Jorge Cortell blog

Trips

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 01:50:28 +0000

Here are my upcoming trips and speaking engagements (your can see my previous trips and lectures below). Bold = confirmed; otherwise = tentative: 2026 29-09/05-10/26, Cambridge, MA (USA), Business trip 13-16/10/26, Mexico City, Monterrey (Mexico), Business trip 16-19/10/26, Bogota (Colombia), Business trip 20-24/10/26, Valencia (Spain), Business trip to give a talk at VDS 25/10-01/11/26, Marseille, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon (France), Personal trip invited to a Rhône river cruise through the Provence.

A week in Tokyo

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:00:24 +0200

In October my wife and I spent a week in Tokyo.

Invited to the inaugural sailing of Oceania Vista

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:24 +0200

This past weekend we were invited to cruise Oceania’s new ship Vista, out of New York.

MIT's Delta v Demo Day and Crimson Jam

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 05:00:24 +0200

On Friday I was invited to attend Delta v Demo Day at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium , and then spent the rest of the evening at the Crimson Jam.

Maps exhibition in Harvard library

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:24 +0200

I finally found time to visit the exhibition ‘From Academieland to Zelda - Mapping the Fictional and Imaginary’ at Harvard’s Pusey Library.

More Museums: ICA, MFA, ISGM, and HMNH

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:00:24 +0200

Taking advantage of the excellent weather, I’ve been visiting some museums lately: Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Afternoon break at the HBS Dean's House

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:00:24 +0200

August 16th I was invited for an afternoon break at the Harvard Business School Dean’s House.

Visiting the Harvard Art Museums

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 05:00:24 +0200

I can’t believe it’s taken this long, but we finally went to the Harvard Art Museums, and I must say they are absolutely amazing!

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard: family and book festival

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 05:00:24 +0200

Since my wife’s family has a house there, we spent the weekend in Martha’s Vineyard and attended the book festival.

My appointment to the Advisory Board of Lysando

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 05:00:24 +0200

While maintaining my full-time role at Harvard Innovation Labs, I am delighted to announce my appointment to the Advisory Board of Lysando world leader in antimicrobial protein development.

Hosting the NextGen accelerator for students from HBCU and several African countries

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:00:24 +0200

In partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and AWS Startups, at the Harvard iLabs we hosted (special mention to Leo’s organizational efforts) the inaugural NextGen Accelerator, a two-week founder bootcamp for early-stage student founders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and universities in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania).

Sailing with a Biotech crew

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 05:00:24 +0200

A fun day at sea, sailing Greg Erman’s Dharma around the Boston Harbor area (and by Aquapalooza) with friends.

Teaching my first Workshop for Harvard students

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:00:24 +0200

July 12th marks the first day that I’ve delivered a workshop for Harvard iLab members - Summer Workshop #2: B2B Partnerships/Selling w/Jorge

A weekend in San Francisco

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:00:24 +0200

I asked my daughter, where do you want to go to this weekend? She said San Francisco, so… there we went!

Fun team-building day at Tree Top Adventures

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 05:00:24 +0200

Monkeying around is fun. Particularly when it’s with your colleagues as part of your job.

Organizing two events for UBS at Harvard

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 05:00:24 +0200

I was asked to organize two events for Swiss investment bank UBS in Harvard: the NextGen23 Young Successors Community Event – Scientific Innovation in Harvard June 6-7, and the 10th Industry Leaders Network: Innovation in Healthcare June 8-9.

A culinary weekend in NY

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 05:00:24 +0200

As my wife had too much work to catch up with, my daughter and I decided to go to New York for a culinary weekend. Let’s see how many times I say “delicious” in this post.

Nominating speakers for TEDxBoston AI + Future of Healthcare

Mon, 15 May 2023 05:00:24 +0200

I was asked to attend and nominate speakers for the TEDxBoston AI + Future of Healthcare. I nominated 3 of my student teams (Ana-Maria, Mariam, and Amber) who did great on stage. The surprise came when I attended: I met my mentor from decades ago.

PorchFest and Mass Hole Donuts

Sat, 13 May 2023 05:00:24 +0200

On Sunday we experienced two of the most special things the nearby Somerville has: PorchFest and Mass Hole Donuts.

Judging MIT demo day and exploring GEN-AI for HBS

Thu, 11 May 2023 05:00:24 +0200

On May 11th I was invited to judge Demo Day at MIT, and later I attended a workshop on generative AI and case method teaching at Harvard Business School.

President's Innovation Challenge 2023

Wed, 03 May 2023 05:00:24 +0200

The great annual event of the iLab, the President’s Innovation Challenge (where I was invited to be a judge), took place May 3rd and it was awesome.

CIC Japan event and iLabs Alumni dinner

Tue, 02 May 2023 05:00:24 +0200

May 2nd I attended two events: Venture Cafe’s ‘Charting the Future of Japanese Innovation’ at the Cambridge Innovation Center, and the Harvard Innovation Labs Alumni dinner at the Harvard Business School’s Spangler Center.

Harvard Founder Crush 2023

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 05:00:24 +0200

SEAS (Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences) hosted FounderCrush 2023 at the SEC (Science and Engineering Complex) atrium.

A week in Maui, Hawaii

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:00:24 +0200

To celebrate my birthday and my new position at Harvard, I spent a week in Maui, Hawaii, with my girls.

At MIT IIA AI with Stephen Wolfram, Sam Altman, Lex Fridman, Vinod Khosla, and more

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 05:00:24 +0200

Becca, the managing director of Harvard iLab, was kind enough to invite me to a great event at MIT alongside some very renowned players in the AI space, organized by John Werner.

Joining Harvard University Innovation Labs full-time

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:00:24 +0200

On April 10th I became a full-time employee of Harvard Business School.

Driving to New York City twice in two weeks

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 05:00:24 +0200

For a number of reasons, I had to drive to New York City twice in two weeks.

Snowtubbing in New Hampshire

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 05:00:24 +0200

On Sunday we went snowtubbing in New Hampshire, at the McIntyre Ski Area.

Roadtrip and basketball game at the largest university stadium in the USA

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:00:24 +0200

For a number of reasons, my girls and I took a 7 hour roadtrip.

Venture Cafe at the Cambridge Innovation Center with NLC executives and Dutch Embassy representative

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:00:24 +0200

NLC CEO and CFO came to Boston to attend some meetings, so we went to the HFC for lunch, and CIC for Venture Cafe.

The Charles river frozen, at -29°F (-34°C) windchill

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 05:00:24 +0200

I’ve seen the Charles River has frozen before. But today’s temperatures are ridiculously cold… and dangerous.

Spring Semester Orientation at Harvard iLabs

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:24 +0200

On Wednesday I attended a very nice Spring Semester Orientation at Harvard iLabs.

A weekend in New York City

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 05:00:24 +0200

This weekend we had some spare time, so we decided to visit New York City because we miss it and because… who needs a reason to visit NYC?

Selfness according to ChatGPT

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:24 +0200

In 2005 I gave a talk at a Linux conference in Madrid (in Spanish) and a similar one a year later at the Hackers On Planet Earth 6 congress in New York (in English available also for purchase and for free) about a concept I called ‘Selfness’. 18 years later an attendee writes me to tell me he has asked ChatGPT about it…

Harvard basketball, snow, and Framework laptop

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 05:00:24 +0200

Attending a Harvard Men’s Basketball game, finally joining Harvard Athletics, first real snow, and putting together my awesome new Framework laptop.

Two weeks in Doha, Bangkok, Phuket, and Sentosa-Singapore

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 05:00:24 +0200

During two weeks I went with my wife and daughter to Doha (Quatar), Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), and Sentosa (Singapore). An amazing trip!

Judging startup competition at HBS and iLabs Gong-a-thon

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Two interesting days, as explained in my Harvard Blog: Field X and Gong-a-thon.

Weekend in Orlando: Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic and Animal Kingdom

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Long overdue trip to take my daughter to Disney World in Orlando, FL (USA).

In Salem for Halloween, plus concert, football, and more

Sat, 05 Nov 2022 05:00:24 +0200

There’s not a lot of Halloween spirit around Harvard, so we went to Salem, and did a bunch of other fun stuff.

In Valencia to participate in two events

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

After Amsterdam, I flew to Valencia to participate in two events, as speaker and juror.

Two of my art works exhibited in the Hermitage and Straat in Amsterdam

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

After catching the Eurostar I went to my office in Amsterdam for four days to work… and to see two of my art pieces displayed in two museums: Straat and the Hermitage.

Highly confidential tour of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Factory in Brackley

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

On Friday I was invited to take a highly confidential tour of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Factory in Brackley, UK.

In London to participate in the UBS Industry Leaders Network meeting

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

On Wednesday I flew to London to participate in the UBS Industry Leaders Network (ILN) meeting.

Office Hours and Reception at Harvard, and Workshop at MIT

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

On Tuesday I was invited to attend a Workshop at MIT, held office hours for students at the Harvard Innovation Labs, and attended a Reception at Harvard… all before heading to the airport to fly to London!

Horseback riding and fall foliage leaf peeping in Connecticut

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

For the long weekend I went with my girls Horseback riding and fall foliage leaf peeping in Connecticut.

Whale watching expedition in Cape Cod

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

On Saturday I went with my girls on a whale watching expedition in Cape Cod.

Two weeks in Bangkok

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 05:00:24 +0200

In order to provide some consulting to a large public corporation in Thailand, I was invited to travel to Bangkok for two weeks.

First days of Harvard life

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Almost a month after we moved to Cambridge, MA (USA) to start my appointment as Innovation Fellow at Harvard University, we can finally say we’ve gotten into the rhythm.

One night in Madrid to get a USA J-1 Visa

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Before we could move to the USA, to start my appointment as Fellow at Harvard University, there was one last hurdle to overcome: the Visa.

Sailing the Cyclades in two mega yachts

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Back in the Aegean Sea! My wife, my daughter and I were invited to cruise the Cyclades Islands on two mega yachts.

10 night cruise from Istanbul to Athens

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 05:00:24 +0200

After spending a couple of days in Istanbul, my wife and I were invited to board the Oceania’s Riviera for a 10 night cruise.

Three days in the Canary Islands

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:00:24 +0200

I can think of worse places to have to spend 3 days working in than the Canary Islands ;-)

An evening out in Valencia

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Going to the beach and the pool every day is nice, but how about some evening fun in town?

A couple days in Zurich

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 05:00:24 +0200

I had to spend two days in Zürich, Switzerland, for work.

Appointed Fellow by Harvard University

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 05:00:24 +0200

It’s finally official: I have been appointed Innovation Fellow by Harvard University, so I’ll be moving with my family to Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA) this Summer.

Visiting Munich for BioVaria

Fri, 13 May 2022 05:00:24 +0200

In order to attend the Biotech and Tech Transfer trade-show BioVaria, and to meet a Japanese corporation in Herrsching, I traveled to Munich, Germany for three days.

Two of my art pieces exhibited in Munich museums

Thu, 12 May 2022 05:00:24 +0200

Two of my art pieces where exhibited in Munich museums. On May 11th at Die Neue Sammlung, and on May 12th at the Haus der Kunst.

Cruising the Adriatic with my family

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

From April 15th to the 24th we cruised the Adriatic with my family, visiting: Trieste, Ancona (Italy), Kotor (Montenegro), Bari (Italy), Corfu (Greece), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Trieste, and Venice (Italy).

Lunch with the Marquise Bartolini Baldelli

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

On Friday we had lunch with Giovanna, Marchesa (Marquise) Bartolini Baldelli, in her Tuscan villa, that used to belong to Machiavelli.

Two days in Tuscany

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

To relax after the wild party in Venice, we were invited to spend a couple days at the Relais Villa Olmo in Tuscany with some friends.

Incredible birthday party at the Venice Casino

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

For my birthday my wife invited me to the wildest and most stylish party ever, on the Grand Canal, at the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, the sophisticated main venue of the Casinò di Venezia.

More art and staying in a private island in Venice

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

After touring the Sina Centurion Palace hotel, we went to the Punta della Dogana (Pinault Collection) art gallery, visited the Peggy Guggenheim Museum… and were invited (including a welcome note and gift from Cristiano) to stay in a private island in Venice!

Sina Centurion Palace, more art, and an amazing dinner in Venice

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

April 3rd we disembarked the cruise and took a stylish water taxi to our next hotel: the Sina Centurion Palace. Then we spent the rest of the day enjoying more art and a wonderful dinner.

Ca'Macana mask atelier and Chiesa di San Sebastiano in Venice

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

April 2nd was our last day on the cruise, but also a double treat: a visit to the Ca’Macana Maschere mask atelier, and a visit to the Chiesa di San Sebastiano, with its Tintoretto, Tiziano and Veronese’s frescoes.

Private concert at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 05:00:24 +0200

We were invited to a private closed-door concert of Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons by Interpreti Veneziani Orchestra at the breathtaking Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice.

Invited as panelist at the world's top executive education school

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 05:00:24 +0200

IESE is a Spanish private university that has been leading the world’s best business school rankings for years. I was honored to be invited as a panelist during their annual event Healthcare Days.

Burano and masquerade party

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

A day in Burano and attending a masquerade party.

A day in Padova

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

A day in Padova (Padua), visiting the Basilica di Sant’Antonio and its amazing frescoes.

Private closed-doors visits to Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

Doge’s Palace private tour before it opens to the public and private closed-doors tour of St Mark’s Basilica and the crypt (not open to the public).

Invited to a 7 night luxury river cruise through the Po river

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

For the next seven nights we’ve been invited to cruise the Po river in Italy on Uniworld S.S. La Venezia, calling at: Venice, Chioggia, Polesella-Ferrara, Porto Viro, Chioggia, Torcello-Mazzorbo-Burano, and back to Venice.

Four days in the Austrian Alps on a ski trip with my colleagues

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

Thursday to Sunday NLC decided to take a team building ski trip to Zell am See (Austria). Not that we need much team building, as the whole group of people I work with gets along really well. But after years of WFH, these kind of trips really makes a difference.

Two days in the office in Amsterdam

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

I took a “long layover” in Amsterdam on the way back from Dubai that allowed me to go to the office two days.

Three days in Dubai

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 04:00:24 +0200

For a number of reasons, I flew with my wife and daughter to Dubai on Saturday (Feb. 26th), stayed at the Bulgari Resort in the Jumeira Bay Island, and flew out to Amsterdam on Tuesday (March 1st).

Hitting the Javalambre slopes

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 04:00:24 +0200

My daughter wanted to go skiing with a friend, so we drove with my dad to the closest ski station: Javalambre.

Three days in Malaga to attend Transfiere 2022

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 04:00:24 +0200

From Tuesday 15th until Thursday 17th I was in Malaga to attend the Transfiere trade-show with my colleague Bender.

Christmas market in Frankfurt

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 04:00:24 +0200

My wife and daughter had never been to Frankfurt (Germany). One wanted to inspect a couple properties, the other wanted to visit the Christmas market. We received a nice invitation by the Villa Kennedy hotel, so we decided to spend the weekend in Frankfurt.

Murals in Geldo and trekking in Jerica

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 04:00:24 +0200

Sometimes backyard excursions are as awesome as faraway lands. Today we went to visit the murals in Geldo and trekking in Jerica.

A day in Amsterdam for work

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Wednesday I was flown to Amsterdam to attend four hours of work meetings, returning the next day.

Three days in Lisbon

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

After spending Saturday at sea, we disembarked our cruise in Lisbon on Sunday, and spent three days visiting that charming city.

A day in Seville

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Friday, we remained docked in Cadiz, but decided to spend the day in Seville.

A day in Cadiz

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Thursday, we docked in Cadiz.

Visiting the Alhambra in Granada

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Wednesday, we docked in Malaga, but since both my wife and I know that city well, we took a bus to visit the Alhambra in Granada.

A day in Cartagena

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Tuesday, after spending the previous day docked in Valencia and working from our suite, we docked in Cartagena.

A day in Palma de Mallorca

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Sunday, the second day of our 9 night cruise, we docked in Palma de Mallorca.

A day in Palamos

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On the first day of our 9 night cruise around the Iberian Peninsula, we docked in Palamos.

Cruising on the Silversea Silver Spirit for a week and a half

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

On Friday we were invited to board Silversea’s Silver Spirit, to sail for the following nine nights, around the Iberian Peninsula calling at: Barcelona, Palamos, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz (two days), and Lisbon.

A day in Athens visiting the National Archaeological Museum

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

Before returning home, we spent a day in Athens with two highlights: the National Archaeological Museum, and Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani Meze Restaurant (Καραμανλίδικα του Φάνη).

A day in Mykonos and Delos

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The day before last day of our cruise, we docked in Mykonos, and spent the day in Delos.

Santorini - Oia and Firas

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The fifth day of our cruise, we anchored in Thera (Thira - Θήρα in Greek) or Santorini, how it used to be known, and visited Oia, Pyrgos, and Firas.

Visiting the Palace of Minos at Knossos

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The fourth day of our cruise, we docked in Agios Nikolaos (Crete) and visited the Palace Complex of Minos at Knossos.

A day in Rhodes visiting Lindos

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The third day of our cruise we docked in Rhodes, and visited Lindos.

A day in Ephesus

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The second day of our cruise things got historically interesting as we visited Ephesus.

A day in Lesbos

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The first day of our 7 night Med cruise onboard Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor took us to the Greek island of Lesbos.

Cruising on the Seven Seas Splendor for a week

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:00:24 +0200

On Thursday we boarded Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor, to sail for the following seven nights, through Greek Islands calling at: Istanbul, Lesbos, Ephesus, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens.

Three days in Istanbul

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

My wife always says she ‘has the best job in the world’ and I always say I ‘have the best wife in the world’. She constantly gets invited to luxury trips for her job, and sometimes I get to tag along. This time we’ve spent three days in Istanbul before going on a 7 night Med cruise. Let’s start with the three days in Istanbul.

Testing Two-Up in Hugo

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

GoogleChromeLabs has released an interesting component to compare two DOM elements: two-up. Let’s try it within the static generator Hugo.

Lowering my laptop's antenna power

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

A USB-C multi-adapter kept misbehaving. It seemed to be interference from the laptop’s antenna. So I decided to turn the antenna’s power down. Here’s a little how-to to save you the trouble of hours of a poorly documented process.

An entropic social perspective of Kant's Categorie

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

Have you ever read a specialized concept and applied it to a different field to find interesting results? Known as ‘duality’ in Physics and Math, I love to do that. This time allow me to postulate Kant’s Categorie in light of politics.

Visiting the NXT Museum in Amsterdam

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

The only good thing about long layovers is that sometimes it allows you to quickly explore a city, or at least a venue. Since I had a 6 hour layover in Schiphol, I decided to visit the NXT Museum of New Media.

One of my artworks exhibited at Malmö Konsthall

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:24 +0200

Talk about being hot! Another piece exhibited. This time in Malmö, Sweden.

A day of art in Malmö

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 02:00:24 +0200

In my last day in Malmö I decided to visit all the museums I haven’t had time to visit so far: Form Design Center, Konsthall, Disgusting Food Museum, and Moderna Museet. Almost all of them free!

Three of my artworks exhibited at Copenhagen Contemporary

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:24 +0200

That’s the thing with art, sometimes you spend months without creating anything significant, or being exhibited, and then, all of a sudden… my work is exhibited at Saatchi Gallery London and Copenhagen Contemporary within a week!

A day of art in Copenhagen

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 02:00:24 +0200

One of the advantages of living in Malmö is how easy is to travel by train to Copenhagen. So today I crossed the bridge to visit two museums there, since they’re celebrating Art Week.

Dinner with the Chairman of Intel and the Chairman of the NHS in London

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 03:00:24 +0200

On Tuesday I flew to London for the day to have dinner at Mosimann’s with with Dr. Omar Ishrak, Intel’s Chairman and former CEO of Medtronic and GE Healthcare, and Lord David Prior, NHS England Chairman.

My portrait and self-portrait exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 02:00:24 +0200

It’s one thing to have your works selected for sale at the Saatchi Gallery online. It’s a whole different thing to have your work exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London. That’s what happened to me. Look’ma, “I’m an artist” now!

A day of art in London

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 01:00:24 +0200

I had to fly to London for the day (for a business meeting), so I took the opportunity to visit art exhibitions at Japan House, Serpentine Gallery, Saatchi Gallery, and Tate Britain. A nice day of art and 20 km (12 miles) of walking.

Dipping in the Baltic Sea like a true Nordic

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 01:00:24 +0200

Sweden is not the first place one thinks of when picturing “beaches”, but they do have many. So I decided to get in the Baltic Sea water like a true Nordic.

Silliness at the Swedish supermarket

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 01:00:24 +0200

Here is a random collection of oddities found in my local supermarkets in Malmö, Sweden.

Moving to Sweden for a while

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 01:00:24 +0200

After university studies at New York University and Vancouver Film School, my (still) teenager son has decided to accept a job offer as videogame designer at a large Swedish videogame studio. I’m incredibly proud of his achievements. To help him move there, and since I’m still considering what job or project undertake next, I’ve decided to spend a couple months with him in Malmö, Sweden. Yes, where crows wear vests and celebrate Oktoberfest in August.

A day in Copenhagen

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 01:00:24 +0200

On Monday, August 30th, we decided to take a train from Malmö (Sweden) to Copenhagen (Denmark) and revisit that beautiful city.

Visiting my parents in Paris

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 01:00:24 +0200

After the cruise, we decided to go with the little one to visit my parents in Paris.

A week cruising the Aegean

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 01:00:24 +0200

After spending a couple of days in Athens, my wife and I were invited to cruise Athens, Piraeus, Agios Nikolaos, Crete (Greece), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Mykonos, Nafplion, Piraeus, Athens (Greece), on the Seabourn’s Ovation for a personal celebration.

Another week in Majorca

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 01:00:24 +0200

The last trip I took before the pandemic lock-down was to Majorca, so to celebrate the end of the travel restrictions, let’s spend another week in Majorca!

My company developed tech to fight covid19... and lost

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 01:00:24 +0200

After almost sixteen years, my company, Kanteron Systems, has succumbed to Covid19. Sixteen years of epic hours, constant travel and boot-strapping. The roller coaster ride has come to an end. I am proud, but I am also disappointed.

Interviewed by UNAM-TV

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 01:00:24 +0200

On January 22nd UNAM-TV interviewed me about AI. The program aired March 11th.

Invited to speak at UBS Switzerland live webinar on 2021 investments

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 01:00:24 +0200

I have been invited to participate as a special guest in a UBS’ live webinar about investments in 2021.

Featured in UBS latest Entrepreneur Report

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 01:00:24 +0200

I was featured in the latest UBS Entrepreneur Report “A different way of thinking - Turning crisis into opportunity”.

Almost a week in Majorca

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 01:00:24 +0200

I don’t think I’ve been this long without posting, or traveling, in recent years. Here I come with a vengeance: almost a week in Majorca!

Demos

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 01:50:28 +0000

CONFIDENTIAL TEST OF K DEMOS KAV t / k4nt (0) KLS t / k4nt (0) Central (Pato) t / w (admin@client/w) Genomics basic advanced cafete / cafeí Viewer/Study Azapp t / w Europato t / w New Viewer

Privileged lockdown

Mon, 25 May 2020 01:00:24 +0200

I’ve already explained how I’m privileged in a lockdown with an arsenal of technology (for both work and leisure) at my disposal. Now I’m going to address another privilege: Nature.

Longer lock-down than expected... but I'm privileged and have a nice tech set up

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 01:00:24 +0200

The CoViD-19 government-ordered lock-down seems to be going on for longer than originally expected. But I’m really privileged, and actually always enjoyed social distancing. Besides, I have a nice arsenal of tech gadgets that, along with books, make being at home quite a pleasure.

Coronavirus lockdown in Spain means trip cancellations and time to blog

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 01:00:24 +0200

The Spanish government has rightfully ordered a 15 day lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus. It affects everyone. But this is my blog, so here’s how it affects me.

Three days in Zurich

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:00:24 +0200

My wife and I were invited by UBS Industry Leaders Network to a very interesting event at the IBM Research Center in Zurich.

A week in Bangkok

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 01:00:24 +0200

For a week I was in Bangkok working, presenting at a conference, but also enjoying art, food and shopping.

Visiting exhibition with the President of the Academy

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 01:00:24 +0200

When The Saint Charles Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Valencia organized a Jose Gines sculpture exhibition, its President invited my wife and I to a private tour.

Two weeks in Ontario, Canada

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 01:00:24 +0200

For a little bit over two weeks I’ve been in Ontario, Canada (between Buffalo and Niagara) visiting my in-laws and cat sitting.

Minimum Valuable Process

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 01:00:24 +0200

There are many things wrong with the concept of “MVP = Minimum Viable Product”. I suggest we change it for “Minimum Valuable Process”

Processing thousands of files using Terminal commands

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 01:00:24 +0200

How to fix a problem that spawns over more than two thousand files without spending days with a word processor? CLI to the rescue.

Four days in Bogota

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 01:00:24 +0200

A successful and tiresome business trip to Colombia.

A day in Dallas

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 01:00:24 +0200

Today I took four flights to go have lunch with one of my earliest customers, whom I consider friends.

Two days in Boston

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:00:24 +0200

Thursday and Friday I was in Boston, for a business meeting, some art, and to give a talk at MIT.

My talk at MIT

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 01:00:24 +0200

[UPDATE: Video available] I’m honored to have been invited by Professor Bill Aulet to give a guest lecture to the EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Program) students at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Sloan Executive Education.

Two months in Vancouver

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 01:00:24 +0200

For the past two months we’ve been living in Vancouver, helping my son find an apartment and getting settled, as he’s going to be pursuing his college studies in the city.

Two days in Brussels

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:54:24 +0200

On Tuesday I flew from Vancouver to Brussels to attend a pre-departure meeting ahead of my EU Trade Mission to Japan. Most importantly I had a chance to visit my dear Bozar Cetre for Fine Arst.

Hours of computer code analysis to fix one typo

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:54:24 +0200

I noticed time ago that when sharing my blog posts in social media, the post image was not featured. Finally I decided to look into it… little did I know what a rabbit hole I was getting into!

MoA Vancouver

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 18:54:24 +0200

We decided to start the new year by going to the Museum of Anthropology (MoA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), in Vancouver (Canada).

MoCa Shanghai and People's park

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Monday December 16th, before flying back to Vancouver from Shanghai, I visited MoCa Shanghai and People’s Park.

Invited to present at the WoWo-Fosun Protechting Innovation event in Shanghai

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 18:54:24 +0200

December 15th I traveled from Vancouver to Shanghai to present at the WoWo-Fosun Protechting Innovation event.

Ranked Top 10% coder in the world... as if

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 18:54:24 +0200

According to CodersRank I’m in the top 10% of coders worldwide (they have ranked over 29,000 computer programmers, or coders"), with a “Senior Rank” and a score of 516… even though I only code in my spare time!

In London for investor meetings at UBS and KPMG

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:54:24 +0200

December 4th and 5th I traveled from Helsinki to London for two investor related meetings, at KPMG and UBS.

In Helsinki to receive the Innovation Leader award, HIMSS Future50

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Tuesday December 3rd I traveled from Vancouver to Helsinki to receive the highest honor in our industry (Healthcare Technology): Innovation Leader of the HIMSS Future50.

In Shanghai and networking at the Suzhou Science & Technology Town

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Thursday November 28th we flew to Shanghai to visit the SSTT.

Presenting at the Innovation Institute networking conference One Future China in XiAn

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Wednesday November 27th we flew to Xi’an for the Cybernaut & Zhejiang University Innovation Institute networking conference One Future China.

Invited to exhibit at the Wenzhou Private Enterprise Talents Week

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

My new partners in China, Cybernaut, invited me tour several cities with them, to expand our business. The first stop was Wenzhou.

Speaker at the Romanian Regional Institute of Oncology Congress in Iasi

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

It’s not common that a non-oncologist gets to be invited as speaker at an Oncology congress. But November 21-24 I was invited to speak at Confer.

Highs and Lows in Valencia

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Valencia, Spain, which sometimes I call “home”, can, like anywhere else, be the best and worst… at the same time.

At the Contemporary Art Center in Malaga

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

November 13th, after a work meeting, I visited the Malaga CAC.

Invited to speak at the UBS Health Tech investors event in Dubai

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 18:54:24 +0200

November 5th I was invited to speak at a couple of UBS Health Tech investors events in Dubai.

Invited to the UBS Industry Leaders Network meeting in Hong Kong

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 30th and 31st I was invited to the UBS Industry Leaders Network meeting in Hong Kong titled “Emerging Technologies in China”.

Invited to the UBS Disruptive Technology CEO Summit in Hong Kong

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 29th I was invited to the UBS Disruptive Technology CEO Summit in Hong Kong.

At Tai Kwun Centre in Hong Kong

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

A week and a half later, I’m back in Hong Kong. And this time I did see a lot of really good art.

A day in Hong Kong

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 19 I spent the day in Hong Kong, staying at the Mira Hotel (where one of my heroes, Edward Snowden, stayed in room 1014 and handed over the largest government classified info leak to journalists).

Two days in Shenzhen

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 17 and 18 I went to Shenzhen for more lectures, company visits, and pitch events.

One day in Hanghzou

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 16 I went to Hanghzou to meet executives from Alibaba and investors from the Zhejiang CKGSB Alumni Association.

One day in Shanghai

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 15 I went to Shanghai for more lectures, and to meet the biggest investment fund in China: Fosun.

Two days in Beijing

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

October 13 and 14 I was in Beijing for a Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business CKGSB program called China Start: a one-week China immersion program for global start-ups and growth companies to learn China-specific knowledge, network with potential local partners and pitch for Chinese investment. The program is managed by Bo Ji (Chief Representative, GKGSB Europe; Assistant Dean, Global Executive Education) and his amazing team.

Beach and Opera in Valencia

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 18:54:24 +0200

While I travel a lot, when I’m home I also try to have fun. This week we have been going to the beach (in October!) and the opera.

Another week in Bangkok

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:54:24 +0200

September 23-27 I was in Bangkok, invited by the European Union to present at BioInvestment Asia.

Presenting at a NASA awards event in Orlando

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:54:24 +0200

September 7-11 I was invited to present at a NASA awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida (USA).

Two weeks in Bangkok with Alvaro and Thomas

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 18:54:24 +0200

August 11-24 I was in Bangkok with my friends Alvaro and Thomas.

Back in Valencia, in time for the heatwave

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Back in Valencia for a few days… in time to experience the heatwave (45º C - 114º F).

Last day in New York, Coney Island

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Friday was our last day in New York. To end an amazing trip on a high note, we took my daughter to… Coney Island!

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Thursday my son and I walked to the Intrepid from our apartment.

NYU Game Center

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Wednesday we attended the New York University Student Show.

At the Statue of Liberty

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Thursday August 1st we took the ferry to go to the Statue of Liberty.

