That was 2007 - an eventfull Year!

Wow! Here we are 2007 is almost a thing of the past - 31 December - early morning and I am thrown into reminiscing on the year that was . . .

Started off with a flurry of activity - Sam & Hud were in Perth for Christmas and then spent some time here as well - I had spent some time with Judi between Christmas and New Year - was up to my ears in uni work - had a programming assignment; an essay & an exam to prepare for . . . then James & family arrived from New Zealand - followed closely by Graeme from South Africa and almost straight into my Mum's 80 th at the Radisson hotel . . . phew! It was a busy month and basically a gathering of the clan -Mum; Judi & I as well as Sam & Hud stayed overnight at Radisson . . . . was a stressful evening in some ways - the event had been 18 months in the planning - my one regret - I did not have a photographer as didn't really get a lot of photo's out of the evening. Was sorry did not have more time to take James & co., around. Actually managed to pass my assignments - although Internet Programming by the skin of my pants . . lol

I can't remember Feb in quite as much detail - took Graeme to see Six nations game Wales vs Scotland and by all accounts he really enjoyed this -far more than the Kilmarnock Vs Rangers game at Ibrox . . . I booked up for a holiday in Rome as Judi had told me she always wanted to go there.

March my birthday - Judi bought me a ring - hmmm usually other way round . . . lol - and there were 2 rugby games - she spoilt me that whole weekend . . . I wasn't allowed to lift a finger.

April - exams again Designing Usable Systems & Artificial Intelligence . . . then it was the long wait - which proved longer than expected - to hear whether or not I had been accepted onto Masters component of course - things could have ended here and I would have been awarded a National Higher Diploma . . . .

May - Roma (was still awaiting results) Judi & I went to Rome - stayed near Navonna Plaza - in the heart of Old Rome - walking distance to Vatican City etc., - hired an apartment - everything turned out to be within walking distance - the odd day we could have taken a bus we just walked anyway - was great immersed ourselves in the local atmosphere (by going to all the tourist haunts . . . lol) - had a great time . . .

June - finally received confirmation was accepted onto Masters - chose my dissertation topic - not without some confusion - but eventually settled on 'A comparative evaluation of Java teaching environments' - which proved to be very interesting . . . this was to keep me really busy for the next 3 months . . .

July - dissertation . . . Judi's birthday (Rome had been the birthday present) - went down to London with Judi - she attended a acupuncture conference on fertility . . . met up with Sam & Hud at went Cuban for the night . . . I ended up smoking a cigar . . . felt quite sick afterwards . . lol . . . Judi kept stealing my glass of wine . . . lol

August - dissertation . . . a brief visit down to Sam - I had a airplane ticket from a year ago ( a long story) - anyway visited and basically cat & house sat - whilst Sam & Hud were in Switzerland. What a calamity when I got lost in London and missed my train . . . . and had to get back to Sam's place after having hidden the keys inside the door . . . lol - Babbaloo was pleased to see me again and I managed to let him out so he could wander - Sam had kept him inside all the time - as they had only had him for a week . . . a friend for life - after I gave him his freedom.

September - dissertation hand in . . . . a last rush to complete and tidy up - by this time I was sick of reading and re-reading it and eventually just handed in . . . was I to regret it . . . not in that sense but I had hoped to do better . . . Murray my mentor had been great - I should have paid a little bit more attention to a few pointers / requirements - some simple stuff I left out . . . Fiona my niece arrived with her two kids Rozita & Rosario - she has decided to come and stay here in Scotland now . . . Wow! How could I nearly forget an amazing weekend in the Lake District - Ambleside - I had no sooner handed in my Dissertation than Judi whisked me off for the weekend - lovely - apparently June suggested it - good one June! Thoroughly enjoyed and loved the area - worth exploring in more detail - file under - Well Worth another visit . . . lol.

My Mum and I shot over to Vancouver for a week - absolutely lovely - a great hotel / location-wise and we managed to do a lot in our week . . . even got to Whistler . . . I've always wanted to go here . . .

October - the big question - What now?? Academic / Work / Leisure ??? Central themes for this month - Graduation - the big day a year's work behind me - blood sweat and tears . . .

