Commodore 64

Mount Internal Partitions on Boot

2009-08-28T12:38:00.003-04:00

"I'm so [lazy]" - Nirvana

Linux is a nice safe place to work. But in my years of working in Windows I just got in the habit of ALWAYS keeping my data on a separate partition from my operating system, so I have a safe Data partition that would be nice to not have to mount every time I boot up in Ubuntu. I found a nice step-by-step tutorial to do exactly this. Basically you just add a small program called "NTFS Configuration Tool", and then follow the simple instructions. If you want more details, the instructions are very easy to follow.

Chromium & Flash

2009-08-26T06:35:00.004-04:00

“The gleam of chrome is as irresistible to a man as the word "sale" is to a woman” - Anonymous

Firefox...nope...does not cut it in my opinion. Too much overhead. Too slow. Plugins crash. I like Chrome, and no matter how hard I try...Firefox just isn't the same. But now Chromium seems to be stable enough, so here are some instructions to install it on Ubuntu Jaunty (9.04) in slightly more comprehensible terms:

1. Add the repository
a. System > Administration > Software Sources
b. Click on the "Third Party Software" tab
c. To add the repository, Click "Add" and copy:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/chromium-daily/ppa/ubuntu jaunty main

d. Click "Add Source"
e. Open Applications > Accessories > Terminal
f. To enter the key, copy (Ctrl+C) & paste in Terminal (Ctrl+Shift+V)

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 4E5E17B5

g. Go back to the "Software Sources" window and click "Close" and then "Reload" in the pop-up

2. Install Chromium
a. To update the source list, in the Terminal window type

sudo aptitude update

b. The install the themes by typing

sudo aptitude install chromium-browser

3. Install Flash
a. In Terminal navigate to the Chromium plugins folder by typing

cd /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins

b. Link the flash plugin

sudo ln -s ../../flashplugin-installer/libflashplayer.so

4. Create a fully functional shortcut - right now if you click on Applications > Internet > Chromium Web Browser the application will open, but flash won't load/work, this is why this last step is necessary.
a. Drag the Icon from Applications > Internet > Chromium Web Browser to the top panel
b. Right-click on the new panel icon and select "Properties"
c. In the "Command" text-box add the following at the end

--enable-plugins

d. Click "Close"

Now you should be able to open a fully functional version of Chromium from the panel!

P.S. Though it is slightly more advanced, you can also enable plugins on the menu launcher for Chromium. System > Preferences > Main Menu under Menus select Internet, under Items select Chromium, then select Properties and follow 4c & 4d.

Pimp my Ubuntu!

2009-08-25T12:30:00.011-04:00

"We know you like cars so we put a car in your car so you can drive while you drive." - Xzibit

My dear wife is "open to using Linux"...mostly because Windows just commited suicide, and she was lucky enough to already have Ubuntu Jaunty (9.04) already on her machine. She likes the way mine looks, so the first thing she wants is some cool backgrounds and themes. The best I have found are from François Vogelweith.

Unfortunately, beyond the instructions being in French, for a complete newbie they are not the easiest thing to follow. So here is a way to install all the themes anyone should be able to follow:

1. Add the repository
a. System > Administration > Software Sources
b. Click on the "Third Party Software" tab
c. To add the repository, Click "Add" and copy:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/bisigi/ppa/ubuntu jaunty main

d. Click "Add Source"
e. Open Applications > Accessories > Terminal
f. To enter the key, copy (Ctrl+C) & paste in Terminal (Ctrl+Shift+V)

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 0x1781bd45c4c3275a34bb6aec6e871c4a881574de

g. Go back to the "Software Sources" window and click "Close" and then "Reload" in the pop-up

2. Install the Themes
a. To update the source list, in the Terminal window type

sudo aptitude update

b. The install the themes by typing

sudo aptitude install zgegblog-themes

To check out your new stuff, just right-click on your desktop and click "Change Desktop Background", you now should have 10 new themes and backgrounds to choose from!

Office Wine

2009-06-08T10:58:00.001-04:00

"I want to make the world a better place for me to live in." - Lucy in Peanuts

I work in the real world. However much I may want to work in Linux, I will always work with real people...and apparently real people use Microsoft Office! So I needed to install Office on my Ubuntu Jaunty system. Being somewhat lazy, busy with work, travelling the world (been in 11 countries this summer), I have been putting off this post about how I successfully installed Office in Ubuntu. Unfortunately, for the longest time I was just as unsuccessful in doing the same for my wife, but now I have succeeded in that as well, so here you go! These instructions are quite self explanatory, and don't actually need any editing of my own! The only thing to mention is that I had no problems using the latest stable version of Wine, so it is a little easier than Saman makes it out to be!

P.S. It turns out the installation had some bugs, so if you experience some glitches you want to try the previous guide!

Rockin Firefox 3.5

2009-05-19T04:56:00.003-04:00

“If it ain't broke, don't fix it' is the slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the scared." - Colin Powell

A mere day after Chromifox...I had to move on. The features I liked didn't depend on this GUI, and in fact, I was quite bothered by the Title bar being a different color, and there was no good way to get rid of the title bar without loosing functionality (like being able to move the window). Beyond that, the Chromifox Extreme theme kept messing up menu navigation (menu items would disappear if I moved the mouse too fast). Finally, there are some nice functions, tweaks, and extensions, that I like.

So here we go again:

1. Install Chromifox Basic Theme - simpler and prettier

2. Overly Nit-Picky Tweaks
a.Adjust the size of the url font
i.Navigate to /home/USER/.mozilla/firefox-3.5/adeikskt.default/chrome
ii.Open userChrome-example.css
iii.Add the line
#urlbar {font-size: 80% !important;}
b.Adjust url-Autocomplete font color and size settings
i.Open userChrome-example.css (see previous step if you happened to close it)
ii.Add
.ac-comment {font-size: 100% !important; color: #444444 !important; }
.ac-comment[selected='true'] {font-style: bold !important; color: #444444 !important; }
.ac-url-text {font-size: 100% !important; color: #444444 !important; }
.ac-url-text[selected='true'] { color: #444444 !important; }
c.Save as userChrome.css
d.Close all Browser windows and reopen Shiretoko.

Chrome + Firefox = Chromifox?

2009-05-18T11:23:00.021-04:00

"A zebra does not change its spots." - Al Gore

The hardest thing about switching from Windows to Linux has been the browser. Firefox is nice, and has some nice features, but I had gotten so used to Chrome...and it's minimalism! I loved having so much viewing space, that wasn't being taken up by buttons and menus I never use. I tried to get Chrome, but:

-Supposedly, one day, Chrome will be available for Linux...but not yet.
-The ported version of Chrome doesn't work all that smoothly.
-Though you can get Chromium still has too many bugs.

None of this changes the fact that I want more screen space. So I had to figure it out myself, and along the way tweaked a few things to take advantage of what Firefox has to offer. Here is what I did in Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty):

1. Upgrade to Firefox 3.5 (codename Shiretoko)
a.Open System/Administration/Synaptic Package Manager
b.Search for Firefox 3.5
c.Click the check box to Mark for Installation
d.Accept all dependencies
e.Open Applications/Internet/Shiretoko Web Browser

2. Install the Chromifox Extreme theme.

3. Install Add-ons:
a.Hide Menubar - press Alt to show the Menu.
b.Google Toolbar - gives the Chrome New Tab page as well.
c.Auto Hide Status Bar

4. Basic Tweaks
a.Move Search Bar
i.right click next to Address Bar
ii.click Customize
iii.simply drag the search bar elsewhere (i.e. the Bookmarks Bar)
iv.click Done
b.Hide Google Toolbar & Bookmarks Toolbar
i.right click next to Address Bar\
ii.uncheck Google Toolbar & Bookmarks Toolbar

So there you have it! Looks and behaves nearly identically to Chrome!

Ricominciamo - Let's Start Over

2009-05-17T18:00:00.001-04:00

"In the beginning [...again...]" - Genesis 1:1

So the little old Gateway notebook I installed Ubuntu on, has received much attention from my 4-year-old who now has a computer to play Nick Jr. games on. The once slow computer - that Natalie refused to play her computer games on - now runs better than it ever has....meaning I no longer have a machine to learn the ways of Linux. For this very reason, my Acer Aspire 5920 has become my new Linux project.

A new version of Ubuntu just came out, so I went ahead and downloaded Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty)...which in retrospect is where ALL the following turmoil began.

Still unsure of moving to a new operating system, I didn't really want to mess with creating new partitions and all that jazz. So, I used Wubi to install Ubuntu in Windows Vista, which gives the option to uninstall it at any time in the same way you do any other ordinary program. The downside of Wubi is that you can't come back from hibernate or suspend the system - something I do several times a day on my notebook. Turns out, I like Linux...I really like Linux! Fast, Stable, and Pretty!

