Notes

1708626179

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:22:59 -0500

I wonder if bots are somehow “clicking” the hearts on notes. I am having a hard time accepting humans are actually doing it. Call me an unbeliever.

1708625041

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:04:01 -0500

Why providing contact ways, if there will not be a reply? It seems a trend. “Contact me”, “Get in touch”, but when one does… silence. Siloed. People are siloed.

1708622719

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:25:19 -0500

Class Action Lawsuits are worthless, from the monetary point of view. You get cents, or a few dollars. Not worth it. Yet, there is no way to avoid them, and you must remove yourself from each one of them you might be unlucky enough to be on. Removal, to add aggravation, must be done via old fashion paper letter-in-the-mail. Ugh!

1708466452

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:00:52 -0500

Firefox web browser font rendering on Linux is super nice. Chromium slight blur is no match. I am seriously considering using Firefox exclusively under Linux (Wayland). For me, at least, it seems “old” is “new” again. LOL.

1708358305

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:58:25 -0500

Last night, after partner finished cooking, in, and on the side of kitchen sink: 5 big knives, 2 small knives, three cutting boards, three frying pans, two medium size pots, one large pot, two colanders, many chopticks and spoons. A full rubbish.

1707264206

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:03:26 -0500

I remember listening to Tracy Chapman’s singing back in 1989. I so loved it so much, and still do. Her voice remains so beautiful!

Via Anti-Anticheese.

1707262267

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:31:07 -0500

On a day I can’t walk, nor exercise, Fitness telling me “You can still do it - 250 calories and you’ll close your Move ring, David.” Out of 250, I only need 250. LOL. Talk about wishful thinking!

1706900652

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:04:13 -0500

The new Teams client is having spell checking issues under Windows. Of all things, check spelling is broken. As someone at work wrote “It’s amazing how a technology that has been around for like 30 years and is in pretty much every tech product seems to have gone from bad to non-existent in the latest version of Teams.”

1706452800

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:40:00 -0500

The most precious and valuable thing one can have is good health. Everything depends on it, nothing else truly matters. It might sound like an extreme, but if you don’t believe me now one day you will.

1705677233

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:13:54 -0500

Can’t believe we are almost at the half of the first month of the year mark! It seems to me I saw fireworks just yesterday. Lunar New Year is fastly approaching!

1704852476

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:07:56 -0500

If I am lucky to live until I am 80 years old, I only have 1280 Sundays remaining. That number sure puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? You can add the extension to your Chrome, or Edge browser.

1704225226

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:53:46 -0500

Watched “Blue Eye Samurai” (★★★★★) during the holidays, and truly loved it. Can’t wait for season 2. If you have Netflix, and haven’t watched it, I strongly recommend you do.

The plot is nice, the voices are excellent, the animation is amazing. See it, it’s really good!

1704224781

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:46:22 -0500

Was too busy—or too lazy—to drop a note on new year’s evening. I have been using iOS Journal, which now holds some notes I would have dropped here otherwise. Journal has bugs, and it isn’t great, but I am betting on it getting better.

It is already 2 January 2024, but not too late to wish you all a happy new year!

1702903957

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:52:37 -0500

Why should I be happy? How can I? My friends Chuck, and Justyna, have cancer. They have suffered, and continue to suffer, very, very much. Their family, and friends, suffer.

War rages on in Ukraine, in Israel, in Palestine. Conflicts, and deep poverty, remain in Africa, Asia, Central, and South America; pain and death everywhere. Children are being exploited, and women, and people all over the world. There is so much suffering, and horror. How could I be happy? Where can I fit a bit of it?

I can’t be happy. Nobody truly should.

1702425142

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:52:22 -0500

Going back to this, work has now provided me with a Linux (Ubuntu) laptop, and a docking station. I am to relinquish my dear Mac, and stop using (for work) macOS. I would have never thought of this happening!

1702388886

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:48:06 -0500

iOS 17.2 released yesterday, and within it, the highly anticipated Journal app. As I commented to a friend, I am finding it to be “bland”, and “a bit of a disappointment”. Comes to prove, always set your expectations as low as possible, then chances are you will always be dazzled. :-)

1700761871

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:51:11 -0500

Watched “Love Actually” (★★★★★) because, you know, it is that time of the year. Call me silly, but I will probably watch it once more before 2023 is over.

1700618645

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:04:05 -0500

Moving from my beloved iMac 2015 (running macOS Monterey), to this little abomination of a Linux desktop (because, you know, 2023 is “the year of the Linux desktop” /s).

1700509186

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:39:46 -0500

Updated my blog to version 4 (that link will initiate a download) on the Inter font. It is such a lovely font, and free!

1700148659

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:31:00 -0500

Watched “The Farewell” (★★★★★) again, because it is one of those movies that keep you kind of down all throughout, but makes you feel happy, and shed some tears, at the end. I recommend you see it.

1699299751

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:42:31 -0500

Now, this is coming, but I don’t have a laptop, and I am 100% setup to work remote. How are they planning we accomplish this? Would those be idle, or full of meeting days, with little—to none—productivity?

We have proven for over three years that we can work remotely while being as productive, or more, than when at the office. We have numbers to back up that claim. I can’t comprehend the rationale behind this mandate. Ugh, this is going to be bad.

1699295672

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:34:32 -0500

Looming upcoming changes at work. As of 8 January 2024, show up to office on Mondays and Wednesdays. Mandatory. As of August 2024, show up to office three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Also mandatory. This is going to be the biggest mistake of 2024.

1699012155

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:49:15 -0400

Miscellaneous things. Every day when I wake up I feel thankful by the simple fact I did wake up. I also think of everyone I care about, and wish them well. Yes, that means you.

Even with my deafening tinnitus I try very hard to enjoy a moment of “silence” each day. I do my best to welcome each Monday as if it was a Friday.

1698766609

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:36:50 -0400

Between being sick, then work, then house problems, I have ended up having no inspiration, nor desire, nor words to bring here. “Nothing lasts forever”, I keep repeating to myself. Then again, that’s one of my problems, literally.

1698084221

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:03:41 -0400

🎉 Happy birthday, Claud! It has already been a year, eh?! Cheers to many more to come, and wishing you the very best, always!

1697582067

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:34:27 -0400

“I’m tired, boss. Tired of being on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. I’m tired of never having me a buddy to be with to tell me where we’s going to, coming from, or why. Mostly, I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world… every day. There’s too much of it. It’s like pieces of glass in my head… all the time. Can you understand?”

1697228838

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:27:18 -0400

This week recount, starting Friday 6 October 2023.

Pickup my friend (but brother in reality) Martin at the airport. He will stay with us until Tuesday, 10 October.
Took Martin around town all Saturday, watched movies at night.
Went to Saint Augustine, “the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in what is now the contiguous United States” on Sunday. Watched more movies at night.
Took Martin even more places Monday morning, went to The H for dinner. Yes, you guessed it, more binge occurred at night.
Went for breakfast at Chick-fil-A, lunch at Don Julio, and then talked to Martin non-stop till it was time to take him to the airport. We had lots to catch up. Still have much more.
Missed my friend all night.
Worked mostly on Ubuntu related tasks the rest of the week, till today.

1697223950

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:05:50 -0400

On January 2021 our Chief Information Officer (CIO) was hired. His last day will be 15 November 2023. He is moving to greener pastures at Texas State University. Go Bobcats!

It is going to be an interesting period this year end… and half of the next.

1697209297

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:01:38 -0400

Screenshot showing first run in Windows 95. Credit Guidebook.

I never thought, in a million years, that I was going to write this: when it comes to UI between Windows 11 and Windows 95, I prefer the later. You will not believe the memories “My Briefcase”, and “The Microsoft Network” brought to me!

The Guidebook has many more screenshots worth re-seeing.

1697119994

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:13:14 -0400

What this company is doing is truly inspiring. Not only are they helping with the polluting waste problem we increasingly have, but they create beautiful looking things, useful things, out of discarded plastic.

Via @claudrod.

1697118755

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:52:36 -0400

My open case with Canonical has been worked, back and forth, for over a month. It started at severity level 3, and now is at 1. Every time I thought I was seeing the metaphorical “light at the end of the tunnel”, it became dark once more. This is beyond painful.

1696522143

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:09:03 -0400

Once again we are beating records, with September breaking them “for the highest temperature anomaly of any month”. And we are doing next to nothing. Are we really that stupid? I am sure we know the answer by now.

1696509574

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 08:39:34 -0400

Each day I discover a font that I like. Today is, so far (and I write so far because it is only early morning), “Quattrocento Sans”. So pretty, so crispy, so legible! I am in love!

1696434025

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:40:25 -0400

The race numbers for Lin Yuwei and Wu Yanni form ‘64’ (June 4, Tiananmen Square massacre).

It is proven, time after time, that it is completely stupid to censor that which you don’t want people to remember, or know. Stupid because the end result is the total opposite of the aim. In this case, especially, because it wasn’t something done on purpose.

1696362818

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:53:39 -0400

Light rain has come to change my afternoon plans. Perhaps it will let me bike? Haven’t done it for the last four days, and I am starting to miss the lack of pain in my legs.

1696172853

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 11:07:33 -0400

Rainy Sunday, my kind of days: rainy, and Sunday. Wish there was more like these, more often!

1696009330

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:42:11 -0400

It is that time of the week again, in which the front lawn and I spend quality time together. The backyard time will come soon after, otherwise jealousy ensues.

1695932709

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:25:09 -0400

I have been getting worried and depressed for things I can’t control, and it’s not fun. I have got to exile those thoughts somehow. Maybe exercise will do it.

1695930987

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:56:27 -0400

Unpopular opinion: if you need an RSS reader to keep up with everything, you are consuming too much. While I can see the utility of RSS, it doesn’t beat the full web experience.

1695910429

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:13:50 -0400

I had forgotten how much Apple Music improves my working day. And my hobby time in front of the computer. And my driving time. I had forgotten how much I love the service. Now, with Apple One, it is mine once again!

1695901878

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:51:18 -0400

Raspberry Pi just announced version 5 of their board, and I yawned. For about the same amount one can get a micro computer with better specifications, and support for pretty much all operating systems.

1695854193

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:36:33 -0400

I have become such a snob, and I feel bad about it. I can’t stand WordPress sites and, more often than not, I will simply browse away if I see the site is built with it. I want to change but it’s rather clinical. Please, help!

1695852555

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 18:09:16 -0400

I have been getting “You can’t perform that action at this time.” messages left and right, when trying to star repositories on GitHub. The thing is, they get starred, but the message still shows. Thanks Microsoft! </s>

1695838362

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:12:42 -0400

My currently open L3 support case with Canonical just passed the 20 days mark. I have asked to raise its priority to L2. Let’s see now. 🙄

1695813488

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:18:08 -0400

When I say “Don’t worry about the dishes, I will do them later!” I don’t only say it out of love, or out of duty (doing the dishes is my chore). I say it becase I do them better. You know, like really clean, not a sloppy job. 😂

1695777884

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:24:45 -0400

I started writing a note on my thoughts about “wisdom”, prompted by this submission on Hacker News. It became too long to be a note, so it made it to my blog instead. It is short, just not short enough.

1695756380

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:26:21 -0400

The iPhone 15 Pro Max camera is getting amazing reviews at DXOMARK. Too bad that I will not be getting a new phone this year.

1695747734

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:02:14 -0400

A thought came to me this morning about how would secular people from past history communicated with each other. By secular I mean the common people, not the decent-to-filthy rich kind. Did they scribbled notes? Did they even know how to scribble? Would they keep journals and, if so, what ever happened to them? Were they simply discarded, thrown into the bin? I know I kept journals at various stages of childhood. None of them survived. Nor did the many notes, and letters I wrote, and received.

Come to think, after all, all things in life truly are ephemeral.

1695746206

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:36:46 -0400

The six (the foundation, at least, as there could be more) components of an apology. The bottom line? Very few people know how to genuinely apologise.

An expression of regret — this, usually, is the actual “I’m sorry.”
An explanation (but, importantly, not a justification).
An acknowledgement of responsibility.
A declaration of repentance.
An offer of repair.
A request for forgiveness.

The original article is well worth reading. I found it to be excellent.

Via Kottke.

1695736989

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:03:10 -0400

My first web browser was Mosaic, then Netscape, then Mozilla which became Firefox. Firefox became my default go-to web browser for many years. If Microsoft Windows was my OS platform of choice it would probably still be. Ever since I completely, and absolutely, moved to macOS/iOS/iPadOS, the choice has been Safari. I had had no reason to look elsewhere.

1695729319

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:55:19 -0400

This blog post is everlasting. Since 2018, when it was written, things have gotten worse. I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon.

We put virtual machines inside Linux, and then we put Docker inside virtual machines, simply because nobody was able to clean up the mess that most programs, languages and their environment produce. We cover shit with blankets just not to deal with it. “Single binary” is still a HUGE selling point for Go, for example. No mess == success.

1695728351

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:39:11 -0400

Sound on and up, please. I really liked this version of “Ozymandias”. The text is the same, it wouldn’t be “Ozymandias” otherwise. It is the spoken voice, the beat, the emphasis and cadence behind it, that drives it.

Incidentally, “Breaking Bad” (★★★★★) is really good. If you haven’t watched it yet, I strongly recommend you do.

1695726706

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:11:46 -0400

Now I know how my mum felt seeing her beloved actors and actresses become old, and dropping off big screens. It is a mix of melancholy, and worry.

1695688705

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:38:25 -0400

The whole “VIP” system is discriminatory. I provide priority service to them, because it’s policy, but don’t agree with it. Priority should be assigned based on certain parameters, I agree, but not on someone’s pay scale, or “bourgeoisie” status.

1695683332

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:08:52 -0400

I feel bad when I come to mum’s and she offers me a beer. I buy beer for her, and by drinking one or two, it makes me feel guilty. In such case, if I gave her a 24 bottles case I, indeed, only gave her 23, or 22.

1695639936

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:05:36 -0400

Dune’s Litany Against Fear, from the Dune’s Fandom Wiki.

Watched both “Dune” movies last night. The one from 1984 (★★★½), because it is leaving Netflix, and the one from 2021 (★★★★). I can’t wait for part 2 (second movie), scheduled to be released sometime on 2024.

The Litany, in case you don’t follow the link on the caption, “derives from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar” (unformatted):

Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard. It seems to me most strange that men should fear; seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.

1695597187

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:13:08 -0400

“Android works to keep you safe and protect your privacy when you use apps.” That, from Google’s Android Help made me chuckle. When I think of Android many things come to mind, but “keep you safe”, and “protect your privacy”. Ha!

