The Final - SA07 VFY

There is a lot that can be said about Saturday evening's game . . . but I am ahead of myself - where was I - who did I watch it with . . . let's start there - shall we -

(Photo of Pietersen; Percy Montgomery (scorer of 12 of the points) and Habana - David Rogers/Getty Images - appeared on
Scotland on Sunday

My self & Phil have been texting and emailing each other since the beginning of the World Cup - and it only seemed a fitting finale that we should meet up for the final - the fact that he was an England supporter and I a Springbok was more coincidental but was to add to the evening. I suggested we meet up at Walkabout - so on Saturday - Springbok jersey on, Judi & I made our way to Walkabout - arrived at about 17h10 and Phil, Emma & Katie arrived minutes after us - we quickly scrambled around for a table and managed to find one centrally located - well off to one side but with a view of a second large screen which they had - the pub was mobbed in no time - turned out Phil had his England top on underneath his jersey - a tad nervous to brazenly wear it in the street and on public transport - didn't take much coaxing and he was proudly displaying his top - chest out and promises of things to come. In no time the pub was mobbed with mostly South African supporters - I could have quite easily believed I was back in a pub in Cape Town - there were that many supporters - and then when the DJ starting playing the Habana song; Johnny Clegg (Scatterlings of Africa) Leon Schuster & other Afrikaans liedtjies - the vision was complete . . . I had a Springbok burger and a few beers in the run up to the kick-off - whilst Aston Villa attempted to keep Man U's score down (they had been in the lead but Carson was sent off and they were down to 10 men . . . it threatened to to become embarrassing - reserve keeper saved penalty and went on to do a commendable job).

In no time it was time for the kick off - by this time there were far too many people in the pub - trying to get to either the bar or cloakrooms was like trying out for a position in the scrum - in fact I was challenged to go head to head with one guy at one stage - as there was only room for one person to get through at a time and he suggested we scrum for it . . . . not sure what he meant - probably whoever managed to push the other out of the way could carry on . . . lol ???

The long awaited game arrived and on reflection it was not a spectacle for the game of rugby - a calculated game - very exciting - quite drawn out at times - all penalties - the team that made the most mistakes lost - I could attempt to give an overview of the game but if your interested here are some links which sum it all up.

Judi & I took to the dance floor on a number of occasions thereafter and everyone who wore the green and gold were one big happy family - when I walked around afterwards - people would stop and shake my hand or just give me a hug for no reason other that to celebrate a great victory - the same happened continually on the dance floor . . . In a way I had hoped for a great game in the end I settled for the victory instead.

Phil seemed to take it OK in the end - disappointed - but already looking forward to the next World Cup and he has already bought tickets for the Scotland England 6 nations game next year . . . Judi saw an amazing article in the Scotland on Sunday - which said that they had hoped England would win - because then when we beet them in March next year - as we did in 1967 after the football world cup - we would then be able to say that by proxy that makes us World Champions - ??? You think ??? A missed opportunity then . . . . lol

Some Reports - Articles on the Rugby World Cup:

• Pretty? No, but beautiful


• We Woznt Robbed


• England 6 - South Africa 15


• Rainbow nation explodes in joy


• Interview with Jake White


• Strains show as nation cheers on the Boks


• RFU plans to lure players back to Rugby

Roll on 2011 in New Zealand . . . would love to be there . . . this will be after attending football World Cup in South Africa!

What is the cryptic number in the title - well whilst driving towards Walkabout this car moved in front of us and my attention was drawn to the number plate - so I said to Judi - that's it that is the final in front of us - she laughed and asked me what in the world was I talking about . . .I said SA07 was a sign South Africa 2007 and she laughed and asked what about the VFY - had to be a bit more inventive here . . . and answered - it will be very fine but yes - they will win . . . . lol and so it was . . . .

Che Guevara; Life, Lucky Dube

The Che theme was inspired - by iafrica.com's Monday Phenomenon newsletter.

Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara de la Serna was born in Argentina on 14 June 1928. Guevara enrolled at the University of Buenos Aires in 1948 to study medicine. In 1951 he interrupted his studies and took a year off to travel across South America - (the subject of a film recently 'Motorcycle Diaries'). This journey ended up shaping his beliefs, Guevara witnessed widespread poverty and oppression. He was influenced by Marxist literature and concluded that an armed revolution was the only solution. It was during this time that his ideal of a borderless, united Ibero-America began to take shape.

