Ever heard that Etta James song "At Last"? Well, you should be playing it right now to commemorate the return of my blog. Yes, I know it's been a while - whoa, it's dusty in here - but the wait is over. Time for an update.
So it's the penultimate week of Hilary Term in college, meaning that exams are creeping up ever so slowly. Essentially, the three weeks we have off to study are huge when it comes to getting prepared. My plan is to pretty much have everything looked over and notes taken in everything by the end of that break. That way, I'll be positioned well for the run-in.
This week, to add to the weekly lab report, I also have to do what is called a viva. It's basically an interview with a member of staff about two experiments we did. We have to explain everything we did and why we did it, all of that jazz. Dr. Morton-Blake, the resident brain box, is asking me the questions. Do I get any lifelines? Come on, at least give me phone a friend!
Today is a half day - gotta love Tuesdays - but I have to head home and get to work on the viva material and finish the lab report first. On top of that, the deadline for SURE is fast approaching. If I haven't mentioned it before, SURE is a programme whereby students are placed in a lab in Trinity with a member of staff to work on a project. It's invaluable for experience, so I'm definitely applying.
I better get going to this lecture. Actually, it's a tutorial. Enda Bergin's final one with us. I did 9 of 11 questions, so I am pretty pleased with myself in that regard. Off to CHLLT!
Later all!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Time for an update!
Hey all,
Welcome back to the blog! It's been a few days since the last update. In fact, it may have been as long as a week. Forgive me for that, I've been quite busy. Even though exams are by no means imminent, it's quite obvious that the pressures are ever-present for the people in my class, myself included.
This year we are essentially being made the guinea pigs for the new exam layout, so what to expect is anyone's guess at this point. The secretaries of the chemistry department promise they'll have it done soon and e-mailed out to us to view and enjoy. Okay, maybe not enjoy, but it would be good to see some concrete questions.
In other news, I joined the Royal Society Chemistry. Well, hang on. That happened a few months ago when our lecturer and head of department David Grayson offered us the chance to join for a handy price of 10 euro. I said yes, and just last week did I receive my membership card. It was like joining the Stonecutters (of Simpsons fame) only not as glamourous and without the whipping and songs. Could you imagine chemists singing songs and munching on meat and such? Hilarity would ensue.
Hilarity did ensue today after our 10am lecture. My friend Lorcan won a trip with his other half to Russia in a competition, so I was pleased for him. Good job, man. While we were discussing that, we got into how our lecturer from Belarus, Yurii Gun'ko, could be a Bond villain. His main weapon would be throwing nanotubes at Bond! Brilliant. We had a good laugh about that.
In football news, the Panthers face big decisions this week. They have until Thursday to sign OT Jordan Gross to a long term deal so that they can place the franchise tag on unhappy DE Julius Peppers. That would allow them to trade Peppers for draft picks. I've been checking online every day for updates, but nothing has come yet. I'm sure I'll update the blog if something does happen, but I think tomorrow will be the day.
We have this week and then two more weeks after that left in this term, then three weeks off, then a few more weeks... then exams. Things come around fast.
That's it for this entry! Until next time, folks.
Welcome back to the blog! It's been a few days since the last update. In fact, it may have been as long as a week. Forgive me for that, I've been quite busy. Even though exams are by no means imminent, it's quite obvious that the pressures are ever-present for the people in my class, myself included.
This year we are essentially being made the guinea pigs for the new exam layout, so what to expect is anyone's guess at this point. The secretaries of the chemistry department promise they'll have it done soon and e-mailed out to us to view and enjoy. Okay, maybe not enjoy, but it would be good to see some concrete questions.
In other news, I joined the Royal Society Chemistry. Well, hang on. That happened a few months ago when our lecturer and head of department David Grayson offered us the chance to join for a handy price of 10 euro. I said yes, and just last week did I receive my membership card. It was like joining the Stonecutters (of Simpsons fame) only not as glamourous and without the whipping and songs. Could you imagine chemists singing songs and munching on meat and such? Hilarity would ensue.
Hilarity did ensue today after our 10am lecture. My friend Lorcan won a trip with his other half to Russia in a competition, so I was pleased for him. Good job, man. While we were discussing that, we got into how our lecturer from Belarus, Yurii Gun'ko, could be a Bond villain. His main weapon would be throwing nanotubes at Bond! Brilliant. We had a good laugh about that.
