tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16141282063468479212024-03-12T23:39:07.056-03:00Everybody Needs Somebody SometimesSomething To Always Remember...Kagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-60002049290094834292011-01-15T19:52:00.003-04:002011-01-15T22:56:13.119-04:00The Secret To Changing The WorldHaven't <span style="font-style:italic;">you</span> always wanted to change the world? Well why don't you? Allow me to elaborate.<br /><br />As kids, I'm pretty sure every one of us had one of those projects that wanted us to 'talk about what and how we could change the world for the better' - and I'm pretty sure 90% of us gave some long winded response that we would want world peace and that we would end wars and what not. Well, now as adults, we have discovered that it's <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> not that easy - is it? Well perhaps world peace is out of our reach, but heck, anyone can change the world, but I think we look past that much too often.<br /><br />You're probably all scratching your heads, thinking "What is this quack talking about?" But really, it's so easy that I think we don't regard it as anything worth while. Now, I'm not looking to preach, but I do want to point this out - not because I'm better than anyone else, but because I've decided that this is something I strive to do from now on, and I want to share it. I suppose I should actually say what I'm getting at, and stop beating around the bush - and before I start losing readers. <br /><br />So the 'secret' to changing the world? It can be as simple as a smile at some stranger across the street. And that's the honest to God's truth. Say hello to someone on the street, take interest in something or someone who you never thought was worth your time. Teach someone something new, read a book to a kid.<br /><br />And now I'm sure people are looking at this post, and are about to scrap it,and go to the next blog - but I'm not talking out of my ass - I'm actually serious. Think about it, perhaps your smile could cause someone to have a good day, which in turn they will pass on. Even if they don't, you still changed the little piece of the world that's around you. At least I think that's how we should look at it.<br /><br />Now I'm sure you're asking yourself what struck me on the head to think this and write it out, and really, it's simple. I have a good friend, and apparently, teaching her how to cook changed how she feels about herself, for the better of course. Now, she's happily sharing this knowledge with other people by feeding them good, home made food :) To me, that's something to be proud of, because I feel like I changed the world just a little bit - but maybe that's just me, and maybe my ideas are skewed, but really, if you think about it, it's nice to think that maybe the nice things we do for one another really does put a dent in how the world spins - though I guess we'll never know!<br /><br />Food for thought <3<br /><br />A bientot!<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-50957075631098666462011-01-10T12:49:00.004-04:002011-01-10T13:19:16.360-04:00After Two Years... It's About Time For An UpdateHoly Wow - I can't believe that I haven't written in here for over 2 years! Actually, I can. And I know that I have thought about updating this thing, and never got around to it - so that's my own fault. <br /><br />You know, as a kid, your parents are always telling you how life just flies by and you think they are insane - there is no way that time flies when it seems like the days last forever, and the time on the clock only refers to the times you wake up or are supposed to be in bed. And on the odd occasion, to watch something on TV - because it's your favourite show. Other than that, you just can't wait to grow up, and you can't wait to start your life. Live on your own, make your own decisions, no more curfew, and all that. It's not really until you're finished post secondary and have your own kids that you realize that your parents weren't crazy and that life really does fly by in the blink of an eye! Just another kick in the butt... parents are almost always right XD<br /><br />So that being said, It's almost been 2 years since my little Sephora has been here, and I'll tell you, nothing in my life has flown by as fast as watching her grow up! It's something that you don't really think about when they are first born, but I'll say, after the first 3 months, someone hits the fast forward on life, and I doubt that is ever going to turn off now. Oh well, that's alright, I'm learning something new everyday with her, and just watching her learn and seeing how smart she is is mind boggling! People really underestimate children - they are a lot smarter than people allow them to be. I also don't think it has anything to do with certain children being 'gifted' - but how they are raised. I keep the TV off in the mornings, we read, put puzzles together, sing songs, and now that she's a little older, we'll start making crafts. At 20 months, she can say certain words in English, and Spanish (thanks to Dora the Explorer) - not too bad for a toddler. I plan to have her learning some Italian too, and of course, French is part of her future, so long as she is in school in Canada, or so I hope. I'm not sure how the Western Provinces fair with French, but I hope it's better than worse. Either way, back on topic, children are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, and I plan to be one of the people that prove that.<br /><br />Does it ever feel nice to speak my mind in this blog again! It's been way too long. Now that Sephora is older, I have a little more time to myself when she's playing on her own (which is always a riot to watch! It's amazing how she understands herself - I wish I could understand her more!), I can write a little more often on here. I have a whole post set out in my mind, but I think I'll save that one for another day :) I think all I said here is an ear full, and I know I'll be back more often now, so I might as well save my thoughts for then :)<br /><br />A Bientot!<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-29130579152965010562008-12-01T16:05:00.002-04:002008-12-01T16:07:02.328-04:00-Baby Bubbles-Well, I think, that as of exactly 4:00pm this afternoon, I have officially felt the baby move inside me! I'm not sure if it was the way I was sitting or what, but it felt different. More different than anything I ever felt before! So that's my best guess. What an exciting feeling! I can't wait! Only 155 more days, or 23 more weeks :D<br /><br />A Bientot!<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-39146972453689070732008-11-20T17:26:00.002-04:002008-11-20T17:44:42.276-04:00With Arms Wide OpenWell, if you haven't seen the Widget or been informed by the all knowing Facebook, then here it is. Josh and I will be having a little bundle of joy in the very near future. That's right! We are due on the 5th of May, and very excited :D <br /><br />I'll have to say, the first few weeks were tough, it was hard to believe, but now, it's just a way of life :) I really can't wait to meet the little bugger who is going to be beating me up from the inside for the next 6 ish months. A cool feeling to be honest, very cool, and for that, I'm really grateful that I'm a girl :) Something wonderful to experience for the next few months, then a little wonder that we get to take care of :) It's going to be wonderful!<br /><br />Anyways, I'm hoping to have time in the next few months to keep this blog updated with my little wonder growing inside me. It's going to be quite the story book :)<br /><br />Up to date, I have had 3 doctor's appointments so far, and one ultrasound, which was pretty cool... it looked like a little alien, and it even waved :) Pretty cool. I'm looking forward to the next ultrasound at 20 weeks, that's going to be awesome! It's going to look more like a person I think, and less like an alien. *crosses fingers for all to be well* Yesterday we listened to it's heart beat and that was pretty awesome too. It wouldn't sit still long enough, at first, to get the beats per minute down, do that made me laugh pretty hard... which didn't help the doctor ^_^; Still pretty awesome.