Celebrating Thanksgiving in New York 5:36 AM Nov 27th, 2008
Computer (finally) up-and-running. 5:29 AM Nov 26th, 2008
My old computer is back in business! I'm just finishing reconfiguration and implemention of new security and backup policies. 10:19 PM Nov 25th, 2008
Finished defining and implementing my new password scheme: "Casa roubada, trancas MAIORES na porta" / "Stolen house, BIGGER locks on doors" 8:14 PM Nov 19th, 2008
Turning 31 today. Thanks to everybody who sent me congratulations. You have a special place in my heart. 11:20 PM Nov 18th, 2008
My apartment was broken into... 2 laptops, 1 iPod and 1 Canon camera were stolen. It's awful... 8:16 PM Nov 17th, 2008
First impressions were positive. Feedback meeting will resume on Monday. 9:47 PM Nov 14th, 2008
Feedback meeting in 30 minutes. Summarizing key-points of written paper in index cards. 7:56 PM Nov 14th, 2008
I'll get feedback tomorrow. Now I'm improving what I've written so far. 6:24 PM Nov 13th, 2008
Sorted 20 index cards... Wrote draft for first part of thesis proposal. Now I need expert feedback. 11:15 PM Nov 12th, 2008
Finished writing ideas to 40+ index cards. Next, pick and sort! 5:41 AM Nov 12th, 2008
Writing down ideas on index cards... 8:36 PM Nov 11th, 2008
Looking at Japanese RFID technology. Interesting! 1:35 AM Nov 10th, 2008
Looking at MSc students' work proposals... Good evaluation is critical for good science! And also is good feedback! 5:05 PM Nov 8th, 2008
the paper backlog is finally clear! And in between I had some neat ideas for my PhD, with some help from Joana! 11:35 PM Nov 4th, 2008
is back to work, clearing the backlog for interesting papers and research stuff 9:41 PM Nov 3rd, 2008
2008-11-30
2008-11-26
Computer protection policy
One thing is to teach computer security; another thing is living it! Due to the recent theft, I had to practice more of what I "preach".
I redesigned my identity management policy, using a multi-tier approach, to balance usability and overall security.
I upgraded the use of data security mechanisms. Consider Windows file encryption capabilities (don't forget to backup your certificate, though). If you're using a Mac, consider FileVault. TrueCrypt is also highly recommended, for the most sensitive files.
The data backup procedures were also revised. I finally finished a batch file script, relying on Windows robocopy. The easier it is to backup, the more often you can do it. This decreases the chances of data loss. However, remember to find an alternate, safe physical location for your backup disks. They won't be of any use if they're stolen along with your computer. You can also use an on-line backup service, for less sensitive data.
Currently I'm looking at GadgetTrak or similar service, to enhance the chances of recovering a stolen computer.
In short, take good care of your computer, and prepare for worst case scenarios. It can happen to you!
I redesigned my identity management policy, using a multi-tier approach, to balance usability and overall security.
I upgraded the use of data security mechanisms. Consider Windows file encryption capabilities (don't forget to backup your certificate, though). If you're using a Mac, consider FileVault. TrueCrypt is also highly recommended, for the most sensitive files.
The data backup procedures were also revised. I finally finished a batch file script, relying on Windows robocopy. The easier it is to backup, the more often you can do it. This decreases the chances of data loss. However, remember to find an alternate, safe physical location for your backup disks. They won't be of any use if they're stolen along with your computer. You can also use an on-line backup service, for less sensitive data.
Currently I'm looking at GadgetTrak or similar service, to enhance the chances of recovering a stolen computer.
In short, take good care of your computer, and prepare for worst case scenarios. It can happen to you!
2008-11-20
Birthday present
What more could I wish for my birthday?
Being with the person I love,
In a warm place,
A fun game of Mancala,
A very tasty NY sirloin steak with a green salad,
an ice cream cake with two candles - a three and a one,
and a glimpse of the decisive shot of a Celtics vs Knicks game.
Thank you for the present, but most of all, thank you for being present!
Photo credit: Matthew West, Boston Herald
Being with the person I love,
In a warm place,
A fun game of Mancala,
A very tasty NY sirloin steak with a green salad,
an ice cream cake with two candles - a three and a one,
and a glimpse of the decisive shot of a Celtics vs Knicks game.
Thank you for the present, but most of all, thank you for being present!