After finishing his studies, Guevara went to Guatemala, where he befriended Cuban exiles 'the 26th of July Movement' linked to Fidel Castro. It was during this period that Guevara acquired his nickname ‘Che’, as a result of his frequent use of the Argentine interjection which translates loosely as ‘hey’ or ‘pal’.

In July 1955, Guevara was introduced to Fidel Castro who had just been released from prison in Cuba. Che was immediately convinced that he had met his revolutionary leader, Guevara joined the 26th of July Movement aimed at toppling the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.

In March 1965 Guevara suddenly disappeared from political life in Cuba. He and Castro had decided that he would lead Cuba’s first military action in sub-Saharan Africa. The operation was carried out in support of the pro-Patrice Lumumba Marxist movement in the Congo-Kinshasa. He collaborated with the guerilla leader Laurent-Desire Kabila, but his attempts at a guerilla-led revolution failed. This was in part because South African mercenaries and Cuban exiles worked with the Congolese army to foil Guevara by cutting off his supply lines and monitoring his communications.

Over the years he has become a symbol of resistance and to my surprise recently at an anti-war rally here in Glasgow, I overheard a young Moslem teenager asking his friend who the hell is he??? I couldn't resist sharing some of Che's background with him - I hope it meant something to him . . . that is the kind of symbol Che has become - t-shirts / flags / posters etc., - quite a legacy . . .

He had a ruthless reputation dealing with people whom he believed to be traitors and or of a different political persuasion and whilst he was in charge of the national prison was said to have been personally responsible for give the order for 100's of prisoners to be executed - without trial.

Just heard the breaking news on CapeTalk that Lucky Dube has been killed - apparently they tried to hijack his car and shot and killed him in the process . . .

Spent the weekend at Judi's - June has finally had her baby - Joshua - phew! at last . . . . and Judi came down with a bug and was really really ill over the weekend - and in fact she is still ill and guess what I am just starting to feel like I am coming down with flu - so Yippee! I may have picked up the bug myself . . .

So I received my final mark for my dissertation 65% and this gives me overall MSc with merit . . .so this was the final final mark that was still outstanding . . . so I can now say although I was fairly confident that I had passed . . its nice to have it confirmed . . . officially . . . so on 29 October - I bend the knee - some geezer hits me on the head with a cap and hands me a scroll of paper - which is my passport to success . . . . That's how it supposed to work is it not . . .lol.

Jobwise - still searching- sent off a an application recently that comes close to my list of prerequisites . . . involves a web site which covers football . . . .

Picked up a large screen TV for my Mum - a bargain - via Martin Lewis money saving expert website - well I subscribe to his newsletter - what did I find - LCD 37 inch TV - a bargain . . . and good quality . . . I am tempted myself . . . a luxury I know.

I am afraid I can feel my energy level draining . . . so will have to finish off for the time being . . . may add or put up additional posting . . .With regards to the RWC - Springboks 24 - England 16 . . . hope to be going to the pub with Phil from uni an England supporter - balance things out . . . we've been texting each other throughout the tournament - had some good banter going there . . . . so this is basically the culmination of the whole tournament - seeing as I predicted France and Argentina in the final - you'll not be putting much stock in my score then . . . perhaps I should change the score then to make sure it is the other way round . . . lol

Lastly Georgia on my mind . . . Scotland 0 - Georgia 2 . . . this weekend see's the big football derby Rangers & Celtic - similar in stature to Man U & City / Liverpool & Everton / etc., - Football is the national sport - up there with Golf - which is revered here.

all started in article Road warriors are coming from the heart by Emily Bouchard got-heart.org

What is all about - in a nutshell - people who believe they can make a difference - and take to the road to try and do so . . . hence the name Road Warriors.

