After finding out either myself or my friend had got our dates mixed up and that she was not coming around as thought this Saturday for a curry, it looks like another boring weekend at Saz Towers.
Oh well I guess that it gives me plenty of time to catch up with the wonderful world of JavaScript! I collected my mark back for TMA03: 97%. Some might say that was a most credible mark but not me. I was actually quite peeved as I was aiming for 99% or 100% and I dropped three marks on really daft things that I should not have done.
Going to try and find some unsuspecting fools to follow this blog, would seem that I am going to need a little place to whinge and spit dummies out, judging by recent happenings!
About Me
Saturday 6 February 2010
Sunday 24 January 2010
M150 and TI175, two courses at once. I Must be Mad
I have just confirmed to myself waht the vast majority have known for a very long time.. I am completely and utterly wired.
Its Saturday 12:35pm. I am sat here having just finished the half way mark of the M150 unit 11 course book, which I must say seems a little dry in comparison to the programming. I still can not get my head around why just as you are starting to grasp programming the OU pull it from under you and make you learn about Perception, Dimensions of Reach and other psychological ramblings, only jump back to unit 8 and carry on with the programming again. Just as I had started gathering momentum with the Javascript as well.
Starting on this T175 malarky this afternoon. Just sent Andy to Asda to buy me a new folder for this momentous moment ( I have an odd love for the feeling of buying and using new stationery)
I have also purchased a copy of an old examination paper for next years course on the OU website (object orientated programming with Java ( oohh yeah baby check me out with the geek chic!)) to get used to the examination papers and give me an idea of how hard the course is going to be. I intend on doing this for a ll my prospective courses.
Learning aside I have been helping Andy with some car club stuff and yesterday I created an easy to use membership form for the club. This was the first time I had managed to put my newly found HTML skills to some good use. Andy then did some PHP to enable the form to be emailed to the relevant committee member and for a paypal payment to be made from the form. At least I can now see the skills I am picking up being put to use.
Next task is to start looking for entry level jobs in the coveted world of IT. It would seem for every job there are 650 applicants (maybe a slight overexaggeration there but you get the picture) who are probably vastly over qualified and have a wealth of experience but nothing ventured, nothing gained, the prosepect of selling Gas and electric for the rest of my life fills me with horror and grief.
Its Saturday 12:35pm. I am sat here having just finished the half way mark of the M150 unit 11 course book, which I must say seems a little dry in comparison to the programming. I still can not get my head around why just as you are starting to grasp programming the OU pull it from under you and make you learn about Perception, Dimensions of Reach and other psychological ramblings, only jump back to unit 8 and carry on with the programming again. Just as I had started gathering momentum with the Javascript as well.
Starting on this T175 malarky this afternoon. Just sent Andy to Asda to buy me a new folder for this momentous moment ( I have an odd love for the feeling of buying and using new stationery)
I have also purchased a copy of an old examination paper for next years course on the OU website (object orientated programming with Java ( oohh yeah baby check me out with the geek chic!)) to get used to the examination papers and give me an idea of how hard the course is going to be. I intend on doing this for a ll my prospective courses.
Learning aside I have been helping Andy with some car club stuff and yesterday I created an easy to use membership form for the club. This was the first time I had managed to put my newly found HTML skills to some good use. Andy then did some PHP to enable the form to be emailed to the relevant committee member and for a paypal payment to be made from the form. At least I can now see the skills I am picking up being put to use.
Next task is to start looking for entry level jobs in the coveted world of IT. It would seem for every job there are 650 applicants (maybe a slight overexaggeration there but you get the picture) who are probably vastly over qualified and have a wealth of experience but nothing ventured, nothing gained, the prosepect of selling Gas and electric for the rest of my life fills me with horror and grief.
Friday 8 January 2010
Saturday is Cancelled
I am a bit miffed that my tutorial has been cancelled tomorrow. I understand why but never the less I was looking forward to meeting some other students and getting some face to face extra help with Javascript. In all fairness to the OU they have pulled out all the stops to have a replacement Online based day, but it just does not provide you with that 1-2-1 help and discussion like the original plan was.