November - somewhat similar to last month - more focus on applying for jobs though and lo and behold end of the month an add on the Monday morning and by the end of the week I had the job - not permanent mind you - but seeing as some confusion and no definite decisions having been made it was ideal . . .also bearing SA 2008 birthday extravaganza - It seemed ideal . . . also somewhat depressing not working and not having that sense of urgency . . . uni work etc.,
Started work on the last day of November . . . .

December - Phew - what a baptism . . . a hell of a lot of work - very complex and involved - really enjoying it but I have to say - it is taking a lot out of me - not sure that I am being justly rewarded . . . perhaps that is a commonly held point of view . . .
Judi has just contacted me - her first delivery as a Dullah (???? spelling) she has been with a client since Sunday morning about 03h00 and she just arrived home at about 05h00 Monday morning - a baby boy . . . she is totally knackered and she is already wondering how this would have panned out in a normal work week . . . . have to say so am I . . . lol

Well its been an eventful year - one that stretched me in many ways - but I am a better person, in my opinion - a lot of personal growth - more apprecaition for who I am - setting limitations and allowing myself some quality time - relaxation. Judi & I have had some ups and downs and I am sure we will have some more - I am pleased to say that we appear to be ending off the year much closer with a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other -which I feel can only bode well for the future.

UK - wise Brown seems to be a total nightmare after starting off quite well - the best punchline was he has gone from 'Stalin to Mr Bean' and that really sums it all. Looks like a mild recession is on the way . . . house prices may actually drop . . . who knows ????

On a Global perspective If I could have one wish for 2008 - its that people start talking to each other . . . Hamas & Israeli's; Taliban & British / US; they are legitimate organisations with a following . . . too much to ask for?????

May you have a great 2008!

3 Weeks and running

(Motivational posters (not) accessed from www.despair.com
Well I told you I had started working again and it is all Go, Go, Go - lots of intensive analysis and trying to get to grips with what is actually going on - as you can imagine it is very difficult to parachute yourself in behind enemy lines - and try to instantiate yourself i.e. get to talk their language and understand their actual business . . . it is a real challenge one that I am enjoying though . . . majority of the people we are dealing with are most helpful and our profile has been raised with a memo that went out to everyone explaining that we had come on board and exactly what our role is . . . . so lets hope it gets just a wee bit easier . . . . we hope . . . .

Two things of note - company that hired me to work with this utility company 'XYZ' consultancy - had a meeting with us last Friday - and to cut a long story short it went on longer than it should have - everyone agrees - anyway eventually I had to say that I had to leave - so I could catch my train . . . I did so - did the 100m dash to the station and lo and behold I thought I had missed it but it turns out the train was cancelled . . . as there are only trains every 30 minutes - I had to just stand there and wait - eventually arrived at Dalmuir station - where I park my car now - at about 19h45 - only to realise that I had left in such a hurry that I had left my keys in my draw at the office - so a few seconds and there and then I decided I had to go back.

I had also agreed to pick a carpet from my Aunt's place for Maureen (my sister) - and had phoned and arranged to pick it up - so I had to phone a cancel all of this.

Had to phone one of the people on my team - to get security's phone number and arrange to get them to open up for me etc., - so 2 trains to get back - 2 trains back to car and I was home by 22h15 - exhausted, is a mild term describing how I felt . . . . . As if the work itself was not enough I had to add this to the whole equation . . .


I have to admit I have been asking a lot of questions - it seems as if I spend most of my life at the moment at work - that is how it seems - sleep ; eat ; travel ; work ; eat ; work ; travel ; eat ; sleep etc., . . . the evening just flies by - does not feel like any real passage of time before it is time for bed . . . . at first I was going to bed about 22h30 - but I am trying to push that slightly now . . . but that comes at a cost as well . . . - just seems there should be a lot more to life . . . I think I'd much rather be studying again - I found that far more rewarding (although it didn't pay . . .) -- and was significantly happier - in my opinion . . . . hmmmm - well not completely true - but I do think I had a much better quality of life . . . . ?????

Wednesday I was in Edinburgh in the morning and Dundee in the afternoon . . . . quite a bit of travelling - I slept over at Judi's place so was at the office early in the morning as she stays not to far away - walked around the corner and caught the No 11 and was there in 10 minutes . . . . phew!

