Dumbest thing I've ever done | A week as a PhD student #8

Why do I have these ideas? Seriously, why do I inflict these things on myself??
This week I run a mile, talk about how we solved the problems in my code, go through the history of one of the most famous choral pieces of music in the world, visit a world heritage site, and sing for you in a quartet with Dan!
I've changed things up a bit this week, making the vlog more of a day-by-day 'show' with a focus each day, so a bit less of a stream of consciousness documentary. Let me know what you thought!
...If anyone would like to see a Dan/Simon movie show pls comment...
Studying/evaluation video: • How talking to a dead ...
Previous vlog: • Reaching new lows | A ...
Next vlog:
Vlog playlist: • Life as a PhD student
Links:
Chapel choir: / exeteruniversitychapel...
Video where I talk about what we sing every week: • What I sing every week...
Beer mile: www.beermile.com/
About PV inversion: • What is PV inversion? ...
Miserere Mei documentary: • Video
Text of Psalm 51 (we sing this all in Latin): www.biblegatew...
Ash Wednesday: en.wikipedia.o...
Finite differencing: en.wikipedia.o...
Gesualdo's responses: • Gesualdo - Tenebrae Re...
The Title song: • The Title Song (Scrap'...
Otterton Mill: en.wikipedia.o...
Jurassic Coast: en.wikipedia.o...
Mary Anning: en.wikipedia.o...
William Byrd: en.wikipedia.o...
Words of Ave Verum Corpus: en.wikipedia.o...
Religion in Elizabethan England: en.wikipedia.o...
Music:
(I WILL ADD TONIGHT - UPLOADING AT WORK AWAY FROM PREMIERE!)
Filmed on my Canon G7X, bit.ly/simonvlo..., and DJI Phantom 3 Standard. Choir stuff recorded on matched Rode M5 microphones, into a Zoom H4N. Editing done in Premiere and After Effects.
--------- II ---------
I am Simon, a fourth year PhD candidate at the University of Exeter. I upload videos on bits of science which are relevant to what I do, and sometimes just because they're really cool.
Vlogs from Oxford students - / oxvlog
My twitter - / simonoxfphys
My facebook - / youtubesimon
My insta - / simonoxfphys
My goodreads - / simonoxfphys
Thanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video. Money from the Foundation to Decrease Worldsuck contributed to equipment used in this video.

[@jlapierremusic]

No other KZbinr would begin a video with a beer mile and end it with polyphonic choral music from the Baroque era. Absolutely brilliant. Subscribed.

[@paranoidbug44]

When the video was handed off to Dan, I just lost it. Why is it that I'm so entertained by these type of videos but can't seem to enjoy even slightly the massive youtubers content? These are just heartwarmingly adorable.

[@SimonClark]

I'd best stay a small KZbinr then ;)

[@paranoidbug44]

Simon Clark you deserve a larger crowd, and I'm pretty sure you'd stay as true to yourself as possible, thank you for your content :3

[@tomanglimlagones5643]

catch 22

[@njrom]

This is the best editing for the dumbest thing I've seen in quite a long time. I absolutely love this video!

[@SimonClark]

Hahaha I will very gladly take that title!

[@anonym6422]

njrom Where I come from, we have an even that's about playing football and consuming as much beer as possible at the same time. So quite shockingly, I don't even consider the Beer Mile to be something dumb/weird... Just realising that I come from a very strange place.

[@njrom]

I wish I lived where you come from!

[@averywarkentin2668]

As someone studying the humanities but still has a deep passion for science, I love the fact that you take the time to explain and discuss the work you do instead of merely mentioning it in passing as many other vloggers do. Your vids have quickly turned into my weekly physics fix!

[@richardfry8561]

Another thing that helps with having a good quality KZbin video is the option to have subtitles on or off. This is usually overlooked by a lot of KZbinrs, because the hard of hearing community is pretty small with little to no awareness of us. Hearing aids will probably never be as common as wearing prescription glasses or even as fashionable (lol). I tend to prefer watching things with subtitles, since I can read fast enough and enjoy the content at the same time. That's why I love Netflix! I can understand like 95-99% of what you say in your videos, so I don't really have an issue with your videos. But including optional subtitles can make a difference to the quality of KZbin videos in general. It requires extra work for KZbinrs, but is a potential to tap into a vein of unforeseen audience.