<br /><br />So... Here begins the journey of the rest of our lives, so we're going to bulk up, hang tight and take life as it comes. I love the adventure!<br /><br />Back with more updates again soon!<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-74002907971283665682008-06-17T14:20:00.002-03:002008-06-17T14:23:38.126-03:00I want to change the world<div><div class="goalentry"><p>There is something about changing the world that has always intrigued me, even as a child. I hope one day, something I do will change the world, even if it is only one person at a time. I hope I can make a change for a better tomorrow.</p></div><div class="goalprogresslink">See more progress on: <a href="http://www.43things.com/people/progress/KagomeAkimomo?on=10873969">change the world</a></div></div>Kagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-37171697682638437592008-04-30T18:52:00.002-03:002008-04-30T19:48:30.637-03:00"I Am NOT That Student!"You know one of the things that drives me up a hill, over the bend and into a tailspin of displeasure? Teachers that feel that all students are lazy, not motivated, and for lack of a better word, drones. <br /><br />I seriously take offense to that, and continue to disagree and fight to prove that stereotype wrong. I can't see why, for a few students 'acting out' that all students would have the title of 'slackers'. I've taught before, grade 4s to be exact, and I'll tell you now, I had 2 little hellions, well at least when they were together. They were both given previous titles, such as 'ADHD' or 'other behavior issues', (which is another topic which I this is used incorrectly and could go on and on about, but won't, at least not here.) and I think it may have gone to those poor kids heads, almost like a mini ego that has been encouraged. Whatever it may be, I dealt with the two of them in the best manner that I knew possible, and by the end of the year, I had managed to gain some of their respect, which I find a big accomplishment. That aside though, in no way did I treat the rest of the class as mischief makers. Not in the least. So if someone can gain 4th graders respect, then why not post secondary students too? Maybe they aren't prepared for it, maybe they aren't in sync with themselves, it's hard to say. I was once told that it's because the teachers who have been around that long have been in so many words, 'jaded'. I don't think that this should be an excuse. Look at it this way, just because you fell off your bike, 5, 6, 7 or even more times, doesn't mean that you should never ride your bike again. It means that you look back at the cuts, scars, bruises and bumps, when you can finally bike down the street, and say, "Look at how I got here, I made it." I think that's the way it should be. Not looking at the 'lazy' ones and make <span style="font-style:italic;">them</span> decide how your career is going to go, but you do let them influence how to be better next time. Again, with the bike analogy, if you sit on the bike backwards and fall off, and don't learn from your mistakes, then you don't learn. You can't fix your mistakes and make yourself better next time, and that's how we get 'jaded' or 'hardened' so quickly. Maybe sometimes teachers forget that they are still human (despite what we all thought in elementary school), and they can still learn and be taught, especially by students, and I think they forget that. Well, not so much that they can learn, because they all attend PD events, but who knows, maybe they don't actually take anything away, I'm not sure, I'm not a teacher, so I can't judge them. However, I can, and have the right, to demand that they work on realizing that all students are not the same, and that there are many more that want to learn than don't.<br /><br />As I think more about PD, I sometime reflect back to when I attended my local church's youth group, and the one or two weekend retreats I took. Professional Development is a lot like that. Let me explain though...<br />When a someone goes to a religious retreat, they get together will all sorts of other people who have the same beliefs and thoughts that you do. You listen to music, and pray and readings and that and by the time the weekend is done, you're completely stoked, ready to hit the world and take everyone on. Then, after about a week or two of coming back into reality, most people give up, and go back to how they were at the beginning, falling into their old pattern of methodologies and what not. I think this may be the same thing with PD. Some teachers come back stoked, but lose the flame quickly, but others keep the flame going. These teachers that do so are the ones that students adore and enjoy, as well as the ones that end up with nominations.<br /><br />I guess that's just my take on things, as a student. I think that teachers should be more open and caring to their students, and they would see that their students are more than happy to do what they have to and get their work done, leading to a very happy environment that benefits both students and teachers. I would also like to mention that this spiel isn't aimed all teachers, because that would be hypocritical of me. I'm just trying to point out my opinion on how things could be so much easier for everyone if everyone just took the time... though I know that's asking a lot. Again, this is just my opinion as a student, and I felt it was worth giving out. Hopefully it ends up being somewhat insightful, and less of a rant. :)<br /><br />A bientot!<br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-39391246475493150022008-04-28T12:40:00.006-03:002008-04-29T22:58:47.371-03:00Dalhousie Pre-Workshop Thoughts - Student LearningOn Wednesday and Thursday of this week (April 30, May 1), I'll be attending the Dalhousie conference about student learning. I was asked to write up a my thoughts and reasoning for going prior to attending this event.<br /><br />I feel that, as a student attending this kind of conference, I might be able to take away from it, the reasons teachers teach as they do, and perhaps, put in some input with a student's perspective as it is about student learning. Because each teacher has their own teaching style, and each student had their own learning style, it is important to talk about it. I feel as a student, I might be able to take away more understanding of the teaching methods and how to perhaps make it better, and easier to learn from.<br /><br />As well as personal learning from this experience, I think that this conference will come in to good use while preparing the BUSI2750 (Intro to Business for IT Professionals) online course, as well as putting together the Women Unlimited Workshop. As a contributor to both these activities, I feel that it would help me be more productive as I will be more informed on successful and innovative teaching ideas and styles.<br /><br />All in all, I'm really looking forward to the next 2 days, and plan on giving back to my peers with the same enthusiasm as the speakers over the span of this conference.<br /><br />A bientot!<br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-16354747556545201242008-04-25T23:26:00.005-03:002008-04-26T00:04:15.023-03:00-Been Far Away For Far Too Long-Sometimes, I look at my life, and see some crazy soap opera.... and it's nuts, you know? I look at my family life, my friend life, my work life, my school life, and the times I spend myself, thinking really hard.... They all leave me feeling like I'm living a dream. Something that would be portrayed on the opposite side of a mirror. I guess growing up, even a few years ago, I never really thought too hard into this... then this thing hit me, something called self-realization. One day out of the blue, I started reading into myself, which I guess now, is what leads me to write in here, and with no school to take up my days, I have lots of time to think, feel and write.