Tuesday morning - major accident on the A82 - I left home at about 07h40 and within about 3 miles from home hit the traffic - I sent P a text to tell her I'd be late - bumper to bumper - radio said a car had over-turned - took about 1 and half hours just to get out of Dumbarton - by this time I had convinced myself I had left the hot water tap on - so I had to go home and of course it was fine . . . . then drove or should I say I attempted to drive to station - abandoned car - in Bellsmyre still and walked to station . . . . instead of 08h40 I arrived at work at about 10h40 - what a waste of time . . . . lol

Went to the dentist this morning . . . been having toothache and problems with my gums . . . . Holly still there (from NZ) whilst my dentist (Lucy) is still on maternity leave . . . a couple of X-rays later and a whole host of appointments - 4 in total . . . my gums are bad and need to see the oral hygienist - I am currently using Corsoydl to rinse my mouth - my oral hygienist recommended it some time ago . . . . Lets hope I get it all sorted . . .

Well - How goes it with Christmas shopping - I'm actually quite happy - I think - I want to wrap things this weekend to see where I am - as I think I have enough already . . . . for everyone - Judi; my Mum; Maureen; Fiona; Rozita & Rosario etc., - and the odd present for myself - I bought a PC tablet - will have to take it along to PC club - and try to play around with it prior to the next meeting - bought it when I saw you can take notes (free hand) and that it can be added as part of a Word document . . . . and I couldn't resist a travel bag - binoculars ; a compass etc.,

May I just take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year . . . . . I plan to spend Christmas with Judi & the boys and Boxing day with Maureen & Mum . . . New Year I hope to be relaxing at home and will invite my Mum and we can phone all and sundry (Yes, that's you James) . . . lol.

Stay well - warm (it has been -7 in some places over the last few days - really bitter) and safe.
Andrew

Arran - Work

Photo's - a running tally of American casualties in Iraq . . . of course out of date now . . . forest setting & The Magic compass film

I struggled with an easy decision this week - my son Arran wanted me to take out car insurance for him in my name - after hesitating - I told him in no uncertain terms - that I was sorry but I just wasn't going to do it - the ramifications to him could enormous as he needs to drive for his job - he has managed to have several accidents in the last few months - have I mentioned that he doesn't even have a licence - we always want to do everything we can for our kids - I even seriously considered taking out the insurance - they weave an intricate web and we find it so easy to make excuses for them and their actions - after all they are only human - and I found it hard to say no - even although I have no doubt that it is the right / correct decision. No doubt I will be called every name under the sun - but I'll have no part in anything that could happen to him - I have told him he now needs to take responsibility for his own life and his actions and the affect they have in his life.

Well it had to happen - lol - I am working now.

You know how these things creep up on you . . .when you least expect it - saw an advertisement on the Tuesday morning and by late Friday it was confirmed that I had the job . . . it is a contract position so it is finite at the moment - at least 2 months - and with Cape Town Birthday bash just around the corner and still looking at PhD's - it was the ideal opportunity . . . no idea where it may lead to from here. What am I doing hmm a long story but the executive summary - I am helping a large utility company put together training material that they need some help with a whole raft of new processes they are implementing at the moment - clear as mud - lol. Basically new and exiting processes which need users to be re /trained in. Tight deadlines and quite a number of processes. That's about all I can say.

It's almost the end of my first week and I am feeling a wee bit tired a fair amount of travel - myself and 2 other people in team - we seem to be gelling and thus far agreeing with the way forward - enjoying some of the staff in the company.

The main area I am still getting used to is getting up at some unspeakable time in the morning . . lol. After a number of variations and horrendous traffic on Wednesday - when I had to just abandon my car on the way and turn around and catch a train - I have now worked out the optimal route by train by myself - I drive to a not too distant station and change half way and then catch another train -its not bad really - main thing is it minimises chances of being stuck in traffic like Wednesday . . . I intend buying another car - which is more reliable and would probably drive - well particularly when travel is involved as you are not dependent on times and trains etc., - get up and go basically - whenever you want - also easier to go to work earlier and corner those evasive or too busy execs . . . .and get some answers.

Looking forward to being able to complete some of the material and see its sign-off and or implementation.

Anyway just a short update of what is happening . . . in my life at the moment - it is only 21h25 and have to admit I am exhausted . . lol - sad I know - time for a nice hot bath and a long soak . . . enjoy yourselves . . .

PS - Judi said we'll both be so knackered on the weekend we'll be fighting about whose turn it is to get up to make a cup of coffee . . . .lol - regeneration time . .


