No, the weather in Hull/Howden is not that bad...yet.  Just the work load.

The reason I've not blogged for a while is just that...I'm snowed under with work at the moment.  I've got Analysis and Design going on for my Final Year Project (as well as some desperate last minute research into configuration files and how to write them); a Compiler to write for SPL (Simple Programming Language I think...or some Derivative); a Questionnaire Application (for the Pocket PC...using XML - never worked with that before); oh, and a Perceptron to write for Neural Networks (and that's only a small - about 10% - section of the entire ACW).....

So, I'm a little busy.  Deadlines are (rapidly) approaching, and I'm swimming in that black sea they call the sea of doom!!!

Seriously, I'm going to be a lot more like an old hermit in the next few weeks as a struggle with Windows XP to try and get my coursework done on time!  And then there's an exam...and having seen some of the past paper questions today....well, it's not going to be pretty!!

All the while I've got job applications that I'm starting to make...I've started filling out forms for BAE Systems and IBM, with Microsoft, LogicaCMG and the Bank of England [perhaps] to come...and those are the only ones that spring to mind in this instance.  I kind of know what I want to do; and then again I don't - for instance, I'm travelling to Newcastle University on the 15th/16th November for an Open Day at their Postgraduate school.....and I'm going to have a look at what Hull (where I'm at) has to offer too....but I might have left it a little late.....we'll see.

My Multimedia Database application has stalled at the moment (I've not really worked on it since July)...I'm contemplating scrapping the Java code I've got for now, and going back to it later on....perhaps in C# with a MySQL (or perhaps SQL Server) database strapped on it's behind...we'll see.

It's been quite a couple of months really.  I'm having to learn C# and the .NET Framework (and the Compact Framework - but as they're both almost identical...not a problem).  I think, considering for the most part, it's self-taught...I'm doing alright so far.  I'm looking forward to trying out generics in the .NET Framework 2.0...someone I know gave me a taster today....and I like what I saw!!

I watched the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera" this evening...must've been the fourth time.  I've managed to stop myself crying at the end of it now....I'm just on the verge of tears instead.  It's a very emotional film.  The music is FANTASTIC, the cast are awesome singers and actors/actresses.  If you've not seen the film yet...I would suggest renting it or buying it on DVD...it's excellent.  Speaking of films... Star Wars Episode III is out on DVD at the end of the week (in the UK)...I cannot wait...Amazon have my order...I should be getting it on Nov. 4th.  I cannot wait!  AND...some great films I recommend people see over the coming months...we have "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" - the fourth in the series..and much more thriller-esque that the three previous - and "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" - another cracking adaptation of a cracking book...then there's "King Kong" - another Peter Jackson masterpiece.  All must sees.  Here endeth Film 2005 with Oliver Drew!!!!!!

I think I'm reaping the benefits of a more relaxed lifestyle...I've lost about 1/2 a stone since the exams last May (and kept it off, just about).  I hope to lose another 1/2 stone before Christmas...that would be nice.  I don't think there's anything else..oh, and I promise to try and blog more often...then you might get less of the blather that comes along with the more "serious" stuff!!!

    It's been nearly a month, but I am still alive, and still writing my blog, just about.  It's been a wierd month, where I feel like I've been run off my feet with work and other assorted commitments, but haven't actually achieved anything, which is rather irritating.  As I write this, I'm about to log off my PC, stick in a Knoppix 4 Live DVD and see if it'll automatically pick up my Wireless Network at home (It's Linux, so I doubt it).  If it does pick it up, then it's safe to say that I'll recover the 80Gb of current Linux install space being used, and just use Knoppix from the Live DVD...which will be a tad odd perhaps, but hey! (I'm sure there'll be some method of installation onto the hard-drive...I'm about to find out.).

    I'm (hopefully) nearing the end of the initial research phase of my final year project.  I've research generic programming, pda development, and looked up some software that's available that does kind of what I'm trying to achieve.  Now I'm starting some research into databases and how to write programmes with databases plugged to the back-end.  Problem: Where does one start when one hasn't got a clue what to look for!  The first report is due in one month from today, and that requires you to know exactly what you are doing....grrrr!  I also need to be able to convince my (fantastic) supervisor that I actually know what I want to do/know what I'm doing!  If I can't research the database stuff then I'm a little...well...stuffed!

