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.
Saturday, August 17, 2002
Friday, August 16, 2002
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.
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.
Monday, August 12, 2002
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
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.
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.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
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.
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.
Friday, July 26, 2002
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
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
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
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
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
Monday, July 22, 2002
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.
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.
Thursday, June 27, 2002
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
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
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
Monday, June 24, 2002
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...
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...
Friday, June 21, 2002
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.
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.
Monday, June 03, 2002
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
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
Saturday, June 01, 2002
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
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
Friday, May 24, 2002
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...
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...
Saturday, May 18, 2002
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.
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.
Monday, May 13, 2002
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...
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...
Friday, May 10, 2002
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 08, 2002
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
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
Thursday, May 02, 2002
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
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
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