1695586613

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 16:16:53 -0400

I am not a prude; I am far from it. Yet, I found Foundation’s amorous relationship scenes developing too early, too fast, and too often. Especially involving someone who is supposed to come from a planet with a repressive religious society. I mean, really?

If this isn’t toned down a little it will lose a star, or will not gain one. I mustn’t write in haste, perhaps, as I am only on the second episode.

1695567255

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:54:15 -0400

Watched the first episode of Foundation (★★★★½) last night, on Apple TV+, and regardless the public reviews that has gotten I liked it very, very much. It gets almost five stars from me so far. If that changes, I will come, and amend.

I also re-watched Interstellar (★★★½) which I have always found too slow, and not enough “science fictiony”, for my liking. But kid wanted to watch it, and I am a good buddy, so… yeah.

1695505654

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:47:35 -0400

My cravings for Jajangmyeon were fulfilled at Korea House in Colonial. That I know of, that’s the only restaurant in the surrounding area the serves them. I am good for a week, or two. 😂

1695495149

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:52:29 -0400

Dear lord, it’s such a pleasure to the eyes when I come across websites using Open Sans fonts! So easy to read, such a genuine pleasant experience.

1695492474

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 14:07:54 -0400

Small pet peeve. People sending emails from their mobile devices, and having a signature that reads, more or less, “Sent from phone, please excuse typos and brevity”. If you are going to send, or reply to, an email, do it right. A mobile device isn’t an excuse for not paying a little bit of attention to what you are doing.

1695486281

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 12:24:41 -0400

This, from the Punkist, summarises how we—humankind—are no different at all, in the various stages of what’s considered, more or less, modern times. I slightly formatted it for legibility.

We are definitely different from the bad people in history.

The immoral fools tricked by Hitler into saluting the iron cross and casting their votes in favour of genocide, the spiritually corrupt slave traders of the colonies in Africa, the Europeans pillaging and raping (culturally and literally) the indigenous people of the “new worlds” of America, Australia, etc; the brilliant geniuses talked into developing the atom bomb, the monsters who then dropped those bombs over Japan in the name of peace.

We are definitely different from them.

The most efficient systematic slaughter of sentient beings the planet has ever seen, the complete indifference to the ecocide required for our day-to-day lives, the endless belief in infinite growth on a finite planet, the quantification of all that is sacred into mere resources and business opportunities, the utter carelessness toward the world our children will inherit. All this we manage to stand for in the name of progress and humankind’s superiority over all others.

No, we are definitely different.

We are worse.

1695482755

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 11:25:56 -0400

Dieter Rams’ good design principles are so on-point, so beautiful, so simple, so everlasting. According to Rams, good design:

Is innovative: Design always develops in tandem with improving technology, and can never be an end in itself.
Makes a product useful: Good design emphasizes the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could detract from it.
Is aesthetic: Only well-executed objects can be beautiful.
Makes a product understandable: It can make the product clearly express its function by making use of the user’s intuition.
Is unobtrusive: Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools; they are neither decorative objects nor works of art.
Is honest: It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.
Is long-lasting: Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years.
Is thorough down to the last detail: Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the consumer.
Is environmentally friendly: Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment.
Is as little design as possible: Less, but better. Simple as possible but not simpler.

How many of those Apple follows? It isn’t a trick question, think about it.

1695478425

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 10:13:46 -0400

Wow, Autumn has given us a nice surprise on its first day! This morning we woke up with 19°C, which is a drastic change from previous days. I know that later today is going to be hot, but it was great biking this morning, and not breaking a sweat.

1695430954

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:02:35 -0400

Sponsoring a child is investing in humankind’s future. It can mean saving a child from abuse, neglect, or worse. For less than a tank of petrol per month one can make a big difference in a child’s life!

Children growing up in poverty begin life with acute disadvantage and face uncertain futures. Your monthly gift of $39 will give your sponsored child life-changing interventions, such as access to medical care, educational support, life skills and job training before graduation.

Please considering sponsoring a child today through Children International, a secular nonprofit.

1695428362

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:19:23 -0400

Florida Maple, from Gardenia, “Creating Gardens”.

Seven hours from now will get us to the beginning of Autumn. In Florida that doesn’t mean much. Hopefully, hopefully, temperatures will tone down a degree, or two, if we are lucky. One can only wish, and hope, right? Happy Autumnal Equinox!

1695427698

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:08:18 -0400

The amount of people in this city driving while using their phones is simply staggering. Went out to grab some food to bring home, and almost got hit three times. Driving defensively these days isn’t a fad, it is a must.

1695397438

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:43:59 -0400

Apple new devices (iPhones 15, and Watches 9) worldwide arrival news announcement makes me happy. Beautiful people from around the world, smiles, and feelings of overall happiness make me happy.

1695393620

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:40:20 -0400

If this weren’t enough, then you will be surprised—or maybe not—to read about Clarence’s latest escapades and misdeeds.

Thomas has attended at least two Koch donor summits, putting him in the extraordinary position of having helped a political network that has brought multiple cases before the Supreme Court.

1695390966

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:56:06 -0400

Found myself questioning, smiling, chuckling, and nodding in agreement to Joshua’s list of 100 opinions that he holds.

1695348570

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 22:09:31 -0400

As a sign that I wasn’t kidding when I said I would move from 1Password to iOS Passwords, I have now done so. This weekend I will dedicate some time, and clean my list, making sure all important stuff works and, once that’s achived, I will get rid of 1Password, and cancel my subscription.

1695346702

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:38:23 -0400

Poor Veronique had an accident, and she will have to go for surgery. Though having to go through this is something no one wants, I am glad it wasn’t something worse.

Hang in there, Vero! Things will go well, and you will overcome ❤️! Really sorry for this temporary unpleasantness.

1695346567

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:36:07 -0400

I have added so many little things to “Notes” over time, that I am feeling a bit guilty. Can it be, still, considered minimalistic? I hope so!

1695335831

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:37:12 -0400

Last month’s utility (water) bill was over $200. It was $222.13, to be exact. It went up because rains had stopped, and we had to turn on the schedule for the sprinklers.

If it continues this way the decision will be whether the lawn survives, or we do. We will have to make a choice then. Poor lawn, we barely knew you!

1695318222

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:43:42 -0400

So, everything “accomplished” since 8 September 2023 until today, 21 September 2023, was scratched. We are back to square one now. Lovely.

1695304239

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:50:40 -0400

“Your NFT are actually—finally—totally worthless”, RollingStone. Don’t you say! Just one more to add to the Human Stupidity museum, right?

1695299073

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 08:24:33 -0400

Just as I am in love with the Japanese woodblock prints, I also love the simplicity and beauty of Japanese (and Chinese, and Korean) Sumi-e (ink wash painting).

Japanese: Hasegawa Tōhaku (1539–1610), Pine Trees screen, Right panel of the Shōrin-zu byōbu.

This one above is a relatively big mural. If you look at a bigger, fuller, version (really big image!) you will see the strokes, made with a—probably huge—straw brush.

1695254691

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:04:51 -0400

“What’s going on with the WiFi? I can’t connect the iPad to it.” — “Nothing that I know off. Do you think the boy would be so happy playing a video game with friends, if there was a problem?” — “It isn’t working!” A minute later, “never mind”.

If at first you don’t succeed, you mustn’t quit! LOL.

1695244077

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:07:57 -0400

Daylight “Savings” Time sucks, and it should be abolished. For the last five days I have noticed my mornings getting darker, to the point of having to turn on the light to start the working day. It hasn’t been an easy in at all but, I would say, rather dramatic. Then early November, bam! Back one hour. Ugh!

Just LEAVE THE CLOCK ALONE!

1695234046

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:20:47 -0400

Thank you, George, for spoiling a few shows and movies for me. This is something I hadn’t correlated, but now cannot miss. Ha!

Film director Rian Johnson has lifted the lid on a secret in the world of product placement – Apple will not allow its kit to be used by a villainous character on screen.

“Apple, they let you use iPhones in movies, but – and this is very pivotal – if you’re ever watching a mystery movie, bad guys cannot have iPhones on camera,” Johnson, whose credits include Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Looper and Knives Out, revealed in a video recorded for Vanity Fair.

1695223501

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:25:02 -0400

The old… err more mature I get, the less interest I have for social media. I kid you not. Kim, on the other hand… she consumes (doesn’t create) it all the time.

1695217642

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:47:22 -0400

In my experience, the easiest and most difficult people to work with are those on a short countdown to retirement. Easiest because they become really agreeable, or disagreeable—but they don’t masquerade it. Difficult because they become almost impossible to get a hold of—they stop giving a duck about things.

1695175531

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:05:32 -0400

It is past 22:00, and I am still awake. For reasons I can’t explain, I don’t feel sleepy at all—which is odd for a weekday. I am going to pay for this tomorrow, I am sure.

Meanwhile I have been following links up and down at wonger.dev, especially these. Lots of interesting stuff there!

1695172003

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:06:44 -0400

Kid and I watched “Jujutsu Kaisen” (★★★★), the series (and the movie), and this song from the series’ last episode stuck.

Catchy, ain’t it? If you haven’t watched the series, even if you are not into manga, I highly recommend it!

1695166430

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:33:51 -0400

I was having a weird issue in which blue heart next to the timestamp would appear off place, and quickly jump into place on page load/refresh. Took the problem over IRC (Libera.Chat) #css channel and, sure enough, hassoon and DPA found the issue, and provided a solution, in no time.

Suffice it to say, very, very grateful.

1695127851

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:50:52 -0400

I have decided to move from 1Password (for which I pay a yearly subscription) to iOS native Passwords before the year is over. The ability to share passwords with family tilted me over. I will not wait for Passwords to become an app of its own—though I am sure that’s coming—because I don’t think that should hold me back now.

1695063370

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:56:10 -0400

I might be getting old and, as such, be “old school” now, but a company like Unity shouldn’t be apologising on X. They have a company’s website, they should put their apology there.

Update: 15:02

Ah, crap, as soon as I hit send I found their blog with an “Editor’s note (Sept. 17, 2023)”, that is a verbatim of what they posted on X.

We have heard you. We apologize for the confusion and angst the runtime fee policy we announced on Tuesday caused. We are listening, talking to our team members, community, customers, and partners, and will be making changes to the policy. We will share an update in a couple of days. Thank you for your honest and critical feedback.

I don’t know why news outlets did not link there instead of referring to the X “xeet” (how do they call those things these days?).

Update: 22/09

Another update, this time from Marc Whitten, lead of Unity Create:

I want to start with this: I am sorry.

And he goes on, yet, it seems to me it’s too little, too late. I think this was a costly mistake for Unity. Talk about a backfire!

1695050606

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:23:27 -0400

Moscow said last year it planned to spend almost $30 billion by 2035 on developing the northern sea route, which has become more viable as climate change has reduced sea ice in the Arctic.

Emphasis mine. Russia is benefiting from global warming, and now more pollution is on its way. Well, (s)that’s great(/s)!

1695049892

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:11:32 -0400

Sending the true spam to “Junk Email” at work has gotten so bad, that it is, precisely, “Junk Email” the first folder I check each morning, and the last at the end of the day. Granted, it is a relatively quick glimpse, but nevertheless a task that most be done. False positives are aplenty.

1695048183

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:43:04 -0400

It is truly incredible that I can find my iPhone with ease, yet the United States military can’t find an F-35 (yes, that very expensive plane), and it’s asking for help. I guess it is truly stealth, after all. 😂

1695047142

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:25:42 -0400

The mishaps of X triggered the spawn of new services like Threads, Bluesky. It also exacerbated the adoption of the Fediverse (often simply called Mastodon). Now there is Pebble, but this one has a problem of it’s own. To sign up you need to connect with X/Twitter, “to confirm you’re a good fit for Pebble”. Oh dear god!

1695042085

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:01:25 -0400

So many iOS apps debuting their iOS 17 versions today! I find it amazing how rich, and responsive, the iOS community is—not sure community is the right term, but I hope you get the idea. Need I to point out that, at the time I am writing this, iOS 17 is not out yet.

1695039345

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:15:45 -0400

Today’s News Minimalist email reads, and I am not paraphrasing:

Today ChatGPT read 1003 top news stories. After removing previously covered events, there are 2 articles with a significance score over 7.

That is, according to ChatGPT, there are only two significant news today. We are beating yesterday, thought. Yesterday there were none.

1694994564

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:49:24 -0400

Kim loves to buy plants, or she will gladly take them from people giving them away for various reasons. That’s the extent of her “green thumb”. Plants commonly perish under her “care”. She tries, though, but often is not to be. It’s rather sad.

Then she makes me feel guilty when she asks, “Have you watered my plants?” Like, really?! 😅

1694989994

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:33:14 -0400

While in the topic of disliking things, but this time technology themed, I can’t stand PHP. That is an acquired dislike, as I used to use it until 2011 (WordPress). That year I moved to Jekyll and later on, in 2017, to Hugo which I still use today.

1694989036

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:17:16 -0400

I have a strong dislike for Crocs—the plastic shoes, that is. I believe it is based solely on their shape/form. Do that makes me a bad person?

1694975267

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 14:27:47 -0400

This weekend I mowed the backyard twice, yesterday and today. Between biking, and mowing, I surpased 10,000 steps each day. That equates to over 8 kilometres per day. I am tired, but feel good. Kind of weird, but true.

1694973496

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:58:16 -0400

With so many disasters around the globe, so many conflicts, every little bit helps to bring sustainment to those in need. Anyone can do that, through Red Cross, for as little as $10.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

Please, considering donating to the Red Cross, and/or the International Committee of the Red Cross.

1694966408

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:00:08 -0400

“Zojoji Temple in Snow”, Utagawa Hiroshige, late Tenpo era. From The Manichi.

I am totally in love with Japanese woodblock prints. If it weren’t because my taste and Kim’s collide, I would have them framed around the house, and I would collect them.

1694964555

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 11:29:15 -0400

Last week I spent 11h 21m screen time on all my devices (a Mac, and an iPhone). The tally goes: 6h 57m on iPhone, 6h 38m on Mac. That’s just macOS and iOS “vanilla” apps almost exclusively. Most macOS apps do not get recorded—perhaps because my Mac runs macOS Monterey. For example, I spend a lot of time on Teams, Chrome, and iTerm2 under macOS during work days, but none of it gets recorded.

1694963666

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 11:14:26 -0400

A gas station offering a receipt after pumping, and then never providing it and showing a “Please see attendant” message drives me nuts. JUST STOP OFFERING RECEIPTS!

