a correction is needed...

Kim does not suck at pool... in fact she is ranked number 37 in all of the UK. I was being hustled, or having my ego fed. She also has other random skills like juggling flaming swords (5 at a time), eating bits of glass (working on an entire window in one wing of the castle... it's under restoration anyways) and conversing with chickens (currently writing her second version of 'Kim's Poultry to English Dictionary'... and yes, if you're wondering, the avian flu outbreak has them trembling too).

feel better? I certainly do... :P

ps. we're playing a round or two tonight.

cut and paste

I've been typing all day, so I'm gonna just cut and past something that everyone would be interested in any ways... my mission statement for the next few years (actually a letter of intent for the J. Armand Bombardier Internationalist Fellowship application). The format is off, Blogger doesn't like 'tables' but all the same... enjoy.

I am applying for the Internationalist Fellowship in efforts to fund my postgraduate education. My undergraduate degree (B.Sc Honors Psych) exposed me to the biological and evolutionary motives for human behaviour, but left me with more questions than answers. The University of Liverpool (Liverpool, UK) offers a 12 month taught MSc in Evolutionary Psychology. Evolutionary psychology is the study of the phylogenetic history and adaptive functions of the mind. Researchers attempt to understand the purpose of human mind by examining past and present patterns that pervade our natural world. The research group at Liverpool is one of the most experienced and diverse in existence, and the largest operating within Europe. This unique collection of perspectives provides candidates with an excellent introduction into the fledgling field of evolutionary psychology through training in the relevant areas; evolutionary theory, human/primate evolutionary history, human/primate cognition and discipline specific statistical and research methods.
The MSc program is divided into 3 semesters with specific topics covered in each. Successful completion of the MSc requires completion of all nine modules:
Semester 1: Sept - Dec 2007
1: Fundamental Concepts in Evolutionary Theory 2: Primate Behavioural Ecology 3: Human Behavioural Ecology 4: Research Methods I

Semester 2: Jan - May 2007
5: Cognitive Evolution 6: Neuropsychology 7: Research Methods II 8: Statistics Course

Semester 3: May - Aug 2007
9: Research project (Projects involve 2-3 months data collection written up as a 20,000-word thesis
An area of personal interest is the notion of time perception in humans and our nearest extent relatives (and the associated temporal displays like music, language etc.). It can be argued that our species’ unique concept and awareness of time has contributed to our tremendous success, and as such has attracted a great deal of academic attention in recent years. Equally appealing are the dynamics of human mate choice. When humans choose potential mates, the decision is based upon a myriad of cues, at both the conscious and subconscious levels. Isolating these cues and highlighting their evolutionary significance is also a growing field of research. The MSc program from Liverpool will enable me to successfully explore the above avenues at the PhD level and beyond. Upon completion of my Masters, I intend to apply to relevant PhD programs at St. Andrews University (St. Andrews, Scotland) or The University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) to continue my academic career, with the ultimate goal of becoming a university professor.
In efforts to make myself a well-rounded individual and gain practical experience in my field, I am currently an Honorary Research Assistant (a glorified volunteer) with the University of Liverpool. Under Dr. Robin Dunbar, member of the Evolutionary Psych research group at Liverpool, I am gathering data on the social interactions within feral goat populations on the Isle of Rum, off the northwest coast of Scotland. Rum is a small and mountainous island with one village community of roughly 25 people. However, the study is conducted on the far side of the island, based out of a hunting bothy that lacks electricity or heating. The isolated nature of the project requires special attributes from its participants; independence, resilience (the climate is severe), physical stamina, and a sound mental state. Also, one must interact well with the locals (Scottish National Heritage employees) as our survival and general experience depends on a warm, reciprocal relationship. The skills I’ve brought to and learnt on Rum are fully transferable to any pursuit be it academic or personal.
While my education will be gained from various foreign institutions, as it is a perfect way to simultaneously develop a career and see the diversity the world has to offer, I plan to return to Canada once sufficiently ‘learned’. As a professor it is my hope that the theories and factual knowledge I will possess (as well as life experience) can go a long way towards educating and motivating generations of Canadian students. As citizens of one of the most diverse and fortunate countries it is our responsibility to put such an advantage to good use – realizing personal potential while developing a deep knowledge and respect for the international community.