I can't wait to see what they have done with Phillip Pullman's book - film the Magic compass

Links:

Kindle get with it man - what is it???

Cooking

The Tide Turns . . . Brown in the Mist

photo's - Sam, Arran & Jessila, Eortica 07 / Mike & Naz / Fiona swears allegiance to yon Queen in Buckingham palace . . .


Well after a somewhat frustrating (read depressing) wait I have finally managed to find some work - it is not a permanent position and takes me back to my core skills of Learning and Development. It is a short term contract - for two months and it seems the best way for me to do this and work in this way is for me to start my own company . I am still interested in doing my PhD and intend applying for this - when successful I will be paid a salary. However, in the interim, whilst awaiting the ultimate PhD offer - need to put some food on the table and the odd bottle of red wine of course - so this seems a good way for me to do so - there are certain tax advantages of doing it this way. A bit scary in a way as you then take full responsibility for what you earn . . . lots of work out there but it is not an easy ride - particularly if you are just starting out and do not have loads of contacts in the area . . . . Oh well - caution to the wind here we go I am setting sail for yon distant shore and trust that the weather will not be too inclement - not that I expect it all to be plain sailing . . .

As an indication of my desire to work (I hope the Job Centre is reading this . . . lol) I even went to Royal Mail and attended both an interview and a 1 hour induction - as a Christmas casual . . . I made it on to the waiting list - in fact funny how things work - had I been successful I may not have seen and responded to the above position - weird - I woke up early (earlier than usual - my usual) and was on the PC and saw the above position - its temporary nature actually appealed to me - believe me or not . . . . - anyway applied early Tuesday morning and went for interview on Thursday and was informed on Friday afternoon that I had been successful . . . . so it was fast and furious . . . lol

I am waxing lyrically about the job but in truth I do not have anything in writing yet - don''t expect any problems though . . .

Birthday's are numerous during the month of November - with Tom; Mike & ANdy all turning 1 year older - Judi has been cooking up a storm for each of her sons - with them allowed to choose the main meal . . . . celebrations . . . and sometimes bored games - oops a slip.

What else has been going on - Christmas shopping - now that Fiona with her two kids Rozita (4) & Rosario (18 months) are here brings a new dimension to this years celebrations . . . she is staying with my sister Maureen and they are somewhat over-crowded - hopefully though they will find a bigger place soon - which will be better for everyone . . . Been doing my fair share of looking and deciding what to buy . . . . I've only just realised that I will be working through this period - only qualifying for the statutory holidays - as the format of the work dictates I only get paid for the days I work . . . . so need to work every day I can . . . lol - Oops somehow slipped back to the work story . . . lol.


It looks like I will motor across to Judi's place Christmas eve and then over to Maureen's - late on Christmas day - sleep over at my Mum's and then home later on Boxing day . . . . working on the Thursday & Friday and then on Monday 31st ??? But will wait and see whether this is what transpires.



Winter is fair drawing in . . . it has been fairly bitter the last few days . . . thank goodness for central heating - Judi claims this side of the world - everything over Erskine Bridge is both cold and wet . . . she half lives on the radiator to cope with conditions here . . . lol.

Was out last night @ Walkabout - Phil & Emma's birthday . . . Matthias & Antonio as well as some other friends of Emma & Phil were there . . . turned into a good evening - there was some commotion in the place but it was sorted out by chucking the whole group out - about 20 of them . . . anyway everyone is just there to enjoy themselves and these guys were a bit over the top - I had bumped into them at the bar and the one guy had tried to swipe his credit card through my teeth or something along those lines - I just ignored him and laughed - but no doubt someone took offence with regards to something that was said or done and it escalated from there . . . .

Took Fiona to see Beowolf at the Imax cinema - it is in 3D - it was good fun and very well done in parts . . . it incorporates a new form of animated filming - it has real actors but they are portrayed by an animated character - apparently they film the real actor and it is somehow transformed into the animation . . . in most cases you know immediately who it is - but the voice helps in certain cases . . . I recommend the film - a more mature audience - not suitable for the younger viewers - may even have a PG rating - not sure.

