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

Self preservation or paranoia? You decide…

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

(Long Post Warning). Here’s the text of an email I sent to a brand new (and very bright) graduate student recently. The student had asked me to “have a quick look at” a one page proposal for a small internal … Continue reading →

Posted in career, English language, grant wrangling, science | 14 Comments

Elevation Rumination

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

The layout of my building1 forces me to spend a lot of time in the basement every morning, waiting for the lift (elevator). Once the lift arrives there is little chance of thinking anything much other than “oh please let … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Let’s all go and visit Okham instead!

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

This hilarious commercial sums up an experience that Mr E Man and I had at the weekend. Yup, flights home for Christmas = $crazy amount + >75% in fees, taxes and surcharges, FFS. We even had to call the bank … Continue reading →

Posted in blog buddies, rants, silliness, sport, videos | 14 Comments

Yet another meme!

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Damnit Crystal! Here’s me trying to write the exceptionally serious, meticulously researched and definitely not silly posts that I am known for, and there’s you tagging me for more frivolity. Ah well, I suppose it is OK to have the … Continue reading →

Posted in meme, personal, politics, silliness | 9 Comments

Tracking my contribution

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Given that I am almost halfway through a two year contract, it is very important that I can justify my continued existence to my supervisors. (The situation is that if they like me they will try to find the money … Continue reading →

Posted in career, grant wrangling | 8 Comments

That Food Meme

Posted on October 18, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

The Very Good Taste Ominvore’s 100: stolen from Chall! Rationale and Methods (can you tell I’ve been working on grants?) These are the original instructions from the list’s creator. “Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers … Continue reading →

Posted in drunkenness, food glorious food, meme | 9 Comments

That Atheist Meme

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Tagged by R.E.S.E.A.R.C.H.E.R.S. I swear this thing was written by a theist who wants to make us look bad or something! Can You Remember The Day That You Officially Became An Atheist? There was no specific day, and I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in atheism, meme, personal | 7 Comments

They have got to be doing this on purpose

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

To set the scene, imagine the following: Two major Canadian grant application deadlines, exactly one month apart. One project, submitted to both competitions. One manuscript, absolutely pivotal to said project. ————————————————– The manuscript was accepted exactly one day after the … Continue reading →

Posted in grant wrangling, publishing, science | 9 Comments

Big day!

Posted on October 14, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

Canadian Federal Election AND Big grant deadline – 3 grants, 2 PIs. (Well actually the deadline is tomorrow, but we need to get everything together today). It’s a good thing I can’t vote, I probably wouldn’t have time! Wish me … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, grant wrangling, politics | 43 Comments

Random things that people send me #3

Posted on October 11, 2008 by Cath@VWXYNot?

An anniversary card from my cousin: I should just be grateful that she didn’t fill the envelope with glitter like she did with my 21st birthday card… I was picking that stuff out of the carpet for months! Happy Thanksgiving … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, family, photos, silliness | 9 Comments