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# nick        = davids-notes
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# updated_at  = 2023-09-27T01:25:20Z
#
2021-09-16T21:58:57Z	**Alone, scared, and lonely**
Our vehicle was towed away earlier this week because I parked it on the street momentarily during the day, and completely forgot to move it back to the driveway at dusk. Our neighbourhood strictly enforces a no street parking from 00:00 to 06:00, so we paid the consequences of an old mind’s oversight.

Other than having to pick it up, spending time, and money–it cost $125 to get it back–we worried about the poor automobile. It was alone, scared, and lonely, in an unknown te ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2021/09/16/alone-scared-and-lonely/)
2021-09-13T13:15:44Z	**Horses don't lie**
A horse is a straight forward animal. When you look at a horse’s eyes you know it is telling you the truth, even before it mutters a word—not that it can, but you get the gist. A horse is sincere, forthcoming, warm, and above all faithful.

My wife is a [Horse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_(zodiac)) 😂 ❤️. Let it be noted. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2021/09/13/horses-dont-lie/)
2020-06-15T18:49:17Z	**Adobe Flash Player EOL**
After ten years since Steve Jobs expressed his [thoughts on Flash](https://collantes.us/2010/04/29/thoughts-on-flash/), effectively banning Flash from ever existing on iOS, Adobe has finally decided to announce that as of 31 December 2020 they will stop distributing, and updating, the Flash Player. Why, they say, they are doing this?

> Open standards such as HTML5, WebGL, and WebAssembly have continually matured over the years and serve as viable alternatives for Flash content. Also ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2020/06/15/adobe-flash-player-eol/)
2020-06-04T22:51:34Z	**Dreelix, King of Gears**
Dreelix is a goblin, and he is 130 years old. A young goblin, as goblins can live for many, many years. Dreelix lives in a tidy, relatively small house, in the little town of _Enter Town Name Here_ near the _Enter geographical reference here_. He is a tinker by nature and by heritage, as his parents, and parents' parents were all tinkers, and very proud of it.

The title he holds, King of Gears, was given to his great-great-great-great-great grandfather by the Trade Excellency Tenlix  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2020/06/04/dreelix-king-of-gears/)
2019-08-02T16:40:20Z	**Automatically scheduled bank payments**
So, you sign up for a gym, or another service, that gives you a small discount for paying using an automatic scheduled withdraw from your bank’s checking account. Things go well for a while, then they go sour—or you simply change your mind—and you want to sever that agreement, to disconnect the link between them and _your_ bank account. Guess what? **You can’t.** Not through your mobile banking app, nor through a bank’s web site, call, or in-person ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/08/02/automatically-scheduled-bank-payments/)
2019-07-31T20:48:09Z	**Elections 2020**
Election time is always an important time. We, the people, get to vote for the person that will be our nation’s president for at least four years—and with any luck, eight. The presidential election of 2020 is going to be an interesting one. I know, I know, we could say the same for every election. This time, though, it’s easy to understand why the upcoming election holds an extra weight.

### The problem

I could go on, and describe the reasons why Trump shouldn’t get re-elected. They ar ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/07/31/elections-2020/)
2019-07-30T17:15:56Z	**Using Gnupg and openssl for encryption**
I have used `Gnupg` to encrypt my private files, specially those that I upload to the clouds, for a long time. I used to encrypt to self, using my own key, then later moved to symmetric encryption only. The command is easy:

### Using Gnupg

To **encrypt**:

```bash
gpg --cipher-algo aes256 --symmetric file.txt

```

Adding the option `--armor` to the above will produce an `ASCII` armoured encrypted file.

To **decrypt**:

``` ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/07/30/using-gnupg-and-openssl-for-encryption/)
2019-07-29T21:04:16Z	**There is always a first time**
For eleven years I have used iPhones exclusively. More than half of that time, I have used them without any cover. My rationale? It is a beautifully crafted device, why to hide its beauty behind a cover? I never had an issue with it, until today. I am coming here to mark the first time my iPhone screen has ever shattered. I didn’t drop it, but placed it in a way that, after a few vibrations, made it fall to a tiled floor. RIP!

This will not change, nor affect, how I ke ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/07/29/there-is-always-a-first-time/)
2019-07-29T15:48:32Z	**Closing LinkedIn**
Not long ago—not even a year now—I re-created a LinkedIn account, mostly following an invitation to join from one of my friends. I did it against my will, because for whatever reason I have hated LinkedIn even since before it was acquired by Microsoft. Yet, I joined, filled very little information, set privacy settings to fully closed—or so I thought—and moved on.

Soon after I started receiving UCE from medical, or pharmaceutical related companies. As many as ten emails per day. I calle ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/07/29/closing-linkedin/)
2019-07-12T22:23:05Z	**Close my account, Robinhood!**
On 23 April, 2019 I sent an email to Robinhood, using their on-line help tool, because I couldn’t find a phone number to call on their website.

> Couldn’t find […] a proper choice under “support issue,” so picked something that is close to what I want, but not quite. I would like to close, and delete my account (not just deactivate). Thanks!

The reply promptly arrived the same day, stating, along other things:

> We’ve submitted a request to close your ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/07/12/close-my-account-robinhood/)
2019-04-25T22:38:42Z	**I am sorry I was late**
I can explain why I was so late, I swear.

I woke up this morning after a brilliant two hours of sleep and went to milk the cow. She did not really have much, so the cereal kinda blew. Anyways, as I turned on my red 1993 Chevy Malibu I realised the garage was not opening. Great, the power was down! I went upstairs with a broom and woke up the hamster, which must have fallen asleep on the job. It took some deliberation, taking a full three minutes to get the power working again.

I  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/04/25/i-am-sorry-i-was-late/)
2019-02-12T01:22:10Z	**My friend**
Friends are not easy to come across. They are made, just like good wine, after many years of ageing. At a certain point they cease to be just friends and become family. They give you the best advise, uncompromisingly, unabashedly, unreservedly. They praise your virtues and take pride on them, but are quick to call out the stupid things you are bound to do. They are patient, they forgive, they forget. They listen, and they are always available.

John was my dear friend for eighteen years. **John was family**.� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2019/02/11/my-friend/)
2018-08-24T14:54:11Z	**What is happiness?**
After questioning myself on the meaning of life—something I still do, by the way—I long settled that, regardless of what it might be, living a happy life and aiming to be happy is what life is all about. Happiness, though, isn’t a fixed thing. Just like the many avatars of gods, their many incarnations, happiness comes from many sources, and is often found in subtle contexts throughout life. It is not absolute, and its definition may vary from person to person: what brings me happiness migh ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/08/24/what-is-happiness/)
2018-03-25T22:02:05Z	**Someone is in trouble when...**
You know a company is in trouble when they have to take a full page advertisement on several major newspapers in the U.S., and the U.K., with an apology from their chief. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg did [just that](https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/03/25/zuckerberg-takes-out-ads-apologize-facebook-data-misuse-crisis-intensifies/456953002/). ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/25/someone-is-in-trouble-when.../)
2018-03-22T17:34:10Z	**Simplicity**
That is a screenshot of my macOS desktop. It could be simpler, but as it is it does what I need, and want. When I need to use an app, I simply hit command (⌘) space and start typing the app name to launch it. That is, I use [Spotlight](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204014).

Wouldn’t it be great that iOS could be customized like that too? Preferably it would be a setting, that would allow to turn off the visibility of all, or any app on the phone. Then, to open an app, one would use the [Spotlight]( ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/22/simplicity/)
2018-03-18T01:19:21Z	**Another meltdown**
Someone is having [another meltdown](https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/975163071361683456).

> The Mueller probe should never have been started in that there was no collusion and there was no crime. It was based on fraudulent activities and a Fake Dossier paid for by Crooked Hillary and the DNC, and improperly used in FISA COURT for surveillance of my campaign. WITCH HUNT!

😂

Now, there is a [background](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/after-mccabe-fir ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/17/another-meltdown/)
2018-03-17T22:17:46Z	**Flowers will follow**
To the untrained, this image will have little meaning. Who could imagine that those “ugly sticks,” as the child called them, will soon bloom into hundreds of beautiful yellow flowers? Yet, as it has happened each year, flowers will follow! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/17/flowers-will-follow/)
2018-03-17T21:15:18Z	**Searching for the car**
A year ago, Kent got his learner’s permit. With the help of John, and a little from me, he practiced driving for over 250 hours. A year later — more or less — on 9 March, he got his driver’s license, passing the practical test with a 96, out of 100 points, score. And so the asking for a car began.

What car should we get for a 17 year old? [New](https://www.consumerreports.org/new-cars/best-new-cars-for-teens/), or [used](https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/best-used-cars ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/17/searching-for-the-car/)
2018-03-15T23:50:42Z	**Mueller goes after the Trump Organisation**
I have disliked other presidents in the past, for actions taken while they were in the office that I—and many others—considered stupid, crazy, or just plain wrong. My dislike for the current president eclipses any of my previous. I voted for Hillary, and [wrongly](https://collantes.us/2016/11/09/i-was-wrong/) [predicted](https://collantes.us/2015/10/05/prediction/) that she would win the presidency.

[Today news](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/15/mueller-goes-after-the-trump-organisation/)
2018-03-05T02:12:22Z	**On the market for a camera**
We have gone through quite a few cameras. The very first one we recall was a [Canon EOS D30](https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canond30), with an _amazing_ 3.2 megapixel — sarcasm aside, it took amazing photos. After that we had had many Sony Cyber-shots, a Canon [Powershot A640](https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona640/), a couple of Canon [Powershot Gs](https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/list/cameras/point-and-shoot), and another bigger Canon, the [EO ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/03/04/on-the-market-for-a-camera/)
2018-01-21T16:13:50Z	**About the impermanence of things**
Thinking about the impermanence of things is a reoccurring theme for me. It usually happens if I get mad at something I don’t like, which used to be quite often no long ago. I still notice situations that are less than desirable for my point of view, but I no longer get mad every single time. I am trying my very best not to get upset for anything, or with anyone. Yet, the thought of everything being temporary still surrounds me. The last time it came to mind was whe ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/01/21/about-the-impermanence-of-things/)
2018-01-13T19:40:14Z	**Grandfather has left us**
Grandfather died today.

Kim was very close to him because she lived with her grandparents since she was young, until we got married. Back in Vietnam, when she was in elementary school, grandpa took her and her siblings to school, and picked them up in his bicycle every day. He was more than a grandfather to her. He was, throughout her life, a father figure.

Grandpa was a soft spoken man. I never heard him raise his voice, never saw him mad. He was also a man of little wants;  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2018/01/13/grandfather-has-left-us/)
2017-12-08T18:14:44Z	**Unalloyed irony**
Soon to be ex-Senator [Al Franken](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Franken) announced, on an emotional speech, his resignation yesterday. He is leaving the Senate after been accused of sexual misconduct.

> “I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the [full support of his party] ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/12/08/unalloyed-irony/)
2017-10-08T12:42:10Z	**On AT&T fibre**
Had to chat with an AT&T employee, as a result of an order I placed yesterday. This is the feedback I left (with minor spelling corrections), after concluding the chat:

> The chat experience was excellent (chat agent, Marry). AT&T experience thus far, not quite so.
>
> I had an AT&T sales agent visit me yesterday. I signed up for Internet 1Gbps (Internet 1000 on AT&T lingo), and phone service (transferring my current number). I have a signed form, with all one time service charges waived. The appoint ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/10/08/att-fibre/)
2017-10-05T05:57:14Z	**A downright moron**
[Henry Louis Mencken](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._L._Mencken) wrote an article on the Baltimore Sun, on 26 July, 1920, that amongst other things read:

> As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.

It seems we have “perfected” democrac ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/10/05/a-downright-moron/)
2017-06-06T11:53:37Z	**The Uber affair**
Using Uber for the first time, in France, was a delightful experience. We were able to summon a relatively cheap minivan within minutes, the drivers were nice, nothing found to complain. Then, once back home, I decided that I might want to occasionally drive for Uber, for fun. That is when the real affair started.

To begin with, the rider photo I had on my profile no longer met their requirements. Then, the driver’s application asked me for information that I did not have handy, making me chang ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/06/06/the-uber-affair/)
2017-05-11T16:56:28Z	**Comey's sacking**
This is, at least for me, completely surreal. It is not only that Trump sacked the FBI director — who arguably helped him getting elected President — while he was conducting an investigation on Trump’s presidential campaign, but the way he wrote the sacking letter (I emphasised):

> Dear Director Comey:
>
> I have received the attached letters from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States recommending your dismissal as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Inve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/05/11/comey-sacking/)
2017-03-06T00:28:16Z	**A few technical changes**
A few things have happened on my current server setup. The biggest one was my move from [FreeBSD](https://www.freebsd.org) to [Ubuntu](https://www.ubuntu.com/). I do not have complains about FreeBSD — how could I? — but I wanted to play with more recent stuff, and it was becoming very hard to do under BSD. I also wanted a refresh, since I had been running that VPS for a while and it was starting to feel “dirty.”

So, I spawned up an [Ubuntu 16.04 LTS](http://releases.ubuntu ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/03/05/a-few-technical-changes/)
2017-02-28T00:59:15Z	**An intelligent person**
From Twitter:

> The most amazing thing about the Trump presidency is that it’s made GWB look like a [reasonably intelligent person](https://t.co/yNxi8Vyzck).
>
> — Derek Powazek (@fraying) [February 27, 2017](https://twitter.com/fraying/status/836345663931613184)

And from The New York Times:

> Former President George W. Bush said Monday “we all need answers” on the extent of contact between President Donald Trump’s team and the Russian government, and didn’t  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/02/27/an-intelligent-person/)
2017-02-19T02:32:59Z	**The silence of the hacks**
There is a reason why I subscribed to the [digital edition](https://www.nytimes.com/subscriptions/Multiproduct/lp8HYKU.html?src=3004&campaignId=4XUYF&module=Subscribe-Now&pgtype=Homepage) of _The New York Times_. Its journalists are superb; it is a paper I trust, and have found to be veridical after cross referencing the news they post with other major, equally trusted, news sources.

From yesterday’s edition (some emphasis mine):

> The story so far: A foreign dictator _in ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/02/18/the-silence-of-the-hacks/)
2017-02-14T10:49:38Z	**Incapable of serving**
From the opinion pages of _The New York Times_ yesterday, 13 of February, 2017, also appearing in print today. Some emphasis mine.

> Mr. Trump’s speech and actions demonstrate an _inability to tolerate views different from his own_, leading to **rage reactions**. His words and behavior suggest a **profound inability to empathize**. Individuals with these traits distort reality to suit their psychological state, attacking facts and those who convey them (journalists, scientists).
>� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/02/14/incapable-of-serving/)
2017-02-12T16:04:35Z	**Cleaning the plate**
My wife has always told me, “don’t eat everything in your plate, leave something!” It is her believe, and her culture’s, that only poor people eats everything, and that if I do so, it will show I am dying of hunger, and thus, poor. If it were so, what’s wrong with being poor? Why will I leave food on the plate, food that I really like, to pretend what I am not? I am poor, _poor_, **poor**!

That custom, though, would be an easy one to follow if the food was bad. That’s something  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/02/12/cleaning-the-plate/)
2017-02-12T02:06:15Z	**Fake email clients**
For a few (years?) now, there has been an increase of so called email clients that are not so. I am talking about the “value added email clients” that require a third party server/service to work. Within that category there is [Nylas](https://nylas.com), [Polymail](https://polymail.io), and [Sparkmail](https://sparkmailapp.com), to mention a few. Although they bring an array of features not normally found on an email client, they are worthless if the third party company server(s) goes down,  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/02/11/fake-email-clients/)
2017-02-09T19:30:24Z	**Hard to believe**
If you hear or read this somewhere else — whether on social media, or via your clueless uncle Olaf — you will find it hard, if not impossible, to believe. Now, finding it on Reuters is a different story.

> In his first call as president with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump denounced a treaty that caps U.S. and Russian deployment of nuclear warheads as a bad deal for the United States, according to two U.S. officials and one former U.S. official with knowledge of the call.
>
>  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/02/09/hard-to-believe/)
2017-01-12T20:07:20Z	**Unpresidential**
Not presidential at all.

> “President-elect Donald J. Trump’s aides often cite his appearances at professional wrestling matches as an inspiration for his outsize political speaking style, and his buoyantly belligerent news conference in New York on Wednesday proved he has no plans to betray his brawler’s roots in the service of seeming more presidential.”
>
> — [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/11/us/politics/obama-trump-transition.html "New York Times") ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/01/12/unpresidential/)
2017-01-08T19:39:17Z	**Warming up to emoji**
No long ago I wrote that [I loathed Emoji](https://collantes.us/2015/09/18/i-loathe-emoji/). My main grumble was their usage abuse, and, especially, the overuse of “smilies.”

Since Apple’s iOS 10, I have been warming up to them, but it wasn’t until I came across [Mu-An](http://muan.co/) that they really started to captivate me. She uses them, sparingly, but with such taste! A few of [her repositories](https://github.com/muan/) exclusively deal with Emoji as well. Thus, this post i ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2017/01/08/warming-up-to-emoji/)
2016-11-09T14:00:00Z	**I was wrong**
Back in 5 October 2015, [I wrote a prediction](https://collantes.us/2015/10/05/prediction/#:~:text=below,it), which I saved [in a file](https://collantes.us/resources/2016-Presidential-Elections-Prediction.txt) for which I posted a hash. I predicted that Hillary Clinton would win the United States presidential elections. Sadly, I was wrong.

I really do not have much else to say. I am sorry. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2016/11/09/i-was-wrong/)
2016-10-29T14:00:00Z	**What have you taught me?**
His father was only giving him a small advise, worried for him. Parents worry too much, sometimes. It was not taken well.

_“You suffocate me, don’t worry so much about me! Enough advise, what have you taught me, until now?”_ He asks. Perhaps no much, the father thinks in retrospect. Brushing the teeth, maybe? Lacing the shoes? How to clean the arse? How to respect others, and do good? To be happy, love, study hard, work hard? That, and the many little things of daily life.  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2016/10/29/what-have-you-taught-me/)
2016-06-09T14:00:00Z	**Bernie Sanders keeps fighting**
Bernie Sanders has had a good run. Yet numbers are pilled against him, and he should know it. After all he said he was “ [pretty good in arithmetic](https://twitter.com/CNN/status/740423466592141312).” Hillary has beaten him, and the right and honorable thing for him to do is to call it quits.

> “ _If, on November 8th of this year, Hillary Clinton is elected President, we will have only begun to fight_,” Sanders told a packed rally in San Francisco.
>
> – ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2016/06/09/bernie-sanders-keeps-fighting/)
2016-04-29T14:00:00Z	**Violin lessons**
Just as they started, randomly, on a whim, as a child desire to learn to play the violin, the lessons that Kent has been taking for almost two years came to an end two weeks ago. It was hard to tell Julie — his teacher — that he was not to continue, but it was what he wanted.

Kent never intended to play violin professionally, it was no more than an artistic hobby. As such, he can hold the violin and extract out of it some lamenting notes. This entry is for the records. Who knows, maybe one day  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2016/04/29/violin-lessons/)
2016-02-17T14:00:00Z	**A dangerous precedent**
The United States government demanded that Apple weakens the security on iOS. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, [replied](http://www.apple.com/customer-letter/).

> Rather than asking for legislative action through Congress, the FBI is proposing an unprecedented use of the [All Writs Act of 1789](http://www.wikiwand.com/en/All_Writs_Act) to justify an expansion of its authority.
>
> The government would have us remove security features and add new capabilities to the operating system, allow ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2016/02/17/a-dangerous-precedent/)
2015-12-17T14:00:00Z	**Home alone**
Just like I did on [18 July, 2014](https://collantes.us/2014/07/18/on-braces/), this one is mostly for keeping a record of a first time activity or occasion. This time it was Kent’s first home alone day. He is almost 15 years old, and for the first time he spent eight hours home alone, while Kim and I were at work.

Happy “graduation” step, Kent! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/12/17/home-alone/)
2015-11-12T14:00:00Z	**Amazon Cloud Drive feedback**
This is not merely a technical problem, but I did not have the choice for multiple selections. Anytime I use the word “you” down below, I mean Amazon.

First the good. I love you, I have used AWS S3 for a long time, no complains. I do much of my online purchases on you, although I am not a fervent shopper. I rent my movies on Amazon Video. I am signed up for Flex. I want you to succeed even more. I love you!

Now the bad. Amazon Cloud Drive is bad. The OS X client i ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/11/12/amazon-cloud-drive-feedback/)
2015-11-08T14:00:00Z	**American parenting is killing marriage**
This [article](http://qz.com/273255/how-american-parenting-is-killing-the-american-marriage/) sounds very true, although I would not go as far as generalizing it for all Americans.

> Mothers must devote themselves to their children above anyone or anything else, but many wives would be offended if their husbands said, “You’re pretty great, but my love for you will never hold a candle to the love I have for John Junior.”
>
> Mothers are also hol ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/11/08/american-parenting-killing-marriage/)
2015-11-02T14:00:00Z	**Dumping dollars left and right**
> “DOD charged the American taxpayer $43 million for what is likely the world’s most expensive gas station.”
>
> That’s what Special Inspector General John F. Sopko found when he looked at the construction of a natural gas station in Sheberghan, Afghanistan.
>
> [According to the report](https://collantes.us/resources/pdf/SIGAR-16-2-SP.pdf), at most that station should have cost about $500,000. But in this case, the Department of Defense’s Task Force for ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/11/02/dumping-dollars-left-and-right/)
2015-11-01T14:00:00Z	**Standard and daylight savings time**
Standard Time. When I was a child, an old lady I loved as my own grandmother used to tell me this time was “God’s time,” and that she never changed clocks when everyone else switched to “Daylight Savings Time.” I wish I could do the same, unfortunately I am not old enough not to care.

I am [part](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br0NW9ufUUw) of the [growing](http://kxan.com/2015/05/08/waste-of-time-texas-house-votes-to-keep-daylight-savings/) [group] ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/11/01/standard-and-daylight-savings-time/)
2015-10-29T14:00:00Z	**China's two child policy**
This one is worth [documenting](http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-new-two-child-policy-and-the-fatal-conceit-1446157377), as it doesn’t happen every day. As a matter of fact, it hasn’t happened for over [three decades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-child_policy).

> “It is the latest twist in the most ambitious and ruthless social-engineering program ever undertaken by a modern state: Beijing announced Thursday that the Chinese Communist Party will officially abandon it ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/29/chinas-two-child-policy/)
2015-10-22T14:00:00Z	**Big Red Bus**
“Hi guys, don’t forget to donate today!” says the lady with the [oneblood.org](http://www.oneblood.org/) t-shirt. The Big Red Bus parks on campus often, sometimes they seem to be here every day. “We’ll give you a t-shirt and a cookie!” She says. That’s the price of your donation, but is it?

A typical pint of blood costs [$130-150](http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117431&page=1), and sometimes [even more](http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-04-05/news/os-blood-cost-anne-chinoda-201 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/22/big-red-bus/)
2015-10-21T14:00:00Z	**Apple on encryption**
Apple mobile devices—iPhones, iPads, iPods—are used everywhere. The [US smartphone subscriber market](http://www.comscore.com/Insights/Market-Rankings/comScore-Reports-May-2015-US-Smartphone-Subscriber-Market-Share) share highest percentage is dominated by them. As an American company, they are bound to comply with U.S. laws and regulations. So, when the U.S. Justice Department [requested](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/08/us/politics/apple-and-other-tech-companies-tangle-with-us-over-acce ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/21/apple-on-encryption/)
2015-10-21T14:00:00Z	**Walking and using the phone**
Walking around with your head stuck on the phone is like playing the chicken game. The fully aware pedestrian walking in your opposite direction—and on the same path—is forced to play the game. Not as dangerous as [driving](https://collantes.us/2006/05/16/do-not-phone-and-drive/) but still very annoying. When you walk, please pay attention, look where you are walking, and leave the phone in your pocket. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/21/walking-and-using-the-phone/)
2015-10-20T14:00:00Z	**Neighbors**
Our neighbors are moving. The ones on the left, that is. They have been our neighbors for fifteen years, and lived here for seventeen, since the community was built. Quiet neighbors, the best kind. Now we roll the dice, and hope for the best, for whoever comes next.

The house on the right has had three owners; we have known them all. The first were the previous owners of our house. They left within two years. The second occupants came, and lasted a little longer. Then emptiness. For a while. The current ones ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/20/neighbors/)
2015-10-19T14:00:00Z	**Reminders**
“What did you have for lunch?,” the father asks while driving home. “Same as usual,” he replies. “And that is?” “I just eat random sandwiches of what comes to whim.” The father processes that for a bit. “I see.” Later, at home, “what’s there for homework today?” “No much,” he says. “Brush your teeth,” he is reminded. Later, in the evening. “Take a shower.” A few times.

Just before the father goes to sleep, and sees his bedroom lights on. “What are you doing up so late? ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/19/reminders/)
2015-10-16T14:00:00Z	**AP classes**
Yesterday (15 October) Kent told me he doesn’t want to take AP (Advanced Placement) classes next year. He also told me he might not want to be a neurological surgeon after all, and that he really doesn’t know what he will want to be, professionally. We talked more, but the rest of it has no place in here.

Amongst the many feelings I am experiencing, regret is one of them. If only my parents were alive. I can’t express with words how very sorry I am for the many bad times I made them go through. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/16/ap-classes/)
2015-10-13T14:00:00Z	**Backing up and restoring GPG keys**
If you use GPG to occasionally encrypt and/or sign your email, or to encrypt your files before placing them on the cloud, you will understand how important it is to have a backup of your GPG keys. Similarly important will be to know how to restore them as well.

### Backing up your keys and configuration files

To back your private, and public keys, as well as your trust database, you will do[1](#fn:1):

```bash
gpg --armor --export-secret-keys > ~/Des ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/13/backing-up-and-restoring-gpg-keys/)
2015-10-11T14:00:00Z	**Good office slave manual**
Yegor [Bugayenko](http://www.yegor256.com/about-me.html) has a few tips—a short manual, per se—to help us be good office slaves.