Links:

• www.kopali.com


• www.allmyrelations.org


• brightearthsolutions.org
  
• hotbutteredrum.net


• www.2moms.com


• thankgodforevolution.com

Lucky Dube - Together As One Lyrics
In my whole life,
My whole life
I've got a dream (x2)

Too many people
Hate apartheid
Why do you like it? (x2)

Chorus: (x3)
Hey you rasta man
Hey European,Indian man
We've got to come together as one
Not forgetting the Japanese

The cats and the dogs
Have forgiven each other
What is wrong with us (x2)

All those years
Fighting each other
But no solution (x2)

Chorus: (x2)

Transition, Work, PhD

Photo's taken in Edinburgh - 'The Meadows' - over the weekend . . .

Well here we are - 1 year since I started this Blog and my MSc . . . how time has flown - where to from here . . . well it is a period of transition again . . . something of an anti-climax I'll have to change my description although I've decided to keep my Blog title as this is how it started - even although I may move away from the 'aspirant code-borrower' that I was and return to my core of Learning and Development.

I am still keen to study further - to complete my PhD . . . I have applied been for an interview with Paisley - was invited for an interview with Stirling but they cancelled it before I could get there and dazzle them as they did have enough candidates - I was to take the Masters in Research route which would have meant 4 years instead of 3yrs for PhD . . . So I am still keeping an eye on studentships - but these things work in cycles - September is the current wave which has passed - next wave will be January intake and then it may move to April/September again - not sure - so this leaves with the dilemma . . . and of course there is no guarantee that I will be successful with an application - I am going to look at the possibility of part-time study as an option . . .

Anyway at the moment I am actively seeking the perfect position . . . what is that you are asking - well let's start with it would have to meet the following criteria:

• interesting


• close to home


• challenging

• strong technology component


• variety


• well paid


• a research component


• good career prospects

• permanent


• great work atmosphere


• flexible working


• some travel would be nice (as part of the position)

Hey fairly straightforward - not asking for much . . . needless to say the I am finding tons of positions which meet my requirements . . . . and they are all falling over themselves to appointment me at the salary I want . . . lol - I believe it will arrive soon - yes, I am the eternal optimist.

My predictions for the weekend - I'm in trouble again - Argentina to beat South Africa (dangerous one) and France to pip England - so France vs Argentina final and who is going to win . . . it is anyone's game . . . lol.

Rugby World Cup - Upsets, thrills and sadly some players have to leave for home . . .

(photo's courtesy of Getty Images - from Rugby World Cup web site) . . .
Well the weekend saw the start of the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals - down to 8 teams and it seemed all too predictable really - except not everything went exactly as it was thought it would . . .

Starting with England vs Australia a replay of 2003 - when the two met in the final . . . and as we know England won the World Cup . . . it seemed as if this game was a formality - after all South Africa had easily dispensed with England beating them 36 - 0 and this more or less summed up England's current form in their run up to the World Cup . . . England's first game against US resulted in England winning but they did not look convincing - final score 28 - 10; other games saw England see off a challenge from Samoa 44 - 22; and then had to beat Tonga to go through, which they did but less than convincingly 36 - 20; Australia on the other hand had kicked off against Japan - beating them 91 - 3; then faced Wales and beat them 32 - 20; Made short work of Fiji 55 - 12; and convincingly dealt with Canada 37 - 6; So on paper they should have made short work of England but instead ended up losing to them 10 - 12 . . . England had vastly improved their game and in the end just managed to do enough to totally put Australia off their game . . . pressurised and followed up all kicks and ran out worthy winners.
The All Blacks - as has so often happened to them failed to deliver - however this is the first time they have not proceeded past the quarter finals so a national day of mourning may be in order . . . unbelievable - so much pressure on the team to bring back the trophy for them - The coach has said they done their best - he will be replaced before Christmas - so the planning will start for the 2011 RWC and guess where that is being held - New Zealand. Final score was NZ 18 - France 20.

France on the other hand were also basically written off before the game - they lost their opening match to Argentina (shhh - don't say this too loud but I think they may go all the way to the final - although they will have to lift their game - and play a lot better than the last game - more about that later). In fact I don't think France thought that they would ever end up in possibly their last game (such was the feeling that they were not going to progress past this game against NZ) in Cardiff stadium - the French press were scathing in their assessment of the inept organisers - the French themselves. But all that is history now - and at the Scotland Argentina game the next day the biggest cheers of the evening were when short clips were shown of the French team . . . which didn't say much of the game.

