tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44907269267286731462024-02-20T01:34:53.994-08:00Alex's Crazy JournalAlex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-58908777598875404842009-10-31T13:45:00.000-07:002009-10-31T13:48:20.969-07:00Announcement: This Blog now closed.I'm opening a new blog, and this one will be kept for posterity until i can figure out how to transfer the content. Thanks for reading.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-13454735382868473332009-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:002009-08-01T00:05:48.727-07:00Embed: Mibbit: TropersClick the following link to see what i've been up to lately:<br /><br /><a href="http://widget.mibbit.com/?settings=ef15a2213b8547a1a5c9a53ec4bbab48&server=dream.esper.net&channel=%23tropers">http://widget.mibbit.com/?settings=ef15a2213b8547a1a5c9a53ec4bbab48&server=dream.esper.net&channel=%23tropers</a>Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-74263452265599439422009-05-29T17:46:00.000-07:002009-05-29T20:10:43.736-07:00Fanbuntu AKA Fannish PackWHAT?<br /><br />I have been thinking of an idea, where software packages such as Pidgin, Ekiga, Mumble, Firefox, Thunderbird, and other network communications applications are automagically configured (via a Python script, perhaps?) to use centralized servers for specialized communication.<br /><br />WHY?<br /><br />I have noticed that many people do not know of or possess many packages that, even if redundant, are Free and Open Source Software, and would not hurt to possess (barring such things as "insufficient disk capacity", "insufficient permissions" or such), and the convenience of having central servers should provide motivation to acquire the meta-package.<br /><br />HOW?<br /><br />There are two parts to this idea.<br /><br />First, there is the client-side aspect, where a Python application adds files and runs scripts to configure the clients. This may involve running a Druid to gather data, then generating files, overwriting the ones produced by the original installers. The point of the exercise being, that the communications applications are already configured to connect (aggressively) to particular central servers, and speaking of which....<br /><br />Second, there is the server-side. Basic network services, such as DNS name servers, Teredo IPv6 tunneling servers, DHCP address assignment servers, STUN traversal servers, IRC+XMPP+SILC chat servers, SIP+IAX2 VoIP servers, Mumble teleconferencing servers, ESMTP+POP3 mail servers, and LDAP directory servers, not to mention the many MUD and game servers, are all ran by a not-for-profit organization ran by the Science Fiction Fandom, as well as many daughter fandoms, you know who I mean.<br /><br />These servers may be redundant (especially the basic network services), but these servers a specially reserved and set aside for the Fandom, and provide a specialized community.<br /><br />Elaboration on this and related ideas to be posted.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-15712507530608045582009-05-05T11:32:00.000-07:002009-05-05T11:38:12.689-07:00Family Reunion ProjectI have shelved a few projects in order to make room for a threefold project.<br /><br />Keeping in mind that this is a blog for family and friends, very informal, I was going to post information to be used to access services.<br /><br />My blog will be used to coordinate online communications as a jump-off point.<br /><br />I plan on posting coordinating info this way.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-57932572664834102182009-03-31T11:56:00.001-07:002009-03-31T12:03:18.544-07:00My Academic PlanI think I have finally decided on my plan, academically.<br /><br />I am a bohemian artist, it seems. I am an individualist.<br /><br />I spent too much of my life learning technology to waste that, even if I have no natural talent at it.<br /><br />So, I will go to the University of Texas at Dallas, and take their B.A. in Arts and Technology.<br /><br />Then after I establish a name for myself as an innovative storytelling media artist (game developer), I will start specializing in educational and commercial virtual worlds and virtual offices.<br /><br />I plan on leading the market for specialty games and simulations, like those that teach history, training sims, and educational sims.<br /><br />I need the friends that the University of Texas at Dallas will provide, especially when I get some roomies in one of the apartments.<br /><br />Hopefully, this will lead to a bright future.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-88365024750524002872009-03-30T14:00:00.001-07:002009-03-30T14:25:35.637-07:00Some things I'm calledI have been called many things, some things stand out.<br /><br />I have been called<br /><br />absent-minded professor,<br />charismatic,<br />charming,<br />enthusiastic,<br />rebel without a cause,<br />freedom fighter,<br />geek,<br />irish american,<br />scots-irish,<br />black irish,<br />olive-toned,<br />gunmetal-with-gold-flecks-eyed,<br />tall,<br />dark-chocolate-haired,<br />winter-color-schemed,<br />impish,<br />devious,<br />mischievous,<br />playful,<br />talented,<br />green-thumbed,<br />artistic,<br />drama king,<br />melodramatic,<br />large ham,<br />bold,<br />assertive,<br />finicky,<br />chocoholic,<br />cuddly,<br />affectionate,<br />outgoing,<br />all over the place,<br />irrepressible,<br />...Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-33231788235707995092009-03-30T13:20:00.000-07:002009-03-30T13:59:20.362-07:00Powerleveling time!I am learning a lot. I realize I must have been raised by wolves (not literally).<br /><br />First, I am only beginning to realize just how many layers there are in this world, as I am peeling off layer after layer.<br /><br />I am trying to learn my place, as I am just a teenager (I am 21 years old), but I was never taught what it meant to live, so I never knew to expect these feelings.<br /><br />I am told this too will pass. I can't help but wish it to pass quickly, although a literal genie would take a few years of my lifespan if it were granted.<br /><br />I am told that no matter what the circumstances, I must be pleasant to be around.<br />I can do that much. I just have to learn what people expect from me. That shouldn't be too hard.