[@RealEngineering]

I challenge you to a beer mile Simon.

[@SimonClark]

Vidcon beer mile? I'm game...

[@RealEngineering]

Hahahaha yes. Perfect

[@RealEngineering]

Can Dan commentate this one too? He's fantastic.

[@SimonClark]

Well he's coming to Vidcon so in theory yes!

[@inessamaria2428]

Great video. 1) perfect explanation about your work. 2) Semichoir was fantastic. 3) I liked the final idea of singing and explaing the song. 4) Nice shots with the drone. (very beautiful place, glad you filmed before the rain) 5) Beermile was hilarious. I can't wait for the next video.

[@SercanPy]

These videos have become a ritual of mine. I can't start studying/working until I watch a good 10 minutes. The duration is perfect, because it allows me to take 2/3 breaks. I'm amazed at how you make it all seem so fun, even when you're frustrated.

[@SercanPy]

Here are a few minor improvements since you've requested feedback at the end of the video: I have no issues with the content, but your camera struggles to focus on fairly lengthy sections sometimes. Another minor suggestion is flying the drone higher and having a birds eye view, rather than a view from the side, which would prevent the propellers coming into the shot.

[@catheosto]

I adore Dan.

[@yourpalcal1412]

Dan the Man, legend

[@AthenaMatisseLit]

i wish i could like this comment twice

[@ktam111696]

YourPalCal You right, but There could be only ONE!! Ray, Gavin, and Michael would approve tho

[@blackham7]

Dan is my spirit animal!

[@CinemaDoll137]

He's the most precious thing lol

[@KingArthurItis]

I love how your editing is improving exponentially.

[@mssparkssie]

I like that you include some choir bits in the end now. I love choir music but I understand why many wouldn't like them to take several minutes out of the vlogs. Also, that soprano section sung by Becky gave me chills so, nice job Becky indeed. :-) I had to go and listen to it again!

[@MrJarastamon]

This blog makes me want to do a PhD in maths and join a choir. Also a film review section would be great!

[@soniadembowska2560]

Yes ! Lets both do a PhD, you have my blessing XD

[@SercanPy]

Don't forget to credit Simon in your personal statement :D

[@MrJarastamon]

Oh nice, what are you research interest out of curiosity? Algebraist here, I am actually currently taking a break from writing my masters dissertation in Group Theory. I can't sing too save my life though, the choir will take a lot of work.

[@MrJarastamon]

YES! Do I smell a collaboration?

[@MrJarastamon]

of course!

[@Melch192]

Haha Dan's commentary is golden. I think I would forgo the mile and just drink the beer. Loved to hear y'all singing as a quartet--it was nice to be able to isolate the different voices. And please make the movie show happen!!

[@rodnokz]

Without a doubt this is one of the best vlogs I've seen on KZbin! It feels personal, interesting, informative and funny.

[@PlatycodonPlatypus]

'That time I nearly threw up running a mile' Hmm.. Sounds like EVERY ONE of my physical education lessons? Simon, thank you so much for this vlog of more than 30 minutes! :) Love from Singapore

[@haydenbarnes5110]

wong jing hui Wong You ran a mile every P.E. lesson? Wow!

[@doodletune]

Absolutely love these videos! Been watching for about 3 years but usually just a lurker and don't comment haha. I had to make an exception because I really appreciate the editing and work that has went into this, keep it up man, silver play button soon :)

[@SimonClark]

Wooo - thank you! I always appreciate it when I coax lurkers out of hiding :P

[@bethlong7115]

Coming back 5 years in the future to compliment your quartet at the end! Extremely musical, it's always wonderful to watch groups of musicians who seem to think with one mind, I think that's the best of chamber music!

[@debapriyoghosh5017]

This edition was darn funny as well as entertaining......but the best was saved for the last part......what a brilliant piece of choir music it was....DIVINE....thank you so much for infusing this bit of spiritual element.....it connects to us just like an other worldly sensation.

