Ubuntu 9.04 was released last week. Good.
The main (only?) bug found so far has to do with the Adobe Flash Player not working in some systems.
After lots of forum contributing/checking, blogging about it, and trying installing and uninstalling packages, downloading latest Flash versions for different distros, reverting video drivers to earlier versions, etc… etc… Some guys already found the solution. Among them, in case you are reading this from a Linux x86 based putter: http://bugfixbug.wordpress.com/2009/04/25/ubuntu-flash-does-not-work/
(For a 64b system, simply uninstall: sudo apt-get remove swfdec-mozilla
And then reopen Firefox, let the system find and suggest to install the default player and voilá. It will work beautifully.)
Now back to the real world: Swine flu spreading quickly, mainly in North America.
Seems like the barrage of bad news will always override the good ones. No wonder Youtube and many other sites that provide “feel good” content are the most sought-after.
However, despite these news and all the other ones combined: economic downturn, hunger in Africa, extremists gaining ground…
Have you ever thought that we, the ones capable of being in front of a computer -perhaps even drinking coffee- are in fact, happy?
When was the last time you were hungry? Thirsty? Sick? Injured?
That’s right. I count my blessings, not my troubles.
Do you?
Cheers!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Getting "The Cloud
Microsoft is finally R&Ding, investing, and getting it on “the cloud.”
It’s a good thing. No matter how many years it took them to jump on the SAAS bandwagon, now most of what the populi is used to use, will be available through a browser.
It’s a good thing the mini-laptops debuted some months ago, that’s certainly a small push that helped the move gain momentum. Now that all HW is getting very affordable, and new versions more intuitive than previous OSs editions; we can swap Linux, MAC, and Windows computers without much hassle and be productive with any of those.
As it happens, M$ usually acquires companies that are spearheading a particular product or service and then applies its financial muscle and marketing expertise to make it the main or leading product in the marketplace. Expect MANY existing and new MS products running from ...ahem... Internet Explorer 8, or any recent browser.
Should we not follow this lead? My company, and many I worked before, still runs processes and systems that are very outdated. Not just the software systems, but the processes in acquiring and retaining clients are far from up to date. Many of such responsibilities and tasks rest on my shoulders, but without proper support from my fellow ‘mates I can’t make such changes alone.
We could easily eliminate tons of paper, electricity, and wasted time by simply starting a few changes that need to take place yesterday. For example, would you believe it is April 2009 and we still use a FAX machine!?
We do.
That particular device is my first target.
It’s a good thing. No matter how many years it took them to jump on the SAAS bandwagon, now most of what the populi is used to use, will be available through a browser.
It’s a good thing the mini-laptops debuted some months ago, that’s certainly a small push that helped the move gain momentum. Now that all HW is getting very affordable, and new versions more intuitive than previous OSs editions; we can swap Linux, MAC, and Windows computers without much hassle and be productive with any of those.
As it happens, M$ usually acquires companies that are spearheading a particular product or service and then applies its financial muscle and marketing expertise to make it the main or leading product in the marketplace. Expect MANY existing and new MS products running from ...ahem... Internet Explorer 8, or any recent browser.
Should we not follow this lead? My company, and many I worked before, still runs processes and systems that are very outdated. Not just the software systems, but the processes in acquiring and retaining clients are far from up to date. Many of such responsibilities and tasks rest on my shoulders, but without proper support from my fellow ‘mates I can’t make such changes alone.
We could easily eliminate tons of paper, electricity, and wasted time by simply starting a few changes that need to take place yesterday. For example, would you believe it is April 2009 and we still use a FAX machine!?
We do.
That particular device is my first target.
Friday, April 3, 2009
I’ve got a confession to make
Well, in reality I have lots of things I should confess. Just that I am scared to do.
Most of us have a few thoughts time and again about something wrong we did and keep thinking that it is better to continue hiding the truth because that way nobody will be affected. The thought that everything is fine the way it is somehow provides a false peace in which we immerse ourselves as in a public pool.
Like me, most of us think that it is alright to hide such things and not disclose them to the parties involved. Or better said, not disclose them to the parties not involved, but that somehow should be.
This is a mental and spiritual burden that is wearing us down, whether we notice it or not.
Don’t believe me? What keeps you up at night? Isn’t it related to those ‘secrets’? Good, you are leaving a legacy of goodness, honesty and integrity for your family and friends.
However, if it is... well, simply start unloading the sack. It is not that difficult. People you need to tell about it will be thankful; and you’ll sleep sounder.