<br /><br />I am told that I am blessed with an "old soul," a gift of above-average intelligence, and artistic ability. They must not know I'm trying to be humble (I have self esteem issues).<br /><br />Well, I'm glad I have everyone's vote! I feel better that everyone thinks so much of me.<br /><br />I'm not trying to make excuses for my behavior, but I am trying to explain that I have large gaps in my knowledge of the world that get in the way of my communication with my family and friends. I grew up isolated from the world, and was not allowed to join clubs and fraternities that would have helped me gain understanding.<br /><br />Maybe it's because I'm a teenager, maybe I'm just being a wuss, I don't know, but I feel that having been caged for so long as a ward of the state has stunted my emotional and social growth, and that now I'm making up for lost time.<br /><br />I can do it, but my family has to understand I'm not some genius kid who can do everything.<br /><br />I keep being told I'm so fluent, expressive, charismatic, kind, gentle, ...<br /><br />I do need the emotional support, I apologize.<br /><br />For those who don't know, this blog is mostly for my family and friends, people who know me.<br />It is very personal and unprofessional. So read at your own risk.<br /><br /><br />On a more lighthearted note, I have solidified some plans of mine.<br />I have chosen the path I will take for spiritual enlightenment.<br />I have chosen Wicca as my religion, and Neo-Druidic philosophy as an ethical guideline.<br />I may expand it with some Shamanistic beliefs and practices to expand it, but that should keep me busy.<br /><br /><br />I have chosen the path I will take for social enlightenment, more or less.<br />I will join Mensa, as I have been propositioned by them twice. It should not be too difficult to beat their test, I just need sleep and breakfast, and a warm up test.<br /><br />I think I will specialize in banking and finance (high security stuff) using open source software, and for open source software projects.<br /><br />That means I will be the one to open a bank specifically for open source and distributed projects, specializing in online and anonymous banking, providing capital to open source projects, and other things I feel is related, such not-for-profit endeavors as greening the ways, churches, covens, and groves, and other efforts that could use capital.<br /><br />The bank would eventually be pretty large, but would follow a Credit Union model (members only).<br /><br />That way, one has to have stock (money in the bank) to take out loans, thus loans hurt you too if you don't pay them, and greed hurts you too if you get stingy with the loans.<br /><br />Since enlightened, productive people are the only ones who bother to do all that's necessary to qualify, members will not ruin it for everyone by tossing liability suits around or other such conflicts.<br /><br />I am the first to recognize that I have a lot of growing to do, I need to become mature enough to be described as "slow to anger," "dependable," "knows what to do in a crisis," and other such wonderful descriptions.<br /><br />Since I want to be like that, I have to start working on my issues, and powerlevel past some immaturity. I may do things like go to a costume party and have fun, because, having been raised by wolves, I never got to play dress-up, so I might take up silly hobbies like cosplay.<br /><br />However, to some cosplayers, it's serious business.<br /><br />But I can do that on my own time. I have only <40 years of life left, and I need to get cracking!Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-75545735600576297882009-03-22T15:39:00.000-07:002009-03-22T15:45:50.179-07:00Just Joined a LUGA LUG is a Linux User Group.<div><br /></div><div>I joined the one in North Texas / Dallas,</div><div><br /></div><div>but I was really nervous, and I hadn't had breakfast.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought it was a disaster, but</div><div><br /></div><div>they accepted me anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whew! I needed those friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, I thought my network should know that it is growing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those who actually read this thing may want to know what Linux is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Linux is a derivative of Minux by Linus Torvalds, as any geek knows, </div><div><br /></div><div>and is based on Unix back when there was a snaffu about UNIX rights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Linux may be a monolithic kernel (read: Mach vs Linux), but </div><div><br /></div><div>Linux is more mature and popular.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I'm going to become a master eventually. Wish me luck!</div>Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-61695419909427887892009-03-20T16:42:00.000-07:002009-03-20T16:52:56.556-07:00Actually I'm not Bipolar.That was a joke. I was feeling sarcastic, I apologize.<br /><br />Anyways, I am an innovator.<br /><br />Many of my ideas involve a synthesis from:<br /><br />p2p, crowdsourcing, open source, organic, libertarian, do-it-yourself, green, smart mobbing, alternative medicine, traditional medicine, holistic, hobbyist, modder, hot rod, hacker, commune, ...<br /><br />As you can see, I have been exposed to many divergent viewpoints, and taken the best of each. I have taken the social freedoms of Democracy, and combined them with the economic freedoms of Republicanism. I found there was already a word for it:<br /><br />Libertarianism. What a mouthful.<br /><br />Many ideas I possess do not have names.<br /><br />I'll need to coin a few, I guess.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-63666992561539109462009-02-08T06:21:00.000-08:002009-03-20T17:06:48.869-07:00Alex, the Computer ConsultantAhem. I have been called "nerd," "geek," "next Bill Gates," "absent-minded professor," "charismatic," among other things.<br /><br />I love philosophy, ask really good questions all of the time, and never remember to keep up with keys, socks, and the like.<br /><br />I have never really known what would be best for me, but since I always find and synthesize innovative ideas, some people think I should be an entrepreneur.