<br /><br />Let me reflect back on the comment about the soap opera. The more I think about it, the more I feel like my life is being filmed for someone, so they can get their fill of drama. Let me just give you the basics so you can see where I'm coming from. All of my [immediate] family either lives overseas (Italy) or is scattered all over North America, with the greatest density in Ontario. Everyone is pretty much close together with everyone but us. We are the only ones in Nova Scotia, and I guess that no matter where we have lived, it's pretty much been us, and just us all alone. Social rejects, if you will. I don't really understand the whole story, but I get the idea that part of it (on my dad's side) is the cultural barrier (on my mom's side). I could be wrong, so don't quote me. Either way, no matter what the reason, we really never kept in close contact with my dad's side, other than my grandmother and aunt, who I have always had some sort of a special bond with. Sometimes, I come to believe that I'm her 're-incarnation' though that wouldn't work because she is still alive... but you know what I mean, separated (by time and space) Siamese twins, it's kinda cool and eerie at the same time, to think that someone hears you and knows things about you, and you didn't even talk about them before. Anyways, back on topic... I guess that most of the issues happened before my time, and I may never really understand them, but this is where we are. My aunt lives in the west coast, Oregon, my grandmother and her husband live in Toronto, and my grandfather and his wife, well I'm not really sure where they are, Florida maybe... I don't know, the last time I saw him was at least 3 years ago, if not more... I'm not sure how fond of us he [they] are. My grandmother and father have finally, somewhat ended the feud between them, but who knows how long that will last. My aunt simply lives a life apart from any of us (my family - mom, dad, brother and sisters), and has a lot going on, and I can appreciate that, because that is life. <br />On the other hand, my mom's family is just simply too far away, and I guess that's just as sad. We visited them over the winter break, and it was a nice feeling to know that we had so much family near by, basically within walking distance. No matter though, there is still something that makes me feel like we are just intruding, and are really more a bother than it's worth to them. Like a reject, or like something is missing. I guess it's just the style of life that's different, who knows though.<br /><br />Anyway, I guess I should try to make a point here... <br /><br />I guess what I'm trying to say, in a nutshell, is that sometimes I wish I could have everyone all in one place. I have friends that have most or all of their family so close by, and they just take it for granted... and I guess sometimes, I'm kinda jealous. Maybe all the events that have happened is what scares me when I think about losing my family [mom, dad, brother and sisters] as I get older. I observe other people's families, and see how everyone just seems to drift apart, and I don't want that to happen to me too... I guess in some ways, I need them, and maybe, they need me too, but who knows.<br /><br />I guess that the only time I'll get my wish is whenever it's my turn to walk down that isle... the day that will be the start of my own family, which is another scary thought, for another long night.<br /><br />A bientot<br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-2582332885541760562008-04-24T07:46:00.005-03:002008-04-24T08:02:29.467-03:00-There's Nothing Left, We're Just A Shadow Of What We Used To Be--There's Nothing Left, We're Just a Shadow Of What We Used To Be-<br /> -Simple Plan<br /><br />I think that this has to be one of my most favorite lyrics, from my favorite band. Before you start giving me funny looks, read the words in the lyrics, one by one. Now, doesn't that strike you as relevant in some way, shape or form, right in your own life? Think about it... it's about change, it about growing apart, but there is still something there, just like a shadow. I guess it's kinda morbid, but I find it kind of comforting that I'm not the only one that has felt like this... they just put it in words. Now, if you read the rest of the lyrics, you'll find out that the song, Holding On, is about not losing the relationship, and all the memories keep them 'holding on'. Now, before anyone starts barking up my tree, I want to make it clear that this <span style="font-weight:bold;">isn't</span> the way I feel about my relationship at all. More so, my friendships, and the people I have left behind, moving or otherwise. I also look at any of my friends and family that have been divorced, especially my boyfriend's, because I have so many questions to ask. The most common that I ask is; "How can they talk about each other, with out hurting inside?" I don't know, all I know is that those people will always be part of their memories... like a shadow. That also goes for their kids and the people around them, they remember and feel the shadows too. I don't know, sometimes I wonder about things that have no relevance to me, and I think about them too hard. <br /><br />Either way, I guess it's something for people to think about, to be sure that life is lived to the fullest. Make sure that all ends are tied, and that you aren't missing out in anything in life, including not making 'shadows' of the people that mean a lot to you, now, and that will always be in your memories, no matter what.<br /><br />A bientot<br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-35984982872566448662008-04-23T22:36:00.002-03:002008-04-23T22:55:44.832-03:00-Live Like You Were Dying-This year has been pretty terrible for young deaths. Everyone knows of the kids that vanished and were found, dead later. But then, there are also the deaths that no one really hears about, except the family and friends of that person. Just today, my mother was telling me about our church's secretary, and her painful loss. He son died a few days ago, died of a heart attack in his sleep. He was only 31. That had me starting to think... I'm only 11 years younger than he is, and he still had his life ahead of him, and was getting married in a few months time. It's really a scary thought. That also got me thinking about the people that I care for around me, and their safety. It worries me, to get a phone call about my parents, my boyfriend, or any of either of our families or really, anyone that we are close to. I thought about what we are all so prone to, how the rate of sickness and diseases have increased so rapidly, and wonder if this is a place I would want my own children to grow up and live in. Really though, it's quite a plateful that we'll have to deal with later on.<br /><br />I thought about everyone that means a lot to me, and it was a painful thought, but I thought of what I would do if I lost them. It would be painful to go on without them because they all have a very important roll in my life, and the lives around them.<br /><br />Unfortunately, and maybe this sounds mean and cold-hearted, but I think we brought all this pain and suffering upon us. From what we have done to the Earth, to what we do to ourselves, whether that is eating poorly, or drinking, or smoking (including hard drugs)...I think it's hard to say that we deserve anything less... I'm not saying, by any means, that I'm better than anyone, because I do all the same things as any average person. However, I do also think about the future, and what may very well happen, well, what is bound to happen someday. It scares me, like any other 20 year old, the unknown is a scary place.