Imported traditions

Jalal just posted this:

It was fun!

Classes are over!

Just delivered the last assignment for the GIM class 30 minutes ago.
That means that, apart from the Global Supply Chain Management assignment due on Monday, I am done with MBA classes.
I wish I could continue to have classes indefinetely. I like classes. I like to learn, to ask, to discuss. And I like the feeling of beeing worry-free, as the only thing you are supposed to do is pay attention.
ButI need to find a job and to write a thesis. So it is good to be finally able to concentrate on that from now on.
Pity that this last module was, in my humble opinion, way below the level of other modules, so it wasn't very enjoyable. And I was (am) sick.
They are having a reception with champagne and snacks in the next room, I should join them. But I think that my health won't allow me to drink or eat much. That also the reason I am missing out on the Hazmat Modine concert in Stuttgart in an hour. But I should be fine tomorrow.

Fox in the park

This is the first time I have ever seen a real fox (we don't have them in Brazil, you know? Just lobos guarás...) from this close, so I had to document it, even if the pictures got blurry.
I guess that it must like the park, with the dozens of bunnies living there...

Opportunity cost

This is what I call the real opportunity cost of living far away from my family:



Last time I saw Henrique, my nephew, he was a new born baby who had just undergone heart surgery. Now, after another surgery in January, he is really fine, as you all can surely see.
And here is another picture of Henrique which I put online several months ago.
Yes, I really hope I can make it to Brazil after the MBA.
BTW, I was listening to all this through skype, while my sister was filming. I felt strangely close. Technology helps a lot.

Inspiring technology videos

I found Johnny Lee's videos through a BusinessWeek article and they just blew my mind. I have been aware of Wii modifications for some time now, especially for music interface purposes, but what he has done is not only extremely professional and relevant, it is also explained in a great way. Instead of writing more about his ideas, I'll let you see the videos. For all his videos, follow this link.









His haptic pen, even though it does not use the Wii remote, is a very cool device too:

And Google Maps Mobiles gets even better!

I really miss my Hagenuk S200 Palm OS Smartphone. It died on me, or, more probable, the battery did. But it could run Java applications, the best being Google Maps for mobile phones.
The only thing missing was a feature telling you where you are. My phone didn't have a GPS module, but Google Maps helped me a lot in several occasions in Germany, where I had GPRS internet access very cheaply (www.symio.de, I can recommend this pay as you go SIM cards).
Well, now I won't need a GPS module anymore, it seems. Google is using the cell tower location to approximately tell you where you are. It is by far not as precise as GPS, but I imagine that it is a really big improvement over the older version of Maps.
But it is revision week, an assignment is to be delivered on Monday and others have already written about this. So check the fun genial video below and the following article.

http://lifehacker.com/
Just one more quick note: it seems that the best precision of Google Maps Mobile My Location feature is about 600 m or half a block.

Bajofondo Tango Club

Morphine

Rules!



If I could go back in time...

A bit of fun inbetween

Cristiano took this video on a whim during the coffee break. We also try to have some fun from time to time.



I usually don't drink coffee during the coffee breaks. But am happy to attack the fruit basket and drink water.

Harmonica bit of the day

Well, I was on my way on Exhibition Road to the Imperial College's library, looked left and saw a familiar face. It was the yound and already very successful chromatic harmonica player Philip Achile. I had met him briefly during the World Harmonica Festival 2005, where he ended up being champion.
Philip had a saxophone case with him. It turns out that he is studying sax at the Imperial College, but wants to try playing harmonica there too. Well, he has made it to the Royal Albert Hall already, I guess that says a lot!

London, first photos

Well, a first note on travelling to London. Those cheap flight to Stanstead are really temping. But take into consideration that you will spend at least an extra 25 pounds (almost €40,00) to get to Central London, between the train, the tube and change comission. The best bet is London City airport.


At Stanstead


The day after, taking a bus trip from Hammersmith Hospital to Piccadilly Circus. Why Piccadilly? Because. It was as good a destination as any other. I chose the bus over the tube so that I could see the sights too, sitting in the top front left spot. This inverted traffic system is really scary.


Then a stop at Apple's store on Regent Street. I liked the stairs a lot. Made of glas. It is interesting, though, to watch how things work there. It has characteristics of a church, school, social center. You really don't go there just to buy things. You can spend hours testing everything, learning from the instructors, watching product presentations and workshops.

From 070912-13 London

Good thing I am not a Mac fan, or I would have come out of the shop a lot poorer. But the new iPod Nano is nice. And I have friends who enjoy this, so I put the photos online.

And later I was walking towards Piccadilly Circus I heard the distinctive sound of live music. And, sure enough, great funk music with tight horn lines was flowing out of a big fancy shop. I got in, spent some minutes, drank a nice glass of berry juice, shot this short video and continued on my way.


More photos here.