This specific one I use, because it is closer to home, does the same in all pumps—yes, I tried them all to see, on different occasions, of course. Ugh!

1694912823

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 21:07:03 -0400

I have added a subtle way to provide feedback here, using the very easy to setup, simple, and awesome Tinylytics. Now that I have done it, I am having second thoughts. Do I really want it? I sure don’t know, so they (blue hearts) are here now, but they might not be tomorrow. Yeah, true ambivalence.

Update: 21:21

Feedback is anonymous. I see the same as you see: a number next to the emoji, nothing else. If you have JavaScript disabled you see nothing, and so do I.

1694907509

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 19:38:30 -0400

Just watched “The Hunt” (★★★★). Though good, that was one upsetting movie—to the point that if it weren’t because I was watching it with the kid, I would have stopped seeing it. Was he believed, and fully accepted back? Think twice.

1694898470

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 17:07:51 -0400

Does Safari has an offline mode (like Firefox, for example)? No.

1694892186

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 15:23:06 -0400

By now it is settled that I love fonts. My thoughts have rambled around the topic more than once; my font collection is now at 1102. It might be surprising and, perhaps, inaccurate to say—because I am always discovering new ones that I like—but as of today, my first favourite (and the one currently in use here until further notice) is “IBM Plex Sans”, followed by “Inter”.

1694870923

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 09:28:44 -0400

Came back from riding the bike with dad. Told Kim we rode around 5 kilometres. “Riding on the road is dangerous!” — she says. “We rode on sidewalks.” “It is dangerous” — she repeats, “Please, don’t do it again.”

Yet, if I don’t do it, she will say “You are too sedentary, need to move more.” Damned if I do, damned if I don’t. 😂

1694822549

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 20:02:30 -0400

Haven’t played Diablo IV the whole week. Way too busy at work, and I have gone biking each day afterwards, and ended up too tired for anything else. Maybe I’ll play a bit tonight, after the TV is left alone. Right now some Chinese drama plays, I can hear it from the office room.

1694802881

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:34:42 -0400

If you are running iOS 17 (beta, or final, when it comes out next week), and you don’t see “Live Voicemail” under “Settings → Phone”, change your language to “English US”. “Live Voicemail” is only available on that one, for now.

1694784515

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:28:36 -0400

I truly don’t like Outlook, the program that runs on your computer, which started as a mail client, and now wants to do everything, and does it badly. I use it in a Windows VDI for work purposes, because there is no other practical choice. One of the things—amongst the many—that irks me about it is the “Remove extra line breaks in plain text messages” option enabled by default. That’s because—yes, you guessed it—I compose my emails in plain text.

1694779228

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 08:00:28 -0400

It is simply amazing the amount of high quality, instructive videos, available on YouTube. Most are curiosities, to see how things are made, or to experience how someone else does it. And that’s just scratching the surface just a millimetre—which, in inches, is some other number.

1694721722

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:02:02 -0400

I just got my chores handed to me, so I must hurry up to beat the rain and bike, and then rush home, shower, and get to chop, chop, chop!

If only I was a Horse, and not a Monkey! Damn you, opposable thumbs! 😂

1694711466

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:11:06 -0400

“Their (Beijing’s) policy has been to reunite Taiwan with China. From their standpoint, maybe it is analogous to Hawaii or something like that, like an integral part of China that is arbitrarily not part of China mostly because … the U.S. Pacific Fleet has stopped any sort of reunification effort by force,” he said.

That guy sure is an arsehole.

1694692103

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:48:24 -0400

About iOS 17 relase on 18 September, make sure to turn off the betas (thanks George!) if you participated. Simply go to “Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates”. and turn it off.

1694642905

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:08:25 -0400

I found Webgbcam while browsing Javier’s posts, and I am in love with it! The good thing about pixels is they stretch nicely, and they conceal. A lot! LOL.

A pixelated animated GIF of me.

As Javier says it (translating it from Spanish), “a website to take selfies in the traditional way: with a Game Boy Camera”.

Via Javier.computer.

1694639035

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:03:55 -0400

Sometime in the very near future I am going to move my Mastodon instance to a new hardware. When that happens, there are two possible outcomes: it is successful, or it isn’t. If it isn’t I am going to be in whole lot of pain. Will keep a “glass half full” mentality for now.

1694635473

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:04:33 -0400

Today was a bad day. Not horrible, as I am alive, but bad. Other than being pretty busy at work, juggling a couple of things that aren’t going the right way, I am having a pain on my neck, extending to my upper back—probably just neck pain, that’s been felt further from it—that’s driving nuts.

Will bike before it rains, and then take a very hot back to see if that makes me feel better.

1694564300

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:18:20 -0400

Such pity to read hateful people’s comments making fun, poking jokes at the new iPhone—I have found them on Reddit, and Mastodon, so far—when they live their sad, pathetic days, with that aberration of an OS that is Android on theirs. Interesting thing is, I have never gone bashing at “the other phones”; it’s always “them” coming to bash iPhones. For me that’s telling.

1694558866

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:47:47 -0400

iOS 17 is releasing 18 September 2023. That is, merely less than a week from today. I have been using it for a few betas now, and it works great! Now, I just want that Journal, but it still reads “Coming later this year”.

1694557785

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 18:29:45 -0400

Kim has a problem with the pace at which I eat. She thinks—kind of rightfully so—that I eat too fast. “Slow down, enjoy the food!”, she tells me. The truth is, I am enjoying it! That’s just the way I do it.

I have tried to slow down my pace, but she still thinks it is too fast. I like my meal hot. If I were to slow down and eat like she does, I would be eating cold food. Yuck! In social gatherings though, I suffer a bit, and slow down to the group’s pace. After all, I truly am not a neanderthal!

1694541842

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:04:03 -0400

My take aways from the Apple Event:

Apple works on positively impacting the enviroment. Apple truly is extremely environmentally concious.
Apple Watch is amazing: from looks, to usability, to saving lives. It has it all!
iPhone hardware (with A16) keeps getting better (now with USB-C). Together with the best phone OS, iOS, it is a pleasure to use.
iPhones Pro/Pro Max are build with even more premium materials and hardware (including the A17Pro processor, and much more), and much better cameras (3 vs 2, but this it too simplistic, you must see the video for all the details).
There wasn’t a “one more thing”. I miss it.

1694526934

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:55:35 -0400

It’s happening! Apple’s event is today at 13:00 EDT and, in preparation, I have snacks ready and handy, and have moved my lunch hour from 12:00-13:00 to 13:00-14:00. I will be able to happily snack while I watch it! Are you ready?

1694517539

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:18:59 -0400

Charles Chaplin’s movie “The Great Dictator” final speech is uplifting, and remains as relevant today (for better or worse), as it was then. That makes me feel sad, but time is on our side.

To those who can hear me, I say: do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed—the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish…

The entire transcript is available at his website. I think it’s worth reading.

1694477184

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 20:06:24 -0400

That far away thundering, and the constant notifications on the Weather app of an impending rain are such a tease! High temps today were 33°C, and currently it is still 29°C. And yes, no rain. Pff!

Update: 21:15

Well, I’d be damned! It is raining right now, with thundering and lightnings, all with a strong wind as if a tornado were nearby.

1694470131

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:08:51 -0400

“Going to mum’s to eat whatever ông (dad) cooked for me.” I tell Kim. “Wish me luck!”

Update: 20:02

Meal was very good! He made sweet sticky rice, and shredded lemongrass chicken. That, and a beer, completed dinner for me today. Stuffed!

1694457095

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:31:35 -0400

At which point a seemingly neverending web page will take too long to load—or it will stutter? I am currently paginating at 80 notes per page, but the original (which entised me to start “Notes”) sets no limit. I figure it will be limited by the operating system, or web browser, or by processor and memory constrains. Or all of the above.

1694455121

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:58:41 -0400

I don’t think Kim Jong Un likes to air travel very much (or at all), and as he doesn’t go places that aren’t connected through land mass, he uses an armoured(!) train instead. He is travelling to meet Putin as I type this.

It is rumoured to include at least 20 bulletproof cars, making it heavier than average trains and unable to go beyond 59 km/h (37mph). His journey to Vladivostok is expected to take an entire day.

I wondered why was a train picked as the preferred travel method (it was such curiosity what brought me here to type this note), and Wikipedia provided a suitable, logical explanation.

1694452080

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:08:00 -0400

I can’t believe that it has already been 22 years since the 11 September terrorist attacks. I remember seeing the one on the Twin Towers as it was happening on TV; we all stopped working, and watched in disbelief. I will never forget.

1694450800

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:46:41 -0400

This thing is delicious, and thus very habit forming. I can’t stop eating little pieces of it. The packing description reads “Cơm Cháy Nước Mắm Chà Bông” (Vietnamese), which translates to “Burnt Rice With Fish Sauce”.

Sweet and spicy burnt rice with salty shredded dry pork on top.

Its ingredients are listed as “crispy rice, pork floss, fish sauce, sugar, soybean oil, and chilly”. All I read is yummy! 🤤

1694397293

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 21:54:54 -0400

And thus, as it came in a whisper, it leaves us the same: weekend is no more. Yet fret not, as it shall come once more just five days from now. Again, and again, and again… Time’s a show in a loop, just enjoy the ride!

1694384184

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 18:16:24 -0400

TIL that there are around 12kg of gold, and 21kg of silver in 4.2 cubic kilometres of seawater. You can read more about it and, at the same time, learn why the ocean is salty.

Via Hacker News.

1694380635

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 17:17:15 -0400

This is a good read. The OP makes sure the preamble is set before stating very valid points.

I am a designer because I want to solve problems. I want people to be less frustrated when they use technology. I want to make their lives easier. I don’t want to make anyones life more difficult. These two sentiments sound the same, but they are not. I find both are important to consider.

1694379461

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:57:42 -0400

While driving around the city, or parking, I encounter pretty interesting things that people place on their cars. Normally I don’t take photos of them, but today’s was too funny to pass. 🤣

1694367298

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:34:59 -0400

From this week’s Areopagus Volume LXII, the temples atop Fanjing, their history, and the Cultural Author wrap up on chapter “IV - Architecture” was very interesting, educative, and inspiring. I quote it below, some emphasis mine.

“Architecture is not only a question of style, of whether we want to build in Gothic or Classical, Bauhaus or Constructivist. And nor is it only a question of choice, of what sort of building we want to create, whether a library or school, office block or hospital. It is, even more than any of these, a matter of faith. That which we believe to be true, and to be most important — be this religious, economic, or otherwise — is far upstream of these other questions. It was because of their beliefs that the builders of the Fanjingshan temples decided to construct them on the Red Cloud Golden Summit. For when we believe that something is both right and necessary we almost always accomplish our goal. The process that has led to urban skyscrapers, to sports stadiums, and to cathedrals, is much the same as that which led to the creation of the Fanjingshan temples — in all cases, at all times, it begins with belief.”

I really encourage you to subscribe to his newsletter. They bring joy to me, and I want—very much—to share it with you.

1694366561

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:22:42 -0400

I am having a hard time perfectly aligning the icon at the begining of the timestamp on each note—timestamp that is also the permanent link for it—and it’s driving me nuts. To the point that I am seriously considering getting rid of it all together. Why was I made so fastidious?

1694365354

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:02:35 -0400

I swear that Kim is playing Jenga with the recycle’s bin. Whoever loses takes it out and, boy, she is winning!

1694363612

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:33:32 -0400

Claud wrote, “True, not true: Vietnamese coffee makes me delirious 😅”. I’ll say true! If, and when, I drink Vietnamese coffee my heart wants to get out of my chest, like it doesn’t belong there. And sleeping? Fuhgeddaboudit!

1694359505

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 11:25:06 -0400

Apple’s event (12 Sep 2023, 14:00 EDT) logo. Watch it!.

It’s that time of the year again, and I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned Apple’s event. It’s coming! Like, day after tomorrow coming. I will watch it, like I do each year, for sure! If you like Apple, and their products, I recommend you watch it too!

1694318225

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 23:57:05 -0400

For someone who was never meant for this world, I must confess I’m suddenly having a hard time leaving it. Of course, they say every atom in our bodies was once part of a star. Maybe I’m not leaving… maybe I’m going home.

Just finished watching Gattaca (★★★★★) for the six time, but the first time with the kid. He finally let me rent it to watch it together.

At the end of the movie I told my kid that I saw the movie in its opening year (1997), and that I associated myself with Vincent having been born when my mum was 42, and having had my fair share of issues. That’s the reason I watched it so many times, I think. It is also a good movie.

1694300893

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 19:08:13 -0400

Half of the weekend is almost over, half of my chores are finished. Next true worry is what to eat and, later on, what to watch on TV. I have no idea on either, so I will read some news while I cool down a bit. It is past 19:00, and still around 30ºC.

1694279702

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 13:15:03 -0400

I believe one can’t experience death. One can only experience that that one can live to talk about. A near death experience? Of course. Yet, I think I understand what Mu-An is referring to.

1694277885

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 12:44:45 -0400

After finding a font I liked online today, and checking which one was it, and downloading it, and saving it to my “fonts” directory all neatly organised with the rest of them—which is something I often do—I had an existential thought. “Why am I doing this?” Will anyone “inheriting” my collection care about them like I did?

I often find myself second guessing what I do, or a direction/decision I am heading/taking by simply going over and over my thoughts on the meaning of life. Latent depression?

1694269788

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 10:29:49 -0400

Not a day goes by without hearing on the radio about global warming, and how we aren’t doing anything—or very, very little—about it. Our lack of action is nothing but the reflection of who we are. We smoke, even though we know for certain it is bad for us. We indulgue with unhealthy foods; we don’t exercise. We insist in hating, and hurting each other. Our lack of care for our planet is just a continuation of our own stupidity.

1694239085

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 01:58:05 -0400

Mental note: no matter how bad you might feel, try not to fall asleep during day time (avoid taking that medicine that makes you drowsy) because then it will be 02:00, and you will still be sleepless. Time to chew on some melatonin. Ugh.

1694235060

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:51:00 -0400

Just finished watching “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” (★★★★½), the movie. It was pretty cool! I am thankful for having watched the series before the movie, otherwise I would have been lost.

1694234253

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:37:33 -0400

I am liking the redesign of Google Fonts, which was announced on the Material Design Blog. I will still use the google-fonts-helper to get the fonts I choose to use, and host them locally.