Guggenheim Museum and searching for sneakers

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

We spent Tuesday at the Guggenheim museum and looking for a special pair of sneakers.

Taking the Staten Island Ferry

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Monday my daughter and I took the Staten Island Ferry for some awesome pictures of Manhattan from the river.

Attending Slime Expo NY

Sun, 28 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Sunday I took my daughter to the Slime Expo NYC, in Brooklyn.

Picnic with friends at the Hudson Valley

Sat, 27 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Saturday we met our friends Karen and Carmine, with their dog Bear, and had a picnic in the Hudson Valley.

Hayden Planetarium and Picnic in Central Park

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Friday we went to the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, and then had a picnic in Central Park.

Paperwork and Canal Street Market

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Wednesday we spent the whole morning doing paperwork errands, and then went to Canal Street Market.

Nasty weather

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Spending July in Manhattan you can expect heat and humidity, but in a week we’ve had a blackout, a heatwave, and flash flooding!

Bronx Zoo

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Last Saturday we spent the day at the Bronx Zoo, and then had dinner with friends in Manhattan.

Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Center

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Last Friday we went to the Nintendo Store at Rockefeller Center, New York.

Pizza, Ice cream, and Chocolate in New York

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Let’s talk about some unique foods in NY.

One World Observatory

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Monday July 15th we went all the way up to the 102nd floor of the One World Observatory.

Chinatown

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Friday July 12th we went for a walk around Chinatown.

Shopping in Soho and walking in Central Park

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

We spent Wednesday walking around Central Park and Soho.

Moving into our apartment in Times Square on the 4th of July

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:54:24 +0200

As my teenage son starts his university studies at New York University, we decided to accompany him, so for a month we have moved into an apartment on the 42nd floor in Times Square.

On board Ponant's Le Bougainville

Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Yesterday we went on board a small luxury cruise ship docked in Valencia for the day: Ponant’s Le Bougainville.

A day in Madrid

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Last Thursday I went to Madrid with my son in the high speed train, for a couple of quick meetings.

At the most luxurious cruise ship in the world - Regent Explorer

Mon, 27 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Monday we were onboard the most luxurious cruise ship in the world (Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer).

A day at the Guggenheim in Bilbao

Sun, 26 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

We spent Sunday at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (Spain).

A day in Zaragoza and San Sebastian

Sat, 25 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

On Saturday we drove to Zaragoza and San Sebastian (Spain).

Invited to participate in Medical Data and AI conference

Thu, 23 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Last Thursday I participated as member of a round table in the Medical Data and AI conference which was held at the Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencian Region (FISABIO), in Spain. .

A day in Albir

Wed, 22 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Last Wednesday I drove to L’Albir in Alicante (Spain) with my dad for a nice lunch on the beach and a business meeting.

A weekend of museums in Amsterdam

Sun, 12 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

We spent last weekend visiting museums in Amsterdam.

TNW Amsterdam

Fri, 10 May 2019 18:54:24 +0200

May 9th and 10th I was invited to attend and exhibit at the largest tech event in Europe: TNW (Amsterdam).

Three days in Sydney

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 18:54:24 +0200

April 7th to 10th, we were in Sydney visiting a friend and working.

MONA

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 18:54:24 +0200

April 5th, we spent the day at the espectacular MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Tasmania (Australia).

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 18:54:24 +0200

April 4th, we spent the day at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania (Australia), feeding and petting many awesome creatures!

Sailing through a storm in the Tasman sea

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 18:54:24 +0200

April 1st to 3rd, we sailed through a storm in the Tasman Sea (between New Zealand and Australia).

Taieri Gorge Train

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 31st we took a train in Dunedin to Pukerangi, so we could see the Taleri Gorge (New Zealand).

Wildlife cruise in the Otago Peninsula

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 30th we arrived in Dunedin (New Zealand) for a wildlife cruise in the Otago Peninsula.

A day in Akaroa

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 29th we arrived in Akaroa (New Zealand) with a double mission: to see Alpacas and Blue Penguins.

A day in Picton

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 28th we arrived in Picton (New Zealand) to tour some Marlborough wineries.

A day in Napier

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 27th, after a day of sailing, we docked in Napier (New Zealand).

A day in Tauranga and Rotorua

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 25th, after a day of sailing, we docked in Tauranga and spent the day in Rotorua (New Zealand).

A day in Auckland

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 22nd we spent the day in Auckland, New Zealand, after 37 hours of traveling (25 flying).

A day in Amsterdam

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

March 3rd I was supposed to be home in Spain, and yet, here I was, in Amsterdam by accident.

Four days in Bangkok... again

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 18:54:24 +0200

You know when a customer calls you on a Sunday night on your cell and tells you “I want to meet you tomorrow”? Yeah, it happens all the time. Except my customer was in Bangkok (Thailand) and I was in Valencia (Spain). Of course, I said “yes”. Here’s another one: you know when you’re supposed to take an 11 hour flight back home, but Pakistan and India escalate military frictions, close air space, and your flight gets rerouted for an extra 3 hours, making you miss your connexion and forcing you to stay in another country for an extra day? Yeah, it doesn’t happen that often. Now try both at the same time. Welcome to my world.

A weekend in the Best Spa in Europe

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 18:54:24 +0200

I don’t know that anyone does any more, nor do I care, but if you read my blog, you probably think “all that traveling almost back to back must be exhausting”. And you would be right. That’s why my wonderful wife invited us to a spa weekend in the Best Spa in Europe: SHA Wellness.

A day in Malaga

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 18:54:24 +0200

February 19 I spent the day in Malaga (Spain) for a reference site visit with my Director for the Brazilian market.

A day in Frankfurt

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 18:54:24 +0200

February 15 I spent the day in Frankfurt (Germany) to attend a business meeting.

Four days in Orlando

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 18:54:24 +0200

February 10-14 I spent 4 days in Orlando, FL (USA) to attend the HIMSS trade show.

Four days in Bangkok

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:54:24 +0200

February 5-8 I went to Bangkok (Thailand) for some important and last minute business meetings.

Two days in Bucharest

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 18:54:24 +0200

January 28-30th I spent a couple of days in Bucharest (Romania).

Two days in Southampton

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 18:54:24 +0200

January 8-10th I spent a couple of days in Southampton.

Ice skating, bikes, and cars

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Today we went ice skating, and rode ice bikes and ice bumper cars, at Buffalo’s Canalside. Cool!

Snowboarding in New York

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Last year we went snowboarding in Canada. This year we went in New York.

Buffalo Zoo

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 19:54:24 +0200

We started the year with a controversial visit: the Buffalo Zoo.

Forced to join Facebook, free to quit

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 18:54:24 +0200

Years ago I was forced to join Facebook. Now I’m finally free to quit, so I did.

Albright-Knox Gallery

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 18:54:24 +0200

December 27th we, finally, visited the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo.

Two days in Valencia

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 18:54:24 +0200

December 20th to 22nd I went to Valencia, to visit family and for a couple of business meetings.

Three days in London

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 18:54:24 +0200

December 17th to 19th I went to London, along with the President & CCO of my company, for some meetings with Private Equity and Private Banking firms.

Two days in Vancouver

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 18:54:24 +0200

December 9th to 11th I went to Vancouver with my family for some personal matters.

Hamilton

Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:54:24 +0200

After years of trying to get tickets in New York, we finally went to see Hamilton.

Five days in Chicago

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Between November 25th and 29th I went to Chicago to attend, one more year, the RSNA trade show.

Two days in Lima

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:54:24 +0200

November 22nd and 23rd I went to Lima, Peru, to speak at a Telefonica event about healthcare.

Two days in Asuncion de Paraguay

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:54:24 +0200

November 20th and 21st I went to Asuncion de Paraguay, to speak at the II Healthcare IT Congress and to meet Paraguay’s Minister (Secretary) of Health.

A day in São Paulo

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 18:54:24 +0200

November 19 I went to São Paulo, for a few business meetings.

Two days in Oslo

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:54:24 +0200

November 12 and 13 I went to Oslo, invited as speaker at EHiN.

Two days in Frankfurt

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 18:54:24 +0200

November 5 and 6 I went to Frankfurt for a business meeting and lots of art.

Things I learned at Harvard Medical School Executive Education

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:54:24 +0200

October 25 and 26 I attended a Harvard Medical School Executive Education program titled “Trends in Health Technology” invited by UBS bank. Here are some of my notes from the lectures.

Three days in Boston

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:54:24 +0200

October 24 to 26 I was in Boston invited to a UBS bank event titled: “Trends in Health Technology”, as member of their Network of Industry Leaders - at Harvard Medical School, organized by the Executive Education Department of the university.

A day in Chicago

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:54:24 +0200

October 22 I went to Chicago for an interview for ICEX.tv.

A day in New York

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Wednesday October 3rd I was in New York for a couple of very interesting business meetings.

A week in Mexico

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

September 24-28 I was in Mexico DF.

Canada house on Lake Erie

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

September 15th, as some of you already know, we moved for a few months to a house on Lake Erie (Canada).

Med cruise day 7

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

September 8th was our 7th day in our family Mediterranean cruise onboard the Norwegian Epic, spending the day in Palma. The following day we disembarked in Barcelona.

Med cruise day 6

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

September 7th was our 6th Mediterranean family cruise day onboard the Norwegian Epic, spending the day in Cannes.

Med cruise days 4 and 5

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

September 5th and 6th were our 4th and 5th days in our family Mediterranean cruise onboard the Norwegian Epic, spending one day in Rome (Civitavecchia), and the next one in Pisa (Livorno).

Med cruise days 2 and 3

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

September 3rd and 4th were our 2nd and 3rd days in our family Mediterranean cruise onboard the Norwegian Epic, spending one day at sea, and the next one in Naples.

Med cruise day 1

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Our September 2nd to 9th family Mediterranean cruise onboard the Norwegian Epic started in Barcelona.

Summer in Valencia

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 18:54:24 +0200

I do not know if it’s living in London, traveling a lot, or what, but over the years I have started appreciating my hometown more.

A week in Cambridge

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 18:54:24 +0200

For a mix of work and vacation time with the kids, we spent a week in Cambridge (UK).

Back to Emacs

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Just like it happened with the operating system, when I migrated from OSX back to GNU-Linux Debian, I have decided to go back to Emacs for most things. from blog posts to programming.

DreamHack VLC

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Saturday, July 14 we went to DreamHack Valencia, the eSports event. Family fun!

Report that I co-authored for the EU, finally published

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Yesterday, the report that I co-authored for the EU back in April, was finally approved and released.

Two days in Malaga

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Monday and Tuesday I went to Malaga (Spain) with my wife, to meet some customers.

Two days in Milan

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 18:54:24 +0200

In order to attend the European Society for Human Genetics conference, I spent a weekend in Milan (Italy) with my wife.

Two days in Brussels

Wed, 30 May 2018 18:54:24 +0200

I was invited to spend two days in Brussels for two purposes: to study the possibility of investing there, and also to present the report I co-authored for the EU Commission Expert Group on Venture Philanthropy & Social Investment.

X Biomedical Engineering Meeting

Wed, 23 May 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Yesterday I gave a lecture during the X Biomedical Engineering Meeting, at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain).

Two days in Barcelona

Sat, 19 May 2018 18:54:24 +0200

We spent last weekend in Barcelona.

Installing Debian 9 in Dell XPS13

Tue, 08 May 2018 18:54:24 +0200

I ḥave a new Dell XPS laptop, so I decided to install Debian 9. Here are some lessons learned:

Easter in Ireland

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 18:54:24 +0200

We spent the first four days of April in Ireland, the only country in Western Europe I had not visited yet, enjoying an activity-packed Easter break with my girls.

A week in Ibiza

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 18:54:24 +0200

March 25 to 29 we “had to” accompany some friends visiting Ibiza (Spanish Balearic Island) from New York.

Two days in Malaga

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 18:54:24 +0200

After an unexpected delay, I spent a couple days in Malaga.

Fallas with friends

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 18:54:24 +0200

As most Valencians will tell you, you have to flee Fallas… unless you are “fallero/a” (participating member) or you have visitors in town. Then you brace yourself, and try to enjoy the madness one more year.

A week in Las Vegas

Sat, 10 Mar 2018 18:54:24 +0200

I spent a week in Las Vegas participating in the HIMSS trade show, both as exhibitor and as member of a Google Partner Panel.

On a mission in Reykjavik

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 18:54:24 +0200

After my meeting in Brussels, before flying back home, there was something I had to do in Iceland. I was on a mission.

A couple days in Brussels

Sat, 24 Feb 2018 18:54:24 +0200

In order to attend a meeting of the Expert Group on Venture Philanthropy and Social Investment of which I’m a member, I had to spend a couple of days in Brussels.

A day in London

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:54:24 +0200

On Wednesday I had breakfast in Fort Erie, lunch in Toronto, dinner on a plane, breakfast in Reykjiavik, lunch in London, and dinner in Brussels.

A couple of days in Houston... again

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Sunday and Monday I went to Houston, Texas, for a couple of very important meetings.

Walk on lake

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Yesterday we walked ON the lake and saw some people ice-fish.

RIT and Toronto Zoo

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 18:54:24 +0200

On January 28 we went to the Toronto Zoo to say good bye to the pandas. And February 9 we visited RIT.

A couple of days in Houston

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:54:24 +0200

I’m returning home from a business trip to Houston, after getting stranded, for the second time in a week, due to an ice storm.

Walking on Lake Erie

Sun, 14 Jan 2018 18:54:24 +0200

Today we went walking on Lake Erie.

Lisbon, London and Brussels

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:54:24 +0200

January 8-12 I travelled to Lisbon, London and Brussels.

Snowboarding

Sun, 07 Jan 2018 18:54:24 +0200

January 7th we decided to brave the Cyclone Bomb and go snowboarding at Glen Eden, near Toronto.

Falls and Butterflies

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 18:54:24 +0200

December 28th we wento to see the almost frozen Niagara Falls, and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Frozen Lake Erie

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Lake Erie frozen in our backyard.

Save Net Neutrality

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Save Internet Neutrality. Act now!

A day in Toronto

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 18:54:24 +0200

On Sunday we were in Toronto.

5 days in Chicago

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 18:54:24 +0200

This week, from Sunday to Thursday, I have been in Chicago for a business trip, presenting at RSNA with Google.

A week in Mexico

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 18:54:24 +0200

This week, from Monday to Friday, I have been in Mexico for a business trip.

Niagara, Toronto, and critters

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Living near the Niagara Falls is amazingly beautiful… so far.

In Orlando for ASHG

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Last Wednesday I took a day trip to Orlando, FL, to attend the American Society of Human Genetics 2017 meeting.

A few months in Canada

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:54:24 +0200

For a variety of reasons, we have decided to move to Canada for 5 months. Our Canadian adventure begins:

AI Autocoloring

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning researchers are producing amazing tools, and making them easy to use. Here’s one example:

Invited to a book launch

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:54:24 +0200

On September 27 we were invited to an MIT Press book launch by our friend Adolfo Plasencia .

One day in Brussels

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Monday September 25 I had to go to Brussels to attend a European Commission Expert Group meeting.

Cruise Day 6: Dubrovnik

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Our 6th day onboard the Windstar Star Breeze cruise took us to Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Cruise Day 5: Kotor

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Our 5th day onboard the Windstar Star Breeze cruise took us to Kotor (Montenegro).

Cruise Day 3: Giardini Naxos

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Our third day onboard the Windstar Star Breeze cruise took us to Giardini Naxos (Italy).

Cruise Day 2: Amalfi

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Our second day onboard the Windstar Star Breeze cruise took us to Amalfi (Italy).

3 days in Rome

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Before boarding on our cruise, we spent 3 days in Rome.

Computer install ordeal teaches lessons on error avoidance

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Let’s install a new GNU/Linux operating system in two old computers to give them a new life. After all, what could go wrong?…

Art day in Valencia

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 18:54:24 +0200

On Tuesday we went to Valencia to enjoy a day of art exhibits.

Wimbledon tournament again

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 18:54:24 +0200

The Wimbledon Tennis Tournament is here again, one more year. I can see it from my living-room window.

Apsley House, Benares and Wallace Collection

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 16:54:24 +0200

Saturday, July 1st, we went to Apsley House, Benares Indian Restaurant, and the Wallace Collection.

Crazy videoconference call

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:54:24 +0200

Last week, I was in the craziest videoconference call with a partner.

AWS Summit London

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 10:54:24 +0200

Last Wednesday, June 28, I was invited to the [Amazon Web Services Summit in London] (https://aws.amazon.com/summits/london/), which took place at ICC London, ExCeL.

Mind The Bridge Event in London

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 10:54:24 +0200

Last Tuesday, June 20, I was invited to participate in the launch of the Startup Europe Partnership report “[Dual Companies: How and Why European Scaleups Expand to the U.S.] (https://mindthebridge.com/european-dual-companies/)" by Mind the Bridge with the support of international law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, which took place at The Rainmaking Loft, London.

Tate and The Globe

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 18:54:24 +0200

Since we were alone for a few days, my dear wife and I went to town for a day of art at the Tate and Globe Theater.

Microsoft Partner Advisory Council

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:54:24 +0200

Last Tuesday, June 20, I was invited to participate in the III Microsoft Partner Advisory Council, which took place at The Hawksmoor Guildhall, London.

European Commission Expert Group meeting

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 10:54:24 +0200

Last Monday, June 19, I participated in the first meeting of the European Commission Expert Group on Venture Philanthropy and Social Investments.

New Blog

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:24:16 -0400

As it will be evident, I have changed my blog.

Two Exhibitions at the Barbican

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 10:54:24 +0200

Last Saturday, June 17, we visited a couple of exhibitions we were really interested in.

Cool online presentations with free software

Fri, 26 May 2017 08:45:38 +0000

It has been a while since I wrote a tutorial to Share The Wealth, so it’s about time I shared some practical (if basic) knowledge beyond reposting a link. For years I have had a pet project in the backburner: I wanted to create presentations without the need of dedicated software, commercial (like PowerPoint or Keynote), or free (like LibreOffice or OpenOffice). That way I could avoid bringing my computer to a lecture, and not worry about what computer system would be available in the auditorium.

A little over 24 hours in Peru

Thu, 25 May 2017 15:13:54 +0000

On Sunday I left London to go to Peru for a business trip. I was connecting in Madrid but, due to a 4-hour delay in the departure of the flight, I missed my red-eye connection to Lima. Fortunately, European Union regulations mandate that airlines feed and provide shelter to stranded passengers (subject to some conditions), unlike in the USA, where the same unfortunate circumstance is usually the passengers’ problem. So Iberia gave me a voucher for a dinner, a breakfast, a hotel night in a nearby hotel, two phone calls and the transfer to and from the hotel.

Ibiza, day 4

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 10:51:41 +0000

The last day we felt a little sad knowing that we had to leave such a wonderful place. But we decided to make the most of it. First, we made a quick trip to S’Aigua Blanca and Cala Llenya. Then we headed back to Portinatx. Unfortunately, most charter boats only operate May-October, so my plan to sail around the island was thwarted. But, luckily, the very kind owner of a local grocery store in Portinatx told me I could borrow her paddle-board anytime.

Ibiza, day 3

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:48:23 +0000

April 15 we went to my favorite part of the island, the South West, to visit all the little Calas I used to enjoy as a kid. First Cala Bassa, where I remembered every corner, every water hole, every micro-cave… it’s mostly the same, including the little lizards (“lagartijas”) with the addition of a fancy beach club and some lounge chairs and cabanas. What a joy to be back! Although the air temperature was great, the water temperature was quite cold (around 17º).

Ibiza, day 2

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 12:08:53 +0000

April 14 we had an early breakfast and hit the road by car, although the best way to experience the many out of the way little beaches (or “Calas”) in the island is by bicycle or scooter, as you can access some quite secluded coastal gems.First we went to Cala Xuclàr, where the kids climbed like goats all over the First, we went to Cala Xuclàr, where the kids climbed like goats all over the rocks and marveled at the old wooden structures fishermen built to protect their boats.

Four days in paradise (Ibiza), day 1

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 16:51:42 +0000

After my daughter’s first concert, April 13-16 we took a little family vacation and went to the Mediterranean island of Ibiza. Ibiza has a very special place in my heart. As a kid, I spent many summers enjoying “my own private little beach” in paradise, before there were any jet-setters, dance clubs, or large yachts on the island. There were only hippies and fishermen. It was heaven. So I decided it was about time to take my American wife and two kids to the island.

A meeting in Chile and 5 days in Paraguay

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:41:41 +0000

Tuesday, March 28 I took a nice flight from London to Santiago de Chile. Nice not because the constant turbulence, which made it feel like I was flying in a food mixer with wings, but because laying down completely stretched, I slept almost throughout the entire flight. The fact that the cabin crew were unusually nice also helped. After a quick meeting in Santiago de Chile, I took another flight, this time to Asuncion (Paraguay), where I stayed until Sunday, April 2nd.

Hong Kong Day 2

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 15:34:42 +0000

After having breakfast on the deck, with views of the impressive cloud-brushing Hong Kong skyline, we disembarked one last time from our cruise ship, and took a taxi to the Airport Express Kowloon train station to check-in (including luggage) for our midnight flight, and leave carry-ons in storage. A very organized and civilized way to travel. Then we took a taxi to the ferry terminal, and the Star Ferry to cross to the other side (Hong Kong Island) so we could take buses to visit different areas of Hong Kong:

Hong Kong Day 1

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 15:13:36 +0000

March 19 marked the last port of call in our trip. We arrived at 16:00h, but had to wait until 17:00h to disembark because immigration authorities required ALL passengers to go through a face-to-face check, and a couple was missing (they found them an hour later). We were docked at Harbour City Ocean Terminal in Kowloon, so as soon as we disembarked, we walked through the massive shopping mall, and then onto the streets of Hong Kong in Kowloon side.

Sanya

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 14:45:12 +0000

Saturday, March 18 the cruise was nearing its end as we sailed into China. Before disembarking, we took a galley tour. It’s always fascinating to see what an extremely efficient machine a large cruise ship’s galley has to be in order to prepare and serve (on time and at the right temperature) thousands of dishes each day. Upon disembarkation, a driver was sent to pick us up and take us to our destination, driving through Sanya:

Chan May

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 11:16:38 +0000

Friday, March 17 we arrived in Chan May Port, where we were picked up by a driver and a guide, who drove us to Hoi An, passing through Da Nang, the American Air Force Hangars from the “Second Indochina War” (or “Vietnam War”, or “American War”), Dragon Bridge, Marble Mountain, China Beach, and Monkey Mountain. While Da Nang might be better known (and closer to Chan May’s port), we decided to take a bicycle ride around Cam Thanh (small village suburb of Hoi An), through Hai Ba Trung, next to the rice paddies and the Japanese Tomb, to the Water Coconut Palms to ride the round boats:

Day at sea

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 10:56:27 +0000

Thursday, March 16, was a day at sea. I spent most of it working (blessed be laptops and satellite internet connection), reading (Scientific American, The Economist, The London Review of Books, etc) and resting, trying to get rid of the fever I caught in Saigon. I must have been really sick when I did not even feel like taking a single picture! 🙂 But we also attended a cooking demonstration (involving liquid nitrogen) by Guest Chef Steven Chou, and a couple of lectures, one by Tim Wade on “Chan May and Sanya” and another one by Prof.

Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City Day 2 on Vintage Vespa

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 10:29:46 +0000

The following day, Wednesday, March 15, still in Saigon, we decided to “do Saigon like a Vietnamese”, and took a Saigon tour by Vespa: The first stop was the Bird Lover Club at Tao Dan Park, where a group of bird owners bring the elaborate bamboo cages to the park in the morning, and hang them in hooks for the birds to sing. There’s even a small Insect Market nearby, so the birds can get “fresh treats”.

Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City Day 1

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:29:57 +0000

Tuesday, March 14, upon disembarking near Saigon we were greeted by our driver and our guide, who drove us into town. This time our guide was not so sweet. He was quite professional, but after a while and some conversation you could see the influence of wild capitalism and Chinese imperialism, in subtlety aggressive attitudes and misogynistic comments. On the way he told us about the history of the country, the French occupation, and the War (they call it the American War, Americans and Europeans call it the Vietnam War, and officially it is the Second Indochina War).

Day at sea

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:15:00 +0000

Monday, March 13, was a day at sea. We had breakfast in bed, and then attended three lectures. The first one was by speaker and “local resident” (he used to live in Singapore and now lives in Hong Kong) Tim Wade on “Ho Chi Minh City” (very brief History of Vietnam). The second one, and much more interesting and in depth, by Bob Donaldson (former US State Department Advisor, former President of Tulsa University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Political Science and Foreign Relations Professor and Administrator at Vanderbilt University and City University of New York) titled “Global Threats in the Twenty-first Century – Part I: How Did We Get to This Place in History, and Why Does It Seem So Dangerous Here?

Cambodia

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:33:37 +0000

Sunday, March 12, we arrived in Sihanoukville (Cambodia). We were greeted by our driver, “Mr. Temple” and our guide, “Mr. Lucky”. Mr. Lucky was a sweet guy who told us a great deal about Cambodia’s history, present, and his life. The kind of guide you always hope to get, but seldom do. Mr. Lucky was the youngest of 4 brothers. His other 3 brothers died during the Khmer Rouge regime. Fortunately he survived (hence his nickname).

Bangkok

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 20:47:56 +0000

Saturday, March 11, we docked in Laem Chabang Port, where we met our driver and our guide, who took us (my wife, me and two other couples) to Bangkok in a very “modded” luxury van, with so many buttons, levers, lights and switches that it was fun to imagine what each of them could be for: smoke screen? projectiles? disco ball? retractable wings? 😛 There are many visual elements that spring to mind when one thinks of Bangkok: Tuk Tuks, bubble gum pink taxis, crowded streets, trucks with all kinds of colored lights decorating inside and out… and we saw them all, all over.

Ko Samui

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 08:04:01 +0000

Friday, March 10, we arrived in Ko Samui, Thailand. After taking a tender ashore, my wife and I we were picked and driven to the Belmond Napasai resort. We had an absolute blast inspecting that property, and having a lot of fun on that most wonderful beach: kayak, snorkeling, paddle board, swimming, amazing local cuisine… Back onboard, we attended a lecture by Denise Heywood on Cambodia’s history, traditional dance, and Angkor Wat.

Day at sea

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 07:47:32 +0000

Day at sea (Thursday, March 9): The Crystal Symphony is a 781 feet (238 m) long by 100 feet (30 meter) wide cruise ship that weights over 51,000 tons, cruises at 20 knots, and has a guest capacity of 922, with a per guest staff ratio of 0.59 (crew of 545, from 45 different countries). On this particular cruise, there were passengers from 49 different nationalities, but the large majority of them (over 600) were from the USA.

Singapore day 4

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 07:22:51 +0000

On Wednesday, March 8, after having breakfast onboard the ship, we ventured into Singapore for one last afternoon. We had two things in our list: Singapore Botanic Gardens (SGB) Established in 1859, SGB is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the leading botanic gardens in the world (with over 4 million visitors every year). We only had time to throughly visit the National Orchid Garden (with 1000 species and 2000 hybrids, the largest display of orchids in the world), which is the only part of the SBG that charges a small cover charge fee, but the Botanic Gardens have many interesting areas to enjoy, like the Rain Forest, Swan and Symphony and Eco lakes, Herbs & Spices, Bougainvilleas & Bamboo Collection, Healing Garden, Fragrant Garden, Evolution Garden, Foliage Garden, etc.

Singapore day 3

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 06:21:53 +0000

Tuesday, March 7 in the morning, after breakfast, we checked out of the hotel. But before we boarded the cruise ship, we left the luggage with the hotel’s concierge, and went across the bridge to visit the National Gallery Singapore, which is the only main museum in Singapore I had not yet visited, since it opened in 2015. It has an interesting Asian art collection, with artist from the late XIX Century like Raden Saleh, to the XX Century like Liu Kang, Nguyen Gia Tri, and contemporaries like Tang Da Wu or Montien Boonma (whose “The Pleasure of Being, Crying, Dying and Eating” was being restored, and it looked better in the glass temporary encaging than when originally created in 1993, and reconstructed in 2015).

Singapore day 2

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 17:22:49 +0000

Monday, March 6 we started the day with a wonderful breakfast buffet and then proceeded to tour the Fullerton hotel: After that, we walked into the city to visit Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and had an amazing “street-hawk” lunch at Lau Pa Sat food center: In the evening we went to the Gardens by the Bay, visiting the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and exiting just as the Supertrees were doing their mesmerizing solar-powered light and music show:

Singapore day 1

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:52:03 +0000

Sunday, March 5, we flew from London to Changi airport, in Singapore. Flying to Asia from London is a lot easier and shorter than from New York; I guess living in London had to have some advantage over our beloved NYC! When we arrived we received the VIP treatment at the iconic, and absolutely perfectly situated, Fullerton Hotel: we were greeted by our names curbside right off the taxi by a lovely lady that walked us directly into our room, without the need to stop at a reception desk or fill out any paperwork!

Amazing South East Asia cruise

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:16:51 +0000

For a couple of weeks in March, I have been cruising throughout South East Asia. My wonderful wife, for my birthday, invited me to cruise with her on the Crystal Symphony to: Singapore; Koh Samui, Bangkok/Laem Chabang (Thailand), Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Ho Chi Minh City, Chan May (Vietnam), Sanya, Hong Kong SAR (China). In a series of forthcoming blog posts I will make a quick review of activities, places, and photographs.

Avoiding government intrusion in my latest trip to the USA

Sun, 26 Feb 2017 14:41:34 +0000

February 18 to 23 I traveled to Orlando, Florida (USA) for the HIMSS trade show. As much as I have enjoyed the magic of Orlando parks in the past, this was a pure business trip. I am an EU citizen (Spain) living in the UK, and I took a direct flight from London to Orlando. I had recently renewed my passport and ESTA, so I should be able to enter the USA without a problem right?

Very interesting insights from the UBS Forum 2017

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:08:53 +0000

Yesterday Giles and Magda invited me to attend the annual UBS Forum at the beautiful Rosewood Hotel, one of those hotels in a renovated palace in the heart of London, with a resident dog. Held in major financial cities across Europe, the UBS Forum is presented under the banner “sharper opinions – smarter decisions”, where UBS specialists and external experts provide insights on key topics. This years` speakers and topics were:

Two days in Brussels

Sun, 05 Feb 2017 10:02:11 +0000

Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, February 1 I went to Brussels by train. It is sad to see the permanent heavy military presence around Brussels main train station. Microsoft had invited me to participate in the ‘Health Digital Transformation at the Microsoft Executive Briefing Center, because my company is a founding member of the ‘AI in Health Partner Alliance (along with Microsoft and 20 other tech companies) which was launched at the event.

