My interests according to the Grad Student Phone List

2000-2001: Algebra/Stats, Rugby, Heavy Metal, Computer Games, Science Fiction/Fantasy

This was my first year at UCSB, and at the time I did not realise that few people actually cared about one's 'interests' as they appeared on the phone list. Hence, I responded way too seriously.

Algebra: When I first came here, I thought that I wanted to be an algebraist. Since I am a functional analyst, there has clearly been a change of plans. Despite some comments to the contrary, I actually still like algebra. I'm just not as good at it as I am at analysis, differential equations, topology....

Statisitics: When I left high school, with an A-level in Statistics, I dreamed of being a statistician and having a probability distribution named after me. Obviously that has not happened.  The reason is primarily because both at Northridge and at Santa Barbara, the statistics department is separate from the math department. At Northridge, where I was doing night classes, I did not have the time to take classes outside the department. At Santa Barbara,- well, I had enough trouble staying on top of my math department requirements in my first three years, while in the last two years, I simply got tired of taking classes (I had 11 years of postsecondary education). Maybe in the future, I will relearn statistics.

Rugby: I love contact sports. Sadly, I'm not that good at them. After my third year at Santa Barbara, at the age of 30, I retired from rugby.

Heavy Metal: Aluminium, Lead, Silver, Gold...   I love heavy metal.  For an elaboration on this, see my Metal page.

Computer Games:  Probably my biggest vice these days is an addiction to computer games. For a list and commentary of games, see my Games page.

Science Fiction/ Fantasy: My favourite genre of fiction. Yeah- I'm a geek.

2001-2002: Blood, sweat and beer

This time I decided to write something silly. Most rugby players can of course identify with these interests. However I got the phrase from an Iron Maiden single "Be Quick or be Dead". On the single there is a 'hidden track' which features the lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, imitating the band's manager, Rod Smallwood and talking over an acoustic guitar track.  The track is absolutely hilarious, although it probably helps if you're a fan of Maiden to begin with. The premise of the track is that Rod is involved in the production of the new Maiden album, and his suggestion for the title is "Blood, Sweat and Beer", a bloody good Yorkshire title.

2002-2003: Nocturnal Rites

Namely sleeping and reading Sandman comics. Of course, it's also a play on the tenuous but oft-made link between Heavy Metal and devil worship.

2003-2004: Dancing with the Dead

Iron Maiden's 2003 album was "Dance of the Dead". In reality, I do not dance at all with either the living or the dead. However, I do have a little Death doll who accompanies me to qualifying exams and the like. (Death is a character from the Sandman comics).

2004-2005: Gyring and Gimbling in the Wabe

Something a little less morbid and violent this year. It's taken straight from the poem Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. I have no idea what it really means, and I don't think any one else, including Carroll, does either.