On a happier note, it's good to be back at university again!  Great to see/meet with friends that I've not seen in a while...and just, well, nice.  I'm starting to get really really motivated to do my stuff again, one final time...so here goes!

Incidentally, if anyone has any knowledge of the database thing, then could you drop some links/ideas into comments for me?  It would be appreciated!

Edit....

I've (finally) made a breakthrough...looking through some old 08119 notes on Databases believe it or not!!!  I've discovered what I need...that I need to use a Database Management System/Server to create and run the database, then using the third party application (another thing I have to write...basically, the Sports Match Transcriber) to access the information in the database, and add to it.  I think that's about right, in simple terms.  So I need to research into Database Management Systems, and into what and how they can be used, and with what technologies. (I think).

Well...I don't know about you lot, but I like the new Spoke layout...certainly seems more amiable than the previous one...and not too many bugs either (hehe).  I don't like the random passwords they've created for us though....it's a little irritating...every time I try and log in I have to go into my email client and copy the password because I forget to change it when I'm logged on!

I've changed my blog title, as you can no doubt see....it will change again in a couple of weeks when I have the inspiriation to decide on a new title...it will be a more technical one based on what I'm doing in my dissertation probably...I don't know!

I've decided against doing the MEng that Hull Uni are offereing me....mainly because at the moment it's not BCS accredited (unlike my BSc Computer Science course), and I won't get the BSc Qualification either...which is one thing I rather want!  The university are running a small seminar in week 1 to talk about it though...I might just go if I'm in the area...they might just change my mind (but I doubt it!). - Incidentally, I'm still reviewing the possibility of doing an MSc at the end of my current course anyway..I'll keep y'all up to date with that as I make my decisions!

I've really focused my research on PDA development now..I've decided that, with any luck, that's the path I'm going to follow for developing my Sports Match Transcriber.  Therefore I've been looking into the .NET Framework (and it's subset...the Compact Framework)...I'm also going to be looking into all sorts of things..web services, database back-ends, wi-fi accessing...storage.....HCI, User Interface stuff...I've got a lot of stuff to look at in the next couple of weeks.

The timetables came out today for the pre-Xmas semester (they might've been out before...but they;re up now), and it's looking good for me...as long as the lab timetables are nice...which would be a first...I might just get a free day in the week...Monday would be good!

I've resolved to restart work on my Multimedia Database...although I'm a little unsure of the path it's going in.  I know I'm gonna finish the development in Java for the moment...I've got the filestreaming classes and a logging class to write for it...then I'm going to write the tests for the back-end and then secure the code..making it "bomb-proof" so-to-speak.  Hopefully I'll get that done in the next week or two...then I can start on the user-interface...that bit's the fun bit!

I'm catching up with an old friend tomorrow who I've not seen for 2 years now...that's shocking considering we live only 20 minutes apart...oh well, circumstances for you!  I can't wait to catch up with her.  I'll be back soon with some more ramblings for you.

I'm (finally) getting heavily into research.  I have the questions that I want answered and I'm proceeding to try and answer them. 

Generic Applications...that's not a term I've heard that often over the last couple of years (maybe I've been sheilding myself from it).  But they are powerful, and have powerful potential.  Basically, what I'm researching is the possibility of writing a program that can then be "added" to...basically, you start with the basic (generic) app, and you can then add the necessary components to make the application do what you want...so you start with the one app, then you could (feasibly) end up with lots of "variations on a theme"....e.g. you could write a base sports match transcriber (my dissertation), then add components to make a football match transcriber, or a tennis match transcriber, or a rugby match transcriber...if you get my drift.  I cannot though, for the life of me, find any applications that use this kind of technology...or any research that has been done into it before.  If any reader would like to help me out (if you've come across anything), it would be appreciated.  (I suppose the term I'm looking for actually is "generic application builder" but hey-ho).

Other than that, I've finally got a car (A 1.4 'Y' reg Nissan Micra - will make sense to UK readers).  I get to pick it up next Thursday (1st September)...I can't wait.  More to the point...Insurance is extravagant...I've paid out for Fully Comp insurance though...and now I'm broke (nearly!!!).

