May 2004 Archives

I started the day off like any other. Debating whether I should really get out of bed this morning. Wondering why I knocked back my [gf]'s much more attractive offer last night of a of a nice morning lazing with her. I chose the option of going home to an empty bed, in a train of thought bent on resting, recouperating, to meet the challenges of the next day. I have a problem to solve (my thesis), and this is the way of approaching such things with clear mind & a refreshed approach. Despite my conditioning, this approach to the day usually involves me turning up to work after an hour or so procrastinating at home to avoid the day ahead (and particularly the traffic along Moggill Road). After which I sit around all day, making no headway into what I believe is the main source of my problems.

Keeping coy about myself really isn't fair for the readers peering in from the wider world. Well, I'm the fella on the left of screen. The shot was taken during a quick, 3 week holiday/wedding guest tour of Europe in 2002. There's some more shots of this trip in my Gallery page. I reckon you get a good idea about a person from their viewpoint on the world, so go and check out my photo gallery.

Global warming...

The planet's going to the crapper. Read this and I think you'll agree with me

I came across this article in the online version of 'The Australian'. Its an interesting article to me, especially as it comments on the opposing viewpoints of sections of society. Given that our main influences are from economists, should we really start looking at what environmentalists call the 'new economy'.

The Australian: Something's got to give [May 24, 2004]

After reading the below, I think you'll be slapping my around the face a little saying wake up to yourself. Its not all that bad....

I took the day off last Wednesday to take my friend Maria out & about. She's the wife of my mate Andy, & they're in the process of moving from Sweden to Canada. (Maria's Swedish, Andy's an Aussie). By turn of events, Maria's in town staying with her outlaws, and was quite bored. Wthout much prompting on her half, the lure of a nice day of hiking would be a good way of catching up & doing something interesting was swallowed eagerly by yours truly...

I just picked up this album yesterday, in a fit of retail therapy. I first heard Xavier at the 2003-2004 Woodford Folk Festival & was instantly impressed by the man's talent.
His latest album 'Solace' has really hooked me so far. If you've no idea about Xavier, check out Xavier's website. Really nice writing music.

PhD's CAN suck!

To give you more of a background, I am a research PhD student, researching biofilms/slimes in large industrial cooling water systems. A nice project when designed, aimed to try & stop slimes from growing in these systems as they decrease performance, and could also be a potential health hazard. However, six months after commencement of my portion of the project, my industry sponsors canned their end of the deal.

First entries... the options are boggling.

Finishing a PhD? I know how you feel...

Here's my online view of my time during the write-up of my PhD thesis. It hasn't been an easy road, not at all. Maybe this is my way of keeping a little bit of balance and sanity in the craziness that can surround this type of event.