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I ask a lot of questions that no one around me have answers for, so I became a computer geek to figure out how to get them.<br /><br />I have since been developing a marketable skillset, and plan on becoming a freelance Computer Consultant.<br /><br />I do need to get certified to maintain credibility, though.<br /><br />Keeping in mind that this is my personal blog, I know more than enough to pass CCNA and A+ certs, but I need money to do that.<br /><br />For anyone in the biz, it is understood that one must be accredited to gain credibility. Although I personally disagree with the scheme, in that there is no official guild system, and the education system is broken.<br /><br />(Microsoft has a stranglehold on the market, and so does Cisco. It is not their fault, they are just investing good money in bad mistakes. More on that later.)Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-54357314781599994292009-02-08T05:54:00.000-08:002009-02-08T05:55:00.675-08:00Favorite Scene from "Angel"<blockquote></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; "><b></b><b></b><blockquote><b>Oliver:</b> You are a beautiful, beautiful man.<br /><b>Angel:</b> Thanks.<br /><b>Oliver:</b> You're an actor.<br /><b>Angel:</b> No.<br /><b>Oliver:</b> That wasn't a question. I'm Oliver. Ask anyone about Oliver. They'll tell you I'm a fierce animal. I'm your manager as soon as you call.<br /><b>Angel:</b> I'm not an actor.<br /><b>Oliver:</b> Funny. I like the humor. I like the whole thing. Call me. This isn't a come on. I'm in a very serious relationship with a landscape architect.</blockquote></span><blockquote></blockquote>Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-69155732719016356992009-02-08T05:42:00.000-08:002009-03-20T17:11:53.716-07:00That didn't make sense...I was talking about scents, but that was weird, looking back on it..Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-86995891635670357462009-02-08T04:39:00.000-08:002009-03-20T17:14:10.250-07:00Self Knowledge Part 1And Knowing is Half the Battle...<div><br /></div><div>In my battle for control over Self, I have been doing self discovery journeys end to end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some things I thought interesting is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the</span> fact that scents really do call functions remotely within my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mid-brain</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kinda like XML-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RPC</span>, only for Wetware, kind creepy, huh? Well, anyway, now that I know this, I can use the same methods to call <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Localhost</span> so I don't have to fight myself all of the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the list of scents that are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">guaranteed</span> to work:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Listed Previously...</div><div><br /></div><div>WTMI...<br /></div></div>Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-23999081728810476702009-02-08T04:29:00.000-08:002009-02-08T04:35:39.037-08:00My Favorite Thing About Open SourceRedundancy!<div><br /></div><div>I'm not kidding! I love the fact that KDE and GNOME are completely redundant!</div><div>You could flip a coin and know, absolutely, that there is no losing, because both are utterly right!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now yes, it is true, that Open Source Developers tend to be very dedicated to their work, and as a result, put their heart and soul into their babies, and will get very emotional over their contributions (wouldn't anyone?), but as a rule, there is no wrong answer.</div><div><br /></div><div>KDE and GNOME are by no means mutually exclusive, and though they do have compatibility issues, they are, like Democraticism and Republicanism, best together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flame me if you got what it takes, I'll outflame anyone!</div>Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-57949321226510350932009-02-08T02:50:00.000-08:002009-02-08T04:25:28.399-08:00<a href="http://www.fsf.org/associate/support_freedom/join_fsf?referrer=2442"><img src="http://static.fsf.org/fsforg/img/thin-image.png" alt="Support freedom" title="Help protect your freedom, join the Free Software Foundation" /></a><div><br /></div><div><div>http://www.plurk.com/memeticrevolution</div><div>http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1159433793</div><div>http://www.myspace.com/Xanderfoxx</div><div>http://www.imeem.com/people/HPHmsXk</div><div>http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=277686</div><div>http://counter.li.org//person/?nocookie=470877</div></div>Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-25947782285786532692008-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:002008-12-19T12:57:46.454-08:00Education Platform: Reform Education Posthaste!I have some links. Google better not block them, as I will be angry.<br /><br />http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS148013+27-Jun-2008+PRN20080627<br />[Link to Article @ Reuters]<br /><br />Newscaster Assumes Government Responsibility<br />Government at Fault - Government NEVER Solves the Problems THEY Cause<br /><br />http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2008/2008016.pdf<br />[PDF Publication on Lack of American Education]<br /><br />Government Admits THEY are to Blame - Presumably so they can be Re-elected to "Solve" the problems THEY Caused<br /><br />http://www.strongamericanschools.org/american-education-standards<br />[Example Platform for American Reform]<br /><br />The Platform Most Likely Assumes that Government will Mediate or Dictate Curricular Standard (Which is Why We are so Ignorant in the First Place!!!)<br /><br />It is very important to PRIVATIZE EDUCATION!!!<br /><br />If we do, WE CHOOSE the school, WE CHOOSE WHEN, WHERE, HOW, and WHY we send our children to school.<br /><br />To solve this problem, and please be patient, we must:<br /><ol><li>Abolish every law concerning Education (period)</li><li>Abolish Mandatory Education, Public School, the Board of Education, etc.