So, you want to know more intimate details about the organic life form behind this website? Looking for some juicy gossip? Or just bored and have nothing better to do? Then read on…

General

My real name is Paul, although most people know me by my nicknames, either Dinger or Tory Paul. Several years ago, I finished studying maths, computing, economics, law and general studies at Holy Cross College in Manchester, England. If you’re wondering, I got 4 A’s, a B in general studies, and a subject award prize for the highest A level computing results in the college that year.

In July 2006 I graduated with a 2.1 BSc (Hons) in Computer Science from the University of Manchester and I’ve recently completed an MA in Ancient World Studies in the School of Classics and Ancient History. I’m now approaching the end of an MPhil in Computer Science under the topic ‘Automatically Identifying Social Change’.

Likes

Literature is one of my indulgences—I love reading and probably have enough books to stock a small library, although there is still a huge pile which I’ve haven’t got round to reading yet. I also enjoy writing, including everything from short non-fiction articles to longer fictional works.

I love listening to music, though I have rather varied tastes. 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 and especially so when I’m coding.

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 with my friends. A few pints of bitter down the pub and suddenly the world seems a much better place…

Groups and projects

I founded the Computer Science Linux User’s Group, which sadly fell on the wayside in my third year as I concentrated on my degree. I’m also involved in ManLUG and moderate the unofficial IRC channel for the group – #manlug on irc.oftc.net, as well as organising our monthly currybeer meetings.

When it comes to union societies, I’m the longest serving male member of Warped, which means that I end up running several of the events held throughout the year, though I haven’t managed to make it to a meeting for some time. I’ve also been a member of CompSoc for several years (which switched between being in the union and out of it) and served as its chairman in 2004/5.

In the local area, I’m one of the joint coordinators of Manchester Friends of the Earth and organise the Greater Manchester Local Groups Network as well. I’m also a regular attendee of the Manchester Classical Association and am responsible for the group’s web site.

In terms of national groups, I’m a full professional member of the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. I’m also a member of the UK Unix Users’ Group and serve on its Council. In addition, I’m a member of Friends of the Earth (which is separate in terms of membership from the Manchester group), People and Planet and Amnesty International.