Musings of caffeine addiction

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:42:19 GMT

Here, as asked by adrockthewalrus (and to prove I do update... sometimes):

1. I'm well aware that you greatly enjoy food. If you could only have a single set 3 course dinner every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Never been a huge fan of starters, so I shall cheat (to be fair, you didn't specify *which* three courses):
Main course 1: Curry with Nan bread
Main course 2: Haggis, 'neeps and 'tatties
Desert: Ice cream (what else?)
Drink: Either desert wine, or whisky (Glenfiddich, ideally)

2. Seriously now...which is better, Edinburgh or Glasgow, and why?
Hmmm, I study too much theology - my instinctive reaction to this question is to give pros and cons for both and side step the actual question. I feel there is more to do in Glasgow - it's a proper city after all, as opposed to a very nice looking town, with a large number of residential areas connected on. Keep walking for half an hour, and you're still in Glasgow. Further, I like the greater Scottish flavour of the city. However, I feel I have more of a community of friends in Edinburgh, (sycophantic, I know), and of course, a very nice girlfriend in Edinburgh (he says getting angsty over not having seen her in a fair while - but this weekend, the Laura appears \^_^/). So, if I could move a load of people to Glasgow, then it would get my whole hearted vote. So, for the moment, I am left fluctuating between the two.

3. If there's anywhere in the world you'd like to live out your years, where would it be? I ask because i don't think I've ever talked to you about travel n whatnot.
Travelling, yes... I'd love to get to Washington DC - perhaps too much West Wing on my part. Canada always struck me as cool (yep, I watched Due South). Giving my family history - my dad grew up there - and just its simple beauty, it would be great to get to South Africa. However, I note I am not actually answering the question asked: if I had to retire anywhere, it would be Scotland. I like the people - there's no pretence, not too many people before you hit hit open spaces. Also, it rarely gets too hot here. Besides, the country produces whisky - what other choice is there?

4. How long have you worn glasses for?
Forever. Well, since I was about three. Given I can barely focus but an inch from my eye without them, there was little choice.

5. Which BSG character do you think you are most like?
I know there are ones I would like to be like - the president, or General Adama. Of course, my ego would like to claim Baltar, or the minion that is very good with sciencey stuff in C&C (he was Baltar's aid on New Caprica). I think I'm probably like the chief mostly. A background character that tends to get on with stuff, come what may. Also, I hopefully stand up for/support people when the moment warrants. I also like the idea of having quite strong "skillz", if maybe in areas very different to the chief's.

And off I go help lead a post-grad social night. Let the fearful small-talk (or worse, networking) begin!

Argh too much whisky....

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 01:04:29 GMT

Right, I've drunk more than I have in ages. Thus, thoughts are not as crystallised as they should perhaps be. Alas, I lack the practise that came from socialising with cantabulous, demona_hw and gileswl. However, the whisky and coke was nice. No wine for once - a novelty...

So, yep indeedy, I have passed my Masters. Woot - I have the initials MSc after my name. More importantly, I can go on to PhD - very bouncy at this point. That I've got to this stage of the educational monster is truly remarkable. In no small part have my friends helped me get there - lots of thanks to you all ^_^.

Particularly JDave - you got me through a really hard year - the debt I owe you can't be quantified. Just thank you. You're great, even if you're blonde.

I do feel like running back to the results, just to check them once more. G'ah insecurity reigns.

This also means I don't have to move home - mass "yay-age" to coin a local idiom. The situation at home is getting better, but slowly. My Mum is safe, but has a long battle ahead of her. Though its her fight, so I can only support :-/. Again, thanks to all those that expressed concern.

Now, I need to find somewhere to live in Glasgow. Three days to do it in ideally. BRING IT ON.

Tired. Small job of killing for anyone?

Sat, 10 Sep 2005 15:11:34 GMT

So, yeah, this week... An experience. And it's not over yet.