This Revolution needs a Revolution

Sat, 28 Jan 2017 17:16:52 +0000

Yesterday I went with my wife and son to visit the Victoria & Albert`s Museum exhibition You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970. The aim of the exhibition was quite clear: How have the finished and unfinished revolutions of the late 1960s changed the way we live today and think about the future? I was very much looking forward to visiting the exhibition. It is SO timely, and SO needed, I thought.

My EU policy recommendation published: "Hacking Policy. Exploring Innovative Ways to Advance Policy Reform"

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 10:19:10 +0000

Under the title “Hacking Policy. Exploring Innovative Ways to Advance Policy Reform” StartupEurope has published a report listing the Policy Recommendations that came out of the Policy Hackathon in San Francisco, where my team won the competition. Download it here.

Christmas holidays in Valencia (Spain)

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 09:57:39 +0000

We’ve had a wonderful time in Valencia (Spain) where we spent the holidays. Two of the most memorable and picturesque outings were a barbecue in Santo Espíritu: and a trip to Rubielos de Mora and Teruel:

When your son falls into a frozen lake

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:53:47 +0000

A few days ago I took a stroll through Wimbledon Commons with my son, as my wife was traveling.It was a typical London day: 3 seasons in a day. When we decided to leave the apartment it was sunny and felt kind of warm. When we arrived at the forest, it was gloomy and chilly. And by the time we made it back home, it was already night time and really cold.

My non-commissioned art installation at the Contemporary Art Museum in Santiago, Chile

Fri, 23 Dec 2016 10:39:46 +0000

The exhibition titled “Le Corbusier and South America”, in the main hall of the Contemporary Art Museum in Santiago (Chile), shows for the first time in Chile a collection of Le Corbusier’s original plans and drawings for 12 projects he created in South America (although, of all of those, only the Curutchet house in Argentina was actually built). As part of the exhibition, Chilean curator Maximiano Atria has arranged all around the central part of the hall location-specific installations by a number of artists.

Santiago Museums

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 16:52:13 +0000

Tuesday 13 I had the rare opportunity of spending a few hours doing what I like most during a business trip: visiting art museums. I went to the Fine Arts National Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Visual Arts Museum, and the Telefonica Foundation Art Gallery. Without a doubt, the two museums I enjoyed the most were the Fine Arts National Museum, and the Contemporary Art Museum. The installation in the lobby of the Fine Arts National Museum is amazing, and the building itself (with a dome designed by Eiffel) is quite impressive.

5 days in Chile

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 16:36:03 +0000

This week I have spent 5 days in Santiago de Chile. A bad coordination with my partners IBM and the customer forced me to change my tickets 3 times. The problem is that with each time we approached the Christmas vacation and therefore flight availability decreased considerably. So in the end I had to fly via Toronto, and stay a day longer than it would have normally been necessary. But you can’t always (ever?

Invited to the UK-China Hi! Technology event in London

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 16:19:07 +0000

For reasons beyond the scope of this post I was invited to participate in the UK-China Hi! Technology event in London. The event was well attended by a large number of entrepreneurs, funds and investors from the UK and China. The highlight of the event, for me, other than a couple of really interesting contacts, was to see all these suited-up people lining up to try the VR sets (HTC, Oculus, Hololens, etc).

Spare time fun: protein structure analysis of mutations causing inheritable diseases

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 08:44:09 +0000

Most people I know would not consider protein structure analysis of mutations causing inheritable diseases “spare time fun”. Then again, most people I know don`t think I am like most people they know. This week I`m a “single-dad”, since my wife is traveling. So my spare time right now is almost non existent. Nevertheless, the thought of mutating a Proline into a Glycine at position 22 intrigued me, so I spent a few minutes simulating it.

Visiting the London Design Museum

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 08:53:48 +0000

Yesterday I visited the Design Museum (“The world`s leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form from architecture and fashion to graphics, product and industrial design”) in its spectacular new location on High Street Kensington (London), with my son. The #newdesignmuseum opened its doors in its new location only 5 days ago. The building and renovation are great, and in a nice location: on the edge of Holland Park, with the added bonus of being near the Kyoto Garden, Muji, and not far from the Serpentine Gallery.

Valencia (Spain) VC flows

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 14:17:54 +0000

Adam Gilfix, Brian de Luna, and Luke Heine, with the help of Dealroom.co, have created a very interesting data visualization tool for Venture Capital (VC) flows. I know for a fact and from experience that VC activity in places like Silicon Valley, NY, Boston, or London is big. But even when I go back home (Valencia – Spain) for the holidays, there are all kinds of “VC” events, news, meetings, spaces… which, given the conservative and provincial nature of the “Valencian Investors” I have met, surprises me.

4 days in Asuncion (Paraguay)

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 15:52:03 +0000

From Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 November I have been in Asunción (Paraguay) for several business meetings. Regardless of the very interesting business projects and meetings at the highest level ( in a single day I met with three “Secretaries” or “Ministers”: Industry and Commerce, Technology, and Health), it was a pleasure to know one of the few countries that I had yet to visit in South America. Now I only have Bolivia left.

Invited to speak at GIANT Health event in London

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 15:22:16 +0000

Right after I returned from Germany, and before departing for Paraguay, I was invited to speak at the GIANT Health event (the “global innovation and new technology health event), health in The Coronet, London. The event run for 3 days, November 16-18, with 3 parallel tracks, and it included over 200 speakers. I spoke November 18, in the main auditorium. There was an exhibition area, with several companies and organizations showing their innovations and technologies.

Düsseldorf Museums

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 09:14:04 +0000

Last week I spent 3 days in Düsseldorf, attending the Medica trade show. But I do not want to bore you with that. I`d rather tell you what I did after the trade show closed every day. Since Düsseldorf is a city that I know well, I decided to concentrate in its museums and art galleries. I could not have picked a more perfect time! At the Kunsthalle I attended the excellent exhibition titled “Wool and water”, with: Lili Dujourie, Isa Genzken, Astrid Klein, Mischa Kuball, Aron Mehzion, Reinhard Mucha, Sturtevant, Rosemarie Trockel, and Gerhard Richter; curated by Gregor Jansen.

Invited to participate in PA Consulting event

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 08:24:45 +0000

A few days ago I was invited to participate in a Healthcare Innovation workshop at PA Consulting in London. Beyond the cute venue, and spectacular list of attendees from the healthcare, industry, and political spaces (“Don’t waste time talking to someone with ‘Lord’ in his title, they are not there to really work”, one of my colleagues advises me), what impressed me was the extremely well organized, choreographed, and disciplined approach to innovation they had.

I acquired a David Shrigley piece from the Ludwig Museum

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 16:11:29 +0000

November 9 I acquired from the Ludwig Museum “I collect records”, a 27 cm ø 175gr. professional vinyl frisbee piece that the Turner Prize-nominated artist and occasional DJ David Shrigley created in 2012. “I collect records” is based on a drawing he did for a record cover featured in his exhibition Life and Life Drawing.

My artwork “God bless Amurika”, on display at the Ludwig Museum (Cologne), explained

Sat, 12 Nov 2016 09:26:59 +0000

I have often criticized artists who hide behind “my work speaks for itself” or “it’s up to the viewer to interpret my work”. Nice try, but that’s bullshit. Of course, anyone can interpret anything when exposed to an artwork! But the artist should at least make an attempt to explain the meaning behind a piece. No matter how self-explanatory (or obscure) it might be. It’s not “restricting the viewer”, it’s guiding; suggesting is not imposing.

3 days in Cologne November 2016 for BioEurope

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 17:28:15 +0000

November 6-9 I had to travel to Cologne (Germany) to attend the BioEurope trade show, along with a UK delegation. I have been in Cologne several times before, so I was not particularly surprised. But as with every trip, here are a few remarkable things I would like to comment: The hotel was right next to the train station and the Cathedral, quite convenient It rained every frigging day. It was cold and dark Where there are trees, Autumn is quite a spectacle Rheinpark is very nice, but has too many walls.

Interview for the art exhibition that I have curated and is currently being shown in Kaunas, Lithuania

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 09:07:58 +0000

INTERVIEW with JORGE CORTELL, curator By Airida Rekštytė – November 4, 2016 According to your profound theoretical education (sic) it will not be difficult to present us in short your intentions for organizing this event. When did the idea of making this exhibition occur and what inspired it? I have spent years as activist defending free software and online privacy, and opposing censorship. During a dinner with the director of an event that focuses on those themes (the Internet Freedom Festival, also known as Circumvention Festival), I told him how it would be a nice challenge to try to convey the main messages of the Festivals themes into an art exhibition.

Invited by the Duque of York to have dinner at Windsor Castle November 3

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 20:26:18 +0000

The other day I received a letter from Buckingham Palace, inviting me to have dinner with the Duke of York (Prince Andrew) on Thursday at Windsor Castle. I was curious to see the castle from the inside: it is a medieval style fortress, filled with military memorabilia (guns, swords, lances, armors…), banners and crests. It was more Game of Thrones than Harry Potter. The reception was held at the Grand Reception Room.

My company has been named “Top Scaleup in the UK”

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:17:41 +0000

For second consecutive year, my company has been named “Top Scaleup in the UK”. This means that we are growing fast, and also that I get invited to cool events. One of those events was a reception and a ‘Ten Years From Now’ series of keynotes at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, another one a mentoring session at London’s City Hall, and another one a series of talks at Google Campus.

Halloween in Wimbledon

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:05:59 +0000

Halloween has arrived in Wimbledon. The multicolored leaves paint their annual natural mosaic, one of the many subjective manifestations where we can observe our mind at work, interpreting events. Do you get taken away by the beauty of the color range? Does it make you wonder why everybody finds beautiful a cyclical natural event that occurs because tree leaves die, fall and rot? Do you associate it with annoyingly unpredictable weather and uncomfortably falling temperatures?

Microsoft Future Decoded 2016

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 20:17:42 +0000

November 1 I attended Future Decoded, the annual event where Microsoft and Partners present their forward looking products and concepts. Besides some cool “event attractions” (like the Back To The Future Delorean, seeing how data is not completely deleted even if you deep freeze a hard drive, the Bloodhound record-breaking car, or seeing the inside of a Rolls Royce plane turbine), the key for me was to be able to demonstrate my company’s software running on an amazing 84” Microsoft Surface Hub, and attending the invitation-only Microsoft Executive Party at the Sunborn Yacht Hotel.

DHVF, participating in a collective art performance, and meetings in Oxford Science Park

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 19:52:35 +0000

The last couple of weeks in October I went to Valencia to attend the Digital Health Venture Forum, where I received the Best Presentation Award. After spending a few days with my family and my Spanish team, and participating in an art installation by the SuperFlex collective on the 25th, I returned to London. October 27 I went to the beautiful Oxford Science Park to have a couple of business meetings.

Some meetings in London and Paris: from UK`s Secretary of Health to Microsoft`s CEO

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 16:49:19 +0000

The last few days have been quite hectic. So much so that I`m going to “bundle” them into one or two very heterogeneous posts. By the end of September I had to attend a few events, like being invited to a member of Microsoft`s Partner Advisory Council (we held the first meeting at the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel), or an E2E networking dinner at Charlotte Street Hotel: Tuesday October 4 I travelled to Paris to meet a South American Vice-minister of Health in IBM France:

Exponential Medicine Conference San Diego day 4

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 16:06:03 +0000

Tuesday, October 11th, was day four, and last, at the Exponential Medicine Conference in San Diego. Some of the talks I enjoyed the most: Exponential Thinking & Future Predictions: Ray Kurzweil Co-founder & Chancellor, Singularity University Exponential Entrepreneurship: Zayna Khayat, PhD Lead, MaRS Health and Director, MaRS EXCITE Stephanie Marrus, MBA Entrepreneurship Center Director, UCSF Investing In The Future: Vinod Khosla Founder, Khosla Ventures Visualizing the Future of Medical Education, from VR to the OR:

Tea with Peter Diamandis and dinner with Vinod Khosla

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 15:11:27 +0000

Monday, October 10th, I had the pleasure to have a chat with Peter Diamandis at a coffee (tea for me, thank you) break. He was very interested in talking about my company (Kanteron Systems), as we have developed technology that can really help some of his investments in Precision Medicine and Longevity. Even more interesting than talking about investments, it was to know a little bit the man behind the legend.

Exponential Medicine Conference San Diego day 3

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:55:41 +0000

Monday, October 10th was day 3 at the Exponential Medicine Conference San Diego. For me the highlights were: Bold Innovation: Peter Diamandis, MD Co-Founder, Singularity University and Founder & Chair, XPRIZE Redesigning Care: Tony Young, PhD FRCS National Clinical Director for Innovation, NHS England Bakul Patel, MBA Associate Director of Digital Health, Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and Radiological Health Getting the xMED Scrubs Photo on the Beach, with an awesome drone:

Award and Exponential Medicine Conference San Diego day 2

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:36:31 +0000

Sunday, October 9th, was day two at Exponential Medicine Conference in San Diego. Some of the highlights were: From ‘Omics to Action Moira Gunn, PhD Host, NPR’s Biotech Nation Larry Smarr, PhD Professor, UCSD and Director, Calit2 George Poste, DVM PhD FRS Chief Scientist, Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative- Arizona State University Mobile, Connected, Digital Health David Albert, MD Founder, AliveCor Stanley Shaw, MD PhD Co-Director, MGH Center for Assessment Technology & Continuous Health Bakul Patel, MBA Associate Director of Digital Health, Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and Radiological Health Ulrik Wisløff Professor: Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology Innovating at Scale: John Mattison, MD CMIO and Assistant Medical Director, Kaiser Permanente

Exponential Medicine Conference San Diego day 1

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 09:14:28 +0000

Saturday, October 8th, I attended day 1 of the Singularity University Exponential Medicine Conference in San Diego at the amazing Hotel Del Coronado. The event was organized mainly by Will Weisman and the incomparable Daniel Kraft, MD (whom I met last year at the London Stock Exchange), both from Singularity University. The Conference was fully packed with activities. Morning activities started at 7am and included Yoga, Meditation, Art, and Beach Run.

Last day in San Francisco: ART

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 22:24:49 +0000

Saturday, September 17, was my last day in San Francisco, and the only one I had with some spare time. After breakfast, I went to but some gifts from Japan Town and then headed to Union Square, for the Korean Day (Chuseok) culture festival. Then I went to the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts to check out Tom Sachs _Space Program: Europa_. As I feared, after the failure of _Sony Outsider,_ Tom Sachs obsession with demonstrating his hand-made “bricolage style” continues.

In Silicon Valley for bilateral meetings with Uber, Berkeley and General Electric

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 21:30:12 +0000

Friday, September 16, I attended 3 “bilateral meetings”.The first one took place in downtown San Francisco, in Uber HQ. The first one took place in downtown San Francisco, in Uber, which is in the same building as Square and across the street from Twitter. That same morning there was a big story about how much money Uber is losing, and how artificially high their valuation is, but of course, nobody wanted to talk about that.

In Silicon Valley for meetings with Microsoft, Google Ventures, LinkedIn, and party at Idean

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 03:02:28 +0000

Thursday, September 15 I had several meetings in Silicon Valley. The first one was with the Director of Strategic Investments at the Microsoft Technology Center in Mountain View. Since it is business related, I won`t comment anything about that very interesting meeting. The second one was with a Partner at Google Ventures. The discussion was to the point and provocative. It is interesting to note that Google and Google Ventures are NOT the same company.

San Francisco, day 5

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 02:17:23 +0000

Wednesday, September 14 I spent the whole day at K&L Gates, one of the largest law firms in the world, which has customers like Microsoft (the “Gates” in K&L Gates is for Bill Gates’ father), Amazon, etc. It was a typical upscale law firm setup: expensive video conference equipment and giant screens (I liked their “rear projector and mirror” trick) in a high-rise building with impressive views, and some art, like the “flying dildos” in reception.

I won the Anti-Patents Policy Hackathon

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 02:45:05 +0000

On September 13, Mind the Bridge hosted a policy hackathon sponsored by Dell at the MTB Innovation Center in San Francisco. The Dell PolicyHack™ brought together entrepreneurs and U.S./EU policy experts to solve policy challenges. The goal is to productively brainstorm and to provide top-line thinking that can inspire and serve as basis to develop and implement full policies. My team was formed by: Sara R. Klucking (Section Chief, Innovation & Programs, Office of Science and Technology Cooperation, US Department of State) Bogdan Ceobanu (Policy Officer, Startups & Innovation, European Commission) David Hodgson (CEO, Hummingbird Labs) me The five teams had 75 minutes to come up with a policy solution to issue areas that impact entrepreneurs.

San Francisco, day 4

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 02:09:57 +0000

Tuesday September 13 was a day devoted to workshops, a policy hackathon, and a visit to Pinterest HQ. As I have mentioned before, we have been fortunate to have a great group of mentors. In this case we enjoyed the following sessions in small groups: Market growth with: the CEO of CorkBIC, a former Microsoft BizDev VP, and the co-Founder & Director of Blippar Funding with: the Chair of Global Venture Forum, a Director at Woodside Capital, and a Partner at Delta Partners Group M&A/IPO with: the Principal M&A Integration at Google, a Managing Partner at Woodside Capital, and a Partner at Penningtons Manches Communication/PR with: the President of ActiveMedia, and the Associate Director at Oxygen PR After that we had a policy hackathon competition (more about that in the next blog post).

EID at Computer History Museum in Mountain View

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 01:19:42 +0000

Monday, September 12, was the European Innovation Day (EID) at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA. Although the museum is not open on Mondays, we had access to a few of the exhibits, like the one about the IBM 1401, the awesome PDP-1 (Creating the Hacker Culture), and autonomous vehicles (and yes, of course, I go into a Google driverless car, and took a selfie). But the reason why we went there was not (only) to see the museum but to participate in the EID event.

San Francisco, day 2

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 00:33:46 +0000

One of the things that strikes me the most in this trip is how many homeless there are in SF. The income inequality is so obvious and insulting, it hurts. I know this is not a “SF-only” problem, but here it is a lot more visible than in many other cities. As I walk from Union Sq. to Tender Nob through Geary or O’Farrell streets, or as I go to work in SOMA, I see homeless and people in need all over the sidewalk.

San Francisco, day 1

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 00:27:38 +0000

After over 11 hours of flight from London in Virgin Atlantic, in which I caught up with movies I had not seen yet, I arrived in San Francisco Saturday, September 10. Being as I am a sucker for all things Japanese, I got a room at the Hotel Kabuki, located in the middle of Japan Town. I was tired from the long flight, but I took a walk around the Japan Center, and I`m glad I did, because I enjoyed going into Kinokuniya Bookstore, Daiso, Ichiban… so hard to resist not buying everything!

3 days in Madrid

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 14:15:31 +0000

August 22-24 my wife and I went to Madrid, since she had not been there before. We stayed at the wonderful Hotel Villa Magna, in Paseo de la Castellana. A very discreet luxury hotel where every single detail is just right, from the room amenities to the “just right” breakfast buffet. The first day we visited the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (MNCARS), where the budget cuts really show, although it continues to be a reference in contemporary art.

Kanteron Workshop in Valencia

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 14:01:51 +0000

For a couple of days at the end of July, we held a workshop in Kanteron Systems Headquarters, where most of the team came together to share, discuss, work, and have fun: We had standup meetings, teamwork… all “Kanteron Style” 😉

Summer in Valencia, Spain

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 13:43:21 +0000

We spent the last days of July, and most of August in Valencia (Spain). Here are some “public” highlights, besides many evenings at the swimming pool and beach (plus many more “private” ones, enjoying with the family and kids): In July we had tapas at Central Bar, visited the Torres de Serranos, and went to Viva Tapas Bar with friends. In August we celebrated our anniversary at Ma Khin Café (nice, but we ended up there because our first four choices were closed), took John, a friend, to Bodego de la Sarieta, had cava sangria at the Cafe Negrito, and visited the Saint Nicholas church.

Invited to speak at Microsoft Healthcare event

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 15:33:01 +0000

On Tuesday August 9th, I was invited to talk about Personalised Medicine at Microsoft’s event “Empowering Health in a mobile first and cloud first world”, at Microsoft’s UK headquarters in Reading (UK). There were very interesting sessions on Intelligent Cloud, Microsoft Research (with whom we are collaborating) work on radiology and genomics, Introduction to productivity in health, Revolutionising infection control, National Technology Officer’s Cloud Update, Transdermal Sensors in Paediatric Care, Introduction to personalised computing in health, Virtual care clinics in Sweden, Digital wellbeing, The venture programme for health, NHS…

A walk through Oxford

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 08:10:40 +0000

On Saturday I went with my sister and brother-in-law on a day trip to my alma mater. Although graduation ceremonies and hoards of tourists made it hard to move around and access temporarily closed buildings, it was a sunny day, and we enjoyed the walk, including a tour of Somerville and Magdalen Colleges, the Ashmolean Museum, a rehearsal for a concert at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and the Bodleian Weston Library, where we saw the “Treasures: 24 pairs” exhibition and had a nice lunch.

HyperJapan 2016 London

Fri, 15 Jul 2016 15:44:34 +0000

Today we went with my sister and brother-in-law, who are visiting for a few days, to HyperJapan in London Olympia. Silly and fun, full of cosplay and otakus. Kawaii! ^.^

Re-designing a NASA interface

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:30:56 +0000

I am interested in many things. One of the main ones is technology. And within technology, software development to view telemetry data in different ways, within the same application. Answering NASA’s call to help contribute to the exploration of the solar system, I got access to their next-generation mission control framework being developed at the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley being used for mission planning and operations in the lead up to the Resource Prospector mission, and at NASA`s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to view data from the Curiosity Rover.

Wimbledon tennis madness

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 14:00:12 +0000

I live in Wimbledon. We moved here from London Bridge because this area is much more relaxed and has great parks within walking distance. But for two weeks a year, this town becomes the tennis capital of the world. I can post this collection of photos showing how crazy the town gets for two weeks now that the Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2016 are over, and I can tell because I could hear the players moan, the umpire call the score… let alone the crowd roaring.

A week of meetings in London

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 09:10:47 +0000

After the trip to Boston I came down with the flu, of course on a weekend as usual. So Monday I had zero energy, but a week ahead with an usual large number of meetings around London, so I had to do “magic calendar tricks” to be able to make all of them and to also attend several events. The main “trick” is to concentrate meetings geographically, adding into the calendar the time it takes to go from point A to point B.

Japan Society and Forbidden Planet London

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 08:36:07 +0000

On Thursday , on my way from an event to a meeting, I made two stops. The first one in Forbidden Planet. Forbidden Planet is a comic store that I enjoyed tremendously while living in New York. While not exactly Tokyo’s Mandarake, Forbidden Planet had enough variety to make it interesting. What I did not know is that they had such a large store in London! It is a fun place full of comic (and non-comic) books, manga, merchandise, figures, posters…

Invited to the Amazon Web Services Summit

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 07:53:27 +0000

On Wednesday and Thursday, I was invited to attend the Amazon Web Services Summit in London’s Excel center. Besides an exhibition area with many vendors (some of them already suppliers to my company) like NewRelic, DataDog, GitHub, Chef, Alscient, Teradici, DataPipe, Ruxit, CloudCheckr, Amazon Activate, Elastic, Redis, etc, all with their great swag (mostly t-shirts and stickers, but lots of giveaways, from drones to iWatches), the highlight was the conference sessions.

Talking to Prof. Church about machine learning applied to genomic research

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:44:02 +0000

During my flight to Boston I read “Regenesis”, the interesting genomic science book by Professor George Church, which was a gift from my friend Dr. Raminderpal Singh. On Wednesday evening I had a very interesting conversation in Boston with both of them. Neither of them needs an introduction in the genomics world, but for those of you outside the field: Raminder is Vice-president at Eagle Genomics and Advisor at Kanteron Systems.

Two days in Boston

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 16:04:38 +0000

I have spent the last two days in Boston for work. I know the city from my time as an MIT and Harvard student, and previous business trips. But unfortunately, the schedule was so tight, that this time I did not have a minute to enjoy Boston’s museums or other attractions. But that does not mean that I did not enjoy it. I stayed at the great Park Plaza Hotel, where they gave me a VIP treatment thanks to my wonderful travel agent @Cruise_Curator

Festival of Genomics Boston

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 15:43:05 +0000

June 28 and 29 I attended, along with my friend John Memarian, President & CCO of my company Kanteron Systems, the Festival of Genomics Boston, as a Microsoft Genomics Group partner. Although the show was small, it was a great opportunity to network with industry and academic experts (from Harvard Professors to Illumina executives) and learn. From scientific posters to the latest sequencing technologies, from robotic arms to genomics experiments in space, it was great #geekfun.

Interviewed by Meural

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 15:28:20 +0000

Last week I was interviewed (as art curator) by the Meural team. Each installment of their Deep Cuts series features a writer, artist, or curator discussing an underrated artist, artwork, movement, or museum. In Episode 7: “Seriously playful” we discussed the work of one of my favorite artists: Claudio Zirotti. Check it out! https://sketchbook.meural.com/post/146606100974/deep-cuts-episode-7-seriously-playful “ADLS50″ by Claudio Zirotti

Creating the non-comissioned art piece “Diangle” for the Tate Modern Gallery

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 11:10:44 +0000

Thursday June 23 I was given the opportunity to create a non-comissioned art piece at the Tate Gallery new extension Switch House. Within Meschac Gaba (1961, Benin) “Architecture Room” installation part of the “Museum of Contemporary African Art” exhibit, the artist invitation was to build my own imaginary museum… and what better place to do that than in the recently inaugurated Switch House extension of the Tate Gallery by Herzog & de Meuron?

Visiting the new Tate Modern Switch House

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 10:18:00 +0000

While narrowly avoiding the fire alarm evacuation that happened a couple of hours before we got there, what we could not avoid was the crowds. In any case, it is always a pleasure to see an expansion to an already amazing gallery.

Invited to Health Tech Innovators event in London City Hall

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 09:57:42 +0000

On Tuesday June 21 I was invited to attend the Health Tech Innovators event that took place in London City Hall, organized by Digital Health London, MedCity, and Tech London Advocates. It consisted of three panels (NHS, Innovators, and Corporate) and an open-bar networking. Besides some interesting presentations, the main point as always was to network with old colleagues (like Sara – CEO of MedCity, Kay – Health Chair Tech London Advocates, Nooman – Silicon Valley Bank, or Hak – Advisor) and new ones (Brian – Partner PWC Health Advisory, Dough – Medical Director Aviva, John – Healthcare Konica Minolta, Marco – Health Solutions Janssen, Ifan – Healthcare Welsh Government, Martin – NIHR, Axel – ICL, and many more).

Ultimate Father’s Day gift: building a Picade with my son

Sun, 19 Jun 2016 13:31:48 +0000

For Father’s Day (we live in London, so we celebrate it today, unlike in Spain which is March 19) my wife gave me the “Ultimate Father`s Day” gift, from TechCamp UK. [Thank you, love!] It consisted of a workshop with other father-son / father-daughter “teams”, held at the Iron Yard (The Leathermarket – London), where we built a desktop arcade machine in 5 hours (including lunch break), following the directions from Tom and Tom, using the Picade set, setting up and using the Raspberry Pi, custom OS, emulators, ROMs, loudspeakers, power supply, LCD screen, etc:

Invited to the AAF Art Show

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 14:14:05 +0000

Today I went with my parents and my son to the AAF art show in Hampstead (London). A good percentage (around 50%?) of works and an even higher percentage of galleries were the same as last year, but it was nonetheless interesting. As always.

Invited to attend the E2Exchange Annual National Reception

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 14:03:48 +0000

On Thursday, I was invited to attend the E2Exchange Annual National Reception at Banking Hall (London) It started as a fun networking evening event, where I met all kinds of people, from VCs, to the owner of a large bank, to PR specialists… even a hypnotherapist! Some politicians, like The Secretary of State for Business, had confirmed their attendance and were scheduled to debate Brexit, but they cancelled at the last minute due to the terrible murder of Jo Cox.

Guest speaker at KPMG UK Health event

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 16:33:46 +0000

Yesterday I was invited by KPMG UK to be a guest speaker at their Health Get Together event. It was a pleasure to be invited to participate in their internal event. It gave me an inside look at how consultants work, and I also had a chance to listen to a very interesting internal presentation about their social media use.

Invited to InfoSecurity Europe

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:30:12 +0000

Today I was invited to attend InfoSecurity Europe, Europe`s largest Information Security industry event. As always, it was interesting to have a chance to catch up with this rapidly moving field, and a great opportunity to chat with old friends. Apart from gimmicks (VR everywhere, car racing and helicopter simulators, giant robots, etc), swag (all kinds of Star Wars and other Sci-Fi related giveaways, from toys to t-shirts) and junk food (from candy to icecream to chips, the booths did not have healthy alternatives, although the food vendors did), the most interesting part of these events is always the talks, specifically the hands-on demos.

Invited with my son to Intel Buzz videogame developer workshop

Sat, 04 Jun 2016 17:25:21 +0000

Today I was invited, along with my son, who at 14 has been a videogame developer for years, to attend the Intel Buzz videogame developer workshop. It was not only a lot of fun, but WONDERFUL to attend with him! Although a small event, it ended up being extremely interesting, with an area to try indie games and new technologies, and a long list of talks and panels, including one-on-ones.

Invited to Microsoft Research Cambridge workshop: Computing in Cancer

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 06:24:15 +0000

May 27 I was invited to participate in the “Computing in Cancer Workshop” organized by Microsoft Research in Cambridge. It was a great opportunity to network, meet with colleagues and other researchers, and especially to learn a lot. The fascinating lectures were: Antonio Criminisi (Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research): Machine Learning for Medical Image Analysis Jasmin Fisher (Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research): Virtual Models of Cancer Giles Maskell (President, Royal College of Radiologists): Current problems in diagnostic radiology Fiona Gilbert (Head of the Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge) Dennis Wang (Senior Bioinformatics Scientist, AstraZeneca): Predicting drug combinations and biomarkers of response: a crowd-sourced solution Florian Markowetz (University of Cambridge, CRUK Cambridge Institute): Quantifying patterns of tumour evolution Francesca Buffa (Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford): In-silico systems biology and functional genomics approaches to accelerate biomarker discovery Hoifung Poon (Researcher, Microsoft Research): Machine Reading for Cancer Panomics Raj Jena (Academic Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Cambridge University Hospitals): Computing for Radiation Oncology – from cell culture to the clinic Bertie Gottgens (Professor of Molecular Haematology, University of Cambridge): Defining Cell States and Regulatory Networks using Single Cell Genomics

Stockholm day 2

Tue, 31 May 2016 10:55:49 +0000

Stockholm day 2: We started the day with a very yummy breakfast buffet, which gave us plenty of energy for all the walking we had planned to do. Since the National Museum was closed, we walked along the Strandvägen and crossed the Djurgårdsbron bridge into Djurgården to go to the Vasa Muséet. The Vasa museum is quite an amazing place, a lot more interesting than it seems at first: it displays the only almost fully intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged, the 64-gun warship Vasa that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.