1694215199

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:19:59 -0400

I like honey, of all kinds. I always have one or two jars of it at home, and I take—at least—one teaspoon of it each day in the morning. Yet, I always feel guilty that I am enjoying the labour of bees. Double guilty because I can’t help it. I really like honey!

1694192936

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 13:08:57 -0400

The first one who told me about the 10,000 steps per day was my friend Martin. He has, almost religiously, walked that amount per day ever since I met him, sometime around 1986. It seems he was right all along:

“The first company that produced pedometers came up with the 10,000-step benchmark without any data, as that was considered an auspicious number,” says Lieberman. “Since then, plenty of studies have shown that steps a day is a reasonable way of measuring physical activity. As you increase your step count, you reap increased benefits, but it tails off between about 8,000 and 10,000.”

Hutchinson agrees: “There’s nothing magic about 10,000 steps a day, but it is pretty good advice. In general, the best target is probably ‘a little more’ than what you’re currently doing.”

Via Kottke.

1694179233

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:20:34 -0400

That I am getting old, I can take. That the people I love is getting old, that hurts. Both out of our control, I know. Still.

1694112917

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:55:18 -0400

Message to child, regarding upcoming nourishment situation, and potential remediation.

Mamá just announced to me—because she is an actress, and likes to make an entrance—that she will not be cooking, nor helping to cook, tonight. I know it might be early, but start thinking what would you like for tonight. Providing some options (non-exhaustive):

Publix sub
Macaroni and cheese with bacon
Spaghetti and meatballs
Don Julio’s chicken fajitas
Pizza Hut

I am good with anything. Let me know.

1694100810

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:33:30 -0400

Not long ago I wrote about leaving LinkedIn for good. Truth be told, I created yet another account (so much for that “final time”, right?), because work based relations with LinkedIn, and the training they offer through it. I was, pretty much, forced to it, being part of work. That doesn’t make me despise it less.

After just a few months, I am now starting to receive UCE through it. Am I an arse if I just simply send those to junk?

1694100149

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:22:30 -0400

Of course, Global Warming isn’t happening, it is all a myth invented “by the left”. Let us not care about the environment, cancel our participation on all accords, and live like we don’t care. Because it seems we don’t.

“Multiple natural disasters are occurring simultaneously across different parts of the world, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of people being displaced. The World Meteorological Organization has declared this summer the hottest ever recorded, with August being the warmest month ever recorded.” — Paraphrased by AI.

1694090394

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 08:39:55 -0400

Sony’s PlayStation Network is increasing the price of all their plans. The PlayStation Plus Essential (the least expensive plan, which I have because without it some online games cannot be played) will go from $60/year to $80/year. They are justifying it by saying that it “will enable us to continue bringing high-quality games and benefits to your PlayStation Plus subscription service.” I get absolutely nothing, just paying for the ability to use my Internet connectivity on the console. How ducked up is that?!

Suffice it to say, I will not be renewing my subscription. Duck Sony (yes, duck it)!

1694087633

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:53:53 -0400

Here we go again. Hurricane Lee, forecasted to “rapidly intensify into a powerful Category 4 by this weekend”. Not even mid-September yet, and we are at L already. As in lovely.

1694085897

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:24:58 -0400

This is a powerful documentary and article, about how a Sharia courtroom works. It really offers an incredible insight—at least for me—on how the system process claims, and imparts justice. It is backwards, yet fascinating.

“Our demand is that the world should let us live with our Sharia law.”

1694018654

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:44:14 -0400

For me my child will always be my responsibility. That doesn’t mean they will not be responsible on their own, no. Yet, in my mind, it was my choice—well, a united, shared one—to have a child. It became my responsibility then, for life.

1694009618

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:13:38 -0400

This guy, Linus, he is some sort of a genius. He truly is! No, he isn’t Torvalds—though that Linus is also a genius. I mean, look how prolific he is! And he sure does write, at length. But don’t take my word for it, just go check it out. Oh, and he composes music, and does art, I mean… is there something he doesn’t do?!

Now, what brought me here today was his “short” notes, which he describes as “brief memos on ideas, musings, inspirations”. Pfff, Linus, mate, I admire you a lot. You don’t know me, but I do. Now, let me tell you something: you can’t write “brief” anything. Well, almost.

1693949184

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:26:24 -0400

Trying not to succumb to the temptation of buying yet more domains. Because I don’t need them. Because I will buy them, and a year later let them go. It is better tossing the coins in a fountain, right?

1693948190

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:09:50 -0400

Maybe it is the fanatic in me, but Apple doesn’t need to run advertisements. This was prompted by this, which I found on Mastodon.

Via Dan Gillmor.

1693947536

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:58:56 -0400

First day of back to doing some cardio—biking this time, because my running shoes suck, and I don’t want to buy new ones… yet. Did 2 miles, constant pedalling, which ought to be enough for a first day. Had noodle legs when I dismounted so, yeah. Slow and steady, that’s the plan.

1693943584

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:53:04 -0400

Our engagement with Canonical to deploy and manage Ubuntu with MAAS and Landscape is over, and now the “fun” begins. So much to customise, and tune! I have spent the entire day tunning and rebuilding images, back and forth. I am hoping to work on post-install scripting tomorrow.

1693935236

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:33:56 -0400

My closest work mate is on vacation this week. Though it is a short week—having had the day off yesterday for Labour Day, and all—it is going feel like a long one.

1693746106

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 09:01:46 -0400

I am on the day before the last free day, before having to go back to the cyclic routine. Everything tells me that I must make the most of it, yet I fail to know what that is. I will peruse technical news, for now, whilst sipping a made-with-half-and-half hot chocolate.

1693697304

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 19:28:24 -0400

Let the House Hunters International marathon start… now! 📺

1693677809

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 14:03:29 -0400

The feeling I get when I pull out my identification in advance at Total Wine & More, when buying beer for mum, anticipating I will be asked for it, and when getting to the cashier she says “Oh, you are fine” after trying to show it to her. 😩

Kim laughed at me, of course.

1693609227

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:00:27 -0400

I subscribe to the Areopagus, and if you like to learn about many different things, you should too. I have been meaning to mention their “Volume LIX”, and how much I liked it for some time and, well, here I am.

There is an old story about the King of Persia or, in some versions, the Sultan of Baghdad. In all cases it runs thusly; that this great lord, who was an enlightened ruler, wanted to know if there was anything he could say which would always be true, whenever and wherever it was spoken. So he gathered the wisest men in the land, calling poets and sages and philosophers from far and wide, to help him find an answer. They formed a great congregation and conferred for weeks on end until, eventually, they had agreed upon the solution to the king’s problem – they had a found a sentence which would always be true:

This too shall pass.

The entire volume is wholly filled with interesting stories revolving around that simple, yet everlasting, truth. It truly is worth reading.

1693606646

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 18:17:26 -0400

You can tell I am feeling nostalgic. Maybe it is the rain, that falls constantly, and gently. Maybe it is the feeling that time is steadily slipping through my fingers.

CompuServe advertisement, found at Paleotronic.

My very first access to the Internet was via Prodigy. Then CompuServe, eWorld, and Holonet. Finally The Microsoft Network, AOL, and broadband providers (wich I use till today).

1693580537

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:02:17 -0400

Went to mum’s to have coffee. I do this whenever I have time, because I like spending time with her, not so much for the coffee. That’s just a bonus. Of course, soon after I arrive I get this…

A Starbucks order request for the coffee Monkey.

It never fails! Yes, I order it with extra whipped cream. And yes, it will never be enough of it. “Did you ask for extra whipped cream?” — “Yes, I did.” — “It doesn’t look like having anything extra at all!” 🤦‍♂️

1693534914

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 22:21:54 -0400

“I can’t remember the name of the first girl I had a crush on in kindergarten. Can’t remember the name of my first love!”, I tell my partner. “Good, you should only remember me!”, she replies, half-kidding. “It’s not about the girl, silly Horse. It is about my memories fading away.”

Growing old isn’t fun. 😩

1693507742

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:49:02 -0400

Where there is smoke, there is fire. Little sparks are starting to flare out on Clarence Thomas. There must be more transparency, Justices are not above the law.

“Justice Clarence Thomas disclosed Thursday that Republican megadonor Harlan Crow paid for private jet trips for Thomas in 2022 to attend a speech in Texas and a vacation at Crow’s luxurious New York estate, as ethics questions continue to rock the Supreme Court.”

But Clarence is not alone. Samuel Alito has also shed some light.

Having anyone from either side (Democrat, or Republican) covering expenses, or otherwise doing anything with the purpose of gaining favour, or swaying a Justice should be considered illegal, unethical, and disqualifying.

1693505421

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:10:21 -0400

This dilemma came to mind. Should I enjoy an uninterrupted weekend (well, I still must fold clothes, but that’s unavoidable, unless I find a wish granting genie), or should I use tomorrow to mow the lawn, and forget about it for the entire next week?

If I were to find a wish granting genie, then I will ask more than having the clothes folded, but also to mow the lawn. If you are reading this, genie, don’t cross my path! You already know what awaits…

1693502026

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:13:46 -0400

My weekend starts in around 45 minutes from now. Work closing for game day, taking tomorrow off, and then Saturday, Sunday, and Labour Day Monday! Ohhhh yeaaaah!

1693450286

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:51:27 -0400

As someone with a few Indian friends, I have always been puzzled by the concept of caste that exists in India. My Indian friends, however, are not prone to talk about it. Yet, all of them are of a high caste, and none are Dalit or OBC. This prompted this note.

Via Hacker News.

1693401924

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:25:24 -0400

Barely a little rain, brought to us compliments of Idalia, and power goes off. Granted, only for a few minutes, but why?! What kind of third world country—or Banana Republic—is this state?

Update: 11:04

As if it heard me, now Idalia’s outer edge is giving us quite a show, downpouring with winds. It is kind of odd to see and hear a storm without any lighting. Thunderstorms are a brand around here, but rains brought by hurricanes come with few lightings, and thunders. Just more wind.

1693325425

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:10:25 -0400

Sooo sleepy! Alarm set to 12:55, will power nap during lunch because I don’t know if I will, otherwise, be able to make it. Mental note, do not take allergies medicines after 18:00, but at noon instead.

1693320285

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:44:46 -0400

This is quasi-horror story of a spouse the got a medical bill for her deceased husband, a year after she had paid the final bill—or so she thought. The takeaway:

“In the United States, medical bills and insurance statements create a burdensome puzzle for patients to sort through to determine what is actually owed. The first rule of thumb is: “Don’t pay the bill before you’ve gotten the EOB,” which is the insurer’s accounting of what you owe and what the insurer will pay.”

1693317745

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:02:25 -0400

Looks like Idalia will not pass close enough to merit a university close down. Local colleges are doing so, though. Experience tell us that is a best to err on the safe side.

Update: 13:55

And UCF is following the rest; it’s closing! Woot!

1692979535

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:05:36 -0400

I found this phrase from Frank Herbert’s “Dune” posted on the Fediverse by MrBadger42 to be, perhaps, perennially true.

“Once men turned their thinking over to machines in the hope that this would set them free. But that only permitted other men with machines to enslave them.”

1692972361

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:06:02 -0400

A co-worker of mine reply when I told him I disliked our current enterprise web font, Gotham (yes, I am into fonts this week; it won’t last, I promise!): “It is a matter of taste, and yours is undisputable.” 🤣

1692962273

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:17:53 -0400

While on the topic of fonts, I have to say that the Open Sans Pro font is extremely legible. It truly makes it a pleasurable reading experience, on sites using it. It is also open sourced.

1692811419

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:23:40 -0400

On iOS 17 Public Beta 5 right now. Each beta has been getting better, so I don’t expect this one to be any different. I am all for surprises, though! 😂

1692790758

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 07:39:18 -0400

This world that we, the smartest animals in the kingdom, call ours will be inherited by all the lesser animals we mistreat (or, at the very least, ignore) today. Then, and only then, Earth will heal.

1692727293

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:01:34 -0400

Avenir Next is such an easy to read font! I wish it was decently priced, available to use on the web, and not ridiculously expensive as it is today.

1692668010

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 21:33:30 -0400

This blog post, “We’re All Just Temporarily Abled”, from Jim Nielsen, pairs suitably with my previous train of thought. The older I get, the more often I find myself philosophising.

1692384278

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:44:38 -0400

From Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective:

“‘You see this goblet?’ asks Achaan Chaa, the Thai meditation master. ‘For me this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; I drink out of it. It holds my water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on the shelf and the wind knocks it over or my elbow brushes it off the table and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, ‘Of course.’ When I understand that the glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious.’”

Also, from The Wise Heart:

“One day Ajahn Chah held up a beautiful Chinese tea cup, ‘To me this cup is already broken. Because I know its fate, I can enjoy it fully here and now. And when it’s gone, it’s gone.’ When we understand the truth of uncertainty and relax, we become free.”

And, from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations:

“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly.”

1692216551

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:09:11 -0400

Naomi Wu is my new hero. This video converted me to her.

1692195504

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:18:25 -0400

Life is a loop. The known universe is a loop. Everything is a do while loop. Thus, everything is a program in an enormously big computer.

1692011884

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:18:04 -0400

We survived the weekend, alone, without the boy. Now onto the working week. Got to mow the wilderness that is our backyard, this week. Soon after I will have to do the same for the front. It never ends!

1691773986

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:13:06 -0400

Chetan Kunte updated his page! Chetan’s site is one of the few I, almost religiously, check each day for new content.

1691769020

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:50:20 -0400

This is the second, or third time I receive this email. It shows how to make it to my blocklist in one single step.

I’m afraid this is my last email to you about my suggestions for Data Flow (gasp!). I haven’t heard back from you yet and this must mean one of three things:

You are happy with your current lead volume, CPL, and conversion rates.

You’ve been too busy with deadlines/meetings/tap-dance classes but you’re interested (It’s not too late!)

You’ve fallen and you can’t get up. Let me know if that’s the case, I’ll send help!

Please let me know - I’m worried!

1691766814

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 11:13:34 -0400

Emails with a “friendly reminder” phrase in it irk me. Especially those requesting feedback—over, and over—for a service rendered. I know they are automated, but there is always a human behind them.

1691754564

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:49:25 -0400

Boy is leaving for a week to the Keys before classes start again. Here comes a week of worries.

1691670752

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 08:32:32 -0400

There has been eight 007s throughout the years. While going through my thoughts yesterday it struck weird that they all like it “shaken, not stirred”, are desired by women, are virtually un-killable, etc. Was that an MI6 requirement? 😂

1691668058

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:47:38 -0400

The “Unknown unknowns”—things we don’t know we don’t know—have always fascinated me.