Before the France New Zealand game I said to Judi France are going to take this - during the game I was complaining about it was not close enough for me and slowly but surely France drew ever closer to NZ score - followed by a withering look from Judi - I was in trouble later . . . lol.

Sunday saw South Africa and Fiji meet in once again what on paper was a mismatch . . . by this time I was taking some stick about how Fiji would take SA out . . . It was a thrilling game and Fiji came so close to pulling off another upset. SA were 20 - 6 ahead - a Fiji player was sent off - usually that would signal the team with the advantage with numbers would be able to make the other team pay - however what happened was Fiji scored 2 tries in 2 minutes and suddenly the score was 20 - 20 and we had a game on our hands - you can argue a number of things but the score line said it all . . . SA fought back and the final score was 37 - 20 but Fiji had most of the stadium behind them and you could almost feel them willing Fiji on to pull off the upset - but it was not to be - but it was on a knife-edge for quite some time.

Which brings us to the last game in the quarter finals Scotland and Argentina - I had tipped Argentina long before the game as I mentioned - I was now in hostile territory - although they were wary after my France predictions . . . it was not the best of the games - Scotland had not impressed me in the run up, at all - there were short spells but on the whole - and as for making 13 changes and playing their B side against the All Blacks at Murrayfield and lost 40 - 0, I'll not tell you my feelings about that - (unprintable . . .lol). Not to mention the fact that in my opinion Scotland actaully tripped into the quarter finals - Italy missed a number of kicks - all Scotland's points were from the boot and they just didn't look like the business - considering that they played their B team because of the Italy game and then they kicked all their points???? Argentina totally outplayed the French in their first game - and took Ireland on and arrogantly did not kick for touch and invited Ireland to come at them - not something a team often does and still beat them 30 -15. This was why I felt Argentina would just be too strong for Scotland and I'm afraid they were, however, if truth be told the game was there for the taking and I think had Scotland had been more cautious and adventurous - a little less 1 dimensional they could have taken it . . . Scotland's best spell was after the 4 substitutions . . .changed the game immediately - but the inertia was lost and Argentina managed to weather the storm (and miss a few penalties . . ) the score Arg 19 - Sco 13 - a close game.

So the weekend started with a number of newspapers claiming Scotland may be the only Northern hemisphere team left in the World Cup . . . in the end how different it was.

'Blackwash at Maorifield' - All Blacks march on to RWC final ?

South Africa Vs Scotland - Wow!

Left for Murrayfield - Judi had offered to come and pick me up as that way I would loose minimum time for studies - so she drove over from Edinburgh - passing Murrayfield along the way and came and picked me up - we drove back and were there in plenty of time - I am the most laid back person but I really don't like rushing - I like to be laid back and being in plenty of time allows me to do this. Well we had no sooner hit the A82 when the one windscreen wiper came flying off - pulled over to the side of the road and stuck it back on - Mr Fixit - on our way again - a sign No! . . . parked the car and I had my Springboks beanie on - no sooner out the car than I was roped in to a tug of war . . . we lost . . .

There was almost a carnival atmosphere in the air . . . they had lots of caravans selling beer - but they were all mobbed anyway after queueing for ages managed to get 2 beers - Judi had disappeared into another queue that looked shorter - but she was still standing there by the time I had been served . . . mostly South African supporters drinking and making merry - good banter and lots of Afrikaans being spoken - I almost felt at home . . .

Anyway with about 15 minutes to spare we took our seats just in time to see the teams come out and warm up a little and then time for the national anthems - I told Judi to listen to the SA anthem as it has 3 languages - starts off in Xhosa Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika; then Afrikaans followed by English - I said to listen to the volume - that will be when the Afrikaans kicks in and true enough the Xhosa was there but by word when it went into "Uit die blou van onse hemel . . .
Die Stem . . . the wave of sound just crashed over us - I was singing along anyway . . . . Then it was time for all of us Scots to (I'm getting a bit confused here - which cap do I have on now) to out sing the Springbok fans - sort of an unofficial match in itself . . . something both the Welsh and Irish excel at as well . . . we don't mind when they lose anyway . . . . so we launched ourselves into O Flower of Scotland, . . . and if I am honest I saw a few Springbok fans helping us out - perhaps returning the favour . . . who won I would have to say Die Stem - but as that is not the whole anthem Flower of Scotland took it.



