So I'm hoping that it'll entice a professor from Oxbridge to take me on as a candidate. 
Have you decided what you'll be doing your dissertation on yet?
Mimi - Don't worry, you're not rabbiting on! I get carried away too when someone asks me what I do, until I see a blank a look on their face! Ha! Your research does sound very interesting though, and I'm sure the guy's family will be very grateful that someone's taking such an interest in his life! We're kinda similar in the sense that we're both taking on the sea, hehe. My Ph.D is on Salvage Law, Underwater Cultural Heritage versus Commercial Salvage (concentrating mostly on the USA) specifically. A bit of a mouthful! My specialism is Salvage Law relating to RMS Titanic
) because the department chair is interested in how maritime archaeology and naval warfare affects terrestrial warfare. My dream project is salvaging the ships of the Battle of Jutland in WWI and now I know a good lawyer to call! 
Princess Jayne - It's not too bad, I've only started this year and believe me it is tough to get the confidence to sit with a class, I was a bit nervous to say the least the first time! I hope it'll get easier over time! I'm okay with property but I much prefer Public
You'd think there'd be more right? Lol. My PhD specifically deals with the way the American courts deal with salvagers and salvaging ships - and all that 'is it right to salvage' ethos thrown in. I haven't actually started researching or writing yet (moved into my new office yesterday!) so I bet there'll be changes, etc. yet! But yes, if I do move into practicing from academics, please do be my first client! I think I got the good 'un! Are you from the States orginally then?
Mim - That's really cool! You know, it's funny but I don't meet many people with an interest in marine archaeology
Oh, and Els does have a brother, yet sadly he is not dashing and IMO looks nothing like him
I assume kids these days just don't appreciate the wonders of seafaring anymore. It's all these newfangled aeroplanes and rocketships. 
How exciting about your office! Now's when you have to start collecting impressive-looking books to frighten the children with. I plan on staying in the UK and working for one of the universities here since my field is Royal Navy and there's not too much interest in that stateside. But... I'll probably go where the money is better to start with. Just to pay off all the debt I've gotten from paying overseas fees. 
lol