Photo credit: Matthew West, Boston Herald
2008-11-18
Turning 31
Today. Under pressure. But, "under pressure, diamonds are forged". With God's grace and a "little" help from my family and friends, of course ;-)
2008-11-16
Theft
My apartment was broken into... 2 laptops, 1 iPod and 1 photo camera were stolen. It's awful...
Too bad James Bond isn't around to find whoever did it! Cambridge Police will have to do. Thanks for the effort!
Too bad James Bond isn't around to find whoever did it! Cambridge Police will have to do. Thanks for the effort!
2008-11-15
SAPO Codebits 2008
SAPO Codebits, a Google Summer of Code-style gathering of programmers, in Portugal.
As for ideas, it's better to have crazy ones rather than few! / No que toca a ideias, antes loucas que poucas!
However there are some elements of geek culture I don't like very much, like the likening of people to machines, that can also be chemically hacked. It's a way to objectify i.e. treat as an object. A little bit doesn't hurt, as long as things are kept under control, and you don't forget a person is much more than the sum of its "parts".
As for ideas, it's better to have crazy ones rather than few! / No que toca a ideias, antes loucas que poucas!However there are some elements of geek culture I don't like very much, like the likening of people to machines, that can also be chemically hacked. It's a way to objectify i.e. treat as an object. A little bit doesn't hurt, as long as things are kept under control, and you don't forget a person is much more than the sum of its "parts".
2008-11-14
Using index cards to help you write
Photo credits to Dustin WaxI wrote down the ideas for the paper, one per index card.
Next I sorted them, and placed small post-its on the corner with a sequence (#) number (e.g. 1, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 3, ...).
Next I wrote the paper using the index card sequence. I didn't concentrate on the sentence connections that much. I left this for later rewriting.
I reread the paper and rewrote it several times, but the general structure was stable. It allowed me to focus on what I meant at the paragraph level rather than on the order of the paragraphs.
Finally, I wrote a new set of index cards, to summarize the paper contents and help me present the ideas on a meeting.
I felt very productive!
Thanks to Joana for the suggestion!
MITSO lite
MITSO
William Boyce: Symphony #3 in C major: Allegro, Vivace, Tempo di Minuetto
HK Gruber: 3 MOB Pieces: Patrol, After Heine, Verse
Evan Ziporyn: Frog's Eye
G. van Swieten: Symphony in F major: Allegro assai, Andante, Presto
William Boyce: Symphony #3 in C major: Allegro, Vivace, Tempo di Minuetto
HK Gruber: 3 MOB Pieces: Patrol, After Heine, Verse
Evan Ziporyn: Frog's Eye
G. van Swieten: Symphony in F major: Allegro assai, Andante, Presto
2008-11-13
Digital Apollo
Presentation of the Digital Apollo by David A. Mindell
An interesting account of the human-computer interface challenges in the Apollo space program, that took Man to the Moon for the first time in 1969.
One of the highlights for me was the book cover picture, available at the book's website. It is a computer graphics recreation of the perspective Neil Armstrong had when he was landing the lunar module. Thrilling!
Sure takes me back to when I was a kid and wanted to be an Astronaut...
An interesting account of the human-computer interface challenges in the Apollo space program, that took Man to the Moon for the first time in 1969.
One of the highlights for me was the book cover picture, available at the book's website. It is a computer graphics recreation of the perspective Neil Armstrong had when he was landing the lunar module. Thrilling!
Sure takes me back to when I was a kid and wanted to be an Astronaut...
Parabéns irmão!
2008-11-11
Baran
Baran (Rain)
From Director Majid Majidi
An unconventional love story set in modern day Iran, focused on the very hard life of Afghan emigrants. It's about one boy growing up and finding that giving more and more of oneself is the only true response to love.
Highly recommended!
From Director Majid Majidi
Old man: Come and warm yourself.
Lateef: Please, there is a hole in my shoe. Can you fix it?
(Old man accepts shoe and starts fixing it)
Lateef: Do you live here?
Old man: Everyone who meets me, meets me on the road.
Lateef: Do you know Soltan?
Old man: There are many Afghans called Soltan.
Lateef: He is a construction worker.
Old man: All Afghans are builders. At dawn they go to cities, at dusk they come back home.
Lateef: Are you living with anyone here?
Old man: A man alone is a neighbor of God. ''From the hot fire of being apart comes the flame that burns the heart.''
Lateef: You speak very well.
