1. Status, status, status — they are ALL man-made. In my life, I’ve always been conscious of the way people look at me or perceive me. Society, where we live in, expects something from us. It’s only 2 things, success or expectations. The film said, to be happy you have to either be successful or lower your expectations. People seem to be preoccupied with their comparison to other people.
2. It’s not important how people perceive you, it’s what you “think is right”. People’s perception are not 100% accurate. In fact, they miss a lot. If you can live with this, you’re in for a breakthrough. We are the best judges of ourselves.
3. America is the land of the free. We’ve come a long time from Europe’s aristocratic system. Now we are born and expect that a well-off life should be given to all our children, um, think again…
4. What do all these things amount to? … Think of death. In death all statuses vanish. We’re just a dust in the wind, an insect who was born in the morning field, and died in the afternoon. As Ecclesiastes said, all is vanity. People truly can be happy yet with less materialistic wealth. Why? It’s simple. Status are material things, where life, family, spirituality are eternal. Society judges us based on the money we have.

Action Steps:

1. Notice how you buy things because others also have them. How financially intelligent are you? Or is it all for status and material things? Do you get conscious right away in public, why? Is it because you value other people’s perception so much? There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re not aware of Alain Botton’s studies, you will lose it, and no time to reflect about it.
2. On the other hand, do you judge people by the way they look? What about the poor people, are they just unlucky or do they need to work harder? Again, status can be deceiving, the trick is, to be aware that nothing in this world is permanent, that includes status, search for the things that will last forever.
3. Think of death. Perhaps this simple reminder can re-organize our thoughts or fast-track our goals, what matters most and how we should lead our lives. The start is not to be conscious of your status, but to effectively & repeatedly search for clues about why and how people do the things they do, and this generation’s preoccupation with material goods. Is someone truly blessed by being rich? Or do we need to expect more of ourselves in our time?  How deeply have you seen status and understood it?

This is an amazing documentary. I’ve gone overboard by oversimplifying it and have been unforgiving in my writing. Simply ingenious, it will dig up knowledge and questions you have in your mind and add some new amazing information.

1. DHCP Server

#the default dhcp when you install a LTSP Server

sudo gedit /etc/ltsp/dhcpd.conf

#to restart it
sudo /etc/init.d/dhcp3-server restart

#check if it’s working
netstat -apn | grep “:67 “

2. Your client’s configuration

sudo gedit /var/lib/tftpboot/ltsp/i386/lts.conf
3. Updating chroot

sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /opt/ltsp/i386/etc/apt/sources.list
export LTSP_HANDLE_DAEMONS=false
sudo chroot /opt/ltsp/i386
mount -t proc proc /proc
apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade
exit
sudo ltsp-update-kernels
sudo umount /opt/ltsp/i386/proc
sudo ltsp-update-image
4. Other updates for the client

sudo ltsp-update-sshkeys
sudo ltsp-update-kernels
5. Just follow the logic here, and where the paths are located
sudo gedit /etc/inetd.conf

6. Study this as well together with #5
sudo gedit /var/lib/tftpboot/ltsp/i386/pxelinux.cfg/default

7. Are you blocked from the world?
sudo gedit /etc/hosts
sudo gedit /etc/hosts.allow
sudo gedit /etc/hosts.deny

8. Installing LOCAL APPS on the client

sudo chroot /opt/ltsp/i386
mount -t proc proc /proc
apt-get install (program name)
exit
sudo ltsp-update-image -a i386
sudo gedit /var/lib/tftpboot/ltsp/i386/lts.conf

#after that edit your lts.conf

[Default]
LOCAL_APPS=True
LOCAL_APPS_MENU = True
LOCAL_APPS_MENU_ITEMS = gnomebaker, mplayer, etc… (write the program name here)

#To check if it’s on the client – type this on a CLI

ls -1 /opt/ltsp/i386/usr/share/applications/| grep desktop | sed s/\.desktop/,/g | xargs | sed s/\ //g

10. If LDM won’t log you in, make sure you take care of SSH, it’s the protocol it uses to login to your server
sudo gedit /etc/ssh/sshd_config
sudo /etc/init.d/ssh restart

11. Do you want more speed? Put this in your lts.conf

LDM_DIRECTX = True

12. Do you have a Firewall? Turn it off if you’re connecting for the first time and build from the ground up.

There! I hope you enjoy LTSP’ing.