1691666845

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:27:25 -0400

The former Attorney General is a discreet man.

“Discretion” is a complicated word. It can imply discernment, restraint and sober judgment, for example. It’s also a wonderful euphemism for covering up wrongdoing. And William Barr is a discreet man. — Bloomberg

1691582583

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 08:03:03 -0400

After coming across “Vocal Fry: what it is, who does it, and why people hate it!” at Claud’s I cannot not notice it on just about any female newscaster.

Via @claudrod.

1691519811

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:36:52 -0400

Conduit is the easiest, fastest, leanest way to run a Matrix server. A single binary, and a small configuration file. Can’t beat that!

Update: 17:33

Or, as George pointed out, docker compose up.

1691516621

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:43:41 -0400

Feeling rather meh. One of those things that happen after taking a long break, or after taking a short one. Or just simply meh.

1691431030

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:57:10 -0400

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has no problems selling you a Postal Money Order. It will take your cash—or debit card—gladly. Now, try cashing one in, and you will be stumped: they carry no money to exchange for the Money Order. To cash it in you will need to deposit it on your bank. In other words, avoid them. This isn’t fully accurate.

1691416828

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:29 -0400

My four days long weekend is over. Where did the time go?! The relativity of time is truly annoying. 😩

1691346948

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:35:48 -0400

My Personal Identifiable Information (PII) leaked (unauthorized third parties were likely able to access and download full names, Social Security numbers, policy/account numbers, dates of birth, and addresses, among other), again, compliments of SaaS. This time it was “MOVEit Transfer”, which Corebridge (one of my retirement accounts financial institutions) uses.

This CVE provides details of the vulnerability that was exploited. Links within that page explains it further.

Duuuuuuuck! 🤬 Initial fraud alert—1 year—placed on the three major credit bureaus.

Update: 11/08

Partner is also receiving the same notification I got, today. The impact of the breach goes beyond Corebridge. Maybe you are affected too!

1691320483

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 07:14:44 -0400

“Well, birthdays are merely symbolic of how another year has gone by and how little we’ve grown. No matter how desperate we are that someday a better self will emerge, with each flicker of the candles on the cake, we know it’s not to be, that for the rest of our sad, wretched, pathetic lives, this is who we are to the bitter end. Inevitably, irrevocably; happy birthday? No such thing.”

Update: 08:52

The above from one of “Seinfeld” episodes.

1691090404

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:20:05 -0400

Based on what I have seeing of the gameplay and the looks, I have absolutely no interest, nor desire to play, Baldur’s Gate 3. Almost died of boredom! I will pass, 100%.

1691066897

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 08:48:17 -0400

The sentimental in me found this blog entry, and was touched. So many times I have thought about Netscape, and what will it be if it was still around. Right after Mosaic, Netscape Navigator was the web browser I used for a very long time.

1691005193

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:39:53 -0400

I am just surprised this didn’t come along earlier, and that it took a pandemic event to make it a reality. Going to an office to sit all day, and then go home never made sense to me. When pushed for a change, all we got—begrudgingly—was one “telecommuting” day per week.

“If they were to say ’everyone back in the office’, I would probably be asking for a raise,” said Coomber, who still visits the office once or twice a week. “You get more family time. You can actually finish work at five, rather than finishing at five spending 45 minutes trying to get home.”

1690988026

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:53:47 -0400

Related to my previous note, this The New York Times annotated indictment is very good. It is especially good for those who might have a hard time reading legalese—though I found the language used on the indictment very easy (purposely?) to read.

1690934721

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:05:22 -0400

“Despite having lost, the defendant was determined to remain in power”, prosecutors wrote. The 6 January 2021 riot was “fueled by lies” — Mr. Trump’s lies. The gigantic ignoramus also known as Donald Trump has been indicted—yes, again!—on four criminal charges relating to his involvement on the 6 January 2021 revolt.

From The New York Times:

Conspiracy to defraud the United States (1 count)
The charge against Mr. Trump details the various methods he and co-conspirators used to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Related to efforts to obstruct the vote certification proceedings (2 counts)
Mr. Trump faces two charges involving the vote certification proceedings at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021: one of obstructing that process and one of conspiring to do so.
Conspiracy to violate civil rights (1 count)
Related to Mr. Trump’s attempts to reverse election results in states with close elections in 2020.

The wheels of justice move slow, but thank goodness they move. I also found interesting what Will Hurd (a Republican presidential candidate) said about Trump:

“Trump’s presidential bid is driven by an attempt to stay out of prison and scam his supporters into footing his legal bills…”

1690917738

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:22:18 -0400

When the girl tells me she is stressed, and had a mental breakdown, it truly hurts my heart—that feeling one gets, as if someone was squeezing it. It upsets, worries me so much! Why will there be things for which we feel so impotent to do anything?

1690892495

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:21:36 -0400

“🎶 Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies…”

1690826469

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:01:10 -0400

I don’t need, nor want, thinner bezels on an iPhone. I want to be able to comfortable hold it. What I want is an edge-to-edge screen which, sadly, will not come anytime soon. I am sure many are with me on this.

Oh, and keeping its pricing sensible. If it comes at $1,500, I would rather buy a laptop.

1690822892

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:01:33 -0400

Watched a handful of football matches this weekend, as the FIFA Women World Cup is ongoing. Noticed that players didn’t get as upset as men do, nor did they get violent to each other, nor one ever yelled at the referee within millimetres of her face. Certainly refresing!

1690818628

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:50:28 -0400

“I’ll leave tomorrow’s problems to tomorrow’s me.”

Re-watched season 1 of “One-Punch Man” with the kid this past weekend. Need to look for season 2—not available on Netflix, unlike season 1—to quench the thirst left by watching those few episodes.

Update: 04/08

My kid found season 2 online, watched first episode last night. So good!

1690570806

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:00:06 -0400

Within my family (partner and I, both sides) there are only 4 people using a phone running god-knows-what version of Android. Everyone else is on iOS. Of all my friends there is only 1 on Android. So yeah, I believe this (that the iPhone market has increased, while Android based phone shipments have dwindled) to be true.

1690562732

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:45:33 -0400

As of 9 June 2023 there were 37 charges against Trump; there have been some more since. How someone so criminally tarnished—to say the least—can even run for President of the United States? Then again, he “served” one term as one already.

A cartoon drawing posted by Brooklynman on Mastodon.

Note: 13:03

I wrote this note with this today’s news in mind, which adds more charges to the born disgraced ignoramus.

1690555258

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:40:58 -0400

Broccoli cheddar soup is my favourite soup. I like many soups, but no other brings more joy than the broccoli cheddar one. Having always had someone else’s, I am now ready to cook it on my own. I bet you can guess what’s on the menu this weekend.

1690550683

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:24:44 -0400

I was skeptical, but thanks to George—and after watching the hearing—I am more willing to believe, and agree that there needs to be more transparency on the findings on UAP (formerly UFO) phenomena. Let’s hope something substancial comes out of this.

Update: 10:13

If you decide to watch the hearing video, be aware it is 2 hours 18 minutes long. I found that seeing/listening it at 1.5x, or 2x worked best for me.

1690478881

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:28:01 -0400

Feeling a little bit nostalgic. I am sure it is part of things that happen “before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern”. That kind of thing.

1690477396

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:03:16 -0400

The feeling I get when I visit my favourites GitHub repositories, and find new updates… That git pull sure is such an adrenaline rush!

1690383754

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:02:34 -0400

Browsed to this website for the fun, stayed for the typography. Look at the legibility and beauty of that Garamond Premier Pro!

1690378609

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:36:49 -0400

Pet peeve #19657: using relatives when referring to conclusives. “It looks like it is happening” rather than “It is happening”. “It looks like the firewall is allowing connections” rather than “The firewall allows connections”. It is not alledged when just is. Duck!

1690374536

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:28:56 -0400

Well, now I know what I will be doing more often. I mean, it doesn’t take too long, and it comes with benefits I can sure use. I also mow the lawn once a week; believe me, that’s plenty of exercise.

1690214031

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:53:52 -0400

It seems like Barbie and Oppenheimer are a total success, and a must see, as the worse have riled up against them.

1690126649

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 11:37:30 -0400

Saw this on the Fediverse, from an automated account (bot) suitably named Picard Tips: “Don’t assume anything is possible or impossible until you’ve asked the people who will be doing the work.” Oh man… so true!

1690039004

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 11:16:44 -0400

If only I had the state of mind that Hokusai had! For me these words come as the perfect example of optimism, and hope. Reading them makes me feel at ease.

“…until the age of 70, nothing I drew was worthy of notice. At 73 years I was somewhat able to fathom the growth of plants and trees, and the structure of birds, animals, insects and fish. Thus when I reach 80 years, I hope to have made increasing progress, and at 90 to see further into the underlying principles of things, so that at 100 years I will have achieved a divine state in my art, and at 110, every dot and every stroke will be as though alive. Those of you who live long enough, bear witness that these words of mine are not false.” — One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji.

Via The British Museum.

1690037643

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:54:03 -0400

“It is in our power to have no opinion about a thing, and not to be disturbed in our soul; for things themselves have no natural power to form our judgements.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 6.

1690036632

Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:37:13 -0400

“What a horse wants, what a horse needs, is always having a patch of grass that’s ever green…” — Read/sing it with the music of “What a Girl Wants”, by Christina Aguilera. I sang it this morning to my partner. She is a Horse 😂.

1689875821

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:57:01 -0400

This was not only a racist comment, but a stupid, uneducated one. The fact that he is still defending it makes it even worse.

“COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese,” he added. “We don’t know whether it was deliberately targeted at that or not but there are papers out there that show the racial or ethnic differential of impact for that.”

1689874324

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:32:04 -0400

While on video gaming topic, specifically Diablo IV, I have decided to play a druid on Season 1. Unlike previously anticipated, I am picking Radagast for his name. I think it is quite fitting, right? 🙈

1689873996

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:26:36 -0400

About Diablo IV’s patch notes there has been much controversy. Blizzard has truly made the game less fun with it, but it is a game, and I don’t give it much thought. Now for those who think the patch is the worse ever, think again!

1689869088

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:04:48 -0400

On The Past Is Not True written by Derek, I liked this a lot, because if you give it a thought you will know it is oh-so-true.

“We think of the past like it’s a physical fact - like it’s real. But the past is what we call our memory and stories about it. Imperfect memories, and stories built on one interpretation of incomplete information. That’s “the past”.”

Via Hacker News.

1689865191

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:59:51 -0400

“We are lost in space, just as the planets, stars, suns, universes. We are all lost, on a collision course to the unknown; our end inevitable.” — That was my first (and only) entry on Anytype. I am liking the app so far!

1689851540

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:12:20 -0400

I have a general antipathy for the indented paragraphs writing style (that is, first line of each parahraph is indented). I truly dislike it, and very much prefer—and exclusively use—a block format.

Update: 13:01

It is not just that I don’t like it visually, it goes beyond that. I find the style hard to read. Maybe it is just the way my brain is wired.

1689804362

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:06:02 -0400

For my fellow christians, what ever happened to Mark 12:17? Why do you insist on shoving your fanatic doctrines down everyone’s throats?

Note: 18:30

Please, understand that “you” in the context above doesn’t really mean you you. I am using the “royal you”.

1689801970

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:26:10 -0400

I surprised everyone today at the gathering by having one slice of pizza only. The four years ago me would have eaten four, plus pops, plus cookies… the whole shebang! Not today. What can I say? I have been institutionalised 😂.

1689765828

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:23:49 -0400

It is “Pizza Day” at work’s old offices. We finished a migration (moved half of our VMs to Azure), and management is treating us to it. It will be an opportunity to say hello, face-to-face, to old, and new co-workers. Looking forward to it, just let’s see how traffic behaves.

1689707696

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 15:14:57 -0400

This one I had read before, yet still brought a few chuckles as I read deeper into it. Having a friend that owns (or used to, I am not sure now) a handful of old Porsche’s, I couldn’t resist sharing it with him. It made him laugh too! 😂

“Welcome to my Porsche 914. I imagine that at this point (having found the door unlocked) your intention is to steal my car. Don’t be encouraged by this; the tumblers sheared off in 1978. I would have locked it up if I could, so don’t think you’re too clever or that I’m too lazy. However, now that you’re in the car, there are a few things you’re going to need to know.”

Via Hacker News.

1689688999

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:03:20 -0400

Truly loving Jessica’s approach of creating weekly notes. The weeks, I noticed, are not quite accurate (for example, 27 June 2023 is the 26th week of the year, not the 25th), but nevertheless, I love the use of the additive bullets for the week’s notes.

Update: 10:21

I just realised this approach reminds me of Logseq a lot. No wonder I like it so much!

Via Muan’s Blogroll.

1689687863

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 09:44:24 -0400

The newly announced cybersecurity certification and labeling program is a step in the right direction. It is meant to “help Americans more easily choose smart devices that are safer and less vulnerable to cyberattacks”. My only worry is, wouldn’t these type of programs be easily dismantled by a future administration? That’s always my fear; many things change in our country based on the political party currently at the helm.

1689682328

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:12:08 -0400

In case anyone doubted the influencing economic power of Taylor Swift.

“Despite the slowing recovery in tourism in the region overall, one contact highlighted that May was the strongest month for hotel revenue in Philadelphia since the onset of the pandemic, in large part due to an influx of guests for the Taylor Swift concerts in the city.”

1689624792

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:13:12 -0400

Regarding this, I don’t have the option on my phone for it. I have searched The Tubes, and others are in the same boat. I figure it requires carrier activation, or Apple is throttling the rollout of the feature, or something else. Oh well, it is a beta after all.

1689622111

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:28:31 -0400

“Tips are a wage subsidy to the employer,” she says. “It’s not a tip. It goes to your wage. It is just the amount that the employer doesn’t have to pay you. And people don’t understand that.” — NPR

Oh, I understand. I just don’t agree with it. Ask the employer to include that “subsidy” on the price of the goods, and then it will be up to the customer to decide whether spending the money at the establishment is worth it, or not.

1689621157

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:12:38 -0400

Picking nuts out a bag without looking is better than placing then in a bowl. When you pick them from the bag, you get a random assortment. On the other hand, having them in a bowl tempts you to discriminate, and hand-pick what you like—which will, irremediably, result in waste.