Yes, I am not disclosing everything. Not right now. I mean, not everything at once: it is being done gradually and I’m starting with the simplest and easiest ones. With practice I will get better at facing those heavy demons that I’ve been carrying around.
Business related, although huge, are easy. Family... well, I’ll get there. I promise.
I hope you also feel lighter soon.
Most of us have a few thoughts time and again about something wrong we did and keep thinking that it is better to continue hiding the truth because that way nobody will be affected. The thought that everything is fine the way it is somehow provides a false peace in which we immerse ourselves as in a public pool.
Like me, most of us think that it is alright to hide such things and not disclose them to the parties involved. Or better said, not disclose them to the parties not involved, but that somehow should be.
This is a mental and spiritual burden that is wearing us down, whether we notice it or not.
Don’t believe me? What keeps you up at night? Isn’t it related to those ‘secrets’? Good, you are leaving a legacy of goodness, honesty and integrity for your family and friends.
However, if it is... well, simply start unloading the sack. It is not that difficult. People you need to tell about it will be thankful; and you’ll sleep sounder.
Yes, I am not disclosing everything. Not right now. I mean, not everything at once: it is being done gradually and I’m starting with the simplest and easiest ones. With practice I will get better at facing those heavy demons that I’ve been carrying around.
Business related, although huge, are easy. Family... well, I’ll get there. I promise.
I hope you also feel lighter soon.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Let go.
In many fields, but particularly in this field of ours, we know there’s new tools released very often. We do not know how to utilize them, but we also know they will be easier to use once we acquire them. It only makes sense, aside from the fact that said tools will certainly come with newer features and more capabilities.
However, we find ourselves constantly (dare I say daily?) maintaining very old systems and processes.
Lots of resources are put in place in order to make such gear work as we need it to be.
Lots of resources are put in place in order to make such gear work as we are used to.
Yet we know that we would save lots of money, time, and effort by simply replacing those old implementations with more modern equipment. However, we seem to have this fear to try new things that the very thought of having to learn something new is dreaded.
And then, when we finally decide and get the newest tool, we usually find ourselves saying: “how could I live/work/be without this?”
Exactly the same happens with the mental baggage we carry everywhere: old feelings, old ideas, unchecked to-do items, worries that should no longer exist because the situation that created those have disappeared or changed... etc.
Why can’t we update them, replace them, or simply let them go?
I have decided to make an inventory of such items. My goal is to reduce that warehouse to 10% or less of what it contains today. As it happens when we move, a myriad of things will be there just taking space; plain garbage most of the times.
I know it won’t happen overnight, but I also know by the end of the year I will keep only the things that really matter to me in the present time.
I will, simply, let go.
However, we find ourselves constantly (dare I say daily?) maintaining very old systems and processes.
Lots of resources are put in place in order to make such gear work as we need it to be.
Lots of resources are put in place in order to make such gear work as we are used to.
Yet we know that we would save lots of money, time, and effort by simply replacing those old implementations with more modern equipment. However, we seem to have this fear to try new things that the very thought of having to learn something new is dreaded.
And then, when we finally decide and get the newest tool, we usually find ourselves saying: “how could I live/work/be without this?”
Exactly the same happens with the mental baggage we carry everywhere: old feelings, old ideas, unchecked to-do items, worries that should no longer exist because the situation that created those have disappeared or changed... etc.
Why can’t we update them, replace them, or simply let them go?
I have decided to make an inventory of such items. My goal is to reduce that warehouse to 10% or less of what it contains today. As it happens when we move, a myriad of things will be there just taking space; plain garbage most of the times.
I know it won’t happen overnight, but I also know by the end of the year I will keep only the things that really matter to me in the present time.
I will, simply, let go.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Two ears as a prize
Did it ever occurred to you that the absolutely best trophy is not made of gold or similar, and might not carry a monetary value? that one the "matador" receives for abusing and slowly killing a bull:
Two ears. Although not usable, or maybe edible, he receives 2 ears.
Why is it so that many or our politicians and business decision makers do not get those? I'm pretty sure most would not understand the message; but a few that did would certainly start communicating better.
Ole!
Two ears. Although not usable, or maybe edible, he receives 2 ears.
Why is it so that many or our politicians and business decision makers do not get those? I'm pretty sure most would not understand the message; but a few that did would certainly start communicating better.
Ole!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sorry state of the economy and heroes
No new car this year, rather we’ll fix the old Dodge ‘89.
Upgrades are up, complete systems purchases are put on hold, projects are being killed.
No more Starbucks cup every other day, the supermarket has a 907gm ground Arabica coffee can for just $6.00...