</li><li>Abolish all Requirements Regarding Education Whatsoever.</li></ol>When you do this, the Free Market (http://blog.mises.org/) will take over, meaning that the Employers, Colleges and Universities will then Dictate REASONABLE AND PRACTICAL means to accredit learning and acheivement.<br /><br />This means that All primary, secondary, and tertiary schools will regulate themselves according to what will provide their students the most profitable careers possible.<br /><br />The fact that this boom in private schools, the subsequent revolutionary techniques, technology, and teaching practices that have been suppressed by circumstances under the Government's involvement and interference will provide opportunities for students, teachers, instructors, educators, teachers, researchers, and many other industries that depend on education like that never before seen in the history of the United States.<br /><br />I promise you, that if this process that I will publish is not corrupted and undermined by the political crooks responsible for our current crisis, you will see America Soar to the Top 5 in 10 Years (or less).<br /><br />In my next post I will provide a copy of the Sample Platform.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-87895604987978060992008-11-25T12:52:00.000-08:002008-11-25T13:55:41.613-08:00Link ListStarter Sources:<br /><br /><http://blog.mises.org/> (Great Articles on Economics)<br /><br /><http://real-bloody-economics.blogspot.com/> (More Articles on Economics)<br /><br />Particular Articles of Note:<br /><br /><http://mises.org/story/3204> ("Liberated Money Printing" -- Free Market + Strong Dollar)<br /><br /><http://mises.org/story/3225> (Small, Powerful Book on REAL Economics)<br /> (Every High School Economics Class Should Issue This Book!)<br /><br /><http://mises.org/story/3191> ("Time, not Poison" -- Pork Barrel + Weak Dollar)Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-87265984500099839622008-11-25T12:15:00.000-08:002008-11-25T12:52:45.136-08:00Strong Dollar vs Weak DollarI wish I was more knowledgeable on this subject as it is something that everyone needs to learn.<br /><br />I will do my best to present to the best of capacity.<br /><br />Okay, the deal with the Weak Dollar.<br /><br />There have been Presidents in the past that have followed a Weak Dollar Policy.<br /><br />Some of them have been popular, for some reason. Why? Short-term boosts in the economy.<br /><br />What happens right after? Recessions, the Great Depression, and our faltering Economy now.<br /><br />These are the things that I know and believe to be true:<br /><br /> First: The "Market" is an Expression of Mother Nature working in the Economy (Nature of Economics)<br /><br /> Second: The Market, by definition, cannot fail, only decisions on the part of individuals.<br /><br /> Third: The Market is not the problem, "Stimulus" "Bailout" and "Pork Barrel" Packages, and the "Weak Dollar" are the problem.<br /><br /> See: Stimulus, Bailout, and Pork Barrel Packages<br /><br /> Fourth: Having caused the problem, the politicians now vie to "solve" (delay) the problem, making it worse later (putting a band-aid on malignant melanoma).<br /><br /> See: Weak Dollar and Inflation<br /><br /> Fifth: Politicians who do the right thing usually get burned.<br /><br /> Sixth: Politicians love printing tons of new money, causing the value of money to plummet, and thus prices to skyrocket<br /><br /> See: Weak Dollar and Inflation<br /><br /> -- If You Disagree, there are resources to back this up. In my next post, I will provide additional reading.<br /><br /> Seventh: The Two Party System is entrenched, and cannot be easily broken, thus third parties are viewed as "wasting votes" or "throwing your vote away," and cannot easily gain power on their own.<br /><br /> Eighth: The Libertarian Party, the Constitutional Party, the Green Party, and the Reform Party would be very powerful together, but would probably squabble over irrelevant details of implementation and get nothing done, wasting time better spent.<br /><br /> Ninth: The Best Method seems to be, at current reckoning, to form a new party (I would call it the Fox Party for various reasons (despite the ridiculousness about Satan-Fox Superstition, or perhaps because of it...), and use this Party as a Meta-Party<br /><br />This New Meta Party Runs as Third Party Candidates, and represents their cause,<br />and then, as Third Party Candidates, Runs as Republican/Democratic Party Candidates, representing their interests as well.<br />(Because, as you learned in class, the President represents the entire nation<br /> - or is supposed to, anyway.)<br /><br />I will write further on this subject in later posts.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-80513663317695195682008-10-24T07:57:00.000-07:002008-10-24T08:02:13.642-07:00Linux-related Article in Review - Sun Defends Open Source<blockquote><a href="http://java.sys-con.com/node/46131">How Will Companies Ever Make Money Off Open-Source?</a><br />— The question 'How will Sun ever make money off giving so much source-code to open source' - as it did in 2000 with OpenOffice.org, has most recently with Project Looking Glass and is about to again with Solaris - is the wrong one, argues Sun's Simon Phipps. 'It's a good question,' he says, but at its heart - he argues - 'lies a misunderstanding about the nature of open source software, and once that's cleared up everything falls into place much more easily.'</blockquote><br /><br />Sun Microsystems does a good job at relating how the open source model benefits all, including itself, by adopting an open source business model. BTW, you can find a neat Open Source version of their Unix-like operating system called Solaris at <a href="http://www.opensolaris.org/">http://www.opensolaris.org/</a><br /><br />Bottom line? I give it a 4/5 rating.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-47944084600219651882008-09-19T11:32:00.000-07:002008-09-19T12:41:38.733-07:00The Smartest Thing Linux and FOSS have Ever Done:There are two efforts that have been working hard on freeing the desktop, but because the Open Source community tends to get set in its thinking like everybody else, we have lost sight of our true goal, and have been picking over more irrelevant details.