As a warm up game for South Africa it probably did not feature too highly - after Scotland's outstanding performance against Ireland which they won 31 - 21 - I have to say I expected much more from Scotland. Give them their due they started off well and it was all Scotland for the first 20 minutes roughly - Scotland basically stayed in South Africa's half and it looked it could turn into a very interesting game - however I have to say I found the Scots very 1 dimensional - always trying the same thing and given the score line - you can see it just didn't work - at all - Scotland scored first with a penalty kick and were off to a good start we thought. However from Scotland's point of view that was as good as it got . . . . South Africa on the other hand after a very shaky first 15 minutes (your wondering hmmm Scots played well for 20 mins but Boks only played badly for 15 maths don't add up) well that was how it went and then the tide turned and it was all South Africa and it soon became a case of how much they were going to beat Scotland by . . . I found myself drifting during the game listening to snippets of Afrikaans being spoken - re-connecting in a way with the natural friendliness of the Afrikaner - who can be an incredibly social animal especially when his team and country are walking away with the game - yes there was some arrogance from some of the younger Springbok supporters - which at times bordered on taunting but on the whole as it normally is with rugby in this fine nation it was good light hearted banter - I say this because the same can not be said for a football game anywhere in the UK - Arran and I went to Hampden to watch Scotland and USA - wow you basically get hemmed in one area and that's it you sit down - and watch the game - except the whole Tartan Army (Scotland's fanatical football supporters) they stand for the whole game and sit down at half time - but they are on their feet again immediately there is any hint of the ball being kicked again. That was an experience . . .anyway back tot he rugger.

Second half I am afraid to say was boring - no points were added the whole of the second half - we had to start a Mexican wave . . . . I think the Springbok coach said right how can we get the most out of the 2nd half - I know we'll let Scotland attack and we'll see whether we can just prevent them from scoring . . . which they did - Scotland did mount a few useful attacks but it never came to anything - why run into 4 Springbok players?? Is your name Moses??? Scotland did it time and time again - not once did it pay off - what happened to a little chip over the back-line and run onto the ball - remember they have to turn and chase - you just run onto it . . . but no we will run through the Springbok defence - duh! No I don't think so boys, you'll need to be a bit more creative than that . . . . What was the final score Scot 3 - South Africa 27.

We sat around afterwards had a beer and a hot dog - just basking in the sun - turned into a lovely day actually a braai (barbecue would have been great) anyway hit the road and we decided to just get a take-away and I had decided it made sense to go and order a pizza - go to ASDA and then come back for the pizza well that was the plan . . . (sinister music plays quietly in the background) - ordered pizza - back in the car - car wouldn't start - Judi member of AA - phoned them to come out to assist us. Round about this time I noticed I didn't know where my phone was - turned out I lost it ???? or it was stolen off me - who knows -bottom line its gone - used Judi's line to report it stolen - that was that - when I reported it to the police my reference number is mck280807 - that shows me just how organised they are . . . NOT!

We waited about 45 minutes - luckily we had our pizza's before they came out - it was the battery - need a new battery - they started it we drove it up to my place parked it on hill (it is Barrwoodhill after all) and I drove down to Asda to get some supplies . . . - next morning car would not start - a quick push down hill and got it going - before we left I suggested we go to Halford's and have a new battery fitted - you see there was almost no petrol left in the car plus what would Judi do to get to work tomorrow etc., - anyway done that and walked across to carphone warehouse to get a new sim card and I ended up buying a cheap pay as you go phone - so I would be contactable again.

