Ever since they arrive to this world, cats form a strong bond with carton boxes.
It begins when their moms look for a secluded, dark and preferably warm place to give birth. Shortly after the newly-born kitties have opened their eyes, they start peeking at the world beyond the box but dare not leave it. However, as soon as they are strong enough, they venture into the unknown to satisfy their curiosity, but always returning to the well known safety of their box.
Even as adults, cats still enjoy playing and jumping into boxes whenever they can, even a humble paper bag will do.
This morning, as soon as I finished getting dressed up, I suddenly recalled I needed to bring an install CD to the office. Most of them are kept inside a small carton box placed on top of a cabinet.
Sassy and Mitzi, my beloved kitties, were taking a nap on my bed, comfortably rolled in my blanket. Their eyes closed, but their ears discreetly moving around to sense what else was going on.
As soon as I grabbed the box, Mitzi's ears became fixed on my position but she still didn't move. Gosh! Too many CD's to examine and I'm in a rush... ok, it will be faster if I just take them out and flip them like cards.
As soon as I placed the empty box on the bed, Mitzi opened her eyes, purred at me and stretched herself while placing her paws in it, claws fully deployed. Well, I didn't found what I was looking for, so it was time to put the CD's back into the box and... oh oh. Box is busy with kitty... or the other way around.
When I extended my hand to pick up the box, Mitzi purred again looking at me without any intention of letting go of it.
I smiled and gave her a quick scratch on her head. Very well Mitzi kitty, you can have the box even if you are too big for it.
Another gentle purr, and after she tried to fit as much of herself as she could into the box, she resumed her nap.
She seemed genuinely happy because I let her keep the box.
And my bloody camera wasn't charged or else I would have included a picture. Argh!!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Saturday, May 02, 2009
The so-called "Human nature"
If we were like any other species on the planet, we would be fully integrated to our environment. Instead of transforming it to better suit our tastes and preferences, we would adjust to it like all the others do without falling into the specialisation fallacy, mind you, which of course is reserved for insects.
However, when we compare our directives and general behavior to a logic template, results often contradict any hope of common sense:
We pursuit that which retreats from us.
We love those who cannot love us back.
We long for what we don't have.
We take things for granted and don't fully appreciate them until they are gone.
I was never good at playing "games", those counterintuitive unwritten "rules" that often seem to be decisive at achieving the object of desire in question. Everybody and his dog seems to be aware of them.
Everybody else but me.
Instead, I opted for a more open nature... a strategy that has bitten me back more times than I can keep count of. As a prime example of stubborness on my own self, I still keep using that policy regardless of the ever increasing frustration brought by its eventual, almost fatallistically certain outcome.
Either I completely lack what others dare to define as "emotional intelligence", or in spite of external appearance, I do not belong to the local human race.
For all accounts, I was born here. So... misanthropy suddenly seems so attractive again.
However, when we compare our directives and general behavior to a logic template, results often contradict any hope of common sense:
We pursuit that which retreats from us.
We love those who cannot love us back.
We long for what we don't have.
We take things for granted and don't fully appreciate them until they are gone.
I was never good at playing "games", those counterintuitive unwritten "rules" that often seem to be decisive at achieving the object of desire in question. Everybody and his dog seems to be aware of them.
Everybody else but me.
Instead, I opted for a more open nature... a strategy that has bitten me back more times than I can keep count of. As a prime example of stubborness on my own self, I still keep using that policy regardless of the ever increasing frustration brought by its eventual, almost fatallistically certain outcome.
Either I completely lack what others dare to define as "emotional intelligence", or in spite of external appearance, I do not belong to the local human race.
For all accounts, I was born here. So... misanthropy suddenly seems so attractive again.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Just before falling asleep
Suddenly, the night sky felt empty.
None of its offerings were enough
to quiesce the presence of your absence.
I think of your name quite often,
but never dare to speak it
lest echo would be the sole answer
I receive.
Your essence remains in love
with the waves, the sand and the breeze:
A smile that flows forever.
Only your eyes could bring peace
and joy and fire and hope
to a forsaken old heart.
"Hello..." you said and smiled.
Then in silence I smiled back
wishing of being one with the sea.
None of its offerings were enough
to quiesce the presence of your absence.