1689609005

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:50:05 -0400

Some words about happiness that resonated for me this morning:

1689598828

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:00:28 -0400

“You’re saddled up; there’s no recourse. It’s, “Hi-yo, silver!” — Signed: Bad Horse

1689597972

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:46:13 -0400

Child tried a root beer float—with vanilla ice cream—for the first time on his life last night. “It smells funny. Medicinal, even”, was his reaction to root beer. Yup, that’s root beer, for sure!

1689593351

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 07:29:11 -0400

“See you in my 19th life” continues to be exciting, engaging, and overall lovely. Saw the most recent episodes last night, and I can’t wait for the next weekend 🙈. Imagine if re-incarnation was possible, and on top of it you remembered your previous lives? Anyway, no spoilers! A sweet plot twist on these series.

1689365473

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 16:11:13 -0400

Upcoming iOS 17 Live Voicemail is as good as advertised. Some might call it magical, even. I do.

“Live Voicemail gives users the ability to see real-time transcription as someone leaves a voicemail, and the opportunity to pick up while the caller is leaving their message. Calls identified as spam by carriers won’t appear as Live Voicemail, and will instead be instantly declined. With the power of the Neural Engine, Live Voicemail transcription is handled on-device and remains entirely private.”

1689363310

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:35:11 -0400

Today we kind of ended the most disorganised, painful, and convoluted engagement ever in which I have being a participant. We are left with a non-functional solution that is bound to produce headaches, and unpleasantness—and surprises!—for years to come. Yay! 😒

1689343009

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 09:56:50 -0400

Running iOS 17 public beta now, as temptation got a hold of me yesterday. It has some glitches, and small bugs (mostly visual), but very, very stable, and usable. Buttery smooth as if it were a release.

1689337674

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 08:27:54 -0400

Substack is the new Medium. It started great, now one gets those obnoxious requests for signing up. I have avoided any links driving me to Medium; adding Substack to the array.

1689299180

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 21:46:20 -0400

It is this note timestamp, and I am going to sleep. I have been going to bed each day, for the last few weeks, past 01:30, and waking up at 06:00. It has now caught up with me. Youngster no more.

1689278279

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:58:00 -0400

I am so tempted to install iOS 17 public beta! If anything for that Journal app, because I will use the heck out of it. Also because George told me “this is the only way we can test”. The fact that he already jumped in isn’t helping. 😅

Update: 16:11

Ugh, need to learn how to read the fine print. On the Journal app, from Apple, “Coming later this year”. Cry, cry, cry! Still, I think I will jump in.

1689248178

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:36:18 -0400

Thunderbird 115 Supernova is out, and it is hideous. Not just the looks (I ducking hate that Outlook look!), but the bloat. Why couldn’t an email client remain just for emails? Couldn’t care less about its calendar. Ugh, I am getting too old…

1689163304

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:01:44 -0400

Working physically—as in, not remote—at one of our datacentres today. Last time I went there was at the end of year 2022, let’s see how much it has changed. I expect visible changes in our cage, as we are trying to vacate it. Off I go to waste over an hour on commute!

1689101646

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:54:06 -0400

Wow, just wow! Truly no words to describe how well done, how perfect, how entertaining was to watch this stop-motion animation. This one defines mastery. The behind the scenes video is a must watch.

Via Kottke.

1689091430

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:03:50 -0400

Feature request for iOS: setting to allow all calls from Contacts to ring through, all others go straight to voicemail. In other words, an allowed list (as opposite to disallowed, duh!).

1689087044

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:50:44 -0400

Local temperatures (in Celsius). Lovely, just lovely. We are not harming our planet, no. Not happening, nothing to see here, right?

1689083491

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:51:31 -0400

New Red Hat owners, IBM, “f***** around, and they are finding out”. Their decision to stop publicly releasing RHEL source code is going to come back to bite them. New distros pledging to be RHEL compatible have spawned, and now SUSE and Oracle are, too, having their saying.

1689007525

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:45:26 -0400

Fascinated by this, as I have always being about keeping track of time—though, like everyone else, I tend to “waste” it. I like the simplicity and usability. I also love the optimism of the maker: “[…] assuming I live to 85 years old.”

Via Hacker News.

1688992038

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:27:18 -0400

Oh yes, we know tipping—an endemic problem in the US—has gone out of control. This article Kim shared doesn’t make sense, though.

“No matter if you are dining in or opting to carry out, try to stick within 15 to 20 percent of the pretax bill.”

No, sorry, that’s not how it works. I might be an oddball, but I have been tipping when I feel like it, in the amount I feel like it—exceptions on places that include the tip on the bill. As the article briefly mentions, “businesses should pay their employees fair wages rather than forcing them to rely on tips.”

1688988799

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:33:19 -0400

Upgraded my Mastodon instance to 4.1.4. Forever grateful to the “Update Notifications” bot which remind us all running the software to upgrade/update as needed. I would probably be in troubles without it.

1688866693

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 21:38:14 -0400

Diablo IV season 1 is coming 20 July. I think it is coming out too soon. My only toon is level 94. Those last 6 levels will take a while. Like, I don’t think I will be 100 on the eternal realm before season 1 releases.

1688866476

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 21:34:37 -0400

Where did Saturday go? Went to sleep at 03:30ish, woke up at 07:30ish, and tried using as much of the Saturday as possible, and still escaped like water between fingers. “Is there a secret to make a day last longer?” I asked my partner. “Yes, a workday” was her reply. 😅

1688758476

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:34:36 -0400

Removed HTML and CSS files from caching here (server side). I don’t like having to hard refresh to see a new note. Let’s see if it works.

Update: 15:40

Seems to be working! I simply created a separate header @content cache-control max-age=0, where @content has HTML, and CSS files in it.

1688757263

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:14:23 -0400

Though I knew about it, Phanpy has re-ignated my engagement on Mastodon. Three things I love about it: it is light, and easy to host, it is beautiful, and it is super usable (the look of the threads it creates had me at hello). Totally love it!

1688749785

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:09:45 -0400

Every working day, without a fail, I feel sleepy right when I am about to return to work after the lunch hour. The thing is, I don’t eat at lunch, so it has to be a game my mind is playing on me. Ugh.

1688745861

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 12:04:22 -0400

Forget religion for a moment, “it’s easy if you try”. This, from Hinduism’s Karma theory on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, is true. I know it, you know it.

“Now as a man is like this or like that, according as he acts and according as he behaves, so will he be: a man of good acts will become good, a man of bad acts, bad. He becomes pure by pure deeds, bad by bad deeds. And here they say that a person consists of desires. And as is his desire, so is his will; and as is his will, so is his deed; and whatever deed he does, that he will reap.”

1688744888

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 11:48:09 -0400

These have popped way too often for my liking, and I adore rain! I mean, if it weren’t because of this, I would be in heaven.

1688744137

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 11:35:37 -0400

Eloquently, yet, succinctly writen. I totally agree.

“I’ve realized that avoiding bad habits is just as important as cultivating good habits. To address these kinds of issues, we must become aware of our patterns of incremental neglect and then take deliberate steps to counteract them and foster healthier habits.”

Via Hacker News.

1688743201

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 11:20:02 -0400

Went on a small stroll around the house to stretch my legs, and noticed our weed thriving backyard with fear. Yup, sadly, the time I dislike is quickly approaching.

1688740804

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 10:40:04 -0400

I might have said this before, but it is worth repeating. I can’t stand LinkedIn. It is intrusive, used for spaming and solicitation. The few times I have been in it, because I have received notifications, I have encountered presumptous people that I don’t know, using the platform as a second Facebook (which I detest). Sadly, work nagged about not being on LinkedIn, so I am.

I don’t want to come across as a ranting person, but I think I need a rant icon.

Update: 11:01

I just added the rant icon. I figured a voicemail was the perfect one, considering the limited options that Feather offers.

1688694024

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 21:40:25 -0400

More on this. Not complaining, nor unhappy, but I got the cache today from “Ashava the Pestilent”. So, now I am stumped. Is the game half broken? Has Blizzard fixed it?

Update: 08/09

Well, well, well. From the latest patch notes:

“Fixed an issue where the Weekly Reward Cache for defeating a World Boss would display as available if there was an active Whisper for defeating the boss, even when the Cache had already been claimed previously.”

That had to be it, I see no other explanation. Nothing lost then, carry on! Phew!

1688673797

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:03:17 -0400

OK, so I created an Instagram account, so I could try Threads, and this that Claud wrote about was the first thing I noticed. Who are those people on my timeline, or whatever Threads calls it?!

1688673181

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:53:01 -0400

If, when going to a website, the first thing it does within seconds of browsing it is showing me a floating request for my email address, I am almost 90% sure I will not be coming back. If it only allows 1 free article, I am 100% not coming back.

1688666798

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:06:39 -0400

The amount of disregard for things around him, especially things that do not belong to him, that this guy showed is appalling.

“I admit with profound embarrassment that only after what regretfully happened did I learn of the antiquity of the monument.”

So, it would have been OK to do it, if it was a not-so-old building? 😡

1688666135

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:55:36 -0400

For those who use “fine” often—when refering to issues with software, for example, “it works fine”, or “it’s fine!”—a sentence I read, don’t remember where (and I paraphrase): “Fine is far from good, and nowhere near great.”

1688661794

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:43:14 -0400

Have killed three world bosses on Diablo IV this week, so far, none dropping the legendary cache (a once per week, per boss, item). Game has broken very recently, after the 4 July weekend. No support is provided, only posting on their forum. Ugh!

1688652106

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:01:46 -0400

Added the beginning of a “uses” page, which is linked at the bottom, on the footer. I am not sure I want to add links at the top—like a menu—or just keep Notes simple, as I have it now. Probably the later.

1688647421

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:43:41 -0400

Correct me if I am wrong, but there is no way to use Threads without an Instagram account? The app itself simply asks to login with Instagram, not even a “Don’t have an account? Create one” within the app interface. Meta’s so funny! Deleted.

1688642469

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:21:09 -0400

Came across this, and though it sounds nice, and comes across as altruistic, it is naïve. Maybe it is the pedantic in me, but my impact to the world is the same as the impact of a single ant: null. I understand the feeling, though, and I, myself, try to be as caring and considerate as possible, nevertheless.

1688585764

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:36:05 -0400

How many messaging apps does Google has, and/or has had? Many. All current (and past, with the exception of Google Talk) were/are rubbish. I am never, ever trusting Google with anything they produce. They have pretty much ceased to exist for me. End of rant.

1688585218

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:26:58 -0400

This needs to be said because even though these notes are pseudo-anonymous, nothing on The Tubes truly is: any and all opinions listed here are my own, and not representative of my employers; future, past, and present. There, done. Phew!

1688579772

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:56:12 -0400

Today I learned about Unicode’s Private Use Areas. That explains why you can see this symbol  on an Apple device, but can’t on Windows.

1688577516

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:18:36 -0400

I am forced to use Outlook at work, as we use O365. Outlook has sucked for quite a while (since birth?), but the “new look” Microsoft is going to soon enforce is the very worst. Horribly looking, and it makes Outlook even more so slow.

1688572934

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:02:15 -0400

Wow, this is very disturbing. The thing is, it is bound to get worse, and we are doing little to nothing about it.

“Monday was the world’s hottest day on record, exceeding an average of 17 degrees Celsius (62.6 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time, according to initial measurements taken on Tuesday by US meteorologists.”

Via Hacker News.

1688570771

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:26:11 -0400

Pretty funny way to take a stab at Musk’s Twitter’s idiotic rate limiting self-destructing measures.

1688569020

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:57:00 -0400

I don’t think this is a good news. It could mean LXD “might” get killed further down the line. That would make me—and others, I am sure—sad.

1688565726

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:02:06 -0400

We watched the first episode for season 6 of “Black Mirror”, “Joan Is Awful” (★★★), and were kind of disappointed. I am not going to provide spoilers, but you be the judge when you see it. Hoping the other episodes are better.

1688564244

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 09:37:24 -0400

Today is one of those where I wake up, and think—in stumped disbelief—“Hell, I am 0x37! How did this happen?!” Saying that time is flying is an understatement we often casually mention. It truly is!

1688562171

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 09:02:51 -0400

Slightly enhanced (I think) version of the original marquee fish tank.

<°)))>< <°)))>< ><(((°> <°)))>< ><(((°> <°)))>< ><(((°>

V= (° °) =V

1688501885

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:18:05 -0400

I have changed so many things here ever since I started, I should have kept a change log. I know I have the git log, but it isn’t the same. Maybe it is not too late to start? Meh, on second thoughts… too lazy. Day’s almost over now, better do something productive. You know, like watching some Korean series. Ha!

1688500181

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:49:42 -0400

I have used Inter in the past on another personal website. On this one I am using Karla, but I am having some thoughts on changing to Inter. Should I, or is it the fleeting thought of an idle mind? Hmm, better get back to D4. 😂

1688429189

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:06:29 -0400

If you still had doubts, have no more. It is now common knowledge that Twitter is imploding, but if you didn’t believe it, there is now Threads coming to take a stab at Twitter’s corpse.

1688428515

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 19:55:15 -0400

The next big question for the day—and one that’s very important—is “what’s for dinner tonight?” The consensus of two seems to be pointing to, very strongly, Mexican food from “Don Julio’s”. What’s better to celebrate the advent of the 4th of July?

1688415245

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:14:06 -0400

And, just like that, laboring Monday is over. Tomorrow is a holiday (Happy 4th!), so, yay! I am off to Diablo IV, unless “The Horsie” has other plans for me.

1688414730

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:05:31 -0400

I have fiddled a little, and added OpenGraph support to these notes. It is still kind of ugly, but less so than it was before. Baby steps, right? Now I will not be afraid to share them on Messages.

1688409912

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:45:13 -0400

Because I found it, and liked it enough to mention here:

“The night gardener once asked me if I knew how citrus trees died: when they reach old age, if they are not cut down and they manage to survive drought, disease and innumerable attacks of pests, fungi and plagues, they succumb from overabundance. When they come to the end of their life cycle, they put out a final, massive crop of lemons. In their last spring their flowers bud and blossom in enormous bunches and fill the air with a smell so sweet that it stings your nostrils from two blocks away; then their fruits ripen all at once, whole limbs break off due to their excessive weight, and after a few weeks the ground is covered with rotting lemons. It is a strange sight, he said, to see such exuberance before death.”

Via Stress Free Zone.

1688406636

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:50:37 -0400

I was fairly flexible on this, and would follow links to it depending on who was sharing them. Yet, as of now and forward, will not follow/click/tap on anything linking to Twitter. What was left of my relationship with it is now over.

