Stories of a lifetime

Catarina

2011-11-22T01:00:00.001Z

Green

2011-10-28T13:17:00.001+01:00

Faith

2011-10-10T01:31:00.001+01:00

Blood

2011-09-20T00:27:00.002+01:00

Untitled

2011-09-15T10:45:00.004+01:00

Atentos

2011-09-12T01:35:00.002+01:00

Running...

2011-09-11T17:43:00.003+01:00

Just details...

2011-09-11T17:33:00.003+01:00

Close up!

2011-09-09T13:04:00.000+01:00

Enjoy the silence...

2011-09-08T23:06:00.000+01:00

Detalhes...

2011-09-04T23:30:00.001+01:00

m...

2011-08-30T23:14:00.001+01:00

Clown?!

2011-08-27T01:14:00.000+01:00

Round and round...

2011-08-26T23:48:00.000+01:00

Step by step...

2011-08-15T22:54:00.002+01:00

Sun!

2011-08-15T00:05:00.001+01:00

True colors

2011-08-07T09:46:00.001+01:00

Giant steps...

2011-07-28T00:15:00.001+01:00

Flower

2011-07-13T08:59:00.001+01:00

Yellow

2011-05-03T08:49:00.000+01:00

Trinity

2011-05-01T21:24:00.000+01:00

Mirror

2011-04-29T09:28:00.001+01:00

Circles...

2011-04-29T00:22:00.000+01:00

Locked

2011-04-29T00:21:00.001+01:00

Colors...

2011-04-29T00:20:00.001+01:00

Quiet...

2011-04-27T23:46:00.001+01:00

Blue

2011-04-27T23:45:00.000+01:00

Lovely!

2011-04-27T23:44:00.002+01:00

Light

2011-04-27T23:44:00.001+01:00

Irish pub

2011-04-26T00:05:00.001+01:00

Playing

2011-04-25T23:59:00.002+01:00

Iluminati....

2011-04-25T22:36:00.002+01:00

It's not cured, yet!

2008-07-22T00:05:00.001+01:00

For my friends that say I’m getting lazy (since I’m missing my football meetings) here is the prove:

IT’S NOT CURED, YET!

Stop annoying me! :)

New office

2008-07-15T23:14:00.002+01:00

I've already told you I've a new job.

Here is the view of my office.

500 photos

2008-06-29T17:31:00.003+01:00

To celebrate 500 photos on Olhares (www.olhares.com/ralmeida23), here is one photo that reminds to ask for someone (who will born soon) to have the same passion I have for photography.

“Four, please”

2008-06-24T00:24:00.002+01:00

I’ve studying production systems for a long time!

I’ve visited hundreds of industrial companies and I’ve never saw anything like this (a unique taste!). If you don’t know (yet!) this factory, you must visit “Casa Pasteis de Belem” at Lisbon and you’ll find this picture. I've been there some weeks ago, and it is always a place to pass by.

Believe me! Taste better than it seems!

“Four, please” – that's me, asking the waiter!

New life!

2008-06-22T11:05:00.008+01:00

I’ve received messages from some friends asking for a new post. Then, I’ve realized that I’m becoming a little bit lazy for updating my blog. I shouldn’t, but that’s the truth! So, know, you might understand the first photo.

Anyway, my life has changed (a lot!) on the last 2 months, so I believe I have an honest excuse. On these last 2 months, I’ve left my job (almost 9 years as a software team developer) and started a new one as a project manager on an optical industry. I’m “chasing” a new destiny and I believe this was the best choice. For the first time (in 9 years) I’ve though on myself, on my goals and what I want to do in the next years.

So, you can now understand the 2nd photo! Like a butterfly, that starts as a caterpillar and ends on a beautiful moth, I feel I’ve left a stage to born on a new one. Of course, I will miss many things from older stages (special friends I’ve left), but I believe I’ll win.

Of course, I know this post can become a hard problem, since I’ve used a butterfly as an example!

I cannot accept that anyone of you call me a butterfly!

Amazing team

2008-04-30T23:02:00.001+01:00

Today, I’ve been at FEP University for a Team Management's presentation. These kinds of presentations are great, since it promotes students interaction and performance.

This time, I’ve had a wonderful audience! They were very helpful and work together as I never seen!

As you can see (at the photo), they are playing a game called “THE SWAMP”, which validate their capacity to work as a team and it’s always a nice exercise to begin the discussion about team’s feelings and goals.

They had a magnificent performance! I’m sure they will face easily the professional world. I hope I could help them, in any way.

