I am fond of puzzles. I enjoy having something fun and entertaining to do during boring clas... during my free time. I even had a week about some of my favorites here in this blog.

So, as a puzzle enthusiast, it is my duty to let all of you know when I discover a new puzzle to waste my neurons on. Here is my short review of Hidato (based on the puzzle book I own, by Dr. Gyora Benedek):

Concept:
Complete the sequence of numbers, which must be adjacent either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Difficulty: C
The puzzles don't really seem to get much harder as you progress in difficulty. And there is a small number of tactics to learn (as opposed to Sudoku and Kakuro, which have tons of tactics). The puzzles remain somewhat easy and only get bigger as the "difficulty" goes up.
Entertainment Value: B
It's fun to follow the sequence around.
Benefit: C
If you're learning how to count from one to one hundred, then this is the puzzle for you. Otherwise, your mind won't really gain much from it.
Replay Value: A
The fact that it doesn't take too much time too solve makes you feel like you need to solve many more to feel satisfied. I usually solve about five in a row.
Overall:B
Fun, but not challenging enough for those who have done a lot of Kakuro and Sudoku.

For more information, check out www.hidato.com.

Posted by Fernando Torre at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

No, I'm not doing anything illegal. I am taking a class called Introduction to Computer Security. It's not a topic that I enjoy very much or that I'm good at, but I believe it's essential in order to be a good programmer.

As part of my first homework, I had to attack a badly written version control system in order to gain access to a shell (that interface to your computer that is just a command line) as root (which means I get top privileges and can modify the system even if I was not allowed to initially).

The most interesting exploit to do was a buffer overflow. It was also the toughest. Basically, what this type of attack tries to do is store a very long piece of code into a section in memory that has a smaller size than that of the code's length. When the computer tries to store that very long piece of code, since it doesn't fit, it ends up overwriting other sections of memory. The fun part is that with this type of attack you can make the victim code jump to your own code and execute whatever you want. It's tricky, but it's possible.

After I was done with this assignment, I at least realized that I don't have zero security skills. Looks like the class is being worth it!

Posted by Fernando Torre at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have registered to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) this December. I'm taking Level 4, the easiest level (I'm still not that good).

Recently, I've been making many Japanese friends and getting more involved with the Japanese community in general. I've taken Japanese tutoring, hosted a Japanese student, sometimes visit the Japanese service at the church I attend, and started attending events of the Japanese student association at my university.

All of this has gotten me excited and re-energized to continue my study of the language. And so, my first challenge is to pass this JLPT test. If I do good this year, I'll take the next level (Level 3) next year. I only hope I can find time to study for the test in the midst of my TA, RA, and wonderful classes. Let's see how it goes! Gambarimasu! (I'll do my best!)

Posted by Fernando Torre at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I've taken many wonderful classes as a graduate student. Even when they meant a lot of work, I enjoyed them and really got a lot from them. This is not the case with one of my classes this semester. I am taking a nightmare called Machine Learning.

I've seen many of the topics discussed in this class before in classes like Pattern Recognition. But this class manages to make all of that impossible to understand. Take a lot of probability and statistics, add in some complicated linear algebra and make up many weird mathematical symbols and then expect the students to be experts in these areas and you get Machine Learning. The lecture slides are basically equation after equation. A void is created in my heart every time I enter this classroom.

I am currently working on our first punishment (a.k.a homework). And this blog post is the result of my shaken mind. Please forgive my rants.

Posted by Fernando Torre at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

As a blogger, one of the questions I ask myself more often is, "Who is reading my blog?". Google Analytics gives me some idea of where visitors come from, but it's just not enough for me. So please, take a moment to let me know you're reading. Leave a comment below or join my blog network on Facebook. I really enjoy getting to know my readers!

Posted by Fernando Torre at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

In honor of Talk like a Pirate Day, Facebook has put up a new translation of their site called English (Pirate). Be sure to try it out! Some of my favorite translations are:

Friends = Me Hearties
See my Videos = Spy Me Bewitched Portraits
Logout = Abandon Ship
X friend requests = X sorry louts think they're yer mates!

Posted by Fernando Torre at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

There is one phenomenon out there in the web that I don't clearly understand. It happens mainly in blogs or content-sharing sites where people can comment. I've seen many sites plagued by this.

People race to be the first to comment on a post or video with the very thoughtful comment "First comment". That is all they write. Sometimes, they might even just leave it at "first".

I just have to wonder, what is the point? Comments are supposed to contribute to the discussion. These types of irrelevant comments don't really say anything. Except maybe the fact that the commenter is either in the third grade or has no other way of feeding his ego.

What then is so satisfying about being the first to comment, regardless of the quality of the comment?

Posted by Fernando Torre at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Does technology make us more efficient or lazier?

I don't think there's supposed to be a simple answer to this question. I believe that most of the time technology works as an aid that really does makes us more efficient. But sometimes, we learn to rely just a little too much on technology.

When I worked as an intern at IBM, the men's restroom had a button that opened the entrance door automatically. This was of course here for people who had trouble opening doors. But everybody used it. Everybody. Was it so hard to open the door with their hands?

I am thankful for having hands that can open doors. That's why I never used the button to enter the restrooms.

When do you think we go too far on relying on technology to do our tasks for us?

Posted by Fernando Torre at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

One year ago today, I wrote my first post for this blog, titled I Think I'm Addicted to Google Reader. Since then I have written 165 blog posts (166 if you count this one) and have received more than 6000 visits.

When I started this blog I wanted to see if I was going to be able to keep a blog which was in English (not my first language) and which was updated frequently. I believe I have met both goals.

Now, what goals should I have for my second year of blogging? Drawing more comic strips? More themed weeks? More deep, long, thoughtful posts? More posts about grad school? Funnier posts? What do you think I should aim for?

Posted by Fernando Torre at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Try playing this super hard game for a few minutes. If you somehow manage to beat it (hint: burn the rope), you'll get to enjoy an awesome ending song. It would make a fun ring tone. Enjoy!

Posted by Fernando Torre at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)