In football news, the Panthers face big decisions this week. They have until Thursday to sign OT Jordan Gross to a long term deal so that they can place the franchise tag on unhappy DE Julius Peppers. That would allow them to trade Peppers for draft picks. I've been checking online every day for updates, but nothing has come yet. I'm sure I'll update the blog if something does happen, but I think tomorrow will be the day.
We have this week and then two more weeks after that left in this term, then three weeks off, then a few more weeks... then exams. Things come around fast.
That's it for this entry! Until next time, folks.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Last minute lab reporting
Hey all,
Welcome back to the blog. So we are into that kind of tweener time of year in college. What I mean by that is, exams are far enough away not to be studying your ass off, but close enough that you feel that by not working, you're making a mistake.
Studying for said exams is tough these days because lab reports take up the vast majority of my time and the time of my fellow students in chemistry. They are just hell to do. Sure, you have a whole week, but if you can't even understand what you're doing or why you're calculating x, y and z, then confusion reigns supreme. Today is the day myself and John usually sit down in the Hamilton cafe, and between eating lunch, discuss and work on the lab report. This week's report is going to be lacklustre... at best.
The snow seems to have finally parted ways with our shores and normality has almost returned. The Pro Bowl game on Sunday marked the last NFL action until the preseason... on the field, at least. Yes, for there is no offseason, only a non-playing season. I am checking frequently to see if the Panthers have made any moves.
Well, just wanted to give you all a quick update. I'll be off now to a 9am lecture. Joy!
Welcome back to the blog. So we are into that kind of tweener time of year in college. What I mean by that is, exams are far enough away not to be studying your ass off, but close enough that you feel that by not working, you're making a mistake.
Studying for said exams is tough these days because lab reports take up the vast majority of my time and the time of my fellow students in chemistry. They are just hell to do. Sure, you have a whole week, but if you can't even understand what you're doing or why you're calculating x, y and z, then confusion reigns supreme. Today is the day myself and John usually sit down in the Hamilton cafe, and between eating lunch, discuss and work on the lab report. This week's report is going to be lacklustre... at best.
The snow seems to have finally parted ways with our shores and normality has almost returned. The Pro Bowl game on Sunday marked the last NFL action until the preseason... on the field, at least. Yes, for there is no offseason, only a non-playing season. I am checking frequently to see if the Panthers have made any moves.
Well, just wanted to give you all a quick update. I'll be off now to a 9am lecture. Joy!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Traffic Road
Tuesday brought more snow. Snow, snow, and more snow. Yes, repetition helps you remember things usually, but in this case its purpose is purely for emphasis. Today was, quite simply, chaos.
For most people the chaos took the shape of massive delays in traffic when commuting, but there were a couple of accidents around the country too due to the icy roads. It's unfortunate to see that kind of thing. The contrast between kids enjoying themselves making snowmen and people in their cars on the icy roads is pretty stark.
So how did I spend this crazy snow day? Well, it started with a 7am alarm call. It wasn't as cold as I thought when I got up. I just wrapped up warm and made sure to take baby steps as I walked to the bus, which came quickly enough. The first lecture was painful, with organic chemistry nerd Enda Bergin (lecturer) being methodical as always. I mean, the guy has to be a robot. He simply has shown no deviation from the norm since he started his course last month. Plus, that really annoying smart organic chemistry guy always goes up to ask him questions at the end. Suck up, I think so!
The other two lectures went fine. They were actually more interesting than usual. I didn't go to Analytical Chemistry because, quite frankly, it's a little dull. It's all maths. Not really my cup of tea.
The afternoon was just John and I working on our lab report in the computer rooms. Despite a little confusion on both sides, we finally got it ironed out.
Then it began...
The snow fell, the paths became slushy and the skies turned a pinkish-red.
Yep, the fun began around 3:45pm when John and I got on the 15 bus, expecting to beat the rush hour traffic. We didn't know that we would be stuck on the bus for about 90 minutes. We were on the road of Terenure College for about 45 minutes, no joke. We decided to jump off the bus. While on the bus, we made a little game up, sort of a Big Brother mockery. It's called Big Busser. Basically, a bunch of people are put on a bus and forced to live with each other. The last remaining person on the bus is the proud winner of one million euro! We had a laugh about that one. It was a good idea at the time.
John had to pee and I was getting just as frustrated as him on the bus, moving about two inches every ten minutes (no exaggeration), so we got off the bus, thus giving up our shot to win a million. What were we thinking?! No, seriously, we had to. It was so frickin' boring!