Thank you, Robert!!!

2008-03-09T23:01:00.001Z

(image taken from official site: www.thecure.com)

I’ve been waiting for this moment, for so long!!!

3 months ago, I bought the ticket!
Unfortunately, I didn’t convince anyone to come with me, but I didn’t consider it as a problem. I’ve listening The Cure for so many years, that I believed I would be so “high” and should stand for 2 hours listening them, without feeling the need to speak for someone.

So, days before this concert, I’ve decided to remind some special moments. When I was 15, I usually go to beach (summer holidays), with my Sony Walkman and some tapes. Between Depeche Mode, Dire Straits, New Order, etc, I always had a tape with The Cure. I remember my favourite albuns: The Head On The Door, Standing on a beach, Disintegration.

Each of these songs I relate it with a particular moment: beach, drinks with fellows, playing cards on camping, eating hot bread and cakes at “late hours”; at a time which walkmans, tapes and LP records ruled our world. Since the moments occurred so long ago, many of my friends I don’t see from that time. So, during the concert, I’ve send some SMS for them. :)

About the concert… AMAZING!

The Cure has offered 3 hours of concert for their fans… I’ve become astonished with Robert’s energy and voice, and the entire band (specially the bass player). Around me, many people with my age, and (of course) with the same tastes!

I’ve asked someone to save my chair and went to get a beer.
The guy asked: “Which size?”. I was going to ask for a small cup, but I thought: “The hell with it! Drink for your old times!” and asked for the big cup… I mean… a bucket! ;)

And, I didn’t regret anything. It tasted like a divine wine!
I’ve dance, laugh, sang, and felt I’ve entered on the Time Machine, when they played “Just like Heaven”, “In between days”, “The walk”, “Let’s go to bed”, etc. I’ve sang each word from “Pictures of you”… and at that time, my beer has finished!

I’ve thought on getting another one… I’ve never felt so much will for another beer… but my conscience has spoken “Be careful, you need to drive you car… Police can stop you and, although you feel well, you may have problems!”.

At that time, I’ve realized that my life has really changed (ghhhhhhh) and I couldn’t risk on anything that could break that magic night.

So, I’ve remained on my place, listening one of my favorite bands (thanks, The Cure!!!) and wondering why the hell I didn’t convince anyone to go with me and drive me home!

> 300 photos

2008-03-05T18:49:00.000Z

This is one of my +300 photos at the photo site Olhares.

Hope you like it!

See more at:
www.olhares.com/ralmeida23

Carnival

2008-03-01T22:38:00.001Z

I do rather call “our Carnival” instead of “black week”…

Well, I need to explain this!

Every year, our company presents our new software version to our partners. Usually it’s on March, but this year has been some weeks earlier. At these events, we present more than 10 software presentations to almost 500 people.

I feel that I work all year to this moment, so I try to prepare him very carefully. It steals all you time (that’s a reason why my blog is becoming a “monthly report”, instead of daily, as it should be). This year, I believe my presentation done well (at least, I’ve received a positive feedback).

See the news at our site:

http://www.manufactor.pt/Portal/programs/nwwwview.aspx?stamp=23dge58dc82.1f9b.2g65.b16

But, as a Brazilian Carnival, as soon we finished this event, we are already working for the next year. Yeap... that's life!

Young man on IKEA

2008-02-05T00:11:00.000Z

This is a story I have to tell you:

Once upon a time, a young man went to IKEA to buy some furniture to his office.

Well organized, he has already prepared a buying list. He had all the product codes and he knew exactly the places to look, for avoid any time loosing. At the picking-up time, he asked for some help, to move those packages. What a surprise! A girl has came for his help! How it could be?! His buying list had 4 modules (each one with 1.90 meters height) and a TV module. All these products were extremely heavy and a girl’s help wouldn’t be, probably, the best choice!

A little bit disappointed, he decided to accept this offer and they went to IKEA’s store. As long they pass between those corridors, he was showing the buying list (in a “frighten” attitude).

But, sooner he lost the reason!
The young girl was an expert on organizing those packages, like a “Stripper” on a Strip Bar. Easily, she has shown him that carrying out those products is an art! With sweet and safety movements, she organized all the packages, leaving the barcode for the same side. “It’s for my friend, at the checkout… that way she doesn’t have to search the barcode!”. Amazing! She had everything in mind! The young man was astonished! It was the perfect service! Quick and gentle!