Well football-wise that is both Scotland and England are out of Euro 2008 . . . it's quite amazing Tuesday the Data disks went missing with every family's private details and information on it . . . and then Wednesday England out of Euro . . . . what's next they say - well actually all of that was preceded by Northern Rock - what is that your saying??? Well in a nutshell Alistair Darling (who didn't exist to most people - before these fiasco's ) decided that we couldn't have a run on a British bank - which is what happened - people queueing to get their money out of the bank and the bank not having enough . . . . so - our good friend Alistair lent the bank £20bn - that is a lot of money - it translates in to each tax payer lending the bank £900+ ; which is ludicrous - in my opinion - the bank is a company - like any other - if they can't finance themselves then they probably should not be in business . . . . simplistic - yes.

Well I am afraid to say Gordon Brown goes from one fiasco to another and we are still no closer to understanding fundamentally what he stands for? The honeymoon is over - and if he continues like this it will not be long before he is jilted or the country as a whole and his backbenchers institute divorce proceedings.

I see another Bush lackey was given his marching orders - Howard in Australia - the swing away and against him was dramatic that he lost his own seat - something that has not happened in over 78 years . . . .

Another attempt at peace in the Middle East is starting up - a process which is no doubt doomed before it has even started - Abbas the Palestinian leader does not speak for Hamas - who control Gaza - so you ask yourself what is the point - if a naive observer like myself can see the futility - who do they think this process will appease - yes, America needs something to work in the Middle East - but this will be a hollow victory if they hold this up as a supposed success story . . a waste of time and money - and yes I think the upstart Blair is involved although - thank goodness we hardly ever hear about him anymore - here today and no more - apart from the odd dinner speaking engagement for a steal of £250 000???? Wow!

Anyway quite enough cynicism for the moment - cya Andrew

Links:


Emperor's New Clothes - I'll change, Vows PM after week of crisis . . . Yeah right!


Hamas warns of impending violence after talks




Scotland's finest

Best reads of 2007

Erotica 07


Facebook accused of spoiling Christmas

Proud and Happy Chappy . . . . Yipee!

Well they say every picture tells a story - let this one speak for itself!
Other Photo's -
Group of 4: Kamal; Murvin; Abiodun & I and then Murvin (whom I think was the best coder on our course) & I;

The only thing you can't see, is me, beaming from ear to ear . . . . . lol!

The Graduation Ceremony was held today - 29 October - in the lovely Barony Hall - where I wrote my Information Retrieval exam in January of this year . . . I am down with this chest infection - something similar to what I had back in April and no doubt passed onto me by Judi - well I was bold enough to say it ain't coming my way - seems it had a mind of its own.

Judi asked in passing last night - what is the plan for tomorrow and this prompted me into action - making sure the times dates and locations were all known and planned for only to discover I still had an envelope with information in it waiting for me at registry . . . Judi was laughing and I had to admit that not everything was planned down to the finest detail - there were still one or two things to be finalised - anyway - not to belabour the point picked up envelope - picked up gown and sash and even had photo's taken straight away and went to pick my Mum up and still had a couple of hours to spare . . . .

At approximately 14h00 I made my way down Collins Street to get to the entrance in High Street (guests had to enter via Rottenrow Road) and almost immediately met Christine, who was having a cigarette with her brother. Made our way plus two others - to the hall - where you had to register to find out where you were to be seated - not surprisingly all the MSc - Computer and Internet Technologies guys where together - when I took my seat E15 - Gobi was sitting next to me - Mathias, Antonio, Idong, Abi and Murvin were all close by with Rory, Phil & Stephen in the next row opposite us - which meant they would be right behind us when we stood up to go on stage . . . .seemed like quite a while before the proceedings were under way and thereafter it just flew . . . I think our group was in the first third of the proceedings - which left us with some time when we arrived back with our degrees. The Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Hamnett (who has more intials behind his name than I have letters in all three my names) capped each of us . . . - someone else hands you the actual degree and another person places the hood over your head and drapes it across your shoulders.

It was all really over rather quickly - theses were Science degrees - they start with the Doctor's (1/2 a page of names) , then Masters (2 and a 1/2 pages of names) and then finally some Bachelors of Science (only about 1 and a 1/2 pages of names). Of the Information Management group that started with us - roughly about 18 students only 2 submitted their dissertations and Graduated today a bit sad. Of the CIT group we were about 25 - I only counted about 12 who were eligible - of whom 4 were not present - is this how it normally works - I know I struggled with my Technical Report with my Honours - but it seems pointless to complete two semesters and then not too bother going any further?? The course is structured so that you qualify for a Post Graduate Diploma after the first two semesters - but they would have Graduated today as well and there was only persons name down for this in CIT - and not a name I recognised so he must be a carry over from last year??? What happened to everyone else - about 13 students??? No idea about the Library students - but there seemed to be loads of people missing their as well . . . ??? Spoke briefly to Nicole seems she has moved to Edinburgh and she loves it there . . . .