So I uninstalled Ubuntu through Wubi, and learned how to create a partition using EASEUS. The software worked very well, and would highly recommend it to anyone that wants a windows based partitioning application...of course I have since discovered GParted, so you may just want to use that if you want to dual boot Linux & Windows.

Anyway, I popped my Ubuntu 9.04 CD in, and installed the new OS on the new 17 GB partition...well almost. I got this error:

[Errno 5] Input/output error

This particular error is often due to a faulty CD/DVD disk or drive, or a faulty hard disk. It may help to clean the CD/DVD, to burn the CD/DVD at a lower speed, to clean the CD/DVD drive lens (cleaning kits are often available from electronics suppliers), to check whether the hard disk is old and in need of replacement, or to move the system to a cooler environment." />

I searched and searched and searched forums, google...and the internet at large for a solution. I deleted the partition to let the installer figure it out. I created separate boot and swap partitions. I removed a RAM stick for the installation. I tried in the morning, afternoon, evening, and middle of the night...but no matter what, the installer stopped at 37% and gave me the dreaded

...aaaahhhh!

But the story is NOT over! I thought I would try the 64 bit version, and this time (for no apparent reason) I downloaded the .iso image torrent. The installation...was very tense...but then it hit 38...39...40.....100%! OK, so the 64 bit version gave my video card problems, but at least I know the problem is not MY hardware! I quickly decided I needed the 32 bit version. I tried my other -now overused- Ubuntu CD...the installation stopped at 37%...for the 172nd time!

As far as I can tell, the problem is actually in the .iso image on the Ubuntu site. I downloaded the image torrent, which by the way is a much faster download. And the installation went without a glitch!

I now have fully functional Windows Vista and Ubuntu 9.04 on my machine. I can boot either, and waking the computer up from hibernation I can "wake up" either OS, which is very handy for the moment.

Sound & Video

2009-04-07T03:20:00.003-04:00

"It's like Abercrombie is making people now." - The Rocker

Allora, ormai è passata una settimana, è arrivata l'ora per un riepilogo della situazione. Una cosa importante da dire è che il computer Linux prescelto non è esattamente d'ultima generazione (Gateway MX3231, 1.5 GHz e 512 MB RAM). Detto questo, l'installazione richiese più o meno 5 minuti, e c'erano veramente solo due problemini da risolvere...ma carenza di tempo ed esperienza fecero in modo che ci volle un po' per metterli a posto. Prima di tutto, la risoluzione dello schermo non era giusta, il lato destro e sotto erano fuori dalla visuale, questo significava inoltre che non potevo vedere l'icona per il collegamento alla rete wireless, allora ho dovuto usare un'altro computer per cercare una soluzione (se cambiavo gli attributi di risoluzione, lo schermo andava del tutto fuori, e non potevo vedere niente). Il secondo problem, per il quale ci volle un po' di tempo per notarlo, era la mancanza di suono. Avendo un chipset mediocre (VIA VN800) presentò una carenza di risorse utili per installazione su Ubuntu 8.10; però, le soluzioni in fine si sono mostrate abbastanza semplici.

OK, it has been a week, time to let you know how things are going. One thing to note first is that the Linux designated laptop falls a little short of amazing (Gateway MX3231, 1.5 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM), and has not so cutting edge components. That said, the installation took about 5 minutes, and really there were only two problems to solve...but time and lack of experience made them take a while to fix. First of all, the screen resolution was off, not in a way I'd seen before, the far right and bottom sides were not visible, which also meant I couldn't see the wireless connection icon to connect to a network, so I had to use a second computer to search for the solution (if I changed the resolution the screen went all out of whack and I couldn't see anything through the jagged lines). The second problem, which took a while to even notice due to the first issue, was the lack of sound. Having a mediocre chipset (VIA VN800), presented a lack of useful resources for installation on Ubuntu 8.l0; however, the solutions, eventually, proved to be quite simple.

Video:
Backup xorg.conf file - sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup
Copy new xorg.conf from this Ubuntu forum.
Open xorg.conf file by typing EXACTLY - sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
You will prompted for you password, but as you type it will appear nothing happens, this is normal.
Paste new xorg.conf file, save, and restart, the problem should be fixed.

Sound:
Double click on sound icon - opens volume control.
Click on Preferences and check the "External Amplifier" box.
Close Preferences window.
Click on the "Switches" tab and uncheck the "External Amplifier" box. (seriously counter-intuitive, but it works).
Make sure the Device is set to "VIA 8237 (Alsa mixer)" and that nothing is muted and all the volumes are all the way up.
[If the sound happens to still not be working - sudo alsamixer
Put all the volumes all the way up (up arrow) and unmute (M) everything except: IEC958, IEC958 Output, and External.]

L'Inizio - The Begininning

2009-03-31T06:14:00.003-04:00

“Open collaboration is critical for driving innovation, which fuels global economic growth." - Open Source Quote

Per anni la mia opposizione ad Apple è stata fatta nota a molti. Non sopporto la natura proprietaria dei Macintosh, e la continua incompatibilità (anche se in anni recenti è diminuita). Mi piace avere l'abilità di personzalizzare TUTTO, in modo che il mio computer funzioni esattamente come voglio io. Col tempo ho imparato a far funzionare Windows abbastanza bene, e addiritura apprezzo Vista, perchè mi ha dato più controllo di come corre il computer. Però, ci sono pur sempre limiti, e non mi piace quanto RAM usa, o come dev'essere riavviato almeno una volta alla settimana. Praticamente, i due sistemi operativi disponibili commerciali non sono quello che voglio...allora in questo momento sto scaricando Linux! Avendo assolutamente zero esperienza con sistemi Unix, ho scelto la distribuzione Ubuntu, che dovrebbe essere abbastanza facile da installare e utilizzare. Comunque, voglio documentare questa esperienza per incoraggiarea altri ad usare software OpenSource.

For years I have let my opposition to Apple be known. I cannot stand the proprietary nature of Macs, and the continued incompatibility (though that has decreased to an extent in the past few years). I like the ability to completely customize EVERYTHING, so that my computer works the way I want it to. In time I have gotten Windows to work pretty well, and I actually do appreciate Vista, because it gave me more control over how the computer runs. However, there are still plenty of limits, and I don't like the RAM usage, or how it needs to be rebooted at least once a week. Basically, the two main commercial operating systems available fall short of what I want...so in this very moment I am downloading Linux! Having absolutely no experience with a Unix-like system, I went with the Ubuntu distribution, which is supposedly fairly easy to install and use. Anyway, I want to document this experience to encourage others to use OpenSource software.

Scuola di Video Giochi - Video Game Institute

2008-08-19T06:31:00.004-04:00

"I'm really good at Rock Band. I'm amazing at the drums on Rock Band. I'm so good at it, I thought, maybe I should get drums in real life! But, then I realized that's not a good way to approach life: taking things you're good at in video games, and then trying to do them in the real world. 'Cause I was thinking, I play Grand Theft Auto, and I'm really good at beating the crap out of hookers!" - Seth Rogen

Suppongo che sia per questo che non vado in skate, sono un cecchino, combatto con arti marziali, sono un omino di lego, o un idraulico baffuto! Però, anche se non ho mai giocato a stare seduto davanti al computer, tutto l'allenamento all'università sembra aver valso la pena. E non dimentichiamoci del sedicienne che ha appena smesso di andare a scuola per diventare un Guitar Hero professionale!

I suppose this why I'm not a skateboarder, sniper, martial artists, lego man, or an italian plumber! On the other hand, even though I never played the sitting in front of a computer game, the training in college really seems to have paid off. Lets also not forget the 16-year-old that just dropped out of school to become a professional Guitar Hero!

Oceano Bollito - Boiled Ocean

2008-06-11T09:14:00.001-04:00

Sprigatevi, l'oceano sta per bollirsi asciutto. Apparentemente l'articolo è scientifico. Beh, se uno considera l'astronomia una vera scienza piuttosto che un gioco complesso nel quale t'inventi una teoria e speri che gli altri giocatori l'accettino.

Hurry up, the ocean will soon boil itself dry. The report is apparently scientifically based. That is if one considers astronomy a true science, or just a complex game where you come up with a theory and hope the other people playing buy it.

Mucca Pazza

2008-05-13T04:04:00.001-04:00

"Well I don't claim to be a rhymin' apparatus
I don't want to be a gangster,
I don't want to be the baddest.
I ain't no Al Pacino and I ain't no Al Capone
I'm just a rude boy with a new toy
Add two speakers and a microphone!"
- The Orange County Supertones

Tutti dovrebbero ascoltare e suonare la musica semplicemente perchè amano farlo. Music non è una moda. Non è una dichiarazione di chi sei. Non è un'affiliazione. Io credo che dovremmo tutti goderci la musica solamente perchè ci piace. Io c'ho una colonna sonora personalizzata...c'è più o meno sempre una melodia nel mio battito cardiaco. Spesse volte fà impazzire mia moglie...colpa sua, è lei che m'ha sposato =D

Everybody should listen and play music just because they love doing it. Music isn't a fashion statement. It's not a way to let the world know you're cool. It's not an affiliation. I think you should enjoy music because you enjoy it. I am and have a soundtrack in my head...there is pretty much always some tune pulsing through me. It often drives my wife crazy, but hey...it's her fault for marrying me =D

Vi consiglio di ascoltare altra musica del Mucca Pazza.