The easiest part was about to come: carry out those packages (on a platform with wheels) to the checkout! But, those packages were so heavy (although fantastically organized by the girl) that those wheels were becoming like squares! Moving that “thing” become a Mission Impossible.

“Never giving up!!!” – the young man though.
And he pushed that dam platform so hard, that some scratches have been done at IKEA’s floor.
The young man was “swimming” on sweat! But finally, he reached the checkout.

But, it wasn’t finished for that day! It had to be pushed to the transportation store.

Another crazy task was being made! Some weaknesses started to rule over the young man.
One of his feet has given him a cold sensation of pain (no sports for 3 or 4 days!)... He nest down for a moment… and he had an elastic strip on his foot… Curious!!! Just like mine.

So, at that moment, the young man looked in front… and I saw myself on the mirror!

A guide of “Not to do!”

2008-01-15T23:31:00.000Z

Someone has said to me that I should write some technical articles about performance. I could think about it, but the last 4 weeks, had been so frustrating! I’ve been analyzing code made by other guys and I’ve never seen so many “dirty code” (like a duck on dirty water). So, I should write an article about the things we must avoid on performance.

I wonder the best title would be…

“Things not to do for a better performance”

“You should have done this mess”

Or, even better,

“For God’s sake, keep your hand out of my server!”

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T15:03:00.000Z

Merry Christmas for everybody!

To be or not to be... a man!

2007-12-03T00:20:00.000Z

One of the weekends I’ve had for a 100% rest time was spent on Melgaço, with a terrific couple. Curiously, and as all my fellows that work with computers, we didn’t waste anytime searching a restaurant. We believe on… Internet (on PDAs).

As I was driving to Valença, one of our friends searched for a nice restaurant on his mobile phone. The device has discovered a restaurant on a place called “Val de Poldros”, which I’ve never heard before, and so my GPS! Searching for places near, we’ve decided to ride on a adventure. After some dozens of kilometers on almost desert valleys, we’ve finally reached the restaurant.

It was a typical restaurant and we were delighted with it. The girl that received us was a little bit strange. She was wearing black socks and a jeans skirt, French pronounce and some piercings of her face… and tong.

When we asked for food she smiled, like thinking: “Here they come! These guys from the city will not eat all this food.”. After some minutes we were eating like it was the last day of our lives… here is picture:

Great, hein?! Believe me, it tasted better than it seems.

Just a little portion of meat has been left. The girl has smiled and said: “For guys like you, you have eaten very well!”. It seemed we have won her respect! But, the final judgment was about to come.

She brought some Liqueurs and she said “Here you have it! We offer this drinks to our customers. The first one is for girls, the second for men and the third… for REAL men!”

Well, after such a presentation, OF COURSE, I’ve chosen the last drink. My first touch on that glass, and I almost saw Hell! Sucks! I believe it was used as alcohol for medicine matters. Here is the photo:

After some minutes, I’ve lost some lip’s sensibility! I almost drink all that horrible stuff, on an attitude of not being a weak guy… the Hell with the girl!

She should eat onions… to be a REAL girl!

I'm back!

2007-12-02T20:47:00.000Z

Dear friends,

These last weekends haven’t been very good and it has absorbed all my time.

Many things happened at the same time and I always finished my day thinking I didn’t do anything (which is not the best feeling). I face some situations like 14 tasks a day and never finished it. It sucks!

Anyway, I didn’t leave my desire for new places and photos, and will share it (to you) during the next days.

So long!

Ricardo

Desire...

2007-11-05T21:31:00.000Z

At this moment, it would be very well received...

Old woman...

2007-11-02T19:11:00.000Z

Today, I’ve taken the day off.

Since I’ve some things to do (and I had to take the car out of the garage), I’ve decided to make a quiet visit to the cemetery, since yesterday almost drove me nuts. Sometimes, I believe some people use this season to get up their conversation.

Entering the cemetery, an old woman was selling candles. Her hands were deeply “used” and I’m sure it could tell us a long story. Her hair was a black-and-white miscellaneous and some of their teeth were dark yellow.

I’ve bought two (0.70 Euros, each). Besides the entire scenario, the old woman was very nice. I’ve asked also for matches. She asked “to buy or borrow?”. How can we borrow a match?! Aren’t we use it and throw it away? Anyway, I’ve decided to buy the all box (only 0.10 Euros).

After some moments at the cemetery, I’ve decided to go home. When I was leaving, I’ve decided to give the match box to the old woman… she argues… “Why did you bought it? I could borrow it…”. Leaving her, with a smile, I’ve said to keep it for borrowing to someone else. She smiled and said it would be that way.