Old man: These are words from the heart, my son.
An unconventional love story set in modern day Iran, focused on the very hard life of Afghan emigrants. It's about one boy growing up and finding that giving more and more of oneself is the only true response to love.
Highly recommended!
2008-11-09
Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Rosie: [to Tanya] "Typical isn't it? You wait 20 years for a dad and then three come along at once."
Rosie: [to Tanya] "Typical isn't it? You wait 20 years for a dad and then three come along at once."
Liquidism Email Signatures
Liquidism provides a free email signature image generator, with some cool visual effects. Here's a sample:
Give it a try!
Give it a try!
2008-11-08
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
A portrait of the tough times during the Great Depression in the United States. A great movie with great actors. Too bad for the goofy villains, but overall a great movie! Recommended!
Kit's father to Kit: "Don't let it get the best of you!"
A portrait of the tough times during the Great Depression in the United States. A great movie with great actors. Too bad for the goofy villains, but overall a great movie! Recommended!Kit's father to Kit: "Don't let it get the best of you!"
2008-11-07
A farewell to Michael Chrichton
Michael Chrichton passed away on November 4th.
I have fond memories of discussing the Jurassic Park books with my friend Miguel Panão back in my high-school years in the 1990s. My view of science ethics was never the same afterwards.
My condolences to the family.
Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him for ever.
I have fond memories of discussing the Jurassic Park books with my friend Miguel Panão back in my high-school years in the 1990s. My view of science ethics was never the same afterwards.
My condolences to the family.Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him for ever.
How to write a paper review
Outline:
1 - Write a quick summary of the paper in your own words. Don't repeat the abstract, but state what stuck in your mind;
2 - Enumerate the paper contributions;
3 - Describe the paper's strengths and weaknesses;
4 - Write detailed comments about specific things;
5 - Approve or disapprove the paper.
Of course, if you're on the paper writer side, try to anticipate what a reviewer would say about your paper in these terms, and improve what can be improved.
1 - Write a quick summary of the paper in your own words. Don't repeat the abstract, but state what stuck in your mind;
2 - Enumerate the paper contributions;
3 - Describe the paper's strengths and weaknesses;
4 - Write detailed comments about specific things;
5 - Approve or disapprove the paper.
Of course, if you're on the paper writer side, try to anticipate what a reviewer would say about your paper in these terms, and improve what can be improved.
2008-11-05
Pocket classes / Aulas de bolso
Here is a modern day dilemma: how to combine domestic chores with the demands of knowledge work? One inventive way of making the most of your time is to have "pocket classes"!
Photo credits: Joana
You just need an iPod and some eLectures (from iTunes U, for instance) to get started! And a notebook to make some notes once in a while.
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
Eis um dilema dos tempos modernos: Como conciliar as tarefas domésticas com as exigências do trabalho de conhecimento? Uma forma creativa de aproveitar o tempo é ter "aulas de bolso"!
Para começar basta ter um iPod e algumas aulas electrónicas (do iTunes U, por exemplo). E um bloco de notas, para tirar apontamentos de vez em quando.
Photo credits: JoanaYou just need an iPod and some eLectures (from iTunes U, for instance) to get started! And a notebook to make some notes once in a while.
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
Eis um dilema dos tempos modernos: Como conciliar as tarefas domésticas com as exigências do trabalho de conhecimento? Uma forma creativa de aproveitar o tempo é ter "aulas de bolso"!
Para começar basta ter um iPod e algumas aulas electrónicas (do iTunes U, por exemplo). E um bloco de notas, para tirar apontamentos de vez em quando.
President Barack Obama / Presidente Barack Obama
The elections are finally over. Barack Obama has won and will be the 44th President of the United States of America.
I wish the best of luck for the new President, because there are several dark clouds in the horizon of the Free World.
Photo credits: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
As eleições chegaram finalmente ao fim. Barack Obama venceu e será o 44º Presidente dos Estados Unidos da América.
Desejo muito boa sorte ao novo Presidente, porque existem muitas nuvens carregadas no horizonte do Mundo Livre.
I wish the best of luck for the new President, because there are several dark clouds in the horizon of the Free World.
Photo credits: AP Photo/Alex Brandon/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
As eleições chegaram finalmente ao fim. Barack Obama venceu e será o 44º Presidente dos Estados Unidos da América.
Desejo muito boa sorte ao novo Presidente, porque existem muitas nuvens carregadas no horizonte do Mundo Livre.