> **Don’t Nag**. No matter what is happening, you should never criticize your direct manager. The boss is always right. Everything else may be wrong — the situation, colleagues, suppliers, computers, the CEO, investors, the market, or the weather, but not the boss you directly report to. The word of this person is the law. The boss is the god.  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/11/good-office-slave-manual/)
2015-10-10T14:00:00Z	**Enticement**
Someone decided to entice us to fill out a survey, by sending us a “lucky” [two dollars bill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_two-dollar_bill) with it. Normally we do not fill out any type of surveys, unless proper remuneration is provided. Two dollars isn’t really worth the effort, and normally would not be accepted as a fee. Yet, since there is no way to send it back with assurances it will reach the original sender, we have a small dilemma on hands.

Thus, as the survey is only two page ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/10/enticement/)
2015-10-10T14:00:00Z	**The Martian**
We just came from seeing the movie “ [The Martian](http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_martian/).” Minus the obvious, very predictable, Hollywood scenes, the movie was quite alright. It made me wish I could live to see the first few missions to the Red Planet. Being the selfless guy that I am, thought, I would be willing to settle if my child gets to see them instead.

While on the topic of movies, and theaters, it is amazing how expensive it is to see a movie these days. For three tickets we paid $36 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/10/the-martian/)
2015-10-08T14:00:00Z	**Russians and Syria**
We [bomb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American-led_intervention_in_Iraq_(2014%E2%80%93present)). From the [air](http://csis.org/files/publication/100610_AfPakAir.War.Stats.pdf), from the [ground](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%9314)), from afar, from [ships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_(missile)#Operational_history). And so do [the Russians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_military_intervention_in_the_Syrian_Civil_War) now. We target what we belie ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/08/russians-and-syria/)
2015-10-05T14:00:00Z	**Of no use**
> A farmer got so old that he couldn’t work the fields anymore. So he would spend the day just sitting on the porch. His son, still working the farm, would look up from time to time and see his father sitting there.
>
> “ _He’s of no use any more,_” the son thought to himself, “ _he doesn’t do anything!_”
>
> One day the son got so frustrated by this, that he built a wood coffin, dragged it over to the porch, and told his father to get in. Without saying anything, the father climbed inside.  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/05/of-no-use/)
2015-10-05T14:00:00Z	**Prediction**
Next year we will have our Presidential Elections. Everyone knows that, of course, because the politicians have been campaining for almost a year now.

Below is the name of a file with my winner’s prediction on the United States 2016 Presidential Elections written on it. It is a hash algorithm of a file containing a sentence with my prediction. I will refer to this post the day after elections, as the results are known.

