3 Festive , Cute , Little Penguins

So you know I started using Ubuntu so I found this photo and well their cute and festive so why not post it?

Neoboy, KidSpeak! http://kidspeak.pineda.ca

Lady Pasta

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l3WPKznFvfk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l3WPKznFvfk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object> Better than Lady Gaga he? hehe

Neoboy, KidSpeak! http://kidspeak.pineda.ca

The Resurrection and an Early Christmas

A few months back, my sons inadvertently installed an infected file into their ageing Windows XP system.  Another 2 months after the infection started, they lost all internet connectivity and couldn't get it back.  Three weeks ago, when they were contemplating terminating their useless DSL connection, I got in touch with my good friend, the Village Idiot Savant to help them out.  I couldn't ! do it myself, you see. So the week before yesterday, he dropped by to work on their PC.  About 2 hours after that, it was all done and fixed.  Good as new, well, almost.  The hardware was wheezing already.  Like I said, the system's really old.  1999 vintage, can you imagine. Now you have to understand that prior to all the viral infection drama and they still had internet connection, we were already talking about Ubuntu through our regular chats but the boys vehemently protested.  No, they wanted Windows.  They don't want anything to do with any other OS out there.  It's Windows or bust.  That is, until the weeks without internet and any viable assistance from anyone eroded their resistance to the point of zero. After the Village Idiot Savant installed and configured Ubuntu on their PC for them, the boys changed their mind.  They LOVED Ubuntu.  Absolutely.  And since they're back online, they proceeded to change their Facebook profile pictures to reflect their new found evangelism.  They also absolutely love the fact that their resurrected system will mostly be impervious to viruses. Here's my son's testimony sent via SMS...

the two usb devises you sent back are perfectly working in our new cpu and also a new keyboard thanks to uncle dominic, B-) but the computer is not windows anymore :-( but also the new cpu is virus proof like a mac :-O well i guess christmas came early this year huh?! :-D :-) :-P

The only thing they have to figure out now is how to run Grand Chase on it.  :D Oh, the Village Idiot Savant also gave them his old desktop to use.  Christmas definitely came early for my kids this year.  Thank you so much, my friend.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

CityScape: Golf Cart

Isn't this supposed to be illegal?  Not to mention unsafe.  It is running on a main road here.  Don't worry, I was in a cab for this one so I can take all the pictures I want while still being safe.  :D

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

CityScape: The Bus

For some reason, after more than 20 hours being awake, this bus was making me hungry in the middle of traffic.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

iTable: Fact or Fiction?

[flv:itable.flv 500 340] After watching the video above and maybe going to their website, what do you think?  Some of the tech blogs I've read are reserving judgement for when it actually becomes real.  Let's face it, it could be vaporware.  Then again, it might be not.  If it's not, I would definitely want one.  :D

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Helpful, Free, & Totally Awesome Software

Ripped from The CTRL-ALT-Deletes for your (and mine) reference... Without permission but with attribution.  The full list is available at the link.  I removed the ones I'm not familiar with.  ;)

 

Helpful, Free, & Totally Awesome

via The Ctrl Alt Deletes by Nathanael on 10/23/10

Web Browsers

• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Opera

Website Creation Software

• Joomla!
• WordPress
• Drupal

Shopping Cart Software

• PrestaShop
• OpenCart
• ZenCart
• OS Commerce

FTP Clients

• FileZilla (All Platforms)
• FireFTP (All Platforms.  Firefox Plugin)
• CyberDuck (Mac OS X Only)

E-Mail Clients

• Mozilla Thunderbird

Social Network Software

• BuddyPress (WordPress Plugin)
• BBPress

File Storage/Hosting

• DropBox
• Mozy
• MediaFire
• My Free File Hosting

Photo/Image Editing

• Gimp
• Picnik (Online image editor)
• IcoFX (Icon maker)
• InkScape (Vector)

E! xtra Awesomes

sketchup.google.com (3D modeling software)

blender.org (3D Modeling and game engine)

jahshaka.org (Digital content creation)

online-html-editor.org (Online WYSIWYG)

phpform.org (Online Form Generator)

jotform.com (Online Form Generator)

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Ramblings: What's Been Keeping Me...

It's been awhile since I've been active in my blogging and I don't really have that much of an excuse apart from being bored and lazy to write. Excuses aside, work is partly to blame for my laziness. There's just too much work to be done in the office these days.  Well, since around August, actually, when I found myself with more than just a handful of projects. Projects which I can't just do the whole fire-and-forget thing.  These projects actually make me step back and think things over before proceeding.  Not that I'm complaining, of course. Then there's the whole have-to-consume-your-leaves bit.  The company I work for doesn't convert our leaves to cash, though I wish they would, so I'm forced to take sabbatical after sabbatical from work from now until the end of the year. Yep... that's how much leave time I have from work.  All stored up for something that will never be happening this year. Now, I don't really like being away from the office for long periods of time.  For one thing, I hate having to deal with the overflowing number of emails in my inbox. And another is that I will have too much time to myself... to brood and think things over.  In other words, boredom at home.  I can't exactly go out as I'm extremely short of cash and means.  Gas is getting expensive again, you know. All things considered, I suppose I still have it good compared to most people. At least I have my family and my own place to live in now. Oh, one more thing... I got a second hosting contract now.  It's Jeng and Maricel's business venture.  Their site is called MonsterrriPic.com and is currently a work in progress.  It's a photo booth for hire venture and they're taking bookings and contracts now.  Their first event was at the wedding of a colleague of ours somewhere up north.  I didn't go as I wasn't invited.  If you're interested in hiring them for your events shoot an email to:   There it is.  You're now completely caught up with what I've been up to since the last time I posted something about my goings on.  Not much, no?