Congratulations Father João Seabra / Parabéns Padre João Seabra
Congratulations Father João Seabra for 30 years of priesthood.
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
Parabéns Padre João Seabra pelos 30 anos de ordenação sacerdotal. Seguem-se algumas citações dos seus sermões.
Excertos do livro "Directo ao Assunto", Lucerna, 2003, seleccionados por João Luís César das Neves
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
Parabéns Padre João Seabra pelos 30 anos de ordenação sacerdotal. Seguem-se algumas citações dos seus sermões.
Toda a moralidade cristã se reduz a isto. Usar todas as coisas tomando nota da Luz da qual são feitas (p. 125)
Porque quem resolve, nos momentos decisivos, pensar só pela sua cabeça acaba por pensar pela cabeça da opinião comum (p. 190).
Para se renunciar à santidade é precisa uma disciplina de ferro, porque a santidade oferece-se a nós todos os dias (p. 210).
Misteriosamente, os que estão no Inferno não estão lá presos. Estão lá porque não querem sair de lá (...) o seu castigo é esse ódio eterno ao bem (p. 272).
Meus amigos, meus irmãos, vivei cada instante como se fosse o primeiro instante, como se fosse o último instante, como se fosse o único instante» (p. 211).
Excertos do livro "Directo ao Assunto", Lucerna, 2003, seleccionados por João Luís César das Neves
2008-11-04
Class feedback - MIT style
At one Computer Science course this Fall at MIT, at the end of each class, the Professor hands out feedback sheets to the students.
The feedback sheet asks for comments and suggestions about the class. Sometimes, it even asks some specific questions about what was taught.
At the beginning of the next class, the Professor does a short recapitulation, and answers the questions received in the sheets and by other means.
The feedback sheet asks for comments and suggestions about the class. Sometimes, it even asks some specific questions about what was taught.
At the beginning of the next class, the Professor does a short recapitulation, and answers the questions received in the sheets and by other means.
Starbucks ordering table
There's a Starbucks prototype table being tested in Korea.
Read the full story and enjoy your Frappuccino!
Read the full story and enjoy your Frappuccino!
Today is US Election day
McCain/Palin vs Obama/Biden - May the best team win!
My view of the candidates in one word:
McCain - honor
Obama - hope
Photo credits: A sand sculpture of US presidential candidates John McCain (L) and Barack Obama (R), created by Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, is seen at a beach in Puri on November 2, 2008. SANJIB MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images, in Business Week.
My view of the candidates in one word:
McCain - honor
Obama - hope
Photo credits: A sand sculpture of US presidential candidates John McCain (L) and Barack Obama (R), created by Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, is seen at a beach in Puri on November 2, 2008. SANJIB MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images, in Business Week.
2008-11-03
Image Crisis - Inspiring a New Generation of Computer Scientists
Rick Rashid in "Communications of the ACM", July 2008
The author of the article presents some of the misconceptions behind the drop of interest in Computer Science in the Unites States of America, namely:
1 - "the stereotype of the solitary male programmer who slaves over a keyboard and subsists on snack food";
2 - "underestimate the role that computing can play in changing the world";
3 - "belief that computer-related jobs are quickly being outsourced".
He knows what he is talking about, as he is head of Microsoft Research.
My opinions about the misconceptions are the following:
1 - This is not true. In fact, from my experience, computer science is a highly collaborative profession. Communication with other people is crucial to the success of your projects. Just look at the thriving open-source communities... However, the individual discipline and contributions are still very important.
2 - Computer science doesn't save the world by itself, but it helps almost all sciences and businesses to work better and progress faster.
3 - Some jobs will be outsourced, but the demand for computer knowledgeable people at the decision level is on the rise.
The author of the article presents some of the misconceptions behind the drop of interest in Computer Science in the Unites States of America, namely:
1 - "the stereotype of the solitary male programmer who slaves over a keyboard and subsists on snack food";
2 - "underestimate the role that computing can play in changing the world";
3 - "belief that computer-related jobs are quickly being outsourced".
He knows what he is talking about, as he is head of Microsoft Research.
My opinions about the misconceptions are the following:
1 - This is not true. In fact, from my experience, computer science is a highly collaborative profession. Communication with other people is crucial to the success of your projects. Just look at the thriving open-source communities... However, the individual discipline and contributions are still very important.
