Biography
So, you want to know more intimate details about the organic life form behind this website? Are you sure? If so then read on, but please remember that I accept no responsibility for any psychiatric damage caused as a result...
General
My real name is Paul, although most people know me by my nickname Dinger. Some time ago, I finished studying maths, computing, economics, law and general studies (plus an AS in further maths) at Holy Cross College in Manchester, England. If you're wondering, I got 4 A's, a B in general studies (despite failing one of the modules) and a D in further maths.
I'm currently reading computer science at the University of Manchester. At the end of the course, I'll probably have an additional year of industrial experience, on top of what I've already attained, and a BSc (Hons) degree. I've not decided yet whether to carry on as a postgraduate and gain a masters degree or perhaps even a PhD.
In the future, I'd like to start my own business, although I suppose I'm half-way there already, because I'm self-employed. Becoming a university lecturer has also become one of my potential career paths. I'd also like to become a high-ranking politician, because I think I could do a better job of running the country than the people who are in charge at the moment.
Likes
I love listening to music, even if my tastes are considered varied, strange and even sad by some people. Music is a great form of entertainment in that you can listen to it alone, or with other people. Music also helps me relax whenever I'm feeling stressed out, and I nearly always listen to music whilst I'm working.
I also like watching comedy repeats on UK Gold, especially Red Dwarf and the Vicar of Dibley. I'm currently trying to collect all the great comedy series on DVD. Hornblower is also an excellent drama, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I'm also a fan of Doctor Who, although I don't own a Tom Baker scarf or anything like that.
Finally, I enjoy going out drinking - the essential hobby of any student aged between 18 and 25!
Dislikes
One of my major pet hates is the way that Americans corrupt the English language by taking out letters wherever they feel like it. Because of this, I and other English webmasters have to continually remember that colour is actually spelt color when using HTML, CSS etc. There seems no reason to do this, apart from the fact that America always seems to want what other countries have - only their way.
I also loathe people who show off about how much they think they know about computers. I don't have a problem with people who actually know what they are talking about being a bit arrogant now and then (it'd be hypocritical of me not to exert at least some tolerance for them!), but what really annoys me is people thinking they can break into systems simply because they know the name of a server.
Geekcode
For your interest, my geekcode is as follows:
GCS/J/M d s-:- a18 C+ UL P+ L+ E---- W++ N o? K- w O? M-- V? PS+ PE Y+ PGP-- t--- 5-- X- R tv b+++ DI D+ G e h! r* y**
If you don't understand the point of the geekcode, or can't be bothered to translate it, don't worry. It probably wouldn't appeal to you in this case.
Blogger code
Again, for your interest, my blogger code is as follows:
B5 d++ t++ k+ s+ u- f i- o x e+ l- c
As with the geekcode, if you can't see the point in the above code, don't worry. It's only interesting if you understand it.