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...
Saturday, April 27, 2002
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
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.
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.
Saturday, April 20, 2002
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 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.
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
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.
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.
Sunday, April 14, 2002
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
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
Friday, April 12, 2002
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
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...
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...
Tuesday, April 09, 2002
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
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
Sunday, April 07, 2002
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
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
Wednesday, April 03, 2002
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,
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,
Tuesday, April 02, 2002
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
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
Saturday, March 30, 2002
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.
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.
Monday, March 25, 2002
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
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
Monday, March 18, 2002
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,
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,
Monday, March 11, 2002
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...
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...
Sunday, March 10, 2002
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
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
Sunday, March 03, 2002
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
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
Thursday, February 21, 2002
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
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...
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...
Wednesday, February 06, 2002
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.
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.
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