You'd probably enjoy listening to more Mucca Pazza music.

Troppo tempo - Too much Time

2008-04-28T04:10:00.003-04:00

"Stop wastin' my time!" - Default

C'era una volta un ragazzo che aveva così tanto tempo da sprecare che faceva cose di questo genere...stranamente questo tipo non me lo ricordo.

Once upon a time, there was this guy that had so much time to waste that he did stuff like this...oddly enough I can't remember him.

Nickelback

2008-04-28T04:04:00.004-04:00

"This is how you remind me [of your other songs]" - Nickelback

Questo video è per il mio amico Paolo, a cui piacciono i Nickelback. Veramente un gruppo innovativo, sono riusciti a vendere la stessa canzone con due nomi diversi!

This video is for my friend Paolo, who happens to like Nickelback. They're really a revolutionary band, they managed to sell the same song with two different titles!

Stupid English

2008-04-08T11:40:00.002-04:00

“Xylophone is spelled with an X. That’s wrong. Xylophone “ZZZ.” It’s like X didn’t have enough to do so they had to promise it more. Okay, you won’t start a lot of words, but you will have a co-starring role in Tic-Tac-Toe." - Mitch Hedberg

Questo post e' per tutti voi che avete problemi con lo spelling in Inglese.
Color o Colour
Center o Centre
Z o Zed
Zero o Nought
All right o Alright
Caramel o Carmel
Forse dipende da dove sei nel mondo, o forse proprio non sai scriverlo. Per fortuna, adesso, c'e' un tipo che sta girando l'America a correggere tutti questi errori.

This post goes out to all those who can't or won't spell.
Color or Colour
Center or Centre
Z or Zed
Zero or Nought
All right or Alright
Caramel or Carmel
It may just be geography, maybe you just can't spell. Lucky for us there is this dude travelling across America correcting all these mistakes.

Commenti - comments

2008-04-02T06:19:00.003-04:00

"In a conventional oven Baked Potatoes take forever. Sometimes, I don't even want a Baked Potatoe, but I put one in the oven anyway; when it's done...who knows" - Mitch Hedberg

Apparently I have been receiving comments...but just now I figured out that I was supposed to accept them...so uh...sorry to all. And yes...Baked Potates take forever!

Svastica? - Swastika?

2008-03-07T10:01:00.003-05:00

"A foolish man...built his house on the sand." - Matthew 7:26

Gli edifici nella finestra in alto sono dormitori di una base navale a San Diego. Non credo che siano parte di una cospirazione segreta. Sembra invece che l'architetto John Mock ha un senso d'umore: piu' in basso potete vedere due edifici (dieci anni piu' vecchi) che assomigliano ad aerei, e sembrerebbe che stiano attaccando la svastica. Ovviamente, l'architetto nega l'intento del disegno, per cui ha anche vinto un premio per uso ottimale dello spazio provvisto. Pero', grazie all'avvenuta di Google Earth milioni di persone adesso sanno dell'esistenza di questo "errore," quindi l'esericito Navale sta investendo $600.000 per mimetizzare il simbolo odiernamente maligno. Certo che noi americani sappiamo usufruire bene dei soldi!

The buildings in the window above are dorms at a Navy base in San Diego. I don't think they're part of some secret conspiracy. It appears instead, that the architect John Mock had a bit of a sense of humor: in the window below you can clearly see two buildings (ten years older) that appear to be shaped like planes attacking the swastika. Obviously, the architect denies an intentional design, for which he even won a prize for optimal use of space. In recent years, the increase in popularity of Google Earth has allowed millions of people to see the "mistake." Now the Navy is investing $600,000 to camouflage the presently evil symbol. We Americans sure do know how to spend money wisely!

View in Google Maps

San Valentino - Valentine's

2008-03-06T03:32:00.003-05:00

"These boots are made for walkin." - Nancy Sinatra

Questa e' una storia di due Bassett che accidentalmente hanno visto Roma di notte. Ed e' una storia che voglio dedicare a mia moglie, perche' lei ha fatto tutto questo tragitto indossando stivali con tacchetti. Potete seguire il tragitto con foto nella finestra in basso, oppure seguire il link per piu' dettaglio.

This is a tale of two Bassetts that accidentally saw Rome by night. It's a story I want to dedicate to my wife, because she did all the wandering in high-heeled boots. You can follow our journey with pictures in the window below, or follow the link for more detail.

Go to Google Maps for more detail on our Journey.

Foto - Pictures

2008-03-05T04:20:00.003-05:00

"Shake it like a polaroid picture." - Outkast

Lo so, sono tre mesi che non scrivo niente. La realta' e' che tra lavoro, i miei studi, e piu' di tutto, le mie figlie, il mio blog viene trascurato di brutto. Mi rendo conto che non ho nemmeno scritto un post riguardante figlia numero 2! Sophie Ruth e' nata il 31 Ottobre (si, Halloween) del 2007. E' sempre stata enorme, e adesso vuole anche camminare a quattro mesi. Comunque, la realta' e' che volevo rendere disponibili le nostre foto ed i nostri video che troverete nella barra qui accanto. Non prometto di scrivere piu' spesso, perche' so bene che sono impegnatissimo, pero' ci provero'!

I know, it's been three months. Truth is that amongst work, school, and most of all, my daughters, my blog doesn't rank very high. I haven't even posted anything about daughter number 2. Sophie Ruth was born on October 31st (yes, Halloween), 2007. She has always been huge, and now she's even trying to walk at 4 months. Anyway, I mainly wanted to make our pictures and videos available, and you can find them in the sidebar. I'm not promising to post more often, because I know full-well that I'm wacked in the head busy, but I'll try.

Pics: Picasa
Videos: YouTube

Due Monitor - Two Monitors

2007-12-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

"I have flaws. What are they? Oh I donno, I sing in the shower? Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car." - Michael Scott

Si...sono io...al momento sto usando la tastiera del mio portatile, sprecando tempo sullo schermo del mio portatile, e bloggando su un'altro schermo.

So...yeah...that's me...I am currently typing on my notebook keyboard, watching the Office on my notebook screen, and blogging on another one.

Pazzo, Testardo, o Altro? - Crazy, Stubborn, or Something Else?

2007-09-24T12:12:00.000-04:00

"Time of my life!" - Green Day

Nove mesi. Burocrazia esaurente. Caccia di un sogno. Sogni di una chiamata. Credendo che e' la scelta giusta. Chiedendo se forse sono solamente io che continuo a forzare. Finalmente...conquista.

Nine months. Frustrating burocracy. Chasing a dream. Dreaming of a calling. Believing this is the right choice. Questioning if I'm just forcing my own desires. Finally...achievement.

Documenti - Documents

2007-09-04T10:14:00.000-04:00

"The end is near." - Five Iron Frenzy

Dopo nove mesi, finalmente, ho in mano i documenti necessari per ottenere il visto - almeno cosi' sembrerebbe. Il sospiro di rilievo non l'ho ancora avuto. C'ho un nervoso per tornare per l'ennesima volta al Consolato Italiano di Filadelfia. Mi hanno mandato via troppe volte, pero' questa volta, sembrerebbe che ci va bene!!

After nine months, finally, I have in hand the actual documents I nee for the visa - at least it would seem that way. The sigh of relief has not come yet. I am quite nervous about going back to the Italian Consulate in Philadelphia for the umteenth time. They sent me away too many times, but this time, it would seem it will go well!!

Contain This

2007-09-03T05:05:00.000-04:00

"E' Natale! E' Natale! E io non ci sto dentro!" - Articolo 31

Il 30 Maggio siamo usciti dalla nostra casetta a Newark. Non avevamo un posto a cui andare, allora i nostri cari amici Brian & Heather ci hanno ospitati a casa loro - dove abbiamo anche messo tutta la nostra roba in garage. Poi siamo stati ospiti di Bruce & Vesi per un'altro mese. L'1 Agosto abbiamo messo tutta la nostra roba in un container destinato per Perugia, e poi siamo saliti su un aereo anche noi per venire a Perugia. Oggi, dopo 3 mesi senza le nostre cose, finalmente scarichiamo la nostra roba dal container. Per tutti coloro che non credono che ci sia un dio, io credo che sia un miracolo la nostra roba c'e' arrivata. M'aspettavo che finisse in Giappone. E poi grazie anche a tutti i nostri amici in America e Italia che ci hanno aiutato...non sarebbe stato possibile senza di voi!

