tog_in_sox

Hi Steveo, 3 yrs old? Is it running Windows Vista then or Windows 7? Is it a laptop or a desktop? If your daughter has been very assiduous and refrained from clicking random links she's encountered in mail and on sites, not been tkane in by various popup dialogs claiming to diagnose her PC, make it better or win the lottery, deleted all unsolicited mail spamming on about garbage of no relevance then I'd say perhaps the hardware was starting to give up. Particularly if it's been used in a dusty environment, around shedding pets, etc. Have either of you noticed a clicking sound coming from the PC when it's trying to load up or run programs? Very muich the giveaway for a failing harddrive. If on the other hand it's been used and abused by a happy go lucky user clicking indescriminately without a care in the world and without any due care and attention to occasionally clearing out the "digital garbage" that Windows accrues over time then the "system cleardown" suggested above is worth a good try. Try installing a great utility called CCleaner. This knows all the usual garbage repositories and enables the clearout in a few clicks. Be sure to select the various entries for the Internet browser(s) you use etc. Once you've done that reboot the PC a couple of times before doing anything else (I do this as a precautionary as Windows can be very inconsistent in completing its startup after misbehaving. If you know of software you no longer use then use the Programs and Features console from the Control Panel to remove these. Be sure that you only have one Anti-virus utility installed (Norton and Mcaffee are notorious for being bloated and performance inhibitors), AVG is a good free stop-gap if you care to flush everything else before choosing something you prefer. Once you've removed all the unwanted software you know about use CCleaner again to flush out all the remains that weren't deleted by Windows. If you do suspect some kind of infection then do a full and comprehensive sweep with the Anti-virus package you have, being sure that its anti-virus signatures are up to date. You can also use something like Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to try and flush out further gremlins. Again once you've removed anything run CCleaner to give it a good rinse IF after all this things are going better then use the Defrag utility (Go into your Programs menu and find the System Tools folder). Leave the PC alone to run its course. At the end reboot a couple of times and see what happens. This could all take a few hours. OTHERWISE: IF you can copy off all the data files (letters, photos, music, personal data) that your daughter wants to retain AND you have access to the System Rebuild and other desired Application disks (or System Rebuild utility that some Manufacturers install) then I'd be more inclined to do a completely fresh re-install of Windows as it's the best way to rejuvenate your PC. Your User manual (copy on Dell site) should be able to lead you through this. Enjoy.

It looks likely that my current private landlord will be seeking bankruptcy. Has anyone got any advice as to whether we may be able to negotiate continued (short) tenure or indeed it might be offered by the repossessor? Or any good estimates on time from petitioning by landlord to "eviction" notice from repossessor? Do we need to be wary of heavy-handed tactics by the repossessor (threat of bailiffs, locks changed, etc)? Sure I'll be looking for alternative accommodation but present market rates suggest that looks like a big hike in rent. I'm aware that some property management firms offer reasonable rates for tenants to occupy vacant properties (property guardians), anyone have any recommendations or constructive advice about that as an option? Many thanks in advance for your guidance.

Errm... when you say no flashy gadgets what do you mean because all DSLRs will offer fully auto settings to fully manual, plus a whole bunch of flash control, multi-point metering and focusing, sport mode, etc. Many might also offer video capture. There are many brands trying to enter the fray of the amateur to enthusiast market. Best is to try them all to see which one(s) you prefer for their ergonomics and layout of controls and menus. What type(s) of subject matter will you be photographing? If what you actually want is a point and shoot with perhaps a bit more capability to capture things further away, traveling faster or across wider vistas then there are plenty of more wieldy (concealable/portable) options.

Some of the fancier phones in the past few years have been able to batch transfer details via bluetooth, worth seeing if you have that option if both phones equipped. Depending on how old it is you should be able to use the support software that came with the phone (or download it) to pull all the contacts, sms, other content onto your PC and then use your Nokia's software to push the contacts (in form of vcfs probably) up to your new phone. I just used MyPhoneExplorer to backup the txts and contacts from an old W800i. Shouldn't be too difficult to shuffle your details off one and onto the other.

You could try the Rohan store (one in Covent Garden: 9/10 Henrietta Street WC2E 8PS) They do travel suits in lightweight, packable fabrics. Not cheap but durable and functional, with traveller features incl secure pockets. Otherwise try online for linen collared, short sleeves shirts. Managed to get perfectly acceptable dark blue linen trousers from H&M this past season for cheap so if still available you could grab a couple of pairs. Material is quite thin so may not last years of trekking but should stand you in good stead for lightweight travel until you're in country and can buy local. Of course if you have the cash then Saville Row has a few specialists who will be able to help. Enjoy, you lucky b......