**2016-Presidential-Elections-Prediction.txt**

```
eeb872df145294d1c7c2547 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/05/prediction/)
2015-10-04T14:00:00Z	**Space for the dead**
I read an article today on [The Guardian](http://www.theguardian.com/), which showed up on the eight page of [Hacker’s News](https://news.ycombinator.com/). It talks about the lack of space for the dead, in the world of the living.

> “Some 55 million people are reckoned to pass away each year (about 0.8% of the planet’s total population – equivalent to 100% of England’s). Yet urban planners and developers focus overwhelmingly on accommodating and making money from the living. Ceme ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/04/space-for-the-dead/)
2015-10-04T14:00:00Z	**Tempus Fugit**
Time seems to be passing by too fast. Way too fast.

A week starts and then it is over when I blink. Same applies to weekends. It used to be that time seemed to pass quick only when engaged in something. Lately it is the same, whether I am busy or not. I am afraid I will blink again, and I will be gone.

Amongst the many things we can’t control, time is the one that hurts the most, especially as we grow older. I think I am having a [déjà vu](https://collantes.us/2003/11/22/a-moment-in-time/). ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/04/tempus-fugit/)
2015-10-01T14:00:00Z	**On a rock**
![On a rock](https://collantes.us/2015/10/01/on-a-rock//resources/2015-10-01-on-a-rock.jpg#full)

From our last vacation—which occurred four months ago—to Colorado. This one was taken somewhere around Pikes Peak. Kent was daring, and Kim was afraid. I took the photo. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/10/01/on-a-rock/)
2015-09-30T14:00:00Z	**Disappointing**
> Pope Francis “thanked her for her courage” and told her to “stay strong”, Mr. Stavers said.
>
> — [BBC News](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34398904)

If this truly happened, it is disappointing. A person as charismatic as Pope Francis, who has been so politically careful, should have known better. [She](http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-same-sex-marriage-kentucky-20150902-story.html) is a government employee, fulfilling an official task. She must abide the law, or simply le ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/30/disappointing/)
2015-09-27T14:00:00Z	**Presidential Elections 2016**
Back in 2011 was the last time [I wrote](https://collantes.us/2011/05/13/upcoming-presidential-elections/) about Presidential Elections (2012). I can’t believe we are about to get into them again. In 2012 I knew exactly who to vote for, but in 2016, with the [selection we have](http://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_election,_2016) thus far, I really have no idea about who is the most viable—if there is one. Certainly _not_ [this one](http://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump_presid ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/27/presidential-elections-2016/)
2015-09-26T14:00:00Z	**Saturday**
Respect others, seek peace, do not be irascible. Give, help, construct; never the opposite. Turn lemons into lemonade. Hard things to do, most of the time, even more so all the time. We are so recalcitrant by nature!

Yet, our existence would be idyllic if we could manage to, at least, try to do all of the above often. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/26/saturday/)
2015-09-24T14:00:00Z	**Glowforge**
* * *

We all need this. Watch [the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysCaqh38JVQ) and tell me if you do not feel amazed. It is pricey, but oh the fun one could have with one of those!

> Glowforge is a wireless 3D laser printer that fits on your desktop, works with your favorite design programs, and stores your designs & data on a cloud.
>
> — [What is Glowforge?](https://glowforge.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/210182298-What-is-Glowforge-) ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/24/glowforge/)
2015-09-24T14:00:00Z	**Selling out**
It seems iOS 9 ad blocker, Crystal, will allow some ads to go through for a fee. From an article on the Wall Street Journal:

> Mr. Murphy said he has taken Eyeo up on its offer, and plans to implement an option within his app whereby “acceptable” ads will be displayed to users. The feature will be switched on by default, Mr. Murphy said, and he will receive a flat monthly fee from Eyeo in return. Mr. Murphy declined to disclose the fee, but said he expects to make less money from Eyeo’s payments th ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/24/selling-out/)
2015-09-23T14:00:00Z	**Autumnal Equinox**
Today marks the beginning of one of my two favorite seasons, Autumn—or Fall, as it is commonly called in the United States. Living in Florida makes the season a very, very mild one, with temperatures still quite high (it will be 90°F today), yet it brings the solid certainty that summer is being left behind.

![Autumnal Equinox](https://collantes.us/2015/09/23/autumnal-equinox//resources/2015-09-23-autumnal-equinox.gif#full)

Join me on celebrating the Autumnal Equinox today, at 04:21 US  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/23/autumnal-equinox/)
2015-09-22T14:00:00Z	**Protecting Francis**
The Pope has recently [been to Cuba](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/20/world/americas/pope-francis-cuba-influence.html), and today he will be arriving to the United States. Like any other dignitary, the Pope needs protection from both, bad people, and adoring crowds. Yet, doing so is not easy feat.

> “The crowds throw things,” Mr. Clancy, who took over as the head of the Secret Service last October, said in an interview. “They throw flags, dolls and, obviously, babies towards him. It� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/22/protecting-francis/)
2015-09-20T14:00:00Z	**Shogi**
Kent’s latest hobby is to play [Shogi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shogi). That makes me an obligatory player and fan as well since, just like chess, Shogi requires two players. We bought a cheap board from Amazon, but he has already stated that a better quality board and pieces is what he would want for Christmas (yes, he is already planning for it).

The game isn’t difficult to play, but I am having an excruciating hard time remembering each piece—labeled with kanji characters—and how they move. Ah, the j ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/20/shogi/)
2015-09-19T14:00:00Z	**Microsoft Visual Studio Code**
Microsoft launched its free (non open source), cross-platform, [code editor](https://code.visualstudio.com/) early this year (April, 2015), at its [Build Developer Conference](http://www.buildwindows.com/).

![Microsoft Visual Studio Code](https://collantes.us/2015/09/19/microsoft-studio-code//resources/2015-09-19-microsoft-studio-code.png#full)

I have been tempted to try it, as I read its file comparison is very nice, its intelliSense, and it’s based on the [same platfor ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/19/microsoft-studio-code/)
2015-09-18T14:00:00Z	**I loathe emoji**
I despise Emoji and emoticons, specially graphical emoji, or people who continuously abuse them, and interject them in every single sentence they type, sometimes even more than once. I thought that I hated “LOL,” which I do, but I would rather see LOL — when justified, not the moronic “LOL” without reason you see often — than see the utter idiotic smiles, winks, etc., continuously, all the time. “ _I am an elitist asshole, but here, have an Emoji! That way you will perceive me differently. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/18/i-loathe-emoji/)
2015-09-16T14:00:00Z	**Secrets of living to be 200 years old**
This [article](http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150915-the-secrets-of-living-to-200-years-old) refers to ageing as not being an inevitable fact of life. It goes to describe the marvellous capabilities that some animals have to live, seemingly, forever. Yet, do we really want to? With [all the problems](http://www.howmany.org/big_picture.php) we are having with over population, do we want to pursue the holy grail, and extend life to last hundreds?

We have  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/16/secrets-of-living-to-200-years-old/)
2015-09-15T14:00:00Z	**About the removal of garbage apps**
Tim Cook answered a few questions for BuzzFeed, while they talked about things iPhone, iPad Pro, and many other Apple–related things. This part got close to me, as I am sure it might be to anyone who likes iPhones. Why can’t we remove certain apps?

> Why are there apps on the iOS that I can’t delete even though I never use them? Why does Apple insist that I keep Tips and Stocks”on my iPhone when I’d like nothing more than to delete them? For Cook the  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/15/about-the-removal-of-garbage-apps/)
2015-09-14T14:00:00Z	**Never-ending homework**
Ever since Kent started the 9th grade he has been having to do an unusual amount, and I mean _really_ unusual, of homework. I might be getting too old, but I do not recall having to do that much, so early into high school. It is really messing up his sleeping schedule, and–kind of–mine.

Going to sleep really late each day, and waking up when sun still sleeps is wearing me out too. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/14/neverending-homework/)
2015-09-02T14:00:00Z	**Huckabee offers his support**
Mike [Huckabee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee), a christian [pastor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_(Christianity)#Pastors) turned politician has offered his support to the [Court clerk](http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-same-sex-marriage-kentucky-20150902-story.html) in Kentucky who, against Supreme Court order, [refuses](http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/supreme-court-rejects-county-clerks-request-in-gay-marriage-case/2015/08/31/6ec094bc-4ffd-11e5 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/09/02/huckabee-offers-his-support/)
2015-08-29T14:00:03Z	**Jekyll and Git**
I have been using [Jekyll](https://collantes.us/2011/02/03/forget-hyde-get-jekyll/) for a while now, but all this time I have been generating it on the server, That is, I had had a directory on the server holding the Jekyll files, in which I would run `jekyll build` to generate the website. Not too streamlined.

Before hosting this weblog on [Vultr](http://www.vultr.com/?ref=6815414), I had it on [GitHub](https://github.com/), and their [Pages](https://pages.github.com/) would do the publishing for  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/08/29/jekyll-and-git/)
2015-08-29T14:00:00Z	**Using Atom**
I have used many editors in the past, either under Windows or OS X. Too many, I have really lost the count. The last one I used was [Sublime Text](http://www.sublimetext.com/). Great editor, cross platform too, but pricey. Each time I would get the nag, I would feel guilty for not buying me a licensed copy.

I tried [Atom](https://atom.io/) when it first came out. It was buggy and slow, really, really slow. Not anymore. I am using version `1.0.9` now, and it is a joy. So fast, so customizable, so complete,  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/08/29/using-atom/)
2015-05-28T14:00:00Z	**Me, but you, but me**
On May 28, 2010, [Mark Pilgrim wrote](https://web.archive.org/web/20100531194234/http://diveintomark.org/archives/2010/05/28/of-course) the entry below on his weblog. He has since long [been gone](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3073798), but I am keeping this entry, named “ _Me, but you, but me_,” which I liked very much. I really wish he would come back.

* * *

I’ve been active online for 9 years now. With one exception, nothing I’ve done online has brought me closer to m ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/05/28/me-but-you-but-me/)
2015-05-16T14:00:00Z	**Gmail.app on iOS**
I like Google and its services. Like is too little, I love them! Their mobile applications on the other hand — specifically those running under iOS — are horrible. The UIX is confusing and it does not follows Apple UIX design. Their choice of font is of poor taste and, again, does not match the rest of the OS. They lack of functionality and/or their functionality is limited by poor choices and, what is seems to be, a lack of common sense. I could describe and point out the problems on any of the ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/05/16/gmail-app-on-ios/)
2015-05-14T14:00:00Z	**The very last of something**
![The last of the rhinoceros](https://collantes.us/2015/05/14/the-very-last-of-something//resources/2015-05-14-the-very-last-of-something.jpg#full)

There hasn’t been an article like this for a while, that fills me with such feeling of sadness, and emptiness. For as long as I can remember, a [cartoon I saw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5nVu_LNrLg) as a child started my attraction for rhinoceros. Such lovely animals!

And now, the one pictured above (CB2/ZOB/Brent St ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/05/14/the-very-last-of-something/)
2015-05-03T14:00:00Z	**How to beat a polygraph test**
“He used to advise trainees to clench their anus but has since concluded that terrifying mental imagery works better.”

> When you get a control question, which is more general, envision the scariest thing you can in order to trigger physiological distress; the polygraph’s tubes around your chest measure breathing, the arm cuff monitors heart rate and electrodes attached to you fingertips detect perspiration. What is your greatest fear? Falling? Drowning? Being buri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/05/03/how-to-beat-a-polygraph-test/)
2015-05-02T14:00:00Z	**iCloud mess**
Having lost many photos of certain sentimental value a few years ago has made me paranoid. Ever since I lost my child’s first four years of photographic memory I have kept copies of our family photos and videos in two different places. I keep a copy of photos and videos in our [Synology NAS](http://www.amazon.com/Synology-DiskStation-Diskless-Attached-DS411J/dp/B0049MPQGS "DS411j") at home, which backup photos to [Amazon S3](http://aws.amazon.com/s3/ "Amazon S3") and videos to [Glacier](http://aws.amazon.co ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/05/02/icloud-mess/)
2015-03-30T14:00:00Z	**Finding little to talk about**
> The main problem with Jekyll is that is out of the way. Unlike other weblog engines, which are managed via the web, I come to the shell to type and process this. Perhaps I need to research a better workflow?

I am finding little to talk about lately, and that is keeping things here rather quiet. It is not only that I do not have much to write, but that when the desire arrives it gets lost in translation, mostly because of the way I have decided to handle this little space of mi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2015/03/30/little-to-talk-about/)
2014-12-31T14:00:00Z	**Happy 2015!**
Here we go again. Not complaining, as there is nothing to complain about. Just another year. It seems 2014 flew by quite fast, will you agree? Nevertheless, happy 2015 everyone! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/12/31/happy-2015/)
2014-11-13T14:00:00Z	**iCloud Drive on standby**
When Apple announced the iCloud Drive integration in Yosemite, I got really excited. As I was already part of the “Apple ecosystem” (iPhone, iPad, iMac), the iCloud Drive availability in all, specially on the desktop, seemed like the culmination of all my dreams: a Cloud to rule them all. I ordered the 200 GB for $4 a month right away.

As it turns out with products in infancy, the iCloud Drive is no yet mature. My single complain, but a very important one, is the lack of selec ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/11/13/icloud-drive-on-standby/)
2014-07-30T14:00:00Z	**Where are you from?**
In the States, looking different and/or having an accent will get you asked “Where are you from?” It doesn’t fail, it happens all the time.

Why are we so concerned about knowing someone’s country of origin? What difference does it make? If anything, it might be a knowledge we do not want to have. Knowing from where someone is from might spark stereotypical comments and behaviors that would jeopardize an otherwise perfect encounter.

> “I know these questions often come from w ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/07/30/where-are-you-from/)
2014-07-18T14:00:00Z	**On braces**
This is mainly for our records. Today Kent got his braces on, and thus it begins a few months of uncomfortable chewing, special diet, fastidious brushing and everything else that comes with braces.

Now I must go to sell some blood, and place one of my kidneys for sale on the black market. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/07/18/on-braces/)
2014-07-01T14:00:00Z	**Microsoft and global cybercrime**
From [The Official Microsoft Blog](http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2014/06/30/microsoft-takes-on-global-cybercrime-epidemic-in-tenth-malware-disruption.aspx):

> On June 19, Microsoft filed for an ex parte temporary restraining order (TRO) from the U.S. District Court for Nevada against No-IP. On June 26, the court granted our request and made Microsoft the DNS authority for the company’s 23 free No-IP domains, allowing us to identify and route a ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/07/01/microsoft-and-global-cybercrime/)
2014-06-29T14:00:00Z	**Moved to a Droplet**
Having wished for a while to run this little site on SSL —as well as having the freedom to do more things— which GitHub does not allow, I have finally decided to move to a virtual server of my own. At $5 a month per droplet, [DigitalOcean](https://www.digitalocean.com/?refcode=80ee9e811207) was the provider of choice.

[DigitalOcean](https://www.digitalocean.com/?refcode=80ee9e811207) droplets web interface is very clean, simple, responsive and functional. Spawning the server took 54 sec ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/06/29/moved-to-a-droplet/)
2014-06-28T14:00:00Z	**Cloud backup**
I have a NAS at home, a [Synology](http://www.synology.com/en-us/) [DS411J](http://www.engadget.com/products/synology/ds411j/), which we use for backups, and to keep our family photos and videos. It works great, no complains here, but I am looking to keep an outside backup. A backup in the cloud, to be precise.

The choices are:

- [Amazon Drive](https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive)
- [Amazon AWS S3](http://aws.amazon.com/s3)
- [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/)
- [Apple iCloud](https://w ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/06/28/cloud-backup/)
2014-02-19T14:00:00Z	**Four-way stop**
Drivers in Orlando do not seem to know what to do when they reach a four way stop. It really makes me wonder how were they able to obtain a drivers license without that knowledge, as it is part of [Drivers Handbook](http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=212) (search for “Stop Signs” on that page), the test, and occasionally encountered while driving.

For the record, and in case you live in Orlando, and do not know what to do on a four-way stop (also known as all-way stop) ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/02/19/four-way-stop/)
2014-01-07T14:00:00Z	**Cold winter morning small talk**
We have 36 Fahrenheit degrees this morning (2.2° Celsius). That is mighty cold for almost-always warm, sunny Florida. I stressed it to my child yesternight: he must wear warm clothes the next day. Reluctantly he said _“OK”_.

Then comes this morning, and the iMessages exchange look like this:

Child:“Mama is trying to make me wear an incredibly uncomfortable shirt and is yelling like a siren.”Me:“Why? What’s going on?”Child:“She wants me to wear a ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/01/07/cold-winter-morning-small-talk/)
2014-01-07T14:00:00Z	**Specialization is for Insects**
From [Robert Heinlein’s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_A._Heinlein) science fiction book, _[Time Enough for Love](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Enough_for_Love)_:

> “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/01/07/specialization-is-for-insects/)
2014-01-04T14:00:00Z	**The Sands of Time**
> “It is said that some lives are linked across time connected by an ancient calling that echoes through the ages. Destiny.”
>
> — [Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Persia:_The_Sands_of_Time)

I do not believe on such thing as destiny, but the line above from the movie is certainly touching. The movie itself is quite nice. Last night we watched it for the fourth time. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/01/04/the-sands-of-time/)
2014-01-01T14:00:00Z	**Happy MMXIV everyone!**
Now that we have gone around the Sun one more time, we simply start doing it again. We don’t fool ourselves, it is not by choice. And with this new elliptical orbit we walk into age, which will lead, ultimately, to our demise. It is a simple concept.

Leaving the obvious behind, what’s left is to enjoy what we have. To try being nice to others, to the best of our abilities. To go the extra mile to bring the same happiness we want for us to the rest. Not a new year resolution, I don� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2014/01/01/happy-mmxiv-everyone/)
2013-12-29T14:00:00Z	**It is all around us**
Love. It really is.

> “Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there — fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Tow ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/29/it-is-all-around-us/)
2013-12-27T14:00:00Z	**The joy of reading Hemingway**
Recently, Kent had the misfortune of picking “ [A Moveable Feast](https://itun.es/us/EGCVw.l)”, by [Ernest Hemingway](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Hemingway), for a school assignment. I know I am not the right person[1](#fn:1) to judge _anyone’s_ writing style, I am simply recollecting the comments Kent has made while reading the book.

So far, other than finding the book boring — mind it, he is barely 13 — he is puzzled at the use of French terms that he ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/27/the-joy-of-reading-hemingway/)
2013-12-25T14:00:00Z	**Films to watch during Christmas**
Christmas is not the same without watching certain films. The ones that are always a must for me are “ [National Lampoon’s European Vacation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_European_Vacation)” and “ [National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation)”. As I type this I am getting ready to watch them both. Those are the ones to laugh to tears and have fun. The other favourite one – ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/25/films-to-watch-during-christmas/)
2013-12-25T14:00:00Z	**It is Christmas day**
One of the many things to look forward to each year is, of course, the end of year holidays. Christmas, Festivus, or whatever you call it, the end of December is always a special time. My only complain, and that might be yours too, is that it comes and goes so fast! Kent has finished opening his presents, and somehow it feels “it is all over.” But we waited the whole year for this! We stayed up late wrapping gifts, gifts that are now open, and the “magic” gone. It should not be.

I ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/25/it-is-christmas-day/)
2013-12-24T14:00:00Z	**T-Mobile and the iPad**
I am not sure about the other mobile telephony providers, but this morning I went to [T-Mobile](http://www.t-mobile.com/) with the intention of buying an [iPad mini](http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/). They had only the dark colour in stock, and on 32GB capacity—I was wanting a 16GB. The transaction was almost finished, when I was asked for a telephone number. After stating that I just wanted the iPad, no connection, I was told they could only sell it, if it was with a mobile data plan. Bus ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/24/tmobile-and-the-ipad/)
2013-12-23T14:00:00Z	**A Christmas tree small story**
Last year we had a plastic [Christmas tree](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree). Wife was not happy. This year she wanted a real one, so this morning the child and I went on the quest of getting it. Most families in the States will get a Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving, but I am used to get it the day before Christmas. Of course, if I wait for that day there will be none left. So it is today, or never[1](#fn:1).

We purchased one, which is already soaking ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/23/a-christmas-tree-small-story/)
2013-12-23T14:00:00Z	**Chuck Lorre Productions, 373**
At the end of each episode of “ [The Big Bang Theory](http://the-big-bang-theory.com/)” there is always something witty printed, that passes by so fast you can not read it. Today I saw, and remembered, “ _… the prophet did not answer right away …_.” I looked it up, and this came up.

### The Prophet

> A young woman stepped forward from the throng and asked, _“0' great prophet, tell us how we might find love that is unconditional, unwavering and unending."_ The prophet d ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/23/the-prophet/)
2013-12-21T14:00:00Z	**Hello world, or hello again!**
This is the first post. It seems I have started writing occasionally again. I still conserve the old posts, from the previous weblog. Not sure many of them were worth of keeping, but I might browse through them and pick one or two to bring back here.

This time I will keep this simple. Well, as simple as a person with slight [OCD](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_disorder) can keep it. I promise, I think. This little site is generated by [Jekyll](http://jekyllrb.c ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2013/12/21/hello-world/)
2012-12-05T14:00:00Z	**Create files on GitHub**
There is a new feautre on GitHub, and this one allows you to create files directly from the web interface. This is very handy, for those of us running [Jekyll](http://jekyllrb.com/).

This is my first test of the feature, I had to try it right away. Only wishing now to have a friendlier Markdown/kramdown editor. But it’s a start. I like it! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2012/12/05/files-on-github/)
2012-11-19T14:00:00Z	**Sprint crookery**
I am not happy with Sprint, I think it is a bad company. That, of course, is my opinion.

I left them and took the hit of the early termination fee (ETF) because their service in my area was, and is, not usable. Even though I had documented the many times I called for not having reception, not able to make calls, and their “unlimited” data plan been unusable, I paid the ETF and decided to move on.

What I wasn’t counting on was the taxes they, or my local government, charged me. They cha ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2012/11/19/sprint-crookery/)
2012-10-31T14:00:00Z	**Morale**
Last week [I wrote](https://collantes.us/2012/10/21/spelling-bee/) about Kent’s Spelling Bee, and how preparing for it was hard for him and I.

Well, the Bee came and went, and I forgot to come back to post the results. He misspelled “ _morale_” (he spelled it as “ _moral_") and finished in 4th place—for me, it doesn’t make sense, as I have always considered first, second and third place relevant, but fourth?—, which still qualified him to go to the State competition. That, of course, means more pract ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2012/10/31/morale/)
2012-10-21T14:00:00Z	**Spelling bee**
As a foreigner, trying to go over a Spelling Bee word list with my kid is nothing less than a challenge. For the both of us. First, there are the words I have never seeing; those I can’t pronounce. Second, there are the words I will mispronounce. And third, there are the ones I don’t know what they mean.

If you add to that the fact that the kid is learning them, hence bound to make many mistakes… well, yes, a challenge, to put it mildly. It gives me a headache. I will be glad when is over. 26 Oct ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2012/10/21/spelling-bee/)
2012-02-02T14:00:00Z	**On the meaning of life**
[Will Durant](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Durant) sent a letter to a few notable figures, asking them for the meaning of life.

> Spare me a moment to tell me what meaning life has for you, what keeps you going, what help—if any—religion gives you, what are the sources of your inspiration and your energy, what is the goal or motive-force of your toil, where you find your consolations and your happiness, where, in the last resort, your treasure lies. Write briefly if you must;  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2012/02/02/the-meaning-of-life/)
2012-01-28T14:00:00Z	**On AWS S3**
I have moved from Linode (which I will be canceling soon) to [Namecheap](http://namecheap.com/) DNS management (I have all my domains on Namecheap) and [Amazon S3](http://aws.amazon.com/s3/). Transition went well, and painless. It should save me some money.

Nothing wrong with [Linode](http://linode.com/), which I recommend to anyone looking to having their own Virtual Server. Their service rock, and their price is hard to beat. I used their services for a year and totally loved it. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2012/01/28/on-aws-s3/)
2011-12-03T14:00:00Z	**Mi vieja**
![Mi vieja](https://collantes.us/2011/12/03/mi-vieja//resources/2011-12-03-mi-vieja.jpg#full)

She created me, all my flaws and gifts unintended. She nurtured and guided me through life the best she could, suffering for my mistakes—but always hopeful—and rejoicing on my victories. Always supportive she gave herself to me (and my siblings), selflessly.

After a lifetime mission, her time around here has expired. We knew it would come, but never fully prepared for it. And so we wept, sadness seeping throu ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/12/03/mi-vieja/)
2011-10-26T14:00:00Z	**Stephen Fry on Steve Jobs**
Stephen [Fry](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Fry) is an English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, film director and a director of Norwich City Football Club. He is also an awesome human being.

> As always there are those who reveal their asininity (as they did throughout his career) with ascriptions like “salesman”, “showman” or the giveaway blunder “triumph of style over substance”. The use of that las ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/10/26/steve-jobs-by-stephen-fry/)
2011-10-05T14:00:00Z	**Steve P. Jobs, 1955 - 2011**
![Steve Jobs](https://collantes.us/2011/10/05/steve-jobs//resources/2011-10-05-steve-jobs.jpg#full)

A great man has passed away. While mourning, we celebrate all he brought to us… his many accomplishments. He will not be forgotten.

**February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011** ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/10/05/steve-jobs/)
2011-08-24T14:00:00Z	**C.E.O. no longer, good bye Steve!**
Steve Jobs “ [resigns](http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/24/steve-jobs-resigns-as-apple-chief-executive/?pagemode=print)” as Apple’s C.E.O.

> “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s C.E.O., I would be the first to let you know,” Mr. Jobs wrote. “Unfortunately, that day has come.”

The world needs more Steve Jobs. He will be missed. Get better Steve! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/08/24/ceo-no-longer/)
2011-08-03T14:00:00Z	**Non-Social**
Almost over two years ago I left Facebook. A few months ago I left LinkedIn and Twitter. Two weeks ago I left Google+. I also left Groupon (I don’t even know why I ever sign up for that junk!). Next is to leave here. I guess this is my way to [pursuit happiness](http://diveintomark.org/archives/2008/11/03/the-pursuit-of-happiness).

As Mark weblog is gone[1](#fn:1) —perhaps step 9 was, “ _Get rid of the weblog_"— I enumerate what he wrote:

1. Stop buying stuff you don’t need.
2. Pay off all ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/08/03/non-social/)
2011-05-27T14:00:00Z	**The ritual of seduction**
> “The ritual —considered old-fashioned nowadays by just about
> everyone under the age of 60— was traditionally a ceremonial, sacred
> gesture; its history can be traced to ancient Greece and Rome. In the
> Middle Ages, a vassal paid homage to his lord by kissing his hand. By
> the 19th century, hand kissing had been reinvented to convey a man’s
> gallantry and politesse toward a woman. Those men who still practice it
> today know the rules: never kiss a gloved hand or ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/05/27/operation-seduction/)
2011-05-13T14:00:00Z	**Upcoming presidential elections**
I really need to get into politics—as much as I hate it—to prepare for the upcoming presidential elections. I have the feeling that it’s going to be nasty… as always. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/05/13/upcoming-presidential-elections/)
2011-05-12T14:00:00Z	**What I thought when my plane crashed**
From [CNN Opinion](http://www.cnn.com/OPINION/), [this\
article](http://goo.gl/s2ryk), written by Ric Elias I liked. I liked it
so much, I decided to keep it here, for when it is not longer available
at CNN. As I did with a [previous\
article](https://collantes.us/2011/03/10/ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/) I kept from the WSJ, if CNN
does not likes what I have done, let me know and I will remove it, or
adapt it to a compromise. Please do not sue  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/05/12/what-i-thought-when-my-plane-crashed/)
2011-04-18T14:00:00Z	**U.S. credit rating lowered**
It seems our credit “worthiness” (and hence our capabilities to acquired
loans in the future) has diminished:

> S&P maintained its ‘AAA/A-1+’ credit rating on U.S. sovereign debt,
> saying the nation’s “highly diversified” economy and “effective monetary
> policies” have helped support growth.
>
> But the ratings agency lowered its outlook for America’s long-term
> credit rating to “negative” from “stable,” based on the uncertain
> politi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/04/18/us-credit-rating-down/)
2011-04-11T14:00:00Z	**Drawing a blank, again**
Drawing a blank.

- Lost in a search of identity, on a broader scale
- Consumed by the unknowns
- Overflowed by love; furious for not knowing why
- Feeling I am missing something
- Moving towards the end

Drawing a blank. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/04/11/drawing-a-blank-again/)
2011-04-11T14:00:00Z	**Find what you love**
[Steve Jobs](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs) [commencement\
address](http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html) at
[Stanford University](http://stanford.edu/), in 2005:

> Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve
> ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because
> almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of
> embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/04/11/find-what-you-love/)
2011-04-01T14:00:00Z	**Many changes coming soon**
Just very recently [I wrote](https://collantes.us/2011/02/03/forget-hyde-get-jekyll/) about me moving to [Jekyll](http://jekyllrb.com/ "Ruby static site generator") from WordPress:

> After much thought, and tinkering, I decided to ditch my six year old
> or so WordPress and start [blogging like a hacker](http://tom.preston-werner.com/2008/11/17/blogging-like-a-hacker.html)
> with the awesome [Jekyll](http://jekyllrb.com/).

I also wrote —fairly recently— about [living on a Linod ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/04/01/many-changes/)
