight - well done to them.

I will duly keep you up to date on what happens over the weekend when I get back.

Fin.

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Or, in english, "Happy New Year".

Yep, you've guessed it, today begins the chinese year of the horse. Hence anyone being born in 1978 (after feb 12) should wear something red for good luck (chinese custom).

On a different note, Princess Margaret (sister of the Queen) died a few days ago. Condolences are offered.

As some of you may have noticed, the guestbook area has been closed due to renovation. Also, if the website was not working properly last night for you, don't worry, I was updating things and accidently 'went live' before I had tested it properly. Plans are in motion for improvements, but due to high project workloads, it might take a while yet. I will keep you posted.

On a final note, if anyone knows anybody from last year's ERASMUS year that I don't have an email address, please tell them to send me an email, as there will be login procedures for the website sent out to you once everything is upodated.

retiring for tonight...

The Reason

As some of you have been slowly finding out by reading my spanish page, I have been out of action for a bit. Now for those of you who require an english translation, I will spill the beans.

On saturday afternoon, after sleeping off all the caffeine of the borret that I drank before going to Mike's birthday, Andy and I made our way down to the gym on one of our weekly trips (it would be tri-weekly except we have commitments that clash). Helen came along too for a swim. Time seemed to fly by as we had spent nearly 2 hours exercising on the various equipment. There was a TV hanging down in the corner of the room, which was showing the England vs Scotland rugby match. If you positioned yourself well on a machine you could exercise whilst viewing the game. This is what I was doing as I reached up to grab the bars to pull down on. Just before my hands clasped around the metal, I heard a familiar (it happened 3 years ago as well) click as my shoulder dislodged itself from the socket. Waiting for the ambulance, supporting my arm as the muscles contracted and in so doing, spasmed, I could see people deciding that they rather wouldn't do any exercise any more.

To ease the pain whilst in the ambulance I was given a gas inhaler. I haven't yet found what the gas was, but it sure did work. Every time I could feel some pain I would just breathe in some more gas. In the end I couldn't actually feel my arm let alone the pain. Getting to the hospital I was enticed into different positions by being allowed a few more breaths of the gas before moving myself. If they could sell this stuff over the counter, there wouldn't be a single pharmacy that could keep pace with demand - it really worked !!

As happened last time with me, the shoulder couldn't be put back first time, and so I was given the extra dosage of 40ml of morphine. This therefore made any further recounts of what happened completely useless as I was on a different planet entirely. As I had so much morphine in me, I had to be kept under supervision overnight at the hospital. The advantage of this was that Accident and Emergency Nurses are really good looking. The disadvantage being that I couldn't get to sleep because of the other people in the ward crying out all night.

So, after 20 hours in the hospital (and a sunday lunch) I was set free to roam the streets again (ok, to go home and lie in bed).

Now you know why I haven't been able to write as much/quickly as before. I am slowly learning to clothe myself with one hand (shoelaces still being a problem), wash myself (had a full shower this morning), and cook some of the basics. But I think it will be some time yet before I can make myself a tortilla, and longer still before I return to the gym.

I will endeavour to keep up my postings, but if I do not get to write as much, you'll know why.

Let it be.

Breaking the Silence

OK, I just had to stop my concentrated studying mode that's gone on for the last week in to impart some essential news. Firstly though, I would like to wish all those in Valencia and Mainz the best of luck for their exams. I know that they have had a few already, but still they have more, and therefore need the wishes to keep them going.

OK, lots of things have happened in the news recently, so I'll just give a brief rundown.

Zimbabwe has yet again managed to pass a law to curb the freedom of the press and of any opposition against the present government. Yet another sign of decreasing human rights being perfectly displayed there then. Gold star for president Mugabe then (yes, that was meant to be in an ironic tone of voice).

On to Germany now, where two satanists have been sentenced to 15 years in jail for killing a man because 'the devil told them to'. In fact the girl claims to be a vampire who honed her skills in london 'bite clubs'. Haven't been to one of them yet, but when I do, I'll let you know.

Something a bit closer to home now, and the Queen was delayed in her trip to visit an RAF base when her car got stuck behind a tractor for 2 miles, and then a learner driver. The timed fly-past had to be redone as she missed the original one. Imagine looking in your rear-view-mirror during a driving lesson and seeing a parade of cars, with the Queen in one, trying to get past you. Wouldn't you just want to put your hazard warning lights on and try the three-point-turn right there and then?

Another blight in Belgium's system is the new sex-case scandal in Neufchateau where a man allegedly raped his three daughters (one when she was a baby) and prostituted another one at the age of 12 to the local townsfolk. Apparently the town was very close-knit and liked to help each other out. That would be why an electrician, a lumberjack, a car-repair man, a train driver and an antique salesman have all been accused of raping the girl. It just makes you think, if all the townspeople were involved (and I'm not saying that they were - legal statement) who could you turn to? It appears that her schoolteacher was the first person to be alerted. Of course it is not known whether the teacher accepted this excuse for not doing her homework (more fiction - legal stuff again).

Another clippet from good ol' Blighty is that a 26 year old biology teacher has been taken to court after allegedly having sex with a 14 year-old and 15 year-old pupil. It just brings a whole different meaning to practical lessons...