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Chain Mail... I. Hate. Them.

Please stop sending me chain mail. Ever.

Chain Mail

via DOGHOUSE by doghouse on 10/17/10

Except for this particular one.  This one you should send to everyone.

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Spray on Clothing... Coming... Soon

Tired of going shopping for clothes?  Clothes that more often than not are ill fitting?  Or with so so designs that make you just settle?  You can say good bye to those questions because in a few years, we will all be able to make our own clothes easily and painlessly. The clothes we'll be making will fit right and will have the design of your choice and liking.  No more settling for what's out there.  Oh, the convenience this brings!  Especially since I'm so lazy to go shopping.  I do it as a chore about three to four times a year only.  Seriously.  I don't have that much money to burn. Watch the video and see how convenient it really is. [flv:Spray-On_Fabric.flv 500 320] Links:  Wired, Fabrican Ltd., Youtube

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

The Pigeon Wins (Again)

Wow!  Birds are simply faster than some broadband connections these days in delivering data over distances.  When I first heard about this contest then wrote about it, it was September 2009, about a year ago.  I thought it was funny then and now it's happened again.  Only this time, it's in the UK, a country reputed to be advanced.  Well, at least more advanced than last year's African country. For this contest, the bird had to fly 84 miles.  The pigeon completed delivery in about 80 minutes.  The file upload wasn't even halfway through yet when the bird completed its journey. This is a nice topic to bring up considering the general state of our broadband connections here.  You reading this, boss Nemi?  We should all get together and make the same contest here.  We just need to train some pigeons to deliver the data for us.  Hmmm... How far is Cebu from here?  Any takers for this contest idea?  Sponsors...? Sources:  Slashdot, BBC News UK

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Telepresence: Updates

First report from me:  July 18, 2009 Somebody has upped the ante and gone for the gold.  A professor at Keio University in Japan and the National University of Singapore named Adrian D. Cheok, has come up with a technology that can deliver controlled electric shocks to the brain to trick you into experiencing something physical with someone over distance. Although Techcrunch's Sarah Lacy has a point, this augmented reality stuff still interests me as my situation has not improved all that much.  I still live quite a distance from my wife and kids and only see them, like, three to five times on average per year.  This technology can certainly help bridge the distance although it's not something to strive for.  Being physically present is still the best for me or for anyone else. In a humorous aside, who remembers the movie Demolition Man?  If you remember this movie, remember how Sandra Bullock's character asked Sly Stallone's character to have sex?  Funny... but it could soon become reality. Links:  Adrian D. Cheok, Techcrunch

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

In Serious Contemplation of... Suicide

No, no, no... I'm not sick in the head.  I'm just tired of it all.  Tired of having to play catch up every single day.  Tired of having to clear the queues.  Tired of the world and the situation in general and something in particular.

That particular thing would be catching up on all the latest news, tech and non-tech.  All the emails being received and require replying to.  All those articles I want to read but don't have enough time to read.  Gadgets I want to buy but can't afford.  The futility of it all.  Knowing the latest and greatest but unable to do anything about it.

Friends I can only chat with online but hardly ever see face to face.  Can't have a cup of java with and enjoying good, fun, conve! rsation.  Frankly, it's depressing.

Will suicide be worth it?  I'm still thinking about it.  Do I even want to?  Can I do it?  Can I afford to lose touch of my friends?  The updates?  The slim chance of being able to communicate?  How about all the news?  I don't have TV, after all.  Will I be able to swallow it?  How about losing the status of tech-guru?  The go-to tech guy.  All pertinent, relevant questions I have no answers for.

I suppose it's because of the sudden surge of workload being driven my way in the office and at home.  Or the numerous demands on my time by different mundane activities.  The stupidity of it all.  I mean, considering those, I shouldn't complain as all of it goes a long way towards starving off any chances of depression creeping up on me.  Still... it does take away a lot of my downtime.  Downtime I need to be able to think.

I've tried foregoing a lot of it this past week and it all se! ems to make sense.  Maybe I just need to step back and view everything from a distance.  This is beginning to feel like burn out.  Maybe you, my friends, can help me decide... shall I commit electronic seppuku by going offline with my Google Reader, Buzz and Facebook accounts?  Or should I not?  I still can't decide.  Just so I know I'm not sick in the head.  ;)

bailout, brain, choices, communication, computers, decisions, downtime, electronics, facebook, friends, ideas, information, personal, relationships, social, thinking, suicide

Powered by ScribeFire.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

End of Days for the Maternity Ward

Everyone in the office knows me either as the fertility god or the director of the maternity ward.  There's just way too many pregnant women among my staff for the past year or so.  More than normal, I should say.  You can review my "eros" posts of yore to check on what I'm talking about as I'm posting this via email and don't have the bandwidth to go through the links right now.

Yesterday, around 4.40 in the afternoon, the last of my staff, Christine, gave birth to a healthy baby girl via c-section.  She apparently ran out of amniotic fluids before the baby came out hence the need to deliver that way.  From the report I received, she and the baby are doing great.  No worries at all.

Now that she's given birth and I have no more pregnant staff in my team, I wonder if my team's name will be changed come the new year.  Right now we're being hailed as the maternity ward with my boss being the! captain, considering every team he has has at least 1 to 2 pregnant women on board.  Might my team be re-named to the bordello?  Hmmm...