And that was the weekend . . . . Wow! - Bring them on I have been heard to say what with my experiences the previous weekend and this now . . . I'm beginning to think - perhaps it was unwise to say so . . . . I could tell you tale of the £160 and how it was there but not there - and because it wasn't there the problems it caused . . . even although it was there . . . .lol

Cya
Andrew

Tickets; Tour de France; Henley; Future of Media; Zimbabwe; Paul McKenna

Listening to: (this is the album cover)
Saint Germain is the stage name of Ludovic Navarre, a French electronica and nu jazz musician. His album Boulevard was released in July 1995 and has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide. His United States debut, Tourist, was released in 2000 and sold 200,000 copies. Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Miles Davis and Kool and the Gang are among Ludovic's early influences. He composed his first work under the name of Sub System with friend Guy Rabiller. He has released EPs under a number of aliases, among them Deep Side, LN's, Modus Vivendi, Nuages and Soofle.

Well Friday was the day for all the tickets to arrive - first the Barcelona Hearts game at Murrayfield on 28 July - looking forward to that - I am on Scottish Rugby Union mailing list and bought the tickets the day they became available £20 concession ticket - Barcelona are one of my favourite teams - Henry as well now - should be interesting. Not long thereafter - a knock on the door - DHL - saw the van as I walked to front door - I asked him if it was the new Harry Potter book (before I saw the envelope) - he said No - and I couldn't work out what it was ??? Opened up the envelope - my Scotland New Zealand - World Cup rugby tickets - so that is 23 September - so lots to look forward to . . . .

Speaking of rugby - South Africa played Australia over the weekend - Hmmm! they led 17 - 10 at half time SA could not add to their score in second half - Australia did though - they won 24 - 17 - a game of two halves guys.

Judi was over for the weekend (hanging out washing . . .) - me I made a curry Sat night we didn't really get up to much just relaxed and chatted and chilled . . .

Some interesting links / things I have come across:
1)
Henley Royal regatta another world ain't it??? . . . lol?

2) The future of Media - makes you think

3) Zimbabwe - Inflation and situation in general have a look at the guys wages . . . unbelievable!

4) Tour de France - interactive guide

5) All in the mind - Paul McKenna

6) Insight - 5 men & a tub - inside the mind of a married man

St Patrick's - Joan Rivers - Weekend - Mat's birthday

Photo's all City Chambers and George Square - apart from Graeme my nephew who has just returned to South Africa . .

Here I am its about 01h00 - Sunday morning - my Birthday, yesterday, St Patrick's day is now a thing of the past - however today is the first day of the rest of my life and / or 1st day in my personal New Year. What did I do / get up to I hear you asking? Well very little actually . . . rushed out to the bank this morning and then Marks & Spencer's as well as ASDA - funnily enough bumped into Isabel with Laura & Brian bought in enough supplies for a week and just chilled the whole day - Judi spoilt and pampered me the whole day - I was watching the Six Nations rugby (Bizarrely France won - some brilliant tries though) - and she was milling around and wouldn't let me do anything - partially watched all 3 games - read the newspaper and just hung out - had some snacks and a very interesting bottle of wine - a South African wine from Wellington - just outside Cape Town - it was lovely a very unusual taste actually . . .
Diemersfontein its actually a coffee / chocolate pinotage and something about it attracted me to it - so I was very pleased when it proved to be such an interesting flavour . . .unusual as well . . . .

Judi showered me with gifts - with the main one being a ring - Which has a celtic design - still getting used to it as I don't have any jewellery - I like it.

My Birthday had kicked off on Friday after uni - 12h00 we finished off with Lord Lithy - him wishing me and all after lecturing all about UML and telling us how important it was - so important that he never actually showed it to us but spoke about it . . . anyway myself, David, Andy, Rory, Philip, Catherine, Johnny, Shagaan, Russel, Idong, Mathias all met up at the Old Printworks and had a few drinks . . .turned into a pleasant afternoon - from there we went to Campus bar (supposedly because they are cheaper . . . I wasn't convinced - I was finding it difficult to buy anyone anything as everyone insisted its my birthday they want to buy me something - unlike South Africa where everything works the other way round - i.e. your birthday you buy everyone a drink and treat them - it took me years to get my head around that but now back to normal . . .lol - I bought a couple of platters of food and I think most people enjoyed themselves - I don't think we've been doing enough of this . . . maybe something that becomes more regular in future . . . bearing in mind our semester is about to a) have an easter break end of March for 2 weeks & b) finishes end of April - two events that probably need celebrating . . . (I invited most of the faculty staff - secretaries right through to Maria head of Dept. - needless to say none came - but I invited them anyway . .

