Greeting mezz et al.

My first thought was that perhaps the heat wave is getting to them over there. Check to be sure the DVD is not melting, reboot -- no better shut down and let it cool off for 1 hour -- take a cold shower ...

Sorry you have to put up with my humor.

Thy this method:
Open one shell and type
  • su
    mysqld

The shell will hang up but that is expected. Leave it open.
Now open a new shell and type
  • mysql

You should see
  • mysql>

Best Wishes
paradocs