I think I'll rename my team to The Kindergarten before anyone else gets any bright ideas for my team.  What do you think?  What name shall I call my team in the next few months?  The table's open to suggestions.  ;)

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

The Coffee Lover's Prayer

Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures:
It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.
It restoreth my buzz:
It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
I will fear no Equal(tm):
For thou art with me;
thy cream and thy sugar, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of The Starbucks;
Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.

Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of Mocha forever.

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Move: Complete

Back in February, I talked about moving to another place.  A sort of downgrade.  Well, it's happened and it's complete now.  My stay at the wonderful place was a short 10 months and 6 days.  It had been a wonderful experience marred only by the moving out debacle which stretched almost 3 months.  Something I do not want repeated ever again.

Anyway, my new place still needs a lot of work to look like home but at least it's mine.  Right now it looks like a warehouse with things and boxes stacked all over the place.  But it's homey and I can rest easy here.  Meaning I'm almost always sleepy.  :D

My mobile broadband connection here's about the same as the old one.  Same schedule of peaks and lows, I've noticed.  Though the big difference is the stability of the signal and consistency.  Probably because of the proximity to the cell tower.  Or the height of this place.

For now, I'll rest an! d so soon I will back into my blogging form again.  Thank you.

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Lindsey Lohan Goes to Jail

I wonder why we, as a people, can't do this to our celebrities and politicians?  Are they somehow immune to our countries laws?  Or is it just that they have a sh1tl0ad of money to bribe the police and the judges?

This is another glaring point in our country's movement towards
"progress."  It doesn't help us any when other countries know that a lot of our criminals can actually get away with almost anything by virtue of having money.

Like the Trillanes case.  Why is it being revived now?  A review is being called by no less than the new President.  How do you suppose that happened?  And aren't there more pressing concerns for our dear President to take care of?  Come on...

 

US actress Lohan begins jail term

via BBC News - Home on 7/20/10

Actress Lindsay Lohan has started a 90-day prison sentence for violating her probation relating to a 2007 drug case.

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

MS .Net vs Java

[flv:netvsjava.flv 500 360] Something I found while stumbling along the net, killing my boredom. Link to Youtube.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Avatar:The Last Airbender:Aang and Momo

I think you will like this Neolex! Look ats Aang and Momo!

Neoboy, KidSpeak! http://kidspeak.pineda.ca

Mobile Broadband Slow?

I use Sun's Mobile Broadband product and I have to admit that there are times when it crawls.  Literally crawls.  I can't surf any website let alone connect to any of the 5 instant messaging networks I login to everyday.  But thanks to the tricks I've learned through the months I've been using the service, there are ways to boost your speed to remove your frustrations.

Edit the network settings of the Huawei modem softwafe

Relocate the dongle to a better position (usually involves an extension sable)

Use a frying pan as signal catcher

Learn the best times to connect

Refresh DNS/IP address

Let's take a look at each of the methods I've enumerated. Network settings: Go to TOOLS / OPTIONS / NETWORK / REGISTRATION MODE and choose Manual.  Search for your network and click REGISTER.  Then move to the NETWORK TYPE tab and choose WCDMA PREFERRED.  Click OK to save everything then connect. Note: you can only do this if you're still not connected to the network.  Effect is doubtful but it works for Denmark and me.  This tip came from him, actually.

Smokers, Rejoice!!!

Almost all smokers (the ones I know, anyway) admit that smoking cigarettes or cigars cause damage to their lungs.  Mine included as I've been a smoker since I was 17.  Anyway, I digress.

Years ago, I believe between 1998 to 2000, I've read a Times Magazine article which showed a schedule of availability of human body parts which will be cloned in laboratories.  The thing that struck me most was that it said replacement lungs will be available around 10 years from the time of that writing.  Well, the story I attached below from Slashdot could be proving that true.

Since these are rats they're talking about, how long do you think before they start with humans?  How long do you think replacement lungs will become available for all the smokers out there?  This might also just become the reason to turn the trend back into smoking instead of away.

!

Like my friend loves to tell me every time he regresses back into the habit, "quitters never win."  Share your thoughts, if you will.  In the meantime, want a light?  ;)

 

Rats Breathe Air From Lungs Grown In the Lab

via Slashdot by timothy on 6/24/10

cremeglace writes "'For the first time, an animal has drawn a breath with lungs cultivated in the lab.' Although preliminary, the results might eventually lead to replaceme! nt lungs for patients. Researchers at Yale University have suc! cessfully applied a technique called decellularization that involves using detergent to remove all of the cells from an organ, leaving a scaffold consisting of the fibrous material between cells."

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Need to Eat...

Saw this picture while i was stumbling through the net last night and thought it was hilarious.

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

[Ramblings] What's Been Going On

Just finished manually backing up my website databases and re-set the automated ones.  I've discussed backing up and the its importance in the past so it should come as no surprise to most people how obsessive I can be about backups.  If you aren't doing this, you'd better hop to it.

___________________________

My vacation came and went and going back to work just doesn't feel the same.  Or does it?  Maybe I just don't feel it what with the ambiguity of my position and the speed at which I execute tasks (thanks to my keyboard-fu skills and a brand new PC at work), I usually find myself bordering on the edge of boredom.

____________! _______________

Too many personal problems coming at me headon is making me, once again, tense.  Coupled with lack of sleep due to the vagaries of the time differential between humans and vampires, it's spelling serious stress for me.  All my close friends know that stress keeps me healthy.  In a way.  Perfect timing as the rainy season has just been officially announced through the news.  So I was told.  Need to keep my health up, you know.

I would love to get more sleep than my accustomed 5 hours or less but I have to face the fact that I still need to transact with humans on their own terms and in their own time.  Maybe when us vampires grow to sufficient numbers, this inequality can be addressed.  Unfortunately, that day isn't coming near anytime.  I just wish most humans would be more con! siderate by respecting the time set for appointments and meeti! ngs by not being late.