Stockholm day 1

Mon, 30 May 2016 18:29:12 +0000

After the wonderful cruise, we disembarked in Stockholm and took a taxi to our hotel: the Nobis . It is a cool design hotel, with a particular claim to history: in their building is where the Stockholm Syndrome effect first happened. It is located in a square where they are installing heated floors! After storing our luggage in the hotel (too early to checking-in), we went off to explore the city.

Baltic Cruise Day 7

Thu, 26 May 2016 14:15:46 +0000

Friday, May 20, we arrived in Helsinki quite early and docked by Kauppatori (Market Square) where they sell a ton of berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc), which we have been eating a ton during the cruise. So, after breakfast we disembarked, and walked the Senate Square, got a map in the City Hall, where we also took the opportunity to check our email thanks to the free wifi, and went on, passing by the Helsinki Cathedral, the Palace of the Council of the State, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library.

Baltic Cruise Day 6

Thu, 26 May 2016 11:02:24 +0000

Thursday, May 19 we had an early breakfast again and were met by Slava who drove us to Peterhof, as Marina told us stories of Soviet era daily life. Peterhof is another one of those tourist destinations that can get unbearably packed, so I truly appreciated that my wife and Marina arranged for a special visit before they officially opened their doors. It is amazing the excruciatingly detailed job the Soviets did to document, preserve, and restore the palace, including using original equipment to weave the tapestries and silk.

Baltic Cruise Day 5

Wed, 25 May 2016 06:39:28 +0000

Wednesday, May 18 we asked Marina to start the day visiting the subway (Metro), which gave us an opportunity to have an interesting political and historical discussion. I still remember the monumental Moscow’s Metro. While Saint Petersburg’s Metro is not as spectacular, there are many examples of Soviet era art and decoration. The Metro itself is old but impeccably clean and maintained. Marina insisted in inviting us to a cup of tea at the famous Yeliseevskiy Gastronom at 56 Nevskiy Prospekt.

Baltic Cruise Day 4

Tue, 24 May 2016 17:39:39 +0000

Tuesday May 17 we docked at 4:00am so downtown Saint Petersburg that people walking on the sidewalk could see into our suite. We were a few minutes walk from the Hermitage Museum. After clearing immigration (you need a visa to enter Russia, unless you have arranged private escorted tours like we had), we were met by Slava, our driver, who for the next three days would take us everywhere in a large white Mercedes Benz.

Baltic Cruise Day 3

Tue, 24 May 2016 16:05:02 +0000

We arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, at 08:00h. Before disembarking, we ordered a hearty breakfast in the suite, so we would have energy to walk all day. It was a delight having breakfast in the room while enjoying the view of St. Olav’s church from our balcony. Right after breakfast we took the shuttle to go downtown (although it is so close that it was quite unnecessary). Tallinn is a small city, being Estonia the smallest of all Baltic states.

Baltic Cruise Day 2

Tue, 24 May 2016 12:49:43 +0000

On days at sea during cruises, we tend to oversleep. And that’s exactly what happened. Sunday May 15 was a day at sea, and we did not get up until noon (in our defense we will say that during this cruise we crossed the time zone lines several times, so it was difficult to keep the right time in mind). We headed directly for lunch at the restaurant. It was so empty, that we had to double check.

Baltic Cruise Day 1

Tue, 24 May 2016 07:20:19 +0000

The next day, Saturday May 14, we had breakfast at the visitor center (with yet again some more deliciously rich Danish pastry) and took a taxi to the Cruise Terminal where we boarded the Seabourn Quest for a 7 night Baltic cruise. The ship is absolutely fantastic. It’s fairly new, exquisitely decorated, and we were assigned an amazing suite with a walk-in closet. Of particular excellence was the suite’s bathroom. I have only seen such a great bathroom in places like The Ritz Carlton Hotel (any, since they are all the same) or the UAE Emir’s Palace.

Two days in Copenhagen

Mon, 23 May 2016 19:30:36 +0000

Thursday, May 12 we travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark. We had many things on our list, and being there for two days only, we had to make many sacrifices. But overall, we covered a lot of ground. We had many things on our list, and being there for two days only, we had to make many sacrifices. But overall, we covered a lot of ground.Upon arrival in the airport we took the very convenient and modern train that took us to the Central Station, and our hotel was next door.

Manchester

Mon, 23 May 2016 19:27:53 +0000

On May 10 I traveled to Manchester for a business meeting. After the meeting, I had a couple free hours left before boarding my train back, so I decided to walk around Manchester University (where I will be attending a Bioinformatics Course soon) and visit the eclectic and adorable Manchester Museum.

Wimbledon breakfast

Mon, 23 May 2016 19:26:58 +0000

In England, Summer apparently lasts about 3 days. And it arrives (and leaves) in May. Those three days were very nice: we went for walks in the parks and village, we enjoyed the flowers blooming and seeing families have fun and catch their vitamin-D-processing-sun-ray-yearly-dose, and we had a lovely breakfast in our castle’s balcony seeing a group of elders play cricket in the Wimbledon Practice Courts. It was nice, albeit brief, Summer.

Itadaki Zen: Japanese Vegan restaurant in London

Mon, 23 May 2016 19:25:17 +0000

One of my corporate advisors is Vegetarian, and we wanted to have a meeting over dinner. He tasked me with finding a restaurant in central London, so I chose Itadaki Zen, a vegan Japanese restaurant. I vividly remember Kajitsu, a Shojin cuisine restaurant in New York, as one of the most surprising, delicious, and different restaurants I have ever dined in. So I thought this could be similar. But unfortunately it is not.

IBM technical deep dive in Kanteron Spain

Mon, 23 May 2016 19:19:38 +0000

For a couple of days (May 3-4), IBM executives from Switzerland, France and Spain came to my company’s headquarters in Spain for a “technical deep dive”. During those technical discussions (under NDA, so I’m afraid I can’t reveal any of what was said) other IBM executives dialed in from their respective countries. Beyond engineering, market, and corporate discussions, we also had an opportunity to have fun. On day one we had a typical paella on the beach.

Horse riding surrounded by parks

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 15:23:24 +0000

As we imagined, the highlight of moving to Wimbledon is being surrounded by nature. On one side, 0.3 miles to the East, we have the family-friendly and very civilized Wimbledon Park, with its swans and ducks, water sports, minigolf, tennis courts… even beach volleyball! On the other side, 0.3 miles to the West, we have the wild and lush dense forest of Wimbledon Common: Adjacent to Wimbledon Common we have Richmond Park, with its live and free roaming deer.

A few days in Valencia during Fallas

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 15:05:13 +0000

We spent a few days in Valencia (Spain) during Fallas, March. As always, great food, great weather, enjoying with the family, fireworks with the kids (check out the list of firecrackers they sell at any corner store there… crazy!).

Moving to a castle

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:54:17 +0000

After a year living by London Bridge, we have decided to move out. Our apartment was nice, and the location quite convenient, but the constant flood of tourists to the Borough Market and the Bridge made me feel just like I did when I lived in Mid-Town/5th Avenue Manhattan (New York) a few years ago. Back then, just like now, I decided to move to an area that felt more “neighborhood” and less “tourist landmark” (in that case it was Chelsea), and it proved to be the right choice.

Setting up my first art exhibit

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 14:48:21 +0000

The weekend of February 27 and 28 I set up my first art exhibition as Independent International Art Curator. In collaboration with the Internet Freedom Festival, held in Las Naves (Valencia) from 2 to 6 March, Net Freedom Art Show is an international, itinerant, collective and multidisciplinary contemporary art show. After its debut in Valencia, it will be exhibited in galleries around the world (New York, London, Santiago de Chile, and Kaunas).

The White House Chief Data Scientist assures me the White House strongly supports encryption and opposes back doors

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:01:23 +0000

Tuesday March 1 I had a conversation with Dr. DJ Patil, the First White House Chief Data Scientist, at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. He was interested in discussing ways in which the White House can help healthcare technology companies like mine. The first issue I raised was my concern over the FBI’s request for Apple to decrypt a suspected criminal’s iPhone. My position in this issue is well known: weak encryption means weak security for ALL of us, so nobody can request weak security for security’s sake.

In Las Vegas for a few days

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 12:47:17 +0000

March 1-4 I traveled to Las Vegas to exhibit at the largest healthcare IT trade show in the world: HIMSS. Hitachi, one of our partners, asked my company to be part of their booth for the second year in a row, and I was very glad to share the booth with them and another open source company they recently acquired: Pentaho. Throughout the duration of the show I had numerous business breakfasts (including a very early one with IBM and their new CEO of Watson Health, who until recently was CEO of Philips Healthcare), lunches and dinners, and was invited to several events, like Microsoft’s party at the Bodies exhibition in the Luxor Hotel, and Lexmark’s party.

Microsoft comes to Valencia to meet with my team, collaborate on medical technology research, and discuss a Term Sheet

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 08:44:31 +0000

On February 25 a group of medical imaging researchers from Microsoft came to our company’s headquarters in Valencia (Spain) for a day-long workshop on bleeding edge medical image software. I must admit that just a few years ago I would have laughed at the idea of such an occurrence for many reasons. But things change, and now Microsoft is much more open (and convinced) about Open Source software, their researchers have demonstrated exceptional ability in advanced medical imaging analysis algorithms (unlike their failed business strategy around Amalga), and my company has grown and innovated to the point where it captures the interest and even enthusiasm of some of the largest technology companies in the world.

Microsoft event at Sushi Samba London

Sun, 06 Mar 2016 18:39:28 +0000

On February 23 Microsoft invited me to an industry event at Sushi Samba, which is located on the 39th floor of the Heron Tower in London. I have never given a standing presentation right next to a floor to ceiling window with the clouds closer to me than the ground! The event was nice, as it was the venue. Thank you for inviting me, Microsoft.

Let’s pretend none of this ever happened

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 10:25:16 +0000

Walking towards my London Shoreditch office to meet the Swiss investor and his impeccable suit, leaving the City bankers’s coffee-holding fast pace behind, I notice the absence nobody seems to Where did he go? His sleeping sack and pillow still on the sidewalk as annoyingly positioned in the corner as always But he’s gone . I wonder and I worry his failing body, almost as absent as his lost gaze

Invited to the Mayor’s International Programme launch at London City Hall

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:17:38 +0000

Yesterday I was invited to attend the official launch of the Mayor’s International Programme at City Hall, London, where I met some of London`s top entrepreneurs, mentors, and the Mayor (who gave a short speech using 007 as a reference). One of my companies (Kanteron Systems) has been selected as one of the 35 companies forming the initial cohort. The programme will support high growth businesses from London’s Technology, Life Sciences and Urban sectors to expand their businesses internationally.

“Big Bang Data” and “Tintin” exhibitions at Somerset House, London

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:43:02 +0000

Yesterday we went to see a couple exhibitions at Somerset House, in London. The first exhibition we saw was “TINTIN: Hergé`s Masterpiece”. Basic but obviously appealing, it was too crowded to be enjoyable. The second one was “Big Bang Data”. While undoubtedly interesting, especially for someone who works in, teaches, and loves bid data and technology like myself, to me the most interesting aspect of this exhibition is that everyone who was there had already experienced the subject.

Flight data as business intelligence

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 08:54:06 +0000

As an international “solo-preneur” you have to be careful about how to invest your time and resources, and what metrics are really key. My main company (Kanteron Systems) is in the Enterprise Healthcare Software world. Blog posts and books talking about apps, user adoption, and monetization mean nothing to me. Yet most companies in the Enterprise B2B space are big listed multinationals, so their metrics do not exactly apply to me either.

5th EU Health Innovation event at Microsoft’s Brussels EBC

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:25:50 +0000

This Tuesday and Wednesday I was invited to participate in Microsoft’s 5th Health Innovation event. Titled “EmpoweringHealth: the journey towards more personalized, productive, collaborative and predictive health services & systems” it took place at the Microsoft Executive Briefing Center in Brussels. I participated in the round table “Medical Imaging Storage in the Cloud”, moderated by Kelly Limonte (Microsoft UK Healthcare Team), and in the Expert Panel “The future of preventive and predictive health powered by data in the intelligent cloud”, along with:

Chile January 2016

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:42:37 +0000

On Wednesday, January 20th I flew to Miami, on the top floor of a double-decker plane, for a quick meeting at the airport. Unfortunately, and as usual, the delay of the aircraft, together with the immigration queue, and a traffic jam in which my client was caught, made the meeting impossible. From Miami, I flew all night to Santiago de Chile.Arriving in Santiago, as always my good friend and distributor picked me up from the airport and took me to the hotel to check-in, shower and change to go to the first meeting.

Meeting the NHS in Liverpool and Microsoft Research in Cambridge January 2016

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:24:50 +0000

Monday the 18 of January I went to Liverpool for a business meeting. The first one in a very large project with England’s National Health System. It was a quick trip, that started off the right way, with a “Game of Thrones” chair made out of electric guitars at the station, and Virgin giving me an upgrade to First Class. I usually can care less about traveling in first class for short train rides.

Moraira and Javea January 3, 2016

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 17:12:02 +0000

On January 3 I took my wife, along with my parents, to visit one of my childhood “safe places”: Moraira and Javea, in Alicante’s White Coast. Alongside Ibiza, always my favorite, Moraira’s beaches have a very special place in my memory. While it has grown a lot in population and housing developments, being a “prime real estate” area (and therefore rich town), they have made a pretty good job keeping it nice and beautiful.

Blue Christmas in Valencia

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:30:23 +0000

For almost a month between mid-December and mid-January we escaped London’s grey sky and went to Valencia (Spain) to meet my team for some strategic sessions, and to be with the family. The first thing we did was to behave like tourists, craving serrano ham, freshly squeezed orange juice, paella, or walks on the beach. It’s easy to see how clichés are formed, being nothing else than the brain’s reductionist tendencies at play.

Ai Weiwei at the Royal Academy

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 13:18:55 +0000

On December 4 I was lucky enough to be invited to visit Ai Weiwei`s exhibition at the Royal Academy. I knew I would enjoy it since Ai Weiwei is one of my favourite artists. I knew even my son, my wife and my mother-in-law would enjoy it, since Ai Weiweis art is highly figurative and symbolic, even to the point of being obvious with his latest works (which makes its appeal that more far-reaching if slightly less elitist).

Tate Modern curating methodology

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 13:01:30 +0000

December 2 I went to the Tate Modern with the whole family, since my mother-in-law was visiting from overseas. I really like how it is set up according to concepts, rather than chronologically, by artists, or by styles. It feels more like an art gallery (which it is) than a museum. It puts things into the subjective focus of the curator. I wonder how much the artists themselves would agree with the collection parameters, but it definitely is a welcome departure from the more traditional museum logic.

Meetings in London (HSBC, Microsoft, solicitors, events...)

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:31:35 +0000

In the past few days I have had quite a few “interesting” meetings. On November 26 I was invited to the Pre-Christmas Reception at HSBC corporate offices, along with other business owners/entrepreneurs: a weird mix of industries and interests (which I find a complete waste of business networking time). But one thing was completely homogeneous: wherever you looked, there were men. Middle aged, white, balding, dark suit-wearing men. Just like me.

I stood up against a terrorist in a German train

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 12:11:35 +0000

Yesterday, after spending the day at a tradeshow in Düsseldorf, on my way by train to the hotel in Mülheim, I stopped in the town of Duisburg, which was on my way, because I heard they were setting up a Christmas market. The market was indeed being set up, but it was still closed, so I decided to go back to the station. To avoid the sprinkling rain I took the 901 tram at König-Heinrich Platz.

Four days in Düsseldorf

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 11:13:34 +0000

From Monday to Thursday I have been in Düsseldorf attending an industry trade show. It has been four largely uneventful days, except for one incident that was particularly disturbing. I will write about it in a separate post. Lots of walking, trains, meetings, and random thoughts: Why does the baker not let me take a picture of one of their St. Martin`s Day “Weckmann”? There was a time, years ago, when I could speak some German.

A couple days in Zürich

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:44:26 +0000

I spent Wednesday evening and most of Thursday in Zürich. On Wednesday I had dinner with some business partners; “business as usual”. But on Thursday, after my business presentation to potential customers, I had the very rare and exclusive opportunity to visit one of the main data centers in Switzerland. Here are some impressive facts about them: they host 1/3 of Swiss banks data internet traffic = 40% of Switzerland’s internet traffic energy bill = 2 million Swiss Franks per annum 2 different energy suppliers from 2 different access points, with preferential oil supply in case of a failure (full reserves for 5 days for the generators) almost 50 telecoms suppliers, from many different countries, providing direct access for their customers worldwide RFIDs paired with 3D fingerprint scanners which measure the fingerprint but also the morphology, pulse and temperature separate isolated room to open packages, to minimize the risk of fire single person magnetic doors temperature, movement, and sound sensors double-gated entrance even to the parking lot!

Nice day in London

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:29:13 +0000

Tuesday was a very nice day in London, which was convenient because I decided to walk to my two appointments, which were quite far apart. First I met with a PR firm. You know their founders are into art when in the meeting room we were in (one of many) they had a J. Opie and a W. Hewett. Nice. Bonus points. Then I walked to the Japanese Embassy, where I had been invited to a symposium on big data research for dementia (actually, I chuckled when I thought that, in a way, it could be argued that “big data seems to cause dementia in some vendors”) 😉

One day in Paris

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:28:12 +0000

On Monday I traveled to Paris for a quick meeting. It was my first time on the Eurostars train, and I love it: to be able to work all the way from downtown London to downtown Paris, without wasting time going back and forth airports, and having a very reliable punctuality, is great. In Paris I met a business partner briefly at the Gare du Lyon, and then my customers at Le Train Blue restaurant and business space.

V&A and Science Museums

Sat, 14 Nov 2015 15:48:14 +0000

Sunday November 8th we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum for some educational fun weekend. I love the V&A for its interesting variety. We saw sculptures (although lot more Rodin than Bernini), Medieval objects (from reliquaries to clothing and drawings), and some fine examples of Japanese design. In the Science Museum we went to see the small but extremely interesting exhibition on Ada Lovelace’s history. We learned a lot and I believe it was a great inspiration to my son.

Royal Veterinary College

Sat, 14 Nov 2015 15:43:26 +0000

On Friday November 6 I was invited to a Scientific Symposium on Translational Research, held at the Biotech Innovation Center. The fun part was to stop at the Royal Veterinary College cafeteria, with their interesting museum.

British Library

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 20:33:12 +0000

On Friday November 6, on my way to a meeting, I stopped by the British Library. It had been quite a long time since I had been there. You need a special permit to use their volumes, but they have a very active schedule of events and presentations, and a wonderful museum. Amongst the “treasures” they have, there are manuscripts from Mozart (‘Verzeichnüss aller meiner Werke’), Beethoven, Magna Carta, John Lennon, Percy Bysshe Shelley (‘The Mask of Anarchy’), and many other historically relevant documents, like the first printed music in western musical notation using Gutemberg’s movable type (Southern Germany c.

Invited by the London Stock Exchange to participate in the market opening ceremony

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 14:22:52 +0000

On Friday, November 6th, I was invited by Marcus Stuttard, head of AIM (the London Stock Exchange’s growth market), to participate in the London Stock Exchange market opening ceremony, which takes place daily at 8:00 am. The ceremony offers companies joining London Stock Exchange’s markets the opportunity to mark their success on the day of their admission. The event was followed by drinks and breakfast. The reason why I was invited is because one of my companies (Kanteron Systems) had been selected as a member of the #ScaleUpClub 2015.

Million masks march

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 14:03:17 +0000

On Thursday, coming back home from a meeting, I run into the Million Masks March. While I assume I agree with most of their anti-system protests (the truth is I did not bother to read them), I think their choice of Guy Fawkes as an “icon”, even if a graphical one as proposed by the comic/movie “V for Vendetta”, is a very stupid one. Just read about what that historical figure had in mind and judge for yourself.

World Press Photo 2015

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:41:46 +0000

Last Thursday, on my way to a business meeting, I stopped by the Southbank Center, to view the World Press Photo 2015 exhibition. It was a great collection of pieces, but I particularly liked (or was most shocked by) the work of Tomas van Houtryve (2nd prize stories), Cai Sheng Xiang (1st prize singles), Turi Calafato (3rd prize stories), and Arash Khamooshi (3rd prize stories). Definitely worthwhile visiting.

Meetings in London in cool places

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:18:01 +0000

I have business meetings all the time. Sometimes in person, sometimes via videoconference. It’s always about the people you meet, and the business you discuss. But sometimes, the location is extraordinary, or fun, or interesting for whatever reason. So once in a while I will add a few comments or pictures about those meetings. For example, check out the views from the 32nd floor of the Tower 42 building, or the reception room of the Royal Institute of British Architects!

World Illustration Awards Exhibition at Somerset House

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 17:45:03 +0000

On Sunday October 31st we went to the World Illustration Awards Exhibition at Somerset House (London). It was a pure delight. Not only it was hosted at one of my favorite venues in London, but the selection of works by contemporary illustrators was quite good. The one I liked the most was Malika Favre’s Futurist-inspired posters for the BAFTAs 2015, but there were many remarkable ones, like Bartosz Kosowskis perfect poster for Kubricks Lolita, the cheerfully cute drawings of Chris Haughton for the Royal London Children`s Hospital, the super busy “Larger Than line” by Mattias Adolfsson, the powerful and colorful “Alice in Wonderland” art by Grahame Baker-Smith, or the iconic “Autism” work by Aad Goudappel (one copy of which I acquired for our private collection).

Affordable Art Fair in London

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 16:46:57 +0000

October 25 we were invited to attend the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea (London), where 110 galleries showcased work by 1,100 artists. There is always something interesting, and it is always a pleasure to attend art shows, but art in NY tends to be more daring and exciting. Sometime I miss living in Manhattan. In any case, here you have a few pictures of works that caught my eye for one reason or another:

A couple days in Lisbon

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 16:21:30 +0000

After a quick 12 hour “pit-stop” at home, to give my family some gifts I brought them from Japan, to pack again and to sleep a little, I went back to the airport. This time headed to Lisbon, where IBM invited me to participate in their Business Partner Executive Summit. Some quick notes from that trip and event: always delighted with Portuguese food; lots of European executives speaking weak English with strong accents; fake smiles and a surprising amount of distrust amongst “business partners” hidden under fake camaraderie (is this a “European thing”?

Last day… sayonara Japan

Sat, 24 Oct 2015 11:47:23 +0000

On Saturday I had my flight back. But since it was late in the day, I decided to make the most of it, so I checked out of the hotel early, hopped on the subway (with a little help from a British Airways flight attendant), and headed to Shibuya, where I left my luggage in a coin locker, got a map (just in case, although I feel I know the area well), and started walking around Cat Street, Omotesando, and Takeshita Dori.

Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama

Sat, 24 Oct 2015 11:33:46 +0000

On my way back from the amazing Sankeien Garden, after attending (but honestly not paying much attention to) a Japanese-only BioInformatics lecture (seriously, I enjoy those things), I went for something fun and quirky: the Cup Noodles Museum. Founded by revered Momofuku Sando-san, Instant Noodles (Cup Noodles) has a very interesting story behind its world wide wild success. I learned that Sando-san spent two years in jail for tax evasion. That he invented the instant noodles in his 60’s.

Sankeien Garden Yokohama

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 15:21:46 +0000

Friday I only had one meeting scheduled late, so I decided to brave the very foggy and rainy day and venture forth to the Sankeien Garden. It was out of the way, but I read great things about it, so not caring about pictures not turning out OK or getting lost, or getting wet, I went anyway. I can only assume that the place was mostly empty because of the suboptimal weather, but I was very very happy to walk around there almost by myself.

Landmark Tower Yokohama

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 15:15:41 +0000

As so often happens when I experience something so sublime, I wish my loved ones were there to share it with me. Someone said that when you can’t or don’t know how to share, you become an exhibitionist. Is that why I have a blog? In any case, after seeing a little presentation about the safety and earthquake-resistant features of the world’s fastest elevator, built by Mitsubishi, I got to ride it, at 750 m/s, to the top on the 69th floor.

Yokohama day 4

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 10:52:17 +0000

Before a very successful day at the trade show (few but extremely interesting meetings with the likes of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, a very large Japanese company known for their electronics, and a BioTech fund from Silicon Valley), I went to the Red Brick Warehouse. I read online someone saying it was the cool alternative to a shopping center, and it was close by, so I decided to check it out for myself.

Yokohama day 3

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 10:36:11 +0000

It was time to work. The trade show I was in Yokohama for, BioJapan, is not a big one, and dwarfs in comparison to the Bio show in the USA. But being so highly specialized means that there are less people attending that in other trade shows, and the people attending are all directly involved in life sciences, either as researchers or as companies commercializing life sciences research (or providing support and services).

Yokohama day 2

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 06:17:43 +0000

The next day it was my (almost) free day. Absolutely necessary, specially for those who are not used to long flights and big time zone differences. Not my case, but I’m still glad I had that day off… specially in Japan! So I got up early, dealt with my emails as quickly as I could, had tradicional Japanese breakfast, I met my friend and client Komaki-san, and after the meeting I left the hotel.

Yokohama day 1

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 23:04:14 +0000

On Sunday October 11 I flew to Tokyo via Abu Dhabi to attend the BioJapan life sciences trade show, as part of a select group of 8 companies chosen by the Mayor of London’s office and the London Chamber of Commerce to represent the leading SMEs in the field of Healthcare and Life Sciences from London. Since the departure of the London-Abu Dhabi was delayed, I did not have time to have a meeting or even explore the airport in Abu Dhabi.

Dinner at Le Meridien Piccadilly

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:59:36 +0000

After the visit to the British Museum & Fortnum & Mason, my in-laws treated us to dinner at The Terrace Grill restaurant at Le Meridien Piccadilly Hotel. As was to be expected, it was delicious. A great way to end a great day.

British Museum and Fortnum & Mason

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:49:41 +0000

It is quite a privilege to be able to take your son to the British Museum every week for his homeschooling history class. And that’s what we did Friday October 9, but this time I also took my wife and the in-laws. Visiting a museum on a regular basis allows for much deeper analysis and engagement, gaining on the depth the exhibits have and most tourist don’t have the time to enjoy.

National Gallery

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:27:28 +0000

It had been quite a long time since I was last at the National Gallery, but Tuesday October 6 I took my family there. While my in-laws were visiting, for my home-schooled son was Art class time. I enjoyed tremendously discussing with him the differences between early and late Renaissance visual art. Even if was only for the proximity to some of the world’s best museums, living in London is great.

Sky Garden in London

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:14:34 +0000

Monday October 5 I took my family to the Sky Garden, at 20 Fenchurch St., London. It’s the UK’s highest public garden, and it’s free to visit although an online reservation is required. Honestly, I wonder how come it took me so long to check it out. It’s awesome! Despite the hordes of visitors, it does not feel overly crowded, offering different levels and spaces from where to admire the amazing view of London.

Another weekend in Oxford

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:05:11 +0000

I can not have enough of Oxford. Being there is like being in another world: a timeless, self-contained, engrossing, and intellectual stimulating one. And you don’t even need to be a student or to attend a lecture to feel it. On Sunday October 4 I visited with my wife, my son and my parents-in-law. I took them to the college I attended and others, enjoying their architecture and gardens, marveling at the incredible amount of cultural events (mainly concerts and lectures, not so much art, though) going on for such a small town.

London City Hall meetings

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 22:01:42 +0000

Tuesday September 29 I had a couple meetings in London’s City Hall and the London and Partners office, to prepare for the BioJapan mission and to learn more about apprenticeship program in the UK. The views were quite nice, specially at sunset.

Invited to a Christie’s Art Auction

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:54:37 +0000

This summer London became the setting for more than 20 giant sculptures inspired by the DNA double helix by some of the biggest names in the world of art and design, including Ai Weiwei, Aston Martin, or Zaha Hadid. Last Wednesday my wife and I were invited to the auction of those pieces at legendary art auction house Christie’s. I was surprised, or rather “appalled”, to see that Ai Weiwei’s sculptures went for only around £20,000 each (he made two).

Imperial War Museum London

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:20:33 +0000

Last week I visited the Imperial War Museum of London with my father-in-law and my son. I am a pacifist, and I believe the military-industrial complex is a very scary and abominable reality. So anything related to military makes me cringe. But I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by this museum. It did not glorify the military, nor it played the over-sensitive card of victim’s suffering. It was detached enough to be “objective”, while human enough to transmit the horrors of war.

Breakfast in London, lunch in Reykjavík and dinner in Boston

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:19:26 +0000

Four Oxford Alumni Weekend lectures

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:11:05 +0000

[More pictures here] Last Saturday I had the pleasure to attend Oxford’s Alumni Weekend with my son. I knew he would not be the only teenager there, but I was surprised to see kids even younger than him accompanying their parents. The truth is that I wish I had brought him earlier. I’ll try to bring my daughter to the next one. Besides the obvious networking opportunity, the true pleasure was to attend interesting lectures delivered by top academics, and to see my son actually interested in those lectures!

Crazy couple of days: meeting Google Ventures, NHS, Accenture, interview, events…

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 09:52:28 +0000

Everybody is too busy. It’s the “toxic work world” we live in, according to the New York Times. But some days are more ridiculously packed than others. Last week I had so many meetings, it was hard for me to keep track of them. Some that I remember off the top of my head: meeting with a General Partner of Google Ventures, meeting two executives from the National Health Service (NHS), an executive from Accenture at their posh London offices, being interviewed by an Editor from The Times, being picked up by a driver in a hybrid car with wifi who took me to a media event (Haymarket Group’s Create 2015) to present and participate in a panel along two other accomplished “entrepreneurs” from TechHub, and minutes later participating at another event (Connected Health) at Simmons & Simmons.

Playing in London… even with Microsoft!

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 09:01:40 +0000

These past few days have been quite “playful”. On the one hand, I have just discovered, right around the corner from our apartment by London Bridge, a free and public playground that has an artificial grass hockey field, half a basketball court, 3 pingpong tables and even a beach volleyball court with sand and all! So obviously, the next day I went with my son to a sports equipment store and bought a soccer ball, a pingpong set, a basketball, a volleyball and a badminton set.

Invited to cruise on the Seabourn Quest 7-Day The Baltic & St Petersburg

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:37:22 +0000

I have been invited to yet another cruise, this time the 7-Day The Baltic & St Petersburg on the Seabourn Quest 14-21/05/2016. This is the itinerary: Copenhagen (Denmark), Tallinn (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia), Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden). Thank you @Cruise_Curator

Royal Society of Medicine 11th Medical Innovations Summit

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:07:37 +0000

Yesterday I attended the 11th Medical Innovations Summit held at the Royal Society of Medicine. Like everyone else, I usually attend these events because there is a chance you may get to actually listen to an interesting presenter, or learn about a true innovation. But I usually leave disappointed due to a number of reasons like too much hype and lack of substance, bad organisation, “innovations” that are not really innovations, or bad presenters.

