I have arrived safely in the USA, after leaving parties in Edinburgh (photo of Pear Tree) and Watford, an arrival party at Brown (in a great apartment thanks to Seeta my new house mate) and at the moment having a mexican reunion in Montreal with Liviu, Roxanne, Simon and Juan Carlos, and Erinn from World MUN. Back to USA tomorrow by car, (6 hour drive with Josip from Brown, who offered the ride). Classes start next week. Organising a Student Symposium at a conference at Harvard Medial School in October and going on a departmental retreat on Sept. 9th at Woods Hole.

Speak soon, cheers,
John

Some usuful advice for graduate students... on Colin Semple's web page.

Handed in dissertation on Friday, not very proud of it, but it is done, and two weeks early. Viva (oral exam) today, followed by leaving party in edinburgh tonight (Heros and villains fancy dress!) leaving Edinburgh by train on Sunday. Party in watford Monday night (L'artisa/Bodegas 7.30 onwards) then leaving for Boston on Tuesday afternoon, arrive Providence Tuesday night.

Itsik and Sharone from Israel just came to visit, so did my sister and brother in law Sarah and Simon, and this afternoon Mo and Dom from Hull arrive. It is the Edinburgh festival right now, and things are a little hectic as you might imagine...
ciao,
John

Slashdot: News for nerds, stuff that matters: "Clickers Redefining Classrooms" more links to voting tools:
"It seems that teachers may have a new way to boost classroom participation using a device called a clicker. A clicker is a small handheld device that allows its user to wirelessly respond to various prompts selected by a teacher. So when a teacher wants opinions on topics that people tend to shy away from like sex, religion, and politics, the question can be asked and the students can answer anonymously via the clicker. Everything from a simple poll to a graded quiz can be conducted using the device. In the age of cell phones and wireless computers such a technology is likely to be well-received by students, but one can't help but wonder if such a device will breed less assertive graduates who lack the will to stand up and voice their opinion on sensitive issues."

This seems quite forward thinking, you can click on any subject taught and see what the students last year thought of it. The Critical Review: Index for Semester I 2004-2005 Edition