___________________________

One night the past week at the office I was touched by a friend at work.  She offered to do something for me to help me out with my personal troubles.  I know I gave a non-commital "no" as an answer as she has her own troubles to deal with, I am touched, nevertheless.  It was not an empty gesture and helps to remind me that there are really still people I can trust.  Who are worthy of trust.

Contrary to popular belief, the world still is a good place to live in and it's better to be alive and experiencing it.

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The Men! tat http://www.pineda.ca

Birthing

What a fitting strip from one of my favorite comic sites.  And so apt to my case now, being the director of the maternity ward.  Or the fertility god.  Whichever way you want to put it.  :D Apologies to XKCD for the rip.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

STS: A Real Eye Opener

So my teen aged son is home from his 7 week trip to the homeland.  He's complaining his phone's memory card being so full it's almost spilling.  Some of his photos have gone bad and his card is in dire need of a reformat.  So he backed up all his photos to my laptop.  Took him over 3 days to upload everything to my laptop via bluetooth.  There just wasn't any other way to upload the photos reliably, you see.

Then I find this particular gem of a photo!  My wife and I took a long hard look at each other then turned to him ! with eyes full of question marks...  wha...?!

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

I Had But 50 Cents

I took my girl to a fancy ball,

it was a social hop.

We stayed until the lights went out,

the music it did stop.

Then to a restaurant we went,

the best one on the street;

She said she wasn't hungry,

but this is what she eat:

A dozen rolls, a plate of slaw,

a chicken and a roast,

Some applesass, asparagrass and

soft shelled crabs on toast.

Next she tried some oysters fried,

her appetite was immense!

When she called for pie I thought I'd die,

for I had but fifty cents!

Now after eating all of this,

she smiled so v! ery sweet;

She said she wasn't hungry and

she wished that she could eat.

The very next order that she made,

my heart within me sank!

She said she wasn't thirsty,

but this is what she drank:

A whiskey skin, a glass of gin,

a schooner of lager beer,

A ginger pop with rum on top,

and then some champagne clear,

A bottle of ale and 

a soda cocktail astonished all the gents!

When she called for more

I fell on the floor, 

for I had but fifty cents!

Now to finish up this 

delicate gal cleaned out an ice cream can.

She said, "Now Sam, I&#! 39;ll tell my ma

you're such a nice young man".

She said she's bring her big sister along

next she came for fun;

I handed the man the fifty cents,

and this is what he done!

He broke my nose, he tore my clothes,

he hit me in the jaw;

He gave me the prize of two black eyes,

and with me swept the floor!

He took me where my pants were loose

and fired me over the fence!

Take my advice, don't try it twice, 

if you have but fifty cents!

________________________________

This was a poem I've read when I was 14 and I found it so hilarious during that time and I just know the author is "anonymous".  Now, after almost 2 decades, I've rediscovered this poem and I still find it hilarious.  This ver! sion is not the full one, though.  I'm still searching for the ful! l version.  The original one I had read when I was 14 still eludes me to this day.  If you happen to have the full version, please let me know.  Have fun!

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

K.I.T.T.'s Definitely Coming. Soon.

Some updates on the Stanford University project which Volkswagen is involved with.  You remember that project, right?  I wrote about it here.  Anyway, they've had some progress on the project and it seems the car can now do slide parking like a badass.  We've seen KITT done it.  Now we're seeing KITT's coming.  I won't be surprised if someday somebody will bring all this separately developed technologies and put them all into one car.  I'm hoping it will be a BMW.  :D [flv:stanfordkitt.flv 475 280] Sources:  Stanford Robot Car Capable of Slide Parking, Stanford's Robot Car Slides into Parking Spot Like a Badass (video)

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Backyard Monsters-Pokey

Pokey  might be small and slow , but its pleasant demeanor and cheerful chirping ar perfect for drawing fire and tripping booby traps. Speed 1.2kph Health 200 Damage 60

Neoboy, KidSpeak! http://kidspeak.pineda.ca

Why Didn't I Think of This?

By jove, man.  A self-weighing suitcase!  This is a wonderful idea!  What with todays restrictive baggage allowances courtesy of super duper low airfares.  No more guessing about the weight of your luggage before you go to the airport to check in.  No more fretting about excess baggage.  You already know!

Now my question is where can I get one?  Is this even available at the Travel Club?  Can anyone tell me, please, where I can get ! one?  Seriously.  :D

If you can believe it, the suitcase (from Expert Verdict) even costs just $100. It's the standard carry-on roller type, and it won't win any beauty contests, but who cares? Self-weighing suitcase, people!

[via Inventor Spot, Gizmag, Geeky Gadgets, and Dvice] and via CrunchGear by Devin Coldewey on 5/10/10

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Let us bury IE6! Put it out of its misery!

via Download Squad by Sebastian Anthony on 5/11/10 and [via istartedsomething]

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Of Passwords and Security

Passwords.  It's what we need nowadays to access our online accounts.  Even our computers require passwords to be accessed.  Well, for those who've set up their computers to be secure it's a requirement.  How does one choose a strong, secure and safe password, though?  Do you just choose a password that is easy to remember?  Or do you make a complicated password to secure your account and ensure nobody can guess it?

Some people have rules for their passwords.  Rules like it has to be a non-word.  That it should be a mix of letters, numbers and even special characters like $, #, & or some other character.  Some prefer to use the L33T alphabet mixed in with special characters.  It's easier to remember and satisfies the complexity issue.  I use this and suggest you do, too.