I think of your name quite often,
but never dare to speak it
lest echo would be the sole answer
I receive.
Your essence remains in love
with the waves, the sand and the breeze:
A smile that flows forever.
Only your eyes could bring peace
and joy and fire and hope
to a forsaken old heart.
"Hello..." you said and smiled.
Then in silence I smiled back
wishing of being one with the sea.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Afternoon of solitude
Funny.
Some consider spending an afternoon alone by yourself, curled-up on the sofa and doing nothing but watching TV and drinking beer to cope with hot weather pretty pathetic; on the contrary, others believe it's pure bliss.
The difference resides in choosing:
A - You chose to do it, or managed to do it in spite of other activities.
B - You've got nothing else to do.
Since the dawn of civilisation, it is a well-known fact that alcohol is the best thanatologist ever. Synapses begin firing up at random, nonsense becomes funny and you begin to laugh at anything and everything, even your present condition. In extreme dosages, your personality transforms and lets some of its darkest aspects loose in the wild.
Finally, the sweet stupor of numbness arrives. Drowsiness gives in to sleepiness in such a smooth transition you often cannot pinpoint the exact moment when it happens.
But there is a price to pay. Pain. You don't ever want to feel it again ever in your life... except you probably will because either the need to temporarily "deal with" (read "suppress") your problems becomes overwhelming once more, or as surprising as it might seem, you eventually forget how bad it was.
Oblivion is bliss simply because you stop becoming aware of your burdens.
And pretty much like your past, not only they won't go away.
They will accumulate and pile up.
So there is no real option but to endure them.
Maybe Nietzche will prove right to your advantage and you'll emerge stronger than before.
That is, if you first survive :)
Some consider spending an afternoon alone by yourself, curled-up on the sofa and doing nothing but watching TV and drinking beer to cope with hot weather pretty pathetic; on the contrary, others believe it's pure bliss.
The difference resides in choosing:
A - You chose to do it, or managed to do it in spite of other activities.
B - You've got nothing else to do.
Since the dawn of civilisation, it is a well-known fact that alcohol is the best thanatologist ever. Synapses begin firing up at random, nonsense becomes funny and you begin to laugh at anything and everything, even your present condition. In extreme dosages, your personality transforms and lets some of its darkest aspects loose in the wild.
Finally, the sweet stupor of numbness arrives. Drowsiness gives in to sleepiness in such a smooth transition you often cannot pinpoint the exact moment when it happens.
But there is a price to pay. Pain. You don't ever want to feel it again ever in your life... except you probably will because either the need to temporarily "deal with" (read "suppress") your problems becomes overwhelming once more, or as surprising as it might seem, you eventually forget how bad it was.
Oblivion is bliss simply because you stop becoming aware of your burdens.
And pretty much like your past, not only they won't go away.
They will accumulate and pile up.
So there is no real option but to endure them.
Maybe Nietzche will prove right to your advantage and you'll emerge stronger than before.
That is, if you first survive :)
Monday, April 06, 2009
I like to watch the stars
At night, whenever possible...
just before going back to my apartment,
I like to watch the stars.
I watch in silence.
The cold breeze passes by, fast and indifferent as always.
They have been pretty much the same before I ever came here. Most of them will continue to be long after I'm gone.
A sense of Trascendence.
Ever since we became a sentient species and managed to overcome our natural fear for darkness and gaze at them with insatiable curiosity. Thousands of generations have come and gone... yet we keep doing it.
It's almost as if they were calling us.
Each time I look at them, I wonder about what kind of thoughts people before me have experienced... and why not, those who, perhaps by coincidence, have chosen to simultaneously do the same thing as I did.
I think of those whom I've met and still see.
Those whom I've met and will never see again.
Those whom I haven't met yet.
Those whom I'll never meet though we could become good friends.
I like to watch the stars
because they represent all the possibilities that were, all that were not or won't be... and all that might be and will be.
I like to watch the stars
because they make me think of you.
If only I had the means
I couldn't wait to go back to them.
Image credit: ESA / HST
just before going back to my apartment,
I like to watch the stars.
I watch in silence.
The cold breeze passes by, fast and indifferent as always.
They have been pretty much the same before I ever came here. Most of them will continue to be long after I'm gone.
A sense of Trascendence.
