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Status Reports
Status: Summary (2012 - June)
(Text as at 26/08/2012 20:29:46)
*** THIS IS NOT THE LATEST VERSION OF THIS NOTE ***
(For the live version and other versions of this Note, see the tables at the end)
Rationale for this Report
This is a summary report with links to my various on-going projects. Detailed progress is shown on the sub-reports. This summary report should highlight whether my focus has become unbalanced or otherwise inappropriate to the achievement of my major goals. As these reports are rather a pain to produce, I’ve decided to produce them quarterly, rather than monthly as in the past.
Projects in Progress
I am still preoccupied with moving house, so much so that this quarterly report is being finalised nearly 2 months late. It’s probably not worth doing, especially as the present quarter is nearly as much of a disaster as the last insofar as progressing my projects is concerned. But things will turn around eventually, and producing these reports reminds me that the “infrastructural” aspects of my life must not retain the focus for ever.
I have ten projects currently on the go, which is too many, especially in my current domestic situation. Consequently, they are divided into two groups. The first group has effort planned, and the second group doesn’t. This is not to say that no time will be spent on the second group, but just that it’ll be minor and ad hoc. Follow the hyperlinks for further details:- Primary Projects
- Research into Personal Identity1. This is the subject that ought to grab most of my attention at the moment. It is also, incidentally, the topic of my PhD. I need to achieve something in philosophy, as this is the only one of my endeavours that promises a professional outcome (in the sense of being one of more than merely personal interest).
- Studies in the Philosophy of Religion2. On and off, this represents the main preoccupation of my adult life (work and family aside). I’m no longer pursuing the MA in Philosophy and Religion at Heythrop College, London University, but intend to follow up on the Philosophy of Religion module in some detail.
- Development of Web-tools3. This project is intended to assist with the prosecution of philosophical research. It is fundamentally an enabling project, though one I hope will have general metaphilosophical implications. The above two projects are test cases of the method, as well as worthwhile studies in their own right.
- Languages4: Gain at least a rudimentary understanding of 24 diverse languages – for practical and philosophical purposes.
- Bridge5: I’m attempting to become an expert player, and am shifting the focus from club play – now reduced to once or twice a week – to weekend tournaments.
- Music6: Improve my competence as an oboist, and learn the piano (though the latter sub-project remains dormant).
Secondary Projects
- Consciousness7 Studies. A supporting project for both Personal Identity and Philosophy of Religion.
- Mathematics8: Revive / improve my mathematical competence with a view to the use of mathematics as a tool in my various other projects.
- HiQ9: Enjoy and contribute to the intellectual society of ISPE and Mensa.
- Chess10: Improve my standard of play so I can perform acceptably in the Essex, London, Middlesex … leagues (whenever I’m ready).
These projects are (approximately, in their respective groups) in order of decreasing priority, yet in practise the amount of effort expended on them fails to respect their relative priorities. My intention is radically to prune the lower-priority projects. However, Bridge is such fun – for all its frustrations – that I can’t ever see it occupying its logically lowly place.
I have ignored the various infrastructural elements of my life in these reports – in particular family life, gym, and general reading, culture, current affairs and such like.
As these reports are now quarterly, I’m including a link to a brief uncommented list of what I’ve been working on since the last report (ie. this one, generated automatically from my time-recording system). Its main utility (to me, at any rate) is as a quick jumping-off point for the various writings in progress or recently completed. It’s here11. The list will be updated every few days, I imagine.
This report and the sub-reports obtained by following the immediate links above show the current status. The report headings show the month the reports are for. Earlier reports can be found by following the links in the “Table of Previous Versions of this Note” further down this report, or in the sub-reports.
Plan versus Actual Effort Summary (Previous Quarter & YTD)
Summary figures against the April - June 2012 plan, and for the 2011/12 academic year, are as below:-
Project | Planned Hours / Week | Planned %age | Apr - Jun Actual % | YTD Actual % | Apr - Jun Actual Hours | YTD Actual Hours |
Bridge | 15 | 28 | 51 | 53 | 187 | 834 |
Chess | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
Consciousness | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Hi-Q | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Languages | 6 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 91 |
Mathematics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Music | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 18 |
Philosophy of Religion | 8 | 15 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 180 |
Thesis | 15 | 28 | 21 | 10 | 79 | 158 |
Website | 8 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 64 | 270 |
TOTAL | 54 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 366 | 1562 |
Comparisons | 91 Days | 274 Days | 52 | 74 | 702 | 2114 |
The bottom row in the above table is non-standard. The first two columns show the number of days in the current reporting Quarter and YTD, and the last two columns show the hours planned (according to the latest monthly plan) for the current reporting Quarter and pro-rata YTD. The middle columns show %age actual vs plan (actuals taken from the Total row). In principle this allows monitoring of total effort vs plan, as well as the distribution of effort across projects.