I also received my first batch of course materials for my next course that starts in February. "Networked Living: Exploring Information and Communication Technologies". I was a little shocked when the box arrived. My last course comprised of 16 unit books, 2 DVDs and other cards and materials, whereas this one has only 2 similiar sized books and one DVD, with the next 2 books sent later on in the course. Maybe this one involves less work, although I shall not hold my breath!
I did find it funny that a piece of text was named "The Future of Everyday Life", the future being 2010!! Hopefully that piece of text should be bang on the mark today then!
Any way last few pages of Javascript to do today. The concept and logic is easy enough to follow although as much as I understand it I do not think I could write a program from scratch and it run. I would like some exercises to learn to do that, hopefully that is what tomorrows electronic day school willl bring!
I also received my first batch of course materials for my next course that starts in February. "Networked Living: Exploring Information and Communication Technologies". I was a little shocked when the box arrived. My last course comprised of 16 unit books, 2 DVDs and other cards and materials, whereas this one has only 2 similiar sized books and one DVD, with the next 2 books sent later on in the course. Maybe this one involves less work, although I shall not hold my breath!
I did find it funny that a piece of text was named "The Future of Everyday Life", the future being 2010!! Hopefully that piece of text should be bang on the mark today then!
Any way last few pages of Javascript to do today. The concept and logic is easy enough to follow although as much as I understand it I do not think I could write a program from scratch and it run. I would like some exercises to learn to do that, hopefully that is what tomorrows electronic day school willl bring!
Friday 1 January 2010
New Years Eve Pub Rant
Statistically four British Pubs are closing per DAY.
The pub used to be a wonderful place, a hive of activity, almost like a second home. For a couple of pounds you were guaranteed (in most cases) a decent pint, a warm welcome and some banter with the landlord. All were welcome at the local Public House.
I always found it quite quaint walking into the smoky atmosphere of a pub, as a smoker it felt comfortable and for me it was part of the charm. That is not to say I was unaware that others felt differently and that it would be fair to make a pub welcoming to those who did want a ciggie and those that did not. The perefect way to keep everyone happy would have been to have a SMOKING room and a NON SMOKING room. To me that seems obvious but living in a nanny state like we do, something that suited every one and made good sense was never going to be allowed. July 1st 2007 cometh and the big smoking BAN arrived. I reacted with my feet and my wallet. I refused point blank to go to an establishment hand over my hard earned to have to stand outside like a leper.
Fast forward two years and I have become accustomed to sitting in my own comfortable front room, where I can drink cheaper booze, light up when I want and have complete control of the Juke Box (which incidentally has near enough any tune I could ever want thanks to the power of YouTube).
I can count on one hand the times I have visited a public house since the smoking ban and last night was one of them. It was not my idea in fact I was wholly against it but I succumbed to the constant badgerings of Andy and a friend and off I walked under duress and making sure my feelings where fully known.
I did explain to my over eager drinking partners that since the millenium where pubs took it upon themselves to charge an entrance fee, the idea of being charged for the privilege of being a customer has become the norm. I was assured this would not be the case and we walked into the pub and ordered a Pint of lager for Andy, A pint of Guinness for my good self and a Vodka with lime and lemonade for my friend.
Shortly after some burly man approaches us saying he has been informed that we have not paid for tickets and therefore we are not able to remain in this side of the pub. Our options being drink this drink and leave or move to the empty tap room. we could of course hand 15 quid over to give us permission to be a customer in the lounge room. Having only ever wanted to go for a couple of drinks we had taken a grand total of 20 pounds with us and even if we were desperate enough to be their customers I'm sure the big burly man would not appreciate us sat there with tickets but without buying drinks!