Five minutes after, I was driving slowly and something has wake me up: “The dam matches box I’ve bought wasn’t 100% filled up, and it had already an used match mark…”. It seems the old lady is far intelligent than I ever thought…

Lord of the rings

2007-10-29T22:48:00.000Z

Just a photo I’ve made with a work collage, on our company’s anniversary.

Hope you liked…

Finally

2007-10-27T10:34:00.000+01:00

Finally... weekend has arrived.

Trapped…

2007-10-25T23:38:00.000+01:00

… like a bird!

Dam databases!

2007-10-24T23:28:00.000+01:00

Again, many days without blogging!

But, I’ve been wasting all my time doing some analysis to “crazy” database customers! This is driving me nuts!

And… I’m noticing that… how?

Yesterday, I’ve found myself listening a CD I’ve bought at Tunisia, three years ago. With all the respect, by I’ve never thought I could listen this kind of music, so many hours. So, here is a video for you…

Cool, hein?

Echoes...

2007-10-11T23:54:00.000+01:00

Tribute for the best band ever!

(for me)

Life is a game!

2007-10-09T23:33:00.000+01:00

I've just noticed I don't update my Blog almost for a month.

Believe or not, I've been losing much time on presentations at Spain and building routines for gaining performance on SQL Server. It's been a mess!

Meanwhile, I’ve updating some of my photos on a new site.
Here is the link: http://www.olhares.com/ralmeida23

Hope you like it!

Long ride!

2007-09-13T21:58:00.000+01:00

Today, almost 700 kms by car!
I’ve been doing some presentations at Spain and I my day started at 07.00h (at company).

Tomorrow, I’m going to Azeitão (Portugal) and almost 800 kms will be required to drive, and I must leave home at 05.00h.

I should buy a plane!

Cunhal's drafts

2007-09-10T22:55:00.000+01:00

Alvaro Cunhal was one of the most emblematic Portuguese polities. Although I don’t share his ideals, I must confess I admire his persistency and strength.

I’ve been at Peniche Forth, where he was arrested for 7 years. After this period, he had run away (with other 5 prisoners) in one of the most organized escapes made at Portugal. During 7 years, he wrote many scripts and… made some drafts like these:

You’ll find more than 15 drafts like these, which make Peniche Forth’s visit a delightful journey (don't miss it... and even for just 1.45 euros).

I’ve been there… as a VIP ;)

2007-09-09T10:05:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, I’ve received a phone call saying that I had won 2 invitations for M80 Beach Party (8th September 2007).

As I told you on a previous post, this radio (M80) only allows music from 70, 80 and 90’s years.

Since I was at Guincho, this weekend, I’ve decided to accept the challenge. I really wanted to go this party (that why I've phone to them, on a radio contest), since it’s was the 3rd time they were doing this; and, I was really curious about this “event”.

So, I’ve went a little bit earlier than the hour expected, to eat something first. The restaurant of Bar do Guincho was full! The first thing they asked was: “Did you made a reservation?”. Smiling, I said to the girl I just wanted a light food and didn’t imagine everything was full like that. She replied she would find a solution, and I must confess that I loved those words… but where the hell would she find a place for 2 persons?

3 minutes later, I was seated on a nice table that the girl has (gently) asked for a 40’s couple to divide. At that moment, I looked for the room, and it was full of 30’s, 40’s and 50’s people, all them smiling, eating and “non” smoking. Although noisy (since our national team was playing), I loved the atmosphere of being on a nice restaurant, surrounded by nice people and being very well served.

After dinner, it was time to check what I’ve won. It was a double invitation for the VIP section (GREAT!), with some gifts and a free drink. As time as the party was going by, I’ve checked the difference between the non-VIP and the VIP sections: the non-VIP section was 100% full of people (you couldn’t raise your arm there). So, for a moment, I really loved that invitation.

The party was full of TV monitors, allowing us to see the videos of the music they were playing. We all had the same expressions: “My God! Long time I didn’t hear this!”. Everyone was trying to guess band names and songs. Here some of them: Duran-Duran, Nick Kershan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, etc, etc, etc.

In resume: the best (disco) party I’ve been in the last years!

Long live M80 radio!!!

FOUR

2007-09-07T23:54:00.000+01:00

Today, I’ve saw one of the best casino shows of my life.

If you have the chance to come to Estoril, you CANNOT waste the opportunity to see a show called “FOUR”, at Casino Estoril. It’s about the four elements of life (Earth, Air, Water and Fire) and it’s presented by more than 30 dancers and … real “circus” artists.