On May 30th we moved out of our house in Newark. We had nowhere to go, so our dear friends Brian & Heather let us stay with them - where we also stored our stuff in their garage. Then we house-sat for Bruce & Vesi for another month. August 1st we put all of our stuff in a container headed to Perugia, and then borded a plain to do the same. Today, after three months without our stuff, we finally get to unload it. For all those who don't believe there is god, I believe it is a miracle we got our stuff. I expected it to end up in Japan. Finally, thank you to all our friends in the States and Italy who helped us...we wouldn't have been able to do this without you!

La chiesa per me - My kinda church

2007-09-02T10:50:00.000-04:00

"...the kind of girl you meet behind the doors of the church...[I] put an A-P-B out on [her]..." - DC Talk

Dedication:
75,000 pieces

2.2 m x 1.7 m x .76 m

1,372 lego people

3,976 windows

Il Mito - The Hero

2007-09-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

"And my time is a piece of wax falling on a termite
And it's choking on the splinters...I'm a loser baby!" - Beck

Nella mia vita ci sono state molte persone che non hanno creduto in me. Mi hanno detto di smettere il basket, la pallavolo, e anche la chitarra solamente perche' non avevo talento. Beh, gli fatto vedere io. Ho realizato il record mondiale di MINESWEEPER!

Over the years, there have been many who did not believe in me. I was told to give up basketball, volleyball, and playing guitar just because I wasn't talented. Well, I guess I showed them. I have achieved the all time world record in MINESWEEPER!

Calcio Balilla - Fussball

2007-08-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Pass it to the Italians!" - Will Ferrel in 'Kicking and Screaming'

In Italia ci si da' del tutto al calcio...anche se e' su una tavola. Il talento nazionale ad ogni livello e' spettacolare. Dai bambini che appena camminano in su, gli Italiani sono veramente appassionati per il calcio di ogni tipo =D

Italians devote themselves completely to soccer...even if it's on a table. The national level of talent is truly spectacular. From little kids that barely walk on up, Italians are really obsessed with all forms of soccer =D

Achtung: Bethany Bassett

2007-08-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

Today I felt compelled to update my wife's blog link to her new blog. However, I hesitate to do so for her sake, and have come up with a new solution: the present disclaimer.

In the past four years of marriage, I have apparently been a big influence on my Bethany -- the inverse is also true, though irrelevant in the present entry. I believe in truly expressing ourselves freely. I believe that if by honestly being yourself people are offended, that is their problem. I especially believe my wife has a gift for writing and capturing the true essence of her beautiful thoughts.

Unfortunately, her now dead blog had become a prison for her, she felt she could not write whatever she wanted because of some of her readers. Bethany's new blog is meant to remove the censors from her brain.

If you choose to follow this link to her blog you agree to not be offended, and if you are, to not leave a comment, since you were warned. Most entries will most likely be very tame and not step on anyones toes; however, there are times this could happen. So, if you fall into one of the following categories, or multiple ones, you may just want to go find some other blog to read:

-You believe it is every Christian woman's duty to homeschool her multitudes of children.
-You would choose healthy over good food (i.e. carob over chocolate).
-You think organic anything is for some reason better, even if you don't know what organic even means.
-You are caught up on Christian women being "modest."
-You believe that Christians and alcohol cannot coexist in a manner pleasing to God.
-You are offended by "secular" music or movies.
-You have a problem with the country of Italy.

If you would be ok reading a blog of this kind, I highly encourage you to visit Coffee-stained Clarity by Bethany Bassett.

La moglie si sente in colpa - The wife feels guilty

2007-05-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

"Baby you hardly even notice." - Jack Johnson

Stammattina a colazione mia moglie si sentiva in colpa per non aver letto la mia tesi. Per mostrare che sapeva di cosa si trattava, ha cominciato a indovinare il titolo della tesi, e Natalie l'ha aiutata:

B: Biomeccanico?
N: Caramelle?
B: Concentrazione?
N: Colazione?
B: Metodo?
N: Cioccolata?
B: Computer?
N: Rosa?
B: Ipotesi?
N: Polipo?

Titolo Vero: Hybrid EMG-Driven Approaches in Single-Joint and Multi-Joint Models

Le amo tutt'e due tantissimo!

This morning at breakfast my wife felt guilty for not having read my thesis. To show me that she knew what it was about, she started guessing what the title was, and Natalie tried to help:

B: Biomechanical?
N: Candycorn?
B: Focus?
N: Breakfast?
B: Method?
N: Chocolate?
B: Computer?
N: Pink?
B: Hypothesis?
N: Octopus?

Actual Title: Hybrid EMG-Driven Approaches in Single-Joint and Multi-Joint Models

I Love'em both a ton!

La Moglie - The Wife

2007-05-18T21:27:00.000-04:00

"The wisdom I lack!" - Five Iron Frenzy

La realta'! Due anni e mezzo di lavoro, e nemmeno mia moglie (che possiede una laurea in Inglese) ne riesce a leggere o capire una parola. La triste vita dello scienziato: al resto del mondo non gliene frega niente! Beh...onestamente, a mia moglie gl'importa che ho finito, e che mi piace il mio lavoro, pero' in realta' non le fa' differenza se il gastocnemio mediale esercita una forza piu' fisiologica se il momento di forza del ginocchio e' incluso nel modello biomeccanico della caviglia. La verita' e' che ci sono poche persone in tutto il mondo che leggeranno la mia ricerca. A me piace credere che un giorno i miei studi faranno una differenza per il bene del mondo!

Reality! Two and a half years of work, and my wife (who has an English degree) can't even read or understand any of it. The sad life of the scientist: the rest of the world doesn't care! Well, ok...honestly, my wife does care that I finished, and that I like my work, but in reality it makes no difference to her that the medial gastrocnemius exerts a more physiologic force if the knee moment is included in the biomechanical model of the ankle. Trust is that there are few people in the world that will read my research. I like to believe that one day my work will make a difference for the good of the world!

Padre dell'Anno - Father of the Year

2007-05-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

"That's wonderful Dad!" - Beck

Hehe, non mi sorprenderebbe se un giorno anch'io facessi una cosa del genere con Natalie =D

Hehe, I wouldn't be surprised if one day I did something like this with Natalie =D

Apple

2007-05-03T11:18:00.000-04:00

"[Apple] is a 'cool' brand in the consumer space..." - Michael Gartenberg

The following is an excerpt from this article on ZDnet UK:

Apple's ambitions here are scarcely unique, with vendors such as Sony and Microsoft putting forward similar visions of the future. "It's a battleground to win share in the home-entertainment market. We're already reaching the point where you can dock an iPod and be connected to a wider sound system and play video elsewhere in the house, so what it's really about is gaining dominance in the connected household," says Kwiatkowski. But he [Gartenberg] believes that Apple has a number of things going for it. Firstly, it has a "cool" brand in the consumer space.

I have been saying this for about 6 months now, it's good to see that I'm not the only one. Ah consumerism, lets mindlessly buy what's cool!

My lovely lady lumps

2007-04-27T12:57:00.000-04:00

"Nobody knows what it means!" - Will Ferrel in Blades of Glory

Alanis Morissette = un genio di satira.

Alanis Morissette = genius of satire.

Razzismo - Racism

2007-04-26T17:04:00.000-04:00

"As you can see, I have a white son and a black son, but I don't see color, so I can't tell which is which!" - Joy on My name is Earl

I think the world has gone racist this week. The following are actual quotes from my friend Ron who is black and my friend Qi who is Chinese:

"I only watch [American Idol] when brown faces are singing." - Ron
"I think you're racists!" - Me
"Yeah...if that's what you wanna call it!" - Ron insinuating white people can't sing

"We are going out to play basketball!" - Qi
"Oh yeah? Who are you playing with?" - Me
"Chinese people...not people as big as you...as tall as you!" - Qi
"You won't play with white guys? I think you're racists!" - Me
"We'll play with short white guys!" - Qi

Friday the 13th

2007-04-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

"Me: My thesis is about as interesting as a phone book...actually, no a phone book has interesting names in it!
Chuck: Well, your thesis probably does too...just look at the references!

9:30 4-13-07

Cosa farai col tuo Computer? - What will you do with your Computer?

2007-03-02T08:04:00.000-05:00

"They say I should act my age." - Blink 182

Il 24 Marzo e' il giorno per divertirsi piuttosto che sedersi davanti al Computer. Tu cosa farai? Puoi spegnere il tuo Computer? Per un giorno intero?

Wahoo! March 24th is the day to have fun instead of sitting in from of your Computer. What will you do? Will you be able to turn off your Computer? For a whole day?

La Nuova Moda - The New Thing

2007-02-19T12:09:00.000-05:00

"Please don't hate me because I'm trendy. Everybody that [slaps] me is my friend!" - Reel Big Fish

Ingredienti di Budweiser: LADRI.