After emerging from the hall all the tension was released and everyone was hanging around posing for photo's etc., - now MR MR who is a keen photographer never took his
camera along - I was sick guys . . . lol - anyway everyone has promised to send me copies . . . watch this space . . .lol.

Afterwards - rushed to hand the gown and hood back in and stopped off at Harry Ramsden's joint for traditional fish and chips . . . .

I have set up a meeting with Careers Advice for next week - I need to work through my book on 44 1/3 things to do to ensure I don't succeed in life - prior to this appointment.

The day left a nice warm fuzzy feeling behind . . . . if only all days were as accommodating!

Rory and his band played this evening but unfortunately I wasn't up to it . . . pity - could have been a grand way to celebrate . . . most of the guys are around though so hopefully sometime soon we can have a celebratory evening.

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 ?

Eureka - at last . . .

My Tevion Internet Radio is finally working - my security code X76F 5G78 etc., is written as such so that it easier to decipher instead of all 26 numbers and letters being right nest to each other - so once I had worked this out it connected straight away - no problems - I have subsequently updated the software and we are tuning in as we speak. I am able to access 7545 radio stations from anywhere in the world - you are able to search by country or genre - which ever you like - it is also possible to create a profile on Reciva Radio Portal - and then choose a small sub set of the 7000+ stations - lets face it you don't want to have to listen too or scroll through 600+ stations tog et to the one you want - do you? Yes obviously it might be fun some of the time but in most instances I think you'll want to just tune in and listen to some predefined stations . . . .you see my Internet radio is actually connecting to the Reciva web site.

I am currently listening to 95.5 a Costa Rican Jazz radio station . . . I have listened to Radio Sonder Grense an Afrikaans radio staion - which alerted me to the fact that Gert Vlok Nel has released a DVD and bonus track CD - which I ordered shortly thereafter as well . . . (this was prior to getting it to work and it has given me some problems - recognises the station can only presume a problem with the radio station . . . .) It lists 36 stations for New Zealand starting with 95bFM and ends with ZM . . . . lol

All for now folks . . . time for sleep . . .

Vancouver

One of my favourite photo's that I took - see link at the bottom to view album.

Well as if the Lake District was not enough my Mum and I flew out to Vancouver to on 14 September . . . with Zoom airlines - a good deal . . . left Glasgow Renfrew @ 15h05 and arrived in Vancouver @ 16h30 the same day - flying West - 8 hours difference between us so it was roughly which was roughly 00h30 local time - so what did that make it about a 9 hour flight - it was all systems go on board the flight - 3 films dinner and a snack just before landing - wait might have been 4 films can't remember - didn't watch them was involved in 2 scrabble games . . . lol.

No great schedule ended up doing the following:
Day 1 - got lost ended up taking trolley tour of Vancouver well worth it as an overall orientation . . .
Day 2 - Indian Arm cruise
Day 3 - Granville Island & - Raincity Grill
Day 4 - Gastown
Day 5 - Chinatown & Grouse Mountain
Day 6 - Whistler
Day 7 - walk around Sylvia hotel area - where we stayed

My overall impressions - loved it - once again weather was, on the whole fantastic - we went up Grouse Mountain on a day when you couldn't see a cloud in the sky - it had rained the day before . . . could not have picked a better day . . . cruise day was a bit overcast - but it was quite warm most of the time . . .

A very diverse society - everything has to be bilingual - clothes labels even have to have S/P small & petite . . . Vancouver has 40% of the population which is Chinese . Took us a day to work out local transport system - there was a bus terminus close to our hotel could take either a No. 5 or No. 6 to get downtown - fare was $2.25 and covered you within 1 zone for 1 and a half hours - you could use bus, train or water bus in that time . . . difficult to judge but was comparable to local fares but obviously more integrated . . . something that is lacking here. Bus drivers were very helpful and in most cases were my tour guides in the city i.e. how to get from A to B - they often suggested alternative busses or routes for us -and my Mum who is getting on now appreciated not having to walk further than we had to . . . Food in supermarkets seemed slightly more expensive - but too be honest don't know my way around . . . alcohol similar or slightly cheaper a bottle of Dewar's just over $20.