I'm getting back into it now...really getting back into it!

I've started putting serious Final Year Project (here-on known as "dissertation") ideas down on paper, and I'm starting to research them...I needed some direction, and my supervisor...and in the end, my common-sense, helped provide it...throwing ideas down on paper....means I can investigate each option seperately.  I've decided, for each option, to work out what each option entails, how to do each option, get examples of software for each option, and look at technologies for implementing each option...I think that should do nicely as research.

I'm also starting some more C# work...and I'm looking more into my Multimedia Database program...I promised myself I'd have it finished before I went back to uni in September...that's looking unlikely, but still possible...It will, however, be finished at some point in the near future...the first version at least.

I've also been looking around car dealers today (for the first time), because I'm getting a car...at last..freedom!  It has to be a low insurance car...because of my age...but there's plenty of choice...and the insurance quotes I've been getting are better than expected, so all in all...things are looking up!!

We've also finished the harvest (I'm part of a farming family here in sunny Yorkshire!!);  it's the busiest time of year for us (although most of the year is damn busy for a farmer...glad I only help out in the summer...), but luckily this year, we've managed to avoid the worst of the weather and get the crops in in a reasonable time...just before we get "Autumn weather" according to the weather-people..excellent!

I've done a fresh system re-install this week.  It seemed as good a time as any; I finally upgraded my RAM, I now have 1.25Gb, rather than 256Mb...so my system performance has been massively boosted.  I thought therefore, that it would be best, to rid myself of all the rubbish that I had managed to accrue over the last 18 months or so since the last install!  It's magnificent now...top performance (well..compared to before!!!).

I've also noticed (and it's not escaped your notice either, my wonderful readers!!), that I've changed the blog name...to the imaginitive "My Blog!!".  This is just a temporary measure; I've undergone some changes as I've been away from the computer for the last couple of months; so I figured that my blog should change with me...so while I think up a new...more imaginitive name for my blog, I'm afraid that name will have to stay...feel free to come up with (nice) suggestions.

I now can't wait to get back to uni, I only have one more year left, although I have the option (oooh...options), to transfer onto a Masters Degree course (at the same uni I'm at); and I don't know whether or not to take the change...it will be an extra year...but Uni is ace...so it would be worth it; at the same time, I would rather like to get into employment before getting my Masters (which I want to do at some point).  I have (I think) three weeks to make the decision...it's gonna be a hard one to make; but I'm sure I'll make the right one (with the advice of friends and family).

I'm currently researching for my dissertation (or Final Year Project), which is to create a Sports Match Transcriber.  I've got a few (basic) ideas, which I suppose is alright for this time in the process.  I also, therefore have a lot of areas to research, including Generic Applications (and Generic Application Builders), Developing PDA Applications, Database issues, and internet issues - none of which I've considered, or covered before.  I doubt very much, that I'll mix PDA and Generic Applications...that would be an AWESOME challenge, but not one I think I can cover successfully in little over 8 months.  I'll have to wait to talk to my supervisor when I get back, but I think I want to look at writing an application for the PDA...but I don't know properly yet...so I've got a lot of work to do over the next three weeks, I'm really kicking into gear...and getting focused again!

I've got lots of personal stuff I want to finish, and look at too...I want to write me a website, finish my Multimedia Database, learn some C# among other things...and I've got work (of the paid variety) at the same time...I'm a busy little bee at the moment!

Oh...and I'm reading Stephen Kings "Dark Tower" series at the moment...a fantastic set of books...I'm on Four (of Seven) in the series at the moment...called "Wizard and Glass"...just brilliant...and I'm about to start reading "Code Complete"...seen as I've bought the book...I've not read it yet.

It's been too long since I added a blog entry.  Needless to say I've been busy over the last 6/7 weeks, and I'll tell you all about it soon...regardless, I'm trying to migrate everything from my (now old) passport account to my new one...but I want to do it without losing the blog here...(and having to start afresh), so I'm having to think about that...but I'll probably just start the new one....anyway!  I'll let you know what I decide very soon!.