We decided to finish our drinks on our own in the tap room, where we felt like outcasts, unwelcome and miserly . We downed in one and buggared off home. We shall not return, another pub has just lost another customer.
At least this morning I have a clear head and I am hang over free, so I am starting 2010 as I mean to go on a full day doing some Uni work. Enjoying the Javascript so far, more fun than a new years eve night in the local pub...Now that is bad!
The pub used to be a wonderful place, a hive of activity, almost like a second home. For a couple of pounds you were guaranteed (in most cases) a decent pint, a warm welcome and some banter with the landlord. All were welcome at the local Public House.
I always found it quite quaint walking into the smoky atmosphere of a pub, as a smoker it felt comfortable and for me it was part of the charm. That is not to say I was unaware that others felt differently and that it would be fair to make a pub welcoming to those who did want a ciggie and those that did not. The perefect way to keep everyone happy would have been to have a SMOKING room and a NON SMOKING room. To me that seems obvious but living in a nanny state like we do, something that suited every one and made good sense was never going to be allowed. July 1st 2007 cometh and the big smoking BAN arrived. I reacted with my feet and my wallet. I refused point blank to go to an establishment hand over my hard earned to have to stand outside like a leper.
Fast forward two years and I have become accustomed to sitting in my own comfortable front room, where I can drink cheaper booze, light up when I want and have complete control of the Juke Box (which incidentally has near enough any tune I could ever want thanks to the power of YouTube).
I can count on one hand the times I have visited a public house since the smoking ban and last night was one of them. It was not my idea in fact I was wholly against it but I succumbed to the constant badgerings of Andy and a friend and off I walked under duress and making sure my feelings where fully known.
I did explain to my over eager drinking partners that since the millenium where pubs took it upon themselves to charge an entrance fee, the idea of being charged for the privilege of being a customer has become the norm. I was assured this would not be the case and we walked into the pub and ordered a Pint of lager for Andy, A pint of Guinness for my good self and a Vodka with lime and lemonade for my friend.
Shortly after some burly man approaches us saying he has been informed that we have not paid for tickets and therefore we are not able to remain in this side of the pub. Our options being drink this drink and leave or move to the empty tap room. we could of course hand 15 quid over to give us permission to be a customer in the lounge room. Having only ever wanted to go for a couple of drinks we had taken a grand total of 20 pounds with us and even if we were desperate enough to be their customers I'm sure the big burly man would not appreciate us sat there with tickets but without buying drinks!
We decided to finish our drinks on our own in the tap room, where we felt like outcasts, unwelcome and miserly . We downed in one and buggared off home. We shall not return, another pub has just lost another customer.
At least this morning I have a clear head and I am hang over free, so I am starting 2010 as I mean to go on a full day doing some Uni work. Enjoying the Javascript so far, more fun than a new years eve night in the local pub...Now that is bad!
Thursday 31 December 2009
The New Years Honours List 2010
Some people might be suprised to know that the full honours list comprises of persons who are acknowledged for their services to science, healthcare, academia, research etc, you know the ones, those individuals who have made a difference to finding cures for cancer, Aids, erradicating things that damage and harm society . Yes thats right people that are working and changing society for the better.
As usual the only persons the media are quick to promote as being on that lucky list are those wonderful "celebs". Yes actors and actresses, sports "personalities", they are all announced as being the great and the good leaving all the other hard working souls to be found on the Government created PDF
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_183669.pdf
Suprisingly there is a distinct lack of MPs listed I would have thought this year there would have been an extensive list "for services to the fraud industry".
James Joseph Caulfield must be elated in receiving an honour for his voluntary services to Disadvantaged People in Kenya. I will requote "voluntary". Yes a man that through his want to help others less fortunate in lands less affluent has been deservedly given recognition. A little further down the list is Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, For services to Motorsport. Now hang on a minute this guy earns millions for driving A fast car in cricles going nowhere fast! I will happily drive around the M25 for FREE if I can have an MBE! I do feel this kind of makes a mockery of the whole thing.
