Pete - not sure why all the girls fancy him.
Nikki - hilarious, but "mildly" over the top!
Richard - took part as one of things he wants to fulfil in his life
Jenny - a non-character in the house
Glynn - sweet lad but not 2 win.
Ashleyne - 2 win. She has had the hardest ride in the BB house and ripple effects of her actions have made compelling viewing. I also think out of all them she deserves the sort of fame that comes with winning BB. TACKY, NEWS OF THE WORLD EXCLUSIVE FAME!

Hi chrisrolinski,
I know exactly how you feel - research councils are a nightmare. But well done on the 4. Remember there are thousands of people going for the money - I know this is little comfort - but you are not alone! I think if your supervisor is the business, stick with them. Follow their advice. Go for funding AGAIN next year. See what teaching etc. you can get at the uni. Is there any uni funding to take the pressure off! And DON'T be afraid to ask. If they want you, they will find some money somewhere! Museums/history of science (my area too) - is there any way of finding a job that would also feed into the PhD? See this as an opportunity. Good Luck. I have almost finished my PhD and it is one of the most rewarding this you ever do!

Hi 404, it is a position for a postdoctoral researcher. 4 years, full-time. Not totally on my subject, but from the response so far they sound pretty open-minded.

404...no problem at all. Am having a positive day today! As you know the PhD is a series of highs and lows. Chapter due in on Thurs so I know how you feel!

404, It sounds like an easy way for your supervisor to get up to date with what you have been doing. For your own benefit I would make it as comprehensive as you can. Even go as far as to call it a "discussion document" or something, to perhaps encourage feedback and show this is very much a work in progress...informal but formal if you get me! Good luck and glad to here the supervisor is getting involved!

Thanks Sylvester. Sounds like you have a lot of experience in this.

I have a job description and they ask for a covering letter and CV. Spoke to professor who will be doing the recruiting and he said you really need to say why you want the job etc. etc. in the covering letter. So it needs to be to the point and grab their attention. First job I have ever applied for (working in supermarkets don't count as they are an application form)...and so it begins!

I am starting to apply for jobs post-PhD and I wondered if anybody has any advice regarding COVERING LETTERS?
Cheers in advance!

I would also add that I don't think when you are doing a PhD you can ever really "take time off". It is always there in your mind because for the three, four, five, six years you spend doing it, it is for most of us our life. So I usually think of my days off as thinking time. Boundaries between on/off time are very blurry!

I think it really does depend on your department. I work from home and so take the view that I work flexi-time. But I know many in my dept who are in the lab most days and therefore under the watchful eye of their supervisor and thus need to ask permission (out of courtesy). At the end of the day, we are doing the PhD for ourselves and if you need a day off - take a day off, I say! Ok we are paid a stipend, but this is not a salary as such so we are not bound by employee regulations etc. Yes 8 weeks is what we are allowed, but you will find there are times when you put in the hours (big time!) and other times which are slower or more relaxed so as long as you think you are being honest with yourself and not taking too many holidays then you should be alright.

Hi Jen, I am only on the second disc of season one, so should keep me busy for a while yet!!! Boxsets are really good if you feel like a break...can watch one episode, or two, or three, or more...depending on how bad things are...ha ha!

Sopranos...forgot about that show...will add to the list.

Since I started my PhD almost three years ago, I have found dvd box sets to be a great way to pass the duller moments of writer's block and general PhD boredom. So far I have watched Sex and the City; Ally McBeal; West Wing (da best!); Six Feet Under; and have just embarked on the very addictive "24"! What things have you guys found to help you see it through...?

Well done. Brilliant news. Pints or whatever you drink are well deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my own work, I ask for volunteers. They either want to do it or they don;t. Then provide lunch and a pint...and if have dosh pay for their travel expenses...but this can get complicated so I usually just go for the lunch and/or pint!