2 - Computer science doesn't save the world by itself, but it helps almost all sciences and businesses to work better and progress faster.
3 - Some jobs will be outsourced, but the demand for computer knowledgeable people at the decision level is on the rise.
2008-11-02
Flight to heaven
An airplane flight is a good flight when it takes you to your destination in one piece. Even if there are lots of problems, in the end you say it was good if it took you to where you wanted to go.
With life it's just the same. A life is a good life when it takes you to heaven.
Father Richard Clancy, MIT Chaplain
Short circuit
Short circuit
Stephanie Speck: "Life is NOT a malfunction"
Stephanie Speck to Newton Crosby: "Are all genius as dumb as you?"
Stephanie Speck: "Life is NOT a malfunction"
Stephanie Speck to Newton Crosby: "Are all genius as dumb as you?"
2008-11-01
China: economic miracle, environmental disaster
The article Economic miracle, environmental disaster was posted on CNN.com Technology. It's an excerpt from "What Matters," the latest book by "Day in the Life" series creator David Elliot Cohen. For more information, see whatmattersonline.com
Very impressive...
The cost of cheap "Made in China" products to satisfy our consumerism will be high for all of us, and first and foremost to the chinese people.
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
Artigo da CNN: Economic miracle, environmental disaster - milagre económico, desastre ambiental.
É um excerto do livro "What Matters," de David Elliot Cohen. Mais informação on-line em whatmattersonline.com
Muito impressionante...
O custo de produtos baratos "Made in China" para satisfazer o nosso apetite consumista vai ser muito elevado para todos nós, e principalmente e em primeiro lugar para os próprios chineses.
Very impressive...
The cost of cheap "Made in China" products to satisfy our consumerism will be high for all of us, and first and foremost to the chinese people.
/ This post is bilingual: English (U.S.) and Portuguese (Portugal) /
Artigo da CNN: Economic miracle, environmental disaster - milagre económico, desastre ambiental.
É um excerto do livro "What Matters," de David Elliot Cohen. Mais informação on-line em whatmattersonline.com
Muito impressionante...
O custo de produtos baratos "Made in China" para satisfazer o nosso apetite consumista vai ser muito elevado para todos nós, e principalmente e em primeiro lugar para os próprios chineses.
How to update Facebook status from Twitter
Twitter Will Update Your Facebook Status - Here's How... Posted by Mitch Joelon on his blog.
1. Get the Twitter application installed in your Facebook profile here: Twitter App For Facebook.
2. You'll notice a link that says: Want Twitter to update your Facebook status? Click here!
That's it.
EJB 3 is worth a new look
There's an interesting article by Adam Bien on JavaWorld about EJB, called EJB 3: From legacy technology to secret weapon.
It argues that EJB is worth a second look in version 3 after the bad experiences with configuration in version 2. I tried EJB 2 several times and always had to quit because of this.
EJB stands for Enterprise JavaBeans. It is the standard Java Enterprise framework for the implementation of business applications.
I found the article's discussion of Convention over configuration and Interceptors particularly interesting.
It argues that EJB is worth a second look in version 3 after the bad experiences with configuration in version 2. I tried EJB 2 several times and always had to quit because of this.
EJB stands for Enterprise JavaBeans. It is the standard Java Enterprise framework for the implementation of business applications.
I found the article's discussion of Convention over configuration and Interceptors particularly interesting.
John C Dvorak's phone of the future wish list
Here it is, John C Dvorak's wish list for the phone of the future:
- Smart screens and keyboards
- Voice command and speech recognition
- Clear voice technology
- Situational awareness
- Ownership awareness
- Induction charging
- Broadcast TV reception
- Built-in projector
- Point-to-point walkie-talkie
- Extensible
Of all these wishes I agree particularly on "Smart screens and keyboards". I would like to be able to wirelessly connect my iPhone-like device to a proper workstation with full-size screen, keyboard and mouse.
Read the full story on PC magazine's site.
- Smart screens and keyboards
- Voice command and speech recognition
- Clear voice technology
- Situational awareness
- Ownership awareness
- Induction charging
- Broadcast TV reception
- Built-in projector
- Point-to-point walkie-talkie
- Extensible
Of all these wishes I agree particularly on "Smart screens and keyboards". I would like to be able to wirelessly connect my iPhone-like device to a proper workstation with full-size screen, keyboard and mouse.
Read the full story on PC magazine's site.
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