My question to KK: Does it have to be a laptop? You said your dad is elderly and only going to use it at home. Is there any concern that he may not want to carry the thing about? Is he frail? Any PC can enable the tasks you mention so you'd be better off spending not that much on the computer bit and perhaps spending a bit more on the quality and size of the screen to maximise the legibility and enjoyment of picture quality for your dad. If you shop about a bit you might even be able to get a fancy PC with touchscreen so making some interaction even easier and intuitive for him. Depending on your choice of construction the PC may be a whole lot easier to fix and upgrade than a laptop so will last longer. Is he accident prone? I'd rather dry out a separate keyboard from a cocoa spill than be sending the whole thing off somewhere to be fixed. Besides you can always get a spare keyboard and be back up and running in moments. If you're worried about support and fixing then it's worth considering what after sales service is available from your chosen retailer/manufacturer. If you are worried about accident or theft then there's the insurance aspect. You may find that desktop PCs are cheaper to insure than laptops. Is he an experienced computer user? If not then you might want to consider setting up the PC with a separate login for him that cannot do technical admin actions so he doesn't accidentally mess things up. (My dad has messed up several PCs left for him to email and browse with and his "technical minded" friends have all managed to make things worse trying to fix them [sigh]) Happy to answer any q's you have if you want to ask. Good luck

AM, issue with using dongles or tethering to phones is that they all come "unlimited" subject to a fair usage policy that can be limited to anything from 500MB to 2GB per month on the major 4 networks (3 offer higher limits but their coverage is notoriously patchy) In all cases of course you'd need to check to see just how good the reception was from the property concerned. Also, barring black spots of coverage, the different networks have significantly different performance levels. A recent poll showed that O2 came out top with around 2Mbps connection whereas T-Mobile not much better that 1Mbps. My personal experience with T-Mobile is borderline acceptable for one user. Forget about more than one person trying to stream any media content. If you haven't already considered it, think about the likely usage demands the connection will be required to serve. If they're a collection of law-abiding, absteemious literates who forswear recorded music and video then you're fine. If they're a bunch of Facebook and YouTube addicts with needs for both iPlayer and peer-to-peer pirated material then they're going to need a fixed line (phone or cable) connection with a high monthly quota, which won't be cheap. I'm guessing that they're likely the latter in which case something like a Virgin Cable XXL-type package would be necessary. If the home is only a short connection from the local phone exchange then your options broaden to all the 20+ Mbps landline offerings from the likes of O2, Be, etc. Check all for their fair usage limits, traffic shaping hours (slow downs) and if you're particularly concerned the likelihood that they will conform to Government plans to monitor and report all usage that traffics pirated material. Also I believe BT are still being pressured to block all sites identified as sources of pirated material. Given that this would be upstream from whichever landline provider you might choose you may be better advised to go for cable (unless they too comply). Gotta love all this civil liberties, censorship, corporate interests malarkey. Vive la Revolution!

3 fire engines, 3 ambulances and an air ambulance despite being half a mile from A&E, seems an awful lot of response for a fall into foundations. The firemen didn't seem in any rush to depart, all sat about chatting whilst a lone firewoman had to wash down some kit with a hose. On the up side got a couple of quick pics of the nice shiny red chopper B) (again in no rush to get away and rescue someone else.) Sadly no bouncing in the driver seat of a fire engine or ringing the bell just got some bloody fire prevention leaflets :(

Hey srisky, Funny you should mention the mechanic analogy as it came to mind during my first reply, all that sucking of teeth and sizing you up for the type of mug you might be, what kind of BS they could lay on you to get that ?1000 bill of services. As it happens I'm not a dentist or a hygienist but alas I'll cop to my Dad being one (retired) and two of my mates are currently. None of which means I have any interest in convincing others to go for anything other than necessary treatment. I last was in the dentist's chair about 3 yrs ago and prior to that it was probably 6+ yrs. I haven't had a filling in over 20 and I definitely haven't been blessed with strong teeth, it's just down to good day to day maintenance and that doesn't mean crazy amounts of scrubbing, buffing, digging and swilling. I don't use an electric toothbrush either but then I don't drink tons of tea or coffee nor do I smoke either. Whilst it might be a good precautionary measure to get the wisdoms out, how wise it is to get the students at KCH to do I'm not sure (my mates both qualified from there with a heap of hilarious horror stories). Sure you might get the busty Asian student kneeling in your lap (see previous thread) but I think that experience might be more likely from some dodgy general anaesthetic ;) Seriously though you'll be fine and many dentists might well refer you there if you're on a budget or to save their aching backs. The present contract is such a pain that it's not surprising that many dentists are being picky about patients they sign up, also the downturn has affected their income so again they'll be looking for patients who will keep the revenue flowing. Good luck with the gnashers.