2011-03-24T14:00:00Z	**Science Fair 1st place**
![](https://collantes.us/2011/03/24/science-fair-1st-place//resources/2011-03-24-science-fair-1st-place.jpg#full)

Kent did it again (and we are so happy and proud of him!). The last time he brought home an award was for being on [Principal’s list](https://collantes.us/2010/06/04/kent-principals-list/). This time he has gotten first place on Elementary School Science Fair. His project was “How is Electricity produced?

Off topic, we need a new camera to replace our aged [Powe ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/03/24/science-fair-1st-place/)
2011-03-14T14:00:00Z	**Japan earthquake and tsunami**
![](https://collantes.us/2011/03/14/japan-earthquake-tsunami-2011//resources/2011-03-14-japan-earthquake-tsunami-2011.jpg#full)

Japan’s destruction due to the recent earthquake and tsunami is
unbelievable. It is more than heartbreaking. Google has [setup a page\
(Google’s Japan Earthquake Crisis\
Response)](http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html)
with informational links, one of them being one to donate through the
[Red Cross Japan](http: ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/03/14/japan-earthquake-tsunami-2011/)
2011-03-12T14:00:00Z	**St. Augustine**
![St. Augustine Fort](https://collantes.us/2011/03/12/st-augustine//resources/2011-03-12-st-augustine.jpg#full)

Yesterday I went with Kent and classmates to [St. Augustine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida), the oldest continuously occupied European established city and port in the continental United States.

It was a great trip, we learned a lot, we saw a lot, it was cold, we came home tired. We will return… one day. The end. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/03/12/st-augustine/)
2011-03-10T14:00:00Z	**Ricky Gervais - Why I'm an atheist**
This is an [article](http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/12/19/a-holiday-message-from-ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/)
written by [Ricky Gervais](http://www.rickygervais.com), for [The Wall Street Journal](http://wsjdn.wsj.com/) back in 2010.

Reproduced entirely here, as [SpeakEasy](http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/) seems not to be keep articles
around long enough. If WSJ does not like what I have done, let me know
and I will remove it, or adapt it to a co ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/03/10/ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/)
2011-02-27T14:00:00Z	**Happy birthday, viejo!**
![Mom and Dad](https://collantes.us/2011/02/27/happy-birthday-viejo//resources/2011-02-27-happy-birthday-viejo.jpg#full)

Not a day goes by without me thinking of my Dad. Today he would have
being 92 years old.

I still remember him on his 90th birthday, doing push ups using only
three fingers on each hand. I will forever remember the endless stories
he used to tell, and his constant smile. He was the best father a son
can ask for, an example for many. It hurts so very much ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/02/27/happy-birthday-viejo/)
2011-02-24T14:00:00Z	**Route 53, wish I could have used you**
Ever since Amazon announced it’s [Route 53](http://aws.amazon.com/route53/ "Amazon Route 53") service I have been dreaming on using it, but since I dislike to have services too spread out (got [Google Apps](http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/) and [Linode](http://www.linode.com/) now), I held up. Two days ago or so, Amazon announced [new features](http://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2011/02/17/Amazon-S3-Website-Features/ "Static websites in your bucket") tha ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/02/24/almost-at-route53-and-s3/)
2011-02-03T14:00:00Z	**Forget Hyde, moved to Jekyll!**
After much thought, and tinkering, I decided to ditch my six year old or so WordPress and start [blogging like a hacker](http://tom.preston-werner.com/2008/11/17/blogging-like-a-hacker.html "Blogging like a hacker") with the awesome [Jekyll](http://jekyllrb.com/ "Jekyll, not Hyde").

I am still getting a few things in place, like making sure **all** entries are properly converted to [markdown](http://daringfireball.net/projects/markdown/syntax "Markdown syntax"), but overall I ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/02/03/forget-hyde-get-jekyll/)
2011-01-27T14:00:00Z	**Insignificant**
![Pale dot](https://collantes.us/2011/01/27/insignificant//resources/2011-01-27-insignificant.png#full)

Do you see the pale dot on the dark image above? You don’t see it? Look carefully, it is there! That [pale dot](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot) could be us, Earth; but you pick: Solar System, Milky Way, it doesn’t matter. We are that insignificant because of the vastness of the universe we live in. And vastness is an understatement. After all, the universe is infinite.

We might ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/01/27/insignificant/)
2011-01-20T14:00:00Z	**A good day**
There is nothing sweeter than waking up and hear your kid say “Have a good day Papá. Good bye!” It made my day. Thank you, Super Duper! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/01/20/a-good-day/)
2011-01-14T14:00:00Z	**Living on a Linode**
**TL;DR.**

Moved to [Linode](http://www.linode.com/). Love it, highly recommend it. They reward customers that bring referrals, but notice my links do not have any referral code. That much I like their product.

* * *

All my domains have resided on a [ServerBeach](http://www.serverbeach.com/) dedicated server for over [six years now](https://collantes.us/2004/05/25/changing-servers/). I have tried to find [something else](https://collantes.us/2007/04/07/godaddy-and-mediatemple/) be ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/01/14/living-on-a-linode/)
2011-01-12T14:00:00Z	**The Brotherhood**
Recently I got the PS3 game “ [Assassin Creed Brotherhood](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassins_Creed:_Brotherhood)” for my birthday and it has being very fun. My dad got me the [Harlequin](http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Harlequin) code, and playing him is very fun as well. I have already gotten the [armor of Brutus](http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Armor_of_Brutus), the very best on the game. Needless is to say, I already finished the game, but am still “renovating” things.

� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/01/12/the-brotherhood/)
2011-01-12T14:00:00Z	**Unknown Unknowns**
It is all about the unknown unknowns, of course!

> “There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
>
> — [Donald Rumsfeld](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Rumsfeld), [DoD News briefing](http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=2636). ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/01/12/unknown-unknowns/)
2011-01-04T14:00:00Z	**Steal everything**
> “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother conceali ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2011/01/04/steal-everything/)
2010-12-19T14:00:00Z	**A Christmas tree**
After a small, but heated battle, on whether or not to buy a real tree for Christmas (Kent and I said no, Kim said yes), Kent and Alyssa are now decorating a Fraser pine tree. I am sure you guessed who won. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/12/19/a-christmas-tree/)
2010-11-26T14:00:00Z	**Mi viejo**
![Mi Viejo](https://collantes.us/2010/11/26/mi-viejo//resources/2010-11-26-mi-viejo.jpg#full)

A steady, yet gentle, rain was falling over Miami on the night of 24th November 2010. Some say rain are tears from the sky. I was crying as well. On 24th November my father died.

Those who have lost an infinitely dear one will understand how I feel. Not only did I lose the best father a son could have, I lost a lifetime friend, a restless protector, a confidant. The many memories that I have of him continue to br ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/11/26/mi-viejo/)
2010-10-08T14:00:00Z	**Dragons can be killed**
> “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.”
>
> — [G. K. Chesterton](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_K._Chesterton "Wikipedia entry")

“By confining your child to blameless stories of child life in which nothing at all alarming ever happened, you would fail to banish the terrors, and would succeed in banishing all that can ennoble them or make them endurable. For  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/10/08/dragons-can-be-killed/)
2010-07-11T14:00:00Z	**Viva Spain!**
![Spanish flag](https://collantes.us/2010/07/11/viva-spain//resources/2010-07-11-viva-spain.png#full)

Woohoo! Spain, Champions of Europe and now Champions of the World! What an amazing match! So excited! Now I can’t hardly wait until the next World Cup! :-) Viva España! Viva España! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/07/11/viva-spain/)
2010-06-25T14:00:00Z	**The Unthinkable**
![](https://collantes.us/2010/06/25/the-unthinkable//resources/2010-06-25-the-unthinkable.jpg#full)

Yesterday I did the unthinkable. Something I have never done — nor will I do again — before. I went very early (03:15) to stand at the Millenia all, to be one of the first (or so I thought) to buy the [iPhone 4](http://www.apple.com/iphone/).

I don’t want to write long about something I am more than half way ashamed of. Suffice it to say that I got an iPhone 4 after standing in line for  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/06/25/the-unthinkable/)
2010-06-23T14:00:00Z	**A month**
![Dixie J. McCoy](https://collantes.us/2010/06/23/a-month//resources/dixie.jpg#full)

It has been a month since our Jean passed away. Times flies, yet it seems like it was yesterday. Nor a day has passed by without coming to mind, one way or another. We miss her like we did the first day. I truly dislike Warcraft, but I am keeping her toons alive, and advancing. Somehow playing something she dedicated so much time on, where she had so many good friends, gives me the feeling she still lives. Quiet mornings, though ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/06/23/a-month/)
2010-06-20T14:00:00Z	**Back from vacations**
We are back from vacations. It was a great one, but at the end we agreed that there is no place like home, for many reasons. They are mostly minor things, to which we have grown accustom to, but that combined make the type of life we live. I might detail some of those little things later.

A few posts will be due, to narrate some relevant things from the trip: Iberia and our misplaced luggages (and their English/Spanish phones lines), Hertz and our lemon like rental car, speed limits, Aix- ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/06/20/back-from-vacations/)
2010-06-04T16:00:00Z	**Kent on Principal's List**
![Kent and Principal’s List trophy](https://collantes.us/2010/06/04/kent-principals-list//resources/2010-06-04-kent-principals-list.jpg#full)

Kent’s school Awards Ceremony was today. I did not take a picture there, but filmed a bit. The photo above was taken afterwards, at home. He was so happy –and I so proud of him!– to receive the trophy for being the whole third academic year on the Principal’s List (straight A in all subjects).

I am lucky I got him to smile t ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/06/04/kent-principals-list/)
2010-06-01T14:00:00Z	**R.I.P. Dixie J. McCoy**
![Dixie](https://collantes.us/2010/06/01/dixie//resources/dixie.jpg#full)

Our Dixie died in her sleep, on May 23rd, 2010. Her death brought sorrow, and she is greatly missed each day. We will never forget her sweetness, kindness, good advise… Her gentle smile will live in our memories.

Rest in peace Maxie Bizzenscooter, Astlyr, Thorir, kitty, Dixie Jean McCoy. We loved you, we miss you, we will remember you. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/06/01/dixie/)
2010-05-17T14:00:00Z	**Drobo FW800**
A [Drobo](http://www.drobo.com/products/drobo.php "Drobo") FW800 (four bays) is all I want for Christmas. I will settle for one without drives, just the enclosure. I will buy the drives later. Slowly. One at a time.

Please Santa. I know Christmas is far away, I am just giving you time. The device will be used mainly for family photos and videos. It is a good use, for a good device. Could you… make it so?

**Update 18 May 2010**

Not sure if I still want it, based on [more](http://jan.rychter.co ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/05/17/drobo-fw800/)
2010-05-05T14:00:00Z	**It's decided**
It’s decided, my next machine will be an [Apple](http://apple.com/ "Apple Inc.") computer. Most likely I will end up buying a [Mac Mini](http://www.apple.com/macmini/ "Mac Mini"), although an [iMac](http://www.apple.com/imac/ "iMac") is also being considered. Now, who wants a (still under warranty) DELL XPS 630i? It is a Q6600 (quad), with 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, and NVIDIA 9800GT. Comes with Windows 7 Ultimate. Nice machine!

**Note**: Someone contacted me, but the email went to spam, and got deleted. Try  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/05/05/its-decided/)
2010-05-02T14:00:00Z	**Bright House saga**
In [two](https://collantes.us/2009/10/05/avoid-brighthouse/ "Avoid Bright House") [occasions](https://collantes.us/2009/10/09/bright-house-follow-up/ "Bright House follow up") I have written about Bright House service, or the lack of. Ever since my last entry, many issues aroused, but I never came here to document them.

### What where those issues?

They vary, and cover a wide range. So many Bright House technicians has passed by my house, I lost count. The proverbial “how many technici ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/05/02/bright-house-saga/)
2010-05-01T14:00:00Z	**Video quality while on 3G**
The same day I got the iPad 3G, I noticed a very contrasting video quality while using Wi-Fi and while using 3G. Videos watched on Youtube would have HD quality (Wi-Fi); same videos, while on 3G, would show horribly. Yet, videos on Apple, while on 3G or Wi-Fi, would show perfectly. All that whether using the app or the web browser, tested both.

Is it Youtube serving a very low quality video to 3G users? Is it AT&T doing it? Is it something built-in on iOS? ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/05/01/video-quality-while-on-3g/)
2010-04-29T14:00:00Z	**iPad 3G status**
![iPad status](https://collantes.us/2010/04/29/ipad-3g-status//resources/2010-04-29-ipad-3g-status.jpg)

It seems that it will be here tomorrow before, or around 3:00PM after all. Just when I was starting to lose my faith… So happy! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/29/ipad-3g-status/)
2010-04-29T14:00:00Z	**Thoughts on Flash**
Steve Jobs shared with us this month his thoughts on Flash:

> “Flash was created during the PC era —for PCs and mice. Flash is a successful business for Adobe, and we can understand why they want to push it beyond PCs. But the mobile era is about low power devices, touch interfaces and open web standards —all areas where Flash falls short.
>
> The avalanche of media outlets offering their content for Apple’s mobile devices demonstrates that Flash is no longer necessary to watch vi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/29/thoughts-on-flash/)
2010-04-28T14:00:00Z	**Don't talk to aliens**
> “We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn’t want to meet. I imagine they might exist in massive ships, having used up all the resources from their home planet. Such advanced aliens would perhaps become nomads, looking to conquer and colonise whatever planets they can reach.”
>
> […]
>
> “If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn’t  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/28/dont-talk-to-aliens/)
2010-04-26T14:00:00Z	**Paradox of the Active User**
> The “paradox of the active user” is a concept introduced by [John M. Carroll](http://ist.psu.edu/ist/directory/faculty/?EmployeeID=234) and [Mary Beth Rosson](http://faculty.ist.psu.edu/rosson/) (then at [IBM](http://www.ibm.com/), now at [Penn State](http://www.psu.edu/)) to explain a common observation in several user studies done at the IBM User Interface Institute in the early 1980s (later confirmed by many other studies, including my own): **Users never read manuals**  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/26/paradox-of-the-active-user/)
2010-04-26T14:00:00Z	**The wheels of justice**
I thought twice before coming here and write two or three sentences. But sometimes two or three sentences is all you have. I had to do it: [Apple](http://apple.com/) Inc., you [rock](http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20003477-37.html)!

If you want to be a “journalist”, act as one. As [Powazek](http://powazek.com/) wrote in a [tweet](http://twitter.com/fraying/status/12903896617), “Real journalists don’t buy stolen property.” ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/26/the-wheels-of-justice/)
2010-04-24T14:00:00Z	**Clan of the Cave Bear**
Just saw the [Clan of the Cave Bear](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090848/ "Clan of the Cave Bear") movie, for the first time, on it’s entirety. Great movie. Touching; got me a knot on the throat in more than one occasion. I think it is a sad movie, and brought up many memories. Sometimes movies, like music, have that effect. Sometimes it is just us, and how our mind works. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/24/clan-of-the-cave-bear/)
2010-04-24T14:00:00Z	**Weekend starts**
The weekend has started. It really started yesterday’s afternoon, but who is keeping tabs? The fact is, it is here and thus it brings a dilemma. If I do nothing—which is impossible if you have a kid—the weekend will fly by. On the other hand, if I get busy—and I will—it will fly by as well.

There are little things in life that keeps you, in a short term, looking forward to a near future. Of course there are others that makes you want to stop time, so that near future will not come. For no ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2010/04/24/weekend-starts/)
2009-12-03T14:00:00Z	**Glad I am not in North Korea**
From the Wall Street Journal:

> North Korea said on Monday it would issue new won currency this week that would in effect lop two zeros off the old —requiring 1,000-won bills, for example, to be exchanged for 10-won notes with, theoretically, the same buying power.
>
> It said it would limit the amount of old currency it would accept in exchange, to the equivalent of about $40 worth at unofficial exchange rates.
>
> — [Wall Street Journal](http://online.wsj.c ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/12/03/glad-i-am-not-in-north-korea/)
2009-11-24T14:00:00Z	**Host hunting**
I had had all my websites —this one, and many other test ones, etc—, plus my self-managed DNS on [ServerBeach](http://serverbeach.com/) (now part of [Peer1](http://www.peer1.com/)) for a very long time. They all reside on a dedicated server, which has, sadly, reached it’s end of life (EOL).

Although I can keep it as it is, doing so represents a liability problem, as I will be out of luck, should it decide to fail. The problem is, ServerBeach isn’t offering anything right now similar to the serv ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/11/24/host-hunting/)
2009-11-07T14:00:00Z	**Bookmarklets I use**
These are some of the general bookmarklets I use. I have them synchronized with Chrome and Google Docs, but I am listing them here in case I want to share them with someone else, like you (yes, you there, reading this now). Here there go:

- [Tweet it!](javascript:q=""+(window.getSelection ? window.getSelection() : document.getSelection ? document.getSelection() : document.selection.createRange().text); if (!q) q=prompt("Enter your Tweet","");if (q!=null) location="http://twitter.com/home?st ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/11/07/bookmarklets-i-use/)
2009-11-01T14:00:00Z	**Use Google Checkout**
I was going to write a longer note on Paypal and eBay, but after some time to cool down I do not think it is worth it. Instead I am going to recommend, wholeheartedly, the use of [Google Checkout](http://checkout.google.com/) for all your payments and shopping needs. Really, once again Google did not let me down and transformed an otherwise nightmare into a pleasant auctioning/shopping dream.

If you must use eBay, find a way to use [Google Checkout](http://checkout.google.com/) with it. Y ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/11/01/use-google-checkout/)
2009-10-22T14:00:00Z	**The Hero**
I am in love with the HTC Hero. I do not have one… yet, still, when thinking on a mobile device I would love to have, the Hero is what comes to mind. And what better song to keep my hopes alive than “Holding out for a Hero”, by Bonnie Tyler? So, here it goes!

**Edited:** _Song removed. Did not wanted to get sued for hosting a sound track which copyright might forbid wide audience availability._

Can you feel it?! (smile) ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/10/22/the-hero/)
2009-10-13T14:00:00Z	**Selling iPhone**
In an effort to start saving money towards an Android based device (would love HTC Hero), I am selling my [2G 16GB iPhone](http://ur1.in/2). As the eBay listing reads, it is a very well kept, 2G 16GB iPhone, unlocked and jailbroken. No scratches, no blemishes. Bid starts at $1, no reserve. Yes, $1. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/10/13/selling-iphone/)
2009-10-09T14:00:00Z	**Bright House follow up**
You will remember my previous [Bright House](https://collantes.us/2009/10/05/avoid-brighthouse/) post. The same day I wrote that, I got a call from a Bright House customer service representative. Since there is no need to know names, let’s call her Christine. I like that name.

Christine told me Bright House was aware I had publicly written about my displeasure with their services, and that her job was to make sure I was completely satisfied. Fair enough. After patiently listening  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/10/09/bright-house-follow-up/)
2009-10-05T14:00:00Z	**Avoid Bright House if you can**
I live in Central Florida. In my area, if I want cable TV and Internet, I have no choice but to use Bright House services. The competition is satellite TV/Internet and/or DSL (for Internet). Why am I recommending to avoid Bright House, if you can? It is simple: their service is far from being of a good quality and/or reliable. I will elaborate a little.

On cable TV, you get black screens (no video or audio), or “ **Please wait**” screens, constantly and randomly. You call, the ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/10/05/avoid-brighthouse/)
2009-09-28T14:00:00Z	**Another Facebook rant**
This one will be short, Twitter style… almost. A while ago [I wrote](https://collantes.us/2009/09/04/facebook-and-openid-caching/) about how Facebook has cached my OpenID credentials (wrong ones) and it was refusing to clear them after a few days. Well, twenty five (that is 25) days after, Facebook is still insisting on going to the wrong place, when I enter `/bits/` as my OpenID on my “Settings **→** Account Settings **→** Linked Accounts **→** OpenID…”.

Now isn’t tha ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/09/28/another-facebook-rant/)
2009-09-11T14:00:00Z	**September 11th**
![World Trade Center](https://collantes.us/2009/09/11/september-11th//resources/twin_towers.jpg#full)

We will never forget.

[Today](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks), eight years ago, a group of humans, guided by a political agenda, a deep hatred towards the United States, and a mad religious fanaticism slammed airplanes into the World Trade Center, destroying the Twin Towers, damaging other buildings, and killing almost 3,000 people. A second airplane hit The Pentagon, and a  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/09/11/september-11th/)
2009-09-09T14:00:00Z	**IP migration**
I have a deadline to meet. I must migrate all my servers, and clients to a private IP space. Servers must be done — if at all possible — by September 30th. Clients by October 30th. That is, this year. Problem is, I have never done anything close to it, and there are so many things that need to be done at once, I don’t know where to start.

I have a Linux DNS/DHCP to change (Internet facing one). I have an AD DNS to change (AD, as AD integrated zones. Three servers, actually. All for internal AD us ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/09/09/ip-migration/)
2009-09-04T14:00:00Z	**Facebook and OpenID caching**
When I first read that Facebook was going to allow OpenID logins, I was happy. OpenID means less usernames and passwords to remember. So I merrily went to setup mine, just to find out that their support was exclusively for OpenID version 2.0, and my implementation was 1.1. No graceful fall back, Facebook demands OpenID 2.0. So I decided it was time for me to upgrade my implementation for one capable to handle 1.1 and 2.0.

Of course, the first one I tried I did not like it  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/09/04/facebook-and-openid-caching/)
2009-09-03T14:00:00Z	**Special, just like you**
At first I thought I was special, when I received my first offering of marriage, or the bank transfer to help the widow of some foreign fallen dignitary. Then they kept going, and I knew I was “special”, just like everyone else.

Read one of today’s emails and smile:

> I am 26 years old, just started work with Central bank of Nigeria, as a scientist and why i was diong system maintance . I came across your file which was marked X and your released disk painted RED, I took t ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/09/03/special-just-like-you/)
2009-09-02T14:00:00Z	**Hello world, again!**
I am starting over. I might “port” back some entries from the old weblog, but that’s pretty much it. Right now everything is in state of flux, running on a vanilla WordPress installation with a couple of plugins on. Work will progress as time permits.

There isn’t one single reason why I am starting over, but a few. Basically, the old weblog database was “dirty” with entries and rows, and tables from plugins… and god knows what other things (I ran quite a few experiments on that one) ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/09/02/hello-world/)
2009-07-11T14:00:00Z	**Aion, the WoW killer**
Aion isn’t out yet for North America or Europe, but has already caused long time WoW players to quit. That is what my household has done, ending the life of two, four years old, accounts.

Beta 4 is coming up, July 17th and we can hardly wait. Preorder will give you access to the beta, so go ahead! Simply Google Aion and follow the appropiated link.

While we wait, it feels good to be out of WoW. Really liberating! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/07/11/aion-the-wow-killer/)
2009-07-08T14:00:00Z	**gOS is coming our way**
Yes, [it is coming](http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html "Google OS")!

> We hear a lot from our users and their message is clear – computers need to get better. People want to get to their email instantly, without wasting time waiting for their computers to boot and browsers to start up. They want their computers to always run as fast as when they first bought them. They want their data to be accessible to them wherever they are and not have to wo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/07/08/gos-is-coming-our-way/)
2009-02-24T14:00:00Z	**Safari 4 Beta**
Safari 4 Beta is out and it is rocking. Apple has adopted (copied) quite a bit from Chrome interface and I have to say the browser looks and behaves awesomely under Windows 7.

But, why bore you with senseless praise? Go [download it](http://www.apple.com/safari/download/), and see it for yourself. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/02/24/safari-4-beta/)
2009-01-07T14:00:00Z	**Email liturgy**
I miss the days when emails were written with thought, and care. They were clear, and to the point. There was no HTML in them; replies were perfectly quoted, references were neatly annotated. Emoticons were kept to a minimum, if any.

No one does that anymore… well, not many of us do. I haven’t give up, I insist. For me, sending and replying emails is a liturgy. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2009/01/07/email-liturgy/)
2008-12-02T14:00:00Z	**NETBROS.COM for sale**
Yes, I am selling this domain, which I have have since, well, I already lost count. If you are interested on buying this domain, please contact me. I would rather sell it directly than going through a broker. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/12/02/netbros-com-for-sale/)
2008-11-12T14:00:00Z	**Yet another**
Yet another long downtime on World of Warcraft, just in the verge of the release of the second major expansion for the game. What a royal mess! You would think Blizzard has it figured out by now, down to a science, but…

I can’t imagine how tomorrow, with the expansion release, will be. Not going to “tune in.” Instead will let others have the “fun.” ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/11/12/yet-another/)
2008-10-10T14:00:00Z	**Not allowed to tell**
A local bank in front of which I sit quite often has a locked metal box sitting outside the branch. Yesterday my curiosity got sparked when I saw one of the employees (which I greet daily) opening it and taking a canvas bag out of it. When I asked what was the box for, she stopped like frozen, and muttered “ _Company doesn’t allow me to tell._”

Now, won’t you agree with me that such answer was a very silly —and dangerous!— one? ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/10/10/not-allowed-to-tell/)
2008-08-10T14:00:00Z	**MCITP - Enterprise Server Administrator**
The last two weeks were very busy ones. I went through a Boot Camp and obtained the Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional certification, as an Enterprise Server 2008 Administrator. Much more to do with the product, but migration is on my close horizon.

As a side note, and totally unrelated, I will change the way this weblog look soon. I will probably start over as well, all the old content gone. Not sure yet about that last part, but ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/08/10/mcitp-enterprise-server-administrator/)
2008-07-02T14:00:00Z	**Registration and comments disabled**
I have grown tired of deleting bogus accounts. They do not do anything, they do not cause harm; it is just tiresome to delete, each day, 20 or 30 of them. So enough… for now. Those who had an account (which was created using OpenID), still can comment, but no new registrations anymore.

As a matter of fact… I think I will change this site completely. Soon… ish. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/07/02/registration-and-comments-disabled/)
2008-05-15T14:00:00Z	**China earthquake help**
Cities completely wipe out, thousands dead, thousands missing, thousands without anything left. China needs our help, and every little thing would help. Ten dollars might not be much for you, but when many donate we can make a difference. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/05/15/china-earthquake-help/)
2008-05-15T14:00:00Z	**Einstein on religion**
[Einstein: Letter to Eric Gutkind](http://www.relativitybook.com/resources/Einstein_religion.html)

> “… The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can for me change this. These subtilized interpretations are highly manifold according to their nature and have almost nothing to do with the origina ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/05/15/einstein-on-religion/)
2008-05-07T14:00:00Z	**From today's Barack's email**
> News broke this morning that Senator Clinton made three separate loans to her campaign in the past 30 days —including one as recently as Monday.
>
> These loans total more than $6.4 million, which combined with her previous personal loans, add up to at least $11.4 million she’s loaned her campaign since February.
>
> A spokesman said she may continue to “loan the campaign additional money out of her jointly-held assets” —which include more than $100 million in ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/05/07/from-todays-baracks-email/)
2008-05-06T14:00:00Z	**Hillary speaks like Bush**
[Obama accuses Clinton of using the language of Bush on Iran](http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/05/barackobama.hillaryclinton)

> In the sharpest attack, Obama said that Clinton’s threat to “totally obliterate” Iran should it attempt a nuclear attack on Israel was inappropriate. “It’s not the language we need right now. It’s language that’s reflective of George Bush,” he said.
>
> Obama said it was time to get away from a foreign policy of “bluster an ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/05/06/hillary-speaks-like-bush/)
2008-05-06T14:00:00Z	**Microsoft DRM server going offline**
Rob Bennett, head of MSN Entertainment and Video Services, wrote to customers in an email:

> As of August 31, 2008, we will no longer be able to support the retrieval of license keys for the songs you purchased from MSN Music or the authorization of additional computers. You will need to obtain a license key for each of your songs downloaded from MSN Music on any new computer, and you must do so before August 31, 2008. If you attempt to transfer your songs to additi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/05/06/ms-drm-server-going-offline/)
2008-05-01T14:00:00Z	**Lesbos islanders dispute gay name**
[Who has the right to be called Lesbian?](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7376919.stm)

> Campaigners on the Greek island of Lesbos are to go to court in an attempt to stop a gay rights organisation from using the term “lesbian”.
>
> The islanders say that if they are successful they may then start to fight the word lesbian internationally.
>
> The issue boils down to who has the right to call themselves Lesbians.
>
> Is it gay women, or the 100,000 people liv ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/05/01/lesbian-islanders/)
2008-04-30T14:00:00Z	**Prepare to pay more**
It seems that within four years –if nothing is done to prevent it (and nobody really knows what to do)– we [americans] will be paying $7 for a gallon of gasoline.

A very interesting post over Wired explains [some of the reasons](http://shurl.us/u/). A brief summary of them:

1. Oil companies getting tax breaks, and not passing those savings down, but[pocketing them](http://shurl.us/v/).
2. The[economic development](http://shurl.us/z/) in China and India, which increases the dema ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/30/prepare-to-pay-more/)
2008-04-30T14:00:00Z	**Russia warned over Georgia move**
[Russia warned over Georgia move](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7375736.stm)

> Nato has warned Russia that its recent troop build-up in Georgia’s two breakaway regions undermines its neighbour’s territorial integrity.

Would everyone chill out, please? This time Russians, specially. I think a “Back off, and chill” behavior is mandatory. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/30/nato-warns-russia/)
2008-04-27T14:00:00Z	**A day of sadness**
Today we realized that we have lost our camcorder, and with it, all the memories we had since KM was born: from birth until his last birthday, at least. And the pain we feel can’t be explained. How could we be so stupid?!

Although we have thoughts, accusing ourselves for lots of things… what sense does it make at this point? Everything is gone, and discussing the why’s, what if’s and so on will not bring the tapes back. Things will be done differently on regards of the archiving of fami ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/27/a-day-of-sadness/)
2008-04-24T14:00:00Z	**Ubuntu Hardy Heron released**
[503 Service Temporarily Unavailable](http://www.ubuntu.com/)