20/21 British Art Fair

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 13:52:27 +0000

On Friday I attended the 20/21 British Art Fair at the Royal College of Art, in London. Usually I love art fairs, and find many exciting works of art. I particularly love the creative energy you can feel at contemporary art fairs. This one was not an exciting fair. Perhaps because it is modern and contemporary, perhaps because it is limited to British artists, or perhaps because this year’s selection was not that interesting.

Horse riding vacation in the English countryside: Four Seasons Hampshire

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 09:49:30 +0000

Last month we took the kids to an idyllic English countryside retreat: the Four Seasons Hampshire, where we stayed in two adjacent suites. Not far from London, it has everything a kid can dream of for a wonderful countryside vacation: green hills, a fishing pond, clay pigeon shooting, indoors heated swimming pool, bicycles, a large collection of DVDs, library, a playground, a rope-adventure course, a crocket lawn, tennis courts, a kids playroom with videogames, foosball, pool table… even a resident black labrador dog called Oliver!

A fun summer with the kiddos: Legoland, Parks, Museums, Zoo, Bowling, and Gardens

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 06:33:52 +0000

This summer we have enjoyed London and its surrounding areas as tourists with the kids. Due to the personal nature of this post, I will keep it brief and pictures, as usual in this blog for privacy reasons, will not show my kids. Places we went to: Although some years ago we went to Legoland Billund, we wanted to check this one out. As expected, it was a lot of fun (especially if you are a Lego fan… and who isn’t?

Cool work meetings this summer in London

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 15:33:49 +0000

This summer I have had several work meetings around London. Some of the most interesting, cool and fun: At London Blackfriars Railway Station NHS Test Beds 2nd round event at the Kia Oval… with a live cricket match going on! (it was somehow distracting, if only because I don not understand this game) Handing out student awards at PwC At London BioScience Innovation Centre At Google

My latest art acquisitions: a Hokusai and a Cel-ga

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 08:51:08 +0000

On Friday I acquired two very different works of Japanese fine art. One was a very rare and wonderful find: an original Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), whose “Great Wave off Kanagawa” is one of the best-known works of Japanese art, titled “Wavy shadow of Mount Fuji” from the “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji, Vol. 2” Series, created in 1835. The “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji” series was featured by the British Museum in 2001 and is part of the MET Museum collection in New York.

Enjoying the HyperJapan festival in London`s O2

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 17:21:57 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows I am crazy about all things Japanese; so since it has been so long that I have been in Japan, I decided to attend the HyperJapan event taking place in London`s O2 arena. It was a blast! Many booths with Japanese merchandise, videogames (with a huge Nintendo area), clothing (like Aoi or the supercool t-shirts of Askew Gaming), manga artists, publishers (like Kaori, or Kodansha), bookstores (like JP Books), jewelry (like LittleMoose or Jane Nevermore), designers (like Ayako Shirata), art galleries (like CelGa or The Japanese Gallery), tourism info and institutions (like Japan Foundation), Japanese schools (like Alpha), steampunk (like Mikie & Co.

Invited to the TechHubIs5 Party in Shoreditch

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 16:27:44 +0000

On Thursday we (Carlos and Victoria from Kanteron, my wife and I) were invited, since we are members, to the TechHub 5th birthday party at an abandoned textile warehouse in London. The party was expertly organized by the TechHub crew, and had everything you need to ensure a great party: two DJs, karaoke, photo-booth, grilled cheese sandwiches, ice-cream, cupcakes, booze, and cool tech (this time it was the HP Sprout).

Speaking at MedTech London July 7

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 18:00:46 +0000

Tuesday July 7th I was also invited, this time by Prof Tony Young (National Clinical Director for Innovation NHS England), to speak at the MedTech event held at University College London Partners. The other three speakers also talked about different aspects of MedTech: Jim Dawton, Director Great Fridays “Disrupting Healthcare through Design” Henrietta Hughes, Regional Medical Director, NHS England ‘Innovation From the Frontline of Primary Care` Prof. Jo Martin, National Clinical Director for Pathology, ‘eCPD and More’ It was also another great event for networking, with over 100 people there, all related to MedTech.

Speaking at Kings College London July 7

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:48:40 +0000

Tuesday July 7th, I was invited to participate in a round table at the “Annual Networking Conference on Healthcare Efficiency through Technology: BIG DATA and Clinical Genomics” event. It was a pleasure and an honor to share the stage and discuss the state of Clinical Genomics with speakers as distinguished as Prof. Tim Hubbard, Head of Bioinformatics (Genomics England); Dr Johnny Marshall, Director of Policy (NHS Confederation); or my friend Dr.

Seville and Valencia July 2-6, 2015

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:31:46 +0000

Thursday July 2nd I had breakfast in London, Lunch in Seville, and dinner in Valencia. I got up at 3:00am, took the first flight to Madrid, and then the high speed train (a very risky 1 hour connexion time from the landing of the plane to the departure of the train) to Seville. In Seville I had a 4 hour-long business lunch, followed by a short meeting, after which I went to the airport to fly to Valencia, where I stayed until Monday July 6th, having business meetings, enjoying time with family and friends, catching a few rays of sunshine, and enjoying what might be my only swimming day of the summer.

Google Next Event: NY vs London

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:48:13 +0000

On June 23 I was invited to attend the Google Next Event, as a customer of Google and a potential partner. It was quite a shock comparing the overall tone and spirit to the same event in New York, last year. In New York everything was oriented toward networking, and you had the feeling that anyone could be anyone, and it didn`t matter if they represented a large company or a “start-up wannabe”.

Meetings and walks around London

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:12:26 +0000

These past days Ive had quite a few meetings and events around London at several lawyers (or _solicitors_, like theyre called here), and tax and investment advisers` offices. Those meetings are important for the future of my company, and I did learn quite a few things, while they help me select the “super-star team” that will allow me to take my company to the next level. But I have also enjoyed running around London, from meeting to meeting, while keeping my eyes (and camera) up in “tourist mode”.

The best birthday present ever... again: Singapore to Hong Kong cruise

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 06:00:21 +0000

My wonderful wife already gave me the best birthday present ever when she invited me to stay at the Bvlgari Hotel in London and dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental. But for next year (since this year we had to cancel our Polynesian cruise) she has decided to up the ante, and has invited me to an amazing 15 day cruise in April 2016, on the Luxury Silversea Silver Shadow calling at:

Invited to the London Technology Week launch at The Shard

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 10:57:27 +0000

This morning I was invited to the launch of London Technology Week, which was held at The Shard. Besides your typical mix of VIPs, politicians, and media, the most outstanding thing was the view 😉 You can read the details of the press release here. PS.- Some constructive criticism: In an event like this “Technology… whatever” you need a hashtag (something like #LTW15) A Technology Week is full of events, how about a MAP, CALENDAR, or an APP to show them all, and to sign up?

London AFF Art Show

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 17:32:18 +0000

Today we went to the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead. With over 100 galleries, it was a real pleasure. We saw some artists that we like and have seen in quite a few shows before, and discovered many new ones that were quite interesting. In no particular order, my non-comprehensive list would include many artists, like: Adele Moreau Max Naylor Edvardas Racevicius Andy Wilx, etc And the whole selection of Galleries like:

Hampstead Heath

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 17:02:03 +0000

Today, on our way to the AFF show we strolled around Hampstead Heath, one of the many lovely areas with a park, pond (with baby swans!), and flowers around London. It was truly beautiful.

London New Tech meeting

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 16:53:09 +0000

On Thursday, June 11 I attended the London New Tech Meeting at Google Campus. It was a typical presentation format (5 companies, 5 minutes). I enjoyed some of the presentations, specially since two of the projects sounded very very promising. Unfortunately they were not even MVP with a landing page. I hope they make it so we can all benefit from their cool ideas. Since it was a nice day, on my way back home I noticed how the typical beer-drinking crowd had multiplied by hundreds, and they were all drinking and being cheerly loud out on the streets.

Out and about in London

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 16:36:41 +0000

My parents came to visit from Paris, so we spent a week as “tourist guides”, which is very nice because you discover or re-discover parts of the city that you do not normally go to. With them we went to Old Spitafields Market (lovely London Tea Exchange) Brick Lane Guildhall Covent Garden Market Museum of the Docklands Southwark Cathedral St. Paul`s Cathedral Royal Courts of Justice Tate Modern Parliament Buckingham Palace Walk along the Thames South Bank And ate at:

Art walk

Thu, 04 Jun 2015 18:53:22 +0000

Today I went on an “art walk”. Since the first Thursday of each month many art galleries in London remain open until late and host special events (an awesome initiative). Unfortunately I left quite late from the office, but I was working on a very special deal, so I could not leave earlier. First I visited Boxpark Shoreditch. “Situated in the heart of east London’s fashion and art district, two floors of sixty shipping containers began as the world’s first pop up mall.

UCL MechEng Party

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:51:30 +0000

Yesterday Mykal invited me to the University College London’s Mechanical Engineering Summer Session at Student Central. It was a blast. A geek blast. Many featured projects, such as giant drone, hydrogen racing car prototype, alternative transportation infrastructure, robotic fish, or improved artificial heart valve design, along with entertainment: giant Scalextric racing, giant jinga, FIFA 15 tournament, impact simulators, pool, and a live concert by Cable Street Collective. [Note: Congratulations on launching the UK’s first fully Open Access university press!

Attending the presentation of a new videogame as investment opportunity

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 20:29:30 +0000

On Monday I attended the presentation of Project M, a new video-game as investment opportunity, in Google Campus, London. First of all, let me congratulate the savvy business and marketing team behind it. They put together a well though-out package, their idea is unique and very interesting: a videogame that will reward players by sending them real gold + investors buying “mines” in the game and participating in the profits.

Invited to participate in a round table about Healthcare Technology at King`s College

Sun, 31 May 2015 18:23:18 +0000

I have been invited to participate in a round table about Healthcare Technology Integration at King`s College (London), July 7 at 2:00pm, Great Hall, Strand Campus. Mark your calendars, and see you there!

Maltby Street Market

Sun, 31 May 2015 17:10:43 +0000

I admit I am a chicken when it comes to nasty weather (who would have thought after walking for miles in snow-covered New York’s sidewalks!), so this weekend the rain, wind and low temperatures (plus a nasty technological installation) kept me home, away from amazing events I really wanted to attend like the Web We Want Festival, and the HowTheLightGetsIn2015 Philosophy and Music Festival. But a man has to eat, so on Saturday I went to the Maltby Street Market.

Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain event at London & Partners

Sat, 30 May 2015 21:41:45 +0000

The event “Expand your Network after Setting Up in London” organized by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain at the London & Partners office was quite interesting. The venue was ideal: some of the best views in London. As a matter of fact that meeting room is often used as a recording studio. Networking events are quite useful if they are industry focused, if someone already knows everyone and introduces to those who may have specific synergy (or if everybody has a chance to quickly introduce themselves).

Pitching at Google Campus London

Sat, 30 May 2015 21:08:11 +0000

On Tuesday I introduced my company officially to the Google Campus London community, with a “pitch”. It didn`t surprise me to see the relaxed “cool startup” vibe, or the fact that it was full of entrepreneurs. What surprised me is how much people liked my pitch. I ran out of business cards! It was interesting to hear what those entrepreneurs are working on: from a Polish working on “on-demand concierge services”, to a Russian with “personality analysis applied to finances”, or an Egyptian/Spanish couple working on “social-selling fashion”.

Art, comics, poetry, food and music at Southbank Centre

Wed, 27 May 2015 03:24:28 +0000

On Sunday I went to the Southbank Centre for a number of reasons: The Poetry Comics exhibition at the Saison Poetry Library (Royal Festival Hall) – the largest poetry library in the UK.- Amazing as the library itself is, this exhibition co-curated by Chris McCabe and Chrissy Williams made it even more so. Featuring works by William Blake, Derik Badman, Bill Berkson / Joe Brainard, Kenneth Patchen, Oliver East, Kenneth Loch, Bianca Stone, Paul K.

London Global Art Fair 2015

Fri, 22 May 2015 15:32:57 +0000

Yesterday I was invited to the London Global Art Fair 2015, which takes place May 21-23 at Olympia, Kensington, London. With 150 galleries from 40 countries exhibiting works by over 500 artists, aged 25 (Nicole Wong and Vivien Zhang) to 93 (SH Raza) from 63 countries across the globe, in walling that would wrap over 13 times around the Royal Albert Hall, London Global Art Fair is as much a market as it is a celebration of creativity, art and culture.

Culture around the corner: the Tate Modern

Fri, 22 May 2015 15:23:39 +0000

Living in London means being surrounded by culture. For example, in less than 5 minutes’ walk from our apartment, and without even crossing the London Bridge, we have the Tate Modern (Britain`s national gallery of international modern art), Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, Southbank Centre (Europe’s largest centre for the arts: theatres, concert halls and a cutting edge art gallery presenting over 1200 events each year), and BFI Southbank (the leading repertory cinema in the UK, specialising in classic, independent and non-English language films, operated by the British Film Institute).

Working at Google Campus London

Fri, 22 May 2015 11:35:25 +0000

I have been working at the Google-TechHub Campus in Shoreditch (the “Silicon Roundabout”) London for a few weeks. It is really cool. In no particular order, here are some things I love about this place: A cafeteria (open to anyone) with terrace, foosball table, bitcoin machine, device bar (to test your developments in many different devices) and even a spacesuit! A small but well stocked library of tech books Very nice team, from security to reception, to admin, to social media… all of them Two levels of office space, one of them (supposedly) “quiet zone” Unlimited supplies of toast and tea, great wifi, and good scanners/printers A ton of areas to sit down and have a meeting, not just the “meeting rooms” Most importantly: the events.

First days living in London

Fri, 08 May 2015 12:31:11 +0000

We have been in London for a few days already. Moving to a new country is not such an impossible task as some people imagine, but it is definitely quite a challenge. The first thing you have to do is to forget comparisons. No place is perfect, and no place is completely awful. But one can’t help but to be stuck by “peculiarities” of the place. Here are some random ones we have been laughing or crying about:

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 8

Fri, 08 May 2015 12:19:49 +0000

Saturday, May 2, was our last day at sea. We got up late, but still on time to have breakfast at the Britannia restaurant. At 10 am we attended a very interesting lecture by Aldon Ferguson on Covert Operations in the Cold War. After yet another time change, we had lunch followed by an unexpected nap. We graciously avoided the Guest Talent Show, and went to the Library instead, to catch up on some work and return the books we had checked out.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 7

Fri, 08 May 2015 12:17:15 +0000

On Friday, May 1, our bodies finally caught up with all the pre-cruise accumulated stress, by sleeping until 1pm, taking into account the time change. So we headed straight to lunch (“would you like some coffee with your steak and kidney pie, dear?”), followed by a very nice walk around the deck. After the afternoon tea we worked with our laptops in the Library. My wife decided to go back to the room early, so she could get ready for the formal dinner and Masquerade Ball, while sipping rosé champagne.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 6

Fri, 08 May 2015 12:12:52 +0000

On Thursday, April 30, we made a resolution to get up early (7am is early even if you are not on a Transatlantic crossing!) so we could have breakfast at 8am and join the fencing class at 9am. There is something wonderfully stylish and timeless about fencing in the ballroom of Cunard’s Queen Victoria. After the fencing class we went back to the stateroom to shower, and then straight to a Galley Tour, where we inspected the cooking areas.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 5

Fri, 08 May 2015 12:08:58 +0000

On Wednesday, April 29, as the Commodore announced we were right “in the middle of our crossing,” we woke up really late. You realize how late when the steward greets you “good afternoon,” and you go straight to lunch (right after my wife’s immigration procedure). It was surprising, at least to me, that although we were half an hour late for that scheduled process, 80 people were still to show up, most of the from the USA.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 4

Thu, 07 May 2015 11:54:33 +0000

On Tuesday, April 28, we finally woke up early enough to enjoy a full service breakfast at the Britannia restaurant and attend the morning lecture “Meteors, Meteorites and Comets”, by Howard L.G. Parkin. While the Royal Court Theater was fairly full, by the time his lecture was over, it completely filled out for the next lecture: “Survival in Solitude”, where Terry Waite told us how, while working as negotiator for the Archbishop of Canterbury, he was taken hostage in Beirut and survived for 5 years, 4 of which he spent in solitary confinement, enduring torture and a mock execution.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 3

Wed, 06 May 2015 11:47:27 +0000

On Monday, April 27, we woke up quite late again, so we had breakfast at the Lido restaurant, and went straight to the Royal Court Theater to listen to the lecture by Howard L. G. Parkin “The Constellations – Myth, Legend And Mystery”, right after which we attender another lecture, this time by Simon Dinsdale, in which he shared some of his experiences as a Royal Family bodyguard. After a light lunch, we went to the library.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 2

Wed, 06 May 2015 10:54:56 +0000

April 26 we woke up quite late, with the wonderful feeling of not having to rush, and enjoyed a nice breakfast buffet at the Lido restaurant. After breakfast we took a walk around the ship, exploring the different venues, from the card room to the library. It is definitely not a “flashy” ship, with the decor being elegantly subtle and conservative. Perhaps the weakest point, as with so many cruise ships, being the artwork, and the most interesting one being the Cunardia (the first Cunard museum at sea) celebrating 175 years of history.

Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Victoria, Day 1

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:38:25 +0000

April 25, to celebrate my wifes birthday and to move from New York to London in style, we boarded <a href="https://www.cunard.com/cruise-ships/queen-victoria/" target="_blank">Cunards Queen Victoria for a trans-Atlantic crossing (not cruising) onboard the luxury ocean liner (V509). The night before we had a farewell dinner with some friends in New York at White Street restaurant, which was full of movie industry VIPs already invading Manhattan for the Tribeca Film Festival; our friend Jill, who could not attend the dinner, had a very nice gesture sending a bottle of champagne and a card from Washington DC.

Ft. Erie, Canada, April 2015

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:30:22 +0000

April 16-24 we went to Ft. Erie, Canada, to spend some time with the family. We had a wonderful time, catching up with work, dining in fine places, and even doing a little sightseeing: the misty Crescent beach, Peller Estates Winery, or dinner at Tiara, in Queen`s Landing. But we enjoyed our time at home, and the delicious home-cooking, the most.

Breakfast with IBM executives on a yacht in Chicago

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:27:20 +0000

On April 14th I was invited to have breakfast with IBM executives on a private yacht (with a helicopter on the stern) in Chicago. It was a unique opportunity to discuss the future of healthcare and technology, and my company, with the most senior executives in the company, in a very beautiful setting. Thank you!

Chicago HIMSS 2015

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 22:15:17 +0000

April 12th to 15th we went to Chicago, to attend the largest Healthcare IT show in the world (HIMSS), presenting Kanteron Systems solutions at the Hitachi Data Systems booth. We stayed at The Public Hotel. We made friends, had fun (thank you for inviting us to the Lexmark Healthcare party, Jeff), and enjoyed the nice weather! Oh, yeah, and we worked a lot too.

Manic London days in April

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 21:48:54 +0000

March 31st we went to London with a very defined mission: to find an apartment, get cell phone lines, open bank accounts, and get the office space running. All in two days and a half, because although we did return to Spain on April 3rd, it was a bank holiday. We had to run all over the city. The amazing thing? WE DID IT! Well, kinda. The office was easy, since we had already been selected to join the Google Campus in London.

Named Technology Advisor to the Saint Charles Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 20:33:54 +0000

On March 23rd I was named Technology Advisor to the 250 year old Saint Charles Royal Academy of Fine Arts by its 56th president, Dr. Manuel Muñoz. The Royal Academy has the second largest and most important classical painting collection in Spain, after Madrid`s Museo del Prado. Technology and Art are two of my passions, so combining the two sounds like a very exciting proposition.

Valencia during Fallas with guests

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 20:07:48 +0000

We had the pleasure to spend the second half of March with the kids and the rest of the family in Valencia (Spain). My Canadian in-laws had never seen Fallas, the crazy annual festival that leaves the whole city literally up in flames every March 19th, after over a week of outdoor concerts, food, parades, firecrackers and fireworks. We enjoyed paella, “chocolate con buñuelos”, live flamenco… but without a doubt, the highlight was to be able to experience the “mascletá” firecracker extravaganza from the most vantage position: the balcony of a private bank’s offices in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (thanks again, Antonio!

In Rome, March 7-12

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:51:57 +0000

March 7th my wife and I traveled to Rome for a few days, since last summer’s cruise visit was too short and left us wanting more. First we stayed at the Splendide Royal hotel. A “grand dame” with baroque decor and a fancy restaurant full of business people, rich Eastern Europe oligarchs and their lovers. On the 9th we moved to the Kolbe Rome hotel, a monastery (part of it still in operation) located right next to the Circo Massimo and the Colosseo, where my in-laws joined us from Canada.

Art show in Las Atarazanas, March 6

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 23:33:50 +0000

On March 6th we were invited, along with my wife, my friend the artist Claudio Zirotti, and his wife, to the opening of the art show “(Female) Art Owners” at the Atarazanas building in Valencia. After the show we had a nice dinner in downtown Valencia, where we talked about the collective art exhibition I am putting together for next year in New York and London.

IBM Event in Madrid, March 3

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 23:22:38 +0000

Kanteron Systems was selected as finalist, along with British Telecom and nusys, in the IBM Innovation Awards, New Business Model category, for the Split and Pathology Imaging Algorithms solutions. So I went with Juan to attend the IBM Leadership Summit that took place at the Royal Spanish Academy in Madrid (Spain), March 3rd, 2015. Good Spanish ham, lots of back patting, and the same “good-old-boys” (upper-class white males in their fifties) running the same show with the latest buzzwords and spiffy marketing.

My talk at the Circumvention Tech Festival, March 4th

Sat, 18 Apr 2015 23:02:39 +0000

This past winter I met Sandy and James from Open ITP in New York, and Pepe from Valencia. They were organizing the Circumvention Tech Festival to be held in Las Naves, Valencia (Spain) March 1-6. They invited me to give a talk, which was eventually scheduled for March 4th at 3pm. I titled the talk “When privacy does not mean the same to you and me”. It was meant to generate debate, to expose other people’s points of view, rather than to be a unidirectional speech.

Last weekend in New York

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:38:25 +0000

Yes, the rumor is true: my wife and I are moving to London. Now that Kanteron USA is solidly stablished, and profitable, I must proceed with the expansion plan, and make sure to grow both Asia and EMEA markets, which I plan to do from London. So, although we are moving April 25th (more on that in another post, since it will be quite a singular “adventure”), this was our last weekend in New York because this upcoming weekend we will be in Canada, and next Friday we fly to Europe, where we will be visiting Lisbon, Valencia, Rome and London.

Bitcoin and block chain event in New York

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:00:12 +0000

On Monday, February 9, I attended a Bitcoin – Blockchain event with my wife at law firm Latham & Watkins in New York, organized by Hedgeable. Over 100 bitcoin enthusiasts, investors, journalists, lawyers, and entrepreneurs networking over food and beverages, with demos from: and a round table of Bitcoin innovation experts: Since I have already started researching the application of the block chain technology for healthcare, it was quite a useful event.

A couple of days in Dubai

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:10:55 +0000

After a quick trip to Baltimore, I had to fly to Dubai for a series of business meetings and to attend a trade show. While a 12 hour and 7000 mile flight is never fun, Emirates award-winning on board entertainment system in the new A380-800 Jet is a joy. Not for the interface, a little outdated, but for the large screen and seemingly endless selection. Then again, all I need to make it through any long flight is an AC plug, which this plane had, so I was golden.

Weekend geek fun

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:46:21 +0000

I have been lucky enough to experience a couple of weekends in a row at home in NY, which means friends and fun. From having dinner at a friends apartment in the upper East side, and with another heterogeneous group of friends (New York Times journalists, lawyers, and people from the food and restaurant industry) at <a href="https://mercatonyc.com/" title="https://mercatonyc.com/" target="_blank">Mercato</a>; to more geeky things like having lunch in <a href="https://www.macondonyc.com/" title="https://www.

Valencia (Spain) in December

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 18:35:48 +0000

In December I went to Valencia (Spain) on a business and personal trip. Besides the always sweet family moments (in one of which I was subjected to an artistic transformation in which both my face and my scalp were used as an improvised canvas), there were three things I particularly enjoyed: the Christmas lunch (Spanish tradition, in lieu of the office party) I prepared at the office for the whole team; to finally try the Oculus Riff with my dad and my son at the videogame exhibition at the Valencian Museum of Illustration and Modernity [sic] (MuVIM); and a paella at a family member`s farm in the middle of a Valencian field.

Family Christmas in New York

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:58:40 +0000

This Christmas was the best ever! We had the kids visit NY from Spain. As usual I never post pictures or give details of other family members in my blog, but we did have a blast: Empire State Building, Central Park, Museum of Math (MoMath), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), twice dinner at Cafeteria and ice-cream at Amorinos, American Museum of Natural History, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, chatting with the squirrels at Washington Square Park, Forbidden Planet comics, The Strand bookstore, Grand Central Station… and to top it off we spent a day at the Poconos Camelback mountain snow-tubbing.

How much does an international entrepreneur travel in a year?

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 08:47:17 +0000

A couple days in Malaga

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 04:33:35 +0000

On Wednesday 17 I arrived in Malaga (Spain) via Zurich for a couple of important business meetings. The meetings went really well, but I also enjoyed this very special city. It had been a while since I was last in Malaga, so I went back to my favorite places: La Tetería teashop (right in front of the Picasso Museum), and the Contemporary Art Center CAC, where they have a small but always excellent and ever-changing display of works.

Invited to the MoMA member reception “The Tomorrow Now…”

Sat, 13 Dec 2014 16:48:35 +0000

On Wednesday my wife and I were invited to the MoMA member reception “The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting in an Atemporal World”, which opens officially tomorrow for the general public. Obviously the rain did not prevent hordes of socialites to flock to MoMA and gather around one of the three open bars. But that was great because it gave us, and quite a few other “they must be on a How About We date” couples to visit some of the galleries without having to use our elbows.

Home pleasures in NY

Sat, 13 Dec 2014 16:26:32 +0000

After all this traveling and going out, it feels wonderful to spend some time at home. Some things I have been enjoying this week: Hanging the art piece my sister painted for (and titled after) my wife. By the way, congratulations on your latest solo exhibition, sis! My wife`s cooking: Amazing and unique caribbean stew, banana-chocolate-coconut cake… Reading (Simone de Beauvoir, Douglas Hofstadter…) Watching The Newsroom season 2 and some How I met your mother Traveling, going out and business is all good and fun.

Walks around Manhattan and Dinner at Chefs Club by Food and Wine (twice)

Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:54:38 +0000

For a few days after Thanksgiving we enjoyed having my parents stay with us in our Chelsea apartment. Visitors are always a great excuse to go to those places that are “too touristy” to go to, even if we like them. This time we devoted almost a whole day (November 30) to Chinatown, where we enjoyed delicious (and really affordable) dim sum at Dim Sum Go Go. We also had a blast at the “AllCityStyle toy subway trains for graffiti” display in Grand Central Station, and enjoyed a great lunch at Kitchen by David Burke on our way to the 9/11 Memorial.

HTO: a hyper-reading project

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:37:44 +0000

Iban M. G. and Ben Martin have launched a writing project that breaks the boundaries of typical book in paper/digital format. Over the years I have seen many attempts to push the publishing world further. All commendable and appreciated. But so far I have not seen any project as ambitious as HTO. Note: Literary review aside. I have not read the novel yet and, as a matter of fact, that`s irrelevant for the purposes of this post.

Family road trip to Ithaca, Niagara and Thanksgiving in Buffalo

Sat, 06 Dec 2014 13:12:39 +0000

Since my parents were visiting from Spain, we decided to drive with them to Buffalo to spend Thanksgiving all together with my in-law family. Wednesday, November 26 we drove over 400 miles (650 Km) through the snow storm from New York City to Niagara Falls. Well, my wife drove. I don’t think anyone else in the car could have managed all that snow and ice on the road, but fortunately she has a lot of experience with it, so while it took us four more hours than expected (and forced us to stop at a diner in the middle of the road for lunch, instead of making it to Ithaca as it was our plan), we made it across the Canadian border at Niagara Falls safe and sound.

I have invites for OnePlus and Ello

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:58:48 +0000

If anyone wants an invite to buy a OnePlus, the best phone in the market, or to join Ello, the social network that does not sell your data, send me a message. STW

Back in Mexico for a day

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:57:08 +0000

On Monday 24 and Tuesday 25, I flew to Mexico for a quick and very important meeting. The meeting went really well, but as usual the highlights were the delicious restaurants my charming distributors take me to every time I visit. This time it was “Nueve y Nueve Bistro”, a wonderful Hacienda renovated and modernized (Casa Lamm), which is not only a restaurant but also hosts several art galleries. I had delicious local fare, but I can not remember the names, so look at the pictures and enjoy 😉

Invited to the inaugural cruise of the Quantum of the Seas

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:28:28 +0000

My wonderful wife invited me to the inaugural cruise of the Quantum of the Seas, which sailed from New York (actually, New Jersey, across the river) and into the Atlantic Ocean, November 18-21. I love those “inaugurals”. Although their official destination is “nowhere”, I get to enjoy the ship, with its restaurants, and entertainment, in just 3 days. Of course I prefer full cruises (and next April we are taking a very awesome one), but right now I can’t be away from cell coverage and internet for more than 3 days, so this is perfect.

Quick family visit in Valencia

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:03:28 +0000

Of course, everytime I go to Europe I make sure I stop in Valencia and see my kids. It makes me SO tremendously happy to see them! I can’t wait until we can all live in the same city again. Some day, soon. We had fun meeting the family (although my parents were on a cruise), projecting movies at night on the “large screen” over the living room windows, and playing all kinds of games.

Interview in the newspaper

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:01:52 +0000

On Friday November 14th, the largest online circulation newspaper in Spanish, El Mundo, published a long feature about my company, Kanteron Systems, and an interview with me. You can read it here [Spanish only, sorry]: https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2014/11/14/546507d2ca4741c6398b457c.html

A couple of days in London

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:29:14 +0000

November 13th I took another early flight to London. It was very sad to miss the breakfast at the Sofitel in Warsaw, because they are usually quite good. But at 4am no hotel has the breakfast buffet open. I also slept like a baby on my flight to London. When I arrived in the hotel, the nice Regency, near Hyde Park, it was cold and raining. They did not have my room ready, and would not have it until 14:00h, although they let me know that I would receive a complementary upgrade to a “triple room with a balcony”.

A day in Warsaw

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 10:08:44 +0000

The next morning, November 12, my flight to Warsaw was not only very early, but also departing from Frankfurt. And it is not fun to get up really early to try to beat the traffic, and the clock, in the Autobahn. I heard that you won’t really get a speeding ticket in the Autobahn. I sure as heck hope that is true, because I broke my speed record in a utility vehicle (my experience with supercars in closed circuits don’t count).