Bud Light Ingredients: THIEVES.

Tutto OK! - Everything is Great!

2007-02-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

"I'm OK, you're OK!" - MxPx

Quando i nerd pensano di essere fighi - When geeks think they're cool

2007-01-31T00:19:00.000-05:00

"Blast!" - Luke Skywalker

Cervo contro ghiacco - Deer vs ice

2007-01-30T12:42:00.000-05:00

"He's canadian, but not the French kind, so we're ok with that!" - My Name is Earl

Non so cosa mi fa ridere di piu'...il cervo o il giornalista.

I don't know what's funnier...the deer or the reporter. Let hear it for white trash America!!

Sapere - Knowledge

2007-01-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

"Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is." - Barbara Bush

Dicono che ogni giorno s'impara qualcosa di nuovo. Oggi e' uno di quei giorni.

The say you learn new things every day. Today is one of those days.

Scrivendo la tesi - Writing the thesis

2007-01-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

Scent of a biomechanist

2007-01-09T13:14:00.000-05:00

"Stop, hey, what's that smell?" - House of Pain

Caffe' e formaldeide. L'odore di uno studente di biomeccanica che sta scrivendo la sua tesi. Mia moglie mi ama!

Coffee and formaldehyde. The scent of a biomechanics graduate student that is writing his thesis. My wife loves me!

Cioccolata - Chocolate

2007-01-02T08:33:00.000-05:00

"As if I needed another reason to eat chocolate!" - Cecilia of PhD

Per mia moglie che voleva convincersi che mangiare tutta questa cioccolata durante le feste ci faceva bene: ricerca di Harvard trova che la cioccolata ci fa' bene al cuore, cervello, e alla pelle!

For my wife who wanted to believe that eating all this Christmas chocolate was good for us: Harvard research finds that chocolate can do good things for your heart, skin, and brain

Consumato - Consumed

2006-12-19T09:40:00.000-05:00

"If you rearrange the letters in his name, Santa and Satan are the same!" - Karkis

La mia forza di volonta' si sta distruggendo...devo solamente finire la tesi e vado in vacanza per le feste. Purtroppo, non e' facilissimo scrivere.

My will strength is destroying itself...I only need to finish my thesis and I go on vacation for Christmas break. Unfortunately, writing is not the easiest thing ever.

White Trash Chistmas

2006-12-13T09:34:00.000-05:00

"Our parents are cousins!" - My cousins roommates

Yes, a better update is coming, but for now this is it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

"I'd like to see you live without it!" - Silverchair

This year I am quite thankful for Miracle II! It is a truly fantastic product filled with prayer, electrically engineered water, and ash! This great lotion holds spiritual and eloptic energy beyond measure! Yes, I am truly thankful for Miracle II the Neautralizer Gel =P

*I must give credit to my wife for this find!

Vita Normale? - Normal Life?

2006-11-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

"Billy (the Kid), you are dealing with the oddity of time travel with the greatest of ease!" - Bill S. Preston Esquire

Purtroppo, oggigiorno, questa e' la mia vita.

Unfortunately, these days, this is my life.

Ballad of Bilbo Baggins

2006-11-05T18:18:00.000-05:00

"I might as well kiss a wookie!" - Princess Leia

Mr. Spock ama Bilbo Baggins...chi l'avrebbe may immaginato?

Mr. Spock loves Bilbo Baggins...who would have ever guessed?

Che differenza fa'? - What difference does it make?

2006-11-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

"I wanted larger biceps before I was comfortable with my mental acuity." - Zach Addy (nerd in Bones)

Venerdi' mattina
9:05 Mi manca la spinta per lavorare sulla mia ricerca...accendo Rage.
9:06 Mi chiedo cosa sta facendo Zack de la Rocha...leggo su Wikipedia.
9:07 Mi ricordo di quanta cattivita' e sofferenza c'e' nel mondo. Forse non sono d'accordo con tutto quello che dice de la Rocha...pero' lui aveva spinta...aveva motivazione...e io rispetto queste cose.
9:08 Mi trovo pieno di spinta per cambiare il mondo. Ci sono persone in dolore...io posso fare una differenza...e questo comincia con la mia tesi.

Friday morning
9:05 AM ...lacking the drive to work on my research...cranck up the Rage.
9:06 AM Wonder what Zack de la Rocha has been up to...read up on Wikipedia.
9:07 AM Reminded of how much wrong and suffering occurs in the world. I may not agree with de la Rocha on everything...but he was driven...he had motivation...and I respect that.
9:08 AM Find myself full of motivation and drive to change the world. There are people wallowing in pain...I can make a difference...and that starts with my thesis.

"The only thing we were out there to do is express how much we hate both the Democrats and Republicans..." - Zack de la Rocha

Qashqai Cargames

2006-10-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

"What am I supposed to say when an atheist sneezes? When you die nothing happens." - Dane Cook

Penso che comincero' a fare uno sport nuovo: i Qashqai Cargames. Era ora che cominciassero a fare vert sport per macchine!

I think I'm going to take on a new sport: Qashqai Cargames. It was about time someone came up with a vert car sport!

Merito Scietifico - Scietific Merit

2006-10-27T13:41:00.000-04:00

"So shave your face with some mace in the dark." - Beck

Gamberi che corrono forse non hanno molto valore scientifico, pero' uno studio su palloncini d'acqua e' molto interessante!

Shrimp on a conveyor belt may be questionably scientific, but there is no doubt regarding the research value of a study on water balloons!

Madri e Mr.T - Mothers and Mr.T

2006-10-26T08:45:00.000-04:00

"My buddies always get mad at me cuz I root for both teams...but at the end of a game I am never disappointed!" - Clinton Jackson

Il rispetto dev'esserci...ce l'ha detto Mr.T!!

You gotta respect...Mr.T told us to!

Arte Innovativa - Innovative Art

2006-10-25T10:43:00.000-04:00

"How the hell'd we end up like this?" - Nickelback

Migliaia d'anni c'hanno dato moltissima arte e ci forzano a cercare nuovi modi d'esprimere la nostra creativita'. Il video di Daisuke Yamamoto e' un esempio perfetto dell'uso di tecnologia in un modo creativo. Dobbiamo cominciare a festeggiare di piu' l'arte reale, e dare meno attenzione a tentativi d'essere originali che chiamiamo arte. Il gruppo Nickelback e' un perfetto esempio di un gruppo creativo!....si, seguete il link e ascoltate finche non ce la fate piu'...sarete impressionati...e se non avete mai sentito le canzoni, sono due canzoni diverse su CD che sono usciti con due anni di differenza.

Thousands of years of art force us to continually search newer and more creative outlets that have not been over done. Daisuke Yamamoto's video is a great example of creativity, and use of technology. As a society we need to start celebrating true art more, and give less attention to mediocre attempts at being original that we call art. Nickelback is a fantastic example of an imaginative band!....yes, click on the link and listen as long as you can...you will be amazed...they are two different songs that came out on albums two years apart =P

Senso d'Umore - Sense of Humor

2006-10-24T17:03:00.000-04:00

"Laughter is the language of the sould." - Pablo Neruda

Mi piace stare in compagnia di anziani a cui la vita piace ancora. Gente che, nonostante gli anni, vuole ancora divertirsi. Gli piace ridere. A me piace ridere adesso...e spero che tra ciquant'anni ridero' ancora di piu'.

I like chillin with old people that still like life. People that, in spite of their age, still want to have fun. They like to laugh. I like laughing now...I hope that in fifty years I'll laugh even more.

Tyra Banks

2006-10-23T10:11:00.000-04:00

"Consumate me!" - Xzibit

Se mi ricordo correttamente...ad un tempo Tyra Banks era una modella con molta dignita'...guardala adesso...eccittata al massimo per la vaselina...boh!

If I remember correctly...there was a time Tyra Banks was a dignified supermodel...right? Now...a little overly excited over vaseline...I don't understand.

MTB

2006-10-21T22:48:00.000-04:00

"There's just one thing that I love more than anything
I hold it so near to my heart.
It has just one gear and a pair of blue training wheels,
A headlight to see in the dark.
I like my bike. It's not like other bikes.
I ride my bike to the girl that I like, And she looks at me and my bike.
A tear fills her eye as she's filled with great pride,
When I ask her to take a ride." - Ghotihook

Percorsi in Moutain Bike son troppo esilaranti...fatti per quelli a cui piace veramente andare in bici...non sta cosa con le braghette da ciclista...e' per divertimento vero!

Mountain Biking trails are awesome...made for those who really like to ride...not this skin tight shorts thing...it's for real fun!

Borat

2006-10-19T13:21:00.000-04:00

"I was saving candy for my wedding night." - Rod Flanders

Ricetta per un film eccellente: un pazzo da un paese sconosciuto, un paese che non capisce altre culture. Ah si...sara' da morire dalle risate!