Ever since we became a sentient species and managed to overcome our natural fear for darkness and gaze at them with insatiable curiosity. Thousands of generations have come and gone... yet we keep doing it.
It's almost as if they were calling us.
Each time I look at them, I wonder about what kind of thoughts people before me have experienced... and why not, those who, perhaps by coincidence, have chosen to simultaneously do the same thing as I did.
I think of those whom I've met and still see.
Those whom I've met and will never see again.
Those whom I haven't met yet.
Those whom I'll never meet though we could become good friends.
I like to watch the stars
because they represent all the possibilities that were, all that were not or won't be... and all that might be and will be.
I like to watch the stars
because they make me think of you.
If only I had the means
I couldn't wait to go back to them.
Image credit: ESA / HST
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tired.
Actors might change, but roles remain the same.
It's just the same with days: the calendar states they keep changing, yet they feel pretty similar at dusk.
Ideas and thoughts pop at every moment into my mind. They even shout out to the world, yet none are ever heard.
Time keeps running out.
It's just the same with days: the calendar states they keep changing, yet they feel pretty similar at dusk.
Ideas and thoughts pop at every moment into my mind. They even shout out to the world, yet none are ever heard.
Time keeps running out.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Twilight
Be at peace, dear reader: Nope, this post has absolutely nothing to do with that movie.
The best thing about twilight is that, for a moment, you don't know if it will get darker or lighter.
Please ponder the following:
Who is poorer? The guy who doesn't have anything to give to others, or the one who has his hands full because nobody wants to take what he is offering?
How big of a consolation is it to know you have left a permanent mark on other people's souls, even though the probability of seeing them again diminishes exponentially as time goes by?
Life goes on. There is no choice but to join the parade, wave and smile to everyone in spite of how incomplete you might feel. There are other possibilities ahead.
Lesson learned: Stay away from those who are ashamed of admitting they are having more fun with the toad instead of the prince.
Is it getting darker or lighter?
Only time will tell.
The best thing about twilight is that, for a moment, you don't know if it will get darker or lighter.
Please ponder the following:
Who is poorer? The guy who doesn't have anything to give to others, or the one who has his hands full because nobody wants to take what he is offering?
How big of a consolation is it to know you have left a permanent mark on other people's souls, even though the probability of seeing them again diminishes exponentially as time goes by?
Life goes on. There is no choice but to join the parade, wave and smile to everyone in spite of how incomplete you might feel. There are other possibilities ahead.
Lesson learned: Stay away from those who are ashamed of admitting they are having more fun with the toad instead of the prince.
Is it getting darker or lighter?
Only time will tell.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Stage 1: Complete!!!
Well, some dreams must die so you can live on, but some others can be realised if you try hard enough.
Yesterday I went to pick up my Degree certificate and ID card. The quest I began many moons ago has been completed to stage one.
... Now onto stage two.
BTW, how do you like this hackintosh?
Yesterday I went to pick up my Degree certificate and ID card. The quest I began many moons ago has been completed to stage one.
... Now onto stage two.
BTW, how do you like this hackintosh?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Feeling alive: Papalotl
Dear Reader,
Maybe you are wondering why did I stop writing?
Well, there were not many actual reasons. But if I had to choose one... hmm, why not write instead about the reason I'm blogging again?
Yesterday I decided to take a rather long walk. On my way, I found a butterfly nursery. It's like a huge crystal house but airtight; humidity and temperature are slightly above normal to emulate a tropical environment complete with waterfall.
The nursery is home to at least 12 different species of exotic butterflies. One has to wonder the reason why they evolved in so many different colours even though, like many insects, their eyes only perceive ultraviolet light.
One steps into the nursery and carefully walk around the premises immersed in soothing music. The inhabitants seem totally unaware of the chaos and noise reigning outside as they merrily flip their wings, chase each other and dodge leaves and visitors with unequalled grace. They are too fast, so sooner or later one realises the futility of trying to take a picture with a cameraphone and opt instead to just watch them and smile.
Suddenly, I noticed a butterfly that was grabbing itself to a flower, but made no attempt to eat. I came in closer to have a better look at it when one of the guides saw me and said: "She's waiting for her wings to dry... you see, she just emerged from the cocoon this morning. As soon as that is done, she'll fly for the first time and will join her older friends".