A day in Vienna, a weekend in Valencia, a day in Barcelona, and two days in Stuttgart

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:51:59 +0000

November 6, after an online demo to a customer in Colombia, a follow up call with business partners in London, and a call with some Swiss investors, I flew to Vienna. 150mph (240kmh) tail winds allowed us to arrive 40 minutes early, which is usually a good thing. But not always. “Red eye” flights are all night flights in which the best thing you can do is sleep. It’s not easy to sleep on a plane, with service and people going up and down, announcements, lights, and crying babies.

The Circumvention Tech Festival

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 15:01:36 +0000

Meetings in New York: ICEX, IBM Research, and lawyers at Wilmerhale

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:57:38 +0000

On Monday November 3rd, right after a call with a Frost & Sullivan analyst, I was invited to the seminar “Spain: Global Platform for International Business Investment”. The event took place in the evening at Jones Day’s headquarters. The usual suspects were there, all in their dark suits and ties. The usual message was there too “Spain is a great place to invest, the government has taken the right steps and now things are finally looking up”.

A few days in Lima and Bogota

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 20:16:03 +0000

LIMA October 26-30 After the nice weekend in New York I met with my friend and workmate Alvaro in Lima. Following the advice of our friend Jose Carlos, who lives there, we stayed at the NM Lima Hotel, and it was the right choice, with a great quality / price and location. Perhaps the modern decor does not always work, but it`s nice the effort they have put into it. Although Halloween was just around the corner, the fake spider net in the lift required us to bend down every time we used it.

My wife modeling in a photo shooting session for the "I am Warrior" book

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:51:55 +0000

While I was in Peru, my wife sent me this picture of her modeling for photographer Shirin Tinati. The photographs will be featured in the upcoming “I am Warrior” book.

Pina Bausch dance company at the Howard Gilman Opera House Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 20:42:08 +0000

Between my trip to Mexico and the next one to Peru and Colombia, I spent a weekend in New York, and took the opportunity to go with my wife and her ex-husband to see “Kontakthof” by Pina Bausch dance company at the Howard Gilman Opera House Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). Before the show we went to a South African restaurant in Brooklyn called Madiba. Interesting mix of flavors and decor, great seafood imported directly from Mozambique, rustic atmosphere and somewhat “hipster” but not too much despite being in Brooklyn.

Wearable review: Withings Pulse Ox, WS-30 WiFi scale, and Blood Pressure Monitor

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 20:14:57 +0000

Due to the launch of the biosensors module for my company`s medical imaging and data solution a few days ago, the Withings company sent me a biosensor (wearable) Withings Pulse Ox, manometer BPM and WiFi WS-30 scale for testing and integration tests ahead of some national projects we are about to sign in London and Santiago de Chile. All three came in luxury packaging, and were relatively easy to connect and set up, at least for a “tinkerer” (there are people who gets annoyed if I use “hacker” as a synonym, although it is) like me.

Several days in Mexico

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:18:34 +0000

After such a nice weekend, I returned to my usual travel pace. This time the first stop was Mexico. My friends, in addition to distributors, “the Germinales” (three generations with the same name), treated me extremely well, inviting me to great restaurants, and taking care of everything from transportation to bills. It is a pleasure doing business with them because they understand the human aspect which we often tend to forget, including myself.

Nice weekend in New York with my in-laws

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:03:35 +0000

Three weeks ago I enjoyed a nice week at home in New York. My in-laws came to visit from Canada, and my wife took the opportunity to try new recipes using some very fresh ingredients bought in the weekend-only Farmer`s Market just around the corner, on 23rd st in Chelsea. Despite being small, they seem to carry everything, even “tea champagne” (fermented kombucha with ginger). From polenta with swiss chards and mushrooms, to homemade apple pie (New Yorkers know their apples: whenever you can, try the “honey crisp”, you wont regret it), its a real pleasure to enjoy such delicious and healthy dishes.

My new OnePlus One phone is amazing

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:05:02 +0000

I have just bought a OnePlus One phone, and have been using it for a couple of days. Let me tell you: it`s AMAZING. If you have never heard of the company, dont worry, youre not alone. But you should definitely check it out, because their phones are incredibly high quality, high specs, and low price (mine was $349). No catch: Qualcomm© Snapdragon™ 801 processor with 2.5GHz Quad-core CPUs Adreno 330 GPU, 578MHz 64 GB eMMC 5.

Meeting at Dell Solution Center in New York

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:38:51 +0000

Last Thursday I met with executives from Dell in the Dell Solution Center in New York to explore potential collaborations between my company and Dell. Funny how large companies have adopted this system of offices / “solution” centers to make presentations to clients spread across major cities in the world. With telecommuting gaining ground but face to face still being something fundamental in business, it makes much more sense than it seems.

Spain – U.S. Chamber of Commerce Reception

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:21:18 +0000

Last Wednesday I was invited to attend a reception honoring the new Chairman of the Spain – U.S. Chamber of Commerce, retired Ambassador Alan D. Solomon, at Hunton & Williams. Located at 200 Park Avenue, NY – Met Life building, floor 52 (if I remember correctly) the views were outstanding. It was definitely a “business attire” reception, with everyone wearing a suit, and only a couple of us “daring” not to wear a tie.

In Lisbon, London, Valencia and Paris

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 19:29:46 +0000

I was in Lisbon, London, Valencia, and Paris for a day each last week, including flights, and meetings, so too short for individual long blog posts… or even picture galleries! Some of the anecdotes in those trips: – My flight to Lisbon was delayed 2:05h. The airline, TAP-Portugalia, tried really hard to departure 1:55h late at most, since after two hours delay they have to compensate passengers monetarily. But they couldn’t make it.

I was forced to hack into Schiphol Airport wifi

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:25:15 +0000

A couple weeks ago I was at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Of course, when I arrive in an airport with enough time ahead of my boarding, I look for a plug and wifi. Luckily Schiphol is an excellent airport, offering both. The only problem is that every time I clicked on the “Enjoy unlimited free wifi – Connect” button, I got an “Unknown error 0” message back. Don`t tell me “Enjoy unlimited free wifi” and then try to prevent me from accessing it.

In The Netherlands: Utrecht and Amsterdam

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 11:58:58 +0000

As soon as I arrived in Utrecht, Diederik took me to a lunch at a very nice restaurant, inside an industrial complex: Zuiver. Both him and the waiter suggested the smoked eel salad, and I must agree, it was delicious. Then, after a couple of very interesting meetings, he took me to dinner to another very nice restaurant, this time in the colorful and very touristy Red Light District: ANNA, where we had pre-appetizer, appetizer, main course, pre-dessert, and dessert.

Milan and Rome

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:38:39 +0000

On Monday September 15 I flew from New York to Milan, and went straight to a business meeting. From there I took the train to Rome. Although I was quite tired upon arrival, I had to stay awake until it was “local time to go to bed” to avoid jet-lag, so I took a stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica, where I had a Panini di melanzana e mozzarella, and Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, where I had a Gelato di canoli (yes, canoli flavor, not a canoli).

In Singapore, day 3: Makansutra Gluttons Bay

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:16:04 +0000

So much traveling, flying, walking, sitting and time zone changes make your body ache, so some exercise is absolutely necessary. In my case, I try to book hotels with swimming pool, so I can swim. In the case of Singapore, given the year round mild climate, I felt like swimming in the outdoors swimming pool to start my third day. I spent most of the day working, meeting with potential customers.

Singapore wacky laws

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:01:33 +0000

In Singapore, day 2: Suntec City, Din Tai Fung, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Sands Bay

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:20:42 +0000

In the morning I had a business meeting with Dr. Ho at Suntec City, (home of the world largest HD screen), where I also attended the Medical Asia trade show. It wasn’t easy to get there, because the Formula 1 preparations had many streets closed to pedestrians, so I had to navigate my way around a maze of hotels and shopping malls. In one of them, the Marina Square, I saw a Mr.

In Singapore, day 1: Clarke Quay, Asian Civilizations Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Chinatown and Little India

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:44:29 +0000

NOTE: For some reason WordPress does not show all the pictures from that day (September 7), but you can access MORE PHOTOS here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcortell/sets/72157647043529148/ I try not to have preconceived notions about a destination. But one can’t help to associate Singapore with high rises, luxury, order and cleanliness brought about by strict laws. As I was about to find out, there is plenty of all that, and reasons for it, but Singapore is also much more than that.

In Tokyo, day 4: Roppongi art triangle and TV Asahi

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:40:33 +0000

My last day in Tokyo started with a n00b mistake: my phones, computer, calendar, and travel apps have different times (I have to keep tabs of New York, Valencia, and local time when I travel), that’s why I wear an awesome Casio solar atomic watch that has world time. But somehow I did not take into account the “international day line”, so I kept checking the time right… but not the date!

In Tokyo, day 3: Tsukiji, Ueno, Ameyayokocho, and Shinjukku

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:31:05 +0000

NOTE: For some reason WordPress does not show all the pictures from that day (September 6), but you can access more photos from that day here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jcortell/sets/72157647279455961/ I really meant to make it to Tsukiji fish market early. Not that I am that interested in the fish auction, but I want to see all the fish before it is cut and packaged or sold. That means getting there before 8am. So I set the alarm at 5am.

In Tokyo, day 2: meeting, MOT, Imperial Palace, International Forum, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo Station, Character Street, and Tokyo SkyTree

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:23:42 +0000

In Tokyo, day 1: Asakusa

Sun, 07 Sep 2014 22:36:04 +0000

The trip started with serious work. During the flight from Newark to Narita there were many movies available in the personal entertainment system, some quite appealing since I would not easily have access to them; movies like a selection from Tribeca Film Festival, Bolt from the Blue, Genome Hazard, Horseplay, Samurai Hustle, The Monkey King, The Snow White Murder Case, or TV shows like Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out, Happy Camp, Secret Series, Tasty Road, Treasures of the Country… but I had access to electrical current outlet plug, so I slept 4 hours and worked on my laptop for 9 hours straight, with “Creep” by Radiohead playing in single repeat mode.

Acquiring a work of art from the Guggenheim Museum in New York

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:02:27 +0000

August 30th my wife and I acquired another work of art for our collection. In this case we chose Colombian contemporary artist Carlos Motta: “Brief history of US Interventions in Latin America since 1946, 2005/14” (Guggenheim UBS MAP Purchase Fund 2014.39). It is part of a series produced by Carlos Motta between 2005 and 2009 that present two chronologies of events in Latin America: one of U.S. interventions in the region since 1946, and one of the areas leftist guerrilla movements.

Canceling a trip to India due to bureaucracy... I`m going to Tokyo

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:47:36 +0000

The absurdly convoluted visa policies of India, and the absurdly privatized process of obtaining it, have made me cancel a trip that was supposed to be a routine work day in Kalkata. Its amazing that in the XXI century bureaucracy affects so many countries so much, and toy with peoples lives via ridiculous laws. The official information handled by my travel agency, one of the largest in the world, says that if I spend less than 24 hours in India I do not need visa.

Graffiti show at 21 Precinct, New York

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:38:58 +0000

On August 24th we were invited to the graffiti show at 21 Precinct. The show ironically took place in the old 21st police Precinct (327 East 22nd Street) which, from 1863 and for 50 years was notorious for corruption and brutality in a [formerly]seedy part of town. Curated by Robert Aloia & VNA Mag, it featured Adam Dare, Al Diaz, Amanda Marie, ASVP, Bad Pedestrian, Ben Angotti , Bill Claps, Bishop203, Bunny M.

Cicerone in New York

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:21:25 +0000

These past 10 days I have been acting as a Cicerone for my sister and her partner. We really enjoyed having them in our Chelsea apartment. It was also a great opportunity to see NY from the eyes of a tourist again, which I sometimes fail to do since I have been living here for 3 years now. There are a ton of anecdotes and discoveries behind these pictures, but you have to come to New York to experience them 😉

Atlanta and Houston in mid August

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:06:59 +0000

Back in New York the first thing I did was… leave again. A quick business trip to Atlanta followed back to back by a trip to Houston. Both trips and meetings went well, and the team of professionals in those meetings were, dare I say, the top in their respective fields in the world. It was a work-related pleasure. But the one thing I will remember the most from those trips, even more than the delicious upscale Hugo`s Mexican restaurant in Houston, will be the black swans I met at the very nice Omni Houston Hotel.

Surprising Poblet restaurant in Valencia

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:45:38 +0000

I admit it, there are still great restaurants in Valencia that I have not tried yet. But I am on a mission to change that. While Samsha remains my all-time favorite despite its location, before we flew back to New York we tried the Michelin Guide starred Poblet restaurant. I shouldnt be surprised, since I ate at Quique Dacostas El Poblet in Denia a few years ago and knew he was onto something.

Saying bye to the summer in Valencia

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:31:25 +0000

The last week of July and first two weeks of August my wife and I were in Valencia with the kids. What a wonderful summer! Seeing my son brave the waves to slide into the Mediterranean sea from a high boat slide, my daughter ride her horse into the sunset, or enjoying movies on a big screen in our terrace overlooking the sea and the city, were memories that I will cherish forever.

3 days in Barcelona in July

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:15:31 +0000

After the cruise my wife and I took our American relatives to Barcelona for 3 days. Nothing new for me there except the Sagrada Familia (yes, its true: after countless trips to Barcelona, I had never visited the amazing architectural wonder), although there are some things I can never get tired of, like Gaudis architecture, or Picasso`s museum. Staying at the convenient and elegant Hotel España, next to the Liceu, was a great idea, made even better by their Martín Berasategui`s restaurant Fonda.

Family Mediterranean Cruise Day 6: Palma de Mallorca

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 17:28:47 +0000

The day at Palma was very nice. We strolled through town, enjoying the Cathedral`s altars (by Gaudi and Barceló), the typical architecture, tried some sobrasada, bought some ensaimada, and went back to the ship feeling at home. After all, I spent many summers in nearby Ibiza and visited Mallorca many times.

Family Mediterranean Cruise Day 5: Tunisia

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 16:34:31 +0000

Knowing that the organized excursion to Tunisia was going to be exhausting, the kids did not come with us, so we had plenty of time to explore La Goulette, Sidi Bou Saïd, and the National Bardo Museum. There is no doubt Sidi Bou Saïd is picturesque and nice to visit. Clearly Mediterranean in its colors and folklore, it reminds you of the Greek islands or even Ibiza (the old twon).

Family Mediterranean Cruise Day 4: Palermo

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 16:14:03 +0000

My visit to Palermo was a brief one, because there is not much of interest for the kids and in any way I prefer the North of Italy to the South: climate, personality, food, culture… so we disembarked, were incessantly approached and solicited by local “tour guides” and other merchants as you would expect in the North of Africa, took a walk – fortunately the seaport is near the city center – and went back to the ship.

Family Mediterranean Cruise Day 3: Rome

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 13:33:30 +0000

On day 3 of our cruise we stopped in Civitavecchia (Rome). As a thank you gift to my parents, we had arranged three private minivans with bilingual guides, that picked us up in Civitavecchia and took us to Rome. Much has been written about Rome, with so many archeological remains, and art, combined with a very lively city life and character. We did not have much time and the group was large, including kids and a person in a wheelchair, so we started at the Spanish Steps, and went to Villa Borghese, one of Romes most famous parks, right above Piazza del Popolo.

Family Mediterranean Cruise Day 2: Genoa

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 13:11:06 +0000

On day 2 of our cruise we stopped in Genoa. After a short cab ride to the city center from the seaport, we explored its very eclectic cathedral, an old crumbling palazzo turn into antiques store, beautiful arched galleries and narrow streets.

Family Mediterranean Cruise Day 1: Marseille

Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:13:08 +0000

This summer, for my mother`s birthday, my father invited the whole family (on both sides of the Atlantic) to a 7 night Mediterranean cruise from July 10 to July 17 onboard the MSC Musica. Thank you dad! We boarded in Valencia (Spain), and stopped in Marseille (France), Genoa, Rome, and Palermo (Italy), La Goulette (Tunisia), and Palma de Mallorca (Spain), before returning back to Valencia. Although the ship is a mass market one (you could tell looking at the food, entertainment, and passengers), it was quite nice.

My Lego cable management solution

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 21:51:45 +0000

After a month traveling throughout Europe (posts and pictures soon), I returned to New York and I needed to catch up with work. In order to be more productive I had to tackle the “cable jungle” challenge. Quick and easy (and cool) solution? LEGO! Just attach some velcro to the back of a Lego, attach it to the edge of your desk, get some of your favorite figures, have them “hold their arms up”, and let them hold the USB and charger cables for you 🙂

Innomedyx, one of the companies I co-founded, establishes the Clinical Innovation Center at the Polytechnic University of Valencia

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 09:17:18 +0000

Innomedyx (Twitter, LinkedIn, FaceBook), a company I`m a co-founder of, has established the Clinical Innovation Center at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain), the best BioTechnology University in Spain according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo. photo © UPV The Dean of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Francisco Mora, and the general director of Innomedyx Knowledge in Action, Rosa Valenzuela, signed a partnership agreement that formalizes the chair of Clinical Innovation company on July 1st.

From VIP breakfast to party to another party... in a day

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 20:19:07 +0000

Wednesday was a long day. First I was invited to a VIP breakfast executive briefing and presentation by IBM at 7:45am. The event, in which IBM showcased their Watson technology and three partner companies talked about how they are leveraging NLP capabilities, lasted until 12:30pm, but I stayed for an extra hour for a meeting with an IBM executive. Then I headed back to the office for 3 conference calls. By 7:00pm I was ready to go to the Social Radar startup launch party Stephanie and I had been invited to.

VIP pass for Basel art show and Amos Lee concert in Brooklyn

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 16:59:24 +0000

A friend got me a VIP pass for the 2014 Scope Basel Art Show (thank you, Jorge!). I had it all planned out: since I had a meeting in Stuttgart the day before, I could drive to nearby Basel, attend the VIP opening, and then fly back to New York. But the Stuttgart meeting was cancelled, so I changed my plane ticket, and returned to New York in time to go to the Amos Lee concert in Brooklyn`s Prospect Park with my wife.

Madrid, London, and Valencia

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 15:31:09 +0000

After a weekend in Valencia, last Monday I went to Madrid. Awesome high speed train from Valencia in the morning, business presentation, and a delicious Japanese lunch at Kabuki with my friends Juan and Alvaro. So good was the lunch and company that I almost missed my flight. It did not help that I went to Terminal 4 as usual, when my flight to London departed from Terminal 1, and in the Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas airport, it takes a long time to go from terminal to terminal.

My first IBM European Cloud Advisory Board meeting

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 14:29:43 +0000

Last Thursday I arrived in Nice just in time to catch a very nice and expensive taxi (al least they are almost all brand new and very clean Mercedes Benz cars) that took me to the IBM Client Center in nearby La Gaude for my first IBM European Cloud Advisory Board meeting. It was an interesting meeting, attended by 15 business executives, investors and analysts. Not only they were all very smart, but I was brain dead after the long red-eye flight.

At the IBM Federal Summit, Washington DC

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 13:46:54 +0000

Last Wednesday I participated in IBM’s Federal Summit at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building in Washington DC. Business aside, it was one scary meeting. There were control systems all over. From the IRS to airports, to National Security, the demos were much more advanced and comprehensive than anything you may have seen in a movie. Big Brother to the Nth degree. They know it all about you. In a second. You either get paranoid-serious about security, encryption and privacy, or you might as well forget completely about your privacy.

Reset the net

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:00:18 +0000

Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires and Montevideo

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 10:00:24 +0000

Last week, although I had torn the ligaments on my right ankle, I travelled on a quick trip to South America for business. After a 12 hour flight I arrived early in the morning in Santiago de Chile and had to go straight to a business meeting because the hotel did not have my room available and check-in time was 2:00pm. What was worse: when I finally made it back to the hotel, after a full day of flying and another full day of work, I had to stand hammers banging on the wall until after midnight.

Learning quantum computer programming

Fri, 23 May 2014 11:05:59 +0000

Yesterday I started learning and experimenting with quantum computing programming. Its not easy to express the fun and excitement that experience brought me, but Ill try: Programming a quantum computer is different than programming a binary (0 and 1) “digital” computer. To program a quantum system, you have to map a problem into a search for the “lowest point" in a very large pool of options, which corresponds to the best possible outcome.

Invited to a gala reception aboard the four-masted tall ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano

Thu, 15 May 2014 21:34:26 +0000

The Spanish Consul General in New York, Juan Ramón Martínez Salazar, and the Commander of the Training Ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano invited my wife and I to a gala reception aboard the beautiful sail ship (the third largest four-masted tall ship in the world, built in 1927), which is currently docked in New York`s pier 88. It turned out to be a spectacular evening. The vessel was filled with celebrities: military, politicians with their secret service bodyguards, diplomats, sports, business and entertainment people.

Invited to Downtown modern+contemporary art fair

Thu, 15 May 2014 20:37:01 +0000

On Sunday I was invited along with my wife by New York art gallery Lyons Wier Gallery to the Downtown modern+contemporary art fair held at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York. 14,000 international collectors and art enthusiasts, over the course of four-days, gathering to discover paintings, sculptures, photographs and mixed-media works by over 600 artists from around the globe, exhibited by more than 50 international dealers. Seasoned as well as new collectors, curators, museum professionals, cultural foundations, dealers, art advisors and consultants enjoying works by mid-career and emerging artists as well as blue chip works by Picasso, De Kooning, Ruscha, Wesselmann, Rauschenberg, Warhol, Calder and other artists.

Networking at the CUNY President`s office

Thu, 15 May 2014 19:56:12 +0000

On May 6th, having just returned from quick trips to Cleveland and Atlanta, I attended with my wife the round table debate “Curiosity, Understanding, and Utility: Science and the Creative Economy” held at the City University of New York Graduate Center`s Proshansky Auditorium. William Bialek, director of the Graduate Center`s Initiative for the Theoretical Sciences, moderated a discussion with Jennifer Tour Chayes, distinguished scientist and managing director of Microsoft Research New England and Microsoft Research New York City; Fernando Pereira, research at Google; and Chris Wiggins, chief data scientist at the New York Times and faculty member in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics at Columbia University.

I acquired a new piece of art from the New Museum New York

Thu, 15 May 2014 18:45:18 +0000

For my wifes birthday I acquired a piece of art from <a title="https://www.newmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/pawel-althamer" href="https://www.newmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/pawel-althamer" target="_blank">Paweł Althamers “The Neighbors”, which run through April 13 at the New Museum in New York city. Since the early 1990s, Althamer (b. 1967 Warsaw, Poland) has established a unique artistic practice featuring an expanded approach to sculptural representation and consistently experimental models of social collaboration. It was great to discuss with a museum curator which piece to select (we agreed without a doubt), and it`s a pleasure to have this piece in the living room of our Chelsea apartment.

Video for my class at the Open University of Catalonia

Thu, 15 May 2014 01:30:36 +0000

Since I was in Barcelona last April, I took the opportunity to shoot this video (“Change in the medical imaging computational paradigm”) as an introduction to the classes I teach (“Clinical innovation in networked medical imaging”) at the Telemedicine Master`s Degree, Open University of Catalonia:

In SPain in April 2014

Thu, 15 May 2014 01:17:54 +0000

April 8 to 17 I travelled to Valencia and Barcelona (Spain). In Barcelona I participated in the II Emergence Forum by Transbio Sudoe, a gathering of academics, companies & technological platforms from Spain, France, Portugal with the objective of setting up collaborative projects. I gave a lecture and participated in an expert panel. The event allowed me to meet very interesting people, and visiting the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (with its Mare Nostrum supercomputer, in the most amazing set-up you could even imagine) and the Barcelona Scientific Park.

Invited by Google to the Google Cloud Platform presentation

Thu, 15 May 2014 00:38:46 +0000

March 25 Google NY invited me to their Google Cloud Platform presentation in their Chelsea offices, 8 blocks away from my apartment. Besides the interesting new features (here are the videos), and the delicious and healthy lunch buffet, I networked quite a lot, and had a few laughs about the highest concentration of Google Glasses per person I have seen so far. One thing is clear: genomics, which is one of the main things my two companies deal with, and the cloud, are closely related, and they will be even more in the near future.

In the next three months, I will REALLY be traveling

Sat, 10 May 2014 16:15:55 +0000

Here are my travel destinations for the next three months (I`m afraid Asia will have to wait until Autumn): Santiago (Chile) Buenos Aires (Argentina) Montevideo (Uruguay) New York (USA) Madrid (Spain) Nice (France) London (UK) Stuttgart (Germany) Basel (Switzerland) Valencia (Spain) Marseille (France) Genoa (Italy) Rome (Italy) Palermo (Italy) La Goulette (Tunisia) Palma de Mallorca (Spain) Barcelona (Spain) Stockholm (Sweden)

Delicious kaiseki Japanese dinner at Kyo Ya

Fri, 09 May 2014 23:06:46 +0000

My wife took me to the amazing and discreet Japanese restaurant Kyo Ya for my birthday last month. What an amazing treat! The menu were 11 courses that were all incredibly delicious: “Zatsuki”: Spring Gobo Kara-age with Sansho Salt “Sakizuke”: Silky White Turnip Tofu Uni, Caviar, Umadashi-an “Oshinogi”: Ginger Sticky Mochi Rice Arima Sansho Miso-yaki “Owan”: Hakusai Cabbage Potage Tricolor Saitomo Patato Dango “Zensai”: Watercress Yellow Chive and Grilled Shitake Ohitashi; Oyster Moto-yaki on the Shell; Snow Crab and Yamato Potato Isobe-age; “Noresore” Noodle Like a Fresh Baby Sea Eel; Poached Hotaru Squid with Wakame Seaweed “Otsukuri”: Sashimi of the Day (Chef`s Selection) “Yakimono”: Washu Tajima Beef Hot Stone Grill; Sawara Spanish Mackerel Wakasa-yaki; Green Asparagus, Renkon and Shitake “Nimono”: Clay Potato Soup with Mozzarella Cheese, Ebishinjo, Turnip, Carrot, Wood Ear Mushroom and Poached Quail Egg “Tomezakama”: Braised Baby Octopus, Apple and Broccoli Rabe, Califlower and Kiwi Puree Vinegar “Oshokuji”: Canadian Shishamo and Yaki-daikon Kamadaki Rice, Asari Clam Miso Soup and Pickles Desert: Kyoya “Monaka” Red Bean Sandwich and Soba-cha Sorbet

Orlando, San Diego, Fort Worth, and Bogota

Sun, 04 May 2014 23:20:24 +0000

Since I have been a few weeks without being able to post anything for several reasons (health, family, work, blog migration…), I am going to catch up “all at once”, writing in a couple of posts two month`s worth of activity. February 23 to 26 my wife and I attended the healthcare tech trade show HIMSS, in Orlando, FL (USA). We got a huge room at the Marriott Royal Palms, but we could not enjoy the city much due to work.

My blog was messed up, but nobody noticed

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 20:31:33 +0000

Actually, a couple people told me “Whats up with your blog? you havent posted anything for ages, and the categories are broken”. But other than that, nobody noticed, or cared, or both. Which is weird because on the other hand, my Google+ page is about to hit a million visits, and my LinkedIn profile is in the top 5%… :S Oh, well. The truth is, the blog was indeed messed up because of a quick server migration, and I had not posted anything in a long time because I am insanely busy.

Chromecast + Hola = Multimedia freedom

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 18:22:51 +0000

How many times have you tried to access online media that was not available in your country? How many times have you gotten frustrated with proxy services? How many times have you wished there was an easy way to wirelessly display online content on your TV without paying for expensive privative boxes? Enter Hola.org + Chromecast Hola is a free browser extension used by 14 million people to access geographically restricted online media.

Going to the beach... Canadian style

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 17:58:26 +0000

This has been a hard winter in North America. Snow, ice, flurries, sleet… But today I got to enjoy the beach (Waverly beach – Lake Erie, Canada) in a way I had never experienced before: walking over water…. frozen water.

Invited to the inaugural cruise of Norwegian Getaway

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:04:50 +0000

My wife and I were invited to the inaugural cruise for the Norwegian Getaway. A “sister ship” to the Norwegian Breakaway, in which inaugural we cruised last year, this ship is almost exactly identical. We enjoyed fine dining at Le Bistro, Taste, and The Tropicana, cocktails and music at Bliss, and particularly entertainment: Comedian Ralph Harris at the Headliners Comedy Club Burn the Floor the musical Illusionarium, a pretty good steam-punk themed magic show with dinner Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss) live cake decorating session The return to port and docking gave us a nice view of Manhattan`s skyline, along with the scary view of the Hudson river with big chunks of ice (locals say that was unseen since 1977).

A couple of days in the French Riviera

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:05:22 +0000

Last week I spent a couple of days working with a colleague at the IBM Innovation Center in La Gaude, France. Brainstorming sessions, beautiful sunsets and sunrises from my hotel room balcony overlooking the Mediterranean at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, a couple of nice dinners (one with my parents at the excellent Le Mesclum the other one with the team at Le Moorea, right in the port of St-Laurent-du-Var) and back to New York.

Invited to the introduction of IBM Watson at WTC NY

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:38:08 +0000

On Wednesday January 8th I was asked to hold a meeting regarding the potential involvement of my company (Kanteron Systems) in IBM’s Watson. It was a late night meeting, on the 54th floor of the still under construction World Trade Center. The reason why the meeting took place there is because the IBM team was finishing the set up of the next day’s Watson presentation. What is Watson, you may ask?

Valencia and Malaga for Christmas

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:06:32 +0000

We spent this Christmas in Spain (Valencia and Malaga) with family and friends. When you drive next to the Mediterranean sea to go to the office, and see a breathtaking sunrise while you refill your car`s gas tank, work does not seem such a drag. As usual, the highlight was food. In particular, in Valencia the always superb Samsha Restaurant (probably my favorite in the world, with chef Victor Rodrigo, winner of the Chef of the Year Award in Spain), the surprisingly good tapas of Picoteo de Vicio (thanks for the recommendation, Eugenia), and the dramatically palatial setting of La Embajada.

At RSNA Chicago

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:48:04 +0000

After a very nice Thanksgiving with my wife`s family in Western New York, I flew directly to Chicago to spend the first week of December exhibiting alongside IBM and Avnet at a trade show called RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) with my friend and coworker Juan. Not only it was great for business, but we also saw some awesome technology (like 3D printing of organs), made friends, and had fun attending a couple parties.

In a private booth at the Madison Square Garden

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 20:10:24 +0000

I have been twice at the Madison Square Garden recently. The first time around I was invited, along with my wife, to an NBA New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs game. Great seats, we enjoyed the show (since the game was pretty lame). It amazed me how many food stands (from hot dogs to sushi), souvenirs, and paraphernalia stalls there were. Even the popcorn basket had the Knicks logo on it.