I'm back in Windsor and staying at a friends. I am deeply worried about my Mum and her new husband. I can't get to see my Mum on her own and they barely ever answer their phone. I find she has quit her job when I get down here - which she didn't even bother to mention. (When I say her, I mean her husband called the work up and informed them that my Mum was quiting.) It appears there are some really scary medical issues with the husband, which to be frank, are creeping me out. I can't really discuss details here, but note that this is this guy's fourth marriage, with good reason.

The stuff and options I'm having to look into are painful and really distressing. My uncle described the last few days as the "second worst time" in my life, after my Dad's death. Frankly, I'm about ready to remove the "second" as a qualifier.

Suffice to say, at the end of this month, I'm screwed if I don't pass my Masters'. I can't go home. Otherwise, I look forward to PhD. The stability of knowing what I'm doing for three years is good. Also, I'm getting bored with not stretching the compsci/maths side of my brain. Enough with the emotions already.

So, a self indulgent entry? Yeah, but oh well. I'm tired and I want Laura. This Teddy is lacking bounce/energy/"will to buy ice cream" (very bad) right now. Thanks to all those who have and will help me out. Any words of thanks will appear trite, but really, thank you.

The cat thing appealed to me. Hey, I get to be Hobbes - who cares if it's valid?

You're Hobbes. First of all, the makers of this
quiz would like to congratulate you. You have
our seal of approval. You are kind,
intelligent, loving, and good-humoredly
practical. You're proud of who you are. At the
same time, you're tolerant of those who lack
your clearsightedness. You're always playful,
but never annoying. For these traits, you are
well-loved, and with good cause.

Which famous feline are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Birthday

Sat, 13 Aug 2005 15:27:10 GMT

Woot. Another birthday come and gone. I'm older again. Well, not long until everyone in my year gets older than me. The mockery shall then begin all over again.

T'was a nice day. Spent most of it reading. Then Laura cooked and we went to the cinema. "The Island" - quite good. Reminded me of Gattica(sp?). Raised a fair number of issues for those of us of a philosophical bent.

My bookshelf has grown by another two inches. For the next birthday, I think I shall ask for a bookcase. I also have all of Hitchikers now on cd, so lots of stuff to listen to in dissertation stress. Oddest gift: A yoga dvd, with a card suggesting I should relax. Angel, I bow to your subtlety. :-p Favorite birthday present: transformers tee-shirt from Laura. I think at this point, she's accepted my endorsement of the dark side.

Proper birthday meal delayed until September. If anyone happens to be passing via Ed, let me know.

Back to pounding out dissertation.

PhD again...

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:11:59 GMT

My goodness, this is almost enough to count as frequent blogging for me!

Well, enough of that. Received a PhD offer from Ed. Unfortunately with no funding, so the hunt begins. Otherwise, its off to Strathclyde, which, while not optimal, there is guaranteed (lots of) money. So we shall see. The other Edinburgh application was rejected, leaving three more to hear back from. So yeah, anyone want to support the teddy??

I'm thoroughly sick of dealing with PhD stuff. Now I have to write to a load of people trying to part them from their money. Joy.

Otherwise, it seems I have put on 6 kilos during the time I have been going to the gym and drinking milk. I'm doomed never to be allowed an addiction. For heavens sake - its milk! Of all the vices... It would be nice to think its muscle, but I haven't noticed myself jumping any building in single bounds of late.

Oh that other thing - dissertation... time for that. Yay!

Its been a while...

Sun, 05 Jun 2005 21:17:32 GMT

I suppose I should post a little more often. Well, here is a teddy-life update:

In no order of importance:

Exams: yep passed them. Really rather surprising. Two went well - yes, even I considered them to have gone well - so I think they just averaged everything out. The break down comes out later this month. That should be quite telling. As long as I've done well in Game Theory and Learning from Data, I'm not too bothered. I got an A in Java already, so I can blag that I can "kinda" of program for employers. I really need to practise though. Learning C would good.

Definition of neurotic - checking your results 4 times just in case. Paranoid? Me? Nope.

