This is very funny:Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | 04.03.04 Interactive. The Gord of the Rings

It's been a long time since my last post here, but then this is my final semester at university, and I finish in two months. Project going slowly, it will be ok, but not the great all singing all dancing piece of software it started out as on paper. in fact now, it's lucky if it makes it onto paper, rather just some mangled pieces of cut and pasted code into something that runs when you hit the right button. But I have learnt a lot, not enough, but its been good. 8 hours in front of this computer everyday, gives me little energy left to "enjoy" myself replying to e-mails or writing this blog. I actively look for opportunities to turn the thing off, so stop the whirling fan that now never stops as there is so much crap on the harddrive.

Anyhow, Shirley from Malaysia continues to teach me chinese, with lots of letters and the occasional long distance phone call too, I only have time for 15 minutes a day, but it seems to be improving.

oh yes the big news, I have been offered a place on the Bioinformatics Masters at Edinburgh in Scotland. I'm very pleased as it is a very good university and excellent for computer science. plus its such a nice city. I am still waiting for responses from Manchesters and Newcastle and I will hear about funding in the next few months. despite edinburgh being my first choice, I will probasbly go with anyone who gives me funding (£9000) as it is not cheap (£3500 fees).

Last exam 6th may, then a project presentation, and then 4 months holiday. some work, a trip to france, Iran and maybe Pakistan if I can fit it in. Plus another microsoft trip to Cambridge in June and my graduation in July.

Sarah's (my sister's ) wedding coming up on the 10th April.

I shall keep you posted.

John