Recipe for a most excellent movie-film: a nut from an unknown country, a country that doesn't understand other cultures. Ah yes...we will laugh...and laugh more!

Quando Scienziati si annoiano - When Scietists get bored

2006-10-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

"She knows all about science
She is not in complience
With your old time views
She is invulnerable to your abuse"
- The Phenomenauts

Non so proprio quale valore scietifico puo' tenere forzare un gambero a correre...pero' apparentemente qualcuno l'ha fatto. Uno sforzo molto rispettabile che sicuramente aiutera' altri gamberi a riprendersi dalla gamberite...da non confondersi con l'essere fritti.

I really don't know what scientific value forcing a shrimp to run on a treadmill can have...but apprently somebody did it. A valiant effort that will undoubtedly assist other shrimp in a more prompt recovery from the ever so common shrimpolitis...not to be confused with being fried.

Stone me? Stone You!

2006-10-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

"Loro mi dicevano: non stare a fumare l'erba" - Articolo 31

I professori bruciati sono piu' divertenti =D Mi dicono che questo professore dall'Universita' di Florida e' stato licenziato perche' qualcuno nell'amministrazione ha visto questo video.

Stoned professors are more fun =D I'm told this professor from the University of Florida was fired because someone in administration saw this video.

Ghost Rider

2006-10-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

"His head was skull..and it was on fire" - Goth Chick

Ma fa sul serio Nicolas Cage? Teschio in fiamme? Boh...che gli e' preso?

Another winner from Nicolas Cage...skull on fire always make for quality movies.

Gremlins

2006-10-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

"The most important rule of all, no mater how much he cries, no mater how much he begs, never, Never feed him after midnight." - Little Boy in Gremlins

Howie Mandel is my new hero...no...deal or no deal does not make a hero. In 1984 he was the voice of Gizmo...in Gremlins!

If you have a rediculous amount of time you're trying to kill...say you're at work and really don't wanna write that report...or say thesis...then watch the entire movie on YouTube: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

For the record...I didn't actually watch all of the videos on YouTube.

Ben's Bargains

2006-10-09T13:32:00.000-04:00

"Friday Night Lights is a good show, but nobody watches it...maybe because it's on Tuesdays!" - Jay Leno"

Ben's Bargains e' un sito fantastico. Per darvi un esempio oggi un Flash Drive o una carta SD sono gratis con un po' di lavoro!

Ben's Bargains is a totally awesome site. To give you an example, today a Thumb Drive or an SD card are free if you put a little bit of effort in!

Lost Battlestar

2006-10-02T10:54:00.000-04:00

"I have everything under control, alt, delete!" - Strong Bad

Nessuno vede l'ora che ricominci Lost...specialmente Dwight Schrute. Leggete Lost Battlestar.

Everybody is excited about Lost starting up again...but I think Dwight Schrute takes the cake. You should definitely read the hypothetical scenario if the cast from Battlestar Galactica crash landed on the Lost island.

Lost

2006-09-28T13:51:00.000-04:00

"This music is quite depressing." - Sayid

La pazzia ricomincia...sia in TV che nella vita reale.

The craziness is starting again...both on TV and in real life.

Sicurezza - Security

2006-09-26T10:04:00.000-04:00

"I always thought the security around here sucked...I'll have to bring in my bo-staff." - Dwight Schrute

First, the Bike Lock,

Then "the Club",

Now the Thumbdrive Lock!

Quest'aggeggio e' completamente serio. Si, adesso hanno pure i lucchetti per i flashdrive USB. Non si puo' essere mai troppo attenti.

This gadget is completely serious. Yes, they now have locks for your thumbdrive. You can never be too careful.

Direzione Sbagliata - Wrong Direction

2006-09-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

"Never thought I'd see the day when kids could go to the store, be denied spinach, and buy all the cocaine they want." - Jay Leno

Negli Stati Uniti oggi gli spinaci ti danno la colera, e c'e' una nuova bibita: cocaina. Abbiamo forse sbagliato qualcosa.

Today we get e coli from spinach, and drink cocaine. Where did we go wrong?

The Office

2006-09-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

"I burned my foot very badly on my George Foreman grill." - Michael Scott

The Office.A truly brilliant show. Hilarious. New episodes start today.

Matrimonio - Marriage

2006-09-16T11:48:00.000-04:00

"I understand if you want to sleep on the couch tonight." - Homer Simpson

Purtroppo oggigiorno matrimoni significano quasi niente. I voti coniugali sono solamente una formalita'. Secondo me, la situazione e' triste, ci sono troppi cornuti nel nostro mondo. Siamo arrivati al punto che applaudiamo i uomini che riescono ad avere ragazze oltre alle loro mogli. Divorzi, per la maggior parte, non succedono perche' qualcuno si sente in colpa, ma perche' uno dei due sposi e stato beccato con un altro partner o si sono stufati di stare assieme. Cos'e' successo alla fedelta'? C'e' gente che pensa che io e Bethany ci siamo persi le piu' divertenti gioie della vita perche' non siamo mai stati con qualcun altro, e mai prima del matrimonio. Io credo che la nostra relazione ha molto piu' amore in essa per il nostro impegno di fedelta'. Non siamo persone migliori di altri, abbiamo solamente posto priorita' su valori di lunga durata.

Unfortunately, weddings today mean nothing. Wedding vows are merely a formality. I think the situation is sad, there are far too many cheaters in our world. We applaude a man who manages to have other women beyond his wife. Divorces, for the majority, don't happen for guilt, but because one of the spouses was caught or got bored. What happened to faithfulness? There are people who think Bethany and I haven't lived life to the fullest because we've never been with someone else, and never before marriage. I think that our relationship is much stronger and more loving because of our commitment to faithfulness. We're not better than others, we have just put our priorities on long lasting values.

I Giapponesi sono Impazziti - The Japanese have gone completely insane

2006-09-15T09:47:00.000-04:00

"I'm sorry I don't speak Japanese. You see there has been a little mistake...the concierge at the hotel said 'Do you want to go to a game show?' See I thought she meant see a game show...BIG mistake! - Chris Farley

Se un giorno vado in Giappone non mi siedero' mai, e non usero' mai il bagno...non si sa' mai chi sta guardando.

If I ever go to Japan I won't sit down, or use a bathroom...you never know who the last person to tamper with the seat was.

Mai dire WC - Crazy Japs

2006-09-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

"I'm sick of doing Japanese stuff!" - Bart Simpson

WARNING: only view if you are not easily traumatized by the Japanese!

Non so che dire, i giapponesi hanno troppo tempo per inventarsi questi scherzi.

I don't know what to say, the Japanese just have too much time to think up these crazy pranks. Thought a waterskiing port-a-potty is quite convenient...I mean really, you'd never have to stop =D

Tattuaggi? - Tattoos?

2006-09-13T14:57:00.000-04:00

"Women, don't get a tattoo. That butterfly looks great on your breast when you're twenty or thirty, but when you get to seventy, it stretches into a condor." - Billy Elmer

Per quelli che vogliono fare finta di essere ribelli...pero' in realta' non c'hanno il coraggio di prendersi un tattuaggio vero.

For those who want to pretend to be bad boys...they can't quite get themselves are real tattoo though.

Islanda - Iceland

2006-09-12T11:43:00.000-04:00

"An orange is orange, but Greenland is not green, and Pinky's not pink, so what does it mean?" - Dot

L'informazione inutile del giorno e' sponsorizzata dall'Islanda!

Today's completely useless information is sponsored by Iceland!

Mi dicono che in Islanda i turisti muoiono se si avventurano verso il centro dell'isola. Li' nessuno paga per riscaldamento grazie a tutti i geyser che proveddono l'acqua calda per tenersi al caldo. La superficie e cosi' strana che gli astronauti vanno li' per prepararsi per Giove. Tutto costa troppo perche' devono importare quasi tutto, pero' hanno un terreno che rimbalza!

They tell me that in Iceland tourist will die if they venture toward the middle of the island. Apparently, nobody pays for heat due to all the geysers that give the warm water to keep warm. The terrain is so weird, astronauts go there to train. Everything costs too much because they have to import everything, but at least their ground bounces!

Ginnastica - Exercise

2006-09-11T10:34:00.000-04:00

"Promise me something, Pinky. Never breed." - Brain

Mi sento piu' in forma solamente guardando questo video!

I feel more in shape just watching this video!

Love is Friendship Set on Fire

2006-09-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

"Anal Sphincter Analysis" - Latest job offer...not kidding!

A volte noi uomini abbiamo difficolta' nel scegliere che regali comprare per le nostre donne. Fiori possono sembrare troppo facili, forse lei pensera' che non c'abbiamo pensato abbastanza, e poi chissa' se le piaceranno...scegliamo in base al colore! Gioielli sono quasi sempre troppo costosi. Questo poster, pero'?