I've just finished invigilating GCSE and A Level exams at Howden School....thank the Lord!!  It has been the most tedious job that has even been thought up by anyone - 6 weeks (give-or-take) of sitting watching people write - at last it's over - though it has been a little money-earner, so at least it's been worth it.

Consequently, my Mulitmedia Database program hasn't gone anywhere - I've had loads of ideas beyond the original "spec" but I've not even gone anywhere on the original "spec" yet...I guess now I have a little time on my hands before my next employment, I'll be able to crack on a little bit, and I intend to do just that this afternoon and evening.  It's been written in Java at the moment, it's my first language (well, second, after English - sorry)...but I'm thinking that once I've finished, I have, well, two upgrade options, the first would be to actually add a back-end database to it...rather than holding all the data in vectors, which are being serialized and streamed out to files, or two write the thing in a C based language (probably C# - I would really need to get clued up with C++ user interfaces before I even attempted that!!) - We'll have to wait and see - one thing is certain though, and that is that I must learn some more C# this summer- still got plenty of time though!!

I, as many of you will know (and an equal number will not!), am a massive fan of Formula One Racing.  I have no doubt that many of you will have read and heard (and potentially been at) about the "race" (more like farce) in Indianapolis last Sunday.  Quite frankly, in my opinion, the FIA and Michelin should be frankly ashamed of themselves, and if they were sued out of extinction by the promoters and the fans for lost revenue, then it would be no bad thing in my opinion...after all, it is America we're talking about!!!

I totally blame the FIA and Michelin for not finding common ground to put on a show, despite the teams begging them to do just that (they have no blame...I'll come to that!).  I think that Michelin were misguided releasing a statement saying that the tyres weren't safe...which more or less ended the show before it "started" because, especially in America, if there had been any serious accidents, the lawsuits would be massive, and never-ending; just look at the Ayrton Senna trials that were still recently going on.  The FIA should've been sensible, and put the damn chicane in....that was requested on Saturday, over 24 hours before the race....it could've been done; and should've.

Now, the teams, as far as I'm concerned, shoulder no blame whatsoever.  Not only were they protecting their drivers, as previously explained, Michelins statement effectively passed on liability for any failures to them...as far as I can see.  They all wanted to put on a show; David Coulthard was begging his team to allow him to race even on his way to the "grid".  Ferrari have no blame (I've heard some people blaming them) in this instance; they had no reason not to race, and Michael Schumacher evidently didn't enjoy the experience.  Finally, congratulations to Tiago Monteiro on a thoroughly undeserved podium...but they all count; oh, and congratulations to Minardi, who, by scoring 7 (yes, SEVEN) points on Sunday, scored more than the previous 10 seasons COMBINED!!!

Now, onto another rant!!!  I've been having bad luck on eBay recently.....someone tried to scam me out of my laptop; unsuccesfully...it's been sold properly now!  But, I bought a PDA on the internet from a certain seller (who shall for the moment remain nameless....but doing a search will allow you to find out whom!), who hasn't sent me it, despite having my money etc etc.  How annoying.  I just hope that the PayPal and eBay claims department are up to scratch....I want my £160 back!!!!

On to more computery things now!  I've been working on my multimedia database program...the names deceptive...there's no database involved at all!!!  Which will, when finished, hold details of all my DVD's, Video's and Books....which will be nice.  I've nearly finished writing the back end (in Java); and want to start on the UI sometime next week...which will be good!  Anyone wanting to test it...feel free to ask....!

Now, I'm about to do some research on Linux Distro's, I'm looking for a nice one, i.e. free (which isn't difficult with Linux!!!), and one that comes with lots and lots of support.

I have Slackware on CD, but I've used that and want to try something else; I'm thinking about looking at Gentoo, but I'm gonna have to do a fair bit of research, and the download time will be quite massive I think, even with a nice upgraded 2Mb/sec connection (woooo!).

Aside from that, the last couple of days have been wierd, I've been invigilating exams, and during the exams, I've been thinking (lets face it, there;s not a lot else to do is there!); and have been thinking about programming, and what I'm going to do with the stuff I'm looking to learn, but still not getting anything done, annoying!  So, tongiht is going to be the night, once I've taken brother no. 3 to work, and dropped some stuff into the local recycling bins, I'm spending an evening learning stuff on the computer....nice! (after I've watched Dr Who!).