I bring this up because of the recent attack on my yahoo and facebook acco! unts.  Although my gmail account was attacked, as well, I wasn't too worried about it because google always sends me a text message requesting for confirmation for any attempt to change my password.  I'll start worrying if I happen to lose my phone.  Hehehe...

But regardless of how you think of your passwords, make sure it's strong and difficult to guess.  And don't share it with anybody.  If you're worried about your family not knowing your passwords in case something happens to you, check out the services of Deathswitch.  I've written about it before (2009, to be exact.)  Don't heed this advice and you might end up losing your identity to someone unscrupulous.

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The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Security Breach

Every so often, as is our lot in life, especially when we're online more and more, somebody or something out there will try to hack into our accounts.  Email.  Facebook.  Websites.  And a few more others.  The main reason someone or something will try to do this is to obtain your personal information so your identity can be stolen.  Hollywood, of course, put that fear into a lot of us. A lot of us, though, never think it will happen to their friends, let alone themselves, thinking we are nobody.  We are invisible.  Sure.  How often do I see posts on facebook that the owner didn't place there?  How often do I see friends getting locked out of their email accounts without their knowledge?  Surely it doesn't happen everyday but it's enough. Enough so that Sunday, as I got home and prepared to write my Mothers Day message to my blog, I find out someone or something tried to breach my yahoo, facebook and google accounts.  Wonderful.  Such inconvenient timing.  Remember how zippy my internet connection is after a certain time window?  Well, I had to spend 60% of that remaining window on resetting my yahoo and facebook passwords.  Then updating Pidgin with them so I can login to the chat networks. Then I hurriedly typed my message for the mothers in my life and away it goes.  Posting complete.  Then... ooops.  I forgot to tell this here blog of mine that my facebook password's been updated.  That's why I don't have anything, no posts, no wall entries, no status updates for yesterday. My accounts, though, remain secure and untouched and I'll explain in the next post.  I just hate the inconvenience and the hassle of the password reset options I have to go through.  Especially when I think about how interconnected my sites are.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Carrot, Egg or Coffee Bean?

Mothers day reminds me of this article I've found before.  It just sorts of clicked within me that although I've written about it before, it is still as applicable today as it was yesterday.  And not only for me, either.

My wife, my mom, my mother-in-law, and Sandra, my sister-in-law are all coffee beans.  Ever since I met my wife, I've worked at becoming a better person.  I've toned down my temper.  Avoided fights that can be avoided.  Become a better dad to my kids.  Learned how to resolve difficult situations.  Opened up myself to better communicate with the people around me.

From my mom, I got perseverance and endless optimism as well as short term memory loss.  That short term memory loss is definitely essential to leading a stress free life.  Ensuring I keep smiling despite the stress and tension life brings me.

From my mother-in-law, I got hope and forgiveness.  That these qualities, when combined with short term memory loss, makes life even better.

My sister-in-law taught me to have fun.  Life without fun is nothing.  Especially if you focus too much on the future that you forget the present.

My dearest wife.  Mama.  Mommy.  Sandra.  You are all the coffee beans I need and want!  ! HAPPY MOTHE! RS DAY!!!

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How to Pray...

The other night in the office, we were tasked to rush something as part of a programme for staff.  There were vague instructions set upon us to complete our task using unfamiliar system and terminology.  The most specific instructions were to use our best psychic abilities (sorry, boss, couldn't help myself here) to complete the tasks set for us to complete.  No problem, I can do that. As I started working, I got pinged left and right with private messages like, "what is the current dollar to peso exchange rate?"  Some were more mundane like, "I know I found it in some obscure site but I can't seem to remember the title."  Then there was the odd ball question on how to convert a unit of measurement from metric to english.  Again, no problem but I did a double take and thought to myself, how did I suddenly become the office currency expert? Or maybe I was asleep and dreaming it all.  Did I suddenly become Mr. Know-it-all?  Doubtful.  I pray to the god, just like everyone else. So I took a little time out (I was sitting in my chair far too long already, anyway) and walked to my peers one by one and showed them how to pray with efficiency and effectiveness.  First was the question of currency exchange.  In the god's prayer box (search box/bar), type in Amount Cur in Cur.  Like 50 usd in php for what $50 is equivalent to in Philippine Pesos.  For the areas, do the same... 30 acres in hectares, 12 feet in meters or 12 ft in m to make it shorter.  The results genuinely surprised them all with the general reaction set to, "ooooh... it can do that?"  It made me smile.  And I admit, made my day. So a sermon sounding instructional lecture spout forth from my lips:  yes, you can use google as a calculator, currency converter, etc.  Yes, you can also do site specific, targeted, searches.  You can search for almost anything.  After all, isn't google a god?  Just be sure to pray correctly in the most dignified of manner. The feeling of being, so far, the only priest of the church of google (with a black belt) in the office was nice.  Though it can get tiring if there are too many requests coming in so I have decided to share the two files I've downloaded ages ago in learning to pray.  The prayer books or the bible for the church.  They are now available for download from here.  Links below.  Click and enjoy.  If you want to share your experiences, the comment boxes are still open. Downloads:  Google Cheat Sheet 1 and 2

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Iron Man 2 [Thoughts]