found my stride

Although my favourite day has always been Thursday, this week it Friday stood up and took charge. Down at Harris I collected the most (and accurate) data so far, had a lovely (yet chilly) walk into town and a simply unbeatable time at the Shop. It was the 'young' crowd's turn to go out, and boy did we put on a clinic. There is some Isle of Rum gossip circulating regarding myself and Kim (she has a boyfriend, btw) so we decided to fuel the fire. As it turns out, my pants ripped while we were dancing to TOOL (thrashing about is better description) and provided the perfect situation, as we were alone in the hall when it happened. lol.
I finally unraveled the mystery surrounding my camera: it's being held in Inverness until I pay £89.75 in VAT tax (value added tax) and a holding fee. Customs thought it was a new camera and assigned the import duty to it. The situation should be resovled Monday when I call London and yell (politley) at them. So... within a week or two I can add some visual content to this lovely blog.
Back to the data collection. I'm finally confident in what I'm observing and how to record it, so it's no longer even a slight bother to follow these 'minging' beasts around the hills. I also took adavantage of some alone time with Lesley (supervisor) and Ed (Warden) to express my personal interest in aiding with the goat cull and annual count, as well as some minor horticultural projects planned for the village. I've got some busy months ahead :)

oh yes... I also made a lovely soup from carrots, red lentils, potato, and a few packs of 'brown sauce' kicking around the castle.

A special post for Ed

Big E,

Got your email today (well, finally checked my email today) and I share your feelings towards working at the same institution once we're 'learned' enough for someone to pay us for our thoughts (at the very least we could collaborate on some 'landmark' papers... or cite each others excessively ;). Also, I included the new link to Yahoo News to save you a few precious mouse clicks in your daily net searches. Say hi to Jes for me, hope all is well on that front.

Helicopters and Haggis

That's right... I got my first helicopter ride yesterday. Picked Portia and I up right up in front of the castle, flew us a few clicks inland, dropped us off at a quarry (in the rain) where we stood for 30 minutes and watched it ferry bags of rock back and forth to another part of the island (to fix the ailing road). The real reason the copter was in was to help with the deer cull. Ususlly they use a boat to get to the more remote parts of the island, but it's out of commission (like everything else). They got a whopping 54 deer yesterday, and are aiming for another 40 today. It's a bloodbath on Rum. Well... not really. It either takes 2 stalkers 5-10 days to get that number, or 5 stalkers 2 days. Personally I don't care... I just want some venison.
So... no camera yet. And it's a damn shame too. Kim gave me a tour of the castle (including the ballroom, which is perfect for sliding with socked feet ;) and then we had a billards night in the actual billards room (over 100 years old). Amazing. I spent Saturday 'hoovering' the halls of the castle and cleaning the kitchen (the least I could do... I am staying for free). Portia keeps trying to get me into the larder to see some deer carcasses, but I keep finding excuses not to go. I don't really want to see 54 deer hanging from the ceiling and 2-3" of blood on the floor.
I'd like for people to recommend some reading material for me. All I have is rather heavy scientific stuff, which is ultimately my favourite, but can only be had in small doses. Give me some fiction (witty, deep, thought provoking, classics etc) and I can track them down.

oh, about the haggis... I bought one for dinner tonight.

i'm back...

The internet service provider for Rum has gone tits up... so for the past week or so I've really been off the grid. Most of the island is still without a connection, but luckily the Reserve Office is on a different line and currently empty :)
Ok, the best way to do this is simply take it day by day since the last post... and it's been quite a journey!

