Author Archives: Cath@VWXYNot?

About Cath@VWXYNot?

"one of the sillier science bloggers [...] I thought I should give a warning to the more staid members of the community." - Bob O'Hara, December 2010

LOLs from my father

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

My Dad’s always a good source of entertainment, but he’s really outdone himself this week. I don’t know if it’s the Christmas spirit or some other kind of spirit, but his emails and phone calls have been full of gems … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, family, politics, science, silliness, sport | 13 Comments

Cuba: Chan Chan and other songs

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

This is the song “Chan Chan”, from the Buena Vista Social Club album. It’s good, eh? This is just as well, because we heard it an average of twice a day on our two week trip. The music was one … Continue reading →

Posted in music, photos, travel, videos | 6 Comments

Cuba: Trinidad

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Trinidad is a town on the South coast of Cuba, a couple of hours by bus from Cienfuegos. Our new German and Israeli buddies from the El Nicho trip were on the same bus, which made it even more fun … Continue reading →

Posted in photos, travel | 4 Comments

I wish all meetings could be like my last one

Posted on December 18, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Purpose of meeting: to discuss the format and content of a progress report, due on December 30th. I arrived a few minutes late as the elevators were all messed up and I don’t have access to the stairs in that … Continue reading →

Posted in career, food glorious food | 2 Comments

Man the ramparts!

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I saw this NIH funding opportunity announcement pop up in my RSS feed just now, and had a flashback to the joys of hall of residence1 dining during my first year of undergrad. Specifically, using a canteen tray2 to protect … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Rock the vote!

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Just a reminder that votes in the competition only count if they’re entered via the actual poll, in the top right sidebar, just under the kayak photo. If you left a comment saying who you were voting for, but didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in competition, meta | 5 Comments

Actual conversation

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Colleague 1: “What are you working on right now?” Me: “A progress report for Dr. X” Colleague 2: “I don’t think I know Dr. X, what does he look like?” Me: (Thinks) “Harry Potter” Colleague 1: “OHMYGODHETOTALLYDOES!!!” Colleage 2: “Oh, … Continue reading →

Posted in silliness | 12 Comments

The Time Traveller’s Grant

Posted on December 15, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Spotted today on a progress report form: “Date of Degree must be in the format MM/YYYY. Date Earned must be before 01/2050 and after 01/1900”. Luckily, the PI did manage to get his MD within that date range.

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Hockey Pool, Week 11

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

I made up one measly point on That Damn Alyssa this week. Whoop-de-doo!

Posted in hockey pool 2009-2010 | 6 Comments

First Annual VWXYNot? Readers’ Choice Comment of the Year* Award!

Posted on December 12, 2009 by Cath@VWXYNot?

It’s almost Christmas! I’m feeling much warmer and fuzzier than normal about the whole thing this year, possibly because I essentially missed Christmas Day last time around (stoopid norovirus). And what else makes me feel all warm and fuzzy? My … Continue reading →

Posted in competition, meta | 24 Comments