```
Service Temporarily Unavailable

The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to
maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.

Apache/2.2.8 (Ubuntu) Server at www.ubuntu.com Port 80

```

Duh! (Homer Simpson style) ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/24/ubuntu-hardy-heron-released/)
2008-04-23T14:00:00Z	**eBay sues Craigslist**
Referring to an [eBay Press release](http://news.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=305980):

> [Tainted Love](http://blog.craigslist.org/2008/04/tainted-love/) – We are surprised and disappointed by Ebay’s unfounded allegations, which came to us out of the blue, without any attempt to engage in a dialogue with us.
>
> Coming from a shareholder that views craigslist as a prime competitor, filing suit without so much as mentioning these assertions beforehand seems unethical, and ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/23/ebay-sues-craigslist/)
2008-04-22T14:00:00Z	**Clinton wins in Pennsylvania, projected**
> [Clinton wins in Pennsylvania](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24251043/) – NBC News projected Tuesday night that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton had won Pennsylvania’s presidential primary, a victory that analysts said she had to have if she were to remain a credible candidate for the Democratic nomination.

I find it incredible how she has been able to get as many votes as she has. But after seeing McCain take over the Republican’s vote I should have expected an ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/22/clinton-wins-pennsylvania/)
2008-04-21T14:00:00Z	**Linuxers for Obama**
> [Linuxers for Obama](http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/LinuxersForObama) – LinuxersForObama is a campaign for all Free and Open Source Software advocates to contribute to the Obama campaign. Sorry for the shorthand “LinuxForObama”, I know it should have been “FLOSSGNUX11BSDApacheMySQLForObama”, but I went for short and simple.
>
> Hopefully team LinuxForObama can do some nice fund raising for Obama and we can settle once and for all the argument about which operat ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/21/linuxers-for-obama/)
2008-04-17T14:00:00Z	**Only in Russia**
> [Drunk Russian sleeps off knifing](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7353025.stm) – A Russian man trying to sleep off a night of after-work drinking failed to notice a six inch (15 cm) knife in his back - until his wife woke him up.
>
> Yuri Lyalin, 53, took a bus home, ate breakfast and apparently slept like a baby before his spouse noticed a handle sticking out of his back.
>
> He was rushed to casualty but doctors found no vital organs damaged.

Amazing, isn’t it? ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/17/only-in-russia/)
2008-04-10T14:00:00Z	**Olympics for sports**
Olympics Games relate to sport. The Olympic Games is where the World most accomplished athletes and teams compete for medals, for the win. Making the Olympics Games a political chess board goes against what Olympic Games are all about. And it is a nasty thing to do.

We—as in the U.S.A.—are not being fair with China. Our government and our politicians (including Presidential aspirants) are all playing politics with the Olympics for their own political advantage. And they are all wrong, ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/10/olympics-for-sports/)
2008-04-09T14:00:00Z	**Chinese products are cheap**
[Not anymore.](http://www.slate.com/id/2188409/ "Not anymore")

> The era of cheap Chinese consumer goods may finally be ending, thanks to irrepressible inflation. Now when the Chinese present their lists, some American importers are conceding higher prices, meaning that American shoppers, for the first time in years, are starting to pick up the tab for rising costs in China. Some Chinese factories are now asking their American customers for price increases of as much as 20 p ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/04/09/chinese-products-are-cheap/)
2008-03-20T14:00:00Z	**Talk radio after 3PM**
I used to listen to talk radio after 3PM. I listened at the Sean Hannity show, on WDBO 580AM. I just realized yesterday his ‘show’ is a radio political –and biased– version of “The Jerry Springer” show. Full of junk, inaccuracies, lies sprinkled with some trues, repetitive. I should have stopped at junk.

And I listened for the entertainment, for the laugh it gives every once in a while, and as a background noise on my way home. But still, garbage. I will not more listen to i ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/20/talk-radio-after-3pm/)
2008-03-11T14:00:00Z	**Vicepresident? No, thank you**
[Obama spurns double ticket hints](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7288038.stm)

> “I don’t know how somebody who is in second place is offering the vice presidency to somebody who is in first place,” he told a rally in Columbus, Mississippi.
>
> “I don’t want anybody here thinking that somehow ‘well, you know, maybe I can get both.’ Don’t think that way. You have to make a choice in this election.”
>
> “I’m not running for vice president.  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/11/vicepresident-no-thank-you/)
2008-03-08T14:00:00Z	**Overturning the unconstitutional**
[Overturning nightmares](http://www.denverpost.com/ci_8492078)

> As president, he said he would ask his attorney general “to review every executive order” of the Bush administration. “We are going to overturn those that were unconstitutional. We are going to overturn those that are unnecessary.”

I don’t think it is a slogan, I don’t think they are empty words. Yes, we can! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/08/overturning-the-unconstitutional/)
2008-03-07T14:00:00Z	**John McCain on religion**
John McCain on [religion](http://www.beliefnet.com/story/220/story_22001_1.html "John McCain on religion.").

> “I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles…personally, I prefer someone who I know who has a solid grounding in my faith…I think the number one issue people should make [in the] selection of the President of the United States is, ‘Will this person carry on in the Judeo Christian principled tradition that  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/07/john-mccain-on-religion/)
2008-03-07T14:00:00Z	**That 3:00AM call**
[Comment posted on Larry David: On the Red Phone](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-david/on-the-red-phone_b_90338.html)

> “It’s 3AM and your children are sleeping. But the phone is ringing. It’s your mortgage lender, calling to let you know that you are 180 days late on your payment for that crazy mortgage you agreed to. It doesn’t matter, because your phone was disconnected a long time ago. But no worries, Hillary Clinton is working late, at some desk somewhere, doing a Sudoku puzzle ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/07/that-300am-call/)
2008-03-06T14:00:00Z	**Bush endorses McCain**
[Bush endorses McCain in US race](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7279796.stm)

> US President George W Bush has endorsed John McCain’s White House bid after the Vietnam veteran sealed the Republican nomination on Tuesday.
>
> Mr Bush said his one-time rival would be a president with the “determination to defeat an enemy and a heart big enough to love those who hurt”.

Now you know who **not to** vote for. Clear, right? Any questions? ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/06/bush-endorses-mccain/)
2008-03-05T14:00:00Z	**The $2 Trillion Nightmare**
[The $2 Trillion Nightmare](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/opinion/04herbert.html?ex=1362286800&en=d00653ea9b2ea682&ei=5124&partner=digg&exprod=digg)

> “Normally, when America goes to war, nonessential spending programs are reduced to make room in the budget for the higher costs of the war. Individual programs that benefit specific constituencies are sacrificed for the common good … And taxes have never been cut during a major American war. For example, President Eisenho ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/05/the-2-trillion-nightmare/)
2008-03-04T14:00:00Z	**I just hope...**
I just hope she doesn’t win. I am talking about politics, if you are following the news, you know who I am talking about. Hard not to follow politics these days, but you never know.

Yes, I hope she looses.

**Update 06 March 2008**

She didn’t loose. She won three states. Obama still leads on delegates. There is still hope. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/03/04/i-just-hope/)
2008-02-21T14:00:00Z	**The day Santa died**
Kim and I have always told Kent Santa exists. Almost every kid is told the same, and get presents delivered by the fat, white bearded guy each year. [He gets all the credits](https://collantes.us/2007/12/19/santa-gets-the-extra-love/ "Santa get the extra love"), but kids are happy.

With Kent getting into first grade, he has been hearing things from his peers. Things like, “Santa doesn’t exist”, “Santa isn’t real”, so he began asking about it. About a month ago I told him his pee ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/02/21/the-day-santa-died/)
2008-02-07T14:00:00Z	**After Super Tuesday**
[Barack Obama’s Super Tuesday speech](http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353515028/bctid1407950326).

A rather lengthy, yet inspiring speech. This man has charisma, something I have not seeing on the rest. I like him. I think he would do a good President. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/02/07/after-super-tuesday/)
2008-02-07T14:00:00Z	**Within ten days!**
> Thank you for submitting your registration to Microsoft Heroes Happen Here: 2008 Launch Events.
>
> You can print this page for your records using the “Print” button at right. Please expect to receive a confirmation email from [long email] within ten business days.

The key words here are “within ten business days”. Ten “business” days. A confirmation **email**! Do you find that as crazy as I do? What in the world!? If there are using Exchange, and Microsoft web technologies to  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/02/07/within-ten-days/)
2008-02-04T14:00:00Z	**Yahoo! and the future of the Internet**
[Official Google Blog: Yahoo! and the future of the Internet](http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/yahoo-and-future-of-internet.html)

> Could the acquisition of Yahoo! allow Microsoft – despite its legacy of serious legal and regulatory offenses – to extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the Internet? In addition, Microsoft plus Yahoo! equals an overwhelming share of instant messaging and web email accounts. And between the ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/02/04/yahoo-and-the-future-of-the-internet/)
2008-02-01T14:00:00Z	**What counts as an issue...**
[George Lakoff: What Counts as an “Issue” In the Clinton-Obama Race?](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/george-lakoff/what-counts-as-an-issue_b_84177.html)

> There is a reason that Obama recently spoke of Reagan. Reagan understood that you win elections by drawing support from independents and the opposite side. He understood what unified the country so that he could lead it according to his vision. His vision was a radical conservative one, a vision d ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/02/01/what-counts-as-an-issue-in-the-clinton-obama-race/)
2008-01-29T14:00:00Z	**I will vote**
I will vote today, on Florida’s primary elections. I am registered republican and, hence, I can only vote for a running republican. As such, I will vote for Ron Paul. On the elections day, I shall vote for [Barack Obama](http://www.barackobama.com/) (I know this implies that he will win the nomination for the Democratic Party. I hope — and wish — he does) for President, Democrat.

Please, whatever State you are in, vote as well. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/01/29/i-will-vote/)
2008-01-14T14:00:00Z	**The truth is useless**
On [Digg](http://digg.com/), someone submitted, [Jeb Bush, the truth is useless](http://www.tv.com/jeb-bush/person/407217/trivia.html), to which a reader commented:

[Digg - Jeb Bush: ‘The truth is useless’](http://digg.com/politics/Jeb_Bush_The_truth_is_useless?t=12022424#c12022424)

> […] This is not just the Bushes, though. This is human nature. This sort of thing develops when you elevate yourself to stratospheric heights and start to believe your own hype. It happens to Ho ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/01/14/the-truth-is-useless/)
2008-01-11T14:00:00Z	**Don't step in the lines**
The child inside of us lives, I am a living proof. That, or I have some autistic tendencies. Or both. Having a child, I unintentionally behave like a child when I am with him but, also, when I am alone.

I have found myself avoiding to step on cracks on the floor, or on lines. When challenged with floors with multiple lines together, which are difficult or impossible to avoid, I either find and alternative route, or simply enlarge my pattern of what I consider lined space, like line ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2008/01/11/dont-step-in-the-lines/)
2007-12-31T14:00:00Z	**Happy 2008!**
Hello everyone out there! Please, love one another. Be safe. Happy New Year! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/31/happy-2008/)
2007-12-28T14:00:00Z	**Lets us make sure**
[Comes v. Microsoft – Plaintiff’s Exhibit 2991](http://antitrust.slated.org/www.iowaconsumercase.org/011607/2000/PX02991.pdf) – (PDF)

> ```
> From:     Bill Gates
> Sent:     Saturday, December 05, 1998 9:44 AM
> To:       Bob Muglia; Jon DeVaan; Steven Sinofsky
> Cc:       Paul Maritz
> Subject:  Office rendering
>
> ```
>
> One thing we have got to change in our strategy - allowing Office documents to be rendered very well by other peoples browsers is one of the most de ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/28/lets-make-sure/)
2007-12-28T14:00:00Z	**SCO Receives Nasdaq Notice Letter**
This doesn’t surprise me. What surprises me is that they are still on business.

[SCO Receives Nasdaq Notice Letter](http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071227/lath028.html?.v=101) — Yahoo! Finance

> The SCO Group, Inc. (“SCO”) (Nasdaq: SCOX - News), a leading provider of UNIX(tm) software technology and mobile services, today announced that it received a Nasdaq Staff Determination letter on December 21, 2007 indicating that as a result of having filed for  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/28/sco-receives-nasdaq-notice-letter/)
2007-12-27T14:00:00Z	**Christmas is gone, or is it?**
The long whole year wait, for many, comes to an end quite fast. It seems it takes a long time until Christmas arrives, but when it does, it goes away very quickly. “It’s not fair”, Kim says. Well, I am that type of crazy individual that sings Christmas Carols, listen to Christmas music and lives the “Christmas spirit” pretty much all year round. I have my ups and downs like everyone else, but I refuse to let Christmas be a one day celebration. Give it a try! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/27/christmas-is-gone-or-is-it/)
2007-12-27T14:00:00Z	**You are a prisoner, keep quiet!**
[U.S. Seeks Silence on CIA Prisons](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/03/AR2006110301793.html)

> The Bush administration has told a federal judge that terrorism suspects held in secret CIA prisons should not be allowed to reveal details of the “alternative interrogation methods” that their captors used to get them to talk.
>
> The government says in new court filings that those interrogation methods are now among the nation’s most ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/27/you-are-a-prisoner-keep-quiet/)
2007-12-19T14:00:00Z	**Santa gets the extra love**
KM believes in Santa. It is that childish fantasy we do not want to spoil quite yet. But the fat guy, with red cheeks, who pilots a sleigh pulled by reindeers, gets all the extra love –and credits– for the job we, as parents, do during Christmas time. I challenge Santa to come up with a [Wii](http://us.wii.com/)! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/19/santa-gets-the-extra-love/)
2007-12-18T14:00:00Z	**Want the darn thing?**
[Beta of XP update made public, A blog by Ina Fried, CNET News.com](http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9835411-56.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20)

> Microsoft issued a release candidate version of XP SP3 in November and expanded its testing earlier this month, promising the public test version would come at some later date.
>
> For anyone who still wants to try the darn thing, Microsoft says, the beta should be up on Microsoft’s Web site later Tuesday and ready in final for ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/18/want-the-darn-thing/)
2007-12-17T14:00:00Z	**Honeymoon's are over, honey**
[FL woman has 10 husbands, charges say - Yahoo News](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071216/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bigamy_charge)

> Eunice Lopez has been charged with bigamy, accused of marrying 10 men between 2002 and 2006 without divorcing any of them, federal immigration authorities say. The Miami Herald reported Saturday that a records search by the newspaper found seven additional marriages under the bride’s name and birth date.
>
> Lopez arrived in South Florida from Cuba  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/17/honeymoons-are-over-honey/)
2007-12-17T14:00:00Z	**Ron Paul on War and Foreign Policy**
[Ron Paul: War and Foreign Policy](http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/war-and-foreign-policy/)

> We can continue to fund and fight no-win police actions around the globe, or we can refocus on securing America and bring the troops home. No war should ever be fought without a declaration of war voted upon by the Congress, as required by the Constitution.
>
> Under no circumstances should the U.S. again go to war as the result of a resolution that comes from  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/17/ron-paul-on-war-and-foreign-policy/)
2007-12-14T14:00:00Z	**Another Dell**
Almost four years ago I [bought our first Dell](https://collantes.us/2004/04/04/life-with-an-xps/ "Life with and XPS") machine. And almost four year after, that machine died. Not a really long life.

Since we need a computer, we acquired another Dell… again. This time it is a refurbished [Precision 390](http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/precn_390?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04 "Details"). For the first time ever, I haven’t rebuilt that machine yet. I am using Dell’s factory install,  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/14/another-dell/)
2007-12-14T14:00:00Z	**I had to have them**
I found this [weblog](http://www.ilike.org.uk/), via
[Kottke](http://kottke.org/), and in it, this post
[I like: So long\
Flight of the Conchords](http://www.ilike.org.uk/2007/12/post_4.html). And I loved it. I had to have the list of
videos on that log here[1](#fn:1), to show wife, to play them at a later time.
Simply awesome. And here they come (links go to Youtube):

- [The most\
  beautiful girl in the room](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmDTSQtK20c) \- “you could be a par ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/14/i-had-to-have-them/)
2007-12-14T14:00:00Z	**Programmers != Antisocials**
[BBC NEWS: Business: Bill Gates: The skills you need to succeed](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7142073.stm)

> A lot of people assume that creating software is purely a solitary activity where you sit in an office with the door closed all day and write lots of code.
>
> This isn’t true at all.
>
> Software innovation, like almost every other kind of innovation, requires the ability to collaborate and share ideas with other people, and to sit down and talk with cu ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/14/programmers-antisocials/)
2007-12-13T14:00:00Z	**Primary elections**
It is my desire that the U.S. primary elections were available to everyone, to vote for anyone, regardless of the political part affiliation [1](#fn:1). In fact, I would not make a requirement to affiliate to a specific party at all.

Why? If I am registered, for example, democrat, but I see that the choices of the Democratic Party are not “presidential” material, then I would like to be able to vote (even at the primaries) for the best of the other party. Am I making any sense?

The u ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/13/primary-elections/)
2007-12-09T14:00:00Z	**I hate school**
When your, almost seven years old, son tells you he hates going to school you worry. It is not the first time that KM tells me he doesn’t like going to school. He goes to a private, Christian school, and his main complain has always being that he doesn’t like to memorize the weekly versicle. I have noticed that this “disliking” normally comes after a weekend, holiday, or similar ‘time off school’ occasion.

I have talked to him, trying to find out if there are other reasons, but haven’t  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/09/i-hate-school/)
2007-12-07T14:00:00Z	**SuperGenPass update**
[SuperGenPass: A Free Bookmarklet Password Generator](http://supergenpass.com/)

Chris Zarate has updated his SuperGenPass bookmarlet, which now has it’s own dedicated domain. Version 1.1 comes with (from the website):

- Moveable window: The SuperGenPass window can be moved by dragging the title bar.
- Smarter password capturing: When multiple master passwords are found, the conflict must be resolved by double-clicking the desired field.
- Smarter autopopulate: Autopopulate is o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/07/supergenpass-update/)
2007-12-07T14:00:00Z	**Yes, they sold it**
A while ago, I wrote about the [closing of the C3 School](https://collantes.us/2007/05/01/c3-is-no-more/ "C3 is no more"), previously known as Parkway Preparatory School. As many other parents and staff, I was sad to see the school my kid attended to disappearing. And there were rumors, so I asked a senior Pastor (do not remember his name now) about them. I was told the Church wasn’t going anywhere, that the rumors about selling the Church were unfounded. I told him I was going to be very disappo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/12/07/yes-they-sold-it/)
2007-11-06T14:00:00Z	**What a load of crock!**
If it weren’t enough that you have to go through airport hell every time you must take an airplane, some people is trying to cash in, and they are using terrorism to their advantage. Enter Clear card.

From their CEO (read while playing patriotic music on the background, waving an American flag) :

> “I started Verified Identity Pass with a simple idea: In the post 9-11 era we have to take new measures to protect ourselves yet not destroy our way of life by strangling the free f ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/11/06/what-a-load-of-crock/)
2007-10-31T14:00:00Z	**When you thought you hear it all**
[BBC NEWS: Toilet conference opens in Delhi](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7070494.stm)

> A World Toilet Summit has opened in the Indian capital, Delhi, with more than 40 countries taking part.
>
> The four-day meeting will examine solutions and technologies that can be used to provide a basic need for nearly half the worlds population.
>
> According to estimates, 2.6bn people around the world lack access to a hygienic toilet. The United Nations h ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/10/31/when-you-thought-you-hear-it-all/)
2007-09-14T14:00:00Z	**The slashes**
Lots of people do not get it. Lots of businesses and governmental institutions do not get it. Yesterday my call to the Federal Reserve Complain line (I called to complain about them, and their delay on ACH transfers, but there was no option to complain about them, yet, many to complain about others) had it wrong too:

The symbol “/” (without quotes, of course) is a “slash” or “stroke.” The symbol “\\” is a “backslash”. Please do not invert the names or simply call a slash, backslash. I ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/09/14/the-slashes/)
2007-09-11T14:00:00Z	**We remember: Six years ago**
![Twin Towers](https://collantes.us/2007/09/11/we-remember-six-years-ago//resources/twin_towers.jpg#full)

Today, [six years ago](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11%2C_2001_attacks "September 11th 2001 attacks"), a group of animals belonging to the human race decided to take away thousands of innocent lives by destroying the Twin Towers (see [World Trade Center](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center)). Let us not to forget how stupid they were, how criminal th ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/09/11/we-remember-six-years-ago/)
2007-09-06T14:00:00Z	**Farewell Maestro**
[Luciano Pavarotti](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciano_Pavarotti) has died. “… One of the most popular contemporary vocal performers in the world of opera and across multiple musical genres..” The world grieves. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/09/06/farewell-maestro/)
2007-08-20T14:00:00Z	**First day at school**
Today is Kent’s first day at school, after the long –although it did not seemed that long– summer vacation. It is his first grade, on a new school and I have “the jitters.” I worry for my son, all the time. I enjoyed this summer with him more than anything in the world. You can’t stop them from growing up, you can’t be with them all the time. But it is so hard not to…

It is an adaptation that will take time. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/08/20/first-day-at-school/)
2007-07-17T14:00:00Z	**Write Articles, Not Blog Postings**
[Write Articles, Not Blog Postings – Jakob Nielsens Alertbox](http://www.useit.com/alertbox/articles-not-blogs.html)

Boy, do I agree with Nielsen on this one. I have been guilty of many of the things he points out. That is why I am scribbling less lately. And it will be much less in the future. Totally dislike the “tumbler” generation. Junk. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/07/17/write-articles-not-blog-postings/)
2007-07-05T14:00:00Z	**Ebay feedback blackmail**
If you do business on Ebay, whether you are power seller with your own store there or simply a John Doe such as myself, please follow the following etiquette:

- If you are selling, and the item(s) you sold get paid (right away or in a timely manner), leave your feedback right away. No need to wait till the buyer leaves his. Doing so is bad, really bad.
- If you are buying, wait till the item arrives and then leave a feedback accordingly. Consider communication with the seller, q ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/07/05/ebay-feedback-blackmail/)
2007-06-09T14:00:00Z	**Kent on elderly and fitness**
Having seeing an elder man jogging, Kent asked me why was he running. I told him that he probably wanted to be fit, to keep healthy to which he, in a very surprised voice, replied:

“What’s the fun on being healthy, when you are about to die?!” – kids, they say the ‘darnest’ things. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/06/09/kent-on-elderly-and-fitness/)
2007-05-11T14:00:00Z	**I shall not censure**
From today on, I shall not censure on this weblog. Any comment left (no spam comments, of course. Who needs those?) will be shown uncensored. I will only mask foul words (just because of my ICRA rating, safe for children), and correct capitalization as needed, but nothing else. I don’t remember ever censuring –I don’t write enough, really. But now I have taken that idea, if ever was, away from my mind. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/05/11/i-shall-not-censure/)
2007-05-01T14:00:00Z	**C3 is no more**
I am sad, I am mad and I am pissed. We got a letter today from Kent’s school –was Parkway Preparatory School, later changed to C3 School– stating that the school is closing its doors.

> Unfortunately, our continuing analysis and review of the Church’s financial obligations has led us to the conclusion that continued operation of the school is not the best use of Church resources. Our decision is also based in part on the projected enrollment for next school year. After much thought and prayer ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/05/01/c3-is-no-more/)
2007-04-30T14:00:00Z	**Made in China**
I don’t have a particular problem with China. I admire its very old culture, its people resourcefulness and their resilience, among other things. But when I see everything I buy here in the U.S. made in China, I feel uncomfortable. It tells me something is wrong with the way we are doing business.

It isn’t the “Made in China” the thing that bugs me. It’s the **everything** “Made in China” that does. And the quality of it, which is bad overall. It is the sense of dependency. We have beco ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/30/made-in-china/)
2007-04-16T14:00:00Z	**Microsoft is a crying baby**
What does Microsoft do when they don’t get it their way? They cry like babies, they snitch and they try to use their mu$cle to get things their way.

> **Microsoft Urges Review of Google-DoubleClick Deal** – Microsoft, a veteran defendant of epic antitrust battles in the United States and Europe, is urging regulators to consider scuttling Google’s plan to buy DoubleClick, an online advertising company.
>
> Microsoft contends that the $3.1 billion deal, announced on  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/16/microsoft-is-a-crying-baby/)
2007-04-13T14:00:00Z	**Women of color?**
That term, women of color, emphasized by me below has always puzzled me. Aren’t all women and, as a matter of fact, all of us “of color”? What kind of silly (avoiding the use of a stronger word) terminology is that? And, why aren’t those “people of goodwill” asking for the same treatment to be given to rappers, comedians, writers, etc? Utterly stupid.

> **CBS chairman, Leslie Moonves** – “Those who have spoken with us the last few days represent people of goodwill from all segments ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/13/women-of-color/)
2007-04-12T14:00:00Z	**Canon PowerShot A640**
Recently we decided to replace our old Sony little camera, since quite a few photos are going to be taken in the near future, and the poor Cyber-Shot we had really wasn’t up to the task. With an under $400 budget, I picked the [Canon PowerShot A640](http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona640/), and the picture below is the first one I took, on total automatic mode.

More will come in the near future, as we will have our first real vacation in six years. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/12/canon-powershot-a640/)
2007-04-12T14:00:00Z	**iPhone is near, Leopard not so**
For many Apple fans (me included) that were anxiously waiting for both products, this is a good and slight bad news. Good news, iPhone is on track and it will be delivered as promised. Slight bad news, we will have to wait a bit longer for the Big Cat to come out.

> [Apple - Hot News](http://www.apple.com/hotnews/) – iPhone has already passed several of its required certification tests and is on schedule to ship in late June as planned. We can’t wait until custome ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/12/iphone-is-near-leopard-not-so/)
2007-04-12T14:00:00Z	**Vista, don't like it? Too bad!**
It seems that for those individuals who do not build their own machines –that is, assemble them– there will be no choice when it comes to pick their OS.

> [Windows XP to be phased out by year’s end despite customer demand](http://apcmag.com/5835/vendors_in_no_rush_to_ditch_xp_for_vista) – Computer makers have been told they’ll no longer be able to get Windows XP OEM by the end of this year, despite consumer resistance to Vista and its compatibility problems.
>� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/12/dont-want-vista-too-bad/)
2007-04-09T14:00:00Z	**Thought of the day**
If your weblog or site –in general– advertising is slowing down the load of pages to an almost complete halt, it is time to re-think and take a different marketing approach. Your writings _and_ your advertising are been missing. You may as well cancel your hosting and print what you want to say, along with the advertisings. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/09/thought-of-the-day/)
2007-04-07T14:00:00Z	**GoDaddy and MediaTemple**
Not long ago I was looking for a new collocation provider. I was with [ServerBeach](http://www.serverbeach.com/catalog/index.php?REF=WK8AA4EGYG "ServerBeach with referral. We both win!"), as I am right now, but the friend I was teaming up with to share the expenses wanted to move from Linux to a Windows server, and I have nothing to do with one –Windows server, that is. Since I couldn’t afford to pay the fees on my own, I was off to find a new provider.

Having used Virtual Ser ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/07/godaddy-and-mediatemple/)
2007-04-05T14:00:00Z	**Small changes here and there**
I have changed, once again, the theme around here, as you can see. Simple approaches have always been my favorites and this one excels in simplicity, hence the name I have given it, “Simplissimo”. It is a modified version of a [WordPress theme](http://pittcrew.net/geekblog/scribbishwp "ScribbishWP") based on an original [Typo theme](http://www.quotedprintable.com/pages/scribbish "Scribbish"). As you can see, I have done slight (or not so slight) changes to make it mine. And still might  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/04/05/small-changes/)
2007-03-28T14:00:00Z	**Stop spamming, GoDaddy!**
I have several domains registered at Godaddy. For the ones I care about, I have auto renew enabled. For those I am letting go, I don’t. Godaddy gentlemanly reminds me when those about to expire domains are about to do so… four months in advance! The email “reminders” do not cease from there on. And then regular mail (snail mail, that is) starts coming to my mailbox as well.

Don’t you get it, Godaddy? I do not want to renew those domains. If I wanted, I would have set auto  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/03/28/stop-spamming-godaddy/)
2007-03-21T14:00:00Z	**Is there any difference?**
Is has always amazed me how people or groups of people self segregate, while voicing their concerns about discrimination and inequality.

Some websites have come across lately that really puzzle me. To show a couple, [Black Engineer](http://www.blackengineer.com/) and [The Black Collegian](http://www.black-collegian.com/). Why? It doesn’t make any sense to me. Are engineers different because of their ethnic background, or because of their field of knowledge? Shouldn’t all Coll ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/03/21/is-there-any-difference/)
2007-03-20T14:00:00Z	**Dabbling with OpenID**
I have implemented OpenID commenting here, and I have gone one step further, by allowing commenting only after logged in, while using OpenID. This isn’t to avoid comment spam, which I think it will happen regardless. I am encouraging the use of the technology, which others might consider flawed (the CardInfo lovers, etc).

All OpenID providers are accepted, of course. I have even setup a small OpenID server of my own as well. Lets see how it goes. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/03/20/dabbling-with-openid/)
2007-03-20T14:00:00Z	**Two visions?**
Mark posted yesterday that he will be working for Google, since out of the “ [two visions](http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/03/19/two-visions)” of the web, he says, Google is the right one. I am not web savvy nor I really care much about it, but I am sure there is more than two visions on the web, there is not right and wrong, but many, many, many shades in between. But the way I see it, the bottom line in my mind: he is going to work for someone who will pay him very well. Yes, bottom line is all a ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/03/20/two-visions/)
2007-02-26T14:00:00Z	**More changes coming**
For the first time I am working on creating a complete theme here. The last time I had a decent one was back when WordPress 1.5 was around, for which themes weren’t implemented as they are now.

No much have been happening in life. I don’t have much to tell right now, other that those minor breadcrumbs of life. Actually, I have a few things I want to write, if anything to keep record online of what happened. Those few things involve GoDaddy and Media Temple. But it will be a future top ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/02/26/more-changes-coming/)
2007-01-08T14:00:00Z	**Post Katrina crime increase**
Ever since after [Katrina](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katrina) we have seeing crime increase to levels never saw before in Orlando. Crime has been so high, that it has placed our city on the top most 25 dangerous cities in the States. Orlando, City Beautiful, rated higher than Miami on crime. Every single day more than 4-5 people die victim of a violent crime. Others get injured. It seems [other](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/15/national/main1895797.shtml) cities/sta ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2007/01/08/post-katrina-crime-increase/)
2006-12-21T14:00:00Z	**It's time to say goodbye**
It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2006 and welcome 2007. This will be – I think – my last entry of the year. A few has happened to the Collantes' family in 2006, but the most important thing is that we have kept together, and that we have being blessed in many ways. Kent Martin has brought joy to our lives, so much joy we did not know existed. He is the main reason I love life. He and my wife, Kim.

To all – those who might read and those passing by (including bots and al ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/12/21/its-time-to-say-goodbye/)
2006-11-30T14:00:00Z	**Heavy Microsoft ads on Freshmeat**
[Freshmeat](http://freshmeat.net/ "Freshmeat") is, in their own words, “the first stop for Linux users hunting for the software they need for work or play.” and it also “offers a variety of original content on technical, political, and social aspects of software and programming, written by both Freshmeat readers and Free Software luminaries.”

I have been very surprised to see, more and more, Microsoft ads on Freshmeat. All over the place. Quite often. Fre ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/11/30/heavy-microsoft-ads-on-freshmeat/)
2006-11-30T14:00:00Z	**Why Vista is not going in**
I was talking —well, chatting— the other day with a [friend of mine](http://george.tsiokos.com/ "George Tsiokos") and he was telling me some bad experiences he had had with a Windows Media Center upgrade. That got me talking about Windows Vista, perhaps it is because Windows Vista Ultimate comes with it, I am not sure. Anyways…

I told my friend I am not installing Vista (although I have Windows Vista Ultimate —the final version of Vista, no beta, no RC, but final— as ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/11/30/why-vista-is-not-going-in/)
2006-11-15T14:00:00Z	**Wired News: Apple's iPhone is Calling**
[Wired News: Apple’s iPhone is Calling](http://www.wired.com/news/columns/0,72111-0.html?tw=rss.index)

> The most likely scenario, as Jupiter analyst Ian Fogg has pointed out, is that the iPhone will be a stand-alone device that will accept a standard SIM card. You’ll pop the SIM card out of your current cell phone and plug it into the iPhone. It’ll be just like buying an unlocked handset from Asia, except you’ll buy it at an Apple store instead o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/11/15/wired-news-apples-iphone-is-calling/)
2006-11-08T14:00:00Z	**Winds of change**
It seems winds of change had blown, brought by the mid-term elections. And yes, change was (is) what we needed. I am cautiously happy. After all, it is politics what we are talking about here. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/11/08/winds-of-change/)
2006-11-07T14:00:00Z	**Craigslist founder will not sell**
> The founder of craigslist, the free social-networking and classifieds Web site, said on Thursday he is not interested in selling out, just hours after MySpace.com was valued at $15 billion.
>
> “Who needs the money? We don’t really care,” Craig Newmark said in an interview at the Picnic ‘06 Cross Media Week conference in Amsterdam.
>
> “If you’re living comfortably, what’s the point of having more?” Newmark said.
>
> […]
>
> ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/11/07/craigslist-founder-has-no-desire-to-sell/)
2006-11-06T14:00:00Z	**Electoral signs: my approach**
On every single election “season” I can see a multitude of signs and advertising that often remains until “natural decay” or the city gets them removed, 6 months –or more– after the elections are over. That really makes me mad. I would make it part of the process of being elected: if you win, you cannot take over office until you clean up all your garbage. And if they don’t, a hefty fine gets applied, they get ridiculed and their seat is up for claiming.

Thi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/11/06/electoral-signs-my-approach/)
2006-10-20T14:00:00Z	**The Military Commissions Act of 2006**
[David Wu](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Wu), democratic congressman representing the state of Oregon reportedly said, referring to the [Military Commissions Act of 2006](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Commissions_Act_of_2006) recently signed into law:

> Let us say that my wife, who is here in the gallery with us tonight, a sixth generation Oregonian, is walking by the friendly, local military base and is picked up as an unlawful enemy combata ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/10/20/the-military-commissions-act-of-2006/)
2006-10-18T14:00:00Z	**Three years ago**
In light of everything happening in Asia, specifically on the Korean peninsula, I remembered what I wrote [three years ago](https://collantes.us/2003/01/21/nuclear-blackmail-north-korean-style/ "Nuclear blackmail, Korean style"), more or less. It took them three years to develop something that can be tested (a bomb), or were they working already on it for a long time and our intelligence was ‘asleep’? If it was the first, they could already have a way to deliver it overseas, and if it is the secon ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/10/18/three-years-ago/)
2006-10-18T14:00:00Z	**Too busy, too much money or...**
Our College is trying to re-design. Our web manager has been assigned to some other project of more importance (Dean’s order), so he can’t tackle the conversion of the existing website to a full blown CMS driven one. Other than the locals we have seeing and sit through presentations and proposals, I sent emails –very brief ones, but to the point– to [Dan Cederholm](http://www.simplebits.com/ "Dan Cederholm"), [Dan Bejamin](http://www.hivelogic.com/ "Da ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/10/18/too-busy-too-much-money-or-just-uneducated/)
2006-08-17T14:00:00Z	**God is bad**
“Papá, if you get close to a shark, what would he do to you?” –Kent asks one day. “Well –I replied–, if it is hungry he will most likely attack you, try to eat you. If not, he will be scared and swim away. Sharks are by nature afraid of humans and will only come close to them if they are very hungry.”

“God is bad. Why would he make sharks, if they could hurt us?” –he asks again. “Sharks have a very little brain, they can’t make a difference from what’s right or wrong. They can’ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/08/17/god-is-bad/)
2006-08-14T14:00:00Z	**We, the forgetful**
I am often intrigued, saddened, worried, by the human “natural” forgetful nature. Since the beginning of time, we haven’t kept memories of lost, gone ones. Did any of you remember –or even knew of– your great-grandparents? How many generations do you have knowledge of? When you are gone, how many years will you be remembered? Why do we forget? Why? What can we do to change that? Going through a life of accomplishments –or lack of, it doesn’t matter– and ending up in the void. Isn’ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/08/14/we-the-forgetful/)
2006-06-01T14:00:00Z	**Here without you - WoW**
An amateur video composed of Word of Warcraft game scenes, which my kid loves dearly.

[Here without you](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKG3rvUuXws) (Dimoroc and Redsword are on my server now!)

On vacation now, typing this from beautiful Sterling, Virginia. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/06/01/here-without-you-wow/)
2006-05-23T14:00:00Z	**Why?**
While visiting [South](http://www.south.com/ "South") today I found, once again, this quote that I like so much:

> The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this, ‘What is the use of climbing Mount Everest?’ and my answer must at once be, ‘It is no use.’ We shall not bring back a single bit of gold or silver, not a gem, nor any coal or iron. We shall not find a single foot of earth that can be planted with crops to raise food. It’s no use. So, if you cannot understand that there  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/05/23/why/)
2006-05-17T14:00:00Z	**Blue Security has gone down**
[Blue Security](http://www.bluesecurity.com/ "Blue security. It might be down") has announced it has ceased their anti-spam operations. From their website (which could be down as I type this):

> As we cannot build the Blue Security business on the foundation we originally envisioned, we are discontinuing all of our anti-spam activities on your behalf and are exploring other, non spam-related avenues for our technological developments. As much as it saddens us, we ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/05/17/blue-security-has-gone-down-or-has-it/)
2006-05-16T14:00:00Z	**Do not phone and drive**
It infuriates me the idiots who think (and insist) that driving a car while talking on their mobile phones represents no problem for them or those around. Well, it does, fools! I have done it, I confess –although I have stopped doing so for a while, unless it is a real emergency– and I know what I am talking about. A driver handling a phone conversation while driving is impaired. It is!

So, for the stupids out there still using their mobile phones to keep their idiotic conversat ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/05/16/do-not-phone-and-drive/)
2006-05-16T14:00:00Z	**Nazi crimes archives set to open**
BBC News: Nazi crimes archives to set open.

> The 47 million files hold Nazi records of forced labourers, concentration camp victims and political prisoners. They have been used to help people trace their relatives, but were kept closed to protect victims' privacy. Many people felt the files should be opened to historical researchers to ensure the details of the Holocaust ( [Nazis genocide](http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/genocide/holocaust_overview_01.s ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/05/16/nazi-crimes-archives-set-to-open-2/)
2006-05-15T14:00:00Z	**Why e-mails are so easily missunderstood**
Very interesting read and, in my case, it has proven to be as close to truth as it can be. Go [read the whole thing](http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0515/p13s01-stct.html "It's all about me: Why e-mails are so easily misunderstood"), it is worth it.

> Though e-mail is a powerful and convenient medium, researchers have identified three major problems. First and foremost, e-mail lacks cues like facial expression and tone of voice. That makes it diffic ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/05/15/why-e-mails-are-so-easily-missunderstood/)
2006-05-12T14:00:00Z	**Gmail for Domains**
Yesterday I received my invitation to move my Collantes.US domain over Google, to handle all mail by using the Gmail interface. That is Google new beta testing of hosted email for corporations or midsize companies. I don’t have a midsize company, but have a big family, so I qualified. Collantes.US, of course, is way too valuable for beta testing, but I have several more domains I can use, so I decided to resubmit my request. This morning a new message inviting the new domain was on my Gmail inbo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/05/12/gmail-for-domains/)
2006-03-08T14:00:00Z	**Neoseeker: IBM will not use Windows[...]**
[IBM will not use Windows Vista - but will move to Linux desktops - Neoseeker News Article](http://www.neoseeker.com/news/story/5436/): IBM switching to Linux desktops in Germany according to a Linux Forum 2006 presentation by their head of open source and Linux sales in Germany. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/03/08/neoseeker-ibm-will-not-use-windows-vista/)
2006-02-23T14:00:00Z	**You can't do that!**
[Technology, Technology news, Times Online](http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9075-2051196,00.html)

> “I can’t believe that your company would allow people to make money from something that you allow people to have free access to. Is this really the case?” she asked.
>
> “If Mozilla permit the sale of copied versions of its software, it makes it virtually impossible for us, from a practical point of view, to enforce UK anti-piracy legislation, as it is difficult for us  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/02/23/you-cant-do-that/)
2006-02-14T14:00:00Z	**Confussed**
I have not written for a long time. I am in a state of confussion and change. I feel the urge to redefine life and things around me, I just don’t know how and when to start. And that urge to redefine does not relates to this weblog, even though the weblog falls into the category of “things around me.”

I am around, I am not dead (Kim and Kent need me). I am trying to find my way. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/02/14/confussed/)
2006-01-18T14:00:00Z	**The Chocolate Imbecile**
I can’t get it out of mind. How a person can be so idiotic? The major of New Orleans, Ray Nagin [said](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/16/AR2006011600925.html), among other things:

> “Surely God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it’s destroyed and put stress on this country”
>
> […]
>
> “Surely he doesn’t approve of us being in Iraq under false pretenses.”
>
> […]
>
> “But sur ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2006/01/18/the-chocolate-imbecile/)
2005-10-20T14:00:00Z	**BBC goes WoW again!**
Although this new “interview” involves only Horde players, the latest BBC article about WoW is awesome and it gives some very sutil but good insides of the game.

> I’ts popularity can be primarily attributed to its accessibility. The game is easy, plain and simple.
>
> It’s more forgiving than most other online role-playing games on the market, and does not take as much dedicated playing or “grinding” to reach the top level. It appeals to a casual market and a broader spect ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/10/20/bbc-goes-wow-again/)
2005-09-30T14:00:00Z	**BBC and WoW**
From one article on today’s BBC Online news:

> Occasionally gryphons and hippogriffs swept majestically overhead taking their riders to elsewhere in Azeroth or, as it is also known, the World of Warcraft (WoW).
>
> At the edge of the computer screen chatter constantly scrolled past as other WoW players sought members forguilds, buyers for magical items, help with quests or engaged in idle banter.

Go and read: [A Walk in the World of Warcraft](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4294122.stm " ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/09/30/bbc-and-wow/)
2005-09-12T14:00:00Z	**Still playing**
Yes guys and gals, still playing WoW and loving it. Tryggr on Argent Dawn is already at level 48 and things are getting harder. Lots of quests can’t no longer be done alone and it is hard to find good players to group.

Soon Blizzard will allow characters moving, from server to server as well as accounts merging. I might decide then to move to another server. I am not sure it is going to be a PvP one, Anthony :-)

I know, you are bored with my babbling about WoW. You will not know _exactly_ what ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/09/12/still-playing/)
2005-08-24T14:00:00Z	**The reason of my absence**
I have not been posting anything in here, and I am afraid it might not happen for a while now. The reason I have been (and will be) away is Wow ( [World of Warcraft](http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/ "World of Warcraft Web site")). I have been playing WoW for almost a month now and my character has so far reached level 41.

If you are playing WoW, I am on Argent Dawn, RP Server and my main character is Tryggr, a dwarf warrior. Get in touch! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/08/24/the-reason-of-my-absence/)
2005-07-13T14:00:00Z	**Microsoft Security Bulletins**
This is the second time that I receive a Microsoft Security Bulletin and, since Microsoft uses PGP to sign their bulletins, I have decided to check their signature validity. I don’t know if this has been a flaw in the past as well, since I delete those bulletins without even reading them most of the time, but in the two occassions I have checked them, they had failed to verify, since the signature is bad.