Now just my dissertation. Small thing, yeah. Yeish. For those interested, it can be found here. Not too bad - some of the other topics look dire - can XML really be that interesting?

Now, if Emma had not just left me with about £300 worth of graphic novels, it would be easier. I think I nearly have every Hell Blazer graphic novel that has been released.

Applied for PhD - heard nothing yet. I'm not too optimistic about that - but then we shall see. One of the research topics sounds really quite fun and would be cool to get on to. Otherwise, its job hunting time. Optimally something in Scotland - unfortunately, stuff that I want to do is more often London. Bother.

Oh, I just got a freshly baked muffin delivered - score! Yay for flat mates that bake!

There's also the cooking thing that is getting me addicted. Cooking is fun! Never thought I would find it so, but its just damn good. And you even get to eat the end results - what more could you want? I need to get cantabulous to remind me of his "little black book" he recommends for cooking with. I just need some inspiration at the moment. Might be time to learn to bake. I could try a curry actually...

Yeah, on the subject of eating, I need to get to the gym more. A month and a half binging during exams has not helped my personal weight distribution any. Plus some stamina against Laura on the Badminton court would be nice. If it was just through skill that she beat me, it would be less depressing. On the plus side, I think I've kicked the diet coke habit - had one pint this week. This in contrast to the 2 litres per night is both cheaper and healthier. Also stops Fan moaning at me about it, so I'm all for it.

Okay, here the this entry becomes angsty, so be warned...

Yep, Laura returned to Germany for 6 weeks this morning. This very bad. Oh well. I should be popping off to see her in Germany at some point before she returns, so that should be cool. Meeting the parents - scary! :-S We're coming up to 6 months fairly soon (and I don't know thee exact dates) and it seems to be going well. Yep, missing her already.

Oh stop complaining, I said it would be angsty!

Other random tibits of the teddy life? I'm generally content. A few months where I could just read would be great. Vaguely trying to learn Latin and German. Aiming to learn linux properly eventually. Mum and her new boy friend are going very well - events might be moving forward soon... That's just a hunch mind you.

I suppose the biggest issue in my life is getting faith sorted out. While at the moment not every minute is spent panicing about work, this hopefully should be easier. A site that may prove interesting is here. Depending what happens next year, this seems quite a tempting thing. Thanks for the idea angelofthenorth

Other concerns? Mostly just trying to keep in touch with everyone. I have friends in about 4/5 areas of the country and then quite a few scattered else where. Some of them are going through quite a tough time at the moment, and its just frustrating not being there for them, as I could if I could be there in person. That was a horribly long sentence. Yep, learning to pray properly here, and not being an utter control freak would help.

Pretty much it really. I'm a relaxed, fairly happy teddy at present, pining for Laura and needing to start work. Life is good. :-)

Windsor people: should be home about the end of July. See you then :->.

Broad band saga: Part III - telewest 1 v. teddy 0

Sun, 10 Oct 2004 12:59:45 GMT

I hurt. I have lots of work to do. I hurt.

Yes people, Adam ill season is here. The first cough and cold of the year. Bets are on for just how many I will catch this time round. I'm guessing 5 from previous years - this is no exaggeration... I hate them.

Enough moaning. Well, enough ill moaning anyway. The broadband saga continues once more. We manage to get the cherry picker to the middle of Edinburgh, ready to install the wire. We're in. Even real live Telewest men are present. Broad band installation is a go!

Give it 20 mins and telewest appear in our flat. No, not with the cherry picker outside our window. In the flat, except there are appears to be a boss workman this time. We get informed that somehow the cherry picker has been broken - the hydraulics. Summasized by "It's kaput boss!". How the hell do you break a cherry picker? It goes up. It goes down. Surely not that much can go wrong?!

Why-oh-why? I just want broad band in my flat, along with a phone line!! I'm even a Compsci - on some level, I have a legitimate need for broadband. Then not having a phone line in the flat is in itself bloody infuriating. Well, back to the phone box.