Srisky, Did the cynic in you check the mirror? When you look at your own smile in the mirror do you think "Nice, pearly white!" or "Jeez, is Fagin the impression I'm making?". Seriously though what actual work did the dentist say you needed? Why did you decide to go in the first place? Hygienists came about because dentists as in dental surgeons got sick and tired of doing all the nasty, smelly digging around in poorly cleaned mouths. They realised that they could spend more time on the real money making and restorative work they were trained to do if they got someone else to do it. If you've had concern about your oral health and your own attempts at improved, more regular cleaning, flossing and mouth-washing hasn't made enough of a difference then a visit to the hygienist is worth it if you care. If you've got significant plaque build-up then the hygienist is the one to shift it, after that your own (improved) preventative practice should do you fine. If you don't believe them get them to take a photo and show you the issue. Some practitioners even use video nowadays. If they're not willing to show you the issues they believe you have then find a better dentist. Personally ?50 now is way better than ?20k+ on full restorative work after rotted teeth are extracted/excavated and jawbone shored up. If it gets that bad there was another thread a little while back about dental tourism to Eastern Europe. Good luck.

Susy, You have shown so much courage, caring and forbearance so far so please take heart. You've done the most difficult thing in confronting your abuser and making a stand, a stand you continue to hold more strongly as you share your troubles, make efforts to move on and seek support from those you can rely on. You will be strong enough to see this through, sure there will be times when you feel helpless, you'll cry with fear and frustration but after those moments you will be able to stand up and take the next step to making things work. You're a fighter, you'll try and want to struggle on not wanting to be a burden but listen to your sensible self and know when to reach out for a steadying hand. Your husband's violent troubles are his own to deal with. There appears to be hope in that he has seen some sense and taken himself away, by all means show him some concern by encouraging him to find his sanity BUT first and foremost protect yourself and your daughter, don't just let him talk his way back, don't give in to the need to have his old self back by your side, be mindful of protecting the harmony you are building with your daughter and build your new life for the better upon that. You are brave and inspiring. Life will be tough but you've shown you can take the very rough, now for the steady and smooth improvements one day at a time. Be happy, be well and be safe, there are many here to talk to to keep you company and help you along.

MM, Vomit away man. The language I chose was for the benefit of an intelligent adult forum to specify my opinion on the situation, any resemblance to specialist language, whether living or dead, is wholly coincidental. How one determines to teach the kids these concepts was not part of my proposition. Personally slapping, withholding, curfew and hugging in whatever combination worked for me. ?30k debt for fees vs prospect of c?200k for first mortgage on a pokey studio/1-bed tends to make the argument that there's a lot of bleating going on about something not so significant as they'd have us believe. What's the average credit card balance in the UK? The cost of an average car? Various studies still suggest that the advantage of a degree is some ?100+k in today's money over the average career. The greater concern is (the inability to) generating an economy that can provide the high value jobs that ever larger numbers of graduates feel they're entitled to. Just as we're failing the kids in juvenile education we're also failing to set working age adults' immediate expectations for careers and employment and how they might want to consider deferring their higher education until they're older and more self-sufficient. Since we're off topic, I find this much more woeful CC Debt for 55+ - The Independent and this CreditAction report - June 2011