```
[-- Begin GPG Output (Wed Jul 13 08:30:48 2005) --]
Sign ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/07/13/microsoft-security-bulletins/)
2005-07-11T14:00:00Z	**Worse hurricane season?**
With Dennis –the hurricane, that is– Florida has had 5 hurricanes in less than a year. And it seems it _could_ get a bit worse.

> **LOXAHATCHEE, FL** – A wildlife expert in south Florida says turtles may be giving us a sign that the hurricane season ahead is going to be a bad one.
>
> Lyle Thomas said he’s noticed turtles at the edge of the Everglades have nested just about as high as they can in earthen levees.
>
> Thomas operates Loxahatchee Everglade Tours and sa ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/07/11/worse-hurricane-season/)
2005-07-08T14:00:00Z	**Britons, our brothers and sisters**
Once again some (insert some lots of bad words here) terrorists have tried to affect the civilized world by detonating bombs and killing innocent people. They’ve cause pain, allright, but their final goal has failed, as it will always do. Britons are not afraid, civilized world is more united because of those dumb (some more bad words here).

We are more united than ever. United Kingdom of England and North Ireland, all our love and support from the other side  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/07/08/britons-our-brothers-and-sisters/)
2005-07-06T14:00:00Z	**Mention two**
My parents are visiting. They got here July 3rd and on July 4th dad was telling me they needed to leave the coming Friday. My old people are really something, but that is not what I wanted to post about.

My father talks, continuously, a lot. He will start with a simple answer to a question I asked and go on into various topics and anecdotes that seem not to have an end. One of tonight twists brought up his statement (seconded by my mother’s) about President George W. Bush: “He is a very good Presiden ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/07/06/mention-two/)
2005-06-17T14:00:00Z	**Downing Street Memo**
I have known about this since it was released to the News media, but I haven’t comment about it here. I am providing a link to the [contents of the Memo](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1593607,00.html "The Secret Downing Street Memo") (pretty small read, I assure you) as they showed on the [Times Online on May 1st, 2005](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1593607,00.html "The Secret Downing Street Memo"). Draw your conclusions. I just want to quote a few parts of it.  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/17/downing-street-memo/)
2005-06-17T14:00:00Z	**USA PATRIOT Act**
A lot has been said and written about the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act”, commonly known as USA PATRIOT Act, but they are quite diverse interpretations —some biased—, mainly because the whole Act is written on 300 pages of legalese. Recently I found the [Electronic Frontier Foundation page](http://www.eff.org/patriot/ "USA PATRIOT") about such Act, which sums it up in the following points (as far as why should ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/17/usa-patriot-act/)
2005-06-16T14:00:00Z	**Happy Birthday!**
Today, a few years ago, a wonderful person –at least very wonderful to me– was born. A few years later I was lucky enough to meet her and become her husband.

Today Kim reaches a new milestone and it is with love that Kent I have to say: **HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!** ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/16/happy-birthday/)
2005-06-15T14:00:00Z	**Terri's autopsy: What does it means?**
The results of Terri Schiavo’s autopsy were released today. BBC News [reported](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4096256.stm "BBC News: No trauma before Terri's collapse"):

> Examiner John Throgmartin said there was no evidence of trauma or strangulation prior to Schiavo’s collapse. The autopsy also could not prove that she was suffering from an eating disorder at the time – her diminished potassium levels at the time could have been affected by emer ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/15/terri-autopsy-what-does-it-means/)
2005-06-13T14:00:00Z	**No more Freedom Fries?**
It was really interesting to read on the [BBC News](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4086380.stm "Freedom Fries lawmaker' U-turn"):

> A pro-Iraq war US congressman who campaigned for French fries to be renamed “freedom fries” is now calling for US troops to return home from Iraq. Republican Representative Walter Jones is to introduce legislation demanding a timetable for the withdrawal.
>
> […]
>
> “I just feel that the reason of going in for weapons of mass  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/13/no-more-freedom-fries/)
2005-06-13T14:00:00Z	**Not guilty!**
This is just news:

> Singer Michael Jackson has been found innocent on all 10 charges of child abuse at the end of his trial.
>
> The singer strenuously denied the charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy. There were cheers from his fans outside the court as the verdicts were read.
>
> He was also cleared of giving the child alcohol and conspiring to kidnap him and his family. – [BBC News](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4604027.stm "BBC News")

Now, let’s sue those “parents”. B ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/13/not-guilty/)
2005-06-13T14:00:00Z	**They advertise with the best**
Imagine my surprise when I saw the following Google Ad showing under one of my posts this morning:

[Was a screenshot of a Microsoft MSN advertisement on Google]

I guess Microsoft knows who is the best, right? I mean, the only way to see that advertising (other than serving adds on your own web space) is by searching the web using Google. I think it is funny… and interesting. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/13/they-advertise-with-the-best/)
2005-06-12T14:00:00Z	**Chosen by God?**
I have heard in several occasions, and read quite a few times, that President George W. Bush believes he was chosen (appointed) by God to be our President. God, supposedly, wants nothing but well being for us all, right? Then I would like to know what Mr. Bush is doing to end the killing, abuse and hunger (among other things) from places like Central, South America and Caribbean, Africa and great parts of Asia.

Some say God acts in mysterious ways. Boy, I am about to believe it! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/12/chosen-by-god/)
2005-06-10T14:00:00Z	**Changes**
Changes are coming soon. After a couple of years with the same patched interface I am about to **a)** have it right and migrate it to WP 1.5 or **b)** asimilate an existing WP template and start fresh. The advances behind WP 1.5.1 are way too attracting, I am not going to wait any longer.

So, should you tomorrow (or next month) come and find things completely different, do not fret. I am changing things around… [once again](https://collantes.us/2003/05/11/things-are-changing-once-again/ "Things changed back th ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/10/changes/)
2005-06-01T14:00:00Z	**Musical batons and other memes**
I hate the “Musical Baton” and any other type of Memes (Friday’s craps, “This or That” imbecile lists, etc). Just do a [quick search at Google](http://www.google.com/search?q=%22musical+baton%22%2Bweblog&sourceid=mozilla-search&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official "Google search results") and you will know what I am talking about. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/06/01/musical-batons-and-other-memes/)
2005-05-29T14:00:00Z	**Single sign on**
Since I am going to start migrating all my web logins to a single sign on approach (using Chris Zarate [SuperGenPass](http://supergenpass.com/)), I think the best way to start is by saving the bookmarklet I will have to use over and over. There is a Greasemonkey version available, which has much more features than this bookmarklet version. I will use the latest because it works with all browsers.

The bookmarklet is: [Single Sign on.](https://collantes.us/resources/t_01.txt). Drag and drop it on you ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/05/29/single-sign-on/)
2005-05-28T14:00:00Z	**PGP Corporation Decadence**
Recently PGP Corporation released their latest version of the PGP software created by Phil Zimmerman and made famous by millions of users around the world (me included). I wish I could say such latest release is great, but I can’t.

The new PGP Desktop 9.0 (or 9.0.1 beta as of this writting) come with a few new “features” and lacks of a few others that any old school PGP user might notice right away. It also comes with it fair amount of bugs and programming slopiness. The ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/05/28/pgp-corporation-decadence/)
2005-05-28T14:00:00Z	**Shameful website**
Have you ever tried going to the U.S. website for Kenwood? Kenwood, you know, that audio equipment, transceivers maker, etc? [Go look](http://www.kenwoodusa.com/ "Kenwood U.S.A. Website")! They ought to be ashamed! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/05/28/shameful-website/)
2005-03-31T14:00:00Z	**Your Privacy at stake**
Something very infortunated has happened and I want to encourage you, and the people you know, to help amend this by [signing the petition](http://thedangerofnoprivacy.com/signpetition.php "Sign Petition!") and [emailing your elected officials](http://thedangerofnoprivacy.com/emailofficial.php "Email your Elected Officials") as soon as possible.

The [NTIA](http://www.ntia.doc.gov/), which is the telecommunications and Internet arm of the Department of Commerce, has disallowed private  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/03/31/your-privacy-at-stake/)
2005-03-17T14:00:00Z	**I am still here**
It has been a while since I came to talk. I am afraid this time I will not talk much either. Between work, family, a game (I used not to play any game at all. Now the whole family has been playing [Toon Town](http://www.toontown.com/ "Toon Town") for almost 5 months. Give it a try, it is addictive! :-) ) and a few personal projects I had had little time to come here and chatter. But I am still here, I will come back. I want to upgrade to the latest Wordpress, I want to change a few things around. Davi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/03/17/i-am-still-here/)
2005-01-25T14:00:00Z	**Adsense presence**
I few of you might have realized that I, finally, got approved on Goggle’s [Adsense](http://www.google.com/adsense/) program. Two years ago I applied, with the hopes of becoming rich. I was very naïve and I was denied participation. Recently I applied again. I did it mainly for two reasons: I love Google. I can not deny I am in love with it. Everything that Google has offered so far is of my liking. Secondly, I wanted to offer my skimish audience related links to sites and/or products that could  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/01/25/adsense-presence/)
2005-01-12T14:00:00Z	**Beware!**
There is a flu strain going around. I am not sure of how vast its geographic coverage will be, I just know I caught a drop –or a bucket– of it here in Orlando, Central Florida.

Now this sucker is not like any other. At least for me it isn’t. This one blocks your nose and lungs and converts you into a phlegm dispenser machine. It gives you pain in all your joins (joins, not loins!), head and eyes. It will take your appetite away, it will give you flatulence. It will not let you sleep and it will bother you w ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/01/12/beware/)
2005-01-12T14:00:00Z	**Sex is everything**
For spammers –and others–, that is. Other than the trackback attack that a [good](http://photomatt.net/2005/01/05/trackback-spam/ "Photomatt") group of [people](http://www.figby.com/archives/2005/01/06/trackback-spam/ "Another WP user") including me received recently, sex related spam seems to have doubled as the year increased by one. And all comes down to this: human beings are a bunch of sex driven machines. Take it or leave it. We all like it, enjoy it and are driven to it in a multifacete ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/01/12/sex-is-everything/)
2005-01-06T14:00:00Z	**More on VoIP**
Last year I [wrote about Lingo](https://collantes.us/2004/08/21/more-on-lingo/) and recommended their VoIP service. While I was not that off on that “review”, I have changed my mind long ago and decided not to keep the service. I got a lot of emails from people wanting to try and/or get the service and they used my email for referral. As a result, I got a lot of free Lingo service, but I called them at the end of December to cancel for good (something they told me they did, but I still have the service, ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/01/06/more-on-voip/)
2005-01-01T14:00:00Z	**Good bye MMIV. Welcome MMV!**
And here I am, to wish good byes to 2004 and to greet 2005. The year 2004 was a heck of a year, too many things to write in just a couple of minutes. Just one true thing, everything we—the Collantes' family—did go through was worth the journey.

So, 2005 starts and with it my often erratic and/or pedantic ramblings. To all a prosperous, peaceful, hopeful, fruitful 2005. Just love one to each other, everything else comes after. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2005/01/01/good-bye-mmiv-welcome-mmv/)
2004-09-29T14:00:00Z	**Taking a break**
For the very first time I feel like taking a complete break from the weblogging world. I have gone away in the past, but it was never as permanent as I said it would be. Today, for once, I feel I can really do it. That is, break away for a longer time than the previous. Reasons? Just tired, just need more time with my growing kid and family in general.

Whatever reason is, I am taking a break. Will I be gone long? Will I come back tomorrow? Hard to tell. I am not that interesting of a read to start  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/09/29/taking-a-break/)
2004-09-25T14:00:00Z	**Quiet time**
It has been a quiet time here. But quiet here does not means it has been so everywhere else. It has been stressful, it has been painful. It hasn’t been easy. Whoever once said –or wrote– that life isn’t easy wasn’t lying. But as uneasy as it might get, it is worth living it.

I will be back, right after [Jeanne](http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT1%2Bshtml/201440.shtml) has passed. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/09/25/quiet-time/)
2004-09-11T14:00:00Z	**Remembrance**
![World Trade Center](https://collantes.us/2004/09/11/remembrance//resources/twin_towers.jpg#full)

Today, [three years ago](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11%2C_2001_attacks "September 11th 2001 attacks"), a group of animals belonging to the human race decided to take away thousands of innocent lives by destroying the Twin Towers (see [World TradeCenter](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center)). Let us not to forget how stupid they were, how criminal they were, how non human they were. L ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/09/11/remembrance/)
2004-09-10T14:00:00Z	**Three in less than a month**
There hasn’t been that much movement around here –on the weblog, I mean–, since hurricanes have kept us busy during the second half of August and the first of September. First [Charley](https://collantes.us/2004/08/15/veteran-of-charlie/ "Veteran of Charley"), then Frances and now Ivan. The stress level of people around is pretty high, so is their worry. There is a saying, you know, “three and you are out!”. Everyone I know, whose house or properties have been undamaged, is  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/09/10/three-and-you-are-out/)
2004-09-04T14:00:00Z	**A hell of a week**
It has been a hell of a week and continues to be so. KM has been the whole week (and still is!) sick. Sick to a point that kept me home all those days. Kim and I have been very worried and needless is to say that our days hasn’t been fun one’s, to say the least.

To top it off, now we have got Frances, the hurricane that is, about to slam on us. Are we unprepared? Yes. After the week we had had we do not need anything else, honestly. I just hope it will stay category 2 or less… or that it  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/09/04/a-hell-of-a-week/)
2004-08-25T14:00:00Z	**Gmail invitations**
I have 6 Gmail invitations that I will give out to anyone who writes a sincere comment about the use it will give to such account, if given. I have been using Gmail for a while now and I can assure you it is a great service, addictive indeed. It is not all about the 1GB of space that Google gives with it, but the excellent features and blazing speed. You can read more about Gmail on the [Gmail Support Center](https://gmail.google.com/support/ "Gmail Support Center"). I also [wrote](https://collant ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/25/gmail-invitations/)
2004-08-25T14:00:00Z	**It is the Marketers fault!**
While reading my daily doses of irrelevant information on Slashdot today, I [saw](http://slashdot.org/articles/04/08/25/1156253.shtml?tid=109 "Microsoft found guilty...") that “ _…The UK Advertising Standards Authority has upheld complaints that [Microsoft misled](http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=18067 "The Inquirer news on this") consumers by running advertisements claiming Linux is 10 times more expensive than Windows…_” While they did not lied, they forgot to mention that the  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/25/marketers-fault/)
2004-08-22T14:00:00Z	**Google's Doodles**
Google is well known for altering its homepage logos to commemorate a [special event or Holidays](http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html "Google Holiday Logos"). They have done it since 1999 —at least, that is the earliest documented year.

This year Olympic Games are not an exception. [Google Doodle VIII](http://www.google.com/doodle8.html "2004 Summer Olympics Doodle") celebrates the [2004 Olympic Games](http://www.athens2004.com/ "Official 2004 Olympic Games site") in Athens. Below is a loc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/22/googles-doodles/)
2004-08-21T14:00:00Z	**A busy week**
It has been a busy week. On Monday classes will start and, as you can imagine, a lot of things are left to the last moment on a Campus. It is also true that Murphy’s Law applies as well on that final week: if something is going to go wrong, it will certainly go wrong. If you are thinking Microsoft Exchange you are on the right track.

You see, when I installed Exchange 2003 I swear I installed the Enterprise version. Of course I did not; I guess Windows 2003 Enterprise Server got me confused. Running th ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/21/a-busy-week/)
2004-08-21T14:00:00Z	**More on Lingo**
A while ago I wrote about my plans of [dropping BellSouth](https://collantes.us/2004/07/31/dropping-bellsouth/) for a VoIP provider called [Lingo](http://www.lingo.com/ "Lingo"). At that time I also wrote that I would come back and write a review about it. Well, this is not a real review –I really do not know how to write one– but it contains my experiences with [Lingo](http://www.lingo.com/ "Lingo") voice over IP (VoIP) service, so far.

When something works fine there is very little to tell. The ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/21/more-on-lingo/)
2004-08-15T14:00:00Z	**Veteran of Charley**
Mother Nature, just as humans, changes her mind. That is the case of hurricane Charley. All forecasts read that Tampa, FL would be the one beaten by him but Mother Nature, with it’s natural (no pun intended) ambivalence made a twist and brought it directly near Fort Myers, and then to us in Orlando, FL.

Needless is to say we had winds. We had winds all right. Actually, we got everything: homes, commercial buildings, trees… all destroyed. And we got no power, no cable (and Internet) and  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/15/veteran-of-charlie/)
2004-08-09T14:00:00Z	**I am a virus, open me!**
The history repeats itself. No matter how many viruses get to their inboxes, no matter how many times you tell them not to open those attachments, when all logic and common sense are just yelling “delete!”, they will open it.

Virus and trojan makers/scripters will always succeed. Antivirus companies will always be behind (even for a few hours/minutes) and make tons of money. As long as my type of user exists there will be a future of revenues on that field and a headache for the r ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/09/i-am-a-virus-open-me/)
2004-08-07T14:00:00Z	**Small catching up**
Last week was a busy week. The [Exchange server](https://collantes.us/2004/07/27/flipping-the-switch/ "Flipping the switch") went into 3/4 full production and, yes, it crashed. For the first time I had to recover the PRIV and PUB databases and the server wasn’t been on production not even a week! Oh boy…

I got the [Lingo](http://www.lingo.com/ "Lingo") gateway (VoIP gateway, that is) and the quality is excellent, while reaching their technical support is close to impossible. When I finall ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/08/07/small-catching-up/)
2004-07-31T14:00:00Z	**Dropping BellSouth**
Our VoIP gateway shipped yesterday and it should reach us around August 3rd (Tuesday). We are going to try Voice over IP technology and service, from [Lingo](http://www.lingo.com/ "Lingo"). The reason why? Save money. Lingo VoIP service is $20 for unlimited long distance for US, Canada and Western Europe. Very –very– competitive fees to the rest of the world. And you get all the other goodies (caller ID, call waiting, return call, \*69, voicemail, etc. [See more](https://www.lingo.com/guWeb/ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/31/dropping-bellsouth/)
2004-07-31T14:00:00Z	**Way too early**
I woke up at 7:00 AM today, perhaps a bit earlier. The same thing happens every weekend, I cannot sleep as I wish, my internal clock just wouldn’t stop buzzing. So here I am, reading my favourites blogs and news sites, while feeling stressed about Monday (or should I say Sunday night?) morning changes at work. It is the weekend, for God’s sake! I shouldn’t be worrying about anything in the future related to work. I wish it was that easy.

On Linux I know, after years of experience, things work o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/31/way-too-early/)
2004-07-27T14:00:00Z	**Flipping the switch**
Next Monday (August 2nd) we are flipping the switch from the old reliable Linux based email system (Sendmail, Washington University IMAP/POP3) to a relatively newly deployed Microsoft Exchange 2003. Needless is to say that we – [TRC](http://www.bus.ucf.edu/ "College of Business Administration, the TRC web page is on the Intranet") staff– all have been busy wrapping things up to minimize the impact. But things –bad things, unexpected things– are bound to happen. It is just a matter of t ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/27/flipping-the-switch/)
2004-07-24T14:00:00Z	**Where and what you eat...**
While browsing the “Orlando Sentinel Express” I found the section **Restaurant Penalties**, which I never saw before –well, it is true that I do not browse the Sentinel Express everyday.

From that section, two restaurant violations caught my eye:

> **Giovanni’s Restaurant & Pizza**, 2140 S. Chickasaw Trail – “…several five gallons pans of pizza and tomato sauce also were found without covers in the walk-in cooler. Raw whole shell eggs were found stored above pr ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/24/where-and-what-you-eat/)
2004-07-18T14:00:00Z	**Shredder and Eggroll**
![Shredder and Eggroll](https://collantes.us/2004/07/18/shredder-and-eggroll//resources/2004-07-18-shredder-and-eggroll.jpg#full)

Kent assumes the personality of a different cartoon character — or hero — every day. He seems to shuffle between Ninja Turtles, Batman, Danny Phantom, Robin (from “Teen Titans”), Jackie Chang and others. He has even been Spongebob Squarepants! Needless is to say we — Kim and I — are always the bad guys.

Today he decided he was a Ninja Turtle  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/18/shredder-and-eggroll/)
2004-07-18T14:00:00Z	**Sunday morning rants**
As I [previously wrote](https://collantes.us/2004/07/14/the-worse-web-browser/ "The worse web browser"), I believe IE is no match to Firefox. I will tell everyone I know about its problems, I will show those to them if I can. I will praise the goods of Firefox, so everyone I know will enjoy web browsing as much as I am. But…

One thing is not using IE and another thing is not serving pages to those using it. That’s plain wrong. It is like going to a japanese restaurant and have sushi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/18/sunday-morning-rants/)
2004-07-14T14:00:00Z	**The worse Web Browser**
Not too long ago I was an Internet Explorer fan. The pages I went to looked fine under it, the experience seemed rich. There were no complains. Then I started fiddling with CSS and moving away from tables. I experienced the advantages of the PNG format and I loved it. I experienced functionability I never saw before. I got tired of hearing about major problems and running security updates. I got my eyes opened.

I wonder why it took that long. Perhaps Mozilla Firefox was not that polis ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/14/the-worse-web-browser/)
2004-07-13T14:00:00Z	**Joined the rest**
As you can see, I have joined the rest of the thousands using the drop shadow, centered approach on their websites/weblogs. There are several things I am not sure yet. Different background colour? Should I make the top and bottom with shadow too, with a space at the top and bottom just like it was before? Should I use this opportunity and make the whole interface 800 wide instead of 640 pixels? Decisions, decisions.. What do you think? Also, can you recommend how to re-structure the side “column”  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/13/joined-the-rest/)
2004-07-11T14:00:00Z	**First day**
I must admit, before I continue, that I did not exercise last night. At least, not as I had intended. It is my fault, I became lazy and even though Kim pushed me well, it did not worked out. But… I am proud the say that I just walked three miles this morning and, boy, it felt good. I know it is not a sensational “news”, but I wanted to mark the day of my come back. I will be fit in no time. I have to. I must. Next, I will buy a pedometer. Thanks to my friend [Martin](http://www.edulon.co.uk/ "Renaissance Ed ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/11/first-day/)
2004-07-10T14:00:00Z	**Week recount**
Nothing major happened during the last week that I can recall. Someone called me a copycat and accused me of copying another site, which was a totally baseless accusation and hence not worth of occupying more space here. We have been looking —well, Kim more than I— for a pre-school for KM without much success. That’s pretty much it.

I am going to try and do some exercises starting tonight, since the lack of it is taking its toll on my body. It is not only the gaining of fat on certain spots that  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/10/week-recount/)
2004-07-05T14:00:00Z	**The three of us**
For one reason or another, we have very few pictures on which the three of us are present. Even today, went I tried to snap one I failed. Don’t get me wrong, photos we have, but none of them pleases us –Kim– to put online for the viewing audience (the very small one we have here).

A couple of days ago I took one photo that I decided to put online, because I like they way KM eyes look and because it represents the priority level in our family: kid goes first, then us.

