Yes, it's low-down, rotten, manipulative drivel and represents the end of civilisation as we know it; however, I watch it slavishly. Even if I deliberately do not watch it (I invited a friend round the other Saturday night, just to stop me from twitching ITV on the remote) I end up watching it at 2am on catch up after the pub or something. There's something mesmerising, addictive, and very, very destructive about it. You can't even hear them sing for all the whistles and bells these days.

Stephen Fry does it and thatmakes it seem very, very interesting. I followed this thread and have joined, but every time I try to access soemthing on the site it tells me it's too busy so I can't make an informed response. I've kind of given up trying now, although who knows where procrastination will take me in the future.

======= Date Modified 03 Dec 2009 19:10:34 =======
The reasons for my lack of daily progress today are similar the those of the other days this week I hoped to get some work done; I'm just zoning out of it really, I think. Also, I think, somewhere in the deep, but powerful recesses of my consciousness, I equate being on here with PhD work - as if I'm researching possible future hiccups or something. I suppose it's the PhD equivalent of going into the office just to hang around and chat next to the photocopier: 'I've been in today, I did do something!'. There is also the fact that I keep ging shopping with friends and, this evening to see Christmas lights being switched on , it was the Lord Mayor accompanied by someone dressed as a dolphin??? In addition to this latest retail driven hiatus, I have an increasingly firm sense of my right to watch 3 - 4 hours of tv several nights per week. Shocking! Oh, and I don't really know what my supervisor wants me to do - he's asked me to expand my definition of something, but I think its all pretty clear and can't think of anything to add. Although maybe that's all down to my shopping recess.

Oh your bottom Wally; I say, just stay horizontal and take the time off today/tonight - enjoy it - then go to the doctor tomorrow and get them to sort it.

======= Date Modified 03 Dec 2009 18:54:00 =======
Hi Rebel, I too have attempted anonymity, but find my veil slips, disconcertingly, now and again. This, in brief, is what I have thus far revealed: I live in the North, but my PhD uni is further North and my subject is national identity in film. I have let more than that slip in the past, but don't really want to remind everyone of the details. Sometimes I would love to be more open, but I learned the value of anonymity when I first came on here and was having terrible trouble with a supervisor; by remaining anonymous I can be more honest.

In my experience Christmas is the most violent time of the year...

maybe I'm really blunt, but I say things like that to my rowdy, cheeky first years all the time, but I suppose that's because they're asking me complainy questions in response to not doing the work, like 'why do I have study xyz topic when I learnt that already at A'level?' And I say 'unfortunately, the module isn't designed around you as an individual' I also say things like 'the feedbacks ession will be much easier for me if you are not all standing over me, please wait over there.' I dunno, it's this stroppy group I've got. I think I should maybe b more careful.

whahaha Wally funny story and thanks for the re-asssurance, it was a very strange coincidence that I sad that - I've never said it before, or after. I have a story from the other day: I was giving feedback to a rather mouthy student with whom there has been much to-ing and fro-ing in seminars, but with whom I now have a mouthy humorous rapor. The assignment was 'Reflective Writing' but she'd written 'Reflective Writhing' and I started laughing my head off as I said really loudly wahhhaha so your presenting us with you reflective writhing; if you do that for the right lecturer you'll get a first, cue guffaws of laughter from other, waiting, students and a non plussed look from the writher. She went on to explain that she was dyslexic - oh god!!!!!! thoughts raced through my brain: I'd let bitter revenge for previous peskiness on her part lead me into scaring her for life and provoking a law suit against the university and thus black listng myself amongst academia. Luckily however, she just didn't know what writhing meant, but kind of smirked a bit when I, and the rest of the group, told her. She seemed perfectly happy and laughy the rest of the time, so maybe I'll get away with it. Watch this space.

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======= Date Modified 02 Dec 2009 23:53:52 =======
I may as well ask you people this because at least you don't know me, so even if I seem neurotic it won't matter too much: a while ago I as at my dear, old friend's dad's 70th birthday party; myself and a group of female friends were standing outside the social club bantering with their boyfriends and one of their boyfriend's brothers - the lads were standing quite a way away on the other side of the club entrance. Anyhow, we were making silly comments across at eachother and the friend's boyfriend's brother shouted across at me 'will you come out with me then?' - I hade been moaning about being poor so shouted back, in a humorous way 'only if you are a millionaire'. There was a sudden silence as dust balls blew across the car park and everyone stood statue still. My good friend leaned in close, looked right into my eyes and whispered 'he is eska, he's a multi - millionaire business man'. Did I commit a massive faux pas? Was that a really daft thing to say? I'd got on pretty well with the brother before that when we chatted at the party, but ever since it's been a bit awkward. What do you think?

I know Wally, I find some things disturbing to read even on a comedically motivated internet forum thread, but I suppose my washing up crust would outrage some people too.

======= Date Modified 02 Dec 2009 13:58:31 =======
Well, I'm doing it. I have done for a few years now for cousins and other family, they've loved it and people for whom I haven't made biscuits have felt quite jealous and left out. I find personalised ones work well, with initials and things on them, or there are those giant ginger bread Christmas biscuits in the shape of a heart, with personalised messages on them and christmas icing. or dried fruit etc decoration.

======= Date Modified 02 Dec 2009 13:28:35 =======
Thank you cakeman, that is soooo helpful. I have to go out now, but I will defo pm you about this soon. :-x

hmmmm the fist of these posts didn't show for a couple of minutes, hence the duplicate.

Thank you cakeman, that is soooo helpful. I have to go out now, but I will defo pm you about this soon. :-x

Oh Sneaks that would be fabulous, that's so good of you. :-x

======= Date Modified 02 31 2009 11:31:52 =======
OK, so perhaps this should be on the confessions thread, but I really want this job, it's really interesting, I need the money desperado, and I need to live near my PhD uni (well, that's the way I feel about it anyway - it would get me away from my sid snot niece etc into the boot).

I have an interview for a job working on a medical trial project. Very, very interesting and just what I need. Anyhow, my dilema is thus: I said I had a knowledge of medical trials because people I knew had been through them - somone I am related to somewhere almost certainly has, so this is possible not a lie (see how I navigated the guilt there?). Can you help me flesh this out at interview? Can any of you tell me about a particular medical trial I could use as an example? I would very much appreciate the help of any of you who know about these things from personal or professional experience. I hope this isn't too cheeky.

Bug, I think that, apart from the speech and pillow things, we may be exactly the same person! 'I just hate running water', I love it! If I ever co-habitate I'll get a doctor's note that says just this: clearly it's an allergy that needs to be treated seriously and I shouldn't be subjected to such trauma. Unless, of course, it's a lovely hot bubble bath.

I have a major thing about Ricky Gervais - especially before he lost the weight. Again, not too sure how the reality would pan out. I also fancy Stephen Fry - a totally and utterly inappropriate crush, in so many ways.

I have found a couple of friends' boyfriends attractive on first meeting, and have genuinely felt uncomfortable about this, but thankfully, it passed when I got to know them - the fancying thing, not the uncomfortableness.