Talk in Concepción

I have been invited to give an small introductory talk about our beloved XO as part of the second 'Free Software and Technology' meeting at the Universidad Católica de la Santisima Concepción. This year's topics are centered around education and its my intention to be able to highlight the amazing features of the children's laptop as an educational tool. This is happening tomorrow at 16:00 local time (currently UTC-3) so if you are by any chance near Talcahuano/Concepción feel free to drop by.

The world as he saw it

for those out there seeking for a reason to *believe* (if there is such a thing), this quote may come in handy:

What is the meaning of human life, or of organic life altogether? To answer this question at all implies a religion, Is there any sense then, you ask, in putting it? I answer, the man who regards his own life and that of his fellow-creatures as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life.

The quote is from 'The world as I see it', a collection of Einstein authored texts that picture him in a way his relatives and friends like. This must be the third time I read it (I have made several attempts as my English improved -- yeah, It was even worst) but this time it stroke me harder. I'm living a whole new tale now, surrounded by my childs & taking care of needs other than my own. Dunno about you but I can sure use some guiltless believing.

Farewell light

So, sad but true -- Keyboard LEDs were removed a while back and I still miss them. Not that I haven't mourn enough on this but still hurts. Why, you might wonder (if you care at all). Well, here is the story:

When approaching OLPC for the first time I quickly sought something to do to start bonding with the existing development team. It wasn't really that difficult, this was soon after A-Test prototypes became available so really, there was a massive amount of stuff for a newcomer to pick and do. I don't recall if writing the kernel driver for these LEDs was my first choice but I do recall Chris Ball helped me through it from the ground up, Andres Salomon was there too and at some point I got help from Marcelo Tosatti and Jonathan Corvet (Thanks All). The driver had two incarnations, It's latter one used the LED subsystem (which btw, I advice you to hack on if you're starting or thinking on doing some kernel work for the first time) and made its way into the shipped kernel. I'm not good with dates but I will go ahead and pretend the code made a few hundred keyboards shine for about two months, now its gone. It turned out the LEDs where not fulfilling their purpose not to mention they sucked too much power so they were banned.

These LEDs were for me like a badge for others; a way to open some doors. From there I have done a few things but sadly -- none of them 'shines' the way these folks did. I'm going to miss them, Can't help it.

Long live light!

Mathsalvation

There was a footpath leading across fields to New Southgate, and I used to go there alone to watch the sunset and contemplate suicide. I did not, however, commit suicide, because I wished to know more of mathematics.

--
Bertrand Russell