Lo and behold, the not-so little one flipped its wings a couple times as if she were trying to assess their strenght, flashing a beautiful dark blue gradient on the upper surface which makes for a rather dramatic contrast compared to the apparently dull lower surface (the one you see with the wings folded). Without wanting to wait anymore, she flew for the first time and quickly joined the chasing game of her older brothers and sisters.
That day was the first one in the adult life of that butterfly. The thought affected me more than I can relate in words, but I'll say this: Welcome to the world, papalotl. May you fly effortlessly and share your beauty with us for many days.
And thank you for making me feel alive.
Maybe you are wondering why did I stop writing?
Well, there were not many actual reasons. But if I had to choose one... hmm, why not write instead about the reason I'm blogging again?
Yesterday I decided to take a rather long walk. On my way, I found a butterfly nursery. It's like a huge crystal house but airtight; humidity and temperature are slightly above normal to emulate a tropical environment complete with waterfall.
The nursery is home to at least 12 different species of exotic butterflies. One has to wonder the reason why they evolved in so many different colours even though, like many insects, their eyes only perceive ultraviolet light.
One steps into the nursery and carefully walk around the premises immersed in soothing music. The inhabitants seem totally unaware of the chaos and noise reigning outside as they merrily flip their wings, chase each other and dodge leaves and visitors with unequalled grace. They are too fast, so sooner or later one realises the futility of trying to take a picture with a cameraphone and opt instead to just watch them and smile.
Suddenly, I noticed a butterfly that was grabbing itself to a flower, but made no attempt to eat. I came in closer to have a better look at it when one of the guides saw me and said: "She's waiting for her wings to dry... you see, she just emerged from the cocoon this morning. As soon as that is done, she'll fly for the first time and will join her older friends".
Lo and behold, the not-so little one flipped its wings a couple times as if she were trying to assess their strenght, flashing a beautiful dark blue gradient on the upper surface which makes for a rather dramatic contrast compared to the apparently dull lower surface (the one you see with the wings folded). Without wanting to wait anymore, she flew for the first time and quickly joined the chasing game of her older brothers and sisters.
That day was the first one in the adult life of that butterfly. The thought affected me more than I can relate in words, but I'll say this: Welcome to the world, papalotl. May you fly effortlessly and share your beauty with us for many days.
And thank you for making me feel alive.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Should I be surprised?
Given recent events in my life... not that much, really.
Your Score: Dr. Gregory House
50% Eccentricity, 60% Confidence, 30% Kindness
Congratulations, you're the man himself, Dr. Gregory House! You're quite strange, and usually do your own thing regardless of what anyone else thinks. This is partially because a person with an ego as large as yours could not care less what anyone else thinks or feels about anything. Unless, of course, they're your patient and they're dying--but only if they're dying of something interesting! You're a definite asshole to most other people, but at least you know how to be one in style, with an awesome wit, comfortable sneakers, and a never ending variety of facial expressions.
| Link: The House, MD Personality Test written by freedomdegrees on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
Monday, February 18, 2008
27 dresses
It's hardly a secret I'm a big fan of romantic comedies.
"27 dresses", although a bit formulaic, was a very good movie on its own. But I want to comment on it because of the way it handles three very interesting messages. If you haven't seen it, please be forewarned there are spoilers ahead.
* It's alright to help others, as long as you don't neglect yourself.
The main character casually found she had a talent to help brides in the biggest day of their lives. But she didn't make it into her career. Instead, it became an obsession about having a future with the idealised image of her boss. She thought she was in love with him but never told nor hinted him about it.
Inrequited love is tempting and romantic, but in the end it always ends up as a recipe for disaster and misery. Sometimes it's very hard not to fall for it, but please! please remember never to let it thrive so much, it will feed on your own lifeforce.
* Don't spend too much time in idealisation. While reality can be more difficult to deal with, it is also much more rewarding.
What we call "Reality" is just a mental construct built of many different subjectivities to help us (hopefully) understand what is going on around us.
In this context, asking someone not to idealise things or persons sounds like an oxymoron but my intent is to make a difference between the act of collecting subjectivities to create a model and to consciously or subconsciously filtering them to collate something without any apparent flaws.
The main character spent her time wallowing and daydreaming about her object of affection without taking the chance to see how things would actually work. And this takes us to...