1688402258

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:37:39 -0400

The news that National Geographic is beginning to shut down, pretty much, is a bad one. I mean, it is not going offline per se, but it is getting mighty close to do it.

1688400727

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:12:07 -0400

SUSE is positioning itself to take advantage of Red Hat’s changes (which has sparked criticisms). Excellent approach!

1688393767

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:16:08 -0400

This is rubbish. Same as this. I can’t think of any other word to use for them. Canonical’s Ubuntu management and deployment tools are not even close to Red Hat’s.

1688390262

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:17:43 -0400

This is the first time I hear/read about “kokuhaku”, the Japanese way of confessing your love, and asking to go out in a serious way. I remember that in my teenager years that had to be done in person. Love declarations were a truly elaborated performance that often took guts to carry out. So many broken hearts (mine included)!

Via Tofugo.

1688389262

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:01:03 -0400

We got to experience for the first time dry heat while in Las Vegas. Though it was much hotter than our local temperatures, I have to say I would prefer dry heat any day. Kind of miss it, actually! 🥲

1688386406

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:13:27 -0400

Back at home. Awesome vacation, with no much else to say (you know, “What happened in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, LOL). Only less than a week off, but adjusting time is still needed. Ah, must be great been able to have an endless vacation…

1687809719

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:01:59 -0400

I am off till next Tuesday. It will be a total break, so it includes babbling here. Notes will continue next week, hopefully with new things to tell. Or not. 🤣

1687749795

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:23:16 -0400

The New York Times “88 Temples, 750 Miles, Untold Gifts: Japan’s Shikoku Pilgrimage” is such a good read! It makes me want to do the pilgrimage myself.

Via Hacker News.

1687747396

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:43:17 -0400

Watching “See you in my 19th life” (★★★★★), a Korean series based on a webtoon. I like it! It is quite new, which means two episodes per week. Now I will have to wait for the next weekend. 😩

1687665856

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 00:04:17 -0400

“In case of rapture, this car will be unmanned”, read the sticky on the SUV in front of me yesterday. That stroke me as very careless, irresponsible, and negligent.

1687551236

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:13:57 -0400

If you have JavaScript enabled on your browser (who doesn’t these days?!), old anchor links will now work, instead of what I previously stated. I will not be creating anchor links anymore, but old ones in use elsewhere will work.

1687533532

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 11:18:53 -0400

Someone please come up with a nice interface for Lemmy, and I will jump right in. It seems to be very, very slow too.

1687528698

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 09:58:18 -0400

For his book “On the Meaning of Life”, Will Durant asked a number of people “What is the meaning of life?” Amongst the replies he got, one was from H.L. Mencken:

“You ask me, in brief, what satisfaction I get out of life, and why I go on working. I go on working for the same reason that a hen goes on laying eggs. There is in every living creature an obscure but powerful impulse to active functioning. Life demands to be lived. Inaction, save as a measure of recuperation between bursts of activity, is painful and dangerous to the healthy organism—in fact, it is almost impossible. Only the dying can be really idle […]

When I die I shall be content to vanish into nothingness. No show, however good, could conceivably be good for ever.”

1687521400

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:56:40 -0400

If you have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Watch, AppleTV, Mac), please update it as soon as possible. This, as with any other security updates, I stress, must be done as soon as you can.

For iPhone/iPad, go to “Settings → General → Software Update”, and choose to install. For WatchOS, go to “Settings → General → Software Update”, and follow the instructions to upgrade. Finally, for macOS go to “System Settings → General → Software Update” (on older versions is a bit different, but you get the general idea).

1687470345

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 17:45:45 -0400

I cut half of the onion, and I was fine. It wasn’t until I cut the second half that the onion decided it had enough, and it make me cry.

1687456331

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:52:11 -0400

A friend, and colleague asked me “How are you?”. In the US that is used often as a polite way to say hello. I replied “Could be better, but also could be worse. So I will not complain. I am how I am supposed to be.” It came to mind quickly, as I remembered Gandalf’s reply to Frodo’s “You are late!” — “A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.”

1687449782

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:03:02 -0400

Partner works from home today, so no gaming-during-lunch-hour for me. What am I going to do with these never ending 56 minutes?!

Update: 13:32

Ended up working during lunch, as I remembered I had a scheduled call at 13:00. Ugh, need to use my calendar much more! My mind is starting to accept as much help as it can get. 😅

1687449256

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:54:16 -0400

I have managed to break links a bit further, and it is no longer possible—nor the old ones will work—to create anchor links within the paginated index. On the upside, I am not touching URIs ever again!

1687445024

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:43:45 -0400

With the many rains we have gotten as of late, our lawn has grown to a too-healthy state. Time to have a “blast” mowing it. Need to do it today, rain or shine!

1687377597

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:59:57 -0400

Guess what? Yup, it’s raining. Déjà vu anyone? I am going to be so busy, and so tired this weekend!

1687376948

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:49:08 -0400

Fiddled a bit more with Notes, because I can’t stay still. Hopefully still looks simple, and minimalist. That has always been my aim.

1687348812

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:00:13 -0400

I saw that hugo v0.114 was out, so I had to upgrade (from 0.112, nonetheless). Let’s see if it breaks things, or not. I think I said it before, but Hugo drives these notes.

1687347391

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:36:31 -0400

Another rainy day, and I love it! There are two things that worry me, though: we could potentially lose power (out of these world thunderstorms), and… the grass will grow like crazy, which means I will have to mow it more often. I am getting too old for the second.

1687279541

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:45:42 -0400

Thunderstorms have arrived early today. I imagine thunderstorms as mischievous children or, at the very least, youngsters, naughty and full of energy. Hopefully this one will leave without taking our power. The UPS that powers our router, and main WiFi access point, only lasts 1 hour maximum. I still have three more hours to go before I call it quits for the day.

1687278340

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:25:40 -0400

Partner and I both forgot that today is our wedding anniversary. I guess that’s what happens when there has passed many years since the event. Lucky me I remembered first, and called right away!

1687276341

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:52:21 -0400

I did it again, I am breaking URIs here. After 100 notes, the main page will paginate, which will break internal references, and external links. Hopefully this is the last time I do this. Good thing there is only one incoming link, that I know off. I can now fix the internal ones, as there are not too many. 😅

1687262166

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:56:06 -0400

Cool URIs don’t change, but I am starting to worry about the size (66.6KB as of this note) of this index page. Maybe my URIs are destined to be uncool. 😂

1687217875

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:37:55 -0400

Alphabet (called just Google before) has a history of killing their apps and services. Their latest to impact me is Google Domains. Thus, I have moved all my domains to CloudFlare. I now use only one of their products, Google Search. Big change from having everything on Google, to having pretty much none.

Update: 20:11

CloudFlare registrar is also cheaper (to register and renew domains) than Google Domains (soon to be part of Squarespace). Very pleased with CloudFlare, so far.

1687131658

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:40:58 -0400

It was a good weekend (partner’s birthday, and Father’s Day!), yet I don’t feel happy. It isn’t because it’s back to work tomorrow though. I can’t explain it but it feels like a lingering malaise of the mind, the feeling of unfulfillment and sadness.

1686850598

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:36:39 -0400

Assuming there was a God, or gods, believers and worshippers would be the main reason that would keep me away from any religion. I am mostly exposed to Christianism, obviously. Bunch of malevolent cheats, and hypocrites.

1686841997

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 11:13:17 -0400

The Guardian is banning all advertising that relates to gambling. That is the right thing to do!

The Guardian has announced a global ban on gambling advertising, arguing it is unethical to take money from services that can lead to “addiction and financial ruin.”

1686836389

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:39:50 -0400

“🎶 Good times for a change, see, the luck I’ve had can make a good man turn bad. So please, please, please let me, let me, let me, let me get what I want this time. Haven’t had a dream in a long time, see, the life I’ve had can make a good man bad. So for once in my life, let me get what I want. Lord knows, it would be the first time. Lord knows, it would be the first time. 🎶”

Came across this YouTube this morning at Muan’s, and it truly resonated. I must remember it, and save it for that very special request, when I am asking my partner for that I so much desire. It will have to be a truly special time (certainly not to be abused), for that request I genuinely long.

1686834245

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:04:06 -0400

The Kutrite scissors. By reservation only.

These pair of scissors are, pretty much, all you will need in your kitchen. Build to last, they will sure be enjoyed during your life time, and passed down as inheritance. Truly an amazingly functional, long lasting, work of art.

1686832565

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 08:36:05 -0400

Old people often state claims that are simply a repeat of generations before them, which are then taken as a true fact written in stone. Alcohol consumption, like “a glass of red wine each day is good for you” is one of them. The truth is, “no amount of alcohol is good for your health”.

“Our results show that the safest level of drinking is none,” the report states. “This level is in conflict with most health guidelines, which espouse health benefits associated with consuming up to two drinks per day.”

More on this, a bit more recent. Bottom line, don’t.

1686832138

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 08:28:58 -0400

Partner’s birthday is tomorrow, and she requested I take the day off. Of course, I abided. As for the plans, I don’t know. Often chilling, doing nothing, and having take away while binging, is truly something!

1686828009

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:20:09 -0400

Those super long, spiky, fingers (and sometimes toes!) nails some girls are fashioning are ugly, and such a huge turn off. I thought I was getting to be too old, and grouchy, then asked the kids, and they agreed.

1686775507

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:45:07 -0400

A Bay woman on a crusade to prove Yelp reviews can’t be trusted. Or any other reviews, matter of fact.

1686668579

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:02:59 -0400

Tried walking/running again yesterday, after a whole week of COVID. Dear lord, the temperatures are off the charts. I couldn’t do it for more than 20 minutes. Sun was so scorchingly hot! I am now changing plans, and doing all outside activities at dusk.

1686661386

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:03:07 -0400

I think—well, I am almost sure—that of all classes on Diablo IV I picked the worse. That, or I have bad luck on loot, or I don’t know how to masterfully play. Or all of the above!

1686593679

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:14:40 -0400

We are getting a new manager on 1 July 2023. He will be our third. The third is the charm!

1686582453

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:07:34 -0400

Lost sense of smell or, rather, I am smelling smells that are not there. They are only in my head. Truly annoying, and bad.

1686144461

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:27:41 -0400

COVID came for seconds, and it is making me feel horrible. I guess all I can say is: I was jealous of someone, and decided to step up my game. 😅🙈

1685995599

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:06:39 -0400

Mike Pence declaring his presidential candidacy is a joke, just like Ron DeSantis, and Trump before them. But hey, look back at the four years we had to endure. Anything is possible. Yes, even that remotely unbelievable absurdity.

1685991350

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:55:50 -0400

VisionPro is going to be something. But its true popularity will come down to its pricing, and how many games (yes, games) they get on-boarded. I am hopeful, though.

Update: 16:04

It will cost $3,500. When a meal for three on a not-super-fancy restaurant costs $260, it is easy to see how a TV, computer, and high definition camera all in one—and that barely starts to describe VisionPro—will cost that much.

1685621773

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:16:13 -0400

Starting today I may not be around too often. I will have my hands busy on a certain controller, if you know what I mean…

1685560412

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:13:33 -0400

The president of a nation that is waging a war on another (being the aggressor!) is saying that the Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow is “a clear sign of terrorist activity.” Allow me to pull out the tiniest of all violins in my collection, to play something for Putin.

1685551260

Wed, 31 May 2023 12:41:00 -0400

CommonMark’s ability to set classes and identifiers is amazing. Hugo (which I use to generate this notes) is using it. They work like so, in CommonMark markdown:

Hello world.
{.foo .bar #foh}

Which, in turn, will render and HTML code like this:

<p class="foo bar" id="foh">Hello world.</p>

Now all you have to do is define the class and id on your CSS, or whatever. Neat, right?

1685533335

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:42:15 -0400

While I might buy a couple of sandwiches from KFC to get the goodies, I am 100% sure I will not eat them. They will be donated.

1685478294

Tue, 30 May 2023 16:24:54 -0400

Skynet looms on the nearby horizon. Time to see “Terminator” again!

“I think if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong,” Mr. Altman told the Senate subcommittee. “We want to work with the government to prevent that from happening.”

1685475831

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:43:51 -0400

Based on what I have seen of Landscape, and MAAS, I would say Red Hat doesn’t have to worry much about Canonical, when it comes to Linux on the enterprise.

1685465973

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:59:34 -0400

From the SQLite license:

“May you do good and not evil
May you find forgiveness for yourself and forgive others
May you share freely, never taking more than you give.”

1685464623

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:37:03 -0400

I can’t believe I got me a KFC chicken sandwich, just to get two in-game cosmetics for Diablo IV! What’s more mind boggling is that I will probably buy three more. 🙈

1685457194

Tue, 30 May 2023 10:33:14 -0400

It’s not crypto, nor gaming, what’s doing it now, but the AI “rush”. Thus Nvidia reaches its $1T status.

1685454247

Tue, 30 May 2023 09:44:07 -0400

Today’s Kim’s back to work first day, and I worry about how she will fare. She hasn’t sit for long periods of time in a while. I am worried, and curious. She got to work alright, I can see her there. I don’t want to message her, though, so I will have to wait till 18:00-19:00 when she comes home.

1685380335

Mon, 29 May 2023 13:12:15 -0400

If I want the whole family to know about something almost instantly, I pick an aunt, and preface the something I am about to tell her with “I am confiding this to you but, please, let’s keep it between you and me”. 😂

1685319539

Sun, 28 May 2023 20:18:59 -0400

The day is fast approaching. Imagine Christmas in June. Oh my! Fingers crossed and knock on wood, so I don’t get sick, or the TV doesn’t die, or—god forbid!—the PlayStation! 🤞🏻

1685318720

Sun, 28 May 2023 20:05:20 -0400

Here goes a Sunday of doing absolutely nothing. And it has been good, so far. Tomorrow I will have coffee with mum and dad. And that’s all I have planned. Though, come to think of it, it would be prudent to mow the backyard now, and not let the weeds grow too big. So, maybe there is something else that I will do after all. Maybe.

1685291226

Sun, 28 May 2023 12:27:06 -0400

Having such a lazy Sunday! Reading blogs, listening to Twitch. Talking about blogs, I am currently only following three:

After many years of following tech related blogs I grew tired of just that. It is refreshing to read things on a wider variety of topics, where tech might be in it, but not the main topic. If you have any recommendation, let me know! You can use the “@” next to the note time for that.

1685200923

Sat, 27 May 2023 11:22:03 -0400

I have been meaning to mail a parcel for the last three months. I think today is it. Got to hurry, though.