It was so cold, it was funny

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:48:44 +0000

The other day my wife and I had to put on several layers of warm clothes to leave our apartment. Then, when we got back home, we saw this online and we could not stop laughing!

This IS cold -23ºF in New York right now with ice inside the window

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 16:51:07 +0000

Testing a simple hack

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:51:25 +0000

I use qtranslate as a multi-language plugin for my blog. It`s an excellent solution, but the problem is that everytime Word Press is updated, it takes days, and sometimes weeeks, for the plugin author to update it. So, tired of waiting, I have found a quick and simple hack to make it work with the latests WP 3.8 update: edit qtranslate.php to define(‘QT_SUPPORTED_WP_VERSION, ‘3.8); You`re welcome 😉

A most pleasant celebration of your planet’s Winter Solstice

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 11:15:40 +0000

“Hope you experience a most pleasant celebration of your planet’s Winter Solstice and a most logical New Year.”

Barack and Michelle Obama congratulate us on our wedding

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:38:37 +0000

A couple days ago, when we returned home from the SVA Theatre at the School of Visual Arts, where we were invited to attend the screening of selected videos by winners and finalists from the 2013 Los Angeles Music Video Festival (and an interesting panel discussion with Bob Giraldi, Christopher Walters, Steven Gottlieb, Scott Reich, August Schram, and others), we found this in our mailbox:

When "progressive media" is ultra conservative

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:34:17 +0000

Last Tuesday, October 1, I attended a panel at the City University of New York Graduate Center, titled “Into Left Field: Progressive Media in the Age of Austerity”. The Graduate Center’s Peter Beinart (@PeterBeinart), senior political writer for the Daily Beast, discussed the health of progressive media with Katha Pollitt (@KathaPollitt), longtime columnist for The Nation; Joy-Ann Reid (@TheReidReport), managing editor of NBC’s TheGrio.com; and Nermeen Shaikh (@nermeendn), co-host of Democracy Now!

Cold men destroy women

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 16:28:37 +0000

Cold men destroy women,” my mother wrote me years later. “They woo them with something personable that they bring out for show, something annexed to their souls like a fake greenhouse, lead you in, and you think you see life and vitality and sun and greenness, and then when you love them, they lead you out into their real soul, a drafty, cavernous, empty ballroom, inexorably arched and vaulted and mocking you with its echoes— you hear all you have sacrificed, all you have given, landing with a loud clunk.

Precolumbian Einstein

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:32:48 +0000

Seen at the MET Museum in NY.

Montevideo October 2013

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:23:06 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5934457759191363921] From the 6th to the 8th I was back in Montevideo (Uruguay) for business. Taking an all-night flight there (via Miami) to minimize time away, my time there was very productive, packed with interesting business meetings and presentations. It was worth the 5,339 miles. I was lucky to meet with some very interesting doctors and executives, and to try some good restaurants (like Dueto and La Perdiz), although I added many more (Estancia del Puerto, Arcadia, Estrecho, Wasa, Sucre Sale, Raffi, Cafe Bar Tavare, and Rara Avis) to my list, since I am sure I will be back soon.

NY ComicCon

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 23:13:02 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5934418147899482241] After going the other day with Maker Faire with my parents, yesterday we went back to ComicCon. The usual: cosplay, crowds, swag… FUN!! UPDATE: here is a list of interesting links (artists, publishing houses, software, etc) we collected there. Artists/Comics: Bill Plympton (studio, blog, store, tumblr), whom I have admired for many years, was there in person. Cool! Dylan (UpsideDownGrin) Rich Miller (FilthWorks) Selina Briggs (The Jelly Empire) The Gate Crashers Studios/Stores:

For the love of basketball

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 17:13:17 +0000

I have decided to join the Chelsea Recreation Center. It`s right around the corner from our apartment, and for $150/year it has everything I need: But mainly Two days ago I went in for the first time. I checked out a basketball from the office (the best basketball I have played with in my long career), and went straight to the court. There were around a dozen kids (18 year olds, high school seniors) playing around.

Banksy in NY

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:55:38 +0000

Banksy is in New York for a month. With the title “Better Out than In”, there is a blog, unofficial twitter account (along with the hashtag #banksyny) since it is not linked in the blog, and Instagram (really? Instagram?… good grief; Im glad I dont have FaceBook so I can`t check if there is also a FB page)… even a phone number (1 800 6564271) for each piece for which you can call and listen to a great message about (also accessible through the blog).

Summer fun in Valencia (Spain)

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 20:09:06 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5921717659562402193] A couple of weeks ago, we spent 10 days in Valencia (Spain). It was pure summer fun, from the food (including of course noodle paella “fideuá” with crayfish, and classic paella), to the beach and swimming pool (Valencia, Moraira with a million childhood memories of one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, El Puig…), we enjoyed non-stop with the kids playing hide and seek, building sand castles, programming videogames, setting up a large screen “cinema” to watch cartoons, going to the Science Museum and Aquarium, and even doing homework.

Corporate cowardice, political hypocrisy

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 15:54:11 +0000

On July 25 I was asked by someone at IBM to write an article about the use of the cloud in healthcare: I’d like to offer you the opportunity to author an article which we would look to promote across all of our social properties, other external communications as well as our paid media sponsorships, i.e. blogs. I was given suggestions on article length, topic, and keywords, but freedom to write whatever I wanted.

The key to the use of cloud in healthcare

Sun, 08 Sep 2013 12:58:10 +0000

In a single word: security. By now there is no doubt about the advantages of the cloud: easy collaboration, scalability, ubiquity, sync, cost savings (21% on average, according to AFCOM 2011, 40% according to our own customers), rapid deployment, etc. There is also no doubt about the need for a move to the cloud in healthcare: according to Enterprise Strategy Group, by 2015 an average of 665TB of data will be generated per hospital per year.

I am named Executive of the Year (Healthcare)

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 06:59:45 +0000

I was named the winner of a Bronze Award in the Executive of the Year – Health Products & Services category in the 10th Annual International Business Awards today. More than 3,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were considered in several categories, including Management Team of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, among others. I won (bronze) in the Executive of the Year for Health Products & Services category.

Three days in Lima

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:06:56 +0000

On Tuesday August 13th (in case you did not notice, I am obviously not superstitious at all), I took a “red-eye” (so called because you arrive with red eyes) flight to Lima, Peru. Note to self number one: do not take one of the “official” taxis with a desk before the exit of the controlled area of the airport. $46 for a ride to downtown is a steal, no matter how luxurious and comfortable the car.

Playing with the robot (Roomba)

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:40:31 +0000

We got great gifts for our wedding, but hands down, the best (ever!) is A ROBOT. My mother-in-law got us a robot. Got that? How cool is that!? And it is not to make her daughter’s life easier, because I am the one who vacuums at home. She did it because it is cool. Heck yeah it is! So the Roomba is nothing new. It has been around for a decade already.

Our beautiful Niagara Falls wedding

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:48:44 +0000

We were originally planning on getting married in Valencia (Spain). Bureaucracy made it too hard. So we decided to change our plans, and get married were we got engaged: Niagara Falls! [Nevertheless, we will still hold a wedding party in Valencia (Spain) for friends and family, at the Westin Hotel, as it was originally planned, but during the last weekend of August] We flew from New York to Buffalo Thursday, August 1st, at night and drove to my in-laws across the Canada border to spend the night.

Police state: TXT with police alert in TX

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:30:04 +0000

While in Fort Worth, TX, I received the following TXT: They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, 1775

Three days in Fort Worth, Texas

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 14:07:19 +0000

Work has brought me and my friend Alvaro to Texas again. We spent three days in Dallas-Forth Worth and a day in Houston. Fort Worth (AKA “Cow Town”) is the 16th most populated city in the USA (and the 5th in Texas). [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5905714281336866337] We stayed at the Hilton. They have a large breakfast buffet ($9.95), free wifi, kids indoor swimming pool and gym, and a shuttle van that will take you (and pick you up) anywhere within 3 miles.

How to abide to the law while rejecting threats

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 14:13:07 +0000

According to Spanish law web (emphasis mine): Information intermediary suppliers: Do not have an obligation to supervise the contents they host, transmit, or classify in a link directory, but must collaborate with public authorities when required to interrupt an IT service or take a content down. They are not, in principle, responsible for alien content they host, transmit, or give access to, but could incur in responsibility if they take an active participation in its ellaboration or, if knowing of a particular material being being illegal, do not act swiftly to take it down or prevent access to it.

I am being sued by a troll

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 10:28:20 +0000

A few hours after the first email, I received this second one with a threat (again, translated by me; here is the original): Mr. Cortell: I can prove my identity and the defamatory content of the indicated page, as I said it has been notarized. I can also prove that this site is currently the subject of proceedings in the Courts of Barcelona, in which the prosecution has already ruled, appreciating criminal evidence.

I am requested to take a link down and... Streisand effect!

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 01:31:15 +0000

Today I received this email (it was in Spanish, I have translated it into English because that is the main language of this blog, and in order to give this issue the international coverage that it deserves – sorry for any translation mistake since I am not a lawyer and he writes like an old-fashioned one trying to sound intimidating; here is the original): Mr. Cortell: Currently I am suing Greg Prévôt in the Courts of Barcelona, author of a defamatory site which infringes upon my honor, whose link appears in which you administer, at the following address:

Admitted in a Medical Genetics postgraduate program

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 17:19:17 +0000

Lately I have been very interested in genetics. I have some ideas about bioinformatics applied to genetics, but I need to learn a bit more. And what do you do when you need to learn more? Study! Today I learned that I have been admitted in the Medical Genetics postgraduate program (University of Valencia, Spain), 2013. Here is what I will be learning about: I. General Concepts of Human Genetics

VII Japan Society CUTS Contemporary Japanese Film Festival

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:27:51 +0000

The Japan Society CUTS Contemporary Japanese Film Festival is one of my favorites. This year we saw four very different but delightful (in their own way) fims, all of them USA premieres and Co-presented with the New York Asian Film Festival: The Festival Opening Film, with Introduction and Q&A with Director Toshiaki Toyoda, and after film party. Interesting story about death, life, cults… Of course, while we were in the area, with so many Japanese restaurants in 47th, we tried:

Möbius wedding bands

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:03:41 +0000

This weekend we bought our wedding bands. After an extremely special and personal engagement ring, the wedding bands had to be special too!: MÖBIUS – a Danish design classic. We bought it at Georg Jensen – 687 Madison Ave., NY. The MÖBIUS ring is inspired by geometry, a magnificent example of post-modern innovation. In math, a MÖBIUS is a shape with one surface and one edge (boundary). It is a fluid, infinite shape that inspires reflection.

Weekend in the city, July 11-14

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:17:37 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5900883957501185345] The good weather means more outdoors. In NYC it means more “city”, but also “more things going on in the city”. This weekend we have walked a lot, and seen quite a few interesting things around town (caveat: I am no expert in NY, although Spanish newspaper Expansion interviewed me about it last week), like: A Chinese-Spanish cuisine restaurant (no, I have no desire to try it any time soon; there are many others higher on my list) Yoga in Bryant Park A looooooong line of police cars going by The Orly Genger art installation at Madison Sq.

Delicious home treats: chick pea cookies and more

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:55:14 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5899800239557635921] Last week we had a few home cooked treats at home: paella (or as close as it gets with local ingredients), sangria, and peanut butter – chocolate chip – chick pea cookies! Try those cookies with hazelnut “milk”. Delicious.

Severe weather warning

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:13:11 +0000

How to celebrate 4th of July: defending our rights

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 15:35:15 +0000

I started my 4th of July “celebrations” one day early, by visiting the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, exhibited for the first time together, at the NYPL. Then, today (4th of July) I went to a protest to demand the restoration of the Fourth Amendment: [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5896836194188971633] “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…”

Japanese fun

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 15:10:10 +0000

Yesterday, on my way to a financial presentation, I stopped at Kinokuniya Bookstore to browse books and to enjoy the origami they had on display as part of the OrigamiAsArt exhibition. [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5896481691678261089] To round the Japanese-themed day up, I went in the New York Public Library and got two films: Densha Otoko (Train_Man) Fish Story ^_^

SoHo surprises

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 15:45:11 +0000

Lately I have been going to the office more than usual. The FDA inspection, then the PILOT health tech NY day (which was held in the coworking space where my office is), and a few other things have made me walk around SoHo quite a lot these days. Here are a few of the surprises I have encountered in the always colorful neighborhood: The Pearl River Market store, right next door to my offices entrance, is "SoHos best kept secret".

Anatomy of an FDA inspection

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 15:19:10 +0000

On April 25th I attended my first FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Medical Device Establishment Inspection. Agent (Investigator) Kimberley A. Ricketts called me a couple days before to let me know that as a registered medical device manufacturing company, Kanteron Systems (the company I founded in 2005) had been selected for an Establishment Inspection. It was the “Notice of Inspection pursuant to Section 704(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act [21 U.

Fun event at Garden City hotel

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 14:39:43 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5894592732529447057] On Thursday our friend Marsha invited us to attend the Garden City Hotel Gilded Revelry event: reopening of Grand Ballroom. At first it did not seem that interesting, specially taking into account that we had to ride the LIRR train for 40 minutes from Penn Station (changing in Jamaica) to Long Island. But once we arrived, we quickly admitted it was a good idea. A renovated Grand Ballroom hosting two acrobats, an electric violin and a DJ with projections of historic photos from the hotel in the background for entertaining, and the real highlight of the night: the most amazing sushi bar I have ever had the pleasure to experience on one side, and an awesome and delicious hors d`oeuvres buffet on the other.

Supermoon

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 22:04:13 +0000

Alaska Cruise Day 8: Seward to Anchorage

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 18:28:06 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5891423416835987953] All things must come to an end, and this amazing trip did too. We disembarked in Seward early, following an easy and relaxed procedure, finding our luggage right away, and boarding the transfer service that would drive us to Anchorage for the next three hours. But on the way we made a few “last stops” where we saw black and brown bears, moose, lynxes, oxen, elks, rain deers, bisons, eagles, owls…

Alaska Cruise Day 7: Hubbard Glacier

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:24:22 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5890927123261020129] Before breakfast, we woke up to the sound of the ship’s hull breaking ice plaques in the water. The captain warned us that we were sailing next to Hubbard Glacier, so we got dressed in a hurry and ran to the observation deck (level 12). The glaciers were spectacular. Amazing. Breathtaking. And any other similar adjectives you can think of. Their intense blue is due to the way they are formed: layers upon layers of heavy snow compresses the bottom, squeezing any tiny bubble of air out, until only pure ice crystals remain, glacier crystals, which are intense and beautiful blue.

Alaska Cruise Day 6: Sitka

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:09:50 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5890669129913176289] As if we had not experienced enough adventure and beauty, Sitka was awaiting us with even more. Early in the morning, after an in-room breakfast, we boarded the St. Michael catamaran to go on a wild life quest between the narrow island passages and open bays of the Sitka Sound, with the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe providing an unsurpassable background to one of the world`s most beautiful coastal environments.

Alaska Cruise Day 5: Skagway

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 17:59:05 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5890279804678844545] Caviar on warm blinis and Montaudon champagne for breakfast, while docking in Skagway. That is the right way to start an amazing day. As soon as we finished our breakfast, we disembarked right in front of the “graffiti” that cruise lines have been painting on the mountain (with their logos, captain and vessel names) since 1928, and went to the heliport to board a Eurocopter that took us, through narrow canyons and spectacular valleys, flying over very high peaks and several glaciers, to the dog camp on the Denver Glacier.

Alaska Cruise Day 4: Juneau

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 17:42:15 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5890277524527986321] June 15 we woke up in Juneau, Alaska’s capital (the largest and best known city is Anchorage, but Juneau is the official capital). After breakfast, we attended a very rare screening of a 7 minute animation film called “Destino”, a little known collaboration between Salvador Dali and Walt Disney started in 1949, but unfinished until 2007 when Roy Disney decided to hire a team of French animators to complete it.

Alaska Cruise Day 3: Ketchikan

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:43:15 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5889514217597655985] We woke up in Ketchikan, Alaska’s fourth largest city with 14,000 inhabitants, which almost gets doubled by today’s visitors (via 4 cruise ships): 10,000 cruisers. As is the case in many communities around Alaska, things are spread out between many little islands. So, for example, Ketchikan has an airport in which a 747 can land… but the luggage has to be picked up in another island, accessible by ferry, because the “airport island” is too little to have both the landing strip and the luggage collection area.

Alaska Cruise Day 2: Inside Passage

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:29:08 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5889512863209842513] We decided to sleep in to recuperate from a very active week, so we ordered the breakfast in the room. While not a friend of in-room service, everything (muesli, wheat meal, blueberry pancakes, cheese omelette, smoked salmon bagel, fresh pineapple) was perfect. The restaurant schedules are very “American”, with breakfast served until 10:00am, lunch until 1:30pm, and dinner only until 9:30pm! We spent the whole day at sea, cruising North through the Inside Passage.

Alaska Cruise Day 1: Inside Passage

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:14:53 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5889105776566693313] Wednesday, June 12, woken up by a false fire alarm, we had breakfast in the room, worked on our laptops until check out time, and had the hotel car (a BMW series 7) take us to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal. After a quick US immigration check, we boarded the luxury Regent Cruises’ “Seven Seas Navigator”. Champagne glass upon reception, and a very nice crew welcomed us to our comfortable room.

Vancouver Day 3

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:29:20 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5888480420051909169] On Tuesday, June 11, and not believing that it had not rained on our trip yet, we asked the hotel for a couple of complimentary bicycles and were told that only one was available but the other one should be available soon. So in the meantime we took the aquabus from the foot of Davie Street in Yaletown to the Public Market on Granville Island, False Creek, where a former industrial site was long ago converted into an indoor public market.

Vancouver Day 2

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:49:49 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5888291790196507873] On Monday we spent the whole day in Grouse Mountain. Getting there is not difficult, but it could definitely be simpler. First we walked up Granville, where we passed a medical marihuana dispensary (“Victorian Pharmacy”), to Canada Place, where we bought the tickets at the tourist office assisted by a very nice old lady. From there we walked to Waterfront Station where we took the SeaBus to North Vancouver. Then the 236 bus at dock 8, that took us all the way up to Grouse Mountain, stopping at several cute residential streets, including Cortell street!

I am featured in an IBM ad

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:18:50 +0000

Vancouver Day 1

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:25:06 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5888108090636378481] A very early flight allowed us to see the sunrise over Manhattan’s skyline, perfectly delineated as if drawn by an architect, from Newark Airport. In Vancouver’s airport they take their indigenous art seriously, with large wood figures and totem poles all over. There you also realize how much of a cruise city it is: cruise lines have their own counters at the airport, to take passengers and luggage directly to their ship.

And this is how the movie industry chokes itself

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:32:50 +0000

On May 13th, on my way to a friends apartment, we stumbled upon the set of Ben Stillers new movie right outside the 125th St. subway exit. They were filming in the middle of the street. What struck me the most was that one of the façades of the building had been completely redone (cast, cement, wood, paint… it looked absolutely real and solid) for the film. Really? No building façade will do?

Columbia University

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:50:11 +0000

After a work meeting (and seeing a colorful piano, being fine tuned, in a public space) I took the opportunity to visit Columbia University (it was about time). The first building I enter is called “The Library at Columbia University”. But, alas, is not a library! [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5886802933387406849] It ceased to be a library in the late 30s, and now happens to be the Administrative Offices. Across the lawn, where students and visitors were chilling out and enjoying the sunny day, I find one of the many libraries:

Robataya NY

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:20:01 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5883108291816300705] Meaning to go to a Tibetan restaurant which happened to be closed Memorial Day, we ended up in Robataya NY (sister of the great Robatoya Roppongi Hills, Tokyo). Easily one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the city. Cute, fun and delicious.

Council Of Protocol Executives event India House, New York

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:10:06 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5880615132510590913] May 21st (sorry that is taking me so long to write posts, but unlike what this blog seems to convey, I also do work. A lot) I was invited to a Council Of Protocol Executives event India House, New York. It was a wonderful mix of C-level executives from all kinds of industries (healthcare, advertising, travel, banking…). A great networking opportunity, with delicious food (seafood risotto, truffle and porcini ricotta, fried oysters, choclate covered strawberries…).

Home culinary delights in NY

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:56:41 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5879887825546630113] (Photo of a Paella cooked by my friend Paul in his new apartment in the UWS, New York) My friends and family in Valencia have serious doubts that one can eat in the USA as well as in Spain. Granted, Spain is a foodie`s paradise (by the way, amazing how many of the top 50 restaurants in the world I have had the pleasure to try, the latest one being Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London thanks to Stephanie).

Meeting NY tech companies

Thu, 30 May 2013 17:54:28 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5879766487788118305] Friday May 17th I took the day to meet some of the interesting tech companies present in New York. There are over 1,200 tech companies in NY (including CodeAcademy, KickStarter, Foursquare, MakerBot, ZocDoc, Guilt, AppNexus, Tumblr, Etsy, KickStarter, Automatic… and mine!), most between the Flat Iron and SoHo areas of Manhattan (Silicon ALley). So I chose a few that, for one reason or another, I was interested in meeting and talk to their founders.

Japan Day at Central Park

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:34:43 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5877241182002662785] On Sunday, after returning to New York from the inaugural cruise, we went to Central Park to spend the afternoon and enjoy Japan Day! Tents with huge lines to get free Japanese food (udon, okonomiyaki, gyozas, panda chocolate snacks, tea…), activities (calligraphy, kimonos, origami, yoyo-fishing…) and performances (karate, taiko…), all very well organized and full of mostly Japanese people in a very fun and nice event. There were even so many cosplayers that it reminded me of Jing?

Norwegian Breakaway inaugural cruise day 3

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:34:24 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5877236967059231169] All things must come to an end, so today we sadly had to disembark. After a nice breakfast and a last stroll through the ship, we disembarked very fast and easily, and in a few minutes we were back home in Chelsea (after going through the most absurd and disorganized taxi system I have seen in this country). What`s my verdict? It is an exceptionally nice ship for a mass market, even considering its gigantic size.

Norwegian Breakaway inaugural cruise day 2

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:19:53 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5877235646228621073] Day 2 of our cruise started waking up to the sound of the waves and with a buffet breakfast at Garden Café, which we took in an outside table. The day was fully packed of activities, and given my terrible memory, I`m sure I would have forgotten some of them by now. But thanks to the fact that the cruise line gave us access to the net (although only for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), I was able to tweet my activities, and then use the TL to remember them easier.

Norwegian Breakaway inaugural cruise day 1

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:14:38 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5877234291045425713] We were invited to board the Norwegian Breakaway inaugural cruise last Friday. A huge (146,600 tones and 1,062 feet for 4,000 passengers and 1,595 crew) and brand new ship. It was a short inaugural cruise, 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, for VIPs (the bankers that financed the construction of the ship, Norwegian Cruise Lines executives, journalists, “star” travel agents… even Mayor Bloomberg). Many well known people aboard: artist Peter Max, who designed the hull and was signing posters, Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian (with his Ocean Blue restaurant as one of the 27 the ship has)… As we went through the very fast and easy boarding procedure at Pier 88, even President Obama flew over the ship in his helicopter!

Video interview (IBM Beacon Award)

Sun, 12 May 2013 17:33:54 +0000

Right after I accepted the IBM Beacon Award for Healthcare and Life Sciences given to my company (Kanteron Systems), I was video interviewed in the corridor. Here is the result:

The System: true injustice

Sun, 05 May 2013 14:46:07 +0000

One of the friends having dinner with us yesterday was a lawyer that used to be a Public Defender in NY. Of all the many interesting stories she had to tell, one struck me as the perfect example of all that is wrong with The System. Once she had to defend a homeless man who was accused of stealing a candy bar from a drugstore. Since he had breached a non-trespass order from a previous similar incident, the prosecutor was asking for a 3 year prison sentence.

NY Shorewalkers The Great Saunter 2013

Sun, 05 May 2013 14:20:41 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5874557463298386241] Yesterday we joined a few friends in part of the NY Shorewalkers The Great Saunter 2013 walk. While the Shorewalkers started early in the morning and walked all along the West side of Manhattan, we started much later, and to the subway to Carl Schurz Park, where we had fun watching the dogs at the dog park, visiting Major Bloomberg`s official residence (although he does not really live there, he only uses it as a nice reception place), enjoying the trees blooming and flowers, and strolling up the East side to meet them half way.

Working distractions

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:51 +0000

If I go to the office, I complain that there are too many distractions: whether it is the boom-boom music form the downstairs SoHo store, my coworkers playing ping-pong, street art that requires my attention, or the temptation of a Japanese bento box or mochi with tea… But if I stay at home, Calvin makes sure I am not as productive as I could be. OK, I admit it, this was a very silly excuse to try a new slider plugin with Pinterest non-official API… and trying those things is not a diversion or distraction, is part of my job, I swear!

TAO NY

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:21:33 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5872049082409447089] Last weekend we went to TAO to celebrate a birthday. For a large size restaurant that has been in operation as long as they have, it is amazing that the service was decent, the vibe cool, and the food good (special mention for the ruby dragon cocktail). It was fun.

Seen in the streets of NY until april 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:15:38 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5867858717493854113] Now that the good weather seems to have arrived to NY, I will be walking more (more than my two hours daily that I already walk), and will be more willing to stop and take photographs of the crazy stuff one sees on the streets every day. Here are some images before April 2013. (Note: the fun Einstein and Freud images were taken at Chelsea Market, from an exhibition by FunnyFoodArt).

Sculpture drafts

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:10:15 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5873034546116971265] Here are some of my sculpture drafts that I hope some day will become real sculptures: “homeless snail: you and me” and “the lovers”.

Crossing the border for a genetic test

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:57:52 +0000

A few weeks ago, as part of an unusual birthday gift, my fiancé and I signed up to get our genetic test. So we ordered the test kit online, and when we entered the state (NY), a big warning told us that according to state laws, we could not produce or mail the samples back to their labs from New York. WTF?! OK, whatever. As if a nonsensical law did not have many ways around it.

A week in Valencia (Spain)

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:33:39 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5867134774455578577] After London and Oxford, to finish a great birthday weekend, we went to Valencia (Spain). We visited family and friends (the whole purpose of the trip) including the studio of Claudio Zirotti, went to the office to work more than we wanted to, chose wedding venue, and as always, had a lot of rice dishes. The anecdote of the trip was on the way out. Once in Madrid, before boarding the Madrid-New York Iberia flight, the “extra security” at the gate asked me if I had a flight ticket back to Spain.

Weekend in London and Oxford

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:13:13 +0000

As an amazing birthday present, I was invited to spend the weekend in the UK a couple weeks ago. So we flew from New York to London, departing on Friday night, arriving Saturday morning. We went straight to the amazing Bvlgari hotel, and after a tour of the hotel by the director, I found a very nice and delicious birthday cake (and some truffles) in our room. The room was perfect.

Art or war?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:57:28 +0000

In the TV show Britain`s Got Talent, Hungarian shadow-theatre company Attraction shows with beauty the horror of war.

Look at the data, just look at it!

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:04:13 +0000

Carna botnet offers us this amazing 24 hour visualization of relative IPv4 utilization observed using ICMP Ping requests. Look at the data, just look at it! Dont you see peoples sleeping patterns, internet usage patterns, eating schedule habit, cultural differences, urban influence, regional inequalities…?

Technology in Phoenix, autopsy in Albuquerque

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:56:29 +0000

4 flights and 40 hours later (after having missed Japan Week), I am back in New York in the modern and technological Delta terminal (C, not D) at Laguardia Airport, with its tablets and card readers on all tables and bars at all bars and restaurants.What a difference from the Delta Terminal 4 at JFK! Luckily the new one will be finished in May, because the old one is falling apart.

Triple art opening at MAD

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:02:21 +0000

Yesterday we were invited to a triple art opening at the Museum of Art and Design (MAD): After the Museum: “As artists, designers, and corporations have increasingly begun to stage exhibitions, lectures, and workshops modeled from the role of museums in the 20th century, current museum forms are increasingly called into question.” (March 12, 2013 to June 9, 2013) Wear it or Not: The exhibition features nearly 130 works from around the world, recently acquired by the MAD (March 12, 2013 to June 2, 2013) Against the Grain: Featuring nearly 90 installations, sculptures, furniture, and objects, the exhibition explores some of the most cutting-edge conceptual and technical trends in woodworking today (March 19, 2013 to September 15, 2013) We also took the opportunity to re-visit “Playing with Fire": 50 Years of Contemporary Glass (November 20, 2012 to August 25, 2013).

New City art fair: Japanese contemporary art

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:57:44 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5853820841512126817] Today we went to New City art fair, Japanese contemporary art at hpgrp Gallery in Chelsea. Almost everything, from Satoru Tamuras machines from Tezukayama Gallery (who also carried and showed works by Yayoi Kusama, Tomohiro Kato, and Takao Machiba), to the works at Art-U room (by Kazuo Shiraga, Atsuko Tanaka, Jiro Yoshihara, Sadamasa Motonaga, Chiyu Uemae, and Takesada Matsutani), the ones at hprgp (Hisaharu Motoda and Yuichi Hirako), to Satelites ART LAB (Shingo Iguchi, Ben Mori, and Anna Tsubaki), to Fuko Ueadas paintings on Gallery Kogure (along with Takahiro Hirabayashi, Hidenori Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Matsuura, Takahiro Sanda, Yuwa Kato and Takato Yamamoto), to Gallery TEN (who carries Eishi Takaoka, Michio Kono, Jumpei Yamamuro, Masataka Kitamono, and Kazuko Kaneda), to Shusuke Ao`s installation on eitoeiko (who was also showing Shusuke Ao, Ichiro Irie, Yuki Yoshida and Junta Egawa), almost everything was outstanding.

At Independent art show

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:12:46 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5853532342637394897] Today we have gone to the Independent art show at Center 548. Two floors (starts in the second floor, and the roof top only has a bar). The second floor has some, very few, interesting works. The third floor? Don`t even bother. From childish to improvised, without even being outsider or brut. When I go to art shows like this I exit with a strange happy grin. The reason? I realize I still have a personal taste, and I know what I don`t like, no matter how crowded the space is, or if it is in Chelsea.

Inauguration of Edo Pop at Japan Society

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:01:37 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5853531658541752273] Yesterday we were invited by Miwako Tezuka (domo arigato!) to the inauguration of Edo Pop at Japan Society. It was wonderful! Besides the classic and beautiful nishiki-e works by the masters Katsushika Hokusai (yes, Under the Wave off Kanagawa from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, was there), Utagawa Hiroshige, Toshusai Sharaku, Toyota Hokkei, Utagawa Kunisada, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, and Suzuki Harunobu, there were contemporary works by graffiti artist Aiko, strikingly “Japanese” transparencies by Emily Allchurch, reinterpreted iconic portraits by Paul Binnie, political criticism in the work of Ishii Toru and Kazama Sachiko (amazing the large format Alas!