[@darksoilderj]

Great video! Your week as a PhD videos are always a joy to watch. I very much enjoyed the quartet at the end, I liked the new touch. Along with that I always enjoy the science talk. Thanks for making fantastic videos and keep it up!

[@markasmerkelovas8840]

I rewatch this series at least once a year since 2019. Thanks for the seemingly timeless content!

[@nadiaabdullah3352]

1. soprano becky n quartet were awesome 2. choir as always outstanding 3. movie reviews is a good idea Simon as you're musically inclined perhaps you can also do music videos of other genres, but you really do have a wide variety of content n i love it

[@AlexiMetalPiratex]

I'm only 9 minutes into the video but I just pitched the beer mile to the university rugby team and they love it. I think you may be onto a new varsity sport Simon! :P

[@SimonClark]

Please film it! I have no doubt that they will destroy my PB!

[@fomoran]

they'll destroy your Princess Bubblegum!?

[@EmileThirdWheel]

fomoran personal best lmao

[@TheSuperJafa]

It's always exciting to see a new video come through! So lucky that you got to meet trot in his natural habitat as well. What a treat

[@eoinobrien8816]

'Hugo prefers it slighty moist' - DYING

[@luisdatreta]

Another great video! And what a beautiful ending... Your timbre is amazing. Same goes for the rest of the quartet!

[@HannahColemanV]

I started watching your videos a few years back as inspiration, as I've always wanted to study physics. I am now on a foundation year in Nottingham and slowly making my dreams a reality. Your videos continue to inspire me, especially as I've begun to make videos myself to try and connect with other mature students (and unsure hopefuls like I was), and to improve that ever valuable skill of public speaking. I'm hoping to do a PhD and/or go into science communication so it's lovely that your channel is still so relevant to me. It's one of a kind really :) I liked this video's format. I'm usually not too keen on the Chapel Choir stuff (I appreciate it, however I usually skip the end), but this time I listened all the way through. The quartet piece was beautiful. I want to add it to my study playlist! Anyway keep making awesome content. I'd love to know more about how you handle stress/time/any paid part-time work etc. And what keeps you motivated when things aren't going well? Bye!

[@jonassinjan3035]

That drone footage was amazing

[@ElSachinoo]

Enjoyed being able to hear your different voices clearly in the quartet at the end. And thanks for the Chesnokov recommendation, great for late night work - Oktavists are mesmerising

[@craft4him]

There is a time in every youtuber's life when he has the time to read every comment. I know it's selfish, but I hope that you never grow enough for that time to ever end, because it's wonderful to interact with your audience.

[@SimonClark]

Me too :)

[@snookergaming6295]

@@SimonClark 69likes 😍

[@emilyarmstrong9734]

Oh my god. I’ve been watching this series in order and I have to say that the end chapel music was the best I’ve heard of all of them by far. Really great job guys!

[@AstridGuth]

i was grinning during that entire last quartet singing part, so so wonderful and beautiful and please include more singing it makes me really happy :)

[@RationalMind]

I never fail to be amazed that you manage to upload a 40 minute video of such high quality from start to finish! Loved the beer mile and the quartet at the end was incredible! Keep it up!

[@giovanafrederico]

Oh yes, forgot to mention that I adore Dan and I absolutely love the parts where you mathematically explain what you're doing in your thesis to us! For some reason it calm my anxiety right away!

[@duuffos]

Dan was the perfect choice for a host. Also, Miserere mei deus is my fave choir song. I'm amazed by Becky's high notes, as I previously thought that only very young boys could hit those.

[@studyingwithsami2655]

"I petted a cat" that would also be a highlight of my day

[@emipetrichor2128]

you're like a sunshine to me simon ,i watch your vlogs early in the morning to motivate myself to go out and study hard and do all what i have to do ,you're such a great exemple

[@breisfm]

Awesome video Simon. Idk what your vlog videos haver, but they just make me stop what I'm doing to watch your week. Maybe it's because I'm a physics student in Brazil, and we share the same love for this subject!!! It's good to see you happy and motivated! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@AndrewDotsonvideos]

So um this channel inspired me to start recording what I do as a physics major, I'd love some feedback or advice on how to make better videos like these! They're just so fun to watch

[@SimonClark]

I'm thinking of doing a small series on this topic soon!