<br /><br />I guess the answer is really just to life like it was your last day. In some ways, I guess I do too. For 20, I've done quite a bit, and for the little accomplishments I have succeeded in, I am quite proud. I just hope that people slow down every once in a while, and just be grateful for what you do have, and not think about what you don't. Who knows, it may be your last day tomorrow too. Don't you want to live the fullest?<br /><br />A bientot.<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-66927856078280827092008-04-17T07:31:00.003-03:002008-04-17T08:08:13.766-03:00-Pre-Workshop Success-So, about a week ago, Chris and I had a mini, pre-workshop with about 10 of the ladies from women unlimited, and it was a blast!<br /><br />Now, from my perspective, and having a lack of female interaction this year, in a way, these few hours were a little overwhelming but comforting all at the same time. Before I get to that though, let me tell you a little bit about what the workshop was about...<br /><br />Let's go back a bit to get the whole picture here... so, about 2 months ago, Chris was approached with (another) teaching opportunity by Lynn MacKinlay of the program Women Unlimited (Just some background on Women Unlimited... This is a program dedicated to women who have completed high school or the equivalent, and never got a chance to get to get a real career. This program focuses on careers that aren't traditional to women, mostly the trades and technology.). Of course, Chris jumped right into the idea, and asked me to come along for the ride, and I also agreed with high hopes and complete enthusiasm. And our journey started there. Anyways, back to the meat of the story, Lynn came in one day and mentioned that she realized that there were a few women with very limited computer skill, if any at all. This is when the 'pre-workshop' idea was conceived. We decided on April 9th, and it would last about 5 hours.<br /><br />Now that you know what was going on, let's get back to the story.<br /><br />My day started at about 9 ish, and as I walked into the school, I saw, by chance, the group of ladies that would soon be the group I'd be teaching. This totally got me stoked! Normally, when I know I have to be teaching or standing up in front of people, I get the jitters, but I was just totally on fire! I also had a presentation earlier that morning in one of my classes, but I was totally excited and wasn't nervous for that either. So, after a little bit of a wait, and a SAAD (System Analysis and Design) presentation which went well, it was off to Chris' office to get everything worked out and ready.<br /><br />Eleven o'clock, and the 10 ladies start trickling in, and that's when I started to get nervous. Unlike most times, this time, I took a deep breath and did what I had to do, and it was a blast! These ladies had a lot of energy and lots of spunk, and that alone kept me on my toes. The only 'spunk' I'm used to hearing are the crazy cracks the guys like to make. Now, before I get in trouble, I'm not in anyway putting the guys down, because I have a blast with them, but it's kind of nice to feel a whole lot of 'estrogen' in the room, and get some 'girlie' back into you.<br /><br />I think my favorite part of the day was lunch (the food was awesome, but that wasn't the reason, lol), because I got a real feel for what these ladies were like. For a good part of the lunch break, down in the Women Unlimited classroom, I just sat and listened to what the ladies had to say, most to each other, but they took me in like one of their own in no time. We all talked and carried on and had an awesome time. They all had such interesting stories, and their lives have been all pretty hard, which made me feel pretty lucky for having what I have. Even though they had all had it rough, the were probably some of the nicest people that you could have met. They really had a good grasp about what a 'bad time' was and knew how to smile at the good times. They really taught me something that day, always be thankful for what you have, and strive and work hard for the things that you don't.<br /><br />I seriously can't wait until May to host the actual workshop! It's going to be a blast! Wish me luck!<br /><br />A Bientot!Kagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-49798429854279201632008-03-25T19:17:00.023-03:002008-04-01T17:43:27.353-03:00Confab - The Socialy Responsible*ACK! Sorry for this taking so long... I got that horrible flu like thing that's been going around, and I have been just out of it for the past week, so let me get this started asap ^^;*<br /><br />*EDIT: Sorry for all the spelling errors >_< I can't believe I posted so many of them! They are all corrected now. Sorry again!*<br /><br />First of all... <br /><br />Confab: n. A casual talk; short for confabulation.<br /><br />And that is basically what I'm going to do here in this blog entry, discuss the workshop that Chris, Lee and I went to a week ago at Saint Mary's University.<br /><br />So here is my take of our day... in a rather large nutshell...<br /><br />Well, as 'our' day started last Tuesday, 'my' experience started about two weeks prior, just before March Break. I'll tell you, I jumped on the opportunity to do something new and different, and not only did I jumped the opportunity, I pretty much knocked it over and drug it along with me. I so stoked, I hoped that March Break would end so that Tuesday would come faster, and I'll tell you, it didn't come near fast enough! So, now that I splurged on that one, I'll start on my take of the actual day.<br /><br />So, not only did Tuesday not come fast enough, when it did come, our transportation didn't... of course, right? When you really want something, and are totally anticipating it, it never seems to come, just like that pot on the stove. Anyways, we finally got there, just as registration was finishing up, and everyone was heading into the auditorium to listen to our first speakers. Perfect timing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z41hu_N25_JQEvMnNcSiG2OC_MSTkR36XqHZedeGNXQ7rnuYOscmrAzMOqMZ-dM7bHS7_xTYrkoZtuzZvOoVvTQ87pqJAUqOG_hsU734h7_2OjTaW198mu-tjVry_Wy-p81UN1NjOwk/s1600-h/justuscoffee.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:10 0 0px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z41hu_N25_JQEvMnNcSiG2OC_MSTkR36XqHZedeGNXQ7rnuYOscmrAzMOqMZ-dM7bHS7_xTYrkoZtuzZvOoVvTQ87pqJAUqOG_hsU734h7_2OjTaW198mu-tjVry_Wy-p81UN1NjOwk/s320/justuscoffee.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183205505546750786" /></a>Our first presentation was delivered by Jeff and Debora Moore from Just Us! coffee. They discussed their business of free trade coffees and recently expanded to other beverages and sweets. Before I expand here, I just want to clear up free trade. Fair trade is a set of standards so that producers were treated identically, for both the workers, the environment and the people. In other words, when you buy a free trade product, you know that everything that was implemented in producing it for purchase was done in an honest and fair manner, to everyone, from the labourer to the workers who, in this case, brews the coffee and puts it in your cup. Another point I found quite interesting is that when they started this, they never really planned on becoming a business so to speak. They just wanted to do something with coffee and fair trade. I think that their success as a business just goes to show that good people (that being honest and fair people), can be just as successful and just as well recognized as any other company, but not only that, they are also look highly upon, and thought of as role models for anyone and everyone. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yklrgqF87UlPWfQuLv_HMWTbilOCP1R2-SH3NcSEOg5S8mgcxgRjTCeIBDjxS3QPI7jDcyP4T7OF95jwHYwCspPocyz0lilS6KoQPMG9d95ob744Cz5wxut2yXtnRKqBWUvSsPPU-JA/s1600-h/rbc_logo.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 0px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yklrgqF87UlPWfQuLv_HMWTbilOCP1R2-SH3NcSEOg5S8mgcxgRjTCeIBDjxS3QPI7jDcyP4T7OF95jwHYwCspPocyz0lilS6KoQPMG9d95ob744Cz5wxut2yXtnRKqBWUvSsPPU-JA/s320/rbc_logo.