<br /><br />This post is going to be more substantial than some others, as this is serious. The Open Source community should not close their eyes to an excellent way to provide a clear and obvious path for average desktop users to upgrade from their current platform, to one that suits them better. In many cases, this would be Linux, but for those cases where it is not, all we can do is change it.<br /><br />Introduction:<br /><br />The best way to ensure that everyone has access to superior technology and innovation, and a culture blending the best of old and new, is to abstract the <span style="font-weight: bold;">user's platform market share and technologies for development</span>.<br /><br />By this, I mean that third-party software developers that would usually develop software only for the dominant platform, or more rarely, the top two, <span style="font-style: italic;">should</span> have the <span style="font-weight: bold;">freedom of option</span> to make use of <span style="font-weight: bold;">current best technology</span>.<br /><br />Let me break it down further. If software developers could choose which middleware technologies and application frameworks to use, and were informed in their decision, they would probably choose those development practices and technologies found in the Open Source community.<br /><br />The reason that they develop only for the top one or two according to market share, is simple:<br /><br />Here is the current choice:<br /><br />Spend $5 mil developing using <span style="font-weight: bold;">crappy Windows</span> dev tools for <span style="font-weight: bold;">90%+</span> of the desktop market,<br />Spend $5 mil developing using <span style="font-weight: bold;">great Mac OS X</span> dev tools for <span style="font-weight: bold;">~10%</span> of the desktop market,<br />Spend $10 mil developing using both crappy Windows and Mac OS X dev tools for ~99% of the desktop market by developing the project twice, or<br />Spend $5 mil developing using <span style="font-weight: bold;">excellent, if arcane, *NIX</span> dev tools for <span style="font-weight: bold;">>1%</span> of the desktop market<br /><br />As you can see, most people will <span style="font-weight: bold;">develop for the top</span>, or perhaps the top two <span style="font-weight: bold;">despite the fact</span> that the technology associated with <span style="font-weight: bold;">2nd and 3rd platforms are superior</span>!<br /><br />This, of course, spells disaster for Linux and Open source in general, because we will have to develop everything ourselves, without significantly attracting new users.<br /><br />Open Source developers' time is at a premium, and there are not enough to go around.<br /><br />Linux and other Open Source projects are too good to abandon to this situation, but there is a solution!<br /><br />KDE and Java!<br /><br />For many applications, you can develop much more easily in Java than in C++. This is true in more and more cases everywhere.<br /><br />Sun Microsystems is making one of the smartest moves in their history, and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Open Sourcing Their Implementation of Java</span>, which would allow Open Source developers to write GPL and LGPL code in Java easily, allowing the use of Open Source Java applications over any platform.<br /><br />However, even though Java is an excellent platform to develop for, they have a stigma associated with more slowly interpreted bytecode and other problems that are <span style="font-weight: bold;">not there</span> in most cases that do not involve extreme accelerated-3D or anything hardware-related.<br /><br />In cases where it is the tools, utilities, and middleware (ie, widgit toolkits, window controls, multimedia frameworks, and other software-based platform dependancies), this is easily solved!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">KDE made waves by breaking away</span> from uselessly idealistic Open Source thinking, and did one of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">smartest things</span> anyone I've seen in the Open Source community do: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cross Platform KDE</span>!<br /><br />Now that KDE supports Windows and Mac OS X, there is no real reason anyone has to choose between platforms, and be forced to make a practical decision: to develop for Windows using crappy development tools and utilities. If Java were not not enough to show everyone how making Open Source platforms cross platform will break Windows lock-in and monopoly<span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span> this will!<br /><br />By Making one of the best Open Source bundles of joy Cross Platform, what do you think will happen?<br /><br />Some people think that simply because people using Windows who get access to excellent Open Source applications and software, will decide, "Oh, I can get these really cool apps on Windows, what the hell do I need Linux for?"<br /><br />If this were true, it would only be so for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">short term</span>.<br /><br />The longer term implications of cross platforming our best kick-ass apps are this:<br /><br />If people on Windows chose between free kick-ass Amarok, my absolute favorite music player of all time, and some dumb alternative that only exists on Windows, what do you think I'd pick? Even if I had never seen or heard of Amarok before, and someone gave me a CD with KDE on it? I'd choose Amarok!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other people will too!</span><br /><br />This will be the same for every kick-ass app that is cross-platformed!<br /><br />Many apps you can only get on Linux are vastly superior to paid-for Windows-only equivelents!<br /><br />However, <span style="font-weight: bold;">they choose Windows</span> because databases, various documents, and other things they have been investing time and money into are <span style="font-weight: bold;">Windows-only</span>!<br /><br />In addition to this, nobody older than 24 wants to try something completely new and different, while abandoning what they already have!<br /><br />The solution?<br /><br />Cross platform the best we have, and introduce them to the old-timers!