I hate my portering job now. We have finally advertised for a new head porter and I am sure someone will take it off me. I cant wait...
Today, I have to fill in for someone and I dont really want to porter. yesterday was the same. I should have portered but didn't and my whole day went kaputz! I hate not being able to plan my day in the morning once I wake up.
Today's plan..am trying hard to read Anaemias and WBC pathologies. Should finish it by 4.30pm. I might have to porter between 1.30 - 4.30. Then what? I would have liked to head to lab, but without a bike, it takes me an hour to get there, by which time I would probably have to head back anyway.
So, come back home and do some serious reading about boostability of cells in vaccine regimes, and plan my lab talk/experiments.
I dont know whether it is worthwhile researching such a topic anyway. Can we actually identify which cells are worth boosting? I also need to finish my paper and lab talk next week. I have postponed it for so long that it is no longer acceptable!! So, by next Monday,it will be done and handed to people concerned.
Also, need to confirm flight tickets to US - June sometime. The May tickets are ridiculously expensive.
Sunday, February 18
Saturday, February 17
Friday, February 16
Making Chai
I am sick of reading about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis so am off to make some tea, No proper chai. In my first and only visit to Punjabi Southall, overwhelmed by nostalgia I bought a kilo of Brooke Bond tea leaves (this was in 2004), which I have yet to use. My dear mother, in another fit of overpowering love sent me a packet of lovely Darjeeling tea leaves.
Therefore, I have decided to make some nice tea. But, there is only one problem. I have lost the touch....
I used to make tea every single day in college on my wire stove,burnt saucepan and with boiled milk. Western conveniences (read electric kettle and tea bags) have meant that I havent made proper chai in three years and I CANNOT remember what to do to make that perfect cup of tea!! Its so frustrating. I have finally started experimenting - and am now making myself tea almost every day in an attempt to perfect the technique before I go onto using the nice Darjeeling tea leaves.
Any hints are welcome. Things I have done so far:
1. Boil water, add tea leaves, boil. Add milk - DOESN't work.too strong tea
2. Boil water, add milk, boil, add tea leaves and brew - DIDN't work , not enough milk and brewed too long
3. Heat water, add tea leaves, add milk, boil, brew - OK. Not great, might do, but not yet the same.
Anyway, its back to the electric kettle for now....
p.s. - have just bought Queen on Fire, Live at the Bowl!! My music education continues.
Therefore, I have decided to make some nice tea. But, there is only one problem. I have lost the touch....
I used to make tea every single day in college on my wire stove,burnt saucepan and with boiled milk. Western conveniences (read electric kettle and tea bags) have meant that I havent made proper chai in three years and I CANNOT remember what to do to make that perfect cup of tea!! Its so frustrating. I have finally started experimenting - and am now making myself tea almost every day in an attempt to perfect the technique before I go onto using the nice Darjeeling tea leaves.
Any hints are welcome. Things I have done so far:
1. Boil water, add tea leaves, boil. Add milk - DOESN't work.too strong tea
2. Boil water, add milk, boil, add tea leaves and brew - DIDN't work , not enough milk and brewed too long
3. Heat water, add tea leaves, add milk, boil, brew - OK. Not great, might do, but not yet the same.
Anyway, its back to the electric kettle for now....
p.s. - have just bought Queen on Fire, Live at the Bowl!! My music education continues.
itunes
I have finally begun to make use of itunes and itunes store. Bought lots of music from there. Have suddenly developed an affinity for Cat Stevens music. (why doesn't someone play this kind of music instead of noise???). Also bought Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto - an amazing piece in which the piano leads the entire orchestra. It was initially rejected by the Russian academy but then Tchaikovsky refused to modify it and it was published in its entirety and is one his most famous pieces.
Didn't know the man was gay, even though he spent his entire life trying to make the world believe otherwise....the world hasn't changed that much since.
On the topic of homosexuality, TOP GEAR presenters drove through righteous (strong christian) Alabama with various unsavoury comments on their cars. Each presenter was asked to paint a slogan on the others car which would either get them shot or arrested. James came up with the best one - he painted Hammond's pick up truck with "MAN-LOVE IS OK" (in PINK).
So, they stopped at a petrol station to fill up and were mobbed by a bunch of rednecks, pelted with stones and had their camera shattered. It was scary. They had to run away, wipe off the slogans and race to the state border. Incredible how intolerant people can be. Its ridiculous- just shows you why you cant live in America.
Its the most realistic potrayal of America you could ever see. Here is the clip - watch it.
