Thanks guys, your comments are very welcome. Ginga xx

Thanks Bibi....yes, they said they would provide 'honest' references with pleasure, but does this mean I am now deemed to be a high risk?

I had to curtail my PhD studies after 1 year due to some family problems, but had done enough work to submit an MRes. I know my former supervisors are very disappointed with me, but there was no real fall-out or mallice between us. I am worried that they may paint a black picture of me if I apply to study another PhD elsewhere, like for references etc. Will my 'giving up' preclude me from ever studying for a PhD again? Will potential supervisors not want to touch me with a barge pole? Anybody ever been in this situation before? Thanks.

It also fits with the music from Sir Cliff's obnoxious rendition of 'Congratulations.....', (I can't get it out if my head now)!

My PhD was run over last night. He was chasing an MPhil across the road when he was hit by a passing car. He is in a bad way, and I reckon he may be put to sleep later this morning, I am really upset because I had become quite attached to him. I wish I had taken out the insurance, but hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Your supervisor is probably right about you, as you have an attitude problem. Give up your studies now so somebody else can have a chance! I hear McDonald's are recruiting at the moment.

But wait a minute......how long do I need to look after my PhD? I hear that some can live as long as 10 years!

My PhD is now safely tied up out of harm's way. He can kiss goodbye to his long walks for a couple of weeks, because my friend will be looking after him whilst I am on holiday, I think I need one, phew!

My PhD is as misbehaved as ever. He bit the postman the other day, then chewed up my first-year report, and my supervisor simply did not believe me. Doh! He's in the PhD-house now!

I just found out that my PhD has been 'fooling around' with next door's MPhil, and she is now expecting a Bachelor's Degree sometime this summer!

Thanks a million for the advice! Yes, I am keen to nurture my PhD so that he will become impeccably behaved and loyal. It's just that it was so embarrassing the other day when 'Thesis' ran up to my supervisor and started 'humping' his leg, I could have died there and then! Luckily, he saw the funny side of things, and it really broke the ice.

Hi. I am having problems with my PhD. No matter how much love and attention he gets, he just won't do as he is told. I have tried changing his diet, taking him for extra walks and even treated him to a mobile grooming professional, but he still remains unruly. Does anybody know the best way to tame my PhD? A reliable training agency perhaps? Are there any good ones available on my planet?

'GOODFELLAS' and NO mistake!

Sorry, I meant van-Dykeism.

OK, thank you to everyone for all the input, but my point was to actually stumble upon such words in the natural course of your research progress. For example, I doubt very much that Mia's PhD is concerned with: 'The scriptual challenges affecting nineteenth century famillial screenplay comedies: Van-Dickeism as an influencial role-model in lengthy wordism,' is it?