<br /><br />Slowly getting them used to what we have to offer, without throwing them into the river to sonk or swim, is the answer!<br /><br />Once people realize that they do not need to pay for Windows, or tolerate it's bullcrap to make use of these excellent apps, they'll probably ditch it! and what will they download, and start investing time and capital into?<br /><br />Linux! Open Source projects will see a <span style="font-weight: bold;">slow, powerful tide</span> of new, capable, and willing <span style="font-weight: bold;">developers contributing code</span>!<br /><br />Third-party vendors will write cross platform apps for KDE 4, and include the base libraries on CD!<br /><br />Peoples' dependance on tolerating Windows bullcrap will lessen, and lessen, and Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and other *NIX platforms will start getting more notice by <span style="font-weight: bold;">hardware developers</span>!<br /><br />This benefits everyone! Why must people fight it?<br /><br />My verdict?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cross platform everything</span> possible, and show people <span style="font-weight: bold;">they don't need Windows</span> to get awsome stuff!<br /><br />I can't wait to download KDE 4 and <span style="font-weight: bold;">learn how to develop</span> apps for it.<br /><br />Now that this has developed, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I know</span> I don't need to learn how to develop for Windows.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-2975735037488504892008-05-10T15:16:00.000-07:002008-05-10T17:51:36.240-07:00FreeBSD Home Gateway ExperimentI intend to experiment with my home gateway - or the older computer I'm going to turn into one - and load FreeBSD on it. Now I'm going to say here and now that I'm a complete noob when it comes to FreeBSD. I only have a little Ubuntu exposure as my pitiful excuse of *nix experience, but what better time to start, eh?<br /><br />Anyway, I intend to install and configure FreeBSD for these purposes:<br /><ul><li>Firewall</li><li>NAT Gateway</li><li>Router</li><li>IPv6 Tunnel Endpoint</li><li>DHCP/DNS Server</li><li>HTTP/FTP/SOCKS Proxy</li><li>Etc.</li></ul>I will attempt to document my progress, and the results of my foray into the world of FreeBSD, and allow others to enjoy it as I did.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-53297477374066688962008-05-10T15:00:00.000-07:002008-05-10T15:15:42.393-07:00Springing into New ClassesI am now a student of "Introduction to Scripting" (involving mostly .bat and .wsh scripting, meaning windows shell scripting, which is so limited and underdeveloped, it's a joke), and "Motivation and Leadership" (a class that discusses internal office politics and corporate culture - which makes me think of a petri dish on a polished mahogany office desk in a skyscraper. some interesting topics are discussed in both, however, and I like and respect both professors.)<br /><br />I am doing okay, so far, and I will post an update later.<br /><br />I am doing a little roughly overall, though, and need to improve my CGPA and such, so that this so-called university doesn't take my money and run with it.Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-88733246948262541812008-04-05T12:09:00.000-07:002008-04-05T14:33:15.256-07:00Getting Serious about PlayfulnessAfter the date, and after doing an overnight marathon of anime via YouTube, I came to think about how I'm really not that old, even though I'm physically 20.<br /><br />I might be called smart, but the majority of my psyche, if I'm using this word correctly, is below this age considerably. I guesstimate that I am an average of 16, mentally speaking.<br /><br />Thus, if I am going to think anywhere in the direction of dating, I need to find another big kid.<br /><br />It cannot be a mature adult, because I would not appeal to her, and obviously a high-schooler as a companion would be too weird. So, a similar case to myself would be ideal.<br /><br />What I propose is this: I will seek friends (with the possibility of something more) that are 18-24 years of age, smart, but have the mental and emotional age of a high-schooler, like myself. I plan on a long friendship, and if things go well, perhaps is will blossom into a more meaningful thing.<br /><br />That said, those who are aware of this proposal need to know more about me. Obviously, I should not reveal things like my exact location and other more personal data to the general audience, because that would be begging for disaster, but I can give a bio, sure.<br /><br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">male</span> (duh.), <span style="font-weight: bold;">20</span> years of age, have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">winter color scheme</span> going (meaning I have dark hair, and light tan skin, which means I look good in bright red, blues, violets, all shades of grey, and other cool colors, but look horrible in yellow and orange, or green with any yellow in it), am sort of <span style="font-weight: bold;">geeky</span> in personality, am <span style="font-weight: bold;">fairly handsome</span>, but not really a head-turner, I think.<br /><br />I like <span style="font-weight: bold;">blueberries</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">computers</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">GNU/Linux</span>, some <span style="font-weight: bold;">Japanese </span>anime especially the cute (as in adorable) kind, although I like Naruto, Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist as well, <span style="font-weight: bold;">gardening</span> (especially veggies, perennials, vines such as grape, jasmine, passion vine and especially wisteria, I also like <span style="font-weight: bold;">model trains</span> (N-scale, as OH-scale is too big for me), eating with <span style="font-weight: bold;">chopsticks</span>, learning <span style="font-weight: bold;">new cultures and languages</span> (although I do not have that kind of time usually, I may try to learn either Chinese or Japanese, perhaps Japanese, since that is a big business language, and I would not need to have english subtitles anymore, and also because the Japanese seem to want us to learn their language as a people, as so would not be against my learning, I would guess.) I also like to cook, though I have little opportunity, time and skill. I like <span style="font-weight: bold;">hanging out</span> with my friends, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">listening to</span> classical, soft rock and tokyo-pop (I think that is what it's called?) <span style="font-weight: bold;">music</span>. I really like the <span style="font-weight: bold;">smells</span> of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, hickery wood smoke on Wintery air, the smell in the morning after a overnight rain, and the smell of certain books, like large 10-year-old dictionaries.