PS By the way in case, you’re stuck, download an IRC Chat Program, go to irc.freenode.net, and the channel #ltsp – I met some great friends there who helped me out, and couldn’t find help on the net.

How to update your time, if it’s wrong run:

dpkg-reconfigure tzdata

And set your appropriate settings.

What immediately comes to my mind when I wake up in the morning?

No, not that one… It’s Ubuntu Linux.

I want to help others learn about computers so I studied Linux.

I promised in my blog about 10 Commandments of Working Hard is to start a Linux Blog. But, I’ve looked around, and there are so many people who’re BETTER than me, who’re already doing that.

So I think I’ll just document my Ubuntu Projects, starting with LTSP server and thin clients.

This technology is SO amazing.

Imagine, just buy one powerful server, and buy Intel Atom PC’s and then you’re all set, you can save a dollar, peso, from your electric bills, if accumulated months after months, that’s a lot.

Currently, I have a server it was bought from Tipidpc.com.

If you can relate to these things, then you must be an honest person.

First of all, I’ll cut and paste them for you: *Note This Isn’t An Original Idea – You Can Google Search This*

Top 10 Commandments For “Working Hard”

10.

Never walk around without a document.

People with documents look like hardworking employees headed to important meetings.

People with nothing in their hands look like they’re headed for the cafeteria.

People with a newspaper in their hands look like they’re headed for the toilet.

Above all, make sure you carry loads of stuff home with you at night, thus generating the false impression that you work longer hours than you really do.

9.

Use computers to look busy.

Any time you use a computer, it looks like “work” to the casual observer.

You can send and receive personal e-mail, chat and have a blast without doing anything remotely related to work.

These aren’t exactly the societal benefits that the proponents of the computer revolution would like to talk about, but they’re not bad either.

When you get caught by your boss — and you will get caught — your best defense is to claim that you’re teaching yourself to use new software, thus saving valuable training dollars.

8.

Have a messy desk.

Only top management can get away with a clean desk.

For the rest of us, it looks like we’re not working hard enough.

Build huge piles of documents around your workspace.

To the observer, last year’s work looks the same as today’s work; it’s volume that counts.

Pile papers and files high and wide.

If you know somebody is coming to your cubicle, bury the document you’ll need halfway down in an existing stack and rummage for it when he/she arrives.

7.

Voicemail: never answer your phone if you have voicemail.

People don’t call you just because they want to give you something for nothing — they call because they want you to do work for them.

That’s no way to live.

Screen all your calls through voicemail.

If somebody leaves a message for you and it sounds like impending work, respond during lunch hour when you know they’re not there — it looks like you’re hardworking and conscientious even though you’re being a devious weasel.

6.

Look impatient and annoyed.

According to George Costanza in Seinfeld, you should always try to look impatient and annoyed to give off the impression that you’re always busy.

5.

Leave the office late.

Always leave the office late, especially when the boss is still around.

You could read magazines and storybooks that you always wanted to read.

Make sure you walk past the boss’ room on your way out.

Send important e-mail at unearthly hours (i.e. 9:35 p.m., 7:05 a.m., etc.) and during public holidays.

4.

Creative sighing for effect.

Sigh loudly when there are many people around, giving the impression that you are under extreme pressure.

3.

Have a stacking strategy.

It’s not enough to pile documents on the table.

Put lots of books on the floor (thick computer manuals are the best), etc.

2.

Build your vocabulary.

Read up on some computer magazines and pick out all the jargon and new products.

Use the phrases freely when in conversation with bosses.

Remember; they don’t have to understand what you’re saying, but you sure sound impressive.

1.

Do not forward this to your boss by mistake!

Words to live by!

–END–

Now, why would I share something like this?

The truth is this is a challenge for me.

I’ve got thousands of things I would like to do, and I often find myself “addicted” to my struggle.

Yeah…

Are you addicted to your struggle?

Have you ever met a person when you asked how he’s doing said, “Sigh… Sigh… Deep Breath… Woo… There’s too much work to be done…”

It seems to me people like these, including myself, never actually get work done, and have always something in their mind to struggle with.