Just finished watching Iron Man 2 and re-watched Iron Man 1.  Woohoo!!!  Iron Man rocks!  Great movie!  Lots of action and lots of Iron Man.  Love Pepper Pots and Natalie Rushman/Natasha Romanoff. But story aside, I couldn't help but think about Tony Stark's comment to Senator Stern.  "The Iron Man suit isn't a weapon, it's a prosthesis."  It's very interesting to note that there's a Japanese company by the name of Cyberdyne Systems that manufactures the HAL-5 "Iron Man" suit to help people and there's also another similar suit made to help the paraplegics walk again.  So in a way, his statement corroborates the reality of such technology. Another interesting thing I noticed, and this is in no way truth, just an observation after having read the blog posts below, is the similarity of the story to the current tech wars.  A few weeks ago Apple sued HTC for patent infringement and soon after Google stepped up behind HTC to lend support.  Then Microsoft comes in to lend its support to HTC, as well.  The imagery is a little too similar to Iron Man 2's storyline. (a few spoilers) Justin Hammer goes after Tony Stark.  Whiplash attacks Iron Man.  Hammer allies with Whiplash.  Iron Man fights off the Hammer/Whiplash combo.  Then comes SHIELD to help Iron Man's fight by going after the people behind the drones.  Then lastly enter War Machine, helping Iron Man defeat Whiplash.  Pepper, of course, brought down Hammer. Interesting coincidence?  Or was it by design?  Lest my maternity ward accuse me of thinking too much over 5 bottles of beer, I will end this post now and leave you with your thoughts.  If you care to share yours, the comment form is open below.  Fire away!   :D Reference links:

• Iron Man 2 Is Allegorical To Gates Vs. Jobs
• Did Microsoft Just Step In To Help HTC Fight Apple? Or Are They After Android Too?
• Practical Exoskeleton Developed to Enable Disabled
• Cyberdyne Corp. starts exporting its robotic exoskeleton HAL-5
• Exoskeletons For Rent In Japan

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

My Suitors

My Suitors, originally uploaded by Neolex.

This is supposed to be titled Party Ladies 2 but Cyrene (she's the one in
white, by the way) wanted me to post it as such. As it is, here you go.
Have fun.

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Fw: The Party Ladies

Fw: The Party Ladies, originally uploaded by Neolex.

The Party Ladies

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Happy Birthday Neolex!

Happy Birthday Neolex! A.K.A. DAD!!!!!!! ^_^

Neoboy, KidSpeak! http://kidspeak.pineda.ca

Bye Bye, Floppy Disk

Ummm...  Who here still uses floppy disks?  I haven't even seen one in a looong, long time.

Though to be fair, my cousin had posted something about needing to buy floppy disks a few weeks ago.  It made me laugh so much I had to ask why.  It turned out that he needed to submit data to the bank for something or other.  The bank needed the data to be in a floppy disk.  Seriously.  I thought that was a hoot.  I mean, haven't they upgraded their machines yet?  The bank must still be using computers from the 90's or early 2000's.  Tsk tsk...  They really should get constant upgrades.  You know, keep up with the times and all that.  Thank goodness I don't bank there.

But I digress.  This post is all about saying good bye to the darned things, so ciao, floppies!  You had a good run but your storage cap is just too darned small these days.  Cheers!  You will not be missed.

source:  TechCrunch 

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Driving Using Your Eyes

Wow.  Talk about high-tech driving.  I believe I've already blogged about blind people driving and technology that allows blind people to drive.  And the coming of KITT.

This, though, is something new and different.  It allows a sane person (as sane as sane be) to drive by using their eyes.  Yes.  Look at the road to drive.  Nice.  Well... ok.  It sounds wonderful next to fighter pilots using their eyes to aim at targets then just use their fingers to press the trigger.

Think about it.  You're driving.  Then you see a billboard (remember that billboard I showed you?)  You naturally look at it and... boom!  You see a pretty girl walking by... boom!  You see an exotic car drive by and your head follows it... boom!  An accident on the road?  Boom!  You're imagining what I'm saying, right?

As great a deterrent as this wonderful driving method is to the argument against distracted driving, it's equally important that most humans (read 100%) are never not distracted.  There's no such thing as 100% focus.  Especially when it comes to driving.  Agree or disagree?  The comments are open below.  :D

 

EyeDriver Lets Drivers Steer Car With Their Eyes

via Sla! shdot by timothy on 4/23/10

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Face-Off!

Who here remembers the movie Face/Off?  That was one heck of an action film with two great stars, wasn't it?  The plot device of the movie, for the benefit of those who have not seen it, was the switching of the two stars's faces.  You could say it was a transplant but the movie showed complete transformation which included the body shape, size and mass.

True, it was an action movie which bordered on science fiction but it seems that science fiction and fantasy are being caught up by reality again.  A Spanish medical team has reported the world's first ever face transplant.  And from the description, it wasn't a simple one, either.

It apparently involved bones, veins and other tissue from one head to another.  Of course, the person who reported it can't tell if the recipient looks more like Sean Archer or Castor Troy.  Still, overall, it's nice to know that if your head coveri! ng gets damage, there's hope.  It will just feel weird to see someone else's face in the mirror after you get operated on.  ;)

 

The World's First Full Face Transplant

via Slashdot by Soulskill on 4/23/10

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Age and Learning

It always amazes me to meet people who, despite their age, continue to seek new challenges.  To learn new things.  I have a friend who started learning to play the piano when he was past 60 years of age. True.  And he speaks 5 languages quite fluently, too.

The post I've linked to below is from Download Squad which speaks of a 99 year old woman who is learning to use a computer for the first time.  Using Apple's iPad.  Of course, this could simply show how easy it is use one that even a 2 year old could use it.  And I bet that if my dad were alive right now, he'd also probably be asking me to buy him one.  Click through to see the original post and watch the video.

Here's to learning new things and new challenges!  Cheers, granny!

 

Apple iPad: not just for 2-year-olds but also for almost-centurions

via Download Squad by Sebastian Anthony on 4/23/10

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Box It!