Didn't know the man was gay, even though he spent his entire life trying to make the world believe otherwise....the world hasn't changed that much since.
On the topic of homosexuality, TOP GEAR presenters drove through righteous (strong christian) Alabama with various unsavoury comments on their cars. Each presenter was asked to paint a slogan on the others car which would either get them shot or arrested. James came up with the best one - he painted Hammond's pick up truck with "MAN-LOVE IS OK" (in PINK).
So, they stopped at a petrol station to fill up and were mobbed by a bunch of rednecks, pelted with stones and had their camera shattered. It was scary. They had to run away, wipe off the slogans and race to the state border. Incredible how intolerant people can be. Its ridiculous- just shows you why you cant live in America.
Its the most realistic potrayal of America you could ever see. Here is the clip - watch it.
Patch test results
It is now confirmed that I am allergic to THIURAM. Thiruam is a compound used in rubber manufacturing and used as an accelerator(dont ask me what they do!). Anyway, it is a sensitiser, not an irritant and most often arises from exposure to shoes, gloves,masks, adhesives, rubber pillows. It most often causes allergic contact dermatitis, which is what it did to me.
Its not dangerous and I dont have a very serious allergy, so all is well.
Of course, it did mean that I went back home and vigourously rubbed off all the black marker markings on my back and soaked myself in a bath. After being tested for 64 standard compounds ranging from Potassium dichromate, Balsam of Peru(????) ,Fragrance mix,Tixocortol-21-pivalate,tea tree oil,sorbic acid and 4 different types of rubber mix! Amazing that my back can take all that. Anyway, thats that then.
This is the toxicity data on the substance - its not carcinogenic. but can cause other minor skin and respiratory system side effects.
Its not dangerous and I dont have a very serious allergy, so all is well.
Of course, it did mean that I went back home and vigourously rubbed off all the black marker markings on my back and soaked myself in a bath. After being tested for 64 standard compounds ranging from Potassium dichromate, Balsam of Peru(????) ,Fragrance mix,Tixocortol-21-pivalate,tea tree oil,sorbic acid and 4 different types of rubber mix! Amazing that my back can take all that. Anyway, thats that then.
This is the toxicity data on the substance - its not carcinogenic. but can cause other minor skin and respiratory system side effects.
Tuesday, February 6
Patch Test
On monday, I went to the dermatologist for patch testing for my allergy. After much discussion and repeating my history for the umpteenth time( why dont doctors use the same file and read before they come in) to a new medic, we decided to do a patch test for rubber and other cosmetics etc.
I presumed this would be a small patch like a nicotine patch(I was thinking of a microarray plate) with small discs on it. Somewhere on my shoulder or something. I had read that they would be putting it on my back, but I still thought it would be small.
When the nurse told me that there were 90 patches, I was slightly stunned. I then realised that these patches were like an Amul chocolate bar( or rather a dairy milk bar - the big one with 12 blocks - you dont get them here). And there were 9 of them. So my back resembles some sort of cork board with lots of notes stuck up with sellotape.
I realise how paranoid schizos who believe that the govt has inserted a bug inside their hands must feel. I feel like tearing this out!! Its like quasimodo's hump! I have a sore neck just from trying to keep my back straight all the time.
I also cant excercise, water my back or do anything normal. Its very annoying. I know this country often has people who dont bathe, but I prefer to wet my back when I have a bath.
So, I am being tested for over 90 chemicals. I cant believe I dont have an allergy to even one of them. It must be a miracle if I dont.
Tomorrow, they take this annoyance off my back and I will know the results. If positive, I have to do a more extensive analysis. So, my back is their testing board for another two days. If negative, I shall soak myself in a hot bath!!
I presumed this would be a small patch like a nicotine patch(I was thinking of a microarray plate) with small discs on it. Somewhere on my shoulder or something. I had read that they would be putting it on my back, but I still thought it would be small.
When the nurse told me that there were 90 patches, I was slightly stunned. I then realised that these patches were like an Amul chocolate bar( or rather a dairy milk bar - the big one with 12 blocks - you dont get them here). And there were 9 of them. So my back resembles some sort of cork board with lots of notes stuck up with sellotape.
I realise how paranoid schizos who believe that the govt has inserted a bug inside their hands must feel. I feel like tearing this out!! Its like quasimodo's hump! I have a sore neck just from trying to keep my back straight all the time.
I also cant excercise, water my back or do anything normal. Its very annoying. I know this country often has people who dont bathe, but I prefer to wet my back when I have a bath.
