Google Docs

I've been using Google Docs for years. I've found it very convenient when you don't have a "home" computer and are moving around a lot, physically and between work stations/computers. Everywhere you go, as long as there's an Internet connection, you have access to all your documents.

I have personal stuff in there, such as job applications, diplomas, unfinished poems and novels (OK, novel), party invitation lists and whatnot. I have public stuff in there, such as various reports and articles I have come across and found interesting.

And I don't have it backed up. Figured why? Google will take care of that.

But I had never anticipated this message:

We're sorry.

You can't access this spreadsheet because it is in violation of our Terms of service.

That's what I saw when I tried opening my Google spreadsheet called "Jobb", where I have stored ALL info about companies and organizations and their contact info and job sites, application processes and statuses, and more. There are hundreds of organizations and dozens of job applications tracked there.

And now it's gone? I can't open it, I can't download it. And why is it in violation of Google's Terms of service? Beats me.

It could be it's a temporary error, I hope and believe it is, but even so, might be time to reconsider my strategy here.

UPDATE: It was a bug and is now fixed, what a relief!

The geography of Gaza support

I'm struck with the geography of the recorded protests following the Israeli attack on the Ship to Gaza flotilla. With the notable exceptions of Turkey, Egypt, and the Philippines, all protests occur in western Europe, US and Canada, and Australia. That's it. Nothing in Central or South America, nothing (else) in Africa or Asia. Not sure of the significance here, but I'm sure there must be some.

May Day

Sometimes I forget where in the world I'm living, but yesterday I was reminded. Popped in to San Jose to catch a little May Day action; marches, speeches and concerts, and sitting in Plaza de la democracia I listen to a protest singer singing about uniting Central America into one country, while I look up at the green hills surounding the town. With vibes of Victor Jara and Mikael Viehe it really felt like I was in Central America at the time. Which I was.

Zenith

Last Thursday I got to experience the sun in zenith for the first time of my life! I was a bit nervous because the day was super cloudy, but around 1130 they opened up and the sun peeked out, just enough. Kind of a cool feeling, even though I obviously couldn't tell that the sun was in zenith, just kind of around there. And I couldn't tell the sun position on Thursday from Wednesday or Friday, but I knew it was in zenith and that was what mattered. Next time here is 27Aug, but then I will probably be in Sweden.

I used data from the US Naval Observatory to find the day and time, but there are more out there.

Green Sunset Festival

Went to a grassy field somewhere between San José and the airport this past Sunday. It was Green Sunset, a reggae festival. It sure was. Lots and lots of rasta, green-yellow-red, big-printed loose-fitting clothing, pot smoke and what have you when you have reggae. As a series of concerts it wasn't that great, far too long between the bands and the bands weren't that great. Neither was really Black Uhuru, the headliner, perhaps they should have folded eons ago, but it was nice to hear some old tunes. In terms of festival, though, it was pretty great. The sun was out in force, everybody were in a great mood, concession stands weren't overpriced, the veggie dish was great.

Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional

Last night I went to their second concert of the season. The evening concert was different from the earlier day one through the clothing of the musicians, now they were wearing the more traditional black tie. The program:

Giuseppe Mega, Director Invitado
Jens Lindemann, Trompetista

Schubert Sinfonía "Inconclusa" en si menor D 759
Haydn Concierto para trompeta en Mi bemol Mayor
Frank Proto Fantasía Carmen para trompeta y orquesta
Mendelssohn Sinfonía No. 4 Italiana Op.90

The concert started rather weak, I didn't agree with the pausation, it was as if Mega tried to deconstruct the symphony. But Lindemann is a showman and managed to bring it back. For Haydn, he came out in a red glittering smoking jacket, showing it off. After the break, when it was time for Proto, he came out on stage in a blue smoking jacket. I haven't heard of Proto before, and am not really a fan of variations, I'm more of a minimalist type, why say with ten notes what you can say with three? The ideal poem only consists of one word. Anyway, it was fun, and I think it was the first time I have partaken in a concert and the first time I've seen a spinning bass at a classical concert.

What happened was that to begin Proto, Lindemann stomp his foot and yelled Olé! Later on, he stomped his foot and pointed to the orchestra who then yelled Olé! So when he stomped his foot and pointed to the audience there wasn't much to do more than yell Olé! And after Proto, Lindemann came out, invited one of the first bass player to the front and jammed some jazz with him, where he then spun the bass. An old white-bearded, a little subdued old man, quite the thrill!

The last movement of Mendelssohn was superb, so at the end of the night Mega was forgiven for his deconstructivism, and the symphony was forgiven for their slip-ups.

This weekend is Red + Green Sunset Festival, today is world music and electronica and tomorrow reggae, from 2P and onwards, but the rain is coming down pretty heavy so I think I'll sit those out. Too bad, I was really looking forward to it.

What's in a name?

A whole lot, according to the Kabalarians, a Canadian group I first heard about a few weeks ago. Through March and April they offer a free name report, that tells you who you are and what you should do based on your name and birth date. Sounds like a horoscope but I've been amazed at the accuracy, so I urge you to go there and check it out for yourself.

My own report begins thus:

The name of Filip gives you a very idealistic nature. You find very few who live up to your high ideals; in fact, you do not yourself at all times. Your desire for peace and harmony causes you to withdraw from friction. You are quite reserved in many ways, and as a boy extremely sensitive and self conscious.

Judge for yourself...