Early this week I had an enlightening conversation with a friend at work.  We were talking about his wife's laptop which is seriously sick with something.  Their near brand new laptop is dying and they don't know why.  The techs they have brought it to can't diagnose the problem properly.  Until today they don't have an answer.  My suspicion is they got hit by a particularly mean and vicious malware.  Or a virus.  Something that dug its way into the BIOS of the laptop and so no matter what they do becomes an exercise in futility.

The whole conversation (as we were later joined by some friends) made me realize that few people use proper protection when surfing the world wild web.  Especially when they visit websites with unknown credibility.  They don't read the URL on their browser's address bar, either.  <shudder>

One of the solutions I brought up, if they ever get the chance to get their PC fixed, i.e., is to use a sandbox program.  Particularly when they surf new websites.  Or even if it's just to test out a new program they've downloaded.  The whole concept was foreign to them I might as well have been speaking Klingon.

The whole concept of the sandbox is to let programs run in a box where data can be received and played with but will not do any damage to your overall system.  Think of a pest, a rat, for! example.  You catch one and want to keep it for observat! ion and study but you certainly don't want it to run around amok destroying your home.  So you do the same with unknown or untested programs.  You put them in a cage where you can put food (data) in but nothing gets out.

One such program which I use and make sure is the first installed on a fresh new system is Sandboxie.  Sandboxie is a free program for personal use to ensure your system's health and safety.  What it does is ensure the program you run sandboxed doesn't do any damage to your system (as I described above) whether temporarily or permanently.

Download it.  Install it.  It's easy to configure that it works right after you install it.  Run a program inside it and then let it rip.  Surf all the unsafe web you want.  Pr0n.  Games.  Whatever.  It will be guaranteed that once you're done and close (throw away) the box, you! r system will have remained just the way it was.  No change at all.

This is just for individual programs.  There's also a way for you to sandbox your entire computer system so that no matter how rough or carelessly you play with it, after a reboot is done, it will all be back to the way it was.  Perfect when you have kids who borrow your computer.  But that's for a later post.

For more recommended programs go see my Mentat Bundle.  Be sure to share your thoughts below in the comments after you've given Sandboxie a spin.  As always, stay safe, everyone!  It's a jungle out there.

advice, challenges, computers, control, decisions, downloads, files, help, internet, machines, microsoft, operating, operatingsystems, os! , reviews, security, software, support, systems, technical, virus, windows, malware

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The Assistant

The alarm blared loud and incessant.  He opened his eyes slowly, picked up his phone and shutoff the alarm.  Lying in bed, he concentrated on the dream he just had, which was slowly fading into nothingness.  Another one to be forgotten.  It wasn't important anyway.  Just that it was a beautiful dream.  Time to get up.

When he got to the kitchen, she was sitting there, waiting for him.  "Good morning, Clarice.  Eventful night?" he asked.

"It was pretty uneventful.  There was a short spike in sales in your e-store about two hours ago.  Your sons emailed to greet you a happy birthday.  Your daughter emailed to confirm your dinner date at Friday's tonight.  Your stock portfolio looks to be! healthy for a few more weeks.  How was your sleep?"

Grumbling for the reminder on his age, his reply was a simple grunt.  He went to get his coffee which Clarice had brewing shortly before his alarm woke him up.  "Wonderful coffee, as usual, Clarice.  Did you fall asleep last night?"

"You know I do not sleep, John.  Not so long as there's power in my batteries."

"Right.  I'm sorry.  You look so much like her that it's hard for me to remember that you are what you are."  Apologetic as he was, there was nothing condescending nor discriminatory in his statement.  As he sat down at the table, he took a good look at her.

"Apology accepted."

Clarice was beautiful.  She had big, doe-like black eyes which were slightly slanted.  A pert nose and a small round mouth with lips which some would describe as sensual.  Her face was moon shaped.  Very oriental looking, m! atched with long straight, raven-black hair that reached the m! iddle of her back.  Her skin was smooth but was made of a rubber like substance based on silicone.  She was an android.  Not perfect as she still has a wheelchair for legs but he's working on that.  At least the artificial mind behind the face was close to perfect with an equally biting wit.

Thinking about that, he thought to himself, "why did I ever think programming her with a high IQ was a good idea?"  It was already done, however, and he liked the results.  Even his daughter seems to think so.  At least she was helpful and useful in making his life easier to bear.

His coffee done, he gave instructions for her to carry out for the day pertaining to his business and other personal matters.  As he got up to head for the shower, he was already thinking about the date he's gonna have tonight with his daughter and wishing his sons also lived nearby to enjoy this day with him.

references:  Walking, Talking Living Doll, Geminoid-F, Creepy, Creepier, Japan's New Android

artificial, assist, computers, entertainment, fiction, fantasy, help, ideas, intelligence, literature, machines, robotics, robots, science, scifi, stories, technology

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International symbol for Marriage

Hmmm...  This symbol is applicable to...  On second thought, it's best I don't mention any names.  But if you want to go right ahead, come out and admit it, the comments portion is open for all.  Write 'em up.