So, I am being tested for over 90 chemicals. I cant believe I dont have an allergy to even one of them. It must be a miracle if I dont.
Tomorrow, they take this annoyance off my back and I will know the results. If positive, I have to do a more extensive analysis. So, my back is their testing board for another two days. If negative, I shall soak myself in a hot bath!!
Saturday, February 3
Calcutta cup - England win
My prediction came true. It was England running riot against Scotland - Jonny being the lynchpin and centerpiece for their thumping win and astounding performance. Slightly magical, he scores a drop goal, 6 penalties and a try in his first international outing in 1200 days.
Anyway, England have a lovely schedule-Italy next before they take on favourites Ireland. Tomorrow is a big match, Ireland vs Wales in what I suspect would be the really first contest of the Six Nations.
Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup this year. Should be fun - wish I didnt have exams and a thesis to write.
Anyway, England have a lovely schedule-Italy next before they take on favourites Ireland. Tomorrow is a big match, Ireland vs Wales in what I suspect would be the really first contest of the Six Nations.
Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup this year. Should be fun - wish I didnt have exams and a thesis to write.
calcutta cup -update 7
Its half-time and England go into the break 17 -10 ahead.
I am off to make some dinner - dinner made - Pulioghare rice and I dont think I shall be writing in the second half.
I dont think Scotland will be able to come back in the second half. England have played very well and very strong in all departments.
Lets see what happens?
I am off to make some dinner - dinner made - Pulioghare rice and I dont think I shall be writing in the second half.
I dont think Scotland will be able to come back in the second half. England have played very well and very strong in all departments.
Lets see what happens?
calcutta cup -update 6
England havent allowed the Scots to have the ball for the last 10 minutes ever sicne scotland scored the try. Scotland are being forced to play defensively and england are powering through the Scotland defense.
Its all england now and scotland just manage to keep it out.
Can scotland show some character to come back.
5 minutes left in the half.
England score through Jason Robinson - great move. stretched the scot defense from touchline to touchline and a classical try scored.
JW again - misses and england are 7 points ahead. C'mon scotland .
Its all england now and scotland just manage to keep it out.
Can scotland show some character to come back.
5 minutes left in the half.
England score through Jason Robinson - great move. stretched the scot defense from touchline to touchline and a classical try scored.
JW again - misses and england are 7 points ahead. C'mon scotland .
calcutta cup -update 5
Good scottish tackling and england are being made to work hard for every yard. England have just become slightly indisciplined and just as I say that, scotland hand england a penalty.
Johnny scores easily from 30m to bring england within 1 point. This is what England have been missing. Charlie Hodgson was good, but JW is in a different class.
England off the restart - Ellis makes a great run to reach within 5m of the line, kick back out by scotland, and another run back by england and another england penalty which JW puts away easily to give england a 12 -10 lead.
JW has scored all England's points.
Johnny scores easily from 30m to bring england within 1 point. This is what England have been missing. Charlie Hodgson was good, but JW is in a different class.
England off the restart - Ellis makes a great run to reach within 5m of the line, kick back out by scotland, and another run back by england and another england penalty which JW puts away easily to give england a 12 -10 lead.
JW has scored all England's points.
calcutta cup -update 4
Scotland need to get back to equal terms.
Scotland are using bizarre tactics. they are kicking behind england into touch but are not contesting the line-out.
NOW THEY CONTEST and a bad line-out by england and Scotland SCORE!!!
FIRST TRY!! and can Chris patterson put more space between the teams. And a beautiful kick to have scotland leading 10- 6.
Scotland are using bizarre tactics. they are kicking behind england into touch but are not contesting the line-out.
NOW THEY CONTEST and a bad line-out by england and Scotland SCORE!!!
FIRST TRY!! and can Chris patterson put more space between the teams. And a beautiful kick to have scotland leading 10- 6.
calcutta cup -update 3
Restart from england - turnover by Joe Wesley and Johnny kicks the drop goal in within one minute of the restart.
6-3 england.
6-3 england.
calcutta cup -update 2
England driving from the line-out. Scottish 22 now. Scotland get the penalty and kick into touch into the english half. line-out - and england take them out while he is in the air. Scotland have the penalty - 42m to goal.
Can Chris Patterson, the best kicker in the world last year. Best strike rate last year. Beats Dan carter easily.
Anyway, he misses after the build up and we are back to 3 - 0 england.
Scotland have another penalty from kicking distance. C'mon scotland, you cannot afford to miss.
