Spybot saved the day!

Ok, that is the most geeky title for a post I've so far come up with!

Anyway, the reason my internet connection was so slow was because of some downright evil "search portal" software which had installed itself on my computer, and was periodically generating pop-ups of extreme unwelcome annoyance.
However, I found some free software on the internet, which I downloaded, and then used to remove (I hope, for good) the nusiance. The software is called "Spybot - Search & Destroy" (sounds like some animated action film for kids) and is a handy tool for detecting and removing unwelcome shit (e.g. adware, spyware) on your PC. If you want, you can find it at:

http://beam.to/spybotsd

For me, it did, indeed save the day.

Respect.

Fahrenheit 300MHz/56K

Hello to all my non-existent readers!

I've been having trouble with my internet connection in Prestwick: My dad's PC is a 300MHz P2 (virtually an antique!) with 56K modem (usually connects at 52Kbps), but recently the internet connection has been sooooo fuckkkiiinggg sloooooooooooooowwwwwwwww. I think there's a problem somewhere - I'll have to defragment the hard drive.
Oh how I miss those streamlined lightning-fast broadband PCs in the CS lab!

Got back from my uncles yesterday. On Thursday we went to Inverness, the first time I've been there. It was alright, I quite liked the place, especially the girl in the restaurant with the massive tits whom I was eyeing up. She was looking at me also, and everytime our eyes met, she giggled to her pal. Now, this was either a "ooh, he likes me" giggle or she was just laughing at me - I prefer the former. I also saw the museum which was interesting, featuring stuffed animals etc.
On the way home I saw Nessie - She told me to pull the finger out and get a life.

Also yesterday, I saw the film "Fahrenheit 911". It was excellent, and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially if you liked "Bowling for Columbine". However, I found some of the scenes of the aftermaths of bombing in Iraq a bit disturbing.
I can't believe that Bush is the most powerful man in the world.   

God (or Allah) help us all.

Glen of tranquility (nothing to do with Glenmorangie)

Posting this for the sake of it - I will try to keep it brief.

I'm up at my uncle's just now, a cottage by the banks of Loch Morar, (almost) in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately he has a laptop with dial-up internet connection so I'm able to make this post, the readership of which will probably be as sparse as my surroundings! To my surprise, broadband will be available up here by next year.

I got the train up from Glasgow Queen Street early this morning, which meant getting up at 6am!! Agghh - another shock to the system! However it was worth it as the scenery along the West Highland line is great! It's lovely up here; makes a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow and the fast pace of modern Prestwick life!

Anyway, I'm hoping to stay here for several days and chill out. My aunt has her own clothing company and I agreed to develop a basic website so that the business has some "www" presence, so that should keep me occupied.

I'm off for a cup of tea. Bye.

ESE - The Final Instalment

Well, today was graduation day.

Had to travel up from Prestwick, which meant getting up at 6am, to get 7am train with parents. At the graduation, I saw Bob, Alexnewton and Ewan, who were also graduating from ESE (Iain in absentia, organising football touranaments abroad). Wore a kilt for the first time, a generic purple tartan known as "Spirit of Scotland" - chosen because I like the colour. This kilt-wearing meant that my parents insisted on taking several thousand photos of me, in the national dress.
Unfortunately I hadn't had much sleep and was not feeling particularly photogenic. Perhaps some time, somewhere, I will post some graduation pics on the web.

The ceremony itself was ok, although I found myself struggling to stay awake. My (soon to be ex-) flatmate Franky was graduating too, in Civil Engineering. I met some of his family beforehand. All in all, it was an interesting experience, a special occasion to mark the end of an era, etc. The real world is waiting. In a sense I'm glad, as I've had enough of education for the time being; perhaps a job is the best thing that could happen to me.

After the ceremony, I met up with my sister and brother in law, who is a good photographer and took yet more (official) pics of me in the kilt. I then went to "Mancini's", an Italian restaurant, with la familie, and had an excellent meal.

Afterwards, I went back to my flat, with some of my family in tow, as they were keen to see the flat before I moved out. They saw the flat, and then left, but that is not the end of the story.
I had also arranged to move out today (Franky moving out tomorrow), so later, my friend Alan came up with his van and helped me get my stuff back down to Prestwick.

I'm not upset about leaving that flat as the rent was too expensive and I was never keen on the place - no significant memories there apart from a couple of ESE pissups (including that awful "Grad Ball" - the highlight of which being microwaved Weetabix - don't ask!!). However it is strange to be back living with my parents after nearly 2 years in Glasgow.

I was, however, disappointed about leaving my fun new flatmates after just a couple of days. It was a shame they arrived 8 months too late!

Oh well... graduated and moved away from the City on the same day - this truly is the end of an era - and the beginning of a new one (with a little break in-between, of course!).

p.s. I can now put the letters "BEng" after my name - fantastic!

New flatmates

Got the new "Morrissey" album the other day, based on having heard a couple of songs from it. It's very good - although his songs are a bit political and negative at times, he is a unique singer and the songs are good.

My new flatmates moved in the other day (Sunday). I was preparing for a quiet night in watching the Euro 2004 final, when I heard voices in the flat. I know what you're thinking; weeks of isolation have finally driven me mad, but no, my 2 new flatmates had arrived, taking me by surprise.