Stayed tuned for the fascinating (conclusion?) of this saga.

Back to work. Hope the geek flat works out guys! :-)

Thu, 30 Sep 2004 10:31:40 GMT

Well this is obviously a often updated journal... I wonder if anyone even checks... Oh well..

Its now from the rainy "very-north" - given that Edinburgh has finally started its term. The course is quite cool-lots of stuff that would bore the pants off most of you. I'm majoring in Software Engineering and minoring in Databases, with a side order of courses spread across a range of Compsci stuff. I've already had to submit preferences for the Summer project - that's creepy. My top preference is basically analysing the knapsack problem with a new algorithm (bored yet?) - Summer Project

Hmm, I need to learn the formatting code for the LJ's...

Half of Cambridge to be here as well - I've met about 9 people from Cantab. Three of them mathmos in my year. There truly is no escape - once marked a mathmo, you are doomed.

No option, just doom.

Other stuff? Got a nice flat: living with two nice girls Fan and Clare. They cook, I do the washing up. It works. Flat has just been refurbished. Joined a few societies: table tennis, philosophy, Christian Action and Thought, Science fiction, Anime. I'm keeping busy...

Broadband: dammit, we should already have it. Oh yes, the block of flats we live in is enabled, but is it on the right side of the building? Nope. So now we have to wait for Sunday for them to come with a cherry picker and drill through the frame of our fourth story window, while closing off a fairly busy road in the centre of Edinburgh. Typical.

Which means of course that I can't download the codecs for the anime that Liyang has sent me. Growl.

I feel like quoting Blackadder: "My life is strewn with cow pats from the Devil's own satanic herd!" However, I feel that may be more a paraphrase than quote. Well, I should be off to databases.

Off I go...

cantabulous : Is there a chance you can send me some recipes? I have a hankering for the very nice Mexican wraps you made in the second year. Also the "big thing" - I forget the name, but it was the one that strongtrousers and I polished off much to your disbelief. Cheers.

An update you say? Amazing!

Sat, 05 Jun 2004 12:08:54 GMT

Well, I presently sit 20 yards away from the Lovell telescope, and have another puny telescope to my right. Now, I am all for telescopes and stuff, but I can't help feeling something went wrong when they started looking like bowls, instead of well, proper "telescopes" - cylinders and the ilk...

Did pass by a super computer a while ago. Quite cool. My inner compsci just buzzed at that.

Well, its now the day-after-the-day-after-the-exam. Yeah. Watch me bounce. Really I feel no different what so ever; except I can read more and more. I've nearly finished the firth book of Dune. Then on tot he sixth - I need a bookshelf!

Hmm, well, I'm off to watch a program on the transit of Venus. Not Jupiter as I thought (not one of my brighter moments).

/later
teddy

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 08:13:57 GMT

Yipes. Its 8:41. I am at my computer, dressed, showered, ready for the work thing - even done with web comics. Something is wrong.

Yes. I have been shifting my body clock. Now, in it self, this is not monumental. However, after 2 years of my room mate mocking me to the effect of being a vampire, its quite a scary change. I mean I was in bed by 11 last night. This scares me. Scares me deeply. Now my alarm clock goes off at 7 am. How I hate it with a red hot passion.

Hopefully no Compsci's will read this, as otherwise, this new sleeping pattern will ruin my Nerd standing. Something I have been working at jealously...

On the plus side for my nerd standing, the number of monitors I have in my room will double by about 1:15 today. I am getting a 19" CRT monitor delivered. The only thing that scares me is the size of tube that this thing is going to have - I'm thinking Adam-diet-sized-big here. This will take me up to a grand total of 4 monitors. 5 if you include the screen of my laptop. I RULE!! If only I had actual money to buy proper stuff. - _ -

Any one know good funeral rights for an alarm clock? I want it to feel pain. Great pain. Much pain on its journey to the next life. I don't mean to harp on, but it really is going to die!

