Well, if ever you change your mind about the allotment, I'd try and find someone to do it with you - a friend or neighbour maybe. Half the work, half the time with two of you. And a bit more social too.

Hope that tomato plant does well!

Do you have a garden? Only I manage to grow a few veg myself. It's a pretty relaxing pursuit too.

I like Classic FM because I don't have to think and essentially, someone chooses good classical music for me. Can't listen to anything with words though, or I start writing them down by mistake!

Psychologically, I think satisfaction comes from taking control of you eating habits rather than them controlling you. Best advice would be to think on that and try to come up with a plan of action. Basically, just as you'd do with an academic problem, try to look beyond the panic and take a proactive approach.

Yup, I've put on weight during my PhD too... a fact which I manage to ignore until the rare occasion that I have to go somewhere smart and my clothes from a year ago don't fit properly. Sigh. I don't exercise enough, but because I never have in the past either, I'm certain it's the snacking that's the underlying cause. Recently, I've started avoiding sugar and fat and have lost a couple of pounds, so what I'd say is try to avoid those high calarie foods. Also, I've had to face the fact that it's going to take a bit of time to shift the extra weight. Not unlike the PhD actually, in that no matter how much you'd like to, you can't do it over night. I felt better once I'd accepted that.

Wise words from Bobby - I second them.

I'm having a slight panic today as I have to buy a present for my nephew's first birthday next week and I have no idea what to get a one year old. I have no children myself and very little idea of what would be suitable. Can I get a picture book of some kind, or is he too young? Also, he already has millions of soft toys so I don't want to get him yet another one of those. Any ideas would be very welcome.

Hi, I remember having problems with this when I applied, as because I was also starting a new job, I needed my degree ceritificates to be in two places at once and had no time to get certified copies. As I was going over for an open day, I simply rang up the university and asked them if I could bring the originals with me then. They had no problem with that - and also said that even if I hadn't been attending an open day, I could have brought them to my interview instead.

Basically, my point is that if you're having real trouble getting certificates/certified copies to them within a given deadline, you could always give them a ring and offer to bring them in personally at a later date.

I totally agree with juno about the lack of culture. It's the one thing I miss when I'm over there. But I've heard people say (in Blackpool at least) that culture/arts isn't something the type of tourists who visit are interested in. Personally, I don't think everything should revolve around tourism... there are definite improvements needed to benefit locals.

Thanks for the link missspacey, that's really interesting, (if surprising), information.

I can understand that Smilodon, the illuminations are great fun for kids. What I like about the town is its relaxed attitude towards life in general. I imagine it would be very annoying to run a business there - but it's a great place to unwind.

I suspect you're right, golfpro. On the other hand... I've got a soft spot for the region and I finish my PhD in about 18 months, so perhaps I should keep an eye out for jobs! Then again, I'm tempted to work abroad. Out of interest, what led you there if you don't mind my asking?

With regards to speech recognition software, I'd also be interested to know what barnaby is using. Everyone I've spoken to who has tried that sort of thing has had endless trouble with it recognising the spoken words correctly and ended up having to speak very clear, BBC style English to get it to work.

Good luck with the touch typing by the way.

Hi - just a quick word of encouragement to say I think you're doing really well, esp dealing with hurdles. Keep at it and stay positive!

Really? I haven't heard a word about that. It's rather hard to imagine it as a university. I don't have any experience of the college personally, but from what I've heard around the town, I doubt it's up to it. Seems like change for the sake of it to me. Also, it's not as if there's nothing decent nearby - Lancaster's not far. Or Preston. Surely anyone wanting a decent qualification would head for those instead.