As I've been working today, I've had the radio on and have been flicking through the papers online. Astonishingly, it appears that the Browne review into tuition fee costs at university, released later today, is going to recommend that students pay up to £36, 000 for a three year degree. All government funding to universities may be stopped, meaning that universities have to charge a minimum of £7000 a year. I'm utterly disgusted by this and quite enraged. How can the Government honestly expect people to pay such stupid amounts of money for a qualification that may or may not benefit an individual? I thought I had it bad, having to pay tuition fees when I was a undergrad. But the undergrads of tomorrow are going to have to take out mortgage-style loans that may never pay off. It's the equivalent of pouring Copydex on social mobility and peoples' career aspirations.
Very little really riles me, apart from my work, but this is absolutely ridiculous. It prices out so many people from the lower social classes. Had this occurred before I went to uni, I wouldn't have had the opportunities that I've had. I truly hope these proposals are greatly watered down. First the science funding cuts, now this. Are they trying to stifle future economic prosperity or something? Don't they realise the benefits of having a more highly educated society (look at Finland)? The high return of investment from R and D? To me, it's like sitting in the driving seat of a limo, eyes closed, and just driving head on into a brick wall. 'We're all in this together!' Yeah, right, Dave. Twisted, destructive logic. :-s

color, pediatric?

Thank you STH. Have a star!:-)

I've been told that I have taken a 'belts and braces' approach to my research. I haven't a clue what this means. Old fashioned? Over the top? Does anyone know?

I agree with helen_h. It's far from my area of expertise, but I think 'comfort zone' sounds just fine in that sentence. I know what 'comfort zone' means, as will any other reader, so to me it makes sense.:-)

Hi Jepsonclough, can you post some of the sentence it is attached to? Familiarity does sound like a good replacement for comfort zone, but it's hard to know without having an idea of the context it is used in.

Quite seriously, if your PhD was an album cover what would the design look like and what would the album be called? I've already designed mine inside my head...

On the front cover, there's a skanky table with papers strewn all over it, a half full bottle of fizzy Vimto, staple gun and a bowl containing the remains of dried up Weetabix. The whole scene is artistically lit by the eerie glow of a laptop screen. It could be modern art with an ironic low-brow twist. The title of the album (in functional Calibri font, of course): Academic Avenger and the Tome of Doom. In the list of the best PhD album covers of all time, it's going to number 1. It is the only one.

Reciting pi to a 100 decimal places??? I can only recite it to 3. I don't really think you need to do anything or even worry about it. You were drunk and these things happen. Perhaps just send a text apologising if you're feeling really guilty about it.

Oh, for God's sake Doodles, I'd actually won!

I would spend it on someone to write up my thesis because it's really getting in my nerves. Then I'd get my teeth scaled and polished because of all the coffee I'm drinking. After that, I'd go to Next and buy a new jumper. So, yep, I've got big plans for the money.

Really well done, Alpacalover! Sorry, Dr Alpacalover. (up)

Very well done and congratulations, Sim. You must be well chuffed. Make sure you have a bt of time to relax and wind down before preparing for the viva!

Wishing you the very best of luck with your Viva. You'll be fine!(up)