diff --git a/README.markdown b/README.markdown
index e6913fb..fcd911f 100644
--- a/README.markdown
+++ b/README.markdown
@@ -332,12 +332,12 @@ This will trigger a conflict which you will have to fix.
 We now practise fixing merge conflicts. Recall that conflicts are caused
 by merges which affect the same block of code.
 
-Here’s a branch I prepared earlier. The branch is called `alpher`. Run
+Here’s a branch I prepared earlier. The branch is called `pull_request`. Run
 the code below to set it up (don’t worry if you can’t understand it)
 
-    $ git checkout alpher
+    $ git checkout pull_request
 
-You should now have a new branch called `alpher`. Try merging that
+You should now have a new branch called `pull_request`. Try merging that
 branch into `master` now and fix the ensuing conflict.
 
 ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Help-browser.svg/20px-Help-browser.svg.png)
@@ -348,7 +348,7 @@ Fixing a conflict
 
 You should see a `conflict` with the `gamow.txt` file. This means that
 the same line of text was edited and committed on both the master branch
-and the alpher branch. The output below basically tells you the current
+and the pull_request branch. The output below basically tells you the current
 situation :
 
     Auto-merging gamow.txt
@@ -365,16 +365,16 @@ below:
 
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellar_nucleosynthesis
     Stellar nucleosynthesis is the collective term for the nuclear reactions taking place in stars to build the nuclei of the elements heavier than hydrogen. Some small quantity of these reactions also occur on the stellar surface under various circumstances. For the creation of elements during the explosion of a star, the term supernova nucleosynthesis is used.
-    >>>>>>> alpher
+    >>>>>>> pull_request
 
 Git uses pretty much standard conflict resolution markers. The top part
 of the block, which is everything between `<<<<<< HEAD` and `======` is
 what was in your current branch.\
-The bottom half is the version that is present from the `alpher` branch.
+The bottom half is the version that is present from the `pull_request` branch.
 To resolve the conflict, you either choose one side or merge them as you
 see fit.
 
-For example, I might decide to choose the version from the `alpher`
+For example, I might decide to choose the version from the `pull_request`
 branch.
 
 Now, try to **fix the merge conflict**. Pick the text that you think is