DaveR, The thinking is not muddled at all. DJKQ seemed to be suggesting that the entire student intake of private schools be high capability individuals. This is not necessary and the socialisation of students with peers of different capabilities is an opportunity within a supportive and encouraging environment to become as understanding, accepting and collaborative as possible. Any capable school can cope with students of different ability in the same class provided the class size isn't too large. I did fine in a mixed ability school with class sizes of 26. Your point about med schools (or any undergrad/apprentice facility) is flawed because there are plenty of washout doctors, etc and others who pass but are unfit to practice. Besides the point about schools being as plural as possible is not necessary in higher/further education because by that time the emphasis is on the specialism of ability to further ones interests and propects. Students are supposedly well capable, nay hormonally inclined, to mix as widely as possible within and across subject boundaries. DJKQ, The aspect of elitism is something that can't be avoided, it can be mitigated and given proper context through education to minimise the prejudice that comes with the status. That's down to the schools being motivated by moral and legal imperative to produce humane alumni rather than exploitative, selfish, egomaniacal "bankers". The elite schools will make the best of their pupils abilities and enable them to shine as brightly as they can but being from such a school does not mean that you have to be an elitist bigot. Being part of the elite can be good given the presence of good moral and temperamental fibre. Sadly very few schools if any are capable of providing a guarantee of this. Many succeed with most of their students but perhaps not enough. The points we all concur on about ensuring that all children are catered for is the Holy Grail that has eluded all governments for so long now, primarily because we've too many parents and too many children incapable of exercising their responsibilities through neglect, naivety and willful ignorance. This isn't just about the alienated underclass but also the consumerist, wealthy fools who fail to exercise and exert restraint or enforce discipline and respect in their priviledged offspring.

No, no, no! Making all the bright ones go to public/private schools whether on bursary/scholarship/sponsorship is not part of the answer. You still run the risk of creating a culture of entitlement and elitism. Both systems should represent a cross-section of intellectual capability so that students evolve in as pluralist a representation of human capability as possible (money, ahem, aside). The flaunting of wealth and possessions is something that should be addressed at all schools. The one thing that can be learned from private schools? That instilling discipline in children is the duty of every parent and the respect of authority should be shown by every member of an organisation. Sadly that's no great revelation and the deterence of exclusion/expulsion from private school to flounder in the state system along with the shame borne by the parents in their social circles is not replicated in the same action by a state school. Shared facilities across the state and private sector might go some way to integration, tolerance and cohesion. Area teams composed of the top local students competing regionally and nationally. Intercollegiate study groups, peer-to-peer mentoring and shared extracurricular interest groups. Students should be helping students with the oversight and support of the teachers from across the establishments. Perhaps this kind of sharing would go some way to dismissing the prejudices of auld.

DJKQ, I made no claim that all or a majority of those in private schools were bright, but a good number are bright enough to make a difference, and as you say 50% of Oxbridge intake is not inconsiderable. And just because many aren't bright you would deny all the others their futures? Inequality in the education system will take longer than the next few generations of A-level takers. The social engineering to address the challenged children's underlying issues of morality, respect, attention span, etc will require a societal shift you can't just fix by eliminating private education. The inclusion you aspire too will not be won overnight and in the meantime would it be right to deny opportunity to those children who are poised to well for themselves. You still need to redesign the whole educational curriculum to give kids the opportunities to find their fortes, convince them that some subjects are truly fundamental, cultivate an appreciation within them that all can make a worthy contribution to community and that dedicated work is the most satisfying route to success not because it earns big bucks but because achieving goals, making things, doing things that bring happiness and prosperity to self and others is the real reward. Successful integrated education will only be possible when enough of the majority intake are inclined to be educated. Then we will have the opportunity to truly assist the less inclined to face their objections and hopefully realise that these can be overcome to their benefit. It's not so much about peer pressure as self-actualisation, raising their awareness of self and others to where they can make a reasoned, moral evaluation to their advantage and not at the expense of others.

Provided the "sacrifices" are "easily" made and aren't the buffer that keeps you in possession of your home should other things turn bad then it's a safe(ish) call. Private school without bursary and other assistance is what? c?20k pa? Day school or boarder? How far away is acceptable to send him/her/them? Have you heard of Christ's Hospital? They're struggling to maintain their charter of access and a new balance of full fee paying students is under consideration but they're perhaps one to consider although competition for places is very high. If your kid(s) is/are bright then giving them the opportunities you can to be the "best they can be" is to be supported. Don't let it be a substitute for putting in the personal quality time with them to ensure they feel encouraged, supported and loved. I've seen friends work all the hours to pay the bills and miss the time with the kids. It's particularly critical if your child needs extra attention and support in overcoming difficulties and impairments. Think very carefully about how much of a stretch and a stress it's going to be because it will affect how you respond to life's challenges in the future including the possibility that your child may not meet the expectations you build because of the sacrifices you and your partner make. If you're considering private schooling then it's a fair presumption that you're hoping that they'll make it to Uni. Does your career plan allow for that? I've friends who've had to consider withdrawing their kids from private school when things became too much, the effect on the children could be significant at a critical time. Likely like you all I've met and worked with plenty and befriended many from both State and Private education backgrounds. I don't think either origin has subsequently shown itself to encourage or quell the sense of entitlement, animosity, magnanimity, honesty, humility or ability demonstrated by these individuals to any greater or lesser degree. I don't mean to be condescending just straight-talking it from my experience and hindsight. I wish you and your kids the best in this ever more competitive world. DJKQ, In a society where our social and moral compass were more universally directed to equality and fraternity I'd wholly support that access to great education should be free to all. In a world where it's patently not so, what do you tell the few children that have potential that can be encouraged and maximised at their parents' expense, but you would deny them that opportunity for the maintenance of a mediocrity? We should be focusing on the marshalling of resources and encouragement for those who have to depend on the State for their education and yes, ensuring that their access to job opportunities and higher education is won on merit not nepotism and certainly not quota. That battle does not have to be fought in the fields of education, it has to be waged via legislation which guides, protects and benefits our workers and employers from straying from the morality we would seek to succeed with. A toughie to accomplish in a measured, evenhanded way but that is our challenge for a more sustainable future.