Thursday: out to Harris via land rover with the Stalkers. Saddled up the ponies and headed off into the cuillens (mountains). It was and absolutely perfect day... not a cloud in the sky. All and all we were out for about 7 hrs, and when I finally made it back to the rover I was spent (and still hung over from the night before). But, it was the best decision I've made since coming here. I got to know more people (Portia, Karl, Marcel, John Alex) and people have a much better respect for you when you're actively involved (Leslie said there have been multiple nice comments about me since arriving ;)
That night we went to the shop for some pool, few beverages and live music. There are several people here from neighbouring Eigg to do some fence maintainence, and I've become quite chummy with them as we both stay at the castle.
Friday: out to Harris again with the stalkers. Not quite as nice as the day before, but it was cut short as both Portia's and Karl's radios were dead (forgot to charge them... a night in the shop will do that). Into town, enough time for a brief walk and an extremely long shower (if I could I would spend an hour or more in that cramped little stall). Back to the shop... lol... I see a theme here on Rum. Friday night was the best yet... live music (squeeze box, guitar and bohdren (sp?)). I managed to make a drumset out of the weigh scale, the counter, and box of lollies and two pencils. It did the job.
Saturday: hung over. Went for a walk out on the point to clear my head and purge my system. Another beautiful day. I could see Skye, Sleat, Malliag and the southern mainland. Sat on a chunk of rock in a sea-side ruined village for over an hour doing what I do best... thinking. Pure magic. Back to the castle and dragged (twist my rubber arm) into the shop by Kim, the other castle worker who I had just met. This time I upgraded my drumset to include glass candle holders that delivered a nice 'ping' when struck with the same pencils from before. Fliss broke out a Scottish whistle and I was hooked... I have subsequently learnt 'auld lange syne' on mine. I put on a clinic at the pool table (mind you Kim wasn't very good) and then retired for the evening.
Sunday: the day of rest. another walk, then out on to the tidal flats to collect some mussels for lunch. A good idea gone bad... there was so much sand in them I was spitting out baby 'pearls' with each one. Leslie maintains there are crabs out there, but I'll hold off on my sea floor scrounging until someone can help me.
Monday: back to Harris to collect wood and clean up the place, awaiting myself and Annie's return. Decided to walk back to Harris early afternoon to get some exercise. About halfway there I met Leslie on the quad!!! It was fixed, and she was coming down to get some goat pics. I happily continued on my way, content in the knowledge that tomorrow I could blast out to Harris on my own steam. So I thought. Monday was Stuart's Bday (a fencer) so it was back to the shop for some celebration (don't worry, my finances are holding out fine... beans cost 35p a tin, leaving quite a lot for other sources of calories ;)
Tuesday: at Leslies by 8:30 to age some goat horns she has in a box. It was quite cool. The actual exterior of the horn is like a sheath over a boney prominence. Asked her a few more general questions and started off back home. Stalled the quad twice (it had sat for way too long) and about 10 minutes after the second time the gear lever went again. Luckily I was in 2rd at the time and managed to nurse it to Harris. It has been fixed and broken (not by me) again since... and I think it needs a new clutch now, as the lever has pretty much stripped the inside.
Wednesday: a rather misty day cut short by the arrival of Beck, John Alex's dog, who takes great pleasure in chasing goats up the hills and back to the cliffs, making it impossible for us to do our job. Ah well... we went for a walk instead.
Thursday: great day. no rain, no clouds, it was all goats baby. there's only a few I don't know now, so it's much more satisfying out on the hills. I can do activity budgets and vigilance samples, then take breaks to complete my sketches of each goat (for accurate ID'ing in the future). Finished my book on Freemasonry and the birth of the Royal Society (a great read, thanks Erin!) and started The Blank Slate by Stephen Pinker (thanks Mary!). Also read a review paper on mental time travel in animals. A very productive day.
Friday: back in town. walked again (let Annie nurse the quad back) and had another long shower to warm up. Currently in the Reserve Office re-acquainting myself with the real world. This week will feature a CV clinic put on by Leslie (she doesn't know it yet) and scholarship applications.

i've said it before and i'll say it again... i love this place.