2007/09

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2007/09/30

Last few weeks lost somewhere

   September 30, 2007      


Combination of cheap beer, food and friends can bring you down on your knees. A 5l barrel of beer here costs around 10 euroes. It is fucking cheap. Last few weeks I have spent carrying barrels in the evenings, so did not have nor time nor will to do anything besides of sleeping. Just in case you are thinking to visit Brno, here is price list:
  1. 0.5l glass of beer - 2 euroes max. usually it is 0.70 euroe.
  2. Pepper stake - 9 euroes max, usually it is around 5.
  3. weed for free (some bloke gave us yesterday when we were waiting for fried potatoes, but i have lost it somehow:()
  4. if you want to dance: entrance 1-2 euroes. nightclubs - 10 euroes
  5. taxi is rather expensive - around 1,2 euro per km

   / /

   3 Comments

at September 30, 2007 3 comments

Last few weeks lost somewhere

   September 30, 2007      


Combination of cheap beer, food and friends can bring you down on your knees. A 5l barrel of beer here costs around 10 euroes. It is fucking cheap. Last few weeks I have spent carrying barrels in the evenings, so did not have nor time nor will to do anything besides of sleeping. Just in case you are thinking to visit Brno, here is price list:
  1. 0.5l glass of beer - 2 euroes max. usually it is 0.70 euroe.
  2. Pepper stake - 9 euroes max, usually it is around 5.
  3. weed for free (some bloke gave us yesterday when we were waiting for fried potatoes, but i have lost it somehow:()
  4. if you want to dance: entrance 1-2 euroes. nightclubs - 10 euroes
  5. taxi is rather expensive - around 1,2 euro per km

   / /

   3 Comments

at September 30, 2007 3 comments

2007/09/17

Czechs in a Nutshell

   September 17, 2007      


This is a must have guide if you are going to spend some time in Czech Republic. Guy is very open and usually hits the point. I have given the book for my czech collegue to read and afterwards received no comments about it, which makes me think that there is some truth. Anyway reading is very fun, deep and very helpful.

   /

   No Comments

at September 17, 2007 0 comments

Czechs in a Nutshell

   September 17, 2007      


This is a must have guide if you are going to spend some time in Czech Republic. Guy is very open and usually hits the point. I have given the book for my czech collegue to read and afterwards received no comments about it, which makes me think that there is some truth. Anyway reading is very fun, deep and very helpful.

   /

   No Comments

at September 17, 2007 0 comments

2007/09/14

2007/09/13

Hunt for a tailor

   September 13, 2007      

It is not very easy task here in Brno. I have been searching for a needle for two weeks now and could not find it. Of course, searching the internet was bad idea (just FYI - in check it is krejèí).

But in the office we have a very nice lady, who can help you with mission impossible tasks. She took care of everything, called a tailor, arranged the meeting, gave me a map and wished good luck.

I was lost somewhere in 1km perimeter around the place and been walking like Johny Walker for half an hour, when it should have taken 10 minutes. Asked directions from:

a) a guy with laptop, who was scared of me, didn't speak english, had no fucking idea about what I want, but still - he had a GPS. Hurray! I am saved. GPS gave directions for car drivers, so I have decided to take a shortcut. You know, just to save some time.

b) two babickas (old ladies), who really wanted to help and tried to explain everything to the finest details. In Check language. Later they have tried to do it with hands - that language I understand.

c) After 10 minutes walking I have asked a gal with a dog if she speaks english. She said no, but I have insisted and she tried to explain how to get to the tailor. After few minutes we both realized that I will never make it there. So she took me to the street I needed instead. Thank you Kate very very much - I would never found it by myself.

Finally! I was met buy a tailor and her daughter, who assisted with translation. They were very very nice, polite and asked to put on my trousers so they could measure them. And they didn't leave the room while I was doing it. Naaaais.

   / /

   3 Comments

at September 13, 2007 3 comments

Hunt for a tailor

   September 13, 2007      

It is not very easy task here in Brno. I have been searching for a needle for two weeks now and could not find it. Of course, searching the internet was bad idea (just FYI - in check it is krejèí).

But in the office we have a very nice lady, who can help you with mission impossible tasks. She took care of everything, called a tailor, arranged the meeting, gave me a map and wished good luck.

I was lost somewhere in 1km perimeter around the place and been walking like Johny Walker for half an hour, when it should have taken 10 minutes. Asked directions from:

a) a guy with laptop, who was scared of me, didn't speak english, had no fucking idea about what I want, but still - he had a GPS. Hurray! I am saved. GPS gave directions for car drivers, so I have decided to take a shortcut. You know, just to save some time.

b) two babickas (old ladies), who really wanted to help and tried to explain everything to the finest details. In Check language. Later they have tried to do it with hands - that language I understand.

c) After 10 minutes walking I have asked a gal with a dog if she speaks english. She said no, but I have insisted and she tried to explain how to get to the tailor. After few minutes we both realized that I will never make it there. So she took me to the street I needed instead. Thank you Kate very very much - I would never found it by myself.