OOhh! Ta MP, does that mean we'll be seeing HSTs running through to whisk us to jobs in Paris? So with all this "better" access will they sort out the doors into the station building and the size of access to the walkway on the back of it? Will there be lanes of access for ingress and egress? Putting a couple of Oyster readers on each platform would be smart.

Sent home! Sent home! In the sea more like, or off to feed the polar bears! No names, no fortune just 24/7 coverage, about as exciting as the Parliament channel but immensely more gratifying.

Yup, just waiting to see how much extra takings they report over the next quarters. Particularly opportunist with all the commuters rushing to get trains and the tourists bunking at the Halls of Residence over the break with not a clue. "Welcome to Victoria, that'll be ?20 penalty please", "Forgot to touch in eh?", "Nowhere to touch in eh?", "You''ll have to write in and try to claim the excess back" How these apes get a licence to operate... Oh wait, perhaps they're the successes out of the outreach programmes that will reform those delinquents who've been making mischief recently. [facepalm]

[grumble, grumble] ...bally urchins and layabouts... [parp] ...round all 'em scoundrels up and dump 'em on cold, wet Scottish isle...tarpaulins and planking...seeds and chickens...leave 'em to fend for themselves. When they're good and sorry we'll let 'em back through workfare and dormitory housing...they can clean it and keep it working...don't let 'em in the Army, bloody dishonour the volunteers who do us proud by their service...don't want the beggars learning any dangerous skills neither...hrmph...[shuffle]

Just got home to the opening of the new platform access... ...what a bleeding joke! The access is narrower than the rickety stairs they replace and there's no over head signage so if you're in a crowd you can only follow the person in front. There're no Oyster touchpoints at the entrance you're expected to go to the ticket office to touch in and out before walking round the corner to access the platforms via an unattended entrance. According to the man in the ticket office there's no plan to improve this before the work is complete. Oh, and you'll love the spring in the bridge as the crowd crosses, just waiting for it to fail straight onto the tracks. Best practice your silliest walk because stepping in harmony will not bring a good result. I've not read any of the lit re the works so can anyone else provide a link to the details of how long this fiasco will run? Not that I think the area is particularly unsafe but way to go siting the exit on a sheltered road rather than Denmark Hill.

SS40, Good luck! LD, Not totally sold on the submissive thing. My other half seems to love "giving" and she's not one to leaving me in control if she can help it :( Recent holiday when she didn't like my navigating is proof of that, any longer and I'd have been single in time to respond positively to SS40's invitation.

Burbage, I think you need to check the slant of your own comment there, somewhat overly taintde by specific opinions on what people want or need from a loving relationship. Indeed, much of the commentary here has taken the sexual slant on the proposition. Sex isn't the be all and end all of a loving relationship (SLAP! Sorry just caught myself saying that.) How many of you have more than one close friend who isn't your partner? Of those how many spend perhaps as much if not more time engaging with them as you do with your partner? Do you love your friend? Do you miss their companionship at times? Do you sometimes wish they were there to give an opinion more so than your partner or indeed another close friend? Do many of you have physically affectionate but otherwise platonic relationships? Certainly engaging in multiple sexual relationships with partners who all actually subscribe to the idea of monogamy is a course set for devastation but then anyone maturely taking the path of polyamorousnous with likeminded people will likely find great comfort and joy. As the definition intimates, the relations have to be openly known and understood and the participants have to have very clear senses of self. Sure such people are hard to find as are truly self-aware, enlightened monogamous partners. PR has a point that all need to keep tabs on their feelings so that they are able to recognise an evolution which might compromise the current balance. This will need to be resolved with the support of the other(s) involved. I've wondered whether this would be a path I was more suited to but when I think how long it's taken me to find one partner to love and be loved by, I'm not sure I've enough years left to find many more let alone for them to be compatible or tolerant of each other. Should have started looking when I was 20. Good luck LD in finding the deeper satisfaction of a polyamorous existence. Having a bunch of F-buddies along the way will perhaps sweeten the journey, just be sure to know thyself.