* Risks are always part of the game. It's alright though, you either take them or else wonder "what if..." forever.
The main character was in love with her boss, but never had the gut to make him aware of the fact. Sounds familiar?
We all hate it when we decide to take a risk and everything turns belly-side up; sooner or later in life, we've all had this feeling and it sucks bigtime.
However, we also forget the fact that by taking risk, we are also making a choice: See what's up for real once and for all.
And that's what she eventually did. She took a risk and told everything to the boss, who became surprised and even tried to reciprocate by kissing her... only it didn't work. The real version of the boss came out as flat compared to his idealised version, which honestly is always the expected outcome.
Only after the fantasy was over, the main character was capable of reassessing her situation and realise there was a new possibility around that ought to be explored further.
- Conclusions
Well, it's in human nature to idealise. Just don't do it at the expense of avoiding risk. Same with natural talents: if you're not making a living out of them, don't let them become an obsession.
Now, if only I listened to my own advice...
"27 dresses", although a bit formulaic, was a very good movie on its own. But I want to comment on it because of the way it handles three very interesting messages. If you haven't seen it, please be forewarned there are spoilers ahead.
* It's alright to help others, as long as you don't neglect yourself.
The main character casually found she had a talent to help brides in the biggest day of their lives. But she didn't make it into her career. Instead, it became an obsession about having a future with the idealised image of her boss. She thought she was in love with him but never told nor hinted him about it.
Inrequited love is tempting and romantic, but in the end it always ends up as a recipe for disaster and misery. Sometimes it's very hard not to fall for it, but please! please remember never to let it thrive so much, it will feed on your own lifeforce.
* Don't spend too much time in idealisation. While reality can be more difficult to deal with, it is also much more rewarding.
What we call "Reality" is just a mental construct built of many different subjectivities to help us (hopefully) understand what is going on around us.
In this context, asking someone not to idealise things or persons sounds like an oxymoron but my intent is to make a difference between the act of collecting subjectivities to create a model and to consciously or subconsciously filtering them to collate something without any apparent flaws.
The main character spent her time wallowing and daydreaming about her object of affection without taking the chance to see how things would actually work. And this takes us to...
* Risks are always part of the game. It's alright though, you either take them or else wonder "what if..." forever.
The main character was in love with her boss, but never had the gut to make him aware of the fact. Sounds familiar?
We all hate it when we decide to take a risk and everything turns belly-side up; sooner or later in life, we've all had this feeling and it sucks bigtime.
However, we also forget the fact that by taking risk, we are also making a choice: See what's up for real once and for all.
And that's what she eventually did. She took a risk and told everything to the boss, who became surprised and even tried to reciprocate by kissing her... only it didn't work. The real version of the boss came out as flat compared to his idealised version, which honestly is always the expected outcome.
Only after the fantasy was over, the main character was capable of reassessing her situation and realise there was a new possibility around that ought to be explored further.
- Conclusions
Well, it's in human nature to idealise. Just don't do it at the expense of avoiding risk. Same with natural talents: if you're not making a living out of them, don't let them become an obsession.
Now, if only I listened to my own advice...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Why do Mobulas jump?
I'm back with mixed feelings from my trip to Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico.
For sure, there are things I wish they never happened... but as I said yesterday over the phone to someone I still deeply care for, time may eventually transform all sad memories into good ones. Changing the past is impossible, but there might still be some chance for learning.
While I wait and see if this is true, I intend this post to be only about one of many good memories from my first day there.
* Scenario: The Baja California Peninsula
I won't burden you with the details, which you can check here. For now, I'm concentrating on the southernmost part of the peninsula.
Imagine a sandy desert chaparral complete with vultures, eagles, foxes, bats and hares; mountain chains are common but spaced and the weather is surprisingly mild (at least during the ongoing season). This desert is surrounded by the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Sea to the east, west and south; intringuingly, it´s not as humid as other places I have visited further up north.
Most beaches are covered with little pebbles more than sand; combine that with strong winds and it is easy to figure out sea waves are not for the inexperienced.
In spite of all this, I am left with a sense of awe.