I did do a search on the Government PDF but alas nowhere to be found was "Sarah Davis for services to the Call Centre Sector"
Buggar, Damn and Blast. Maybe next year!
As usual the only persons the media are quick to promote as being on that lucky list are those wonderful "celebs". Yes actors and actresses, sports "personalities", they are all announced as being the great and the good leaving all the other hard working souls to be found on the Government created PDF
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_183669.pdf
Suprisingly there is a distinct lack of MPs listed I would have thought this year there would have been an extensive list "for services to the fraud industry".
James Joseph Caulfield must be elated in receiving an honour for his voluntary services to Disadvantaged People in Kenya. I will requote "voluntary". Yes a man that through his want to help others less fortunate in lands less affluent has been deservedly given recognition. A little further down the list is Jenson Alexander Lyons Button, For services to Motorsport. Now hang on a minute this guy earns millions for driving A fast car in cricles going nowhere fast! I will happily drive around the M25 for FREE if I can have an MBE! I do feel this kind of makes a mockery of the whole thing.
I did do a search on the Government PDF but alas nowhere to be found was "Sarah Davis for services to the Call Centre Sector"
Buggar, Damn and Blast. Maybe next year!
The Price of Books
The price of books is nothing short of incredulous!
If you are after a publication other than the inane and shallow ramblings of Katie Price or other non entities who churn out uninteresting "celebrity" autobiographies on the back of appearing in the Daily Star once, it would appear you have to be prepared to suck your teeth and re-mortgage the house.
I would not mind if the book was concerning a popular topic but "Building the Post War World" is hardly going to be appearing on the top of everyones "must read" list!
So refusing to hand over 35 quid to invest in this riveting read, I have decided to borrow The Tardis take my 35 quid to post war Britain and rebuild it myself. the added benefit of this being I will probably still have some monies left over for a Big Mac on my way back to 2010!
Happy Days and a Happy New Year!
If you are after a publication other than the inane and shallow ramblings of Katie Price or other non entities who churn out uninteresting "celebrity" autobiographies on the back of appearing in the Daily Star once, it would appear you have to be prepared to suck your teeth and re-mortgage the house.
I would not mind if the book was concerning a popular topic but "Building the Post War World" is hardly going to be appearing on the top of everyones "must read" list!
So refusing to hand over 35 quid to invest in this riveting read, I have decided to borrow The Tardis take my 35 quid to post war Britain and rebuild it myself. the added benefit of this being I will probably still have some monies left over for a Big Mac on my way back to 2010!
Happy Days and a Happy New Year!
Tuesday 29 December 2009
British man said to be mentally ill executed in China
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8433285.stm
The death penalty: I am totally opposed to it no matter what the crime committed is. A British man being put to death over some bloody drugs to me is quite sickening really. Other henious crimes the Chinese feel worthy of execution, totalling 60 offences include non-violent crimes such as tax fraud and embezzlement.
Good Lord we would have no MPs left if we lived in China! Maybe that might be a good thing, maybe the death penalty isn't quite so unthinkable after all!
On a lighter note singer Van Morrison has become a daddy at the age of 64, bless.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8433453.stm
His website claims the new offspring is: "the spitting image of his daddy". So thats wrinkly, saggy and akin to a bulldog chewing a wasp.
Ciao!
The death penalty: I am totally opposed to it no matter what the crime committed is. A British man being put to death over some bloody drugs to me is quite sickening really. Other henious crimes the Chinese feel worthy of execution, totalling 60 offences include non-violent crimes such as tax fraud and embezzlement.
Good Lord we would have no MPs left if we lived in China! Maybe that might be a good thing, maybe the death penalty isn't quite so unthinkable after all!
On a lighter note singer Van Morrison has become a daddy at the age of 64, bless.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8433453.stm
His website claims the new offspring is: "the spitting image of his daddy". So thats wrinkly, saggy and akin to a bulldog chewing a wasp.
Ciao!
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