Halloween weekend

Happy Halloween people! Even if you don't believe in such a thing, don't you just love to have that excuse to dress up as some freak or other? hehehe!
Here is one party I went to and the host thought it funny to have the bathroom done up too...

There they go again...

I am quite annoyed at these so called animal lovers! There they are again outside. This time they aren't so quite, as they got a loud speaker with them. The police seemed more agitated now I think, because today the camera was in use. The nasty protesters were so noisy that I could hear them from my office.
Okay, need to stop whining about them. It is what they want I suppose.

"Words fall from our mouths, Like plates from shaking hands, Smash upon the silence, Of the smooth naked canal.
I'm evil and a heathen, I'm a heathen and evil like you, There's not a lot I couldn't do.
I like how you pretend, That the end will be the end, So fill your thirst, Drink a curse, To the death of death instead.
I'm evil and a heathen, I'm a heathen and evil like you, There's not a lot I wouldn't do"
-Franz Ferdinand

On another matter. Prof Sir Richard Southwood has passed away on Wednesday morning. The world of entomology will miss him :_(

Walk away

Today, I got my first glimpse of the animal rights protesters. They were on the opposite side of the road, while the police stood on the the other. The activists hung banners and held their pickets; and the police armed with cameras, and even a video-camera apart from their usual gear. And there was siIence, save for a car or bicycle that passes by occasionally. I can't help to feel the tension in the air as I walk pass them (police side, of course). I had half expected shouting and insults to be heard from the activists, but I guess that is what the police are hoping to film. Yet, their presence is felt as they look straight at the empty construction site behind the police that is to be a block of research labs. But then I gave a shrug, walked away, and went on with my day.
Though today's demonstration seemed calm, I know that is just deception. The damages they did to the university buildings and threatening letters they've sent speak for themselves.

"Mascara bleeds a blackened tear. And I am cold. Yes, I'm cold. But not as cold as you are. I love the sound of you walking away. Why don't you walk away?"
- Franz Ferdinand

Mazes and security doors

I'm still adjusting to the fact that my maze-like building is so strict about security. Due to some misguided animal lovers, nearly every door to a corridor is locked. And only special tags can open them, in addition to swipe cards at the main entrance of the building. I overheard a researcher cursing under his breath when he encountered another locked door and had to fumble for the tag again. I don't blame him... Apart from opening doors to get to one place and another (or getting lost) in my building, I'm glad to see that the insectary down in the basement is large and has a healthy stock of mosquitoes of different species. Only thing is that safety procedures mean special lab coats and gloves to be worn in there :(. And of course, no photos. Now if I can just remember the way...

Location, location, location

After a bit of break, it is time to get back to life as we think we know. So I left my job, and also my previous home in Cardiff. I'm now starting anew again in... Oxford!
My first impression is that I will like it here, though am filled with self-doubt that I am not brainy enough for this city. I will be doing research here (in mosquitoes still, surprise surprise!) and so far the people I've met are friendly and extremely smart (too smart!). Arrgh! I hope I can survive!