* Scenario: Almost any beach
Go to a beach on any morning or late afternoon, sit down and wait for a few minutes. You'll see Mobulas jumping out of the sea and back into it, flipping their wings and sometimes even making somersaults as they try to reach for the sky. Sometimes it's just one, at others there are three or more jumping in succesion. Locals call them by the uninspiring names of "Cubanas" or "Tortillas".
First question in mind: Why do they do this?
The short answer: Nobody knows.
Maybe they are getting themselves rid of parasites... or perhaps they are just happy to be alive (compared to other fish, they have very large and complex brains).
Without professional equipment and a good deal of luck, it's quite difficult to capture their exploits on camera. So I'll direct you instead to this site which contains both excellent images and story.
More posts to follow as soon as I can keep recalling memories without sorrow.
Check this out:
For sure, there are things I wish they never happened... but as I said yesterday over the phone to someone I still deeply care for, time may eventually transform all sad memories into good ones. Changing the past is impossible, but there might still be some chance for learning.
While I wait and see if this is true, I intend this post to be only about one of many good memories from my first day there.
* Scenario: The Baja California Peninsula
I won't burden you with the details, which you can check here. For now, I'm concentrating on the southernmost part of the peninsula.
Imagine a sandy desert chaparral complete with vultures, eagles, foxes, bats and hares; mountain chains are common but spaced and the weather is surprisingly mild (at least during the ongoing season). This desert is surrounded by the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Sea to the east, west and south; intringuingly, it´s not as humid as other places I have visited further up north.
Most beaches are covered with little pebbles more than sand; combine that with strong winds and it is easy to figure out sea waves are not for the inexperienced.
In spite of all this, I am left with a sense of awe.
* Scenario: Almost any beach
Go to a beach on any morning or late afternoon, sit down and wait for a few minutes. You'll see Mobulas jumping out of the sea and back into it, flipping their wings and sometimes even making somersaults as they try to reach for the sky. Sometimes it's just one, at others there are three or more jumping in succesion. Locals call them by the uninspiring names of "Cubanas" or "Tortillas".
First question in mind: Why do they do this?
The short answer: Nobody knows.
Maybe they are getting themselves rid of parasites... or perhaps they are just happy to be alive (compared to other fish, they have very large and complex brains).
Without professional equipment and a good deal of luck, it's quite difficult to capture their exploits on camera. So I'll direct you instead to this site which contains both excellent images and story.
More posts to follow as soon as I can keep recalling memories without sorrow.
Check this out:
Friday, January 25, 2008
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
Theora
Before I go to sleep, I must tell the world I have a new 'puter.
More to follow... as soon as I can get some sleep, that is!
More to follow... as soon as I can get some sleep, that is!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Everybody is worth something.
... even when dead :)
Raw materials are no longer easy to come by. Click on the link for a free appraisal today!!!
$4725.00
Raw materials are no longer easy to come by. Click on the link for a free appraisal today!!!
$4725.00
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Concept bike from Yamaha
Don't you wish big companies would put some of their concept vehicles into production?
This lovely mechanical creature is called the "Tesseract". It sports not two, but four wheels for additional stability and two engines: one for conventional fossil fuel while the other is electric. Rumour has it they are coordinated for extra-low ecological impact with improved performance pretty much like hybrid cars.
So I keep pondering two things:
* What do we need Sci Fi for when we've got Japan?
* Will it transform into an Autobot or a Decepticon?
This lovely mechanical creature is called the "Tesseract". It sports not two, but four wheels for additional stability and two engines: one for conventional fossil fuel while the other is electric. Rumour has it they are coordinated for extra-low ecological impact with improved performance pretty much like hybrid cars.
So I keep pondering two things:
* What do we need Sci Fi for when we've got Japan?
* Will it transform into an Autobot or a Decepticon?
Code Injection
Dear Reader:
Never underestimate the power of Code Injection:
This is one of the brightest yet geekiest jokes I've seen in years!
Never underestimate the power of Code Injection:
This is one of the brightest yet geekiest jokes I've seen in years!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Always, always check your facts...
... or "How not to let your ego ruin your class".
Dear Reader:
Some time ago I took a course on computer security. It's a hot topic and one can only hope to remain up to date with the latest developments.
There were many things I knew, many others I thought I did but nevertheless ended up having a better grasp of, and many many more of which I didn't even think about.
Some instructors were better than others. However, there was one who shall rename nameless for now and whom I thought would end up among the best.