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183205724590082898" /></a>Our next speaker, Lynn Patterson, who is with the Royal Bank of Canada, came in to talk about being socially responsible as a company. Personally, I had a bit of trouble relating directly to her topic, but I definitely learned some interesting tidbits about companies, banks and some of what goes on behind the scenes in relation to being socially responsible. What I found to be the most interesting in her speech was the Socially Responsible Investments (SRI), what they were and how they were analysed. I also didn't realize that investments made to certain companies, that include, but aren't limited to, tobacco, alcohol and pornography were all investments that were actually frowned upon by other companies and banks, and cause SRI ratings to drop. Specifically speaking, the example that Lynn provided us with was with the Rain forest Action Network, and CITI banks. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH66lHcBWlF3AJPX7bS57IXMaVUX4nqxu0bjg1l-2vGuAB_yye0eGDlZ-XzEjUXv4B0-0Jk1XQ5ZRvk_ksXMlAq2eBNsKGqZH1XhAi_SXxu7cYD5OGYdux9BR9wkvy4jN99W4DuRHitlk/s1600-h/citi.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH66lHcBWlF3AJPX7bS57IXMaVUX4nqxu0bjg1l-2vGuAB_yye0eGDlZ-XzEjUXv4B0-0Jk1XQ5ZRvk_ksXMlAq2eBNsKGqZH1XhAi_SXxu7cYD5OGYdux9BR9wkvy4jN99W4DuRHitlk/s200/citi.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183189695772134194" /></a> The goal of the Rain forest Action Network (www.ran.org) is to attempt to save the environment by deteriorating banks and other stakeholders to put their money into non green companies. The example Lynn gave us with CITI banks, were pretty hard core. The campaigns were to get CITI banks as well as the Bank of America to stop contributing to the investment of coal mining, because of it's dirty nature, and how its burning is not healthy for the environment. However, as extreme as they were though, they were all non-violent, and legal. The other thing that I felt I could relate to was when Lynn mentioned how consumers don't just trust anyone with their money, however, they do trust the person "over the counter" who they hand their money to... kind of like what I do at Sobeys. Another cool point I took to is that people are starting to take charge and have an opinion on what is right and what is wrong, such as what investments companies should be making, and if they should support companions that invest in those 'taboo' companies. It's kind of impressive to see that more and more people are starting to see that caring for the environment and the people who work for little pay, because it really is up to us to look at this and try and fix it. We are the 'developed' countries, and in my opinion, it is up to us to try and help as much as we can. To demonstrate how RBC is contributing to the 'right causes', Lynn explained the RBC Bluewater fund (www.rbc.com/bluewater), as well as their methods of reducing waste including some of these factors; reducing paper energy by offering online statements and bills rather than on paper, working on getting to the point of having 'paperless' offices, as well as not offering bottled water at meetings (where applicable, due to different standards in countries for filtering water). Pretty impressive really, because looking at this, makes me kind of 'proud' in a sense to call RBC, 'My Bank'.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ebPW-1UhEd1_QK4xFUBnP2s4vLhweKTYQUpk6IWEfAvkt8TR4mBTXjkqst26p1BFXaAPjm3jE6-G4fJ9nWWV9eUtrUkLXPNpjQRVN6D-s0-Jkrao_s3EeI0M2Fc0WJKn9V15jpeJsZY/s1600-h/logo-etruscan.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 0px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ebPW-1UhEd1_QK4xFUBnP2s4vLhweKTYQUpk6IWEfAvkt8TR4mBTXjkqst26p1BFXaAPjm3jE6-G4fJ9nWWV9eUtrUkLXPNpjQRVN6D-s0-Jkrao_s3EeI0M2Fc0WJKn9V15jpeJsZY/s320/logo-etruscan.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183205909273676642" /></a>Our next session was the breakout secession which was given to us by the CEO of Etruscan, Gerry McConnell. Etruscan is a mining company that is based right here in Nova Scotia. As we were told, Etruscan had a very humble beginning, so humble in fact, that this is the first time in 20 years that they have been getting any real profit from their mining expeditions. With Etruscan, doing the right thing wasn't something they were pressured to do, nor was it a requirement, they just felt that they realized that if their workers were happy, they actually enjoyed their work, and did a better job. This turned into helping out the communities by making not only the workers lives better, but the women and the children who lived in that community. This included projects like building school, getting wells brought closer so that children, particularly the girls, could also attend school, and building medical centres for the villages. Personally, I can see how this would make the people feel, how it really makes them feel as though they deserve this as much as anyone else does. It's also nice to see that a local business is able to lend a hand where it's needed, out in the third world. There was also a hand lent from the Dartmouth Rotary, another local organization, for all the building. But again, it's nice to see people in our own community working on making sure that just because we use the resources, we make sure to treat everyone with equal respect.<br /><br />The final speech was the Keynote given by Mickey McDonald. He was the former owner of DownEast Mobile. His beginnings were really humble, and his mother was his greatest idol, which is really nice to see. His talk was really about how money really doesn't equal success, and how to treat your competition, but most importantly, if you really want it and you work for it, you are going to get it. Basically, his talk was about some important notes, that everyone should have as part of their morals. So I'll basically quote him here, just in point form, because really, the elaboration is right in the points, and like I said, should really be part of every person's moral;<br /><br />1. Attitude is an important factor of your personal success<br /><br />2. You learn more when you listen then when you talk<br /><br />3. Treating customers with the respect that they deserve<br /><br />4. Be sure to be honest with you customers.<br /><br />5. Know when to hold them, and know when to fold them. Playing your cards right is important.<br /><br />6. Customers trust the people 'behind the counter' because they wouldn't hand their hard earned money to anyone, especially someone they don't trust.<br /><br />7. Always promote your company, never look back.<br /><br />8. Know how to deal with your competition, know how to push their buttons, in the most polite way(s) possible.<br /><br />9. Always give back to community what you took out from it. This will make your business successful beyond compare.<br /><br />So there we are, an awesome day, full of awesome people, and it took all this time to post, which again, I'm really sorry about. I'm totally happy that I got this opportunity to go and hear what all these successful people had to say. It's also nice to know that there are still people in the world that do care about the things most of us don't think about everyday. Anyways, I hope I get another opportunity like this again soon because I really did learn a whole lot!<br /><br />A bientot!<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-57365635943452067932007-12-11T15:21:00.000-04:002007-12-11T17:31:52.658-04:00-Getting H'er Done-Okay, so here we go....<br /><br />*This install follows the specs that Chris asked for on his Final Semester Project. I'm just doing this so that I can get my thought out on 'paper' because right now, they are really jumbled.*<br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><em><strong>Unattended Install of Windows XP Professional w/SP2 for Virtual PC:<br /></strong></em><br />1. To start, we're going to put the original Windows XP CD .iso into the virtual drive. This is going to load and bring you up a "Welcome Screen" that askes you a bunch of questions. Feel free to just hit exit on the bottom left hand corner. We won't be using this.