When I mean “circus”, it’s not on a bad thought. They are true artists that hang on rope or circles and fly over the audience, with “strong” music and plenty of colours. Some of them use a mixture of Yoga and gymnasium strengths to promote beautiful movements and moments.

The photo (not mine) shows the show’s image!

(don’t loose it!!!)

80's... for you!

2007-09-07T01:43:00.000+01:00

So, here are some of my favorite songs from the 80’s (some of them aren’t, but you won’t mind).

I confess that some of them I use to listen on my Sony Walkman (yep, that “brick”... that were the Ipod of that time). Some of these music remind me the time I had 15 years when, at Summer, I used to have ONLY 3 months of Summer holidays… %@#$!##$ :(

Hope you like it.

Here we go!

2007-09-05T14:16:00.000+01:00

Finally, a break for updating my blog!

I’ve already “organized the house” and I’m starting to develop 80% of my time on Microsoft ASP.NET… finally! I was preparing this moment for a long time, but I didn’t have any chance to do it. I believe I must develop for 2 or 3 months, for getting a wide vision for web project management.

So, I’m prepared to spend my time, sitting on my work’s chair… although I’d rather change for the picture’s chair! :)

Right? ;)

I'm back!

2007-08-27T00:19:00.000+01:00

Today, I’m back to work!

Sorry for the photo, but it’s my “spirit” talking… :)

1100 kms

2007-08-25T23:30:00.000+01:00

3 days journey for an 1100 kms trip (by car) passing by Lisbon, Evora, Elvas and Portalegre. Each city has beautiful monuments and I had taken more than 200 photos.

Here are some:

Just a reminder: better than these monuments, it has been the food I've ate :)

Delicious!

2007-08-24T20:00:00.000+01:00

Irresistible moments deserve some history!

Coming home...

2007-08-20T11:30:00.000+01:00

Although I love flying, I usually don’t like this image, since it reminds me I’m coming home.

Of course, it can be worst… like they did today. I’ve asked, at the airport, for a place on the emergency exit, since are the best places to lay down your legs (although you cannot bring bags with you).

The girl must have thought I was with afraid of flying and… get me at the last seat of the plane… thank you!

Machines

2007-08-18T20:44:00.000+01:00

Some dam good machines around here...

I had some lucky on renting a car, this time.
I've asked for a VW Polo, and they gave me a Opel Astra Cabriolet, for the same price!

Ironic... so hot in here (35º C) that I'm using air conditioner and leave the "Cabrio function" for another time.

Palma Maiorca

2007-08-16T20:40:00.000+01:00

At Palma Maiorca I've found one of the most beautiful churchs I've ever seen:

... where was forbidden to take photos inside... like these:

But, I couldn't resist! :)

Palma Nova

2007-08-15T13:43:00.000+01:00

A small paradise for boat's lovers...

And for fisherman...

First look...

2007-08-14T09:35:00.000+01:00

At the first look, the Hotel seems nice! :)

What do you think?

Better luck

2007-08-13T10:00:00.000+01:00

Here i go!

I’m just seeing my luggage being transported to the plain.
I wish a better luck than the last year… when it remained at my country, while I was at Greece…

Color of Money

2007-08-13T01:07:00.001+01:00

When I was 18 years old, I used to play pool almost… every day.

I became known at my class and the café right next my house, since I use to study very well my opponents before any game. Beside my parents always arguing me for not going to the café, the truth is I’ve played a lot at my 12th year. Their fear was genuine: not get into the “malicious” of game!

But, believe or not, I left my “pool times” in just one minute!

Every time I went to the café I had any guy trying to convince me playing (of course, who loses, must pay). So, I've started to become annoying with this… I couldn’t have any free time to enjoy my coffee, my time studying or my friend’s conversation).

One day, one guy has made the challenge. My reaction was: “Let’s go!”, but I wasn’t very motivated for the game, so I lost quickly. Then I realize that the guy never spoke with me again… and, finally, I had found the solution!

I've studied the 5 most ambitious players, ask them for a game and… lost every games! Relief, finally! The next year, I went to University, and time has “consumed” all my “pool times” and I’ve never played again.

Months ago, I’ve played pool and I’m a disaster… I cannot say the same final sentence Paul Newman said at the “Color of Money”!

Sending e-mails!

2007-08-10T00:06:00.000+01:00

Have you ever needed to send an e-mail message to hundreds of people?