Alas, this was not the case after all; now it's a good time to tell you why.
So there we were, instructor and students, studying the history of operating systems in general and their vulnerabilities. Although the instructor admitted he didn't have a background on computer science (he's a chemistry major from the early 60's), he relies a lot on his personal experience on the good old days.
Now, first hand experience is always pretty valuable... Except when paired with a huge ego. If that unfortunate mix happens, you end up with a class full of anecdotes that makes you think of The Wonder Years.
Anyway, he began to talk about early Unix systems and casually mentioned Xenix. Maybe that word sounds like gibberish to you, dear Reader, and you would be quite correct to assume its current significance is almost nil were it not for a funny fact:
For a while, Xenix was a Unix-like operating system fully supported by Microsoft and geared towards enterprise computing.
Sources:
* My own memory. Doh!
While I am younger than the instructor, due the my early initiation into computer science and folklore encouraged by two wonderful parents, I had access to many then-current product catalogs for software and hardware. One of them is the 1984 edition of the Radio Shack's catalog which I still have in my possession. Turn to the section where the TRS-80 Model 16 business computer is announced and you'll see Xenix as an option:
-- catalog image to be placed here --
* The almighty Wikipedia.
Check this article for further info.
Image source: Wikipedia
I mentioned this unusual fact to the instructor, but he quickly dismissed it as utter and totally false rubbish.
Two different sources for my fact: One of them a still vivid memory from 22 years ago which could be checked rather easily. Obviously, one of us was mistaken. Guess who it was:)
Anyway, as I was deciding on the most concise and clear way to point out this error to the instructor, a second thought began to emerge:
I couldn't win.
If I managed to point out the mistake to the instructor, he would be discredited in front of the whole class and his ego would not take it lightly. A Pyrrhic victory.
If I remained silent, honour would not be satisfied and the instructor would go on thinking he is right.
So what did I do instead? To whom did I really want to show the truth?
I fetched the Wikipedia article on Xenix on my PDA and began to discreetly pass it around the class. They all smiled to me after reading it :)
Something has to be said about an instructor whose ego won't let them accept new perspectives and corrections to his facts. But on that day two things happened. First, he made me completely lose all confidence on his lecture and the course in general. Second, I learned to focus my efforts on those who would be receptive -- maybe lose a battle, but always looking towards victory in war.
Life went on and grades were awarded; the kind that cannot be altered because of a trivia dispute.
So now the time has come:
Dear Dr. Guillermo Mallén, regardless of how bright you are, please check your facts first and read the bloody label on the 5.25" diskette.
Dear Reader:
Some time ago I took a course on computer security. It's a hot topic and one can only hope to remain up to date with the latest developments.
There were many things I knew, many others I thought I did but nevertheless ended up having a better grasp of, and many many more of which I didn't even think about.
Some instructors were better than others. However, there was one who shall rename nameless for now and whom I thought would end up among the best.
Alas, this was not the case after all; now it's a good time to tell you why.
So there we were, instructor and students, studying the history of operating systems in general and their vulnerabilities. Although the instructor admitted he didn't have a background on computer science (he's a chemistry major from the early 60's), he relies a lot on his personal experience on the good old days.
Now, first hand experience is always pretty valuable... Except when paired with a huge ego. If that unfortunate mix happens, you end up with a class full of anecdotes that makes you think of The Wonder Years.
Anyway, he began to talk about early Unix systems and casually mentioned Xenix. Maybe that word sounds like gibberish to you, dear Reader, and you would be quite correct to assume its current significance is almost nil were it not for a funny fact:
For a while, Xenix was a Unix-like operating system fully supported by Microsoft and geared towards enterprise computing.
Sources:
* My own memory. Doh!
While I am younger than the instructor, due the my early initiation into computer science and folklore encouraged by two wonderful parents, I had access to many then-current product catalogs for software and hardware. One of them is the 1984 edition of the Radio Shack's catalog which I still have in my possession. Turn to the section where the TRS-80 Model 16 business computer is announced and you'll see Xenix as an option:
-- catalog image to be placed here --
* The almighty Wikipedia.
Check this article for further info.
Image source: Wikipedia
I mentioned this unusual fact to the instructor, but he quickly dismissed it as utter and totally false rubbish.