It was Ronnie McColl's (the landlord's) son, Gav, and his mate. I was aware that they were moving in at some stage, but didn't realise it would be when I was still there. We clicked right away, and watched the first half of the final in the flat. For the second half, we went round to Gav's brother's, just round the corner. Fortunately, Iain had left a bottle of wine in the flat, one of the Compsoc sports prizes that never was, so I took that round - cheers, Iain, if you're reading this.

At the flat was also Gav's sister, her husband and another girl, Gav's brother's bird. Not to mention several kids, running around as kids do, up to mischief. It was a pleasant atmosphere, and we watched Greece win Euro 2004, whilst getting pissed. I was wary about saying anything bad about Ronnie, given that I was sitting with 3 of his children! In fact, I was surprised at how friendly and articulate they are - obviously it doesn't run in the family! Only kidding, Ronnie if you're reading this!

After, we went to Brel in Ashton Lane for a couple of beers - it was nice to actually be part of the atmosphere instead of being an observer (see "walk of pain", earlier post). Met Gav's pal, Tony, whom I recognised from CS in 1st and 2nd year. Later, we went to Tony's flat in Yorkhill, and got severely stoned. All in all a good night!

The next night we went to Vodka Wodka in Ashton Lane, for a few beers and then ended up in the Garage. Oh well, could've been worse :-) And yes, you guessed it, got drunk again!

I send Stelios (Greek ex-flatmate) a congratulatory text message regarding Greece's Euro 2004 win, but I think it's lost on him as he doesn't even like football!

I'm going back to Prestwick as I need to prepare for Thursday's graduation ceremony, and in particular, I have to pick up a hired kilt. It's going to be a nervous moment, as I've never worn a kilt before. I was persuaded by my parents to wear one, and I don't grudge being patriotic for the day.

Can't wait 'til the ceremony's over, if the truth be told. Thursday will be the formal conclusion of ESE.

Surely it can't be Saturday night?...

Saturday night. I'm in the Boyd Orr CS lab. Oh my god, what a sad bastard I am!! I've always hated this cold, unrelenting place with a passion, and here I am, back in it.

Watched the Wimbledon ladies' final today, to see the gorgeous Maria Sharapova beat Serena Williams comprehensively. I don't usually follow it, and admittedly I was only watching it to see the lovely miss Sharapova, but I got into it. It was an exciting match. I'm now a fan of tennis, as well as the beauty of Sharapova.

Went into town today and got myself a new toy, a "Canon Powershot A80" digital camera (4M pixel resolution). It's a decent camera, and should keep me occupied for I while as I take pictures of just about anything and everything I see.

On the way to the lab, I went on the "walk of pain" through Ashton Lane - never thought I'd still be doing it after uni is over, watching everyone having a great time while you head on up to the lab. Technically I could go out, instead of being sad and coming up here, but I'm too tired, my body still adjusting to a regular sleep pattern. The tiredness during the day is wearing off though, so that is a good sign.

Oh well, I'm off to watch some rubbish Saturday night TV, like the lonely, sad person that I am. ;-)

Ta'ra chucks.

Umm...

Finally my sleep pattern is sorted out (I hope). I'm managing to get up at 9am every morning, which is my target. Been feeling tired during the day, as my body is not used to the sudden phase shift, but after about a week I'm starting to feel vaguely human again.
The discipline in getting up early is harder because I've absolutely no obligations, no places to go, nothing to do. I'm feeling generally bored at the moment, but usually can find enough to occupy myself with during the day.

Saw the 2nd Euro 2004 semi final last night, and it wasn't a bad game - pretty evenly matched. It was a surprise for Greece to go through. I got another surprise when Monica came into the living room to watch the entire game with me. She is a really nice girl, if a bit negative (and a bit invisible) at times - so would you be if you were doing a PHD in Palestinian studies! She moved out the flat for good today, so it's 2 down - 2 to go. Just me left, and Franky - whom I haven't seen in a long time. I couldn't believe my luck when Monica offered me her TV and video for free. After some thought, she then said I could have them for £20 - bargain. It's a good TV as well: Sony 21", Nicam stereo. Nice one, Monica! Now I can watch the Euro final (on Sunday) on the "big screen".

Today I went into town with the intention of going to the cinema. However, there was nothing on that I fancied. Was considering "Troy", but I just know it will be typical cheesy cliched Hollywood fare. However, I may go and see it tomorrow, as I heard it wasn't that bad.

Also had a brief look at digital cameras, but was initially daunted by the massive selection. Going in tomorrow to have a more thorough look, with the intent of purchasing one. Been wanting one for ages, and still have enough left from my student loan to get a decent one.

When I was down in the Wick, got some good news regarding my uncle. He'd had a heart valve operation and has recently had an irregular heartbeat, and as a consequence has to take it easy. He went for a consultation with a surgeon in Edinburgh, believing he would have to go through a procedure called "cardioversion" - this involves stopping the heart with an electric shock and then allowing it to restart itself into it's natural rhythm. However, he was told that he would not need the procedure and should recover naturally. A bit of good news.

My current plan involves attending the graduation ceremony on Thursday, and then going up to visit my uncle up north, for a few days. After that, I hope to go to Barcelona to see my sister, who has a flat there, for a while.