We are radical, but I wouldn't recommend trying to drop a fire extinguisher on your landlord's head. May as well post what I've achieved today...not much. I need to make my discussion more positive about my research - according to my sups - but I'm not exactly Rumpelstiltskin. I just want to put, 'yeah, I made mistakes, things could be better but I don't want to turn my PhD into the Never Ending Story by having to redo things'.

100 hours of teaching per semester is quite reasonable, imo. I had 180 hours worth of teaching per semester and I believe that's the general average.

I second everyone else. You have a PhD and I'd emphasise that.

Well, I suppose I've been a bit harsh. They're harmless enough. It's only because they've most likely ruined the Steven Nolan show this weekend, and thus my exciting weekend (well, whilst I write up). Ahhh...unless I e-mail him before the show and ask if he'd be willing to hold a debate on whether it's all this speculation about the wedding is a waste of the public's time or not.

Get out your diaries and pray you've finished writing up your PhD by the time it happens. The media is full of it. It's all over the front pages of the news papers. It's getting some serious air time on the national news. I'm currently watching that gardener come talk show host (Alan Titchsmarsh...) talking about what the bride should wear. This is the biggest event of the decade. The Daily Wail will be giving away commemorative cups and saucers (and in the Age of Austerity!?). This is it (only bigger than Michael Jackson's ill-fated come back)! Can you tell what it is yet? One of them princes are getting married - the tall one. I was just saying to a mate, it's luck that his wedding is not on the same day because I'll be attending another one.
Sarcasm aside, why all the hysteria? It's the worst news I've had all week. It means that the radio, news papers and national news are just completely dedicated to it. People get married everyday. That annoying royal correspondent, James Whittacker, will emerge from under his stone and invade This Morning once again. Maybe I'm being a bit mean because of writing up, but bleuurrghhh.
What does anyone else think about it. Do you think it's super exciting, or are you like me - shrugging your shoulders and going 'so, what? Cadbury's Chomps have gone up from 10p to 15p and then 18p. That represents and 80% increase'.
In fact, I'll do a poll to gage the reaction of the PhD population.

Hi Rory, did you finish your PhD in physics? Or did you transfer to the Masters part way through?

It's a survey-based, health sciences research study. I suppose it's like you say though - depends on the researcher and the author. I've awarded you a star to re-start you on your journey to stardom.

Can the discussion in a thesis really stretch to 100 pages? I've got a thesis here that passed, a good one, but the discussion is 100 pages (double line spacing). This might sound like a ridiculous question, but do you think a thesis discussion should stretch so far? I'm only at 40 with mine at this moment in time.

I really hope it turns up for you.

Hey all you number crunchers, equation ninjas and pi fetishists, I've received an e-mail telling me about a stats package (BMDP) that you can download and it has a 6 months free trial. I've never heard of it personally, but just in case there's anyone that needs a stats package (for free) for 6 months only, I thought I'd post it.

Sorry to hear that your research isn't going as well as you'd like at the moment. When I was where you are not now, I was having an ethics crisis and that delayed my research quite a bit. Try not to get too down about it if possible, as these things happen. Are there any other ways you could use the time productively while you wait for things to get sorted? So, maybe work on the lit review or introduction chapter in the meantime?

No, I think you'd have to do the whole four years. Many moons ago, I looked into this myself and that's what I got told. Of course, you can check as well and the number to call is: 0845 504 6277

I have it. PM me with a contact e-mail and I'll send it.

Congratulations, Dr. Psychgirl.(up)

Matt, tut tut:$ That has to be one of the best PhDs I've heard of. I wonder how you'd design a rigorous study for it though... Will it be...

Horse A was given Mighty White (well, the dietary supplement).
Horse B was given ordinary horse feed.

The 'product' of both horses was counted and compared. All the threats to rigour: what if Horse B is more naturally more fecund than Horse A. Or what if Horse A has an off day or is at it with Miss Horse C behind Horse B's back?

Joking aside, good luck with it all.