Two different sources for my fact: One of them a still vivid memory from 22 years ago which could be checked rather easily. Obviously, one of us was mistaken. Guess who it was:)
Anyway, as I was deciding on the most concise and clear way to point out this error to the instructor, a second thought began to emerge:
I couldn't win.
If I managed to point out the mistake to the instructor, he would be discredited in front of the whole class and his ego would not take it lightly. A Pyrrhic victory.
If I remained silent, honour would not be satisfied and the instructor would go on thinking he is right.
So what did I do instead? To whom did I really want to show the truth?
I fetched the Wikipedia article on Xenix on my PDA and began to discreetly pass it around the class. They all smiled to me after reading it :)
Something has to be said about an instructor whose ego won't let them accept new perspectives and corrections to his facts. But on that day two things happened. First, he made me completely lose all confidence on his lecture and the course in general. Second, I learned to focus my efforts on those who would be receptive -- maybe lose a battle, but always looking towards victory in war.
Life went on and grades were awarded; the kind that cannot be altered because of a trivia dispute.
So now the time has come:
Dear Dr. Guillermo Mallén, regardless of how bright you are, please check your facts first and read the bloody label on the 5.25" diskette.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Felines everywhere
Dear Reader:
Have you noticed the recent abundance of feline-related stuff on the web?
In this post, I'll give you 5 examples.
(1) For starters, check out Hallmarks of felinity. This comic is a subset of 9 Chickwood lane by Brooke McEldowney and features Solange, a siamese cat who perfectly encompasses the general feline attitude towards life and humans.
If you share your vital space with cats (and even if you don't, but have some acquaintance who does), I'm sure you'll empathise with more than one of the situations portrayed there.
(2) Next, we pay a visit to LOLCAT, also known as "kitty pidgin".
This is a meme which consists of captioning a picture of a cat (preferably in an unusual pose) with a catchphrase using incorrect but persistently coherent grammar and spelling akin to Internet slang or l33tsp34k:
Image credit: Wikipedia
You can see more examples here and here.
(3) In a weird twist of fate, said catchphrases and grammar have spawned a programming language. For more information about it, please click here.
Who knows... maybe you'll get to see reference books like this one:
Image credit: Marco van Hylckama Vlieg
(4) Still unimpressed? Try the LOLCAT Bible, an ongoing translation effort:
Mai teh blessigs of teh Ceiling Cat b pwn u, lol!
(5) Last, but not least, a short animation featuring the tricks cats resort to when their human staff do not respond quickly enough to their will:
Image credit: Simon Tofield
Fun times =)
Have you noticed the recent abundance of feline-related stuff on the web?
In this post, I'll give you 5 examples.
(1) For starters, check out Hallmarks of felinity. This comic is a subset of 9 Chickwood lane by Brooke McEldowney and features Solange, a siamese cat who perfectly encompasses the general feline attitude towards life and humans.
If you share your vital space with cats (and even if you don't, but have some acquaintance who does), I'm sure you'll empathise with more than one of the situations portrayed there.
(2) Next, we pay a visit to LOLCAT, also known as "kitty pidgin".
This is a meme which consists of captioning a picture of a cat (preferably in an unusual pose) with a catchphrase using incorrect but persistently coherent grammar and spelling akin to Internet slang or l33tsp34k:
Image credit: Wikipedia
You can see more examples here and here.
(3) In a weird twist of fate, said catchphrases and grammar have spawned a programming language. For more information about it, please click here.
Who knows... maybe you'll get to see reference books like this one:
Image credit: Marco van Hylckama Vlieg
(4) Still unimpressed? Try the LOLCAT Bible, an ongoing translation effort:
Mai teh blessigs of teh Ceiling Cat b pwn u, lol!
(5) Last, but not least, a short animation featuring the tricks cats resort to when their human staff do not respond quickly enough to their will:
Image credit: Simon Tofield
Fun times =)
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
What kind of nerd are you?
I personally prefer the term "geek" to "nerd" because the former implies a natural ken or knack to do something many others find uninteresting or exceedingly difficult, while the latter not only is a little derogatory but also implies certain clumsiness.
Anyway, let's see how you do on the Nerd Test, v.2.0:
Anyway, let's see how you do on the Nerd Test, v.2.0:
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