The road we got stuck on will forever be known as Traffic Road. John made the name, hence the lack of originality. Hey, I'm just playing! :)
So we walked and we walked some more. The slush was all over the place, and we opted for the grass route to avoid any chance of slipping. Safety first, people. Coming into Templeogue Village I came up with the idea of getting some chips at Silvio's. We had to wait a good ten minutes for them, but boy were they worth the wait. 2.50 is a little expensive for a bag of chips, but these were quality. Nice job, Silvio's.
So our journey continued, chip bag in one hand, and eventually came to a clearing. A small dog approached us and began talking about drugs. It was that dog from the TV. You know, the one that tells people to talk to Frank about drugs.
Nah, I'm kidding. We did continue walking and eventually got home, a whole 3 hours after we had left Trinity. Now, if that isn't a great journey, I don't know what is. Some stupid kids tried to pelt us with snowballs as we walked back, but they failed miserably.
"Epic fail!" John exclaimed as he taunted the kids and talked about how in his day, kids hit the target with snowballs.
We parted ways at the corner like always, but I think we learned something today. We learned that stupidly long bus journeys sometimes turn into fun, chip-eating treks into the unknown. I guess it's snow wonder - PUN~! - that I feel so comfortable now sitting in my warm, snug sitting room, writing this blog for all of you.
What a bizarre day it was. Oh, would you look at that! It's lab day tomorrow. I look forward to it, although there is some talk of this Fees protest causing the labs to be cancelled. I don't know if it'll happen, though, as it would royally screw up the timetable.
That's it from me, a snowed under David Larkin!
For most people the chaos took the shape of massive delays in traffic when commuting, but there were a couple of accidents around the country too due to the icy roads. It's unfortunate to see that kind of thing. The contrast between kids enjoying themselves making snowmen and people in their cars on the icy roads is pretty stark.
So how did I spend this crazy snow day? Well, it started with a 7am alarm call. It wasn't as cold as I thought when I got up. I just wrapped up warm and made sure to take baby steps as I walked to the bus, which came quickly enough. The first lecture was painful, with organic chemistry nerd Enda Bergin (lecturer) being methodical as always. I mean, the guy has to be a robot. He simply has shown no deviation from the norm since he started his course last month. Plus, that really annoying smart organic chemistry guy always goes up to ask him questions at the end. Suck up, I think so!
The other two lectures went fine. They were actually more interesting than usual. I didn't go to Analytical Chemistry because, quite frankly, it's a little dull. It's all maths. Not really my cup of tea.
The afternoon was just John and I working on our lab report in the computer rooms. Despite a little confusion on both sides, we finally got it ironed out.
Then it began...
The snow fell, the paths became slushy and the skies turned a pinkish-red.
Yep, the fun began around 3:45pm when John and I got on the 15 bus, expecting to beat the rush hour traffic. We didn't know that we would be stuck on the bus for about 90 minutes. We were on the road of Terenure College for about 45 minutes, no joke. We decided to jump off the bus. While on the bus, we made a little game up, sort of a Big Brother mockery. It's called Big Busser. Basically, a bunch of people are put on a bus and forced to live with each other. The last remaining person on the bus is the proud winner of one million euro! We had a laugh about that one. It was a good idea at the time.
John had to pee and I was getting just as frustrated as him on the bus, moving about two inches every ten minutes (no exaggeration), so we got off the bus, thus giving up our shot to win a million. What were we thinking?! No, seriously, we had to. It was so frickin' boring!
The road we got stuck on will forever be known as Traffic Road. John made the name, hence the lack of originality. Hey, I'm just playing! :)
So we walked and we walked some more. The slush was all over the place, and we opted for the grass route to avoid any chance of slipping. Safety first, people. Coming into Templeogue Village I came up with the idea of getting some chips at Silvio's. We had to wait a good ten minutes for them, but boy were they worth the wait. 2.50 is a little expensive for a bag of chips, but these were quality. Nice job, Silvio's.
So our journey continued, chip bag in one hand, and eventually came to a clearing. A small dog approached us and began talking about drugs. It was that dog from the TV. You know, the one that tells people to talk to Frank about drugs.
Nah, I'm kidding. We did continue walking and eventually got home, a whole 3 hours after we had left Trinity. Now, if that isn't a great journey, I don't know what is. Some stupid kids tried to pelt us with snowballs as we walked back, but they failed miserably.
"Epic fail!" John exclaimed as he taunted the kids and talked about how in his day, kids hit the target with snowballs.
We parted ways at the corner like always, but I think we learned something today. We learned that stupidly long bus journeys sometimes turn into fun, chip-eating treks into the unknown. I guess it's snow wonder - PUN~! - that I feel so comfortable now sitting in my warm, snug sitting room, writing this blog for all of you.