Finally! I was met buy a tailor and her daughter, who assisted with translation. They were very very nice, polite and asked to put on my trousers so they could measure them. And they didn't leave the room while I was doing it. Naaaais.

   / /

   3 Comments

at September 13, 2007 3 comments

2007/09/12

Apocophilia

   September 12, 2007      

An attraction to, or taking pleasure in, end-of-society scenarios, such as global nuclear war, or worst-case peak-oil or global-warming.

Often leads to what others would regard as a 'pessimistic' world view, however Apocophiliacs often identify with an 'up-side' to the total destruction of mostly everything. Proof of irrationality can often be found in a belief that they will survive the impending apocolyse themselves.

from Urban Dictionary

  

   No Comments

at September 12, 2007 0 comments

Apocophilia

   September 12, 2007      

An attraction to, or taking pleasure in, end-of-society scenarios, such as global nuclear war, or worst-case peak-oil or global-warming.

Often leads to what others would regard as a 'pessimistic' world view, however Apocophiliacs often identify with an 'up-side' to the total destruction of mostly everything. Proof of irrationality can often be found in a belief that they will survive the impending apocolyse themselves.

from Urban Dictionary

  

   No Comments

at September 12, 2007 0 comments

Programming Can Ruin Your Life

   September 12, 2007      

I have read an article today (sometimes happens). I think that programming has already ruined lots of lifes:

programming by marketing specialists
programming of tv schedule
programming of public transport schedules
programming of my parents
programming of my management
programming of my friends

the only thing I can do now is to start programming yourself.

  

   No Comments

at September 12, 2007 0 comments

Programming Can Ruin Your Life

   September 12, 2007      

I have read an article today (sometimes happens). I think that programming has already ruined lots of lifes:

programming by marketing specialists
programming of tv schedule
programming of public transport schedules
programming of my parents
programming of my management
programming of my friends

the only thing I can do now is to start programming yourself.

  

   No Comments

at September 12, 2007 0 comments

2007/09/11

Expert Exchange

   September 11, 2007      

I am a bit bored, so browsing expert exchange and asking stupid questions. What I find amusing is usage of such cool phrases as:

"locking down your smtp port via vpn for inbound",

or brilliant solutions, which go along the line:

"please try that uber difficult way of doing things and if that doesn't work let's use this simple two step hack, which we all use all the time".

I mean - common! Skip that shit and just ask for ssh details.

  

   No Comments

at September 11, 2007 0 comments

Expert Exchange

   September 11, 2007      

I am a bit bored, so browsing expert exchange and asking stupid questions. What I find amusing is usage of such cool phrases as:

"locking down your smtp port via vpn for inbound",

or brilliant solutions, which go along the line:

"please try that uber difficult way of doing things and if that doesn't work let's use this simple two step hack, which we all use all the time".

I mean - common! Skip that shit and just ask for ssh details.

  

   No Comments

at September 11, 2007 0 comments

A reminder (fast money)

   September 11, 2007      

A friend send me a link like "get rich fast", which I have followed. There was short note there:


MURDER OF U.S. NATIONALS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; CONSPIRACY TO MURDER U.S. NATIONALS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; ATTACK ON A FEDERAL FACILITY RESULTING IN DEATH

USAMA BIN LADEN

Aliases: Usama Bin Muhammad Bin Ladin, Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, The Prince, The Emir, Abu Abdallah, Mujahid Shaykh, Hajj, The Director


DESCRIPTION

Date of Birth Used: 1957 Hair: Brown
Place of Birth: Saudi Arabia Eyes: Brown
Height: 6'4" to 6'6" Sex: Male
Weight: Approximately 160 pounds Complexion: Olive
Build: Thin Citizenship: Saudi Arabian
Language: Arabic (probably Pashtu)
Scars and Marks: None known
Remarks: Bin Laden is left-handed and walks with a cane.


CAUTION

Usama Bin Laden is wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. These attacks killed over 200 people. In addition, Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world.


REWARD

The Rewards For Justice Program, United States Department of State, is offering a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Usama Bin Laden. An additional $2 million is being offered through a program developed and funded by the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association.


SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PERSON, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FBI OFFICE OR THE NEAREST AMERICAN EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.