<br /><br />I like to <span style="font-weight: bold;">laugh</span>, am very carefree most of the time, and try to be a lot of fun (I think I usually succeed, since I have a lot of friends. I come across as weird sometimes, and sometimes I do this intentionally, just to be ornery, and I try to live life and enjoy it while it lasts. That is part of my philosophy as well.<br /><br />I like camp fires, fireworks, incense, holiday/Christmas lights, LEDs, flares, lighting bugs, cobalt blue glass, prisms, lenses, fiber optics, variable-opacity window panes, glow-in-the-dark things (as long as they aren't el cheapo) and all sorts of <span style="font-weight: bold;">things related to the production of light</span>.<br /><br />My favorite color is <span style="font-weight: bold;">cobalt blue</span> (or blue-blue-violet), an intense, thoughtful, beautiful color, followed by silver and black, followed by bright flag red.<br /><br />My favorite foods are English clam chowder, Papa John's Pizza's "the works, regular" pizza, my mom's banana nut bread the way she used to make them, maraschino cherries, blueberry and pomegranate Italian spritzer from Whole Foods Market, chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream, berries and granola parfait, flavored yogurt, granola breakfast cereal. Whole Food Market's organic root beer (it's much better tasting than A&W, which is my favorite regular root beer, but slightly more expensive, so moderation is required at present). I also love certain pastas, and my mom's "sketti" (spaghetti and meat sauce) is so good, it should be marketted commercially. I love garlic and onions, so the vamps out there should watch out. I also like potatoes, whether deep fried as french fries, tater tots, or potatoe chips (or crisps as the English would call them), mashed, skillet fried, or au gratin. That must be the Irish in me. I love blueberries in any reasonable form, and blueberry yogurt is great.<br /><br />I love key lime pie, lemon merangue pie, blueberry cheesecake (or shortcake), and chocolate pudding pie. I love real pumpkin pie, and I like pecan pie, as well.<br /><br />My favorite kind of weather is in the morning after a Spring overnight rain, where it's about 65 degrees F, with a slight breeze, bright and sunny, with a fairly high humidity. I love walking about looking at all of the raindrops on the grass and foliage, with the sunlight sparkling off of it all.<br /><br />My favorite song changes, but right now it's the <span style="font-weight: bold;">earlier <span style="font-weight: bold;">theme son</span>g to "Negima!"</span> (even though it's called an ecchi-type anime, the ecchi actually takes away from its appeal. I ignore those elements, and even look away from the screen at times, even though the majority of it is quite cute. I might be a guy, but even I agree there is too much bloodshed, gore and hatred in this world of ours. I appreciate the finer things, like innocence, beauty, cuteness, colors, and light, as well as education, books/literature, music, art, and such. Read my dislikes on the subject of seriously "macho" behaviors).<br /><br />Some basic information about my past: I went to school at Klein Oak High School, in Spring, Texas, USA, and I did well at the TAKS test (Commended Performance in Science, missing only one problem, and History of all subjects), as well as the SAT (I was below average in Math, very high in Critical Reading, and low in Essay Writing). I took AP Computer Science, which was surprisingly easy, content-wise, but very fast paced, I think I did okay in it, but am currently unsure. I am doing so-so in college, and am planning to transfer to Brookhaven College, in Dallas.<br /><br />I cannot tell you my current location, because there are people who would misuse that information. (Jerks!)<br /><br />Also, I have had a troubled childhood, but I'm cool with it, and try not to let it bother me. A few leftover problems is that I am nervous when placed in certain weird situations, but during normal social situations, I'm fine.<br /><br />I already have a friend that I'm dating, but as neither of us confirms or denies that we are boyfriend/girlfriend, I have to assume we are just friends, and that nothing more will come from it. I will keep my audience informed if it does go farther, so as to cancel this offer. We only went on one "date," but does that mean anything. I do not know, so I have to keep looking.<br /><br />I am probably going to start a job soon working in a supermarket or theatre, but since I'm not working now, I have limited funds to use during dates. That will change, hopefully. I need to be more independent.<br /><br />Thinks that I do not like: I do not like unnecessary dishonesty, disloyalty, hypocrisy (including expecting of others what one does not expect of oneself - this includes me, I do not expect of others what I do not expect of myself - whenever I break this moral code myself, I get really pissed off at myself. The self-punishment is severe). I also dislike unnecessary rules and regulations, or those that are unreasonable or make no sense. I dislike unnecessary secrecy, especially that that causes harm and misunderstanding. I dislike bigotry and unreasonable hatred, but also dislike harmful labeling and hate-mongering. I dislike the more powerful praying on the weak, but also dislike the weak taking help and respite for granted. I dislike freeloading, but cannot argue this point due to the fact that I have have no job and live with my mom. That will change in time when I become more responsible for myself. We are working on this problem now.