I’ve been really geeked about my Mac since I triple-booted it. Leopard + Windows 7 + Ubuntu. I’ve done it for a couple of my Computer Engineering friends, and it’s helped them a lot as well. If you’re interested in doing this, here’s the article I used to set up my triple-booted Mac.

Leopard is great. I know most Mac enthusiasts will read this and say “Duh.” I’ve never used the operating system regularly, and I’m very pleased now that I’ve come to the light. I’m thinking about making my way into Mac development after I make significant headway into the iPhone development world.

Windows 7 is pretty cool too. There are some new differences, like the grouping of all the running applications on the taskbar (that kind of reminds me of a less aesthetically pleasing Leopard, but that’s on another note) and the absence of the “Are You Sure?” question upon every move of the mouse. I’m sure there are other differences that I’ve yet to research, but I’m just happy that I get to keep my Adobe CS4 Master Collection with my new setup.

Last, but not least, I develop all my C/C++ coding projects, mainly for my Computer Architecture course, on Ubuntu. Ubuntu will also be my companion during my adventure into the open-source world later next year.

No question of our connection,
The moment we met, my only regret is my hesitance
To utter a breath

A string of thoughts that might’ve brought her closer,
I know her type. I dream about such a woman most nights
But see before, she was merely an idea.
A faceless figure that would appear
When I was deep into slumber

And I would frequently wonder,
If she was as beautiful as the feeling she left behind

And how I’d love to associate a name with that feeling,
(if she’d be so kind)
And if she’d ever consider spending a little time
With an admirer that admired her
From so deep in the mind

Asleep yet alive
The way she kept me sleepless
The feelings kinda hard to put into English
but my mental state was hard to distinguish
Like, am I awake or deceived, it’s
Kinda hard to tell looking at the woman of your dreams,

Even harder to tell her despite the fact u just met
That months turned into years as she disrupted ur rest
How ur not upset, glad even to know a woman exists
That leaves ur heart in twist
swore to never to cease to persist
Until she sleeps in your reality…

Now here she is in the flesh
And my sentiments want to emanate from out of my chest
But to save me from sounding crazy, I took a deep breath
And with a confident gaze and a smile, complimented her dress
She answered back with thanks through a smile that shamed mine
And continued through her day in stride….

No question of our connection,
The moment we met, my only regret is my hesitance
to utter a breath
The woman of my dreams graced me in the flesh
And I will not rest til our realities connect

I had a meeting with my senior project partners yesterday. I, naturally, served as the session’s devil’s advocate, in which I argued the opposing view on almost every question. I was reminded how useful having a devil’s advocate in a group thinking session is. I also re-realized how hard dealing with such a person can be for some people.

Personally, I always have my BS sensor on. High. As soon as I detect a bit of uncertainty or an improperly validated statement made, my first question is something to the effect of, “How do you know that?” I’m somewhat of a logically rigorous person, so it bothers me to hear something confidently said that hasn’t been validated.

It is known that there is a purpose in the presence of a devil’s advocate. This person will, for lack of a less aggressive term, attack every weak point of your argument. If you survive a session with this person with your idea still intact, then you have a relatively cohesive idea. If not, you need to go back to the drawing board and patch up those weaknesses.

On the other hand, this person can be a nightmare for some people. I mean, who likes having their good ideas occasionally ripped apart? Then how many people deal with that well? Unfortunately, ideas sometimes get blown to smithereens around these argumentative artists, and it can be hard to withdraw and rethink for some people.

To the optimistic idea-machine: When dealing with a devil’s advocate, keep an open mind. Even though you produced this idea, take the time to sit it to the side and separate yourself emotionally from it and objectively discuss it. The idea will endure criticism, but it’s part of the growing and strengthening process. Just remember that your idea emerges as a better idea after defeating scrutiny.

To the devil’s advocate: Know your subject and surroundings. If you’re naturally a devil’s advocate, maybe you attract objective people who can look at things the same way you do, and even appreciate your views. Or maybe you attract more carefree people, who are less prone to take your opposing propositions personally. Remember, especially in the case of new acquaintances, there are people who are prone to take opposition to their thoughts and ideas personally, and may not immediately appreciate criticism. There are also times and settings where playing the devil’s advocate is not appropriate, like brainstorming sessions, where criticism is never allowed.

Take the time to let people know that you are not attacking their ideas. Let them know that you’re just seeking clarification. This gives them the opportunity to feel like their answering a question and shedding light rather than defending their brain-child.