Strategize and Prioritize

Steve Irwin 'The Crocodile Hunter'

2006-09-04T09:32:00.000+02:00

This morning driving to work I had to listen to the sad news that the well known 'Crocodile Hunter' and funny Steve Irwin has passed away. Irwin was killed by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary in the Great Barrier Reef off the Low Isles near Port Douglas, north of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. News reports say he was stung either through his heart or through the left side of his chest by a stingray.

Quotes by Steve Irwin can be found here.

See, I've always seen Jacques Cousteau as a hero, mate. He's a legend - like my dad, just a legend. And so what he did for conservation in the '60s through the '70s was just phenomenal.

My condolonces and strength to his family, wife, daughter Bindi Sue and son Robert (Bob) Clarence Irwin.

131 traffic fines later...

2006-07-25T14:19:00.000+02:00

Bullrun 2006: License Plate Test

Finally the gadget that saves you money if used properly. Though seeing this video I hope the guys from the white Lambo used license plates other then their own.....if not now everyone knows what the plate number of the white Lambo with blurry plates is. Perfect example.

How long will it take before we see this appearing on the Highways in Holland? If you are curious, be on the lookout for a Black Fiat Punto. Pay close attention. Miep Miep....Zoef Zoef.

"Does that make me crazy"

2006-06-25T18:03:00.000+02:00

WorldCup Madness 1

2006-06-21T16:07:00.000+02:00

Back from being gone (part Deux)!

2006-06-21T14:11:00.000+02:00

This post is basically a writing to myself. I have like an on and off relationship with blogging. Its like 'to blog' or 'no time to blog'. The time thing isn't actually true of course, but you knew that ;)

I'm currently on a new project for my work in Brussels. So I'm living the Hotel/ Travel lifestyle which I think everybody should experience once. Personally I like the travelling, but I can imagine that if you have a family back home it isn't great to be away for them.

Brussels is famous for its.....Beer....haahaha you thought I was gonna say Chocolate right.....well not right now! With WorldCup 2006 in full swing we go out to watch the games after work in the Irish Pubs and it is a great experience to see all the supporters going crazy when their teams scores and wins. Italians top it off though. The first match the Italians won against Ghana was one big celebration through the streets of Brussels and I happened to be right in the middle of it all...check it out!

Instructions for life

2006-05-19T16:14:00.000+02:00

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorize your favourite poem.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, "I love you", mean it.
5. When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15. Call your mom.
16. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't loose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23. Spend some time alone.
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV.
27. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray. There's immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust a man/woman who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss.
38. Once a year, go some place you've never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
41. Learn the rules then break some.
42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

The Ultimate Guide to Google Services

2005-11-24T15:29:00.000+01:00

The fellows at TipMonkies have compiled a list of all the Google Goodies on one page. Its continually being updated so keep track of that and maybe you can contribute to the list if you see something is missing.

It would be nice to know if all those Google services work with the same passport sign in or have an overview of the services that require an authentication login.

Anyhow, anyway the list just keeps on growing. It looks like Google is giving birth to a new feature or service every week now. Lets hope it can nurture all of its babies in time and make them grow into mature grownups.

Attending Platforms' European Grid Conference

2005-11-21T11:17:00.000+01:00

Platform Computing - the world's leading provider of grid computing solutions is hosting this exclusive, invitation-only event to address the benefits and opportunities presented by Grid Computing. I'll be attending this conference to learn more about the Grid adoptation for Enterprise organizations. A recent study by Platform Computing, reported in The Economics of Grid: Grid Computing as a Strategic IT Investment Priority, reveals that grid computing is shifting from a niche technology to one that is integral to bottom-line and top-line business results.

Study Findings (source Platform.com)

The key findings from the study include:

The importance of grid computing as an IT investment (out of 12 options, including security, hardware, CRM, ERP, outsourcing and storage) is increasing year-over-year.
Conclusion: There is a growing emphasis placed on grid computing as a key investment priority by senior executives in organizations worldwide.

Grid computing is expected to deliver a higher ROI than most other technologies, including web services, CRM, ERP, outsourcing, storage and networking.
Conclusion: The business case for grid computing is becoming widely understood and accepted.

The true business value of grid computing lies with its impact on key applications – such as database management or application development – as that impacts the productivity and effectiveness of those who use the applications.
Conclusion: Software vendors need to provide integrated, standards-based solutions that are capable of running in a heterogeneous environment of distributed hardware and software virtualized on a grid infrastructure.

Besides the introduction agenda there will be several Breakout Sessions on Wednesday which put the focus of Grid Computing on industrial manufacturing, electronics, financial services and chemicals (Life Sciences and Oil & Gas). My goal is to comprehend how Grid Technologies can improve business efficiency and optimize resource utilization for specific industries.

Solve huge problems with Grid Computing!