Well, here is solution, if you work with Visual Fox Pro or our (http://www.manufactor.pt/) software, since you can run VFP code in it.

The principle is simple: you have a text file, with the e-mails you need (one for each line, for instance). The rest is VFP works! :)

See the code here (It’s fresh! I’ve just finished 5 minutes ago):

Enjoy it! Send e-mails for everyone!
(I will send 10891 e-mails tomorrow, yac, yac...)

Strange database

2007-08-09T02:38:00.000+01:00

I’ve just finished eating a Bollycao and a Yogurt.
(I rather eat peanuts and drink a beer, but… I’m only leaving my notebook now, to go to bed)

I’ve started analyzing a customer database at 09.00pm and only finished right now. I couldn’t believe what I saw: 12 GB of data and… everything was a mess!

After (almost) 6 hours, I think I’ve prepared the desired Querys to handle the problem. But I’ll only have sure tomorrow (I mean, today!), because I'm leaving my computer doing the rest…

So... see you tomorrow.

(Dear computer, sleep well and, please, check out this dam database, wishing a new and shiny technical day tomorrow)

&%£@%...

2007-08-08T19:41:00.000+01:00

Don’t worry! I’m not seeing these lamps... YET!

Every day it passes, I’m feeling more tired! I really need a break…

Technical issues don’t seem to disappear and the cellular never stops ringing… why the hell they invented this stuff? The man who did that should have ate onions all days of his life!

M80

2007-08-07T18:38:00.000+01:00

M80 is the name of a Portuguese radio that only plays music from 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! Cool!

Believe or not, I’ve found her when I’ve changed my car. I've used to hear the same radios, which were saved on my old radio. At the moment I’ve bought my car, I’ve searched the radio, for saving new (looking for the same!) radios.

I’ve stopped on M80, where I didn’t listen too much publicity and where I've found great music, from “my time” (geee… I’m getting old!). So, if you live at Oporto, just search for 89.5 Mhz radio station and get connected to the best radio at the moment!

For example, this week, I’ve heard musics like these:

Time bandits (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6yfQezxDHc)
Jim Diamond (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4A4UnFi2C8)

And, with some luck, you could hear something like these:

Scotch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV33C2LYt2g)
Eurythmics (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYOA-vlrDQk)
Alan Parson’s Project (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUHKJ5n_SMw)

Faith

2007-08-06T00:17:00.000+01:00

Praying for better moments...

Filling up strengths!

2007-08-03T22:24:00.000+01:00

After a week like this, I need to “fill up” my strengths!

I’ve 2 days of intensive workout (getting up at 6 a.m., to at the office by 7 a.m.) and at Thursday I’ve made almost 800 kilometers by car. Believe or not, this “killed” (completely) my rhythm.

At last, weekend has arrived and I ask for the same good weather (33º C) we have had today, to enjoy some swimming-pool or a fantastic moment at beach.

One thing is sure: I won’t turn on my laptop! :)

See you, Monday.

New website

2007-08-02T07:50:00.000+01:00

Our new website has been released!

Check it out! :)

www.manufactor.pt

1st prize!

2007-07-18T22:18:00.000+01:00

Good news: I won the 1st prize on a photo contest!

This contest has been made at the event "Arte Fora do Sitio", at Matosinhos, last month.

I believe I won behind 2 conditions: only one photographer (me!) OR they lost all the CDs received and mine has been left on the jury’s desk ;)

I’ve sent 12 photos and this (I’m showing) was one of them… hope you like it! "Taste so good..."

Next season

2007-07-17T23:54:00.000+01:00

Here is my number for my next football season!

This time, our teams decided to buy some T-shirts!
Everyone has decided which name the other should have. In a world of names like “President”, “I’m hungry”, “Me Jaime”, “Handicap”, Levesinho”, “Kiko”, “Joker”, “Mingus”, “Bedeta”, etc… I guess I had some lucky on my name :)

See you!

Lesson for adults?

2007-07-16T21:45:00.001+01:00

Faith isn’t (only) for adults!

I’ve taken this photo at Fatima’s church, where a kid seems to give a lesson for everybody.

What would be his thoughts, at that moment…?

Updated photos

2007-07-15T22:57:00.000+01:00

Just finished updating some new photos on Shutterpoint!

Hope you like! Here is the link:

http://www.shutterpoint.com/Photos-BrowseUser.cfm?user_id=RALMEIDA&sort=3d&mode=f&type=U

Have a nice week!