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@Home: Strange and Creepy

left:  without flash, right:  with flash

There I was, about to cook my pasta.  I've prepared the pot with salt, pepper and oil in water to cook the pasta in (like I usually do) and what do I find in the pot after 20 minutes of letting the mixture sit?  The pictures I took above!  I couldn't believe it so I had to get my cam and take shots.  This is the first time this has ever happened to me.  Usually the oil would just look like numerous individual globs on water since I always put the water in last.  So strange, and creepy at the same time... interesting.  What could have brought this on?  It's like having my own personal crop circle except it's oil on water and not on a field of corn. Thoughts of gods, omens and signs come to me because last night I went to watch the remake of Clash of the Titans (in 3D, of course) and after I got home, I watched the original version of the same movie.  Maybe the gods want to tell me something?  That the current decisions I'm making for myself and my family will be good or are good?  Or something else?  What could this all mean? Or maybe there's a logical explanation to all this?  hmmm...  I have to admit, this is an intriguing turn of events.  Maybe it is a sign from the gods or some sort of alien visitation.  Thoughts, anyone?

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Holy Week Meal

Just finished uploading the pics from my vacay and here's what we had over the holy week.  Our very own recipe for Bacalhau.  Yummy...  Here's a little history on the dish clipped from Wikipedia.

Salt cod has been produced for at least 500 years, since the time of the European discoveries of the New World. Before refrigeration, there was a need to preserve the codfish; drying and salting are ancient techniques to preserve nutrients and the process makes the codfish tastier. The Portuguese tried to use this method of drying and salting on several varieties of fish from their waters, but the ideal fish came from much further north. With the "discovery" of Newfoundland in 1497, long after the Basque whalers arrived in Channel-Port aux Basques, they started fishing its cod-rich Grand Banks. Thus, bacalhau became a staple of the Portuguese cuisine, nicknamed Fiel amigo (faithful friend). From the 18th century, the town of Kristiansund in Norway became an important place of producing bacalhau or klippfish. This dish was popular in Portugal and other Roman Catholic countries, because of the many days (Fridays, Lent, and other festivals) on which the Church forbade the eating of meat. Bacalhau dishes were eaten instead. Bacalhau is also popular in Sfax where this dish is eaten in the first day of Eid ul-Fitr with charmoula.

All this time eating the dish and I thought it originated from Spain.  Shows what I know.  ;)

The Mentat http://www.pineda.ca

Men owe women for 'creating beer'

One of man's greatest pleasures might be a bottle or more of beer at the local bar – but an expert has claimed it would never have existed without the entrepreneurial skills of women.  I say AMEN to that.   May we have more to drink!  Cheers!

________________________________ 

By Nick Britten 
Published: 1:47PM BST 30 Mar 2010

Between the eighth and tenth centuries AD the Vikings spread terror by rampaging through Europe, fuelled by women-made ale Photo: AP

Jane Peyton, 48, an author, said women created beer and for thousands of years it was only they who were allowed to operate breweries and drink beer.

The drink is now almost exclusively marketed to men - with television characters such as Homer Simpson ! the epitome of the beer-loving male.

!

Miss Peyton has conducted extensive research into the origins of beer for a new book and reports that a woman's touch was found on beer throughout the ages.

Nearly 7,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and Sumeria, so important were their skills that they were the only ones allowed to brew the drink or run any taverns.

And in almost all ancient societies beer was also then considered to be a gift from a goddess, never a male God.

Between the eighth and tenth centuries AD the Vikings spread terror by rampaging through Europe, fuelled by women-made ale.

Women were the exclusive brewers in Norse society and all equipment by law remained their property.

And Ancient Finland also credits the creation of beer to the fairer sex, with three women, a bear's saliva and wild honey the apparent first ingredients.

In England ale was traditionally m! ade in the home by women. They were known as brewsters or ale-wives and the sale of the drink provided a valuable income for many households.

It quickly became an essential staple of the diet and even royalty indulged in the tasty beverage.

Queen Elizabeth I, like most people of the era, consumed it for breakfast and at other times of the day.

But by the start of the late 18th century and the Industrial Revolution, new methods of making beer meant women's contribution slowly started to decline and be forgotten, until now.

Miss Peyton said: "I know men will be absolutely stunned to find this out, but they've got women to thank for beer."

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Marathon!

What:A marathon of my brothers drawing for 4 days! Where:Here in Kidspeak! When:April 4 , 2010 (tomorrow) Who:By me Neoboy By Who:By my brother and me Percentage of By Who: Ok MY BROTHER: 80% ME(NEOBOY): 20% Comment for more details ^_^

Neoboy, KidSpeak! http://kidspeak.pineda.ca

There’s nothing we can do to save the planet

All that green stuff you're buying?  Not working.  The things you do to reduce your carbon footprint?  Not working.  The organic food you're buying?  Not working.

Face it.  Nothing we do to save the planet will work.  The mere fact that humans intervene already have unseen consequences.  This is the butterfly effect in real time. Everything we do causes something to happen to something or some creature.  Can we see it?  No.  Can we understand it?  Doubtful.  Can we control it?  Impossible.

But does this mean everything's hopeless?  Of course not.  It simply means we should enjoy our lives and live each day as it were our last.  Enjoy the moments.  Breathe everything in.  Have fun.  Experience life to its fullest without any worries or thoughts to the f! uture generations.

Earth and life are both dynamic organisms.  They will evolve and adapt.  Plants evolve and adapt everyday that they're alive.  New bugs?  No problem.  Plants will develop new toxins on their own to control the bugs or start living with the bugs in harmony.  It will be the same for humans and the other animals out there on this planet.  Atmospheric oxygen content lowering and carbon dioxide going up?  No problem.  Future generations will find oxygen toxic to their bodies as carbon dioxide is to ours now.

Life adapts.  Life evolves.  The more you worry about tomorrow today the less you can and will actually be doing anything that will matter.  In fact, nothing you do will stop the future.  Will it?  Consider this a prime conclusion.

The Mentat

 

 

Scientist: Don't bother going green because there's nothing we can do to save the planet

via CrunchGear by Nicholas Deleon on 3/31/10

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