  

   No Comments

at September 11, 2007 0 comments

A reminder (fast money)

   September 11, 2007      

A friend send me a link like "get rich fast", which I have followed. There was short note there:


MURDER OF U.S. NATIONALS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; CONSPIRACY TO MURDER U.S. NATIONALS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; ATTACK ON A FEDERAL FACILITY RESULTING IN DEATH

USAMA BIN LADEN

Aliases: Usama Bin Muhammad Bin Ladin, Shaykh Usama Bin Ladin, The Prince, The Emir, Abu Abdallah, Mujahid Shaykh, Hajj, The Director


DESCRIPTION

Date of Birth Used: 1957 Hair: Brown
Place of Birth: Saudi Arabia Eyes: Brown
Height: 6'4" to 6'6" Sex: Male
Weight: Approximately 160 pounds Complexion: Olive
Build: Thin Citizenship: Saudi Arabian
Language: Arabic (probably Pashtu)
Scars and Marks: None known
Remarks: Bin Laden is left-handed and walks with a cane.


CAUTION

Usama Bin Laden is wanted in connection with the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. These attacks killed over 200 people. In addition, Bin Laden is a suspect in other terrorist attacks throughout the world.


REWARD

The Rewards For Justice Program, United States Department of State, is offering a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction of Usama Bin Laden. An additional $2 million is being offered through a program developed and funded by the Airline Pilots Association and the Air Transport Association.


SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PERSON, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FBI OFFICE OR THE NEAREST AMERICAN EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.

  

   No Comments

at September 11, 2007 0 comments

Gifts

   September 11, 2007      

Today is a nice day. Some guy brought cookies to the office, saying - it is 09/11. Pitty, it was not a magic cake. But oh well - nothing is perfect.

Also I've got new Wi-Fi card and two external anthenas with some advice on how to use them. Some cd (backtrack2).

It looks like it will be nice evening :)

   / /

   No Comments

at September 11, 2007 0 comments

Gifts

   September 11, 2007      

Today is a nice day. Some guy brought cookies to the office, saying - it is 09/11. Pitty, it was not a magic cake. But oh well - nothing is perfect.

Also I've got new Wi-Fi card and two external anthenas with some advice on how to use them. Some cd (backtrack2).

It looks like it will be nice evening :)

   / /

   No Comments

at September 11, 2007 0 comments

2007/09/10

Surprise

   September 10, 2007      

Have always thought that I know everyting about cookies and sessions. Now I am having with using php session from django application (trying to use). Of course, the only server I can test it has old django version, so will upgrade Subversion and later we will see what happens. Even in Brno one can play with websites.

Update: nothing fancy, using excellent python module:

Unserialize class for the PHP serialization format. @author Scott Hurring; scott at hurring dot com

@version v0.4 BETAimport PHPUnserialize
import PHPUnserialize

sessiondir = '/tmp'

def get_session_data( PHPSESSID ):
        try:
                f = open( os.path.join( sessiondir,
                   'sess_%s'% PHPSESSID ) )
                phpsessiondata = f.read()
                f.close()

        except IOError:
                return None
        u = PHPUnserialize.PHPUnserialize()
        return = u.session_decode( phpsessiondata )




and few settings to use domain wide cookies it could be achieved easily (provided django runs on the same machine as php).

  

   No Comments

at September 10, 2007 0 comments

Surprise

   September 10, 2007      

Have always thought that I know everyting about cookies and sessions. Now I am having with using php session from django application (trying to use). Of course, the only server I can test it has old django version, so will upgrade Subversion and later we will see what happens. Even in Brno one can play with websites.

Update: nothing fancy, using excellent python module:

Unserialize class for the PHP serialization format. @author Scott Hurring; scott at hurring dot com

@version v0.4 BETAimport PHPUnserialize
import PHPUnserialize

sessiondir = '/tmp'

def get_session_data( PHPSESSID ):
        try:
                f = open( os.path.join( sessiondir,
                   'sess_%s'% PHPSESSID ) )
                phpsessiondata = f.read()
                f.close()

        except IOError:
                return None
        u = PHPUnserialize.PHPUnserialize()
        return = u.session_decode( phpsessiondata )




and few settings to use domain wide cookies it could be achieved easily (provided django runs on the same machine as php).

  

   No Comments

at September 10, 2007 0 comments

Internet connection - super cheap, super fast, not available

   September 10, 2007      

I am here for about a month now. The first thing after renting a flat here - I have tried to get addicted connected to the Internet. It has seemed like nice plan - 8mbits for about 20 euroes/month. I have found few Wi-Fi neighbours to connect to, found out the Internet provider which they were using and sent email to customer support asking to connect me to the Internet. Later that week I have called skyped them.

They guy told me, that there is no Internet connection in the house and I will need to wait 30 days and then they will call me back to clarify if it is possible to put a line to it or no. Also he asked if I want a phone land line.