And lastly, but by no means leastly, two students in Manchester have started a website to petition against tuition fees, and to make Tony aware how many people are affected by leaving Uni with over 13,000 pounds debt (about 20,000 euros !!! ). The site is amusingly called "PayUpTony.com".

Now you've had your weekly read of what's been happening in the world, I will depart in the knowledge that Friday night is the birthday party of my friend Mike Kendel. So I will be partying long and hard tomorrow night in case you wonder where I am.

Ciao

Busy Day at the Newsroom

OK, 3 news clippets for you today. Smog from car fumes has become such a problem in the northern cities of Italy that they have actually banned cars completely on some days, and have an alternate-day policy depending on the car's registration number for the weekdays. All I can say is that it's going to be interesting to see who turns up at the office there. The best current method of solution seems like we're going back to witchcraft again: "Church leaders, led by the Bishop of Turin, have been praying for rain".

In the Basque region of northern Spain there are protests under way by the inhabitants against the bombing campaign that ETA terrorists are currently undertaking against journalists. More info from the this BBC page.

And finally, on a lighter note, an american woman on a plane to New York flushed the toilet before getting up and as the vacuum cleaned out the contents, it also stuck her in that position. Cabin crew could not get her out, and she had to wait 2 hours before landing when the ground crew gave a hand.

A quick change of topic; I signed up for the gym yesterday, and will now be getting back into shape after 6 months of doing nothing more than sporty writing notes during lectures. Oh, and if anyone is interested, I have put up my new timetable here so that you can SMS me during my lectures. Just don't do it during my exam !!!

New week, new labour (work, that is).

Some Other News

I thought I should also add a little news that wasn't about me, so checked up on a few websites I hadn't seen for a while.

The BBC reports that an AS-Level maths exam (taken by 18 year-olds) had an unanswerable question. It didn't just stop there, however. When the teachers phoned up the exam board to ask what they should do, they were told to make an announcement in the middle of the exam to correct the mistake. This would have been fine, it it wasn't for the fact that the correction was wrong as well !!!
Older generations might be complaining that the exams are getting easier each year, but did they have to contend with Maths examiners that couldn't add up? Or IT ones who distributed the results to the wrong people !!!

On another note Geir's website is introducing some worrying trends. In amongst the icelandic he writes in, the words Latex, Plastic, and Freud appear. Furthermore "Björgvin" seems like a locally based wine, based on the melodic charms of Iceland's most famous musician. I expect an explanation Geir !

As they say in the southern states, "Keep your piece". Handy, that is.

Free Weekend

Far away from the celebrations that would be going on in Valencia for the birthdays of Gloria and Agueda, I also had some fun this weekend. Nik, a german friend of mine, came and stayed for the weekend. We met up with Sophia and Rebecca and their lovely housemates for a balti (indian meal typical of Birmingham) at a local restaurant. Apart from us all drinking quite a lot, and Sophia telling a joke that nearly got us thrown out, we had some great food. We then went to a local pub for last orders where I met up with lots of people from my uni course as well. Afterwards we went back to theirs where we sat around chatting for a bit before leaving with Rebecca for a private house party, which a friend of a friend knew about :)

Saturday was spent mostly in front of music television and reading. The evening, however, was far from lazy. We started off at the local pub again with friends from my course. We stayed there chatting and drinking for about 2 hours. When everyone felt they had enough energy inside them, we descended on a club (discoteca for the spanish where club means something completely different) where they were playing rock and indy music. Despite the title most of the music was more popular than hard-core. Having never been to this club we were pleasantly surprised to see that there was lots of floorspace and there were places you could talk to each other (albeit shouting). Leaving at 2.15 in the morning we got a taxi back to where we live. Not to sleep, mind you, we went to 'Subway', a local filled roll shop. Here a special offer was on until 3am. Buy a drink for one pound and get a six-inch (15cm) roll with whatever fillings you want. So at 2.45am we promptly bought 2 drinks and a foot (30cm) of roll with various meats and salads. This was then taken back to Andy's, Griff's and Ben's where we consumed it whilst watching TV and chatting. At 4.15 we left the house and finally got to bed at 5am. 10.30 saw me wake up and watch even more music television whilst finishing my magazine. After dropping Nik off at the coach station I returned to do some more reading, washing and chatting on the internet.

The reason behind this escapade was that we had just handed in our project on the friday, and before the new one starts (this week) we wanted to be able to enjoy ourselves.

Well, I'll await more emails detailing what you have done this past weekend as well.

'til the 'morrow

Important Virus Warning

This posting is mainly to warn you of a hoax virus warning spreading by email. The email claims that a file sulfnbk.exe in the windows directory is a virus and that you should delete it straight away if you find it. This is not true. It is not a virus, but in fact a file windows needs to recover after the computer crashes or it has been infected by a real virus. DO NOT DELETE IT. You can find more information about it at the Symantec Antivirus Website.
Furthermore, you should contact the person that sent you the email and tell them this information so that they can warn the other people they sent it to before they all corrupt their computers.

I hope you all sleep better at night now :)