wow - beautiful writing? can't all have been that bad.

... maybe I am just bitter! but in the biological/medical sciences, unless you are a millionaire, you cannot self fund a PhD!! Good luck Natassia, You will be great! and I hope you enjoy your exciting new adventure!

ok, wind your neck back in. I don't doubt Natassia's commitment or ability, nor that a supervisor would relish the opportunity to mentor such a student. I was merely making the point that, since most PhD candidates are hard working and determined individuals (why apply for a PhD if you are not?), most supervisors would not turn her down. So, why not find somewhere with funding? it feels like exploitation to me... that said, if a student is happy to self fund, then why not.... but not everyone is in a position to self fund a PhD - and I would argue that gaining funding is the hardest part.

someone has to say this, sorry it is me, but if you are self funded, why on earth would a supervisor NOT take you on?! FREE LABOUR!! bonsa!

did n't mean to bully :$
just think of me as your Mr Motivator!! ;-)

I hate to point it out, but, if you lead such a sedentry life style, I doubt that your brain is that healthy ... excersise induces neurogenesis! gets blood pumping round the body and helps the immune system fight infections. Get rid of your car and CYCLE!!

I forget that gym can be vvv expensive - I am lucky, it is £50 per year where I am! :$
I guess you could run with your dog!

I find that the gym is a great stress buster - I love pumping iron and pounding out a few KM on the treadmil after a long day of data collection/meetings etc - AND this keeps me super trim :-) and able to scoff what ever I like the next day while I sit idle at my desk!

Sure they will remember - but if you have legitimate reasons to pull out, then they should not really hold it against you. I guess you just need to be able to fight your corner!

oops! looks like no-one is as happy as you are!

yay! thanks!!

May I recommend a panic button for when instances of bullying, such as seen over this weekend, occur?! and I totally agree with Bug- we need some form of moderating at weekends! Ok - let's all ignore any future Troll episodes - I agree that this is the best way of dealing with it!
Best, 'Smug' !

I am not sure how to report someone - Dispatcher sent me a PM that was offensive, threatening and used exceptionally foul language. So much so that I do not even want to copy and paste the message in here. This poster has also caused much offense and distress to other posters - in what can really only be described as bullying. I would like to see this user banned.

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU JUST SAID THAT! QUOTE from 'Dispatcher'' = ''Someone Coming from Uganda will of course not have the same value n understanding of Freedom as one from A Civilized Society''

Oh my good god! I am not conversing, even for fun (because to be honest at least this passes the time during dull data collection) but you have just offended so many people that I withdraw from further banter with you. Seriously Trollface, sort your self out!!

nice of of you to throw a little bit of racism in there for measure too! keep up the good work ol' Dispatcher!!