What else? Oh, Chrno Crusade 19 is out - watch them all! Cantabulous should agree with me. As for Ms. Wells, I mock thee for not liking such great anime! Just remember who controls the "purse strings" to Malcolm in the Middle...

Anything else of consequence? Probably not. I want more chrno!! Data Structures and Algorithms are evil. I want to do something fun. My bottle of desert wine got ruined by a stupid cork (not an impressed bunny). Ah well.

English Students: Hope the dissertation things got sorted. Don't drink too much later in celebration!

Hair: Flicked, getting flattened by head phones
Music Volume: Early-morning-wake-up-yell-level
[Been reading Hitchikers again. I love the idea in the third one of Arthur's daily waking up "yell of terror" as he remembers where he is....]
Torture: Room mate that has to watch snooker DAILY

Late update; Rant; Time; Disclaimer

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 12:37:40 GMT

So, yes, this is a little bit late in coming...

I wonder if I post more than once, if anyone would notice the times... May be...

So, yes, this is going do a fine job of "non linear story telling".
[Any one tell me the Malcolm in the Middle episode this references?]

Now, if you go to Ryman's in Cambridge, you can find a box labelled as a "Really useful box". Forgive my cynicism, but is this not judgemental? How do they know this box will be really useful? It struck me as being a bit small, I have to say, Surely we all have different ideas of what the ideal box should be? I mean, I don't expect the general box to achieve platonic perfection, but still a decent size!

My disclaimer - people looking at my friends page - I have no responsibility for their journals, points of views, or indeed actions....

Apparently I have another 1hr 21min 13 secs before I can watch Chrno Crusade 18. This is just mockery! True mockery. Given the last one took about 5 hrs to download and was subbed in French, this had better be in English. I've seen the graphics and now I want to know the words... must know words... Or learn French. This seems less likely to happen.

Work: Numerical Analysis 2 - not as bad as it sounds - quite do-able really. Learning proofs for the exam could be fun..
Hair: Failed attempt at spikes

Vindication of addiction

Fri, 02 Apr 2004 11:03:36 GMT

Oh hum, one of these journal thingies..

Yes well... I suppose I should write something witty and/or meaningful here. Fat chance. [Ever wondered why they say fat chance? One would think that would be quite a large chance. Smell the inner mathmo. That's right smell. Once you've been a mathmo, you just can't wash away the smell. How I have tried...]

Now the thing I need to resist is brooding here. Since I am the poster boy for the Hedonistic, joy seeking, happy-clappy fraternity, this should no problem. Where are my sandals? Where's my guitar?

Well, I suppose I could decide to try to be witty or in some other fashion "funny". Given my cohorts, I have a feeling my attempts would fall miserably. So instead, probably a mix of pedantry, humble sarcasm, reports of injustice and stupidity as I see them, and self parody. So much self parody. Even more self parody. Getting the idea yet?

Well, in case you were worried about my health, I have taken a diabetes test. Blood and everything. Big needle for that. Oh yeah. You have just got to ask yourself: "Why injected drugs?" Who on heavens green earth can justify recreational stabbing yourself with a metal cylinder? No high can be worth that. Surely?! And yes, I give blood...

So yeah, no diabetes. Just copious amounts of coke (diet), 'cause I am addicted. Great. There was me hoping for some excuse. Mental deficiency - haven't tried that yet.

Work time. Feel the energy. Feel the zeal. Feel the "I need coke moment".

Web comic of the moment: http://somethingpositive.net/
Stupidity of the moment: Women on radio 4 suggesting it's "enlightened" to view a difference between homosexuality and pedophilia.
I do hope the woman in question didn't strain herself coming to such a brilliant conclusion.
Weird IRC room of the moment: CUCAS (http://cucas.soc.ucam.org/) Very weird
Favoured Anime: Chrno Crusade (All hail Liyang for the provision there of)
Torture of the moment: NLP

Disclaimer: Right, any English students that read this, just don't bother with giving me lectures over corrections. Just don't. Really.