Oh well, still enjoying free Internet for a moment and no one has contacted me again.

   / /

   3 Comments

at September 10, 2007 3 comments

Internet connection - super cheap, super fast, not available

   September 10, 2007      

I am here for about a month now. The first thing after renting a flat here - I have tried to get addicted connected to the Internet. It has seemed like nice plan - 8mbits for about 20 euroes/month. I have found few Wi-Fi neighbours to connect to, found out the Internet provider which they were using and sent email to customer support asking to connect me to the Internet. Later that week I have called skyped them.

They guy told me, that there is no Internet connection in the house and I will need to wait 30 days and then they will call me back to clarify if it is possible to put a line to it or no. Also he asked if I want a phone land line.

Oh well, still enjoying free Internet for a moment and no one has contacted me again.

   / /

   4 Comments

at September 10, 2007 4 comments

Sofa matters

   September 10, 2007      

Repairing sofa in Brno is like a computer game, a quest:

  1. first you need to learn Czech language to find Ikea service centre.
  2. second you need to call them and they will tell you, that they speak English if you prefer it that way.
  3. third you need to persuade them, that it is worth to fix a sofa instead of buying one.
  4. fourth you need just to wait.

   / / /

   No Comments

at September 10, 2007 0 comments

Sofa matters

   September 10, 2007      

Repairing sofa in Brno is like a computer game, a quest:

  1. first you need to learn Czech language to find Ikea service centre.
  2. second you need to call them and they will tell you, that they speak English if you prefer it that way.
  3. third you need to persuade them, that it is worth to fix a sofa instead of buying one.
  4. fourth you need just to wait.

   / / /

   No Comments

at September 10, 2007 0 comments

Renting flat in Brno

   September 10, 2007      

Renting a flat in Brno is not very difficult, but it is difficult to find one. If you are able to do it in one week - consider that you are lucky bastard. And if you don't need to pay three months in advance, two month fee for the real estate agency (1st month - because it exists, 2nd - because somebody speaks English there), if you don't need to leave two months deposit - what the fuck are you doing here? Go buy a villa in Malaga. Ritchie.

I am a bit overreacting: have found a flat in a week, paid only for one month in advance and agency fee has been only one month + taxes (that was a surprise. Taxes I mean), but still here is some advice:

1) don't bring a dog here
2) don't bring a kid here (for landlords is the same as 1)
3) shave before going for the interview with a landlord.
4) have some money.

   / / /

   1 Comment

at September 10, 2007 1 comments

Renting flat in Brno

   September 10, 2007      

Renting a flat in Brno is not very difficult, but it is difficult to find one. If you are able to do it in one week - consider that you are lucky bastard. And if you don't need to pay three months in advance, two month fee for the real estate agency (1st month - because it exists, 2nd - because somebody speaks English there), if you don't need to leave two months deposit - what the fuck are you doing here? Go buy a villa in Malaga. Ritchie.

I am a bit overreacting: have found a flat in a week, paid only for one month in advance and agency fee has been only one month + taxes (that was a surprise. Taxes I mean), but still here is some advice:

1) don't bring a dog here
2) don't bring a kid here (for landlords is the same as 1)
3) shave before going for the interview with a landlord.
4) have some money.

   / / /

   1 Comment

at September 10, 2007 1 comments

The Magic Number 13

   September 10, 2007      

I am living in Brno now. From the beginning number 13 is haunting me. Every time I look what time is it - i can see something like "13:13". Every time I am late to work - tram number 13 is persuading to get in (and of course - tram ticket costs 13 krowns). Every fucking month I have to pay 13 000 krowns for a rent. I have 13 entries in my to do list and do not have required information to finish at least one task.

It is nice though, that I do not believe in number 13. I believe in something more real, more attractive and interesting - making money from the blog. Just to pay for broken sofa.

Update: just had to edit named zone file and increase serial number, now two last digits are - 13.

   / /

   No Comments

at September 10, 2007 0 comments

The Magic Number 13

   September 10, 2007      

I am living in Brno now. From the beginning number 13 is haunting me. Every time I look what time is it - i can see something like "13:13". Every time I am late to work - tram number 13 is persuading to get in (and of course - tram ticket costs 13 krowns). Every fucking month I have to pay 13 000 krowns for a rent. I have 13 entries in my to do list and do not have required information to finish at least one task.

It is nice though, that I do not believe in number 13. I believe in something more real, more attractive and interesting - making money from the blog. Just to pay for broken sofa.

Update: just had to edit named zone file and increase serial number, now two last digits are - 13.

   / /

   No Comments

at September 10, 2007 0 comments
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