Fast

So fast I don't feel like writing, what I write will be out of date by the time it's in print ;-)

So just a quick summary:

I’ve been dumped on from on high, I mean I’m being tested :-`
- I got my exam timetable on Friday.
Instead of 3 weeks to study for and sit the equivalent of 6 exams (3 double semester exams), I have a single week.

The exams are all in the first week of the exam schedule, with one day between each.
The first one is 6 days (or 5 ½, but who’s counting?) after the Friday at end-of-term when I hand in 17500 words for 2 different papers, each an exam’s worth (paper in lieu of exam).

So the harsh reality is – I’m full on till exams are done, see you afterward.
Weird but that seems to be the way of it.


And also -
http://www.spark.auckland.ac.nz/challenges/winners/2011/100kqualifiers
I am part of a group in the final of a business planning competition; we're starting up the business anyways, but a prize would be a great way to start ...


And also -
I will probably get a final decision on the recommendation regarding operating on my back as a last resort in my next consult with the surgeon Mon 5th 8 am.
I've had a consult and fresh MRIs and Xrays.
Peter Roberson wrote a VERY long and sympathetic letter (copied to me) to my doctors – it was also helpful to give the kids to read to give them a clue.

Peter Robertson is the surgeon – I don’t know anyone he has operated on but have 2 friends he refused to operate on – he is conservative.
Which gives me comfort either way.


Back to work.

Protecting the Readable Machine
- to what extent are the functions of a software program protected by copyright in NZ?

Doha as Dodo?
- are the talks resumable and if so on what basis?
- what are the main points of agreement and contention in Trade in Services, and Development, in the Doha round negotiations between WTO members and groupings of members?