Squatting should be a crime for the sake of the immediate repossession by the rightful owner - no arguments there. Convicted squatters will be required to compensate the owner from any income they attain from subsequent work or benefits, these will be deducted at source after tax. The amount will be at least the reparation cost but the term will be determined by the level of income. Should the owner('s estate) cease then money will instead be paid to the council for the remaining time. [Puts his Red Hunter Jackboots on] Ahem... (Pending) Convicted squatters who hold down jobs should be placed in temporary housing like those units made from shipping containers, their rent should be deducted at source after tax, they should be placed on probation for up to 1 year during which time they must find their own rented accommodation or participate in a renovation scheme as described below. Willing, out of work squatters and probation breakers/expirees should be shifted to derelict buildings where they will be able to claim limited benefits provided they work at renovating the property at least 3 full days a week. They will otherwise have to be actively seeking employment or skilling up in the trades required to renovate. They will have no entitlement to stay once the work is complete unless they are in gainful employment in which case the landlord is encouraged to offer them first refusal on half of the units in any multi-occupancy dwellings. Those willing to use and share their new skills can be enlisted into subsequent schemes as forepersons (on enhanced wages). First and remaining units will be for social housing. Those exempted from hard physical labour by medical exemption (properly verified) will be able to participate as planners, quartermasters, caterers and other ancilliary roles on sites. Those in need of counseling and help to overcome substance-abuse, psychiatric or mental health issues, etc will also be assisted whilst participating in a workfare agreement where possible. Local community groups will be in charge of the integration of the renovated properties into the wider community. Landlords and owners of buildings that fall into disuse and disrepair should be subject to compulsory occupancy arrangements by the local council after one year since last occupancy lasting 12 months or more (short lets do not stop the clock). These will be brought back into use (see above and by other workfare or renovate to rent schemes for law-abiding citizens looking for better accommodation as well as commercial regeneration efforts). The landlords will be subject to at least a decade of capped rental rates ensuring that those in residence will be guaranteed rents 60% of the area mode rent value as the principal disincentive from exploiting the compulsory occupancy scheme. For each additional property in their portfolio that they also neglect the councils will be able to enact compulsory temporary possession for 10 years where the landlords will receive no more than 20% of the area mode rent, the remaining 40% will return to council housing budget. Absentee landlords will lose all rights at the end of the 10 years and rental income will go to the councils whilst they are absent. Councils will acquire ownership after 10 years and must use the property for housing unless there is a surplus of social housing capacity. After 10 years, those landlords retaining possession will be allowed to retain all rental income which will be allowed to rise no more than 5% pa as it returns to the market rate. [Here's my favourite bit...] Those who refuse to participate and aren't sectionable will be moved to containment camps (Yay!) conveniently situated by sea cliffs where they will have to make their own shelter and grow their own food. They will receive minimal benefits which they will accrue whilst interred and can only gain access to in order to trade externally for resources and supplies. Building and fuel materials will be provided from reclamation and reconstitution processes from landfill. Camps would be provided with energy generators capable of utilising the waste bought in and generated by the camp. [sTAMP! STAMP! STAMP! STAMP!] Feel better now, another dull day made up for ;)

If he feels confident he got the required marks in at least one of his papers then it's worth a shot. 2.1 matters in making the cut for interview in the early years, presuming he's setting his sights higher up for grad jobs, especially now. Subject will matter too if he's heading for very competitive prospects. If you've got something else in the bag like previous relevant experience with a good ref (or you happen to be an international talent!) then things aren't so bad. What is he hoping to apply for? Once you're into your third job post grad it won't matter so much, but it still might if you haven't got other recommendations to get you past the early sifting. I know how he feels, I missed my 1st by 2 marks and my tutors were most pissed! And it restricted my choices at the time; that year grad recruiting was down. Serves me right for trying to cram :( Best of luck.