Sometimes we men struggle in picking a gift for our women. Flowers can seem too monotonous and easy, maybe she will think we didn't put much thought into it, and who knows if she'll like them...we choose by color! Jewelry is almost always too expensive. This poster though?

India 3

2006-09-02T15:16:00.000-04:00

"Anal Sphincter Analysis" - Latest job offer in Italy...not a joke!

Apparentemente, da quando ho messo su dei post sull'India, ci sono state parecchie visite al mio blog da gente in India. Spero che si sentino tutti benvenuti!
Una cosa che devo correggere pero', c'e' un'altra occupazione in India. E' vero, non tutti se ne vanno per lavorare in altri paesi, alcuni restano li' per fare lavori che una volta si facevano in Europa o America.

Apparently, since i posted about India, there have been many hits to my blog from people in India. I hope they all feel welcome!
One thing I do have to correct though, there is another occupation in India. It's true, non everyone leaves to work in other countries, some stay there to do the work that was once done in Europe or America. The latest...deity outsourcing!

Ex-uragano - Ex-hurricane

2006-09-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

"Justin Timberlake said he's bringin' back the sexy...so here I am!" - Al Gore

Il tempo e' un po' pazzesco adesso. L'ex-uragano 'Ernesto' sta coinvolgendo il Delaware nella sua marea di caos, ed io sono qui con la Natalie che non vedo l'ora di vedere dei venti forti, tuoni, fulmini, e pioggia a non finire. Non so perche', pero' sia io che mia moglie abbiamo questa strana voglia di vedere tempo disastroso.
Su un tema completamente diverso, in questo momento io e la Natalie stiamo urlando e ballando con P.O.D., musica hard-core! Si, mia figlia sta imparando bene.

The wather is crazy out. The ex-hurricane 'Ernesto' is involving Delaware in its path of caos. And here Natalie and I are excited to see the winds, thunder, lightining, and endless rain. I don't know why, but both my wife and I have this strage desire to see disastrous weather.
On a completely unrelated topic, at this moment Natalie and I are screaming and dancing to P.O.D.! Yes, my daughter is learning well.

Cabina Foto - Photo Booth

2006-08-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

"I'm optimistic you'll do a better job of motivating me next week!" - Wally

Cosa faresti tu per una foto gratis? Apparentemente la gente fa' un po' di tutto, ma non dice mai di no...guarda per te: scherzo in cabina foto.

What would you do for a free picture? Apparently people will do a bit of everything, but never say no...watch for yourself: Photo Booth Prank.

India 2

2006-08-27T10:27:00.000-04:00

"Put me up on a roof and I'll spit...Narf" - Pinky

Ieri sono andato a fare il pieno e' ho trovato la benzina meno costosa nella zona. Costava cosi' tanto meno, che c'era la fila per arrivare alla pompa, e un uomo indiano, con turbante, che dirigeva il traffico. Quando sono arrivato alla pompa gli ho fatto il commento che "gli affari vanno bene oggi!" Lui subito e' venuto da me a fare due chiacchiere, e in quei due minuti ho scoperto che lui viene negli Stati Uniti per cinque settimane all'anno per lavorare, e poi torna in India per vivere in lusso, dove ha servi, e non deve fare niente. Incredibile, sulla paga di cinque settimane vive in lusso per il resto dell'anno. Forse la mia teoria non e' poi cosi pazzesca, e forse vivono abbastanza bene con questo sistema.

Yesterday I went to fill up and found the cheapest case around. It was so cheap, that there was a line to get to the pump, and an Indian man sporting a turban was directing traffic. When I finally got to the pump, I made the comment to him that "Bussiness is good!" He immediately came over to talk, and in those two minutes of conversation I found out that he comes to the States for five weeks out of the year, and then goes back to India to live in luxury, where he has servants, and doesn't have to do anything. Incredible, on a five week salary he lives in luxury for the rest of the year. Maybe my theory isn't so crazy, and maybe indians live pretty well on this system, at least in the gas-station attendant region.

Ragno per la mamma - Spider for mommy

2006-08-25T10:59:00.001-04:00

"Video games are the new Rock and Roll" - MTV gaming show

adopt your own virtual pet!

Natalie ed io abbiamo addomesticato un ragno per la mamma, perche' sappiamo quanto le piacciono!

Natalie and I got a pet spider for mommy, because we know how much she likes them!

"_']]'\]]]] bh - messaggio dalla Natalie

India

2006-08-24T22:06:00.000-04:00

"All Kwik-E-Mart employees must be skilled in the deadly arts." - Apu Nahasapeemapetilon

Se ho ben capito, queste sono le regioni dell'India. No, non sono razzista, e non c'ho problemi con gli indiani, pero' ogni indiano che ho mai incontrato sembra venire da una di queste regioni. E' probabile che voi in Italia non trovate l'umore in questo post, pero', almeno qui negli stati uniti, sembra vero.

If I have understood this correctly, these are the regions of India. No, I'm not being racist, and I don't have issues with Indians. It's just that every Indian I have ever met comes from one of these regions. I suppose I've never met the telemarketers, but I think they're actually from Pakistan =D Ignorance and rediculous stereotyping are great!

Air speed velocity of a European Swallow

2006-08-23T11:38:00.000-04:00

"My cartilage is speaking out..." - Test of a Man

Per is seguaci di Monty Python c'e' un nuovo sito che vi aiutera' a capire la risposta della domanda piu' vecchia nel mondo: "Qual'e' la velocita' di una rondine Europea?" So che molti di voi avete dei seri problemi nel capire il vostro ruolo in questa vita. Adesso potete trovare la RISPOSTA.

For all the Monty Python fans out, there is a new site that will help you understand the answer to the age old question: "What is the air speed velocity of European swallow?" I know many of you have serious problems understanding your place in this life. Now you can find the ANSWER.

Pigiama di Dio? - PJs of God?

2006-08-22T23:10:00.000-04:00

"What's the deal with Marylin Manson worshipping the devil?...White people always gotta do one better than black people. Black people are all tough and say stuff like 'I'll pop a cap in your ass!' White people say, 'Oh yeah? Well I'm from hell!'" - Chris Rock

Sembra che fanno veramente sul serio, questi pigiama ti faranno sentire sani e salvi. E si, pigiama che "replicano" l'armatura di Dio ti proteggeranno. Oltre a quello pero', bisogna ammettere che fanno moda! Tutti i tuoi amici ne vorranno un paio!!!

Apparently they're serious, these PJs will keep you safe and sound. Yes, PJs that "resemble" the armour of God will protect you. Beyond that, one must admit that they are quite stylish! All your friends will want a pair!!!

Sport

2006-08-21T00:35:00.000-04:00

"Did you know that athlete's foot and jock itch are the same illness? Who are these guys doing splits in strange showers? - Howie Mandel

Penso di essere uno degli unici uomini in America a cui non gliene frega quasi niente di sport tradizionali, per intendersi questi sono il baseball, football, basket, e hockey. Veramente, questa sera Bethany ed io volevamo stare in compagnia con degli amici, e invece loro dovevano vedersi la partita di baseball. Non capisco perche' c'e' gente che si guarda 3 o 4 ore di uomini con pataloni troppo stretti che si grattano e ogni tanto colpiscono una palla...boh...sono io quello con i problemi?

I think I'm the only guy in America that doesn't care two cents about traditional sports, those being baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. Really, this evening Bethany and I wanted to hang out with some friends, but they had to watch the "game." I don't understand the appeal of watching 3 or 4 hours of guys in tight pants scratching themselves and occasionally hitting a ball...I don't know...am I the one with the issues?

11 Settembre - September 11th

2006-08-17T19:02:00.000-04:00

"God bless America? I just picture some guy in Tanzania, sitting on a boulder and contemplating how to spend the 560 dollars he made last year before saying, 'Thank you, God, for all you've done for us, but when you get a chance could you bless America? We've had it too good here for too long.'" - Steve Hofstetter

Per solamente $29.95 anche tu puoi avere il tuo dollaro d'argento fatto dall'oro e l'argento trovato dove una volta c'erano le torri gemelle. Si, cercheremo di vendere piu' o meno tutto in questo paese e se lo compri sei un patriota!

For only $29.95 you can own a silver dollar made from the gold and silver found at ground zero. Yes, we will try to make money on just about everything in this country, and then call patriotism!

Faccia - Face

2006-08-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

"C'e' chi dice che il sedere assomiglia all faccia." - Articolo 31

La voglia di studiare sta sparendo. Anzi...l'abilita' di studiare e' quasi del tutto scomparsa. Voglio finire ed andare avanti nella vita. Ormai mi son reso conto che la mia educazione e' quasi finita, pero' il mio cervello pensa che sia gia' finita. AAAAAAhhhhhh!

The desire to study is disappearing. Actually, the capacity of studying is almost completely gone. I want to finish and go on with life. By now I have realized that my education is almost over, but my brain thinks it already is. AAAAAhhhh!

