Author: graybo

today I had the first of my marketing exams – the second is on Friday. I can’t say it was a joyous experience, particularly as the first question was only worth 10% of the marks but took getting on for 25% of the time. However, I’m fairly confident that I have done enough to pass at least, although I won’t be holding my breath for an A grade – I needed another 45 minutes writing time to get anywhere close to that. And today’s paper is perceived (by me at least) as the easier of the two. So now I have to spend the rest of this week preparing for Friday – not only the exam itself, but also the post-exam piss-up.
This week is also punctuated with birthdays – I’ve mentioned Tim’s. There is also Kev’s 30th (Wednesday) and Andrea’s (__th) on Friday. So much drunkenness shall prevail to distract me from the matter at hand. I just hope the case study is on the drinks industry.

Meg talks about her brother dismantling things in his youth. I have memories of my brother dismantling things too, although it was never computers (we only had Etch-a-Sketch back then). In fact, it’s a habit he hasn’t grown out of, and now you will invariably find him building things or dismantling them – Land Rovers used to be a favourite, until he got all domesticated, and now it is kitchen units. Unlike Meg, however, I don’t possess many fixing skills, so inevitably rely on big brother or dad to fix stuff.
Anyway, the point of this is that it was my big bro’s birthday yesterday – the big lummox was 39. Happy Birthday Timbo.

Minister uncovers ‘patron saint of election chaos’ – and he used to scrawl graffiti and stand around with his nose hanging over walls.

clever little me has added a search function to this site. now you can more easily find my discussion of the worldwide earthquake locator, for example. or not.

if you haven’t rushed out and purchased the new Boards of Canada EP, then do so now. It arrived this morning and was so good it nearly made me late.

If you, like me, think that the finest art ever created was that produced by the animation studios at Warner Bros during the 40s and 50s, then rush over now to the Looney Tunes Soundsource and have hours of fun downloading quotes from Daffy and Bugs.

today is World AIDS Awareness Day. I’m not going to harp on about AIDS awareness, but I wanted readers to think about these things: there are one-and-a-half times as many people infected with HIV today as have died from AIDS so far. In parts of Africa, teachers and doctors are dying from AIDS faster than new ones are being trained, and entire generations have been wiped out or are orphaned.
Everyone can do something to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS – wander here for some useful “tips”.

BBC says sorry for branding viewer ‘nutter’ – now be honest…do you think this bloke is a nutter? errr…yep.

does my blog work best this way (i.e. newest day first, newest post on that day first) or the old way (newest day first, posts on that day in chronological order)? let me know.

all rush along now to do the Color Quiz (it’s American)….here are my results: (link poached from notsosoft)
Your Existing Situation
Unwilling to extend himself or exert undue effort (with the possible exception of sexual activity). Feels that further progress requires more from him than he is willing or able to give. Would prefer reasonable comfort and security rather than the rewards of greater ambition.
Your Stress Sources
An existing situation or relationship is unsatisfactory, but he feels unable to change it to bring about the sense of belonging which he needs. Unwilling to expose his vulnerability, he therefore continues to resist this state of affairs, but feels dependent on the attachment. This not only depresses him, but makes him irritable and impatient, producing considerable restlessness and the urge to get away from the situation, either actually or, at least, mentally. Ability to concentrate may suffer.
Your Restrained Characteristics
An unadmitted lack of confidence makes him careful to avoid open conflict and he feels he must make the best of things as they are.
Feels that he is receiving less than his share and that there is no one on whom he can rely for sympathy and understanding. Pent-up emotions and a certain egocentricity make him quick to take offense, but he realizes that he has to make the best of things as they are.
Your Desired Objective
Tries to escape from his problems, difficulties, and tensions by abrupt, headstrong, and ill-considered decisions or changes of direction.
Your Actual Problem
Anxiety and restless dissatisfaction, either with circumstances or with unfulfilled emotional requirements, have produced stress. He feels misunderstood, disoriented, and unsettled. This drives him into a search for new conditions or relationships, in the hope that these might offer greater contentment and peace of mind.

Conclusion – it tells me what I already know. I’m bored with my job and need to change, but haven’t the confidence to stick out my neck and apply for something. That’s why I started my college course, so as to build my confidence and learn a few new skills. However, I refute any claims that I am lazy – evidence: six years running a local society, 11 years in this job, organised umpteen events, regular trips out to go lecturing and my college course as well – not to say that I don’t mind laying in on a Saturday morning if I get the chance. Anyone got any jobs going?
As for the comments about my sexual energy…..well, that would be telling.