That’s why the jokes above – if you get them, there’s a play happening between the work-horses, the lazy bums, and the strugglers.

Now, what value can you get out of this blog…

I’m going to start a set of tutorials Learning The Linux System, and Writing PHP For The Newbies.

This is a ton of work.

But I’m not going to struggle. I’m going to balance my work and play.

It’s the same with you.

Balance is the key to our rejuvenation. Without it, we are doomed to “struggle” or NOT to struggle and play around the office.

In today’s modern world, information is key.

The day that you lose focus on your goals and productivity, is the day you will lose the opportunities.

Don’t let yourself become “addicted to your struggle” it’s the day you rob yourself and everyone of your gifts.

My major takeaways are:

1. Everyone has a good and bad side. We all have different ways to achieve what we want, some do it by manipulating the object of their desire while others are plain honest and truthful.
2. Democracy cannot strive without capitalism because in this system people acquire and are free on everything they do, that includes corporations.
3. Necessity and Desire are constantly competing for our attention under the democratic system.

I learned a lot about this documentary. It was tiresome enough to take down notes while pausing the video from time to time, let alone, thinking about the open-ended questions the film was throwing at me all the time.

My action steps:

1. I’m always going to be aware the way people sell their pitch or truly give value. Numerous studies have shown that people can be influenced unconsciously or automatically programmed if put under certain conditions. Read the book “Influence” by Robert Cialdini or “Social Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman if you want to know what I’m talking about. The bad news, if it’s for the sake of someone’s selfish motive.
2. I’m always going to question the thin line between my desire and need. This may sound like a worn-out cliche, but I understood this concept more by watching this film, I think it will also benefit anyone who look for it in the film.
3. Finally, I’m going to learn more about democracy. I think I haven’t done a lot of research in democracy or governments in general. If we can only see that our lives are HUGELY affected by the kind of government we have, we can appreciate it more because it shapes the way we think about wars, famines, world peace, poverty, religion, and ourselves.

I didn’t even include what you will learn about marketing and deeper psychology in this film. These topics deserve another blog. To sum, it’s a really GOOD film to watch.

It has 4 parts, watch part 1 at Google Video: The Century of the Self by Adam Curtis Part 1 of 4. Just search for the other 3 or you can download it for free at: Century of the Self at www.freedocumentaries.org

My major takeaways are:

1. Never let your opinions change in order to PLEASE A WOMAN. Why this is important is because there are TOO FEW MEN out there who have a purpose and plan in their lives. They might have a wonderful relationship with others but this vanishes instantly and COMPLETELY in front of a beautiful woman who they admire. I don’t exclude myself from this. Men are built to be fortresses in times when their strength is needed but it wouldn’t help your woman if she can easily sway you out of your way. Now, there are exceptions to this rule because it’s one way to be an asshole and push your ego, it’s another to be authentic and lead a great relationship.
2. Women give the flow, sexual energy, and life of the relationship, men lead the path and direction of it. I find this fascinating because I’ve often times just stayed with my masculine core without opening up to the emotions of life. This sounds scary for men, but if you’d think of receiving love, appreciating women and taking feminine energy – there wouldn’t be scarcity of women. Men are more scared of showing emotions than admitting in public that they’re unsure of their sexual orientation.
3. As men, fear is a great obstacle in our progress and change. What David Deida suggests is that we ADMIT our true EDGE and live just over beyond it, but not too much that we lose our core. Some people are scared to love out of fear. Also, sometimes, when we “give” we fear that we could get hurt in the process. As MEN, part of our maturity is to give ourselves as a sacrifice and gift to the world, this means LOVING without FEAR. The way of the superior man is dying in giving his gifts and knowing that he was meant for it. This is the only freedom of the SUPERIOR MAN.

My ACTION STEPS:

1. There is MORE to my path than ANY relationship can offer. As a man, I will never idealize the woman in the relationship because that will become almost the downfall of my core.
2. There’s never a scarcity of women, what I need to do is hang-out more with my female friends and appreciate their feminine nurturing character. Most often times, I feel as if I stare in my computer screen too much and work too long. As a man, it’s hard to accept that working less is better, however, working harder without losing my gift to the world can come together.
3. Finally, I will face and challenge my demons. These demons are fears, issues, and obstacles to my growth. What’s more important for me is finding my purpose and lead a better life all the way accomplishing it. Most of the time, the path to my greatest mission is filled with fears and demons, it’s an uphill battle without knowing how to handle them. How do you do that? Through the way of the superior man.