Wife and Daughter vs Hammock

2006-08-12T16:34:00.000-04:00

"You're a terrible rapper" - Little House on the Prairie

Natalie Sta bene. Non c'e' molt'altro da dire =D

Natalie is fine. Not much else to say=D

Little Miss Sunshine

2006-08-11T12:17:00.000-04:00

"I am familiar with carpentry, and I don't know who my father is. Could it be that I'm the messiah?" - It's always sunny in Philadelphia

Film che ti fa morire dal ridere, pero' non e' stupido. Andate a vederlo. Apre il 22 Settembre in Italia.

Hilarious. Makes you laugh, but isn't stupid. Go see it!

Comici - Comedians

2006-07-28T11:24:00.000-04:00

"I fell asleep watching the country music channel and woke up racist." - Daniel Tosh

Almeno qui in america, e forse anche in Italia, sembra che ci sia una nuova onda di tendenza: il comico. Non so se sia solamente la mia eta', o che i comici stiano veramente crescendo in popolarita', pero' tutti i miei amici ascoltano gli mp3 di comici quasi quanto la musica. Puo' darsi che alla nostra generazione piace ridere piu' delle precedenti?

It seems as though there is a new fad: the comedian. I don't know if it's my age, or if maybe comedians are really growing in popularity, but all my friends listen to stand-up mp3s almost as much as music. Could it be that our generation likes laughing more than the previous ones?

Un vero luna park - A true amusement park

2006-07-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

Questo luna park e' sopra il Stratosphere hotel in Las Vegas. Si, un giorno ci andro'.

This amusementer park is on top of the Stratosphere hotel in Las Vegas. Yes, one day I will go there.

Lack of sense of Humor

2006-07-13T11:06:00.000-04:00

Da tirargli na schiaffa.

He needs to be slapped.

I Mondiali sono da consumare con Italiani - The world cup is best consumed with Italians

2006-07-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

"Sono nato sbagliato?" - Articolo 31

Saro' negli Stati Uniti, pero' i mondiali (specialmente la finale) gli ho visti con Italiani. Un festone col rigore di Grosso. L'intera pizzeria e' impazzita. Fuorissimo!!

I may be in the States, but the world cup (especially the final) had to be watched with Italians. Huge party with the the PK by Grosso. The entire pizzeria went crazy. Truly awesome!!

Delusione o sollievo? - Disappointment or relief?

2006-07-05T10:12:00.000-04:00

"Ma quant'e' bella l'Italia alle sei di sera." - Articolo 31

Non sapevo come reagirei alla notizia. Aprendo la lettera di risultati non sapevo nemmeno se ero nervoso. Ero preoccupato solamente perche' non sapevo cosa succederebbe alla mia famiglia. Appena aperta la busta non stavo nemmeno leggendo, cercavo una di due parole: onore o dispiacere. Immediatamente ho trovato la parola che m'importava...dispiacere. E le possibilita' di tornare in Italia piu' presto che previsto si aprirono...e non vediamo l'ora!!

I didn't know how I would react to the news. As I openend the results I didn't even know if I was nervous. I was worried for the future of my family. Once the envelope was open I wasn't even reading, I was looking for one of two words: honor or regret. Immediately I found the word I was looking for...regret. And the possibilities to go back to Italy sooner than anticipated openend up...and we can't wait!

Esami di Qualificazione - Qualifiers

2006-06-12T08:12:00.000-04:00

Oggi comincia una settimana di esami che determinano il resto della mia vita e quella di mia moglie e figlia. Devo passare questi esami per continuare sul sentiero verso il dottorato. Se non li passano ho finito con gli studi. Quindi...le vostre preghiere sono molto apprezzate.

Today is the first of a week of exams that determine the rest of my life and that of my wife and daughter. I have to pass these exams to continue down the path toward a Ph.D. If I don't pass I'm done with my studies. Therefore...your prayers are very appreciated.

DI DI DI DI...snooze

2006-04-25T12:21:00.000-04:00

"But baby, you hardly even notice

When I try to show you this song

It's meant to keep you

From doin' what you're supposed to

Like wakin' up too early

Maybe we could sleep in

I'll make you banana pancakes

Pretend like it's the weekend now

The telephone singing, ringing, it's too early

Don't pick it up

We don't need to

We got everything we need right here

And everything we need is enough

It's just so easy

When the whole world fits inside of your arms

Do we really need to pay attention to the alarm

Wake up slow, wake up slow"

-Jack Johnson

Dobbiamo veramente badare attenzione all'alarme? Quant'e' meglio svegliarmi lentatmente nelle braccia di mia moglie.

Do we reall need to pay attention to the alarm? How much better is it to wake up slowly in my wife's arms.

Inibizioni - Inhibitions

2006-04-17T13:06:00.000-04:00

"Take off your pants..." - Blink 182

La gioia di non indossare pantaloni! Quanto migliore non sarebbe il mondo se nessuno avesse inibizioni. Liberta' da leggi sociali che ci dicono cosa possiamo e non possiamo fare. Beh...apparentemente la mia bimba si sente a suo agio senza braghe =D

The joy of not wearing pants! How much better would the world be if nobody had inhibitions. Freedom from unwritten rules that tell us what we can and can't do. Well...apparently my little girl fells quite comfortable pantsless =D

Communicazione - Communication

2006-04-12T09:25:00.000-04:00

"[He] speaks an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all Venice." - Bassanio in 'Merchant of Venice'

La capacita' di communicare e' sempre stata celebrata e riconosciuta nella storia del mondo. Da Aronne a Socrate, da Che Guevara a Hitler, oratori e autori hanno avuto un' influenza incredibile su eventi che definiscono le societa' d'oggi. Cos'e' che gli rese talmente superiori al resto di noi in communicazione?
In contrasto, possiamo pensare a Kennedy che per sbaglio a Berlino disse "Ich bin ein Berliner" che significa "Io sono una ciambella di marmellata." Wittgenstein aveva ragione quando disse "I limiti del mio linguaggio sono i limiti del mio mondo."

The ability to communicate has always been celebrated and recognized in the history of the world. From Aaron to Socrates, from Che Guevara to Hitler, orators and authors have had incredible influece on events that define today's society. What is it that made them so much superior to the rest of us in communication?
In contrast, we can think of Kennedy in Berlin where he accidentally said "Ich bin ein Berliner" which means "I am a jelly filled donut." Wittgenstein was right when he said "The limits of my language are the limits of my world."

Senza Parole - Speechless

2006-04-06T13:41:00.000-04:00

"We don't need no education!" - Pink Floyd

Frammenti di una conversazione telefonica con uno studente d'ingegneria:
Studente:"Come calcolo l'area (di un cerchio)? E diametro per lunghezza?"
Io: "No...non sai come trovare l'area di un cerchio?"
Studente: "Beh, e' 2 Pi-greco raggio?"
Io: "No...e' Pi-greco per raggio quadro. Sai trovare l'area adesso?"
Studente: ...
Io: "Il diametro e' il doppio del raggio."
Studente: ...
Io: "Dividi il diametro in due per trovare il raggio."
Studente: "Aspetta, devo scrivere questo. Divido il diametro in due?"
Incredibile

Excerpts from a phone conversation with an engineering student today:
Student: "How do I find area (of a circle)? Is it diameter times length?"
Me: "No...do you not know how to find the area from the diameter?"
Student: "Well, it is 2 Pi r"
Me: "No...it's actually Pi r squared. Do you know how to find area now?"
Student: ...
Me: "The diameter is twice the radius."
Student: ...
Me: "You divide the diameter by two to get the radius."
Student: "Wait, let me write this down. Divide the diameter by two?"
Truly amazing.

Successo dalla cantina - Success from the basement

2006-04-04T12:20:00.000-04:00

"In the garage...

I've got an electric guitar

I play my stupid songs

I write these stupid words"

- Weezer

Sandi Thom ha appena firmato un contratto con il manager di Britney Spears e Pink. Gli unici spettacoli che ha mai fatto sono stati dalla sua cantina con una webcam. Io sto pensando di montare una webcam in doccia...forse mi offrono un contratto pure a me!

Sandi Thom just signed a record contract with the manager of Britney Spears and Pink. The only shows she has ever played were in her basement with a webcam. I'm thinking of mounting a webcam in the shower...maybe I'll get a record deal!

Saggezza Commerciale - Commercial Wisdom

2006-04-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

"Focus: We must keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing.
Attitude: If you think you can or you think you can't - you're right!" - Papa Johns

Brindisi Irlandese - Irish Toast

2006-03-29T19:25:00.000-05:00

"Here's to you as good as you are

Here's to me as drunk as I am

As good as you are

As drunk as I am

I'm as good as you are

As drunk as I am"

Parole di saggezza dal mio professore.

Words of wisdom from my advisor.