What a bizarre day it was. Oh, would you look at that! It's lab day tomorrow. I look forward to it, although there is some talk of this Fees protest causing the labs to be cancelled. I don't know if it'll happen, though, as it would royally screw up the timetable.
That's it from me, a snowed under David Larkin!
Monday, February 2, 2009
It's... snowing?
Welcome back to the blog on this, Dublin's best day of snow since two years ago.
And you know, the snow may have come at a good time. Last night Super Bowl XLIII delivered a highly entertaining game between two teams who went all out for a victory. The Cardinals, billed as the underdogs throughout the playoffs, battled the Steelers, who were the seven point favourites. The game was a topsy-turvy affair as most NFL games turn out to be, with momentum swinging like a pendulum.
Perhaps the biggest play of the first half was Defensive Player of the Year, Pittsburgh's James Harrison intercepting a Kurt Warner pass at the goal line and taking it back a Super Bowl record 100 yards for a touchdown. It's not often you see a linebacker going the length of the field. Truly, an amazing play.
At the half, the score was Pittsburgh 17, Arizona 7. The Cardinals got the ball first in the third quarter, but their offense stalled. Penalties played a big part in the following drive, where Pittsburgh drove down the field to the Arizona red zone. In six attempts, they could not get the ball into the endzone. The score was 20-7 as the fourth quarter began.
Then the Cardinals did what they have been doing best during their playoff run - shock the world. Or more specifically, the Steelers. Pittsburgh got a little conservative, and savvy veteran Kurt Warner found Larry Fitzgerald down the seam for a huge touchdown pass. The score was 20-14, and suddenly things were heating up.
I sat on my sofa at home throughout all of this with my friends, John and Jeroen. Jeroen had come all the way from the Netherlands for the game. He is a massive Steelers fan, so it made the event that bit more interesting.
The fourth quarter began in thrilling fashion, with the Cardinals taking the lead and scoring 16 points. The score was now 23-20 to Arizona. The Cardinals had rattled the Steelers, and it was up to Ben Roethlisberger and the offense to win or tie the game for the men from Pittsburgh.
The drive to win the game for the Steelers was all about WR Santonio Holmes, who came up with 4 big receptions to tally his 9 catch, 131 yard, 1 TD performance. Holmes was a reliable target for Roethlisberger, who found him consistently to move the ball inside the Cardinals 5 yard line. Then, the game-winning touchdown happened, as Big Ben (as he is affectionately known) found Holmes in the right corner of the endzone with an inch perfect pass. Holmes got two feet down incredibly and the celebrations began.
The Steelers held on to win their 6th Super Bowl, an achievement unprecedented in NFL history. Santonio Holmes was named the MVP, in my opinion deservedly. You could have given it to Big Ben, but Holmes had to get it.
Well, it was a really entertaining game and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was better than I expected it to be, quite frankly. I just hope that next year my Panthers can get there and win our first one.
That journey has already begun, as the cycle of the NFL begins all over again with the top draft prospects being scouted and teams meticulously looking through their rosters with a fine toothcomb. Yep, it won't be long before we're drafting our fantasy football teams and the new season is upon us.
Until then, we make do with... well, nothing. We try, is what I'm saying!
Thanks for reading this Super Bowl themed edition of the blog!
The drive to win the game for the Steelers was all about WR Santonio Holmes, who came up with 4 big receptions to tally his 9 catch, 131 yard, 1 TD performance. Holmes was a reliable target for Roethlisberger, who found him consistently to move the ball inside the Cardinals 5 yard line. Then, the game-winning touchdown happened, as Big Ben (as he is affectionately known) found Holmes in the right corner of the endzone with an inch perfect pass. Holmes got two feet down incredibly and the celebrations began.
The Steelers held on to win their 6th Super Bowl, an achievement unprecedented in NFL history. Santonio Holmes was named the MVP, in my opinion deservedly. You could have given it to Big Ben, but Holmes had to get it.
Well, it was a really entertaining game and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was better than I expected it to be, quite frankly. I just hope that next year my Panthers can get there and win our first one.
That journey has already begun, as the cycle of the NFL begins all over again with the top draft prospects being scouted and teams meticulously looking through their rosters with a fine toothcomb. Yep, it won't be long before we're drafting our fantasy football teams and the new season is upon us.
Until then, we make do with... well, nothing. We try, is what I'm saying!
Thanks for reading this Super Bowl themed edition of the blog!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)