For the Priority projects, only Web Tools and Philosophy of Religion were anywhere near planned time utilisation – and then not on priority tasks – while Bridge (because it is easy and scheduled) continues to occupy most of my free time.
Summary of Progress during April - June 2012
Like 4Q11 & 1Q12, but much more so, 2Q12 was very much below plan as far as time expended was concerned (52%, 74% YTD where the year is the 2011/12 academic year). The excuse remains moving house, as noted above. Attention to my Thesis wasn’t too bad, in an unstructured way, but there was as always far too much of a focus on Bridge. Website developments look on tract, but effort remains for OBT and Hutton Bridge Club, rather than my own.
Follow this link for a list of recently purchased books. Some of these are random purchases from charity shops. Others are selectively purchased in support of my various projects. Poverty and lack of space is severely curtailing my purchasing power.
Time Divisions
See the tables above. As last quarter, and most quarters, I didn’t stick to the planned percentage splits. For a detailed breakdown of time spent, by month and study location, follow this link12.
Plan Summary (Next Quarter & Full Year)
The plan for the distribution of effort, in hours / week, for the present Academic Year is as below. Despite the present domestic distractions, I’ve left the plan as it would be if there were none – we’ll see how things go. As the year goes by, estimates are replaced by actuals, and re-estimates are made. In the light of the above “re-focusing” decision, Secondary Projects have no time estimated for them.
Project | Planned Hours / Week | Planned %age | Full Year Planned %age | April - June 2012 Planned Hours | Full Year Planned Hours | Full Year Actual + Planned Hours | Comparison (%ages) |
Bridge | 15 | 28 | 28 | 191 | 784 | 1031 | 131 |
Chess | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 100 |
Consciousness | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100 |
Hi-Q | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 100 |
Languages | 6 | 11 | 11 | 76 | 314 | 170 | 54 |
Mathematics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 100 |
Music | 2 | 4 | 2 | 25 | 52 | 44 | 84 |
Philosophy of Religion | 8 | 15 | 17 | 102 | 471 | 285 | 60 |
Thesis | 15 | 28 | 30 | 191 | 837 | 355 | 42 |
Website | 8 | 15 | 13 | 102 | 366 | 375 | 103 |
TOTAL | 54 | 100 | 100 | 687 | 2823 | 2272 | 80 |
Plans for the Near Future
In the light of the segregation of my projects into two tiers, I’ve dropped any items for the Secondary Projects. There’s still a lot on this list – many of which items have been mouldering untouched for a long time. Attempt (somehow!) to address – in however small degree – each item in the coming quarter.
- Personal Identity13
- Philosophy of Religion17
- Origins:
… "Conway Morris (Simon) - Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe" (continue reading),
… "Johnson (Donald E.) - Programming of Life" (continue reading),
… "Le Fanu (James) - Why Us? How Science Rediscovered the Mystery of Ourselves" (briefly review).
- Resurrection: Continue with:-
… "Ludemann (Gerd) - The Resurrection of Jesus",
… "Wright (N.T.) - The Resurrection of the Son of God"
- Science versus Religion: Read / Review:-
… "Dawkins (Richard) - The God Delusion",
… "Andrews (Edgar) - Who Made God? Searching For a Theory of Everything",
… "Dennett (Daniel) - Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon",
… "Stenger (Victor J.) - God the Failed Hypothesis: How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist".
- Other Controversial Issues:
… "Bruce (F.F.) - The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?",
… "Bruce (F.F.) - The Spreading Flame",
… "Cohen (A.) - The Parting of the Ways: Judaism and the Rise of Christianity": Write up file-note,
… "Ehrman (Bart D.) - Forged: Writing in the Name of God - Why the Bible's Authors Are Not Who We Think They Are": Write up file-note,
… "Ehrman (Bart D.) - Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why",
… "Harris (Sam) - Letter To A Christian Nation",
… "Harris (Sam) - The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason",
… "Johnston (Mark) - Saving God: Religion after Idolatry",
… "LePoidevin (Robin) - Arguing for Atheism: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion",
… "Phillips (J.B.) - Ring of Truth: A Translator's Testimony": Write up file-note,
… "Stenger (Victor J.) - The New Atheism: Taking a Stand for Science and Reason".
- Background Reading / Writing:
… "Bailey (Kenneth) - Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels".
- Ontological Argument:
… Continue with reading + essay; ie. Via:-
… … Seminar Paper18,
… … Essay19, and
… Consider “existence” via:-
… … "Van Inwagen (Peter) - McGinn on Existence", and (of course) …
… … "McGinn (Colin) - Existence".
- Write up recent discussions with Mike & Sylvia re Blog20.
- Web-tools21
- Hutton Website:-
… Weekly maintenance
… Investigate “Members’ Area”
… Develop site as required
- OBT Website:-
… Look into further possible automation opportunities (eg. for “What’s new”, Meetings, Index page).