2005-11-17T11:09:00.000+01:00

I recently came across a great link that demonstrates how Grid Computing can benefit researchers in their science projects. You can play the 'Think Tank', 'Grid Master ' or play the 'Offline Activities'.

The games provide a great way to visualize the meaning of Grid Computing and its technology. More links will follow soon.

The Worlds Largest Privately Owned Yacht "Octopus"

2005-11-03T19:30:00.000+01:00

In 2003, the launch of Paul Allen's 127m (416ft) "Octopus" secured its number one position as the world's largest Yacht. Microsoft's "accidental billionare" Paul Allen - worth US$20 billion (and counting) according to Forbes. Octopus cost Allen over US$200 million and has a permanent crew of 60, including several former Navy Seals. It has two helicopters, seven boats, a 10 man submarine and a remote controlled vehicle for crawling on the ocean floor. The submarine has the capacity to sleep 8 for up to two weeks underwater. Check out the powerpoint for more pictures and statistics. I know now what I want for Christmas.

Tutorial: Beter zoeken met Google

2005-11-03T19:08:00.000+01:00

Hier een handige tutorial hoe je beter kan zoeken met Google. Ga maar lekker spelen, maar verGoogle niet je hele leven!

Je zoekt via Google een forum, waarvan in de URL het woord "Fok" voorkomt.
inurl:fok forum
Je wilt via Google opzoeken hoeveel 65 mile, omgerekend in kilometer is.
65 mile in kilometer
Je wilt via Google zoeken naar Donald, maar NIET naar Donald Duck.
donald -duck
Je wilt via Google zoeken uit welk muzieknummer de volgende regel afkomstig is: But there is so a loneliness to find.
"But there is so a loneliness to find"
Je wilt via Google uitrekenen hoeveel 456 x 7453 : 23 is.
456*7453/23
Je wilt via Google alleen MS Word of Adobe PDF documenten vinden met de tekst ondernemingsplan.
filetype:doc ondernemingsplan
filetype:pdf ondernemingsplan
Je wilt via Google opzoeken welke websites er linken naar home.wanadoo.nl/spyder.
link:www.brianspoetry.com
Je wilt via Google een vergelijkbare website vinden als home.wanadoo.nl/spyder.
related:www.brianspoetry.com
Je wilt via Google Afbeeldingen meer foto's vinden van een heks dan de standaard 715 afbeeldingen.
all:heks
Je zoekt via Google de definitie van ADSL.
define:adsl
Je zoekt via Google een artikel over Prinses Maxima op de website van het Algemeen Dagblad.
site:ad.nl prinses maxima

Back from being gone!

2005-09-21T16:43:00.000+02:00

It's been a long long while since I blogged down any messages here. In July I graduated from the Institute of Information Engineering as a Bachelor in Information and Communication Technologies. After that it was summer and I enjoyed some Dutch Caribbean vacation days in Bonaire where swimming and relaxing played a crucial role in charging up my energy level.

As of september 2005 I joined Accenture Technology Solutions where I'm educating myself in the big world of SAP and NetWeaver. A great place to work with many career opportunities.

I'm going to resuscitate this blog back to life with interesting developments in IT, links to _useful_ websites, handy tips that you can instantly use in everyday life, top-five/ten/hundred lists and funny funnies.

I see blogging as a Word To Mouth example for sharing knowledge and information for an audience that seeks it. With all the tools and services out there you can bring out your voice in writing, audio or video to all the people that use the Internet all over the globe. Feedback and comments are more then welcome on the blogs I post. Interaction like that gives more shape to an article or someones point-of-view.

Now get back to work ;c)

Business Intelligence

2005-06-18T16:15:00.000+02:00

Why would you _not_ get an error while working on your last assignment for Business Intelligence? Errors are here to remind us of reality!

The evidence the Jury was missing...is here!

2005-06-14T00:07:00.000+02:00

Just read the damn lyrics of BAD and judge for yourself! Follow this link for the rest of the lyrics.

_Your butt is mine_
Gonna tell you right
Just show your face
In broad daylight
I'm telling you
On how I feel
_Gonna hurt your mind_
Don't shoot to kill
Cause I run UPT.

Cause I run UPT.
_Lay it on me_ (Dios mio!!!)
All right...

I'm giving you
On count of three
_To show your stuff_
Or let it be...
I'm telling you
_Just watch your mouth_
I know your game
What you're about

Well they say the sky's the limit
And to me that's really true
_But my friend you have seen nothin'_
_Just wait 'til I get through..._

Integratie zoals het hoort!

2005-06-13T22:25:00.000+02:00

In dit geval zijn het wel de beesten die het goede voorbeeld geven! Van de natuur kunnen we nog oneindig veel leren!

10 geheimen van succes

2005-06-12T20:24:00.000+02:00

Tien karaktertrekken van succesvolle mensen. Pas ze allemaal toe en je dromen worden werkelijkheid.

1. Alles wordt bepaald door hoe je denkt
Denk positief. Denk aan succes, niet aan mislukking. Pas op voor negatieve invloeden.