...and The Big Three Losers are receiving an injection typical of what happens in the once demonized socialists’ countries.
I can just barely imagine a similar scenario 10 years from now when Apple, M$, and ...er... Dell? Ask for a bailout of such proportions.
Us? Well... we purchased way more than what we could afford, and now that it is payback time we feel as if someone else has betrayed us.
Not to worry. We all big spenders are now HEROES.
That’s right, just check the headlines for the past dozen years and you’ll notice that all those soldiers, firefighters, policemen and civilians that have died being victim of top-layers politicians are not being called for what they are: victims. Rather, they have attached the HERO label on each of their last-time-written-somewhere names.
So, please do not feel bad. We all are heroes now. Although it was a self inflicted wound, we can consider ourselves saviours of our own self.
Give yourself a pat in the upper back, and next time you see yourself in the mirror state a heartfelt “Thank you for making me a hero.”
Now... the solution to this mess? Well, you know it, they said it: go back shopping and pay it all with the money you do not have. That’s what credit cards are for.
Duty calls. We all heroes have to chip in.
Happy spending!
Upgrades are up, complete systems purchases are put on hold, projects are being killed.
No more Starbucks cup every other day, the supermarket has a 907gm ground Arabica coffee can for just $6.00...
...and The Big Three Losers are receiving an injection typical of what happens in the once demonized socialists’ countries.
I can just barely imagine a similar scenario 10 years from now when Apple, M$, and ...er... Dell? Ask for a bailout of such proportions.
Us? Well... we purchased way more than what we could afford, and now that it is payback time we feel as if someone else has betrayed us.
Not to worry. We all big spenders are now HEROES.
That’s right, just check the headlines for the past dozen years and you’ll notice that all those soldiers, firefighters, policemen and civilians that have died being victim of top-layers politicians are not being called for what they are: victims. Rather, they have attached the HERO label on each of their last-time-written-somewhere names.
So, please do not feel bad. We all are heroes now. Although it was a self inflicted wound, we can consider ourselves saviours of our own self.
Give yourself a pat in the upper back, and next time you see yourself in the mirror state a heartfelt “Thank you for making me a hero.”
Now... the solution to this mess? Well, you know it, they said it: go back shopping and pay it all with the money you do not have. That’s what credit cards are for.
Duty calls. We all heroes have to chip in.
Happy spending!
Friday, February 20, 2009
I swear
Yesterday, one of my teammates said something to which nobody had an answer to. She swore in front of 9 other people.
A few months ago I watched the news and a politician was apologizing because she swore in public; or her words were caught by the microphones of the media.
Today, early morning the anchor guys at one of the radio stations my spouse listens to said that on average parents swear six days a week.
What all these people have in common is that they all think it is alright to swear; my teammate said, after a penetrating look asking her to refrain: “oh! Come on, don’t you ever swear?”
The politician did not apologize for swearing, her apology indicated that she was sorry she did it in public, remarking that WE ALL swear.
The radio anchors went on saying that it was normal, one of them said that he easily went over and above such average, while the other agreed that it is fine to do it from time to time.
Well... my dears, I do not do it.
The last time I remember doing it consciously was 20 or more years ago, when I was very young and therefore very s%$&#d.
Please know that, like me, there are thousands of people that do not use such language. We do not see the need, neither we find it appropriate in any way, not even to vent frustrations or anger.
Personally, it just is not part of my individuality.
So, swearers of the world, be aware NOT EVERYBODY SWEARS.
I am sorry I cannot swear that.
A few months ago I watched the news and a politician was apologizing because she swore in public; or her words were caught by the microphones of the media.
Today, early morning the anchor guys at one of the radio stations my spouse listens to said that on average parents swear six days a week.
What all these people have in common is that they all think it is alright to swear; my teammate said, after a penetrating look asking her to refrain: “oh! Come on, don’t you ever swear?”
The politician did not apologize for swearing, her apology indicated that she was sorry she did it in public, remarking that WE ALL swear.
The radio anchors went on saying that it was normal, one of them said that he easily went over and above such average, while the other agreed that it is fine to do it from time to time.
Well... my dears, I do not do it.
The last time I remember doing it consciously was 20 or more years ago, when I was very young and therefore very s%$&#d.
Please know that, like me, there are thousands of people that do not use such language. We do not see the need, neither we find it appropriate in any way, not even to vent frustrations or anger.
Personally, it just is not part of my individuality.
So, swearers of the world, be aware NOT EVERYBODY SWEARS.
I am sorry I cannot swear that.
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