<br /><br />2. Next, you're going to open you C drive and you're going to make a new folder. I called mine XPCD, so I'd remember what it was.<br /><br />3. Now, you're going to go back to 'My Computer' and look for your D drive. This should still have your CD in it. If not, then just re-mount it.<br /><br />4. Here is the important part, you're going to right click on the icon that looks like a box with a CD on the side, and you're going to <strong>right click </strong>it and then click <strong>Explore.</strong><br /><br /><strong>*IMPORTANT* Be sure to right click it and click Explore. Double clicking the icon will cause it to open, asking you if you want to Upgrade or install Windows over top of the current verion. If this happens, just click the 'X' on the top of the window and quit.</strong><br /><br />5. Now that you can see the contents of the CD, you're going to select them all, either by highlighting them with your mouse, or by selecting Crtl + A.<br /><br />6. Next, you're going to copy them over to the new folder you made in your C drive. It'll take a few minutes, so take a breather because you're gonna need it.<br /><br />7. Now that that's all done copying over, you're going to find the executable <em>setupmgr.exe. </em> To do this, you're going to go into the copy of the XP you just finished, and you're going to open the folder. Now inside the folder, the one I named XPCD, you're going to locate the SUPPORT file folder and open it. <br /><br />8. Inside this folder, there is another folder, TOOLS. Open that.<br /><br />9. Within this folder, there is a .CAB file called DEPLOY.CAB. Its icon will look like one for a zipped file. Double click that to open it.<br /><br />10. Inside this .CAB file, you will see the <em>setupmgr.exe</em>. Right click the icon, and copy it. Paste it to the desk top.<br /><br />11. Next, you're going to close all the windows you have opened, and you're going to double click on the <em>setupmgr.exe</em> that you just pasted to your desktop. One of those wonderful Wizards are going to pop up, so just answer to its prompts with the following information:<br /> * The first screen that comes up is going to be the screen that tell you what this wonderful wizard does. If this is your first time, you may want to read it. if not, then just click the next button.<br /> * Next question it's going to ask you is what you'd like to do, we're going to choose is "Create New".<br /> * Next question it's going to ask is what type of install you are looking to preform. We're going to choose "Unattened Install".<br /> * Next, it's going to ask you for what Operating System you want to create this install for, so we're going to select Windows XP Professional.<br /> * Next, it's going to come up with some more options on the type of interation you want to have with the computer. We're going to use "Fully Automated"<br /> * Next question, it's going to ask you how you want this to be preformed. We're going to tell it to "Set up from CD".<br /> * Lastly, you're going to have to agree to the EULA. Just check the little box on the left and click 'Next'.<br /><br />12. Now that that's all chosen, you're going to have to go through and input the all the information that is required, when prompted:<br /> * First, it's going to ask for your name. Use you're full (real) name. I used mine, Rebecca Bullock.<br /> * Next, it's going to ask you for your Organization. For reasons of this project, I put in NSCC, but it could be anything that relates to what you're doing. After that's selected, click 'Next'<br /> * Next, it's going to ask you about colours and the screen. For these settings, set <em>Colours: Use Windows Default,</em> <em>Screen Area: 1024 x768</em> and <em>Refresh frequency: 85hz</em>. Click 'Next'.<br /> * Change your time zone to one that is relevant to you. Mine is set to <em>Time Zone: (GMT -4:00) Atlantic Time (Canada).</em> Click 'Next'.<br /><em> * </em>It's now going to ask you for a valid product key. Enter that and then click 'Next'.<br /> * The next thing is the computer's name. For the sake of this project, I used my last name, Bullock. Click 'Next'<br /> * The next requirement is the Administrator password. Make sure it's something that you'll remember. Along with this password, you're going to ask it to encrypt it for you. To do this, check off the little box, and keep going. Doing this will encrypt you password in your answer file. Click 'Next'<br /> * Next setting is the Network components. Just add the 'typical' settings (default) and continue on by clicking 'Next'.<br /> * Next is the Workgroup and Domain settings. I did this a little differently then most of the people I talked to for this project. I didn't add the domain for the install, but after the fact. So, for argument's sake, we're going to do it that way so as not to confuse anyone, including myself. So, when is prompt comes up, select the 'Workgroup' option, and enter a workgroup if it applies to you. For this project, we were asked to use <em>OSYSFP</em>.<br /> * For this step, we're going to skip some of the prompts and go straight to Regional Settings. I used the 'Customize' Option and clicked on the 'Custom' button on the right hand side of the window. I chose <em>English (Canada)</em> for all 3 prompts.<br /> * Lastly for this Wizard are the Languages. For that, I chose <em>Western Europe and the United States</em> option.<br /> * So that concludes the Wizard, so just click the finish button. This will open a text file called Unattended.txt. This is your answer file.<br /><br />13. This is the fun part now of the entire pre-installation process. We're going to go through the answer file to add and remove components that are speculated in the project sheet. Before we can do this though, we need a resource that has all the options that can be put into the answer key. This is when the ref.chm file comes in handy. This file is found in the same location as the <em>setupmgr.exe</em> was, SUPPORT/TOOLS/DEPLOY.CAB/ref.chm.<br /><br />14. So here we go....<br /> * In [Data] : AutoPartition=1, MsDosInitiated="0" UnattendedInstall="Yes"<br /> * In [Unattended]: UnattendMode=FullUnattended, OemSkipEula=Yes, OemPreinstall=No,<br /> TargetPath=\WINDOWS, Repartition=Yes, WaitForReboot=No, KeyboardLayout=Us, AutoActivate=Yes, UnattendSwitch=Yes, DUDisable=No<br /> * In [GuiUnatteneded]: AdminPassword=aad3b435b51404eeaad3b435b51404eea1037b20cfffdb32cca461d7898dea8d, EncryptedAdminPassword=Yes, OEMSkipRegional=1, TimeZone=50, OemSkipWelcome=1<br /> * In [UserData]: ProductKey=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX, FullName="Rebecca Bullock", OrgName="NSCC", ComputerName=Bullock<br /> * In [Display]: Xresolution=1024, YResolution=768, Vrefresh=85<br /> * In [TapiLocation]: CountryCode=107<br /> * In [RegionalSetting]: LanguageGroup=1, SystemLocale=00001009, UserLocale=00001009, InputLocale=1009:00000409<br /> * In [Identification]: JoinWorkgroup=OSYSFP<br /> * In [Networking]: InstallDefaultComponents=Yes<br /> * In [NetAdapters]: Adapter1=params.Adapter1<br /> * In [params.Adapter1]: INFID=*<br /> * In [NetClients]: MS_MSClient=params.MS_MSClient<br /> * In [NetServices]: MS_SERVER=params.MS_SERVER<br /> * In [NetProtocols]: MS_TCPIP=params.MS_TCPIP<br /> * In [params.MS_TCPIP]: DNS=Yes, UseDomainNameDevolution=No, EnableLMHosts=Yes, AdapterSections=params.MS_TCPIP.Adapter1<br /> * In [params.MS_TCPIP.Adapter1]: SpecificTo=Adapter1, DHCP=Yes, WINS=No, NetBIOSOptions=0<br /> * In [Components]: Freecell = Off, Hearts = Off, Minesweeper = Off, Msnexplr = Off, Pinball = Off, Solitaire = Off, Spider = Off, Zonegames = Off, Iis_common = On<br /> * In [StartupOptions]: ScreenResolutionCheck = 0<br /><br /><strong>*IMPORTANT* Some of the options that are listed here may already be defaults when you first open the answer file. If not, then just add them in.