Chris patterson again and its straight through the posts.
3 -3 now and its match on.
Can Chris Patterson, the best kicker in the world last year. Best strike rate last year. Beats Dan carter easily.
Anyway, he misses after the build up and we are back to 3 - 0 england.
Scotland have another penalty from kicking distance. C'mon scotland, you cannot afford to miss.
Chris patterson again and its straight through the posts.
3 -3 now and its match on.
calcutta cup -update 1
England have started strongly, like I predicted. Scotland haven't had any possession to speak off and have already conceded a turnover.
England have made a scorching run and crossed the line, but couldn't ground the ball. Video referee decision.
5 meter scrum - England put in and england moved soctland a good ten yards the last time around. What happens now? Scotland are holding firm, the ball slips put and Scot 9 forces the knockon from the english scrum half. Scotland scrum.
Penalty england and Johnny is kicking... his 828th point for england. Wilkinson is back. His first points in three years.
11 minutes and its 3 -0 england
England have made a scorching run and crossed the line, but couldn't ground the ball. Video referee decision.
5 meter scrum - England put in and england moved soctland a good ten yards the last time around. What happens now? Scotland are holding firm, the ball slips put and Scot 9 forces the knockon from the english scrum half. Scotland scrum.
Penalty england and Johnny is kicking... his 828th point for england. Wilkinson is back. His first points in three years.
11 minutes and its 3 -0 england
Had a marathon teaching week. Stayed up the whole of Wednesday night to mark essays and set papers for my kids. 4pm on Thursday and I am staying awake thanks to caffeinated cokes.
It turned out to be a marathon 3.5 hour tutorial where we covered bacteriology, virology and bits of immunology. Ridiculous amount of work. I revised my virology, bacterio all in three hours. 2 hours into the tute and I had to send for crisps and another coke. Another hour and a half later and we were finally done. I was tired and barely made it home. Chips with cheese, chilli sauce and mayo was eaten while watching Dr.Who. I couldn't even remember when I hit the bed but was suddenly awoken by Billie Piper screaming - anyway crashed for a good ten hours.
Friday was spent recovering and now back to the rugby.
It turned out to be a marathon 3.5 hour tutorial where we covered bacteriology, virology and bits of immunology. Ridiculous amount of work. I revised my virology, bacterio all in three hours. 2 hours into the tute and I had to send for crisps and another coke. Another hour and a half later and we were finally done. I was tired and barely made it home. Chips with cheese, chilli sauce and mayo was eaten while watching Dr.Who. I couldn't even remember when I hit the bed but was suddenly awoken by Billie Piper screaming - anyway crashed for a good ten hours.
Friday was spent recovering and now back to the rugby.
Six Nations
It has started. After the autumn internationals, we being the World Cup year with the six nations starting today.
And it is the Calcutta Cup today at Twickenham - can Scotland do it again? England have new personnel, Brian Ashton is head coach after the disastrous Robinson era AND AND guess who is back? After three years out with injury - Johnny is back! Can he roll back the years and turn on the magic? It should be a great match.
My prediction is that the match is going to start off with both sides nervously and the key for Scotland will be to put points on board quickly. Get into the English half, keep them there and play for position. England will find it hard if they have to kick the ball away especially under a new coach who believes in running at the opposition.
I think Twickenham will also be a factor and with Johnny back and a new coach make england favourites to regain the trophy. I suspect we will have one of the two results:
20- 15 England or 30 - 10 England win. I dont think it is going to be a nail-biting, nervous, taut encounter like last year. England are going to come out guns firing and if Scotland cant respond with points, its going to be over by the end of the first half.
And it is the Calcutta Cup today at Twickenham - can Scotland do it again? England have new personnel, Brian Ashton is head coach after the disastrous Robinson era AND AND guess who is back? After three years out with injury - Johnny is back! Can he roll back the years and turn on the magic? It should be a great match.
My prediction is that the match is going to start off with both sides nervously and the key for Scotland will be to put points on board quickly. Get into the English half, keep them there and play for position. England will find it hard if they have to kick the ball away especially under a new coach who believes in running at the opposition.
I think Twickenham will also be a factor and with Johnny back and a new coach make england favourites to regain the trophy. I suspect we will have one of the two results:
20- 15 England or 30 - 10 England win. I dont think it is going to be a nail-biting, nervous, taut encounter like last year. England are going to come out guns firing and if Scotland cant respond with points, its going to be over by the end of the first half.
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