[@AdamxApple94]

Dan is a fantastic tenor - and Simon your bass voice is SOO pure

[@meghanrambert3951]

reasons i watch this channel: 1) to see someone cope with the postgrad life and comfort myself that i'm not alone 2) DAN.

[@sarahjames1612]

The quartet at the end was absolutely amazing! I love the bits you include about choir as I'm also in my university's choir :D

[@zrfireks]

I love these vlogs. LOVE them. Ive always wanted to do a PhD as I am truly passionate about Math. Im in GR12 at the moment. Watching this makes me really excited for the type of life where I can be fully engrossed in doing what I love. Thank you so much for these! They make my days of grinding through my last year of high school seem endurable.

[@MonochromaticSky]

Really liked the format! The race (Dan + UI) and the little crash course in data sampling and all. More of these! Btw, the variety of choral pieces really got my interest piqued for this genre.

[@dillllongreen]

OMG OMG OMG A movie show would be very welcome! I'm a film lover myself and would love to hear some smart criticism, especially about Moonlight and La La Land. Also, I absolutely loved the Miserere Mei. It was so moving, and I really hope you keep posting whole chunks of music at the end of the videos. I love everything you're doing, basically :D

[@imposter3205]

Just rediscovered your channel, you motivate me so much with how busy you keep yourself. I was in Exeter about a year ago during my holiday (I'm from Australia) and a choir was singing at the cathedral... I wonder. All the best.

[@BoxzerzZ]

These longer videos are great. Please keep making these videos long! Your content is so relaxing to watch and inspires me to go to school for science.

[@EvieReddingWrites]

I know these are older videos, but I have been doing background research into getting a PhD and stumbled upon your channel. I absolutely love the music bits you put in them. Thank you for sharing. :D

[@Iyetube]

Geez, I love your vlogs, simon. I like how you're surrounded by intelligent yet fun people. Really look up to you, wish I had a life like yours. Good luck and keep up d good work! -Mark

[@sarahcook6323]

Oh my very god these videos are just superb. I wish I could "like" videos multiple times. So much quality content within one video, and each part of it deserves to be acknowledged. But the singing particularly in this episode was just divine.

[@secundrabeasley855]

I love your videos, this one was wonderful due to the beer run (Dan was amazing), the visit to the mill and the the text that went along with the singing.

[@lilacchocolate]

OMG YES TO THE MOVIE SHOW!!!! 🎥😍 Loved all the drone shots, so breathtaking!!! Really enjoyed all the singing and it really does make an amazing outro! Also thanks for the KZbin tips, they are really useful for anyone hoping to start making videos 😜

[@ramywiles]

Aaaahhh I LOVE the Allegri... it's been a favorite of mine since I was tiny. I was wondering whether it'd make an appearance in the vlog, and I'm glad it did! Thanks for making these videos - they're always really enjoyable :)

[@suyashneelambugg]

Hi Simon, Always good to see some beer fun ;) I'm here in Delhi, back from Cranfield University Masters in CFD and pushing through my research paper from my thesis and I'm kind of spending all my time trying to fix my parametric results for my study and me feel so connected with your life as if I'm peeking into the second universe looking at myself :D (Of course a far smarter version of mine so to say :P ). Keep pushing, I hope you strike gold sooner than later and keeping loading. It de-stresses me to see how you manage so well. Thanks for the video and mine is a +1 for the format since the diversity of regular day is well presented and makes it worth the wait!! Cheers!

[@vibraphonics]

A really great balance of physics and music in this one. Loved the drone shots, and the race was edited really well! Also that was an excellent performance of the Byrd. Top marks!

[@hellmunkie]

I especially enjoyed the end bit. That song by Byrd, and the way the four of you sang it, actually made me cry. I have no idea why, it was just so beautiful (not unlike Dan). I think I've just fallen in love with this type of music. I would be very interested in individual videos of just these kinds of songs!