What’s the “pr ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/05/the-three-of-us/)
2004-07-04T14:00:00Z	**Happy 4th of July!**
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

**Happy 228th Birthday, America!**

> On July 4th, 1776, we claimed our independence from Great Britain (now United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin t ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/04/happy-4th-of-july/)
2004-07-03T14:00:00Z	**It happened again**
[Last Friday](https://collantes.us/2004/06/26/friday-night-photos/ "Friday night photos") family got together in our house and some photos were taken. Well, it happened again, just this time there was no other family around, but the three of us. We were making time to go over the airport to pick Khanh (brother-in-law) and girlfriend up, so I snapped a few photos, from which I have choosen five. It is mainly about KM, but Kim is in one of them, for the first time!

Something bad about the night ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/03/it-happened-again/)
2004-07-02T14:00:00Z	**In God we trust**
It is interesting to find out, at times when some minority wants to have removed “…under God…” from the Pledge of Allegiance, about this —it refers to the Great Seal of the United States of America motto:

> The federal courts have held that the motto symbolizes the historical role of religion in our society, Lynch, 465 U.S. at 676, formalizes our medium of exchange, see O’Hair v. Blumenthal, 462 F. Supp. 19, 20 (W.D. Tex.), aff’d sub nom. O’Hair v. Murray, 588 F.2d 1144 (5th Cir.  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/07/02/in-god-we-trust/)
2004-06-28T14:00:00Z	**They keep coming**
A while ago I wrote about a spam [I got from Nigeria](https://collantes.us/2003/09/29/dissecting-a-nigerian-scam/) (of course, we all know it could be from anywhere) and how Mr. Tanko lost his Internet connection when [I asked for $20](https://collantes.us/2003/09/29/dissecting-a-nigerian-scam/). While it is true that before and after that posting I have gotten quite a few other offers of the kind, none of them came from a man in the United Arab Emirates, supposedly. Now, that is not the unusual thi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/28/they-keep-coming/)
2004-06-26T14:00:00Z	**Friday night photos**
As I previously mentioned, last night some family members got together in our home to eat and drink. Oh, and to say good bye to some other family that was visiting from California. As it is normal when family gets together, everything started quite early –5:30PM– and finished around 9:30PM. That simply means that food and beer was no longer available at that time ;-) .

Normally I am the one taking the photos around, taking care of this kids and later on posting things here. Last night ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/26/friday-night-photos/)
2004-06-24T14:00:00Z	**Visitor cleaning**
I find it interesting that we –and I know I am generalizing here, so correct me if I am wrong– worry about organizing and cleaning the house especially when we are expecting a visit. I know that we want to give the visitor the best impression possible, but aren’t we “lying” by doing so, just because someone is coming? Who are we kidding? I mean, if we were that clean and organized we didn’t have the need to do the “visitor cleaning” to start with, right?

What it’s even more in ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/24/visitor-cleaning/)
2004-06-22T14:00:00Z	**Moved!**
I have just moved Collantes.US to the new server. DNS is still running on the old one, but you should be seeing the new pages served on the new server Apache. If you see a note at the top asking not to enter a comment, please do so – that is, do not enter a comment. That server is the old one and it will disappear sooner rather than later.

Expect shaky things around for a brief while. Oh, and I still have Gmail invitations, just in case you might want one. [Get in touch](mailto:david@collantes.us?subject=Gmail In ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/22/moved/)
2004-06-20T14:00:00Z	**Screw SPEWS**
Recently I found out that my existing server IP—the server I am moving away from—is banned on SPEWS (I am not linking them, [Google it](http://www.google.com/search?q=spews "Google query for SPEWS") and you shall know), because it is assigned to UUnet, which is blamed of harbouring spammers. Following the recommendation of the bounced email I [posted on Usenet](http://goo.gl/Atxoy "My post on news.admin.net-abuse.email"), asking to be removed, without knowing at that time that it was something out of my h ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/20/screw-spews/)
2004-06-17T14:00:00Z	**Short and sweet**
Just a quick post, short and sweet, while my wife and kid still sleep and I patiently wait for the ServerBeach people to fix the mess on my server (the other server). Can you believe that I lost connection last night, went to sleep and this morning I found that my IP goes to a Windows 2003 server? Boy, talk about some big time screw up!

I have 15 (fifteen, that is) invitations for [Gmail](http://www.gmail.com/ "Google Email") that I am giving out for free. If anyone wants one, go ahead and [email ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/17/short-and-sweet/)
2004-06-11T14:00:00Z	**WordPress and how I did it**
This might as well be my last entry completely related or dedicated to WP. I am sure I will mention it here and there in the future, but it would have to be something very important for me to talk about it exclusively in one entry.

As the few of you know, I used to run Movable Type (MT) and I was happy with it. The only thing that always bothered me was the rebuild times, which were getting bigger and bigger and the fact the every comment posted would take from 2 to 5 minute ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/11/wordpress-and-how-i-did-it/)
2004-06-08T14:00:00Z	**Just about there**
I know I have been writting a lot (well, not a lot, since I am holding down on writting until everything works as I want) about WP and how great it is and how happy I am to have moved away from MT, etc. I have been testing things, getting everything around to look and feel as they did a while back, when MT was still the one in command.

Now, finally, after a few weeks of trying, using the little time I have at home to work on this, I have managed to get the site to look very close to what I want ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/06/08/just-about-there/)
2004-05-31T14:00:00Z	**Brainstorming**
Some of you might have noticed that I changed things around a little bit. I am still not decided what to have in here, but the actual interface will do for now, even though at time you might see the “blue” one that I had for quite a while before.

I have eliminated the categories, even though I still use them when writing entries. Tomorrow –or the day after tomorrow– I will be upgrading to 1.3-prealpha, which contains some code to allow clean URI’s across the whole site (with the exception o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/31/brainstorming/)
2004-05-27T14:00:00Z	**Parsing PHP code**
I am trying to implement a [little hack](http://stevarino.com/2004/03/wordpress-hack-php-entries/ "Stevarino.") that will allow the use of PHP code within posts. Since I am the only “author” here, I do not think that will bring much of a security risk. This post is intended to test this hack. I will try the following, < ?php echo(“This hack has worked”); ?> to see if it does the trick. And here it goes:

This concludes this test. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/27/parsing-php-code/)
2004-05-25T14:00:00Z	**Changing servers**
As if weren’t enough my move to WordPress and my internal debacle on what to do with the site design, now I am getting ready to move all domains and files –physically– to another [hosting company](http://www.serverbeach.com/catalog/index.php?REF=UHW6Z5PZC5 "ServerBeach."), on a real colocated server (not [VS](http://www.johncompanies.com/ "John Companies.") anymore).

The virtual server I have used until now (and that I still use now, for the time being) served me well, but it is getting o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/25/changing-servers/)
2004-05-21T14:00:00Z	**Bob Muglia on Longhorn**
[Dreaming of Longhorn](http://www.zdnet.com.au/insight/software/0,39023769,39148209,00.htm "Dream of Longhorn.").

> “When I think of Linux, I don’t think about it as our competitor. I think about Linux as a technology that is used by our competitors to build competitive offerings.” Very different from what Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates have been saying but Muglia says “he’s trying to teach them a thing or two.” ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/21/bob-muglia-on-longhorn/)
2004-05-21T14:00:00Z	**Software gentlemans**
[Guidelines to help fight deceptive Internet software](http://www.google.com/corporate/software_principles.html "Software Principles."). “…We will strive to distribute our software only in bundles where all applications meet the above guidelines…” ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/21/software-gentlemans/)
2004-05-20T14:00:00Z	**Do you want to try it?**
[A demo of Office 2004 for Mac is available](http://www.microsoft.com/mac/default.aspx?pid=office2004td "Download demo of Office 2004 for Mac") for Mac users to try. From [Microsoft MacTopia](http://www.mactopia.com/ "Microsoft MacTopia") [Office 2004](http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/office2004/office2004.aspx?pid=office2004 "Office 2004") page:

> “…There’s time for fun and time to focus. When you’re ready to get down to business, Microsoft’s Office 2004 for Mac provi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/20/do-you-want-to-try-it/)
2004-05-20T14:00:00Z	**Living on the bleeding edge**
I have made a habit to upgrade WP every morning and evening to the latest CVS. As I type this I am running WP 1.2 Epsylon RC2, two hours –more or less– old. Upgrades are such a breeze that it is actually fun. I find myself looking forward to the next upgrade.

I am not alone on the habit though. Upgrading WP is, certainly, [contagious](http://charles.gagalac.us/archives/2004/05/20/upgrade-to-wordpress-12-rc-2/ "Charles goes RC2 as well."). ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/20/living-on-the-edge/)
2004-05-19T14:00:00Z	**Drawing a blank**
I am drawing a blank trying to decided the new layout of this site. I have no problems with the previous one, but as I am running a [new engine](https://collantes.us/2004/05/13/in-the-process-of-moving/ "Related post.") here I would like the layout to be new as well. I spent a significant amount of time yesterday trying to come up with something and all went to waste.

Perhaps I am procastinating until I see Wordpress 1.2 out, and have all links to be cruft free. Right now the paging, whether on c ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/19/drawing-a-blank/)
2004-05-19T14:00:00Z	**Matt implements inline links**
[Matt implements inline links](http://photomatt.net/archives/2004/05/19/asides/ "On Asides"): Just as [Charles Gagalac](http://charles.gagalac.us/ "The simple but fancy design of Charles Gagalac."), Mullenweg has implemented a very nice hack. I did the same, but discontinued it after a few posts. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/19/matt-implements-inline-links/)
2004-05-19T14:00:00Z	**Mena wants to know**
[How are you using “the tool”?](http://www.sixapart.com/log/2004/05/how_are_you_usi.shtml "How are you using the tool?") Mena wants to know how people are using Movable Type. That should have been the first question before last week fiasco. ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/19/mena-wants-to-know/)
2004-05-15T14:00:00Z	**Old permalinks broken**
If you had links to specific entries here you are finding out they broke. Let me start by apologizing, I did not know some people had links pointing to here.

You see, I could’ve created permalinks on [WordPress](http://www.wordpress.org/ "WordPress web site") that matched the old ones, but I was tired on having such large URI’s. That’s the reason I have changed them when I switched. The one’s in use now will last for a very long time, I have choosen them to be around for a whi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/15/old-permalinks-broken/)
2004-05-15T14:00:00Z	**Update: Permalinks**
I’ve decided to honor all previously made links to entries around here, so I have tweaked WP accordingly. I did so not only because of the links, but because of the trackbacks as well. Enjoy! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/15/update-permalinks/)
2004-05-14T14:00:00Z	**I am not alone**
Looks like I am not the only one making the move. Judging by the length of the [trackback list](http://www.sixapart.com/corner/archives/2004/05/its_about_time.shtml#trackback "Trackbacks on It's about Time") on “Mena’s Corner”, a whole lot of people is moving away from Movable Type. Since the news has bee Slashdotted, the WP server is overloaded by, not only switchers, but /. visitors. I am sure they will survive. Now ready for the weekend!

**Note**

Even [Mark Pilgrim](http://diveintomar ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/14/i-am-not-alone/)
2004-05-13T14:00:00Z	**In the process of moving**
As you can see, I am in the process of moving from the now defunct [Movable Type](http://www.movabletype.org/ "Six Apart's Movable Type") to the sexy [WordPress](http://www.wordpress/ "WordPress"). Why, you may ask? Well, because I was already [planning to](https://collantes.us/2004/05/08/gmail-invitations-for-sale/ "I talk about that here") and because Six Apart has changed to different venues that do not interest me at all. Also, I was getting tired of the lagginess of MT. Well, it ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/13/in-the-process-of-moving/)
2004-05-08T14:00:00Z	**Gmail invitations for sale**
It was just a matter of time until this happened: Google webmail invitations are being sold like crazy on eBay. Some people are even buying one invitation knowing that eventually Google will give two (it has been happening on every new account), so they can resell more. Amazing!

This site looks like crap under Mozilla on Linux, which bothers me a lot. I think I will move things around here soon to accommodate what it might become my desktop OS. I am also tired of looking for ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/05/08/gmail-invitations-for-sale/)
2004-04-25T14:00:00Z	**Fedora Core Test 3**
I have installed Fedora Core Test 2 on my new [XPS](https://collantes.us/2004/04/04/life-with-an-xps/ "Life with an XPS") (dual boot), ran up2date, gotten Test 3 and I must say it is one sweet, nice coming along distribution. Hardened with [SELinux](http://www.nsa.gov/selinux/ "Security-Enhanced Linux"), running kernel 2.6.3 and with a nice [set of packages](http://fedora.redhat.com/projects/package-list/ "Package List for Fedora Core 1") available, Fedora will certainly stand out.

I am rea ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/04/25/fedora-core-test-3/)
2004-04-22T14:00:00Z	**Gmail is not for everyone**
I have used Gmail now a little bit. Sometimes I am a lucky guy; I have experienced good luck several times: when I met Kim, when my child was born, when I first flew over the Atlantic. This time my luck came in the form of a Gmail account. Thanks to those who graciously offered me the chance to see with my own eyes what many other mortals have ambition.

I can’t say that much that is not [already said](http://jogin.com/weblog/archives/2004/04/17/using_gmail "Using Gmail"), bu ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/04/22/gmail-is-not-for-everyone/)
2004-04-17T14:00:00Z	**Gmail Hype**
[Everybody](http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/wlg/4707 "The Fuss About Gmail and Privacy: Nine Reasons Why It's Bogus.") is [talking](http://diveintomark.org/archives/2004/04/12/dream "Dream of Gmail.") about Google’s [upcoming](http://www.bladam.com/archives/0404141832.htm "Google Email - An In-Depth Look.") [Gmail](http://bgbg.blogspot.com/2004_04_04_bgbg_archive.html#108154553102216125 "Gee! Mail."). Since I wasn’t choosen to beta test, I can not offer any [excellent insider view](http://jogin.com/weblog/arc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/04/17/gmail-hype/)
2004-04-13T14:00:00Z	**Spelling and grammar**
It is not difficult to realize, even for the untrained eye, that english is not my mother language. Spanish is. I have been “using” english for eight years now, but I have improved very little. Believe me, when you are as old as I am and, on top of that, are not that good with languages, getting where I have gotten today is quite an accomplishment, although one that leaves plenty space for improvement.

So, you will see misspellings and grammatical errors on my entries. If correction ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/04/13/spelling-and-grammar/)
2004-04-11T14:00:00Z	**Sun and salty water**
![Kent plays](https://collantes.us/2004/04/11/sun-and-salty-water//resources/2004-04-11-sun-and-salty-water.jpg#full)

After almost a year, we returned to the beach yesterday. [Jetty Park](http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/), by Port Cañaveral is around 45 miles from where we live, but still closer than Daytona. It is quite a nice park, with a decently clean beach. For those of you living constantly under the cold weather, sun and salty water is as good as it gets, right? :-)
� ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/04/11/sun-and-salty-water/)
2004-04-04T14:00:00Z	**Life with an XPS**
Three weeks ago I finally [got motivated](https://collantes.us/2004/03/12/expect-changes/ "Expect changes") — read Kim gave me an ultimatum — and sold my two Rolleiflex at eBay. The main purpose of selling them was to buy a digital camera, to replace the one I don’t have. But after consideration of:

1. The one I wanted was too expensive.
2. The body did not come with a lens.
3. I barely have time to take pictures.
4. KM has monopolized our home workstation.

I decided that the b ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/04/04/life-with-an-xps/)
2004-03-25T14:00:00Z	**Futilely insisting**
Human nature is quite interesting and I type so based on my own experience. I am talking about myself.

It amazes me that I keep going to check for new entries or read comments, once — and sometimes two, three, four times — a day on [Ambivalent.US](http://www.ambivalent.us/ "Eryk weblog"), when I disagree 9 out of 10 with everything the owner has to say (actually, write). Same thing happens with [Hivelogic](http://www.hivelogic.com/ "Dan Benjamin"), I go there every day just to find a bo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/03/25/futilely-insisting/)
2004-03-20T14:00:00Z	**About the spanish elections**
The overturn of the elections in Spain was driven by several factors. Leftists accused the PP (Popular Party) of lying and one have to assume that socialists voters believed it. Aznar got Spain into a war that was considered by many as non-needed, following an agresive and self-centered ideology.

The truth is that while the war was out of spanish campgrounds everything was limited to talks about veracity of the (war) facts, justice and geostrategy. But for most of the vote ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/03/20/about-the-spanish-elections/)
2004-03-19T14:00:00Z	**Why do they even bother?**
State institutions have a different way of doing things. Different from Corporate America, that is. For example let’s say, hypothetically, that a position opens on certain department on a state institution. A person already working for the department, a person which everyone is happy with about the job being done – by the person, that is – applies for the position. Odds of that person getting the job are very high, right? I mean, it makes perfect sense.

Now, what do they do ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/03/19/why-do-they-even-bother/)
2004-03-12T14:00:00Z	**Expect changes**
I know it has been a long time. I guess other things are using my mind and what’s left is not enough to dedicate on this. I have been back in Orlando for two weeks already, time is flying.

Wanted to get DSL, ordered and before receiving the modem cancelled. Bell South wants you to use their SMTP server and nothing else and I can not accept that. Modem is going back and I am back to my old cable modem.

Placed two cameras for auction on eBay, they are not selling that well. Let’s keep hoping ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/03/12/expect-changes/)
2004-02-23T14:00:00Z	**Family sticks together**
Back in 2001 KM was born. Orlando was his birth place and all he knows to be called home. It is where his house is, in which he freely roams his domains and plays with his toys. It is also where he fights his father on endless battles. Nana lives there so does uncle Thanh, and cousin Alyssa, Kevin, Tommy, Jason… along with thirty plus family members. He knows where [choo-choo train](http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ "Barnes and Nobles"), [Target](http://www.target.com/ "Target") and [Chuc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/02/23/family-sticks-together/)
2004-02-06T14:00:00Z	**But Death and Taxes**
“In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes” wrote Benjamin Franklin, 200 plus years ago and that truth remains unabated. It should be easy to figure out that we were involved on preparing our taxes. Being part of the decadent american middle class it is not hard to imagine that we treat taxes as what they are: a serious matter.

Years ago I used to get great refunds. Then they started to diminish and one _lucky_ year I ended up paying $200. When Kent was born we got a sweet  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/02/06/but-death-and-taxes/)
2004-02-03T14:00:00Z	**It has been a ride, UCF**
I am leaving the College of Business and, hence, the University of Central Florida. When I started working for UCF almost eight years ago I did not know I was going to stay that long, but most important of all, I did not know it was going to be that much fun. It has certainly been a ride, a good one. I learned a lot in all aspects and for that I am grateful.

I had the opportunity to work with excellent people in a very healthy working environment. Accepting the fact that nothing is ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/02/03/it-has-been-a-ride-ucf/)
2004-01-31T14:00:00Z	**To Tampa back and forth**
In the last five days I have been in Tampa four times, twice by myself and twice with Kim and KM. One may say it is only 90 miles each way, not a biggie, but once it is done several times consecutively it does makes a difference.

Three days ago we thought we had the perfect apartment there but this morning Kim thought otherwise and, as quite often, she was right. She saw [another apartment](http://www.summerwalkatwestshore.com/ "Summerwalk at Westshore Apartments"), just 2.8 miles ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/31/to-tampa-back-and-forth/)
2004-01-27T14:00:00Z	**Drove a lot, saw places**
Today (actually, yesterday) Kim and I went over to Tampa. We drove a lot around and I am surprised of the fact that, even though it is the first time I drive around Tampa, we did not get lost, we did not drive more than normal to find the place(s) we were looking for, we did not get stuck in traffic.

I have to say that I found some of the parts of Tampa pretty abandoned. I do not mean the whole city is like that, but certain places had an almost dead (or completely dead) lawn, some ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/27/drove-a-lot-saw-places/)
2004-01-24T14:00:00Z	**Year of the Monkey**
Today we went to the Vietnamese New Year of the Monkey celebration gathering. Of course, some of you know that today is not “the” New Year per se, it happened a few days ago, but it is never late when we are talking about food… and happiness… and food. Did I mention food?

On previous years there was a fee to get inside the Florida Fairgrounds to enjoy the celebration. Not this year! We got there around 1:30 PM and within a few minutes we were $20 lighter and three pounds heavier. KM ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/24/year-of-the-monkey/)
2004-01-23T14:00:00Z	**On vacation now**
Today I enter a mini-vacation. There will be a lot of things to do next week, the most important of all will be to get the house ready to sell. Yes, you are not having any vision problems, you are reading well: we are selling the house. Interested?

The main thing we need to do is clean it, that’s the main goal this coming week. There are a few little things that need to get fixed, but they are minor details: some painting here, retouching there, nothing major.

Also, even though I will be o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/23/on-vacation-now/)
2004-01-20T14:00:00Z	**Slight redesign**
Slight redesign is in progress. It may span several days before it is finished but, as everything else, will get there, where I wanted it to be :-) I have been meaning to add a “side bar” for [quite](https://collantes.us/2003/09/20/yet-more-changes/ "I talk about that on this entry.") a [while](https://collantes.us/2003/11/22/a-moment-in-time/ "And on this one too.") and today was the day.

At home today, tired. Kent sleeps. Good. Will come back, as soon as time permits. Oh boy, this post is g ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/20/slight-redesign/)
2004-01-12T14:00:00Z	**Uneventful weekend**
This weekend was a bit stressful and I felt some anxiety, but it was uneventful. We –floridians– are enjoying once again a nice fresh weather. Let’s hope it will stay for a little more longer.

I went to work today. I have planned to do the work from home, but could not VPN to work. That forced me to get up my comfortable chair at home, dressed and drive to work. Luckily everything was done on time and I was on my way home around 11:00 AM. It is 12:01 AM while I type this, so I guess I ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/12/uneventful-weekend/)
2004-01-10T14:00:00Z	**Just suppose**
Suppose you have a friend, a friend like the whole meaning of the word friend “somebody who has a close personal relationship of mutual affection and trust with you.” It is the person you talk to when happy or when sad, when calm or stressed, when tired or rested. That person is your very good friend.

Now suppose that person wants a job that you think it is not appropriated. It is a job that might require more maturity than what you think your friend has. You do not think your friend is ready for i ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/10/just-suppose/)
2004-01-06T14:00:00Z	**Philosophical confussion**
I do not like unsolicited pop-up windows. I like even less unsolicited browser resizing. Missuse of web cookies blows and should be illegal. Junk and spam emails are a disease (well, not for me, since I use [TMDA](http://www.tmda.net/ "Tagged Message Delivery Agent.") on my [John Companies](http://www.johncompanies.com/ "John Companies") server and I get zero spam) that is getting out of hand. Porno and the sex industry for sure are a profitable business; most of the spam today adver ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/06/philosophical-confussion/)
2004-01-04T14:00:00Z	**First working week; about to start**
The 2004 first working week (at least for me) is about to start. I know it is going to be difficult after 4 and a half days off, but hey, “a man has to do what a man has to do…”. I hope we (TRC staff) will know early this week who was the choosen one for [the position](https://collantes.us/2003/12/26/good-bye-2003/ "See references to this on this post.") we interviewed people for.

Went to sleep early today (around 2:00 AM). I was playing with [AnyDVD](ht ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/04/first-working-week-about-to-start/)
2004-01-03T14:00:00Z	**Happy Birthday Kent Martin!**
Today is Kent Martin’s third birthday. Happy Birthday Kent! It is amazing how fast the time passes, it seems it was just yesterday when he was born. In this short three years we have managed to spoil him, but no more than the normal, when we are talking about the only child of mid-thirdties aged parents. The day before yesterday was mom birthday as well, 77 years old. Happy Birthday mama!

Our long weekend is rapidly reaching to an end and I have the feeling I have not acc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2004/01/03/happy-birthday-kent-martin/)
2003-12-31T14:00:00Z	**Happy New Year 2004!**
As we get closer to changing years —in some parts of the world it is already 2004— I feel like going over the things that happened to us (the Collantes' family) during 2003. I may not have enough to write about to make this a serious entry, but here I go.

This year we are leaving behind brought very few things, but some made a deep impact in our lives at this point. To start with, we turned out one year older (duh!) and, hence, gained on experience (yeah, right!). We reached our 5th  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/12/31/happy-new-year-2004/)
2003-12-26T14:00:00Z	**Good bye 2003!**
Twenty one days is a long time without talking to you. Yes, you, the one reading here at this very moment. Even though I had my reasons I am afraid they were way too lame to be used, so I am not bailing out. A lot has happened since the last post, let’s recount.

At work we had had the most controversial and lenghty hiring process ever. It has been going throughout the whole month, more or less, and still extends to the new year. Moods changed, feelings were hurt. In all and all, I think it will en ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/12/26/good-bye-2003/)
2003-12-07T14:00:00Z	**Winter has come**
It is snowing out there, somewhere. I hear New York got some snow recently. Other places have been under it’s white blanket for a while now. Well, it is cold here in Florida. Pretty cold for a State named “Sunshine State”. The sun shines, no doubt about it. It is shining right now, as I type this, but the temperature is 44 degrees (F). It was even colder overnight, I bet.

Christmas is rapidly approaching and we have no plans. For the first time since I have been working for [UCF](http://www ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/12/07/winter-has-come/)
2003-11-26T14:00:00Z	**Happy Thanksgiving!**
A few years ago, 383 more or less to be more precise, a bunch of british came to the now known America, running away, so to speak, from the beliefs of the Church of England, which they weren’t that happy with. The pilgrims settled on a piece of land that is now called the State of Massachusetts.

During their first winter everything was a mess: they had no food (they got there too late and winter made things more difficult), and without it, half of their settled colony died from diseases. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/11/26/happy-thanksgiving/)
2003-11-22T14:00:00Z	**A moment in time**
Not much is happening lately. At least, not much worth of mentioning. Christmas is coming (yes, Christmas, I do not need to be “politically” correct by calling it “holidays”) and I tend to get a little bit sad just around this time. I know it might sound weird, but I can’t help it.