... “Bulk Postage Reminders” Investigations & Development
... “Special Offers” Investigations & Development
... Complete "Extinct Booklets" Investigations & Development
… August 2012 Search Update
- Educate myself to professional standard in Web Development. Read eBooks (on Kindle):-
… "Lloyd (Ian) - Build Your Own Website the Right Way Using HTML & CSS"
… then others as appropriate, and apply principles to my site
- Include Titles in all generated & manually-created pages.
- Purchase professional edition of ZoomSearch to utilise the above titles.
- Start using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
- Ensure FN referencing within Notes and referencing between Abstracts and Notes works for archived Notes.
- Determine why “copy to transfer” occasionally fails with a “permission denied” error (eg. on PaperCatalogPhilosophyFullCategorised_15_16_71; 55_20).
- Complete the review of the 2nd-level categorisation gaps for Papers, and generally review the effectiveness of the categorised reading lists for both Papers and Books.
- Web Spider:-
… Analyse the results of the data collection exercise and design a plan of campaign to fix broken links and prevent recurrence,
… Correct the code so the discovered problems don’t recur, and
… Fix the historical data (no simple task to automate).
… Delete “orphan pages” that are never linked to.
- Add “Date Created” to Note-Links (for audit purposes; I’m still not convinced that links disappear when they should).
- Fix bugs in multi-level footnoting in Printable Notes – the referencing is going wrong.
- Determine why very long printable notes (eg. Level 3+ for Note 17022) are being truncated.
- Investigate the use of RTF in memo fields, so that I can get round the 64k character limit.
- Languages23
- All / Miscellaneous:
… "Roeper (Tom) - The Prism of Grammar: How Child Language Illuminates Humanism",
… "Dalby (Andrew) - Dictionary of Languages: The Definitive Reference to More Than 400 Languages",
… "Robinson (Andrew) - Lost Languages: The Enigma of The World's Undeciphered Scripts", and
… "Walker (C.B.F.) - Reading the Past: Cuneiform".
- Portuguese: Lessons will be on hold until we’ve moved house. So, reading only for now, except:-
… Try to converse with Leandro when opportunity arises.
… "Whitlam (John) - Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar: A Practical Guide",
… "Whitlam (John) - Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar Workbook",
… "Kershul (Kristine K.) - Portuguese in 10 Minutes a Day",
… "Amery (Heather) & MacKinnon (Mairi) - First Thousand Words in Portuguese",
… "Cook (Manuela) - Portuguese Verbs Explained: An Essential Guide",
… "Thomas (Earl W.) - A Grammar of Spoken Brazilian Portuguese", and
… "Verissimo (Luis Fernando) - A Mesa Voadora"
- Turkish:
… Try to make use of Zehra’s knowledge, and
… "Celen-Pollard (Asuman) & Pollard (David) - Turkish (Teach Yourself Complete Courses)"
- Armenian:
… "Andonian (Hagop) - Beginner's Armenian", and
… "BYKI - Transparent Language Online: Armenian".
- Greek (Modern):
… "Matsukas (Aristarhos) - Complete Greek Course",
… "Freese (J.H.) - A Modern Greek Manual: For Self-Tuition",
… "Kykkotis (I.) - Modern Greek: Grammar and Self-Educator",
… "Tofallis (Zannetos) - Greek in Three Months".
- Bridge24
- Study books by Victor Mollo in order to improve my declarer play and defence, especially:-
… "Mollo (Victor) - Case for the Defence".
- Read (or complete) a few books recommended by Dave:-
… "Lawrence (Mike) - The Complete Book on Overcalls at Contract Bridge".,
… "Kelsey (Hugh) - Deceptive Plays in Bridge", and
… "Lawrence (Mike) - How to Play Card Combinations".
- Play in local clubs
… Weekly with David
… Monthly with Angie and Russell, as available.
- Read the bridge magazines.
- Play in tournaments:-
… Sunday 1st July: Play with Russell in the first Essex “ProAm” tournament at Barleylands.
… Sunday 5th August: Play with Angie for Essex "C" v Northants, at Stamford.
… Sunday 9th September: Play with Angie for Essex "C" in the Metropolitan Cup at Ardingly.
… Saturday 15th September: Play with David in the Bedfordshire Swiss Pairs.
… Sunday 23rd September: Play with David for Essex "C" v Suffolk.
… Saturday 29th September: Play with David in the Surrey Swiss Pairs.
… Sunday 30th September: Play with David in the Herts Swiss Teams at Ware (with Angie and Len).
- Music25
Live Version of this Archived Note
Table of 12 Earlier Versions of this Note (of 51)
Table of 12 Later Versions of this Note (of 54)
| This version updated |
Reference for this Topic |
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| 26/08/2012 20:29:46 |
512 (Status: Summary (2012 - June)) |
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