Multiple problems started at the same time

[kadil <ksadil@bigpond.net.au>]

after my recent "ap-get update" - "apt-get dist-upgrade" a few nights ago, 
mysqld will not start:

        Please take a look at the syslog.
/usr/bin/mysqladmin: connect to server at 'localhost' failed
error: 'Can't connect to local MySQL server through socket 
'/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' (2)'
Check that mysqld is running and that the socket: 
'/var/run/mysqld/mysqld.sock' exists!

and font rendering in Anjuta is broken. Some text overwriting other text. 
Other text dissappears when mouse is over top. Can anyone explain if the 
problems are possibly linked or just a double unlucky coincidence. I am 
unaware what could have initiated either problem. Ideas?

Thanks,
Kim