Un jour lent

Leaving the St. Cross bop relatively early last night was probably a good idea. I actually managed to get a respectable amount of work done today. I’d say that’s because of the combination of the dreary weather outside and the feeling of deadlines actually creeping up on me: weapons at the ready. While I’m not sure if this little pause was terribly well spent, it’s clear that it is coming to an end. Over the course of the day, I read Reus-Smit, Checkel, and lots of Wendt. If this week’s seminar doesn’t degenerate into another theoretical shouting match, I should be able to participate in the discussion.

General school stuff

Portions of two scholarship applications got finished this morning. So far, such efforts have not yielded the cost of postage expended so far in applying, but I am hopeful this tide can be turned. I also read up on British tenancy law, which seems to be reasonably straightforward, though somewhat different from its Canadian equivalent. We will need to pay attention to getting a good tenancy agreement for the flat we will hopefully be renting for the summer and next year.

I should probably volunteer to write a paper for Dr. Hurrell next week. I can write it on the constructivism question, on the basis of the readings and the core seminar discussion. That way, I won’t have two papers due in seventh week, when the second core seminar paper for this term is due. I can write that on the topic for the seventh week discussion.

Upcoming talk

There is a talk this coming Thursday that I will be attending and encourage anyone who is interested to attend as well:

“The impact and role of major international scientific assessments on global environmental governance”
Dr Robert Watson, Chief Scientist, The World Bank
Thursday 23rd Feb, 5.15pm
Martin Wood Lecture Theatre: adjacent to the Clarendon Laboratory on Parks Road at the corner with Keble Road.

Given that is is very closely related to my intended thesis topic, I will certainly be attending.

New Oxford Craigslist

Andy Kim, a member of my program, has apparantly brought about the creation of a Craigslist for Oxford. According to him, it is “for housing, selling things, and all sorts of other weird things that generally happen on craigslist. It has its pluses and minuses, but I think it generally makes for a better connected community. ” Oxfordians should consider having a look. There isn’t much there yet, but I am sure that will change with time.

It’s not a service I’ve used myself, but I remember that Zandara found her really cool flat in Vancouver through it, so it must have its uses.

• I am sure everyone remembers about the bloggers’ gathering on Tuesday, but I thought I should plug it again anyhow. If I am going to miss the Strategic Studies Group meeting for it, there had better be at least a few people there.
• Ainsley Harriott flavoured cous cous makes a really good snack, especially if you add some olive oil. You can get four or five bowls of the stuff for the price of a Sainsbury’s sandwich. The “Spice Sensation” flavour is especially good, and reminds me of Indian food.
• Google Earth is out for Mac. I spent at least an hour this evening checking out places I know well. Hornby Island is not at all where I thought it was, though my experience of getting there never actually involved navigating. I’ve also been adding markers for friends around the world. I’ve added everyone who has sent me a letter. Once you have entered the data point, you can set the program to fly between them in sequence. I may never do reading again.
• What are you meant to do when you read something really unsettling on another person’s blog? It’s exceptionally hard to identify a person’s tone over this kind of medium, especially when you don’t really know them any other way. The choices seem to be to leave a comment that might miss the mark entirely or just ignore their post. Are painfully generic words used in attempted condolence better than nothing?