Friday 13rd

2007-07-13T13:59:00.000+01:00

This photo has been taken last month, to a young magician, at Matosinhos. At that time, he showed us how to make money disappear right in front of our eyes. That was unbelievable!

On this day, Friday 13rd, what would be unbelievable it would be my 1st prize on EuroMilhões! (just a thought… trying to make God listen me)

Happy ending

2007-07-11T20:30:00.000+01:00

First day of work, right after vacations, and I’ve an event to participate.

I’ve doing public presentations for more than 6 years, but I always have a special care with it. I never use an executable that has not been tested, to guarantee I won’t have any problem. Even so, I do a complete test before any presentation.

This time (don’t ask me why!), I’ve decided to “pick up” the new executable (that is in quality control, this week). I don’t remember the last time I did this (probably, 5 years ago!).

1 hour before my presentation, I’ve decided to make my last simulation and there he was! A BUG on our planning system! *£&%%”@. I become astonished! I didn’t had any chance to get a good EXE on time!

Therefore, we muest face it: Life is always a mystery and a continuously challenge! I had to make my present with that DAM executable, “running” away from that problem.

At the end, everything has been done well, and I’ve learned (again!) a lesson: "never use an untested executable on anything! You might get some troubles…”.

Well, after a lesson learned… let’s see “Shrek, the Third”.

8 hours

2007-07-09T12:24:00.000+01:00

I arrived to the airport at 18.00h (even found the people from REN boarding). When they asked about my flight, I just said that was predicated to 19:25h… I’ve never imagine what was going to happen!

After some minutes waiting, I’ve heard my name (and some others) on the sound system. I went to the check-in again and received the “fantastic” information that my flight had been canceled. The next flight would be at 00.25h.

So, I bought a book! After all, I need to reduce (anyway) the stress I would win, waiting for 6 hours. I almost finished my book, because the new flight has been delayed… again… for 4 times… 01:10h… 01:50h… 02:15h… 02:50h… and (don’t ask me why!)… 02.15h.

I’ve reached Oporto at 04.30h…

(Thank you, very much, for the people who have canceled my first flight)

Porto Moniz... and so on!

2007-07-08T14:28:00.000+01:00

Porto Moniz is located at the North of Madeira Island.
It has some natural pools, like these ones:

It also has an Aquarium… small, but beautiful...

I also got “stucked” on a traditional party… and I didn’t resist on eating their specialties:

It was almost 14.30h and I had to be at the airport at 18:00.

The only way to get it on time was to drive through the mountains. Here are some photos of what I saw (I stopped dozens of times):

My route

2007-07-08T11:45:00.000+01:00

I've decided to rent a car... I should rent a horse!
(The car is so bad, almost with 120.000 kms and I cannot pass the 50 kms/hour)

Anyway, I’ve prepared a route, for myself.

Here are some “stoppages”:

Câmara de Lobos:

Cabo Girão:

Ribeira Brava:

Jardim Tropical

2007-07-07T20:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday has been reserved for a walk on “Jardim Tropical Monte Palace” (Tropical Garden)!

It has 70.000 m2 and is full of exotic plants of all over the world.

I’ve taken 104 photos at this garden… so here are some of them:

The goal

2007-07-06T14:15:00.000+01:00

Well, the Day has come!

I had just finished “hanging on” my Poster on the board!

Believe or not, he resumes my MSC thesis (almost 2 years of work). Looking at him, I’m proud of the work that has been done, but it seems so… reducer!... 2 years of work on a A0 poster.

For those who don't remember my thesis work, here is the abstract:

Market evolution has been characterized for a deep growth of "make-to-order" business models since specialization of the customer needs are more and more required. This source, associated to an uncertain demand, compels companies to evaluate and afect its resources constantly (giving up the traditional MRP systems) and to decide for planning techniques that include management capacity restrictions.

Some ERP systems in the market were studied based on some defined criteria and they all presented some gaps in the analysis of repercussions (basic situation for companies working with more than one variable when calculating their capacity) and when helping in the decision process for quotation requests' incomplete (in " make-to-order" business models ", it is common to supply the full description of the materials' list and of the production routes just after the negotiation process).

During this work a new system for the development of an innovative model of capacities is introduced, with a high level of integration and degree of "nervousness" (subject to any change of its capacity variables), in order to provide the manager with a set of different "views" from its productive capacity. This system should allow, in few steps and only in one screen, a complete visualization of the productive capacity, according to some parameters, and to perform a set of actions.

People are reaching the poster’s hall...

Wish me luck!