2. Kies je doelen
Formuleer je doelstellingen SMART. Schrijf ze op. Ontwikkel een plan om ze te realiseren.

3. Onderneem aktie
Doelen zijn niets waard zonder aktie. Wees niet bang om te beginnen. Ga aan de slag!

4. Stop nooit met leren
Ga weer naar school en lees boeken. Volg een opleiding en ontwikkel jezelf. Durf te leren!

5. Zet door en werk hard
Succes is een marathon, geen sprintje. Geef het nooit op.

6. Analyseer de details
Verzamel feiten en informatie. Let op details en leer ze analyseren. Leer van je fouten.

7. Focus tijd en geld
Laat je niet afleiden door andere mensen en andere dingen. Volg de cursus timemanagement.

8. Durf te innoveren. Doe het anders.
Kuddegedrag leidt tot middelmatigheid. Durf het anders aan te pakken.

9. Ga effectief met anderen om
Niemand leeft op een eiland. Communiceren is belangrijk. Begrijp wat anderen motiveert.

10. Wees eerlijk en betrouwbaar, neem je verantwoordelijkheid
Anders doen 1-9 niet ter zake.

Bron: Investor's Business Daily. Vertaling, aanvullingen en links: Leren.nl

Belevenis

2005-06-07T21:52:00.000+02:00

Het gedicht 'Belevenis' is eindelijk online gezet. Na al die aankondigingen over Publiek Geheim bla, kan je nu eindelijk het gedicht lezen.

Belevenis

EPIC 2 is here!

2005-06-07T20:52:00.000+02:00

A while ago I saw a video mentioning the name Googlezon...just Google it and see how many hits it has. But first you should find out what EPIC 2014 by Robert Sloan is about! After seeing that you should see the new version, EPIC 2015!

'Met het Vondelpark als decor'

2005-06-02T00:19:00.000+02:00

Afgelopen zondag was de uitreiking van het boek 'Publiek Geheim'. Zoals eerder aangegeven heb ik een bijdrage gedaan in de vorm van een gedicht. De opbrengst van dit boek gaat geheel naar het renovatieproject van het Vondelpark. M'n Olympus heeft goed z'n best gedaan en foto's gemaakt van dit dagje!

Uitreiking 'Publiek Geheim'

64 boeiende bekentenissen over het Vondelpark

2005-05-31T11:54:00.000+02:00

TIME magazine: 50 Coolest Websites

2005-05-26T10:47:00.000+02:00

Lancering 'Publiek Geheim' 29 mei

2005-05-23T00:54:00.000+02:00

In het Amsterdamse Vondelpark organiseren Oud Zuid en Stichting Hart voor het Vondelpark zondag 29 mei de Dag van het Park. In het ochtendprogramma staat de lancering van het boek 'Publiek Geheim' centraal. Ik heb voor dit boek een gedicht geschreven en zal die dag meerdere malen mijn gedicht voordragen voor alle aanwezigen.

Binnenkort zal ik dit gedicht op www.BriansPoetry.com publiceren. Opmerkelijk is dat het mijn eerste Nederlands geschreven gedicht is.

In Publiek Geheim maken 64 bekende of onbekende Nederlanders hun 'geheime' herinnering aan het Vondelpark publiek. Een klein geheim over de band met het park, over een dierbare herinnering, over het speciale plekje dat het park in hun hart kreeg. 64 Verhalen, gedichten, tekeningen en foto's, die een bekentenis vormen, in de mooiste zin van het woord. Deze Nederlanders, waaronder Rob Verlinden, Caroline de Bruin, Wim T. Schippers, Ans Markus en Chris Zegers, Mostafa El Filali, Trijsje Fransen en de jonge dichter Brian Kubatz, dragen met hun publieke geheim bij aan de renovatie van het park. Net als de fotografen die hen portretteerden en de redacteuren, de vormgevers, de drukker, de papierleverancier en de binder die samen geheel belangeloos dit boek realiseerden.
Bron: Stichting Hart voor het Vondelpark

Pimp my ride!

2005-05-18T13:47:00.000+02:00

This car is an example of how really to Pimp your ride!

2005-05-18T13:10:00.000+02:00

IIE goes ghetto!

Helping bloggers earn money!

2005-05-17T15:48:00.000+02:00

Yes blogging is a hot topic. If you haven't noticed by now, your out-of-date and need to upgrade yourself to a new version.

If you're a serious blogger and have interesting posts you should visit ProBlogger for some handy tips.

This trend makes me wonder when and how long it takes for it to be integrated in our Information Engineering curriculum. I think the time is right to educate students about blogging and RSS. It would be interesting and creative for IIE students to start their own blog during their first year. Hey, at least it enables them to earn some 'cash' and finance those damn expensive books and laptops.

Or is this just deconcentrating the students from their initial IIE work? Well eventually it depends on how disciplined you are in prioritizing!