1685167502

Sat, 27 May 2023 02:05:02 -0400

“Memory can change the shape of a room; it can change the color of a car. And memories can be distorted. They’re just an interpretation, they’re not a record, and they’re irrelevant if you have the facts.”

Saw “Memento” (★★★½) yesternight. It was… different.

1685165219

Sat, 27 May 2023 01:26:59 -0400

How is the Windows XP algorithm been cracked news? If someone offered me $10,000 to use Windows XP, I would pass.

1685163656

Sat, 27 May 2023 01:00:56 -0400

Mum’s 79th birthday was the last day I drank alcohol (one beer). I shall not touch alcohol ever again. Not a grudge against it, I just didn’t like it much to begin with.

1685162703

Sat, 27 May 2023 00:45:04 -0400

Obsidian is working so great for me, that has made me go out and look for things I want to keep, and catalogue, and enhance. On another note, it is past midnight, and I don’t feel a speckle of sleepiness. My body must know tomorrow… err, today is Saturday.

1685021095

Thu, 25 May 2023 09:24:55 -0400

Everything in life can be a waste of time. Waste of time is a philosophical expression.

1684982516

Wed, 24 May 2023 22:41:57 -0400

Feeling disappointed at my fellow human beings. Not all, of course. Though obvious, it is worth noting. And so, I will postpone going to sleep until I feel a bit better, or that melatonin I just took kicks in.

1684926697

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:11:37 -0400

“This communication contains confidential, commercially sensitive information and is intended for the use of the addressee only. It should not be forwarded, copied, or otherwise disseminated without the express permission of the sender. If you received this communication in error, please forward it back to the sender and delete all copies.”

I always laugh at the stupidity of this.

1684883067

Tue, 23 May 2023 19:04:27 -0400

If my Premium Netflix account ($21.52/month) allows for up to four devices watching at the same time, why will they care where the devices are? Seriously considering to bail out.

1684882264

Tue, 23 May 2023 18:51:04 -0400

Going through a big FOMO with all these buy-to-have promotions that Blizzard is doing, in anticipation to the game’s release. I am sort of a completist, and can’t deal with promotions that require a $$$$ “investment” (for obvious reasons).

1684866137

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:22:17 -0400

Because I needed to hurt myself a little bit today…

1684858475

Tue, 23 May 2023 12:14:36 -0400

Truly wishing, and seriously considering, to take on drawing/painting classes. Now the question is, will I find any free of charge?

1684843983

Tue, 23 May 2023 08:13:03 -0400

Having grown tired of seeing “Added or edited a note, or tweaked something.” on the commit logs for these notes, I have now tweaked the new note script to ask for a commit message. This is the maiden voyage, let’s see if it works.

Update: 08:27

It works! Added editing old notes too. Considering migrating from the vi editor to Typora for any note with media in it.

1684841925

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:38:45 -0400

On caramelising onions, and the lies recipe writers tell:

In truth, the best time to caramelize onions is yesterday. Often enough, you need to have them ready before you can start on the rest of the dish.

That’s so true! Caramelising onions is also a test to anyone’s patience, for sure.

1684759062

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:37:43 -0400

“Everyone wants a foldable phone, but most of us can’t afford one yet”, a headline on CNN. No, I don’t want one. Pff!

1684680248

Sun, 21 May 2023 10:44:08 -0400

After eating too much on mum’s birthday, and not doing any cardio yesterday, and oversleeping today, I felt guilty and went out walking/running. It was not fun, with 30°C temperature. Showered and fresh, I feel great now. Not for long, now Kim wants me on errands. Heeeeelp!

1684618262

Sat, 20 May 2023 17:31:02 -0400

Not long ago I found someone’s Notion’s site. Notion allows you to publish your notes on the web, and create a rather homogeneous site. That person’s site was very interesting and, following the web fashion, I went from person to person—all of them on Notion—reading their daily stories, their journals. True journals. It was so interesting! Then I lost track—you know, you close tabs, you stop for a while, and then it is all gone. I have been longing to find them again ever since. I have searched, follow links leading no where, to my despair. I still haven’t lost hope, though.

1684604625

Sat, 20 May 2023 13:43:45 -0400

Mum is 79 years old today. Wow! I know it is not a super advanced age, but I wish I could get to her age, with her health.

1684513328

Fri, 19 May 2023 12:22:08 -0400

Weekend, here we go again. What would it be this time? I will settle for nothing!

1684458731

Thu, 18 May 2023 21:12:11 -0400

Kim today; “The Holy Land is being demolished”. Me; “Oh nooo! Anyway, how was your day?” :-D

1684458451

Thu, 18 May 2023 21:07:31 -0400

I have not mentioned my namesake David before, but I have followed him for a long time, and his videos always have something new, something I missed. I just re-watched this one today.

1684337488

Wed, 17 May 2023 11:31:29 -0400

It was recently on the news that the IRS is building his own online tax filing system. A spokesman—from the company behind TurboTax—reply was simply unbelievable:

“A direct-to-IRS e-file system is wholly redundant and is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem,” said Rick Heineman, a spokesman for Intuit, the company behind TurboTax. “That solution will unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars and especially harm the most vulnerable Americans.”

As a commenter on Hacker News paraphrased:

“A fence around the chicken coop is wholly redundant and is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem,” said Sly the Fox. “It will unnecessarily cost the farmer thousands of dollars and especially harm the most vulnerable chickens.”

1684237657

Tue, 16 May 2023 07:47:37 -0400

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

1684154770

Mon, 15 May 2023 08:46:11 -0400

Thanks to Claud I am now binging Hall and Oates. I might not be having coffee, but they sure help a lot whilst working! :-)

1683826710

Thu, 11 May 2023 13:38:30 -0400

Precisely how I feel without the cursing. If I want to play, stare at the clouds, walk around and smell flowers (or whatever!); there is never time wasted. It is my time. I will pick how to use it.

1683804368

Thu, 11 May 2023 07:26:08 -0400

If everything were to happen the way you want it, wouldn’t it be boring? It would be nice, though, if it happened at least once…

1683727448

Wed, 10 May 2023 10:04:08 -0400

Started to watch A King’s affection last night. Upon seeing, on first episode, one of the twins being killed, I completely lost all desire to continue watching. Let’s see what Kim brings next.

1683721049

Wed, 10 May 2023 08:17:30 -0400

The British monarchy—or any other, for that matter—is an absolute clown show. Can’t believe that in 2023 there are still “kings” and “queens”. Anyway, moving on.

1683663208

Tue, 09 May 2023 16:13:28 -0400

I have used chopsticks for almost 25 years now. I feel more comfortable eating, and cooking, with chopsticks than I do with forks and spoons. When a spoon is needed, I also favour the “Chinese spoon”. And yes, I use the “standard grip”. I find it far superior to any other but, there are ten thousands ways to use chopsticks.

1683658604

Tue, 09 May 2023 14:56:44 -0400

I am experiencing a time blend. That is, days are seemingly mashing together, and I am temporarily losing the notion of time. Not a good feeling, and it is driving those around me slightly nuts.

1683553675

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:47:55 -0400

All tasks planned for the weekend completed. Monday came faster than I wanted, but that’s not new. Let’s see how this week goes. So far, so good!

1683318277

Fri, 05 May 2023 16:24:37 -0400

And, so, the weekend begins. I have planned to mow the backyard today, but I am going to give my hands a break. Will do it tomorrow. Sunday I am passing by Ann’s to give her a hand moving some stuff from her garage to the attic. And that’s the weekend there. Yay! 😂

1683317712

Fri, 05 May 2023 16:15:13 -0400

Seriously considering on getting a second PS5 controller. Then I will have to get a charging station, and a $70 thought becomes $100+. Just like that. Hmm.

1683316701

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:58:21 -0400

Why would any associate justice on the US Supreme Court by exempt from the law? Why do they enjoy such impunity? Who watches the watchmen?

1683252880

Thu, 04 May 2023 22:14:40 -0400

For someone who loves rice, this is suffering. LOL. I love it, but doing my best not to have it. Rice = carbohydrates = sugar. ¡Malo!

1683250820

Thu, 04 May 2023 21:40:21 -0400

Last time I fell when running I was 13 years old. Today, past my 0x32s, I fell again also while running. I figure it isn’t a record, but a pretty good average, right? Knees, elbow, and hand. As in they were all eagerly waiting for their next turn. Kim asked “How?”, and I replied “I wish I could re-enact it for you, but it kind of hurts now.” 😂

1683142938

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:42:18 -0400

Google Passkey is a step in the right direction. Setup, and in use. Smooth.

1683114995

Wed, 03 May 2023 07:56:35 -0400

From Always be my Maybe (which I saw yesterday), spoken by Keanu Reeves:

“The man who embraces his mediocre nothingness shines greater than any”.

So funny! The movie might have low ratings, but it was entertaining. Thank you, Kim, for forcing me to watch it. I enjoyed it!

1683056494

Tue, 02 May 2023 15:41:34 -0400

Maybe my kid is right. Maybe I am becoming a boomer. I mean, eventually everyone that isn’t one will become one. No shame on that, just a fact. 😜

1683054592

Tue, 02 May 2023 15:09:52 -0400

I got an invite to Bluesky, and signed up. It reaffirmed my realisation: social media in general isn’t worth it. The same people following the same people. And I truly don’t know any of them. The same topics, the same memes. It is boring, unappealing, tiresome.

1682971070

Mon, 01 May 2023 15:57:50 -0400

“Rapid Security Responses are a new type of software release for iPhone, iPad and Mac. They deliver important security improvements between software updates – for example, improvements to the Safari web browser, the WebKit framework stack or other critical system libraries. They may also be used to mitigate some security issues more quickly, such as issues that may have been exploited or reported to exist.” — Rapid Security Responses

This is new, at least for me, and interesting. There seems to be more to gain than to lose by installing, and enabling it. Done!

1682967239

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:53:59 -0400

Referring to Mormons recruited into the FBI:

“The disproportionate number of Mormons is usually chalked up to three factors: Mormon people often have strong foreign language skills, from missions overseas; a relatively easy time getting security clearances, given their abstention from drugs and alcohol; and a willingness to serve.” — Why Mormons Make Great FBI Recruits

Willingness to serve is right. A rather blind willingness. Perfect!

1682962891

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:41:31 -0400

Today’s, on a Team’s meeting while still driving home:

K.: “New microphone? 🙂”
Me: “In the car. 😂”
K.: “So, yes! 😄”

First time in three years that I had to join a meeting while commuting. Ran an errant for Kim at lunch, and extended a bit over.

1682945395

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:49:55 -0400

The hype is real! We have till the game arrives. Sorry, I just feel like child awaiting Christmas. LOL.

1682940405

Mon, 01 May 2023 07:26:45 -0400

Interesting how my “Technology” section on Google News is mostly games, and Apple news. I wonder if there are forces at play here (of course there are!).

1682939480

Mon, 01 May 2023 07:11:20 -0400

Just realised that, ever since we started micro-managing our time in September 2021, I have worked over 40 hours every week consistently.

1682907626

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:20:26 -0400

I have moved this one out of GitHub. With this move, I now do not have any website running on that service. It served me well for years, but now it is time to move on. It will remain my go to for git repositories, but nothing else.

1682884733

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 15:58:53 -0400

For as much as I hate doing this, I believe—unless I find a way further down the line to bring in the old entries—this is a fresh start here. Why? Because the way I was crafting these little notes would not scale. At certain point I used Hugo, then wiped it by mistake (because I do idiotic things sometimes), and then I concocted this Frankenstein of a Bash script. The end result is a file that doesn’t allow for easy editing, nor it is portable. So, here we are.

This time I am starting over—again—with Hugo. Everything in life is ephemeral, and this is no different.

1682783956

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:59:16 -0400

A small collection of Karasu knives.

Such beautiful knives! I am in love. Maybe a year’s end gift? ;-)

1682782504

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 11:35:04 -0400

I have never been good at writing. Short babbles? Yes. Writing, no so much. I think—and this is just me thinking, while avoiding folding the mountain of clothes waiting for me in the living room—it is time to put collantes.us to rest.

1682780815

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 11:06:55 -0400

Regarding to this, I gave all my items (gems, legendaries, crafting pieces, etc., including everything all my toons were wearing) to my nephew, and deleted the game. A game that severely penalises you for dying—as in going to zero from half level for three deaths—is not worth playing. I had other complaints, but that’s the one who got me fed up first. Unsubscribed from the subreddit as well. Ta-ta!

1682698589

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:16:24 -0400

I think I have finally migrated my work wiki to Obsidian. After many tries, I have left my trusted Typora (which I still use, just not to keep my wiki) behind and embraced Obsidian. Now I only use two tools for note taking, knowledge repository, and outlining: Obsidian, and Logseq.

1682614174

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:49:34 -0400

Back to this, I also have a more diverse theme in mind. Like this:

Boira (female rogue)
Morgana (female necromancer)
Annabelle (female sorcerer)
Attila (male barbarian)
Erwan (male druid)

Which of those themes do you prefer?

1682610975

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:56:15 -0400

“Nobody should ever attempt to take the chocolate out of Willy Wonka! Ever!” before adding “For me, it is sacrosanct. It’s our history, it’s our cultural heritage. I do not believe in censorship in that way.” — Steven Spielberg

I believe there are certain things (and I siding with Spielberg) that we must leave, as a semi-permanent reminder of past stupidities, cruelties, etc. We can change who we are, but must never forget who we were.

1681920578

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:09:38 -0400

I almost made the mistake to get knee deep into “Path of Exile”. It would have been something to regret. Not really the game I would recommend for someone with OCD.

1681498974

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:02:54 -0400

Referring to a previous entry, this is what I have, so far:

Hoshi (rogue)
Chihiro (necromancer)
Masako (sorcerer)
Kenji (barbarian)
Yamato (druid)

Still open to suggestions!

1681485728

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:22:08 -0400

I am creating all toons for all classes upon the arrival of Diablo IV. They will be Barbarian (male), Sorceress (female), Druid (male), Rogue (female), and Necromancer (female). I am going with a Japanese theme on names. Based on that, which names would you recommend? Please let me know.

1666614230

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 08:23:50 -0400

Happy birthday, Claud! 🎂🥳 May you celebrate many, many, many-many more in good health and happiness! ❤️🌹

1649620709

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 19:58:21 -0400

After eating too many dishes with sticky rice yesterday, and feeling guilty about it, I decided to have a ham and cheese sandwich on black German bread, and a glass of naturally sweetened pineapple juice, as my only meal today.