[@sophieholder7353]

The quartet at the end was beautiful, love to see every aspect I guess, you and Dan are so funny and it's honestly so motivational you talking about your work. Love your videos!

[@kerryandrews4017]

LOVE the music at the end! So now what started as watching your vlog to keep me sane whilst waiting for my PhD/scholarship outcome - will it happen/won't it - is now sending me insane as the flame to do my study has now been fanned into madness. Thanks Simon... I think. Nah, really - thanks, the vids are fantastic.

[@soniadembowska2560]

Loved the explanation of what you're currently doing, please add more, its really interesting to see what are the challenges in scientific studies especially for those of us who want to pursue a PhD, great video. And yes this was some original content :D

[@ismailseyfo2991]

Your performance is just outrageous! Keep it up! Well done!

[@jameswalker1559]

Great video Simon! I loved having the song at the end and it's be cool to have a full length song on the regular. The only thing I would say is this one felt a little long, I still appreciated it all, but yeah. Keep up the awesome work!

[@CosmoExplosion]

I enjoyed this vlog more than any past video. It's so well composed!

[@SciJoy]

I enjoyed the explanation of your thesis and how you are working through it. Understanding sample frequency is an important concept for scientists and engineers. It is so useful from picking an analog-to-digital converter for a hobby project to NASA trying to capture data about disturbances in our magnetosphere (there first set of satellites saw them coming and going but didn't capture the actual events).

[@Claudiactim]

A Dan/Simon movie show is definitely something I would love to watch! And you're right you can't get this amount of diverse content with any other youtuber, at least not with the ones I watch

[@bethanytyson8464]

Loved this vlog set up! The chapel choir and quartet was beautiful! 🙌 look forward to the next one. More vlogs like this would be awesome! Hope you're having a great week :)

[@McL0vin]

Love this kind a stuff from Simon! Support from Vienna,Austria!

[@SimonClark]

Thanks - I love your city!

[@danedoel]

Simon Clark Thanks Simon, Vienna loves you too haha :D

[@juliahormayer7255]

McL0vin I'm from Vienna too! Lol

[@daisychainexplores]

me too! :D

[@googlelover13]

Fantastic editing this week, Simon. Thought you had a particularly good narrative thread throughout and used music really well to delineate the days. Beautiful footage of the Jurassic Coast too! :)

[@lacklustreplough]

I got lost in Lyme Regis during my first driving excursion in the UK whilst on holiday last fall. My GPS kept telling me to go in loops. It's damn beautiful around there. I shouted when you mentioned the name. Anyway, your content is hilarious, inspiring and insightful as always. Warm wished from the Pacific Northwest!

[@lacklustreplough]

Also, that was one beautiful outro! I love Tallis and Byrd and you did such a beautiful job. Goosebumps.

[@addas1392]

Dan is mighty fabulous..... This is the best commentary I have ever seen.

[@doodlesnot87]

Wow, the end was amazing. I liked the rest too, but it's nice to see a full segment of the singing. keep it up!

[@mcmodmod5533]

Please do a movie review show with Dan! Also: keep the book club videos coming. Loved this!

[@callmetall1]

The choir part around the 26 minute mark is so amazing. Gives like a "Godfather" vibe to it. All we needed was footage of Simon smoking a cigar in a leather chair with slick back hair and we complete Godfather vibe.

[@gmozzi5827]

I actually think your videos are the best youtube content on the platform right now (and I'm certified youtube trash™ so I know), a super enjoyable mix of science, life, and music in a way that I've never seen before. You've the appeal of a vlogger with the plus of being of a science youtuber. What I'm trying to say is that I would choose to watch your stuff even over a Sixty Symbols video, so yeah, YUGE FAN! ps: I would love to see you and Dan try to explain to eachother some of the work you're doing, but maybe I'm just being a sadist hahaha

[@jenelleanstey6860]

love seeing you work on your code and what not! I know this week was a little different but add it in where you can. :) loved the video, as always!

[@thomasjakubiak7233]

Just plain awesome. This video auto-played and I heard you rambling about calculating mass and had to go back to the beginning and watch it proper.