Oh, and yes, I might open a nice bottle of wine as an accompaniment (spelling is bad today!), so, should it be American, Chilean or Spanish...I dunno!!!

Well, I've seen it....Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.  Only one word...AWESOME.

From the opening shot to the last, it was an emotional rollercoaster, with great acting, gripping and spell-binding special effects, what more can I say....and young master Anakin's turn to the Dark Side, and the coming of Darth Vader are well, emotional.  Definietely up there with the best of them, only second behind Empire Strikes Back in my "favourites" list...fantastic.

It has come to my attention that eBay (at least the UK version), is an expensive place to sell....I just paid a Bill of £35 in listing fees, yes, listing fees.  Mainly because an item that was rather expensive to list didn't sell a couple of times.....never mind, it's done.  It's about the time of the year when students start wondering where the next pound (or dollar) is going to come from.....I can't wait until September (or even Pay day!!!!).

Speaking of work, I'm invigilating GCSE and A Level exams at my local Secndary school at the moment, and boy is it boring!  It's a great job, simple as long as you keep to the strict examination regulations, and the people I'm working with (including my own mother.....), are fantastic; but come on, how many jobs are as exhilirating as sitting in silence for three hours at a stretch, perhaps twice that in a day, watching 16 - 18 year olds write things on paper!!!!!  Saying that, this is how I'm paying my Road Tax,. and part of my car insurance....so I'm pleased with it!!!!

Now, more computing stuff...I need some ideas, I want to learn C#, and I want to improve my (pitifull) C++, as well as perhaps looking at some .NET stuff (and maybe a little Pearl and Python if I have the time!!!)....thing is, I need some ideas for things to code as practice....if anyone has any particular ideas, feel free to email me with them!! (those who know my email address that is!).

Got no further with my "Video Shop" program over the last week or so, never mind.  There;s always the weekend, and I have been at work...so hey-ho!

Oh, and congratulations to Liverpool...Champions of Europe again, and what a performance it was!!!!!

Simply enough, I've done nothing at all today (up to this point).  I woke up this morning, and the time has just passed, I can't believe I'm sitting here at 8:25pm having achieved nothing all day...I intended to do some programming and stuff today, but it's not happened...there's still plenty of time left in the day I suppose.

I've been absent from blogging for the last month (nearly), for a very good reason!

EXAMS!

I've had four.  None of them went as well as they could, despite me flogging my guts out to learn all the stuff for the modules that was necessary.  I've truly done more revision for these exams than any other, yet I feel I've done worse than in the others I've had at university, and not at all achieved what I feel I'm capable of...which is a shame, but there's really nothing I can do about it now.  If I've passed (and I don't find that out until mid-June), I'll be more than happy - but at least the summer hols (unbelievable really...spring's hardly started) are here...time for relaxation, work (of the paid variety), and de-stressing to happen!

I have a vareity of activities that are computer science related planned for the summer, the most important of which is the learning of some C#.  The modules I've registered to do next year (my 3rd, and last), involve a lot of C# from what I can tell, and seen as I've only got as far as Console.out on the C# front, I think I should have a real crack at some apps over the summer to aid my learning.

I really want to have a look at some .NET stuff over the summer too.....I'm taking a Mobile Devices and Applications module next year, which I think will include some of that stuff...so I wanna have a look at that too.

I'm also developing a small library application, that will hold all my videos/dvds and details about them, with various search and organisation options that can be used to pull out all sorts of details.  It's nothing to seriously difficult, and is being written in java.

I also have research to do for my Final Year Project, this is a task that I'm also looking forward too!

I also intend to get my hands on a PDA over the summer....some new technology is always welcome where I am, and while they've been around for quite a while, I've not had the chance to "fiddle" with the technology yet, and I could rather use a nice small, mobile diary!

Oh...and for all of you who don't know...Star Wars Episode III, Revenge of the Sith is out THIS THURSDAY!!!!!!!

I'll start with the sounding off!!!!!!!

Revision is wierd.  I like to have a week concentrating on one subject when I'm revising...and normally (i.e. all the time up until this session of exams), I've been able to conjure that up.  Not so th