First dinner

2007-07-05T23:50:00.000+01:00

One of the major things of being on an international conference is the possibility to meet people!

The conference staff has organized a great dinner on this place:

With the traditional dances:

And with the traditional making of "Bolo do caco":

At this dinner, I've met 2 teachers from Coimbra University and some people from REN. It has been a nice meeting, since we discussed some “mixed” topics (photography, Bologne process, graduation adventures and, of course, our expectations about the conference).

Well, for me and people from REN, it seems we are a little bit nervous, since our “presentations” will be tomorrow.

Wish us luck!

5 stars...

2007-07-05T12:00:00.000+01:00

I’ve just arrived to Madeira for an international conference.

I’ll be staying at CS Madeira Hotel, a five star building, which holds the conference. The first impression is great! It’s a modern hotel, with plenty of facilities. At the check-in desk, they gave me the 943º room… let’s see what I get!

Entering the room, I’ve become very happy with what I saw. The same “modern look” is present inside the room. Here are some photos:

But the best surprise was about to come… as I open the window…

Well… judge for yourself:

I think can live with that! :)

The fat kids

2007-06-25T14:18:00.001+01:00

Believe or not, but there is a legend on Portugal about 2 fat kids, that travel all Europe and become famous. Nothing very special, but they were fat and everyone laugh about that! The boy needed to dress like a girl, since there weren’t any trousers for him (yep; like the “Elephant size”).

So, what is needed to be famous?
(I’m counting with amazing answers… eh, eh)

Motivated and... connected!

2007-06-22T18:21:00.000+01:00

Well... almost 2 weeks without blogging!

I wanted to do this earlier, but I’m not having any free time. Usually, I work on my blog at lunch time (since we have 1,5 hours for it). At the last 2 weeks, I’ve using my half of my lunch time for… work!

So, here is a resume:

- I’ve made 930 kilometers with my car (first weekend);
- Done all the catalogs and software news release;
- I’ve been on a photography contest last weekend;
- I’ve “launched” our new software version this week;

So, I saw my life like a…

To finish the week, I’m (right now!) at an event at Aveiro.

I’ve done my presentation at the beginning of the afternoon. At this moment, we have one of our best partners doing our software presentation… Gosh! They work so fast with our software!

That's the best motivation I can get!

Good sign

2007-06-08T14:02:00.000+01:00

In a world with (some cruel) people, that never give anything (a kiss, a hug or even a word), is always surprising when we see a different attitude.

On a small village, I’ve discovered a dressing house, which has this sign. It says “We give little cats”!

Strange… I’m used to see “We SELL little cats”… There are (some) good people, after all!

Brazilian taste

2007-06-07T20:00:00.000+01:00

One of the best Brazilian restaurants I know.

Good people, nice drinks, great music and food…

… I’ll let you give any opinion :)

2 in a row

2007-06-06T13:48:00.000+01:00

Two events for today!

I always need to enter the room, as soon as possible. I like to test my presentation, “feel” the room and imagine the next 20 minutes.

So quite… let’s wait for the audience!

Coke helps...

2007-06-04T16:02:00.000+01:00

First day of the week, and started with a trip to Lisbon. This week, I’ll have 3 public presentations.

At this moment, I’m waiting for my turn. Armando (you can check out his blog) has just started his session. He’s a natural communicator, since he has a tremendous ability to turn complex concepts on easy and funny examples. It is always a pleasure to listen him.

So, here it goes… my turn!

An hour after...

Well, done it for today!
I'm waiting the train on this beautiful station (that reminds great times at Expo 98):

At the same time, heat is killing me! It seems temperature it's over than 30º and I'm wearing a suite. At least, I’ll find air conditioner on the train… Coke is helping!

See you!

Judge!

2007-06-03T20:47:00.000+01:00

This Saturday, we had a great dinner at Gaia, with some friends.

Believe or not, the main discussion was about a dam hole created on my bedroom's wall, by those guys that changed my furniture. I’ve said that it has “two fingers” and everyone laugh, since my wife said it was one third of the measure I was saying.

So, here is the promised photo. You can be our judge!

So long...

2007-05-29T19:00:00.000+01:00

Saying goodbye to an old friend (9 years and 235.000 kms) is always a difficult task, but I can handle it. Good luck, friend!

Anyway, I think I had a new and better friendship ;)

Wondering...

2007-05-23T23:17:00.000+01:00

Waiting for another weekend...

With food like these...

Champions

2007-05-21T00:10:00.000+01:00

Difficult... but CHAMPIONS!