I find many aspects of Windows XP’s design very annoying, and I’ve long wanted to try something like Linux as an alternative – but then there are compatibility issues. And overall, I’ve never found stability problems with Windows XP, and I like the way it does lots of things – besides which, I couldn’t change OS and still be connected to the university network without great difficulty.

So instead of ditching Windows, I’ve just ditched the explorer.exe shell and replaced it with a new, self-penned shell (with more than a little help from Talisman 2). And now I’m happy – I’ve got programs and internet links in happy groups on a kind of task-bar extension to the left of the screen, the normal taskbar with a few changes (most notably it’s reduced size, and the addition of built in Winamp and Volume controls), and a nice circular Analog clock connecting the two at the bottom left. I also have a calendar and retractable desktop panel on the desktop, as well as a Desktop Toolbar complete with PC Power buttons running across the top. It’s very nice.

Changing topic completely… Car magazines. I was in WHSmith the other day, and there were fairly young teenagers deciding which one to buy. This seemed rather disturbing, given that none of them were old enough to drive, but when they selected one on the basis that it came with a free “Car Washing Kit”, things became grossly surreal. What were they planning on doing with it? Probably best not to ask.

Lots of fun in the Dissecting Room today, beginning with the introduction to the session. This is normally done by video, made by the anatomy tutor. Unfortunately, she realised that she’d got left and right the wrong way round throughout, and so instead decided to read the script out loud. A script which began “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to this afternoon’s anatomy session”. I think I nearly wet myself. Which would have been appropriate, given that we were doing the urinary system. I was surprised at how small the kidneys are – I’d always imagined them to be quite big, but they’re only about 10cm or so. Quote of the day: Someone commented on how a particular dissected bladder resembled a deer-stalker hat, and somebody managed to come out with: “Don’t take the piss out of the poor thing”. If you are interested in the kidneys and urinary system – and I must warn you that my brother thought he was, until he saw this site and screamed (I can’t really understand why, but I suppose it’s pretty graphic) – visit the Newcastle university Anatom-e (Geddit?) page here .

And my hands smell of the nice Anatomy department soap now, so I’m happy.

Anyway, as usual I have lots of work to do (sympathy please) so I suppose I better do some. Looks like I better do some Ethics. Have a pleasant evening.

Originally posted on The LBSC