In the end, these are just pharaphrases of the wonderful book. If you want to develop your masculine core or appreciate the feminine better, then read it: The Way of the Superior Man

1. The millionaires are frugal. They don’t live to show-off their expensive cars, clothings, and other luxury items. That’s why they’re called Prodigious Accumulators of Wealth or PAW’s. On the other hand, many are Under Accumulators of Wealth or UAW’s. These people are just the opposite. They don’t invest their money rather they spend it to have high-consumptive lifestyles, or as the author’s put it: They DON’T live BELOW their means.
2. The millionaires had a tough time “making it” versus the non-millionaires who are supported by economic care from their parents. The millionaires have lived and survived through tough times to make their businesses grow and succeed in the competitive world. Again, on the other hand, non-millionaires don’t learn as much because they don’t value the money that is given them, it’s their parents’ anyway.
3. It’s not the kind of business, industry or job that makes one a millionaire. It’s the attitude, lifestyle, and intelligence of these people that count. For example, change is the only predictable thing in any business. It has no bias for any kind of industry. Although some businesses are profitable than others, it’s an oversimplification and an erroneous conclusion. The people behind the businesses are what really matter.

My action steps after reading this book:

1. Live below my means. Live below my means. Live below my means. Before reading this book, I was already studying about marketing, selling, business, and accounting. I’ve put all my “budget” money in one ATM account for me to monitor my spending. I will also analyze our household’s income statement.
2. I’ve setup an experimental business breeding dogs. In this business, it’s ALL ME! I use my own money and doesn’t borrow from anyone. This way, I can study my behavior and how I value my business and money really well.
3. It’s so “quick-fix” to jump at the current trend in the business world. Remember, it’s not the business, but the intellect behind it. The business can close, but the person behind it is what really drives it to failure or success. Always invest in my learning and financial intelligence so I can be financially independent someday.

After reading this book, I’ve never realized that my parents are giving me EVERYTHING I need. This can be good or bad for someone who uses it wisely or overuses it and gets spoiled by it. Thanks to the authors, this book is a piece of treasure. Read it: The Millionaire Next Door

1. World is based on materialism. Think of science. Science is the study of facts, but if science does NOT provide facts about the soul and the spirit, then these things are just considered theories. Humans are confused by this because they don’t know whether they’re mechanical creatures or spiritual in nature.
2. The human is infinitely curious. It also has another thinking process that is absent from the medical or scientific radars, thus, “consciousness”. Humans put meanings in their lives and they have a loving nature. Even though the richest person on earth has everything in monetary value, it is universal that that person can still feel lonely, and be asking about the meaning of his/her existence. Finally, human beings aren’t just mere animals competing for life on earth.
3. Death cannot “really” be painful to the human who has developed this “spirituality”. Whether it is his/her relationship with God, understanding of death, or understanding his/her soul, spirit, and body.

My action steps after reading this book:

1. An eagle was born on the barn. It was raised by the chickens, told by the chickens what to do, what to like, and how to act. When the eagle became an adult, it was out on the field one day with the other chickens, then it saw a magnificent flying bird hovering over the sky with powerful wings. It asked one of the chickens, “What is that?” The chicken looked up the sky and replied, “Oh, that’s an eagle, were not like that, we live on the ground, and we don’t act like it.” When the eagle heard it, it believed on it and lived to be a chicken for the rest of its life. Don’t make an excuse that I’m just a “human” and not capable of doing “finer” things in life.
2. I’m capable of learning for the rest of my life because it’s in my nature to do so. Money is not the only thing that will make me happy. Always strive to learn and evolve to be a better person.
3. Accept that one day, I will die, make an effort to integrate spirituality in my day-to-day living.

Before reading this book, I’ve always questioned my spiritual nature and let science dictate what is factual about myself and the world. Now, I realize I was wrong. Overall, it’s a great enlightening book.

Read it here: Psychology of Spirituality