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />15. So, now that that is completed, you are going to check it over and then you are going to save it as Winnt.sif file. To do this, go to 'File' and 'Save As' , change the name and suffix from Unattended.txt to Winnt.sif and make sure that before you save it, you chose the option of 'All Files' underneath where you write the file name is.<br /><br /><strong>*IMPORTANT* If you don't chose the 'All Files' choice, the file will save as Winnt.sif.txt and won't be useable.</strong><br /><br />16. Now here is the important part that makes the regular install CD a super, unattended install CD. You're going to take the file that you just created (Winnt.sif), and copy and paste it into the i386 file folder in the copy of the CD that you made, XPCD. <br /><br />17. Now, you are going to take this wonderful mess of folders and re-compile it into an .iso file. We're going to use nLite for this.<br /><br />18. With nLite, you're going to start it up and basically follow the prompts.<br /> * You're going to start by chosing the language you want to work with. English is the default, so just click 'Next'.<br /> * Now, you're going to browse for your folder, XPCD and select it. Click 'Next' and let it check it over then click 'Next'.<br /> * Skip over the next part by clicking 'Next'.<br /> * Next, the task selection. You're simply going to chose 'Bootable CD' and click 'Next'.<br /> * Now you're going to name your CD and click 'Create ISO'. Then there is a bit of a wait.<br /> * Once it's finished creating the .iso file, save it to an external location and click finish.<br /><br />19. Now that that's all done, it's time to mount it. So, we are going to start off by creating a new virtual PC (this can be found on my older post on how to install xubuntu on Virtual PC).<br /><br />20. So once the new version of Virtual PC is created, you're going to mount your new boot disk, and voilà! The installation will start and complete on its own.<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Hopefully that comes into use for someone :) Good Luck!<br /><br />à bientot!Kagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-1059723487844886462007-11-29T14:47:00.000-04:002007-11-29T15:10:43.760-04:00-Rough And Tough-Sometimes, blogs are just nice to have to splat any random stuff that's floating around in your brain, so here is my blah blah, random as anything, but hopefully, meaningful in some sense by the end of this.<br /><br />I don't know if it's because I'm young and lack knowledge of the real world, or perhaps because I was brought up being told that there are limits to what someone can do, I'm not sure, but sometimes, especially when I'm stressed, I get to thinking that because I'm a girl that I'm less competent to be competing with the ranks of people in school, for IT. Deep down inside, I know that this isn't the case, but there are times when I just feel pressured to throw in the towel, and run and hide. I wonder if that's one of the reasons that people, especially girls, feel that they shouldn't be in the IT industry. I know, from day to day experience, that my personality and composure leads people to target me for some humor, which, normally, doesn't bother me, but it's those odd-ball days when I just feel overwhelmed and below everyone else that I just lose confidence. For example, right now, I'm stuck on one question, and no matter how much work I do to get it done, I just can't seem to put 2 and 2 together. Maybe it's stress, or maybe it's the fact that theory isn't really my strenght. I'm not sure, but I just feel so unaccomplished because I know that this is a really important part of the subject, and I really need to do it, but I just keep having this random mental block... even after I get it explained to me over and over again. I know that I can do this, and I will do it... lol I'm just stressed over nothing.<br /><br />Back to teasing though, I guess that sometimes, it makes me feel less of an adult... I mean I could come in everyday, make-up on, hair done up, and whatever, and I tried that during the first month and a bit of school, in hopes to feel older, but it just wasn't me, so I stopped. So my composure is how it is, and I don't want to change. This is me, and I have always been this way. I have never wanted to follow the status quo, I have never looked like a 'model' I have never done what I was told... well, let me re-phrase that one, when I was told to do this, I did that, but I also that the oposite because I wanted to know why not to do it in the first place. I was one of those kids that when mommy and daddy told me that I could do anything I wanted when I got older, I took their word for it, and nothing was going to change that, especially when I got older and started working towards things that my parents told me were not worth my time because I couldn't do it. I want to learn. If there is one thing in this life that I want to accomplish, it's to try and live through as many experiences as possible so that I can have a rounded persective on life as a whole. I want to be able to know how people feel, and help them if they need it. I guess in short, I need to be needed. This is why I wanted to take on this 'Test Drive' task. I want women who wish to go into IT know that even though it's tough, if you love it, it's worth every single hardship and misconseption that the world thinks, because it's your dream and no one can take that away from you. <br /><br />Now, I guess people can think that I'm hard-headed, and that's fine. In my opinion, it's my detemination that keeps me going, and keeps my eye on the prize. I know that I can do anything that I put my mind and hard work into, and I also think that everyone should have this outlook on life, because if they did, I bet there would be more Einsteins' and Newtons. We all have potential, it's just if you want to believe that you have it and if you want to reach out and take it.<br /><br />Anyways, now that I babeled for a while, I'm feeling better and stronger. Here's to the end of the year!<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-33398876124849454772007-11-24T01:30:00.000-04:002007-11-27T18:11:21.325-04:00-Defeating The Odds-Okay, I'll try to explain this one in a nutshell... I took some time to learn how to install a distribution of Linux, xubuntu, on my virtual PC for Operating Systems.<br />So, here is my tutorial on how to properly install xubuntu in a virtual environment:<br /><br /><em><strong>Installing xubuntu in Virtual PC:<br /></strong></em><br />1. Start off with a new virtual machine<br />- open virtual PC<br />- when the dialog box appears, select 'new'<br />- a wizard will pop up<br />- when prompted, click the option to created a new Virtual PC<br /><br /><strong>+IMPORTANT+ Make sure that you choose the location for your virtual PC, or else it will save it in the default of the 'My Documents' folder. </strong><br /><br /><em><strong>Creating A New Virtual PC:<br /></strong></em><br />* Now, you have to choose the name and directory of your new Virtual PC, (to keep confusion down, I chose to call my Virtual PC xubuntu box).<br />* Next prompt if for your operating system type, choose 'Other'<br />* Next, change your RAM, I used 200MB, but you can use more than that, but no less.<br />* Next prompt will ask you if you wish to use virtual hard drive space that you have already created, or to create a new one, select 'A new virtual hard disk'<br />* This next prompt will give you a preset file name that uses the same name that you chose up above for the name of your Virtual PC, just leave it as it is (but be sure that it is saving to the right place, in the same drive and directory as the rest of your Virtual PC).<br />* You have now created your new Virtual PC, click 'Finish'<br />* Your new Virtual PC will now show up in your console.<br /><br />2. Now, you have to download the ISO file from http://www.xubuntu.org/get , pick the Dapper Drake version for the United States and on proceeding page, select the version for PC (Intel x86).