Halcyon Days and Dissertations
Today marks the middle of the Halcyon Days, an observance of the successes of the year-to-date. What successes have you won in your dissertation journey this year? The word halcyon comes from a story in Greek mythology about the halcyon bird, which had the power to calm the rough ocean waves every December so she […]
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Long Nights and Dissertations
December 21st is the Winter Solstice, also known as the longest night of the year. Does your dissertation ever feel like a long night that will never end? Let’s cast a little light into the dark corners… Today’s going to be quick. On the longest night of the year, this is good time to shine […]
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Geller, Randi, and Dissertations
December 20th is the birth date of Uri Geller, noted telekinetic & psychic. Geller appeared on The Tonight Show in 1973. Unbeknownst to him, the segment was conducted under conditions stipulated by The Amazing Randi to test Geller’s paranormal abilities. The resulting disaster is a caution story for dissertation students everywhere… Spoiler alert: Psychic abilities aren’t real. […]
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Evergreens and Dissertations
December 19th is Look for an Evergreen Day. This is the official day to go out and find the perfect tree to decorate for Christmas. Although most houses are already decorated, it’s still not too late. And, although the year is winding to and end, it’s still not too late to make real progress on […]
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Learning to Fly and Dissertations
This month in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright executed the first sustained, controlled, and powered heavier-than-air manned flight. Here’s how they got there first, and how you should do the same thing for your dissertation… The Wright Brothers weren’t the only folks hoping to take to the air in the late 1800s and early 1900s. […]
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The Simpsons and Dissertations
On December 17, 1989, The Simpsons premiered on their own show. Here the top 6 pieces of advice from Homer Simpson that all dissertation students should avoid at all costs!… Oh, and how is “education” supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. […]
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Chocolate-Covered Anything and Dissertations
December 16th is National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. What’s that got to do with you dissertation? Read on… So, what do chocolate-covered treats have to do with your dissertation? Nothing, really. But, c’mon. Chocolate! With Christmas on the way, why not celebrate National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day by taking a little time away from your dissertation. Head […]
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Herding Cats and Dissertations
December 15th is Cat Herding Day. Ever feel like working with you dissertation committee is like herding cats? Here’s 4 tips to help you round them up… Learn your program’s protocols. Most universities have very detailed procedures for submitting your work to your committee, including timetables for its evaluation and return. Learn these rules so that […]
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Birdwatching and Dissertations
December 14th marks the start of the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count. I was surprised to find out just how relevant this annual event is to dissertation students… When I first started researching this post, I thought that this bird watching activity was just a classic example of dissertation-avoidance behavior, an enjoyable way to […]
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Taylor Swift and Dissertations
December 13th is Taylor Swift’s birthday. So, what, can absolutely anyonebe a dissertation mentor? Well, let’s see what words of wisdom Miss Swift has for doctoral students… Yes, seriously!… When you’re 25 or 30, you know, you can’t wear lime-green eye shadow anymore. — Taylor Swift Well… she’s just gettin’ warmed up. Shake it off! OK, […]
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