SO how did the week go? Well Monday was AI and I had skipped Wednesday last week so had some catching up to do . . . basically worked on Designing User Systems as we had to make a final decision on Research Papers which we have to present - our group choice turned out to be Handheld and Mobile Internet browsers . . . my part of this will be comparing which browsers there are and how effective they are for mobiles and handheld devices . . Anyway AI - never done any prep work and we are now into our last 4 lectures - enjoyed Monday and Wednesday was the best AI lecture I have attended - somehow things just made sense and I was able to make what I thought were very explanatory notes . . .the proof of this will be where I go back to the notes and use them in conjunction with the slides and see whether they still makes sense or whether they are disjointed - time will tell . . .practical was running various planning tools and seeing how long / how many steps were involved - not sure I completely understand the difference between them all - took printouts fr later reference . . .and skipped my second practical session which I usually fit in because of going for a pint on Friday.

E-commerce - we are up and running and looks very much like our e-commerce product is going to be software which you download (a theoretical business) which allows -video-on-demand; music; and then a selection of live sports programs as well . . a lot of potential and we are going to develop this idea over the next 5 weeks and then eventually present to independent venture capitalists . . .- should be interesting - Ratna approached me and requested that he be part of my team - then asked Pelugia, Murvin, - Nicole sat down at our table and then Pelugia invited Untzizu to join us but she has subsequently decided she is not taking that course . . . so were back to 5. Tuesday's is now quite a long day - start at 09h00 E-commerce; AI for me @ 12h00 then DUS @ 14h00 so were lucky to finish by 16h00 . . .

I spent most of Monday & Wednesday afternoon in the library - doing research seeing if I could find any articles on our topic on Internet browsers and then accessing some books as well . . .

We got together as an E-commerce group on Thursday morning to discuss suggestions and that is basically where our software idea came from . . . met for about an hour prior to Software Construction - where Lord Lithy told us what he wanted to do but wasn't going to do it because he still had to write it but had received a phone call and hence was unable to do so - so today's lecture which was going to be tomorrows would be done now and then today's would become tomorrow's etc., . . . .

Thursday night was really busy first writing up what we had decided from our E-commerce meeting and then working on our DUS prototyping submission for Friday after which it was Java all the way - we are looking at Binary search engines - which are far more efficient for searching material - managed to source a very good book on this material - which explains it well and has some very good examples of how it works including some code - I was able to borrow some of it - which is applicable and in fact it goes way beyond what we need at the moment . Colin sat with me for a short while and we had a look at the code and said I was not to bother with anything other than the bear minimum for the time being . . . still a lot of work - this assignment will count 80% towards the final mark - I have to get my report right as I have fallen horribly short on this point - more focus needed . . .

Earlier in the week I had decided to try to approach the Information Retrieval marks from another angle - I know Monica (our lecturer) now stays in Switzerland - but I thought I'd send her an email asking her how she was and if there was any chance of us getting our marks . . .now I was in the admin office on Friday (last week) kicking up an absolute storm about the fact that we had been promised our marks ages ago and still nothing had materialised . . . well Monica came straight back shocked as she said the marks should have been released a month ago - date on the letters we finally received on Thursday was dated about a month ago??? So who is fooling who here . . . I got 78% so I was quite chuffed.

Last Friday was at Old Printworks were quite a few of us went for a beer to celebrate Mathias' birthday . . . which was most enjoyable . . . David myself & Chris sat around for a while just having a good chat - don't get enough time when your attending classes as its a quick hello and a brief goodbye . . . . then off to Judi's for the weekend.

Monday night went to the King's theatre to see Joan Rivers - she was everything I expected - foul mouthed and insulted everyone / every age group / etc., - told women to get out there and grab everything they can get - applauded Heather McCartney etc., - as I said everything I expected - I enjoyed the evening .






This week's 'From what people know about South Africa' . . . .

Q: Can you tell me the regions in South Africa where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)

A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in South Africa? (France)

A: Only at Christmas.

Q. Are there killer bees in South Africa? (Germany)

A: Not yet, but for you, we'll import them.