Alternative Prospectus

No, that's not a song, I just can't think of one - apologies.

I was asked by a student to fill out a questionnaire for Abertay's Alternative Prospectus - and thought that's the way to revive out dormant blog... Here we go.

What would you do if you had the whole day free for yourself?
Today? I’d eat all the way through the Continental Market @ City Square. In General? Gosh, I don’t know. I would probably do something for my PhD (honestly, I love it!), read a good book, annoy the neighbours with loud music, and take a very long walk by the river. Something like that. In reality, I’d probably do something for the PhD and not very much else. I’m very good at sitting around somewhere and doing absolutely nothing at all for hours on end – apart from thinking into every conceivable direction. I’m a dreamer, frankly.

Name 3 things you like about Dundee?
Only three??? OK, the almost endless summer days, the pub/bar scene, and the view from the Law over the city. Another three (I know I’m cheating) are the openness and friendliness of the people here, the river and its bridges, and the DCA.

What 3 things you dislike about Dundee?
Er, the binge drinking culture (although I’m not always immune), the enormous amount of litter in the streets, and the TV licence people who won’t believe that I really don’t own a telly.

What time do you wake up in the morning but when do you get up?
In summer I wake up between 4 and 5 am, but don’t get up until half an hour later; in winter I hibernate and try not to wake up at all.

Can you sum your job up in a sentence?
No. But I can try. My job is great; I love what I’m doing.

How do you get to work in the morning and how would you rather?
I walk and I don’t want it any different. But a spaceship would be cool.

What one thing would you tell students about when coming to Abertay?
Take a map – the building is a maze and the room numbers don’t always make sense!

What’s on your bedroom floor?
Bread crumbs, newspapers, most of my PhD work, probably an empty wine bottle somewhere, a complete programme for the Edinburgh fringe, socks, CDs, magazines, books, headphones, I wouldn’t be surprised to find a few coins from at least three different countries – honestly, I must be the messiest person on this planet!

Which CDs are you currently listening to?
Aimee Mann – Bachelor No. 2; Joni Mitchell – Miles of Aisles; Reinhard Mey – Leuchtfeuer; Ruby – Salt Peter; Tori Amos – Boys for Pele… I listen to so many things: I choose music to match my moods, and I’m famous for my sudden mood swings.

Who is your all time idol?
I don’t really believe in idols, you can take examples from many people (and there are a lot I admire), but you have to find yourself. If I have to choose: Winnie the Pooh, he’s modest, honest, and the best friend one can think of.

What’s a mainstay in your fridge?
Milk. I’m addicted and a milkaholic. Often enough it’s the only thing in my fridge, I’m afraid. The fridge is quite the opposite of my bedroom floor, now that I think about it.

Which celebrity would you give an honorary degree to?
Can I name Winnie the Pooh again? For his service to all people who ever needed being cheered up and being an example of decency. If not, I’ll nominate the pope, Benedict XVI. This man is amazingly intelligent, which anyone can find out when reading his works.

Would you do it all again?
Over and over and over and over again, no ‘yes’ has ever been more definite.


I wonder if next year's students feel comfortable now about being taught statistics by me... *g*