[@KoverofDeath]

Dan is my favorite. Also I really liked the quartet as opposed to the full chapel choir as I could distinguish each individual voice watch each person singing. I enjoyed the new format as well! Congrats on the beer mile. Now it's time for you to visit the Pacific Northwest in the US :)

[@jonnycarus9147]

I'm living over in Torquay! I'd love to come up to Exeter to hear you guys. Hopefully see you then Simon! P.s absolutely love the Beer mile, got to show my friends this.

[@claradenken]

This video was perfect, and I enjoyed the nice choir piece in the end even though usually this is not my type of music. Your voices go together really well and you're doing a great job! :) Also the drone footage was pretty darn cool and I really liked the beer mile, haha (also even though this isn't my type of afternoon activity, lol)! And of course as a meteorologist I like the meteorology, physics and programming content as usual.

[@xxxwemmaxxx1]

I actually really enjoyed the history of the choir piece at the end-please do it more! (also I want to do a beer mile)

[@barbieliu3043]

another fantastic video, the choir bits never fails to take my breath away, well done guys

[@kathyakd1985]

The slightly different format is incredibly amazing in a surprising way . I overall love it , keep on going simon 👍🏻

[@LORD-kg4sl]

dan is a legend

[@lunichiara]

Your quartet at the end was absolutely beautiful! You sounded like angels 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@bertguillemyn]

Love the vlogs! Your singing is awesome as well! Keep up the good work!!!

[@EK-ux2mg]

Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the end segment with you all performing. We tend to only get snippets of chapel choir, so this video was most welcome!

[@thomasblockley7263]

I'd love to see you and Dan do a movie show!

[@fortheloveofLDS]

I'd love to see a video on money-saving tips for grad students. I feel like I'm building up a repertoire as I work through my PhD and I'd love to add any unique ones that you've acquired during your time. Love watching your content!

[@alexcraven4398]

Just catching up on the vlogs! I would like to see more of the code/physics side of your thesis!

[@harishkarumuri4749]

I loved the mini calc lesson. Pretty cool stuff. Stay awesome man!

[@mangafreak09081]

The editing of the start of the beer mile was really cool, same goes for the drone shots. I didn't actually notice that you changed the style of the vlog. A Dan/Simon movie show would be awesome!

[@mangafreak09081]

What I forgot: I love the pieces of music at the end

[@mnctldn]

I really like this 40 mins mix of science and vlog, it's unique to this channel

[@douglasa.benson1129]

Please do a film review section, it would be incredible! Love all your videos, so much!

[@ashleycampbell3540]

It was so cool to see Sidmouth from a different angle, my family has a holiday home down there so go often :) the drone footage was amazing 😄

[@khamzahabibullah4378]

Amazing. These vlogs just keep getting better everytime.

[@jeuryveloz6011]

The choir parts of your vlog are quickly becoming my favorite!!

[@nucleonjohn]

Loved this weeks episode. Watched especially the ending several times.

[@giovanafrederico]

This is legit the FUNNIEST thing I've ever seen! OMG I'm laughing so much at the Bass One Beer Mile hahahaha Jesus you guys are amazing! I wanna do that with my friends!

[@benhoggy1220]

The droid shots were absolutely beautiful on those cliffs. Plus the girl on the far left in the quartet sounds like something from a LOTR soundtrack.

[@alicedoesphysics]

Nooo I have a test in half an hour that I was going to be doing some last minute revision for, guess that will have to wait 😉

[@mrwhipp69]

i'm at lancaster uni too :) i study software engineering

[@alicedoesphysics]

Whippy Awesome! 😃 What year / college are you in? I'm first year, Furness 😊

[@mrwhipp69]

lonsdale 2nd year :)

[@kushpatel3553]

so how was the test

[@alicedoesphysics]

Kush Patel much better than I was expecting, thanks! x

[@fralex5757]

Haha I love the Star Trek quote at 03:14!! Didn´t know you were allowed to put that in a thesis!

[@fupz]

I realise that I'm a bit behind, and I'm trying my best to catch up, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm really enjoying this series so far, and the insight it gives me, as I am a physics student in Denmark at the moment. You inspired me to take som coding courses as well.