But when your on holiday whose counting . . .lol.

English Bay was really lovely and was a popular gathering spot for watching the sun set . . .every evening. It also very close to Stanley Park a major recreational area in Vancouver.

Met the mystical Victor randomly on Thursday evening in the street . . .lol - then we went for breakfast the next morning a busy coffee shop - there were only two seats vacant - next to someone we had met the night before . . . yes Victor - strange how the world works - so the question is had we not met him the night before would we have in any event met him the next day????

Some links suggest, in passing by Victor: (thanks Victor)
The Calcium Bomb
Nexus Magazine

A very populous city - in some ways something like Hong Kong I imagine - all the high rises - spread over quite a large area . . . . making for very high density living . . . they are lucky to be surrounded by water and of course the park . . .

So once again here I am waxing lyrically about a place that I obviously hardly know but somehow made quite an impression on me in a rather short space of time . . . Vancouver photo's - enjoy

The Lake District

Well as you know I have finished and handed in my dissertation on Thursday 6 September, 2007 . . . so effectively finished my MSc . . . Judi in her wisdom and as a treat whisked me off to the Lake District on Friday . . . actually I slept over at her place on Thursday and after a lazy start to the day we hit the motor way . . . roughly 3 hours later we arrived late afternoon in Ambleside and what a lovely place it was and what amazing weather we had . . . . stayed at a lovely little B&B - walked around sampled some of the beer - ate at a Thai restaurant - had an argument made up - went for a cruise and generally Judi spoiled me. I've never been there before and what a lovely surprise it was both from just getting away but also how lovely it was down there . . . . well I can wax on and write a whole story - which is what I normally ddo however every picture tells a story . . . I will let them speak for them self . . .
The Lake District in pictures . . .

The Dancing Man

This kind of sums up how I feel - no words needed after finishing (I am assuming successfully) my Masters course and dissertation . . . . . lol

Dissertation Completed!

My dissertation:
A Comparative Analysis of Teaching Environments for Java Programming.

An extract . . . . .

Abstract:

The aim of this report is to investigate some of the most popular pedagogical and development environments and to determine how successful they are in assisting novice programmers in learning Java programming and object-oriented principles. A set of criteria will be drawn from reviewed literature as well as careful consideration of the challenges facing novices. This report will document the literature, the criteria and summarise the findings of the evaluation.

This dissertation starts by considering computer programming and its role within Computer Science. It gives an overview of how programming has been taught and covers the various approaches and research in this area. The report then focuses specifically on how pedagogical environments have developed over the years. The dissertation then looks at a set of pedagogical environments and evaluates each of them against set criteria drawn from literature and research. This evaluation is undertaken against a background of two things. Firstly, acceptance that learning to program is a difficult task. Secondly, the nuances and principles of object oriented programming need to be conveyed to students. These factors ultimately determine the influence and contribution that each of the pedagogical environments might make in assisting novice programmers successfully master both Java programming and object oriented principles.

Key Findings:
Alice is an outstanding pedagogical environment, well suited to introduce novices to object oriented (OO) principles.
BlueJ excels in removing some of the complexity of the syntax of Java programming, allowing simple interaction with classes and successfully introduces OO principles.
DrJava is a useful lightweight development environment and one of its advantages is that it can be used as a plug-in to simplify the Eclipse environment.
Jeliot is outstanding in its ability to automatically animate Java programs without any additional input. It also has a useful pedagogical tool that can automatically generate questions about the code that is being animated.
jGRASP is both a pedagogical as well as a development environment which has many features including, UML and animation viewers, to assist novices.
Eclipse is easily the most professional development environment evaluated.


“We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.”

Marcel Proust.
http://www.quotationspage.com

Acknowledgements To:

Murray Wood, my supervisor, for constant guidance and encouragement as well as football banter.
Judi for her forbearance, understanding and words of encouragement, ‘Work hard.’
My Parents (Tom & Nancy) – without whom – let’s face it - I wouldn’t be here.
www.Somafm.com for keeping me sane and introducing me to some amazing new music.

Handed in Thursday 6 September, 2007. Hard to believe that I started both this course and this Blog 1 year ago . . . . how time has flown.

I Hit Strathclyde running - My 1st Blog entry

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