<br /><br />There are various things I want to do someday: learn Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and perhaps Gaelic, just for the fun of it. I'm currently learning how to play the piano, but I really need to practice more often. Usually I just play, when I'm supposed to do specific exercises. I need to work on that. I'm attempting to compose a piece, but I should really learn theory, first.<br /><br />I want to vacation at Tokyo someday, perhaps on a honeymoon or something (although any wife I might choose would make that choice, and if she should wish to delegate some of that decision, that would also be her choice. If she wanted to go to Paris, Hawaii, or even Hong Kong, that would be just fine.<br /><br />I want to have a house with a huge backyard, so that I can have an elaborate garden, with veggies, flowers, a gazebo with vines all over it, a patio with an arbor over it, a quiet meditation spot, with statuary that would also hold incense. I plan on having a large household with many children, and seeing them through college, and having all of the things I never had, like a good childhood, with many friends at school, and a decent education. I hope for a wife that will be understanding while keeping me in line, and a career in either computers, horticulture, or both.<br /><br />I may even start a business, like a garden nursery or Open Source computer shop.<br /><br />Currently my goals are to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, but am contemplating other options, like pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, instead. I am keeping that option open, but am serious about obtaining a Bachelor's in something I like to do.<br /><br />I plan on remembering how it is to be a child, and to keep my inner child alive, so that when and if I have children, I can relate to them more easily, and therefore take better care of them.<br /><br />I love dogs, cats, ferrets, pet rats, and parrots, and I'm usually good with animals and kids.<br /><br />Almost all of the time, even with dogs that have a reputation of biting, dogs love me. Cats, unless they have a semi-feral or shy nature, don't mind my presence.<br /><br />I have no known allergies.<br /><br />Physical data:<br /><br />I am tall and pretty thin (I am 190.5 cm [or 6'3"] tall, and I weigh 78 kg [or 172 pounds]), although now that i'm 20, I am gaining muscle.<br /><br />I am very fast, and have long legs. I can jump pretty high, and should have been in track and field in high school, though curcumstances would not allow.<br /><br />I have dark hair, with a grayish-brown sheen in the sunlight.<br /><br />I have hazel eyes, and have had them described as "gunmetal gray with gold flecks." My eyes are one of the things I like most about my appearance.<br /><br />I have a somewhat squarish jawline, somewhat like an acorn (i'm not really sure how to describe such a thing.)<br /><br />I have an aqualine nose, full lips, and braces (I'm hoping those will come off soon!)<br /><br />I am very expressive, and one can always tell what I'm feeling by looking at me.<br /><br />Mental data:<br /><br />I am somewhat disjointed in thought, and can jump from one idea to another in a moment's notice. I am very original and creative, and like to improve on other's ideas, to make them my own, but I can come up with completey original ideas as well. I can draw fairly well, and I can sing and am not afraid to, although I'm usually somewhat off key (probably because I'm trying to sing full chords, which is impossible with only one voice. One can always tell if I'm in a good mood if I'm humming or singing wordless songs. When I'm singing nonsense songs that I'm making up on the spot, that means I'm hyper, and that I'm in a <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> good mood. If I'm very quiet, I'm probably sleepy, slightly depressed, or both, but this is rare. I'm usually talking or working on something, usually on my laptop computer. I have a tendancy to talk a lot, and about many things, and I sometimes rant about things I think I know something about. I am told I'm funny, and I supppose I am, but I only hear this from my friends, so that may be bias speaking.<br /><br />Anyway, I guess that's enough for now. Bye!Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-43275169424896989342008-03-18T16:15:00.000-07:002008-03-18T16:28:24.790-07:00I've Got a Date!I never suspected it would happen, but as we were playing a game of Free Word Association over the AIM chat network, it developed into a fairly deep discussion of weighty matters, and finally into arrangements for a date.<br /><br />Wow.<br /><br />The woman in question is a fine Black woman, well endowed, with above average intellect, and a well proportioned face.<br /><br />She is also very sweet, funny, fun to talk to, aware of the ways of the world, and seems interested in me.<br /><br />See has pretty eyes, the color of 70% cocoa bittersweet dark chocolate, and has very endearing mannerisms.<br /><br />I have plans to take her to Genghis Grill, Interskate, and then La Madelaine. I hope she won't be disappointed.<br /><br />I am perfectly willing to spend my own money for this, and will require only transportation from Mom.<br /><br />It is currently scheduled for Friday, 6 PM to 9 PM, but is flexible. I will have to check with Mom before committing to this, as she needs to be free to transport me.<br /><br />I'm very excited, as this is my first date since my high school Prom, and the lady, Rachel, is quite something!Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490726926728673146.post-14440068912398190992008-03-04T15:12:00.000-08:002008-03-04T15:18:21.485-08:00My Pseudo-Domain<a href="http://q2c2gmwf2naf4k6h.onion/">http://q2c2gmwf2naf4k6h.onion/</a><br /><br />For family and friends only:<br /><br />See if you can access this resource. What does the message given say?<br /><br />You can have a similar setup as well, everybody can. Although it isn't pretty, because no publicly-accessible IP address is needed, neither is a real domain name, you can use Tor's built-in Domain Name-like system to identify resources on the Internet.<br /><br />I wonder how to get HTTPS/SSL to work?Alex John Maurinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03244253692262802282noreply@blogger.com0