<br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>+IMPORTANT+ Be sure you choose the 'ALTERNATE INSTALL' This will give you options you will use later.<br /></strong><br />A prompt will come up asking you if you wish to save the following file;<br /><em></em><br /><em>xubuntu-6.06.1-alternate-i386<br /><br /></em><em></em>Save this file to a location on your host computer in a folder (I called mine ../Disk Images/xubuntu).<br /><br />3. Once this file is saved and fully downloaded, it's time to start your install. Start up your newly created Virtual PC. Your virtual computer will start up with a blank screen. You are now going to want to mount your disk image. To do so, you go up to the menu bar, click CD>Capture ISO>Select the file you put your xubuntu ISO>xubuntu-6.06.1-alternate-i386 and click OK. This has now loaded xubuntu onto your Virtual PC. For the ISO to take effect, you have to restart your Virtual PC. You can do this by either hitting the right ALT + DEL buttons, or going to the menu bar Action>ALT + CTRL + DEL or Action>Reset.<br /><br />4. The xubuntu CD should start up, and you'll see a menu screen with options on how to install xubuntu. Before any installation can take place, hit the F4 key on your keyboard and change the video mode to 800 x 600 x 16.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>+IMPORTANT+ This must be done for the successful install of xubuntu. Virtual PC has a very limited video output, so changing the resolution makes it easier for Virtual PC to handle the xubuntu environment. If the resolution isn't changed, the GUI will be distorted.<br /></strong><br />5. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, select the 'Install xubuntu using text mode' as the method of installation.<br /><br />6. As xubuntu 'unpacks' and begins installing, you will be prompted with questions.<br />- Language Setting (I chose english which is the default setting)<br />- Country Setting (I chose Canada)<br />- Keyboard Setting (I chose US which is the default setting)<br />- Host Name (I used xubuntu)<br /><br />7. Next, the install will ask you about partition.<br />Partition>new partion>erase entire disk<br />It will as you to confirm this, select yes to confirm your partition format plan.<br /><br />8. You'll be prompted with more questions.<br />- Time Zone (I chose Atlantic)<br />- Time UTC -> Yes<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>+IMPORTANT+ You should write your username and password down somewhere, so as not to forget what you used.<br /></strong><br />- Owner (you'll be prompted for the name of the owner, I entered my name)<br />- Username (I used kagome (no caps can be used))<br />- Password (Enter and re-enter a password (mine had no caps)<br />- Video Modes - 800 x 600 and 640 x 480 (there are other options, but I only chose those 2 to be safe.)<br /><br />*After this step, it will be a while while everything installs... my suggestion, go get a snack and work on something else for a while and just let it run.*<br /><br />9. Once the install is complete, reset your virtual PC with one of the methods you used earlier.<br /><br />10. This part is quick, and may take a few times to get it. As your Virtual PC is loading up, the "GRUB" screen will appear (similar to the MS-DOS screen in Windows), as soon as you see this screen appear, hit the ESC key on your keyboard. This will put xubuntu back into text mode, bypassing the loading of the GUI.<br /><br /><strong>+IMPORTANT+ Now that you are using the command line, it is important to know that command line is very case sensitive, so follow the next few steps very carefully.</strong><br /><br />11. Once in text mode, you will be prompted to login by entering your username and password that you entered earler.<br /><br />12. Now that you're logged on, there are a few more video options that need to be tweaked. To do this, you have to modify the xorg.conf flies using the following commands;<br />- first, you are going to create a backup in case of any issues -> sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf<br />- next, we’re going to edit the settings, -> sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf -> press W+CTRL, when prompted, type in DefaultDepth and press enter.<br />- This will bring you to a screen that has options for the default depth (video settings) -> hover the cursor over the default depth which is ‘24’ -> ‘24’ to ‘16’ (this changes the video depth so that Virtual PC can display it properly).<br /><br />13. Now, overwrite your changes using CTRL + O (writeout) and press enter to confirm<br /><br />14. Type in CTRL + X to exit the editing controls<br /><br />15. Finally, type in sudo reboot to reset your system. Once it reboots, you should see the GUI where it asks for your username, and then your password. Enter those, and voila, you’ve now installed xubuntu on Virtual PC.Kagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-26056836981456907382007-11-05T23:29:00.000-04:002007-11-05T23:42:05.631-04:00-I Want To Change The World-Well, it's been about a week since my test drive experience, and really, it was awesome.<br /><br />I guess that all my life (the 19 years that I've been around for) all I really wanted to do was make a difference, make the world a better place. Somewhere for everyone, where no one is judged on the physical. Perhaps that's just a fantasy, and maybe I'm crazy. It's up to you, on what you think. I think that the world would be a much better place if everyone would work together, help each other and gave the same amount of respect to others as they expect back. Pretty simple, uh? Well, if it's so easy, then why can't everyone take the time out of their lives to help someone or do something nice for someone they don't even know? I can't say that I'm perfect at this either, because there are days when I don't want to have anything to do with anyone, and I just want to be left alone. <br /><br />Anyways, back to what I was saying... It's been a long week, and I have learned a lot, and had a lot of things to do... all of which I'm totally stoked to do, especially because I feel like I've changed the world in someway, even if it is only little. I realize now that there are people in the world who care about me, and love me for who I am, and they are proud of my accomplishments, as I should be. I think it was the fact that after I suggested the Male/Female test drivers that I realized that I really can make a difference, even if it only starts in one person's life, because one person is always better than none. Perhaps part of what let me see this is all the praise I recieved, and wasn't ever even expecting it. I just wanted to do something right, and I know that if it were me, I wouldn't last too long in that field, especially since the field is so male dominated.<br /><br />So, not only do I feel like I changed the 'world' for the better, I also realize that from here on in, I'll have to stick it out there and get my kudos, just like anyone else. <br /><br />Anyways, it's late and I'm tired. So night to all. Updates again soon.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1614128206346847921.post-83519435270201825292007-11-05T07:57:00.001-04:002007-11-05T08:02:41.611-04:00-Feels Like The First Time-Well, Here is my first post to my newest blog. Just wanted to give it a good start. Nothing special this time around. I'm kinda hoping that this is going to be my vent spot for everything, both good and bad.... maybe get into the swing of doing this, and when I have something on my mind, I'll just spat it down here.<br />Just some plans for this blog, I'm hoping to make this blog one that I put all my experiences down into, so I can look back on it, and learn from my mistakes and other experiences.<br />So.... here goes, can't wait to start. Wish me luck!<br /><br /><3<br />RebeccaKagomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01706687220654527203noreply@blogger.com0