Time is flying by lately and I do not know whether that’s good or bad. It should be bad all the time, since time is one of the few things that never returns, it can’t be rewinded. But while at work, it  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/11/22/a-moment-in-time/)
2003-11-13T14:00:00Z	**Got a Mac, once again**
My first knowledge about Mac’s came sorrounded by a mist of legend, legend that has lived until today: Mac’s are wonderful, powerful, friendly machines, that boot with a graphic interface and which mouse has only one big button. Ok, that was what I thought 15 years ago or so, but you get the idea.

Eight months ago I bought a dual 1.42 Ghz PowerMac G4, with 2GB RAM, 128 VRAM, 120GB HD, SuperDrive, Bluetooth… beautiful machine. Then wife lost her job and some of my most valuable po ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/11/13/got-a-mac-once-again/)
2003-10-29T14:00:00Z	**Mid-life Crisis**
When does mid-life crisis starts? I mean, how old do you need to be to start feeling the effects of it and, furthermore, what are such effects?

The reason I am asking all this is because, even thought I am barely on my 35th, I think –I just have that impression– that I am slowly, but at a very fast pace (talk about paradox here!), moving into my own version of mid-life crisis. I want to think it is version 1.0. Now, how many versions and for how long?

What’s going on with me? Hmm, hard ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/10/29/mid-life-crisis/)
2003-10-25T14:00:00Z	**I will never be happy in this lifetime**
Recently I received an email from a friend that has been on Iraq since the beginning of the war. He keeps us up-to-date of his experiences on the front and every email from him brings amazing details and interesting perspectives of the daily life on the liberated Iraq.

This last email was specially interesting because, as he mentions, it brings a part of Iraq that our news sources seems to have forgotten about, they haven’t picked up or they, simply ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/10/25/i-will-never-be-happy-in-this-lifetime/)
2003-10-10T14:00:00Z	**That simple life**
Reading an email from my oldest brother today, I went back to the days of my infancy, when life was so simple. You see, these days no one will dare to drop by your house without previously calling; you will ride you car even if it is to go just around the corner for a bottle of milk, or a six pack—for those who drink. Everything has it’s price: “Would you do such-and-such for me?”, “Sure, it will be $25.” or “How much are you going to pay me?” And the money part will be normal and ex ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/10/10/that-simple-life/)
2003-10-07T14:00:00Z	**Mobility 20-20**
If you do not live in Orlando you will not know what I am talking about here. Today was also voting day here, in Orlando, FL, but for a different reason than the Californians. Let me explain.

As you may or may not know every city has its budget. I bet that even every county has its own as well. Talking about a city budget, some people, perhaps even a bunch of people, get paid big money to come up with the numbers. They get to plan and budget the city expenditures that will be paid, in a vast majorit ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/10/07/mobility-2020/)
2003-09-29T14:00:00Z	**Dissecting a Nigerian scam**
I am almost willing to bet that you know what I mean when I type “ [Nigerian scam](http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22nigerian+scam%22 "What Google knows.")”. It has been going around under different subjects, using different names and approaching the scam in a multitude of different ways. The ultimate goal is simply one: to get you bite their scam so they can [get money](http://www.snopes2.com/inboxer/scams/nigeria.htm "Some more explanati ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/09/29/dissecting-a-nigerian-scam/)
2003-09-26T14:00:00Z	**Traveling, my unfulfilled hobby**
Today I came across [Vagabonding](http://www.vagabonding.com/ "Vagabonding.com chronicles the solo, one year, round-the-world journey of Mike Pugh, an optimist from Chicago, USA.") and I have to admit I felt jealous, in a good way. You see, traveling around the world has always been my unfulfilled dream and, even thought I have traveled some, I still hope one day (sooner rather than later) that dream will come true.

[Mike Pugh](http://www.vagabonding.com/about/00001 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/09/26/traveling-my-unfulfilled-hobby/)
2003-09-20T14:00:00Z	**Yet more changes**
I am contemplating, [once again](https://collantes.us/2003/05/11/things-are-changing-once-again/), some changes around here. As a matter of fact, some changes have already happened, whether you realized it or not. I am now printing the four previous entries on any archived entry, as well as providing the navigation to the previously and afterwards entries after those four. It might look confusing; it is an acquired taste. It is not as structured as [some](http://www.ftrain.com/ftrain_faq.html "Read  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/09/20/yet-more-changes/)
2003-09-15T14:00:00Z	**Money for your hobby?**
I have seeing an increasing amount of weblogs that are, either running [Google AdSense](https://www.google.com/adsense/ "Google AdSense") to make money or asking for donations. Does that works? I mean, does Google AdSense can be enough for someone to actually make a living out if it? And, on a related token, would the amount of “donations” add up enough to pay the rent? I am curious.

On politics. I am a republican although I am not sure if I will vote like so on the next Presidenti ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/09/15/money-for-your-hobby/)
2003-09-14T14:00:00Z	**Like a Phoenix**
Just like a Phoenix, this is a rebirth from my own ashes. I wanted to change things around here, perhaps change the way I write. Finally, I have decided to come back on a more informal way. Like it was in the beginning, when I decided that blogging could be a fun thing to do.

How informal will it be? Well, as informal as life itself — at least, mine —. I will write things that happen to me, my family, my friends and fellow human beings in general. I will not hold back just because I may think m ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/09/14/like-a-phoenix/)
2003-08-13T14:00:00Z	**Some of my points of view**
A recent [post](http://www.ambivalent.us/archives/2003/08/08/yes_i_am_a_minority.php "Yes, I am a minority") over [Ambivalent](http://www.ambivalent.us/ "A Journey throughout Uncertainty") sparked a small controversy. Small because it was a discussion of two, which also brought [another post](http://www.inapuddle.com/archives/000372.php "Angry"), made somewhere else. Both incidents have prompted me to come by and speak my mind on my points of view, specifically those related to hom ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/08/13/some-of-my-points-of-view/)
2003-08-06T14:00:00Z	**One year older**
Well, I thought it will never come. We — adults —, sometimes pursuing our dreams of Peterpan… we think we’ll never age. Slowly our skin becomes saggy and wrinkled; we can not see as sharp as before, hence we wear glasses; our hair turn white (for the lucky ones) and falls down (for those unlucky, like me). The rhythm of live goes at a different beat then. You start getting tired easily, things that previously attracted you do not longer do. Ah… you have, inevitably, aged.

Yes, I just turn ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/08/06/one-year-older/)
2003-07-30T14:00:00Z	**The never-ending story**
I am living the never-ending story with this website. It all comes down to lack of time. It could be also that the little time I have free I am dedicating to my family, but then again, that’s also lack of time.

Just a recount of the things that had occurred since the last time: we got cable for the first time (mainly for the enjoyment of Kent Martin and mother); our TV is kind of failing, so we go another; Kim got her first job interview, which she graciously flunked (hey, job sear ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/07/30/the-neverending-story/)
2003-07-16T14:00:00Z	**On a training, for two days**
I am going through a Windows 2003 training for two days. A few things we are talking about here I have already played with, some others are boooring! But it could be worse, at least it is not a Microsoft sales pitch.

It does feels weird to be away from work, I am not used to Trainings of this kind. It feels weird as well to be typing this from the classroom, while the instructor is going through his Powerpoint presentation. Botton line is, the chair where I am sitting is ve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/07/16/on-a-training-for-two-days/)
2003-07-11T14:00:00Z	**Longer than anticipated**
Well, my hiatus and upcoming photoblog are taking longer than anticipated. That’s due, most of the time, to lack of time. We have moved our offices to a new building (I am talking about work here) and things have been hectic at times. That added to Kent Martin’s growing up and the task of educating him becoming more important –and difficult– has taken all the little free time I have on my hands.

It is true that I had had some really “free” time. But then the inspiratio ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/07/11/longer-than-anticipated/)
2003-06-20T14:00:00Z	**On hiatus...**
Well, collantes.US will go on hiatus for a while. I have some other things on my hands that are taking some—or a great part—of my free time. That’s it. Entries will resume soon. Not _very soon_, but soon. When that happens the site might look slightly different. Those of you out there that have been coming here now and then already know what I mean… 😄

That said… cheers, you all! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/20/on-hiatus/)
2003-06-14T14:00:00Z	**A new server, a new life**
Well, I have finally moved to my own collocated server. I know you saw nothing here for a while, then you probably saw some errors and now we are finally back, running smoothly, we want to think.

This new server is connected to a faster pipe, so you should see an improvement: pages should load faster and site availability should be around 98 or 99%. That’s about it!

There are a few things to left to do, so off I go. I will return later, hopefully with much more interesting ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/14/a-new-server-a-new-life/)
2003-06-11T14:00:00Z	**A thought**
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to really step outside yourself and view yourself as a stranger would?

…What do you think that would be like? And how accurate do you think it is?

I honestly don’t know how I would view myself. Probably as someone who is shy, afraid, and introverted. I guess I come off as those on a first impression, but it could not be farther from the truth. I am so different to those I know and trust than I am to those that I meet for the first time. I wonder if I can, ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/11/a-thought/)
2003-06-09T14:00:00Z	**If you have a weblog, read**
Recently, one of the weblogs I used to read often closed it’s doors. It was kind of sad to see it happen, but I am sure sooner or later it’s doors will open for something, even yet, more interesting. It is (or was?) [Joaquin Bernal “bitacora”](http://earful.bitako.com/ "Earful: Dosis de Informacion Irrelevante"), a weblog in spanish.

I decided to poorly translate his last post, which I found quite informative and interesting. I say poorly translate, first because engl ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/09/if-you-have-a-weblog-read/)
2003-06-05T14:00:00Z	**Circa 1984**
I guess a fitting way to “welcome” myself to the collantes.us posting forum is to also give a brief rehashing of my digital lifestyle.

Rumor has it that nineteen years ago, in the summer of 1984, two brand new bundles of joy rolled into the Canzolino household. The first was a shiny new Macintosh; the second, coming six weeks or so later, was a baby girl. I’ve been raised on computers ever since, tinkering away at little games and clicking that little one button ever since.

My first experience w ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/05/circa-1984/)
2003-06-02T14:00:00Z	**Newly digital**
I started using computers back in 1985. The PC’s I used were old dinosaurs, running at the blazing speeds of 2 MHz, with 640KB of RAM, no hard drive and 5" 1/4 floppy drives. I could turn the machine on and go to flirt with girls on the halls of my college while it was booting. Sometimes I even had time to make out!

Programing was done with Quick Basic or Turbo Basic, and floppies had to be swaped at times, in endless search of the “command.com”. I had a whole collection of floppies, all carefu ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/02/newly-digital/)
2003-06-01T14:00:00Z	**Back to the routinely life**
Another weekend has gone by, way faster than I expected. Being a husband, a father and a head of the household have it’s tradeoffs, although it is not that bad, after all. The things I do not like about it? For starters, white hair. A lot, all over my head. There is also the missing hair, quite more concerning than the first. There is also the fat on the abdominal part, the pain on the joins and neck and the morning’s dragon breath. Yes, it has it’s tradeoffs.

Everythi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/06/01/back-to-the-routinely-life/)
2003-05-11T14:00:00Z	**Things are changing... once again**
Things are changing around here once again. I am going to try, once again, to please my mind on this little spot. There has been a gap, since the last time I posted, but I had had my reasons. Uncle Eddie died and now, almost a month after, I feel the same emptiness I felt the first day.

I am working on a [Webmail](https://www.olimpus.us/email/ "Family Webmail") for family use. For those who already have a username and password, go ahead and give it a try. I am try ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/05/11/things-are-changing-once-again/)
2003-04-14T14:00:00Z	**A very sad day**
I have, many times, felt saddened while thinking about the fragility of life. I feel often perturbed by the fact the life itself is very short. Throughout life we strive to achieve goals, whether they are set goals or not: we get an education, or try to, we search for happiness, we build an “empire” around us. And everything, everything disappears at the end. Does it makes any sense then? What is the reason of life?

I think that what we accomplish while alive is just the answer to that. But it  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/04/14/a-very-sad-day/)
2003-04-13T14:00:00Z	**A short and tiresome weekend**
This has been a short weekend and I am tired. I wish I could talk about the great things I did, but it was mainly staying home, going to mom-in-law house and being with baby (and wife), of course.

I can tell I am growing old at a fast pace. You see, we are all moving towards elderly, that’s nothing new, but it does normally happens slow, or doesn’t it? Well, if that is the case –that is, it happens slow–, I do not know what failed on me. It seems like the years w ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/04/13/a-short-and-tiresome-weekend/)
2003-04-12T14:00:00Z	**Definitely, humans are born violent**
War topics are prime news. From the time we wake up to the hour we go to sleep, war news are the focus of people’s attention. We are a violent race, it is not a stereotype: humans are born violent.

My son is barely two years old. He hasn’t seen violent television programs, our home is a stable one, no fights, no yelling. Still, when he is around his little cousin, and more often that we would like, he constantly hits her. They play along, like pals, but  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/04/12/definitely-humans-are-born-violent/)
2003-01-27T14:00:00Z	**Thanks to the Slammer, Slammed**
Yes, just like a lot of people around, we got “slammed at work.” There were several hundred of machines on Campus, I presumed, but the five we got compromised are the one’s that bothered me the most.

Out of the five, two were servers, our servers, my servers. A brand new SQL server, just a week old, more or less, was missing the hot fix. Another older one, under the control of somebody else, but still within my College was missing it too. It could have been wors ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/01/27/thanks-to-the-slammer-slammed/)
2003-01-24T14:00:00Z	**From Bill Gates, with love**
I received an email today. While it is true that I receive 60 to 70 emails daily, this one was not trivial. It wasn’t the expected porno offer, nor a letter from Nigeria or Lagos promising riches. Is wasn’t “reputable” diplomas or innocent spam passed along by a lack-of-knowledge friend neither. If was an email from Bill Gates itself. Yes, that’s right, an email from the billionaire Gates.

I have to admit that my first thought was, “It is another spam”. This is  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/01/24/from-bill-gates-with-love/)
2003-01-21T14:00:00Z	**Nuclear Blackmail, North Korean Style**
Looks like the only thing a poor country, or a country in deep economical problems, has to do to turn things around and get all major powers striving to come up with a solution —which in the case I am talking about is recognition, non-aggression treaty and, most important of all, economical aid— is to publicly say it is going to build a nuclear bomb or that is in the process to do it. That is the case of North Korea, of course.

All major countries ar ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/01/21/nuclear-blackmail-north-korean-style/)
2003-01-18T18:14:00Z	**Iraq, are we going to war?**
If you have been following the news you already know about the Iraq situation. You might still be asking yourself why are we building up such a massive military power in the area, that is, Middle East. Right, you are not questioning that, since you know the answer: we are going to war. What you might be thinking is whether or not we should be there, should we care. All valid questions.

Why Iraq, when no one has yet to see a proof of it’s nuclear/chemical, “weapons of mass  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2003/01/18/iraq-are-we-going-to-war/)
2002-12-31T14:00:00Z	**Last Entry, 2002: Happy New Year!**
Well, this is it. The year 2002, as an aged gentlemen, is giving a clear path to baby 2003. Let us all hope that 2003 will be less violent than it’s predecessor. Rumors of war are heard, oh I so much wish there would stay just as rumors…

Peace, understanding, respect, health, prosperity… May the new 2003 bring you everything you wanted on 2002 and you could/did not have… and much more!

Happy 2003 everyone! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/12/31/last-entry-2002-happy-new-year/)
2002-12-22T14:00:00Z	**Parents at home**
We have my parents visiting for Christmas and New Year. Kent Martin is already showing his happiness and he remembered my dad. I am glad it is not too cold — at least for now — so my parents time is more enjoyable (meaning they will be able to go out with us and such). I have miss them a lot and I am really happy to have them with us for a while. It is curious, but now that I am older — and a father myself — I really appreciate what my parents did for me. Money can’t buy, not even Mastercard ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/12/22/parents-at-home/)
2002-12-15T14:00:00Z	**Redesign on the horizon**
Pretty soon I will be redesigning. I am not sure what I will do yet, but the main site will change. Additionally, I will be adding an extra blog using MT (Movable Type).

On the main site I am not sure whether to go simplistic or zeldmanian, but changes are due, since I am also changing the way I have been writing lately. The domain Collantes.US will become the echo of my thoughts on technology, science, religion, politics and everything else in between. Stay tuned, if you want. Or ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/12/15/redesign-on-the-horizon/)
2002-12-13T14:00:00Z	**Thanks god it is Friday... 13th?!**
Finally the weekend has arrived. After the week I have had, I have been looking forward this weekend, not because I have plans of anything special, but because I yern for some rest.

Today was a boring day at work, since my coworker and friend was not there. I only had two good moments: my french friend Claire and her sister Isabel came by to visit and we went out for lunch, and my friend Yanyan (Jane) came by to visit, just before I left. By the way, it was g ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/12/13/thanks-god-it-is-friday-friday-13th/)
2002-11-27T14:00:00Z	**Coming back: Happy Thanksgiving!**
Howdy all! Finally coming back on track now. Kid still sick but getting better, pain on my back still there, but feeling hopeful on both fronts.

It is the evening before Thanksgiving and a long weekend is ahead. My parents are coming up to visit on Friday, so I guess it is going to be quite busy. I am back, logs shall flow, as they did before. I have a lot to talk about and I certainly need to come here to upload.

For my fellow Americans, enjoy Thanksgiving, b ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/11/27/coming-back-happy-thanksgiving/)
2002-11-18T14:00:00Z	**How to better protect Kent Martin?**
Today was a sad day. I had good times, but my kid felt and badly bruised his lips and that shattered any happy moment I had. I feel like my hands are tied up, because I can not be with him 100% of the time to protect him. I know that even thought I could be with him all the time, I would not be able to protect him against everything. It just hurts me a lot to see him hurting. I wish I could trade and be the one bruised.

I feel tired, so I shall go to sleep. Pe ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/11/18/how-to-better-protect-kent-martin/)
2002-11-13T14:00:00Z	**Kind of quiet lately, I know**
I have been quite quiet lately, I know. I have been going to sleep early and, when not, thinking and working on other site, which is not finished yet, by the way. I have been reading a bit too, something I used to do more and had neglected.

I am buying a Tablet PC soon (like tomorrow or so). It will be my first laptop in 9 years. I will let you know my first impressions as soon as I have it on my hands.

Going to sleep now. I hope to have more interesting things to wr ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/11/13/kind-of-quiet-lately-i-know/)
2002-11-01T14:00:00Z	**Good bye October, hello November!**
Today was a long day. I went to the dentist in the morning, with no little stress. Even though I has been going to the dentist since I was 5 years old, when I grew older I also grew a fear of them, I do not know why. Got to the dentist at 10:30 AM and, between x-rays and “impressions” (they put like a mold on your mouth to create a replica of your tooth in plastic), explanations and work (a crown), I ended up staying for almost 3 hours. I do have to admit that it  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/11/01/good-bye-october-hello-november/)
2002-10-31T14:00:00Z	**It is that time of the year: Halloween**
Well, you goblins, witches, bats, ghosts… Frankenstein lovers, here it comes your day, once again. Of course, I do not look at Halloween as such, it is just another day, like the others, with the subtle difference that is the day where kids go around, having fun, asking for sweet little treats, dressed up as the unimaginable.

Considering I never knew what Halloween was until I came to America and, hence, I did not experience the fun that it can bring ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/10/31/it-is-that-time-of-the-year-halloween/)
2002-10-29T14:00:00Z	**I hate cell phones!**
I had had BellSouth Mobility, Cingular Wireless and, now, AT&T. Each and everyone of them rendered a really bad service. In street talk, they have sucked. Now I am at a dilemma: two years contract with AT&T, $150 to break it. On the other hand, I can not receive neither initiate calls from inside my house, neither at work. Most of the times the reception/transmission is really bad, regardless where I am at. So, what should I do? Suffer and pay (whether till the end of the contra ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/10/29/as-gee-will-say-i-hate-cell-phones/)
2002-10-28T14:00:00Z	**Excellent weekend**
The weekend was excellent and… pretty tiresome. So tired I was that did not have the energy to come by and tell. It will happen tonight, I just wanted to create some anticipation.

Till tonight, good day!

All right! This is a continuation of what I started. The weekend was excellent, we (Gee, Jessica, Kim, Kent Martin and I) went to two Disney Parks, Disney MGM and Epcot. I had a good time although Kent Martin was the one who had a blast. He only did not sleep at all the whole day, he a ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/10/28/excellent-weekend/)
2002-09-30T14:00:00Z	**Interviewing potential candidates**
Today we interviewed the first candidate for a job opening we have at work. Everybody, or at least I, was expecting to see a guy. Boy, were we in for a surprise! It just happened to be a girl (chinese nationality), pretty smart, I could say, and charming. Nevertheless, I think she did not get the job, since the language barrier is pretty strong and the position demands fluency.

As you can see, I went to work and not to the dentist. Why? Well, the earliest, emer ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/30/interviewing-potential-candidates/)
2002-09-29T14:00:00Z	**Just Sunday**
I am not going to work tomorrow, I believe. I need to go to a dentist pronto. With that Monday prelude, it would be easy to guess that I did not had a great Sunday.

Oh boy, do I hate to go to the dentist! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/29/just-sunday/)
2002-09-28T14:00:00Z	**And on the seventh day he rested**
Saturday is about over, at least for me. There is not much to tell about it, it just passed away silently, without much ado.

We went to the mall today, just to walk the kids around. The kids, you may ask? Well, we took Kent Martin and cousin Alyssa (six months younger) with us today. It was pretty tiresome to handle both of them, but it helped us to realize that we have enought with Kent Martin… for now.

On the new websites design topic, I already have on  ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/28/and-on-the-seventh-day-he-rested/)
2002-09-19T14:00:00Z	**It is friday for me**
Tomorrow I will not be going to work. There are personal matters I need to take care of. Weird that I started this entry talking about tomorrow, but sometimes I think tomorrow is always more important. That is, if there is a tomorrow…

Today was great. Work was all right. We — John, George, Gee, Yanyan and I — went for lunch out of Campus, since I needed to take a letter to the post office to get it postmarked and the whole gang decided to join me. We had a good time.

I meant to ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/19/it-is-friday-for-me/)
2002-09-17T14:00:00Z	**Mid-Autumn Festival, Mooncake!**
It is mooncake holiday again! [Taken From Travel in Taiwan Festivals](http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20020921190131/http://www.sinica.edu.tw/tit/festivals/0995_MidAutumn.html "Travel in Taiwan Festivals"), the following “Legends of the Moon”:

> Hhou Yi was a great archer and architect, who shot down nine extra suns that had suddenly appeared in the sky and thus kept the earth from being scorched. He also built a palace of jade for the goddess of the western heave ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/17/mid-autumn-festival-mooncake/)
2002-09-12T14:00:00Z	**It is over now, or it isn't**
Well, I got my car back today and it seems to be functioning all right. After this experience the only conclusion I can draw is: definitely, “Holler Mitsubishi” service completely sucks, their Service Manager does not have a slight idea on what customer service is, their mechanics — or, at least, one of them — do not know what the heck they are doing… to sum it up: do not take your car there. Trust me. I will wait one or two days, to make sure the car is fine and then I ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/12/it-is-over-now-or-it-isnt/)
2002-09-11T14:00:00Z	**Will this become my week's Odyssey?**
Another day has passed and no car. They –the people from “Holler Mitsubishi”– called me and told me that they will be swapping back the parts they replaced yesterday, since that was not the problem and that the problem was on the transmission, that needed to be flushed. I will get my money back and will end up paying only $150. They were doing that today and by tomorrow noon the car should be ready, since they wanted to make sure it was all perfect. Any ot ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/11/will-this-become-my-weeks-odyssey/)
2002-09-10T14:00:00Z	**Close, very close but no cigar**
I got called today to pick up my car. “It is fixed, all done”, they said, so I was happy, even thought they were taking $496.34 hard earned dollars out of my pocket. The car seat settings were changed, the radio was on, tuned to a latin radio station — which I do not listen — and the AC was on, which I had turned off before I dropped the car. Still, I drove away, trusting that I would have a very smooth ride home, trying to forget those little details that were, al ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/10/close-very-close-but-no-cigar/)
2002-09-09T14:00:00Z	**Bad things come at once**
Today wasn’t a good day. If it weren’t enough that the weekend wasn’t good, there comes Monday with, yet another, bit of spice. To start, this morning my car started rattling and shacking like it was possessed by a voodoo spirit. Took it to the mechanic and, to make the long story short, I will be $500 short by tomorrow noon. Then I get to work and, on top of having a few little things to finish, I get an email from one of my sisters telling me about problems with m ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2002/09/09/sometimes-all-bad-things-come-at-once/)
2022-02-22T21:22:42Z	**Twosday**
Because today is 22-2-22, or 2-22-22, or 2022-2-22, it makes it worth for me to come here, after so many months of silence, to mark the event. So, happy [Twosday](https://g.co/kgs/DWbYwK), everyone! ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2022/02/22/twosday/)
2023-05-28T23:43:33Z	**Everyone is gone**
I am the youngest of my siblings. Having been born when my parents were in their late forties has a few meanings. It means my parents are gone. It also means all my aunts and uncles, all the people around my parents age in my native neighbourhood, they are all gone.

Today I spent some time remembering them. In my memories I searched house by house in my neighbourhood (or my block, rather), remembering—and often trying to remember—their names, and their faces. It is horrible how memory fades away, and ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2023/05/28/everyone-is-gone/)
2023-09-27T01:20:00Z	**On Wisdom**
We come across much “wisdom” throughout our lives. Inherited from people from old, past periods, or from religious books and teachings, or from our parents—for those, like me, lucky enough to had had good ones. It seems that just about everyone, from yesterday to today, has some wisdom to convey: from world leaders, religious leaders, and the common folk amongst us. Some of their “wisdom”, depending on the nation, or ethnic group, or religion, or another myriad of small factors, tends to contradict itself.

Now, wh ... ⌘ [Read more](https://collantes.us/2023/09/26/on-wisdom/)