Freak snow storm

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:28:20 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5853068702144573873] On Thursday I woke up to a message from a friend, professor at MIT, who was flying to SXSW and was stuck onboard the plane with the Boston airport closed. We had a freak snow storm: it started snowing in the morning. The snow accumulated throughout the day. By night it stopped and temperatures went up. In two days we have gone from 20ºF to 54ºF. New York weather: unpredictable and not for the faint of heart 😉

Moving Image contemporary video art fair

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:19:27 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5853065109523333633] A couple days ago we were invited to the inauguration of Moving Image contemporary video art fair at the Terminal Stores (Waterfront Tunnel). Interesting initiative, in a spectacular space, but as always some works were more appealing than others. This time, without a doubt, the only ones that I would definitely recommend are the ones shown by Ted Victoria (represented by Schröder Romero & Shredder). Very objectual, but quite imaginative and evocative.

Online access to the art shows I`ll miss

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:01:34 +0000

Since this week there are way too many art shows to visit, I`ll miss some, for sure. Luckily, these events are getting better and better with their online access and info, and now we have Volta‘s catalogue online: We also have a good portion of Armory‘s show online, by Artsy. Enjoy 😉

SCOPE contemporary art show

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:48:11 +0000

This is the Armory art week in New York: Armory, SCOPE, Volta, Independent, Spring/Break, PooL, New City, Moving Image, ADAA, and Fountain. My friend Jorge (thank you, Jorge!) gave us a VIP pass so we attended the inaugural party of the SCOPE contemporary art show. I enjoyed it for the same reasons I enjoyed Volta last year: international, interesting, refreshing, criticism, political charge, varied… There were too many interesting artists and works to mention, but in the photo gallery you have a few examples.

Two days in Panama

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:53:39 +0000

Business took me again to Panama on Monday, for a quick trip (two days). Tin roofed huts with satellite TV next to high rise office buildings, riding on an official (with sirens) tinted window SUV with driver and no license plates, and staying in a nice hotel that was not extraordinary but had all and everything that I look for in a hotel (except indoors swimming pool). But it belongs to the friend (former Treasury Secretary) of a friend.

Receveing an award in Las Vegas

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:43:52 +0000

From Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 I was in Las Vegas receving an award (IBM 2013 Beacon Award for Best Industry Solution, Healthcare and Life Sciences). I dont like Las Vegas, too flashy, too empty, too superficial... but every time I go, I end up with interesting experiences and observations. Like the devastating effect extreme market capitalism can have on the credibility of institutions (Judge Judys branded slot machine?? WTF!

Carnegie Hall concert Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:58:38 +0000

Tonight my friend Caterina has invited us (thank you Cat!!) to the Carnegie Hall concert: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra featuring her friend, awesome violinist Ray Chen. Performers Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Sakari Oramo, Conductor Ray Chen, Violin Elin Rombo, Soprano Program ROLF MARTINSSON Open Mind GRIEG “Våren,” Op. 34, No. 2 STENHAMMAR “Fylgia,” Op. 16, No. 4 STENHAMMAR “Flickan kom ifrån sin älsklings möte,” Op. 4, No. 1 BRUCH Violin Concerto No.

Sweet VD

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:44:14 +0000

When a coconut milk seared wild salmon with basmati rice dinner at home ends with these three desserts/gifts, you know it is sweet: – I received an incredible Japanese assorted wagashi box from Minamoto Kitchoan (with a beautiful Hokusai “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Ukiyo-e card) – I gave her Momofuku MilkBar assorted cookies (of course, with the “compost” in the assortment) and b`day truffles – Plus Wholefoods Market Dark Chocolate Pear Almond (Lindt had that flavor, and the discontinued it!

Concert and museum opening night

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:08:58 +0000

On Wednesday we went to the “Tribute to Elliott Carter” concert at City University of New York Graduate Center (34th st & 5th Ave). A varied roster of (mostly) great (mostly) young performers, and Elliott Carters unmistakables compositions. I must admit it is not my favorite kind of music to say the least, but I do keep trying to expand my horizons. Always learning, or trying to. Experience, expose, try… isnt that the hackers attitude?

Cool corp.?

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:41:09 +0000

Read Quote of Balaji Viswanathans answer to Microsoft: Why isnt Microsoft ‘cool`? on Quora

Day of wine and snow

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:57:02 +0000

February 9th was truly a day of wine and snow. A big snowfall came down the night before, leaving the pretty pictures we have all seen in the media, along with 6,000 cancelled flights and 400,000 homes without power in the Boston area. So I had no plans to get out of my comfortable Chelsea apartment, but Jill (a friend who works at the New York Times, and who is moving to Washington DC to head the DC Bureau of the NYT) invited us to the NYC Winter Wine Fest.

Back in NY: Wired Magazine and IBM Smart Camp

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:30:06 +0000

After MIT`s crazy week, back in NY I needed a couple of days of sleep and relax to get back into the normal rhythm. Luckily it was SuperBowl weekend, so the streets (and Chelsea Market) were fairly empty! So on Tuesday I was ready to get going full speed ahead. First, after meeting with P. Oberton in the NYPL, then I went to Condé Nast publications` building, into Wired Magazine, to discuss a PR campaign/project along with Valencia Regional Minister of Industry (& etc) Max Buch.

MIT final day (6)

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:11:20 +0000

The final day was an interesting one. My team (team senZa) choose me to do the presentation of the teams project. We all thought we did an excellent job, and everybody in the room (372) congratulated us. One of the judges even said "it is the best one I have ever seen". But... lo and behold, we were not selected to the final round. And whats even worst, we received almost no feedback.

MIT day 5

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:57:43 +0000

Day 5 started with a presentation of MIT`s eMBA and the REAP program. After that, lectures by William Aulet, Scott Keating, Paul Maeder, and Antoinette Schoar. And then… an all-nighter preparing the group project. Tension, stress, frustration, but in the end a great feeling of accomplishment, and pride in a job well done.

MIT day 4

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:49:18 +0000

Day 4 started with a corporate presentation (we got to choose, and I attended the one by Pfizer) at 7:30am, in which Pfizer`s Senior Vice President of Research and Development talked about the rapidly shifting way in which big pharma is working, and mentioned an unacceptable fact that should make us all reflect on how much the patent system is broken: Pfizer has 98,000 employees… and 31,000 lawyers! The rest of the day I attended classes by Catherine Tucker, Brian Halligan, and a speech by Dean David Schmittlein.

MIT day 3

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:23:53 +0000

Day 3 started with my winning the Twitter competition with this tweet: Then we had classes by Matt Marx,William Aulet, Elaine Chen, and John McEleney. Even during lunch (at room E52, 6th floor of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship – Tang Building) we are lectured. In this case by Scott Stern. Non stop from 7am until 8pm (or later, depending on how hard working your team is).

MIT day 2

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:55:06 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5838741007492762897] Snowing, cold, snow, cold… Day 2 of the MIT-EDP program has been crazy. Breakfast at 7:00am, classes from 9:00am until 7:00pm, with a lunch break that was actually a lecture too, and two 15 minute breaks in which we were suppose to sign up for company visits, pick up material, etc… But it was worth it: William Aulet, and Fiona Murray are excellent lecturers with obviously a lot of experience.

MIT day 1

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:00:05 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5838342469980149841] Today is my first day as a student of “the most important university in the world” (according to this article): MIT. I am here to take the MIT Sloan Executive Education EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Program). Getting up at 4 am and braving the flu outbreak in Boston and the cold weather including a frozen Charles River (not like it is less cold in NY anyway), I arrived from NY this morning in an early flight, and after checking in at the Marriot, I went to a luncheon at the Towne Stove and Spirits restaurant sponsored by Ken Morse.

Interviewed for Zoom News about the Mega case

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:59:38 +0000

Interviewed by Aurora Muñoz for Zoom News about the Mega case.

Article in El Mundo "Innovators" special

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:34:47 +0000

Here (PDF) is a 3 page article Spanish newspaper El Mundo published on Monday in their “Innovators” special, featuring my company, Kanteron Systems.

Lima and Valencia in January

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:28:54 +0000

The second week of January I flew to Lima (Peru) for an important business meeting. It was a hard trip: overnight flight from New York, straight to meeting, and overnight flight back. But there was no other way to fit the trip in my schedule. A few days later I flew with my fiancée to Valencia both for business and for pleasure.It was a cloudy and “cold” week (for Valencia anyway, because 58ºF could hardly count as “cold”, considering it is 11ºF now in New York).

Christmas at Niagara Falls

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 08:08:57 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5826431747820457009] This year I spent Christmas at Niagara Falls. While it is one of the natural wonders of the world, I had not thought about visiting it before because I did not expect it to be “worth it”. How wrong I was! Not only it is a lovely area (the Canadian side, at least), albeit certainly quite “touristic”, but the waterfalls indeed are amazing. You stand so close to the water, intense green, that you can feel it rush, precipitate, and crash.

My gift, goodbye or new beginning

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:45:20 +0000

If the world ends today, this is my goodbye soundtrack gift to you. If it doesn`t, tomorrow it will be the soundtrack of a waterfall, my new beginning gift to you. In any case, the first composition that I ever share with the world ("Waterfall in the winter"). Straight from my open heart. Enjoy. Peace. Love. Happiness.

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" at Richard Rodgers Theatre with Scarlett Johansson

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:55:28 +0000

On Wednesday Stephanie [thank you!] invited me to see “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at Richard Rodgers Theatre (Broadway, New York) with Scarlett Johansson. Although I had seen the movie, perhaps because I was too young to understand, or perhaps because in the movie the plot is not as clear, the truth is that I enjoyed and understood Tennessee Williams play much better this time. And it has a much broader appeal than what I initially guessed (being a _Southern Gothic_ work).

Red curtain

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:02:41 +0000

Red dyes sky and “sea”, as they call it, as the sun sets over the Rio de la Plata. The promenade fills up with Montevideans with their mates. They smile, oblivious to, or despite of, life`s drama. This intense red bursts, invades, dyes and covers like a curtain. I must share it with you. It`s ephemeral, I know it will pass, but now it feels as if nothing can escape its spillover, which drags along my attention, my sensibility, my pain, my life.

Montevideo in December

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:01:28 +0000

[mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5821499441712215169] December 2nd I flew to Montevideo. I stayed at the Radisson Hotel, Plaza de la Independencia. Very conveniently located with some impressive views from the top floor. Good thing it had a pool, because it is not easy to keep my exercise regime when traveling so much. Besides very productive meetings with IBM (very nice, professional, and friendly executives, by the way) and presentation to several hospital groups (one of the meetings at the Presidential Building, another one at the country`s largest hospital, and a presentation at the Solis Theater), I enjoyed the promenade by the river which seems like a sea, the old town, and a weird Ice Bar.

Boston and Chicago (RSNA) November

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:35:04 +0000

November 27th I flew to Boston, and back to NY in the same day, for a couple of important business meetings (Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Law Firm) with Ken and Laura, with whom I had lunch in a restaurant located inside a hotel that was formerly a prison. November 28th I flew to Chicago for the RSNA trade show. I stayed at the very nice Public Hotel, attended the crazy big RSNA show, had dinner at Petterino‘s with Brazilian friends, and flew back to NY.

November in Valencia

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:22:31 +0000

Of course in Valencia I enjoyed friends, family… and tons of work meetings!

November in Malaga for Emtech Investors Forum

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:10:10 +0000

The last week of my November trip to Spain, I went to Malaga for the MIT Technology Review Emtech Investors Forum event. It was very sad and unfortunate that the mayor of Malaga did not listen to the organizers of the event, and stubbornly forced the event to be inaugurated November 22nd “becuase it was more convenient for him”. Since the main interest of the event were the US investors, they did not come because it was Thanksgiving.

November in Palma de Mallorca for HIMSS

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:51:02 +0000

A week after the ESADE course, and after visiting friends and family in Valencia, I went to Palma de Mallorca for HIMSS, a healthcare IT industry event.

November in Barcelona for ESADE course

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:34:46 +0000

I have fallen very behind on my posts. I tweet and Google+ some tidbits here and there, but it has been forever since I posted. So, I`ll try to catch up. In mid November, I was in Barcelona for the “Global Sales Strategy for Ambitious European Firms” Program (who chooses those names?). Classes, by Kenneth P. Morse took part in ESADE Business School (Executive Education). Two intense days of learning, thinking, debating, and networking.

Compliment

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:18:55 +0000

Today Juan gave me a great compliment, for which I am grateful: You embody the saying “Fall down 7 times, get up 8”

Trees rise, leafs leave

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:08:55 +0000

Astonished I witness the trees rise tall from their base, not even rooted. Leafs leave, group, organize, and shifting shapes, take to the sky only to dive down. A red dragon, a viking vessel, coming straight at me. The memory of holding your hand, and blinking, gets me through. But how far could even a never fading memory take me? I shall hold your hand again, or be taken by the leafs.

007 Skyfall at MoMA

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:27:15 +0000

Although it may not be too obvious, I have been going through a few very hard weeks for several reasons. So someone who knows me well told me I should not be stupid, and should have fun. Let`s be it, then! As part of their James Bond 50 years celebration, MoMA has been showing some of 007 movies in their collection (the largest by any museum in the world). So yesterday I was invited, and I of course invited Stephanie to be my guest, to the screening of the latest James Bond movie: “007 Skyfall”.

After hurricane Sandy in New York

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:25:01 +0000

From tilted posts to trees completely gone, after hurricane Sandy there were many signs of destruction around New York. I had to stay at Stepahnie`s apartment (thank you again!) until Monday, because my building remained without power. And even after the power returned, the telephone and internet took two more days. Some people were not so lucky, with all hotels fully booked, and had to stay at home for days without power or water.

Hurricane Sandy in New York

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:51:47 +0000

To go from Baltimore to NY has been a real nightmare. I had a return train ticket for the 29th at night, but that was obviously cancelled. Amtrak then rebooked me on the first train out of Baltimore (at 03:45am on November 1st), and since flights or buses were not operating, I took it. The nice lady at the travel agency got me a reservation on a flight to La Guardia.

Instead of Halloween party

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:45:05 +0000

I`m still stuck in Baltimore, but it seems I will be able to return to NY late tonight, arriving tomorrow morning afternoon, the day after Halloween (which reaches amazing levels, like Barbie special edition dolls). So, instead of going to the Village Halloween parade (which has been cancelled for the first time in 39 years), or any of the Halloween parties I was invited to (the New Museum and Cara`s parties have also been cancelled), and wear the cool and simple MineCraft Creeper costume Cory Doctorow twitted (from Comic Con NY):

Hurricane Sandy in Baltimore

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 23:02:17 +0000

Film screening at the portal of power and party at the Whitney

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 23:25:14 +0000

On Wednesday I was invited to the screening of the documentary “Gregory Crewdson Brief Encounters” at the Core Club (that has been called the “Portal of Power” by The New York Times, or “Where the 1 Percent Go to Lunch” by CNBC), with popcorn, M&Ms, wine bar and all. Both Ben Shapiro and Gregory Crewdson (and his mother) were there introducing the film. But their shyness made them refuse a formal Q&A session, so to talk to them one had to go to the reception area after the film and mingle and chat.

Chaos and Cosmos

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 22:56:20 +0000

On Tuesday I went to listen to Mitchell J. Feigenbaum and Albert J. Libchaber (mathematical physicists) discuss chaos theory at CUNY Graduate Center. After that I went to McNally Jackson Books, a great book store in SoHo, and to the opening reception for “Rosemarie Trockel: A Cosmos", at the New Museum, organized by Massimiliano Gioni, Associate Director and Director of Exhibitions, and Jenny Moore, Associate Curator, in collaboration with Rosemarie Trockel and Lynne Cooke, chief curator of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid (Spain).

20,000 homeless kids in NYC

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:32:06 +0000

Number of homeless kids in NYC last year: 16,000 Number of homeless kids in NYC this year: 20,000 https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/

Slavoj Žižek lecture "Conditions of Possibility" with M. Hägglund and A. Johnston

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:04:08 +0000

Note: Start video on 33:33 (absolutely nothing happening before that, but just people waiting for the panelist to go on stage). On Friday I was invited to attend Slavoj Žižeks lecture "Conditions of Possibility" with M. Hägglund & A. Johnston at City University of New Yorks Graduate Center. Martin Hägglund (associate professor of comparative literature and humanities at Yale University) and Adrian Johnston (professor in the department of philosophy at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque and a faculty member at the Emory Psychoanalytic Institute in Atlanta) both read legthy and endogamic discourses about Heidegger, classic philosophical concepts, and stubbornly narrow minded “canons”.

Seen in NY: skaters, cheese and a record selling truck

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:39:40 +0000

A big band of skaters (I only captured a few in my photograph becuase they were left behind in a stoplight, but there were many many more) rolling down south on Broadway. As they passed, people on the side walk greeted and cheered them. More play and less politics, or the return of the playful society, please. [Update.- there is a big story behind it: the Broadway Bomb] Beecher`s Handmade Cheese, where you can sample and purchase artisanal cheese, have some wine and small apetizers in the cellar downstairs, but even more fun to just sit and watch them make cheese live, through a big glass.

319 Scholes art opening of "Collect the WWWorld: The Artist as Archivist in the Internet Age"

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:12:34 +0000

On Thursday I went to 319 Scholes to attend the art opening of “Collect the WWWorld: The Artist as Archivist in the Internet Age”. Beyond the anecdotal post/pre hispter crowd, the exhibition itself is a sad celebration of noise. Which, in itself is as valid, or invalid, as any other starting point in the endless debate about art (more so in regards with contemporary, electronic, net, etc). But it is its legitimization attempt, with research project, curator, catalogue, and international tour, which brings the debate to a whole different level.

Silver Wind: The Arts of Sakai Hoitsu

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 11:29:04 +0000

Tuesday, October 2nd I was invited to the member`s viewing and reception of “Silver Wind: The Arts of Sakai Hoitsu” exhibition at Japan Society. This exhibition is the first American retrospective of Sakai Hoitsu (1761-1828), a samurai aristocrat turned Buddhist monk who dedicated his life to art and poetry. On exhibit there were also a few works by his chief pupil Suzuki Kiitsu, although I must admit the difference between the two is quite notable.

Quick trip to Seoul to receive an award

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 22:06:37 +0000

From the 13th until the 16th I have traveled to Seoul to pick up an award (International Business of the Year bronze Award). But there was much more than boosted egos, networking and business PR in that trip:

Reflections from NY Comic Con

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 09:40:06 +0000

On Friday I went to NY Comic Con, like everyone else, I guess, with the idea of having fun, of experiencing first hand one of the “major events” that a true nerdy geek can attend. I also wanted to meet Cory Doctorow (although we actually ended up not meeting). It has been years since I last met him, and it was the perfect “excuse” to attend the conference. When I arrived, I was really surprised to see the size of it.

Quick trip to Panama

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:50:14 +0000

I have just returned from Panama. It has been a quick business trip in which I have tried to make the most of my time. Here are some notes from the trip: – United Airlines choice of dinner was "beef or chicken". Whatever happened to the broadly accepted vegetarian-friendly classic pasta choice? Besides, the chicken was breaded, in a white bun, and the "beef", lets just say it did not look too good.

white skin

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Autumn. My skin falls and yours is not there. I turn to the canvas, but its not color I want to smear your whiteness with. I face the white screen, but its not light that I seek. I confront the blank page, but words will not bring solace. Then my skin falls on the piano ivory. Fingers sliding down each key. Caresses that the air won`t keep. The music was already playing in my head.

The Norse vs Inuit approach

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:54:01 +0000

The Norse vs Inuit approach There are many seemingly “small events” in history to which we do not pay much attention, when actually they provide very important lessons. I always talk about historical examples of perfectly successful cooperatives and anarchist self government. But this time I want to comment on a very different historical event: the Norse attempt to colonize Greenland. When the Norse tried to colonize Greenland, the Inuit already lived there.

The longest war in US history

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:52:23 +0000

Afghanistan already is the longest (official) war in US history. In order to begin to understand that mess, as usual in modern history, we may have to go back to the end of World War II, when Pakistan`s colonial nominees, the “Taliban”, were sent to take over Afghanistan to give them a strategic edge over India in the war over Kashmir. Today the Taliban and Pakistans ISI (Directorate for Inter-Service Intelligence) alliance are at the heart of why the USA is stuck in an endless war: the USA aligns, or so it would seem, much more with India in terms of values, policy, economy, etc, than with Pakistan.

September gone

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:49:31 +0000

I can`t seem to be able to keep up. Too much going on at all levels. So my “done this and that” posts are going to be reduced to the minimum expression. September 5th I went to this event I already talked about. September 7th I was invited to attend the premiere of a documentary about Gerhard Richter at the New Museum. It was very revealing and sad to see how Richters art critic/historian proposed an interpretation of one of his paintings that Richter did not seem to agree on, but after a few minutes of conversation, he "accepted".

High culture might will numb you, how stay true? On "Graffiti" screening and panel at New Museum

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:45:28 +0000

On Thursday I was invited to the New Musuem for the screening of “Graffiti – PostGraffiti” documentary and panel discussion. Your usual suspects were there. Besides the panelist (Pattie Astor, Fab Five Freddy, Lady Pink, and Lee Quinones), there were many old glories and a couple of aspiring bomber kids in the audience that I am sure were tagging walls late that night. What started as a celebration, a remembrance, and a comunion, as the liturgy advanced ended up becoming a hurtful vindication and even a flat out purist attack.

I`m the man and the boy

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:30:52 +0000

I`m the man that fears rejection Im the man that cant sleep because of problems I`m the man that will fight and defend the castle

It`s October and all I want is you

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:02:51 +0000

Lying on the carpet, poetry book and pencil in hand, U2 in the background. October October And the trees are stripped bare Of all they wear What do I care October And kingdoms rise And kingdoms fall But you go on…and on… So many literal meanings: the fear of wearing-out (The Edge was considering leaving the band like his brother did before they were even called U2), the false sense of security arising from self-defeat (“What do I care”), moving on after a loss (both Bono and Larry had just lost their mothers), the high hopes and expectations arising from new democracies in Eastern Europe only to become despair and dissapointment, and eventually resilience, surviving, going on…

Searching for Sugar Man

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:21:28 +0000

Last Sunday I went to see Searching for Sugar Man bio/docu/pic at Lincoln Plaza Theaters. Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock ‘n` roller, Rodriguez. While the movie is a very good one, and the story quite powerful (not only a human story about an incredible musician called Rodriguez, better than Bob Dylan if you allow me the heresy), there are two aspects that go well beyond the typical in this kind of documentary:

Round table at NYCBA about Campaign Reform

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:46:31 +0000

September 5th (I know, I have really fallen behind my posts; bear with me, there is just too much going on to keep up) I attended a very interesting and enlightening round table at the New York City Bar Association titled “How Will Recent Developments in the Law Influence the 2012 Elections”? Moderated by Nan Aron (lecturer, author, and President of Alliance for Justice), the panel consisted of: Angelo Falcón: President and Founder of the National Institute for Latino Policy Keesha Gaskins: Senior Counsel in the Brennan Center`s Democracy Program Lawrence Lessig: Professor of Law at Harvard University (and much more) John Samples: Director of the Cato Institute Center for Representative Government The discussion was quite interesting.

Fixed, back to blogging

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:47:36 +0000

Back. Now al I need is a little time to catch up and write the posts derived from these really active past few days. Stay tuned. 😉

Testing WP update and plug-in incompatibility

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 12:13:32 +0000

I have been puzzled by an incompatibility between WP`s latest version and one of the plug-ins I have installed (the one that allows multiple languages). As soon as I fix it, I will resume my postings. [This is a test, written in HTML because the “WYSIWYG editor” has disappeared]

The second half of August

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:45:50 +0000

August is over. What did the second half bring? August 17th, after a lovely walk on the HighLine, Lytro organized a photowalk on the Lower East Side (LES). August 18th I had a nice talk about Russian art with the former Artistic Director of the State Russian Theater of Estonia, who is now working at the Lincoln Center in New York. August 19th morning I had another very interesting conversation with an NYU Philosophy professor regarding learning, engagement… and reality, while having a delicious coconut ice cream.

And the messages kept coming in

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:25:17 +0000

One after another. Light, quick, nonchalant. Poured, as a quick one-sided conversation, the messages kept coming in. On the background, music by an unknown artist. Unknown even to himself. Adding a reggae-folk soundtrack that sounded unintendedly tragic. The guitar riffs camouflaging the “new-message” tones. But the desperation kept building up. With every superficial message, a poignant indication that the truth was, still, being concealed. Or worse: never revealed. Each new line, a ticker tape reminder of how little he matter, how opaque and transparent he had become at once.

First half of August gone by

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:46:16 +0000

Before more days go by and I forget the things I have been doing, here is a quick run-down for the first half of August (the last day of July I went to a Sigur Rós concert in Prospect Park): August 1st I went to the MoMA to watch Hitchcock`s “To catch a thief” and eat at the nearby Le Pain Quotidien. August 2nd, instead of taking advantage of the invitation to the Park Avenue Armory for the opening night party for Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller: “The Murder of Crows”, I went to AlphaOne Labs for a 3D printing session.

With Keanu Reeves and Chris Kenneally at "Side by side" premiere, MoMA

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:10:25 +0000

The first one was the archiving and preservation of film. While an interesting debate by itself, it is not as important as it seemed to them, since, as I see it, technology will catch up and surpass the needs and expectations in a matter of very few years. Although a lot could be said about culture, preservation, archiving, formats, etc. Which leads us to… The second one: it was a very brief moment, when upon the comment “somebody has to be the taste maker” by one of the producers being interviewed, Keanu, as interviewer said “wow”.

Minecraft, derivative works, parodies...

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:38:13 +0000

Hugo sends me this amazing song/video made in Minecraft. Of course, that leads to 10 more, 14 more… there are so many! When you make the tools available to the people, and allow them to create (in this case under the safe harbor of “parody”) wonderful things happen. Its NOT all about the money, profit, control... Its about imagination, art, creativity, culture. Thats how it happens: copying, re-using, mixing, adjusting, modifying.

A multidimensional matrix of epistemology

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:41:30 +0000

I have no clue about physics or philosophy. But just like, when thinking theoretical physics, I cant help but reach the conclusion that time is a form of energy, when I think of epistemology, I cant help but to think of it in a multidimensional matrix, of which we can usually only grasp part, because the interconnexions we trace are linear an unidirectional. It`s a well known fact that our brain is not built to comprehend reality, but “to make sense” of it.

No unions admitted at the Intrepid Museum, NY

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:37:39 +0000

New York`s Intrepid Museum, new home of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, does not allow unions. You can see it (point number 13) in their “code of conduct”. WTF!!?? via Alvaro.

My art projects and pictures

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:29:34 +0000

For a few years I have accumulated art projects and pictures, in that oh-so-common delusion “one day I will start working on this and…” Well, reality, resource constraints, day-to-day life… are all excuses not to take ones passion and live it. So I am going to live it. How? I dont know. But the first step is to share, and to make accessible, my plans, ideas, and projects. So HERE ARE MY ART PROJECTS (tumblr), and HERE ARE MY PHOTOGRAPHS (500px).

"All White Party" at the New Museum

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:14:41 +0000

Five days ago, the New Museum invited me to the “All White Party”. It`s one of those events I would not normally go by myself, but Jane told me about the rooftop bar that only opens on weekends and during parties, so I decided to go and check it out. Plus, I was told it was the only chance I would have to see new yorkers dressed in white.

July in NY

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:18:30 +0000

Before I forget more (I am sure I am leaving out a lot), here is a little recap of things I`ve done, tried, or discovered in NY during July: July 1st I went to Strand, my favorite bookstore, with its cool graffiti outside. and then went to the “Exquisite Corpses: Drawing and Disfiguration” Party at the MoMA with Nebula. [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5761705319543704769] The next day, in SoHo, I took a picture of this robot figure on my way to the gym.

Fun at Hackers On Planet Earth 9 – New York

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 17:03:18 +0000

July 13th-15th Alvaro and I attended Hope9 (Hackers On Planet Earth number 9) conference in New York`s Hotel Pennsylvania. It was a lot of fun, as usual. Besides the many and informative talks (we gave one on “Digital Security in Health Care Institutions”, the first day), there was music, booths (FSF, EFF with a girl that wanted to come to Spain to help the #indignados, Free Manning, No Starch Press Books and more), arduino and lock-picking classes, a pro-ponies and against-zombies USA Presidential Candidate wearing a boot on his head, MakerBot 3D printers, the IMMI, Hackers For Charity, AlphaOne HackerSpace (will be visiting it next Thursday with Audrey), StartUpHire, SparkleLabs (awesome presents for kids and n00bies!

Incredible photo of last night`s "derecho" storm in New York

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:01:49 +0000

Last night`s storm was, again, AMAZING. I was not exactly in a position to take a picture, “too concentrated on something else” (although I would have loved it), but this is a great shot by Ryan Brenizer.

Interesting videos

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:02:13 +0000

Let me share some odd videos I have watched recently, thanks to Leaitrice and Patricia: The famous “Sunscreen” music video (the text comes from an essay written in 1997 by Mary Schmich, a columnist at the Chicago Tribune, as a graduation speech for the class of `97) which gives some amazing advice for life. There is even a StarWars Version. Drunk History: get some history students drunk, have them narrate historical events, while reenacting them… more fun than it seems.

Comment on "Debunking Putin`s Newest Myth" by Alexander Yanov

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:31:09 +0000

After reading “Debunking Putin`s Newest Myth” by Alexander Yanov, PhD, and with all my respect and admiration for this very well known historian of Russian nationalisms: Although quite brilliant and eloquent, I believe it is not incisive and daring enough in debunking Putin`s newest myth. It takes a very conservative approach, perhaps letting a Western traditional philosophy baggage and inclination take the part of pure reason and belief, which is usually needed, in equal parts, to fight a political/philosophical quarrel.

Two biggest Lytro pitfalls

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:25:13 +0000

After playing with it for a while, beyond it limitations (light, format, movement…) here are the two biggest pitfalls with the Lytro camera: It is still for Mac OSX only. They NEED to come out with Open Source / Free Software (both their software AND platform support for GNU/Linux). Picture library size and location. BIG unresolved issue.

Poem: "Accompanied by your absence"

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:51:20 +0000

Accompanied by your absence I hear your skin calling. Silently, still, I answer. In the solitude of your presence I remember sliding down your gaze fearlessly falling into your void, your being`s foyer. Next to you, finally, I rest dreaming and longing, with the peace and tranquility that comes from knowing me you.

Amazing storm in NY

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:45:25 +0000

I have been under tropical storms several times in the jungle. But I have never seen anything like today`s storm over Manhattan. Absolutely incredible. The Guardian. Photo: Inga Sarda-Sorensen

Essay for Nebula`s new photobook

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:34:30 +0000

I have contributed an essay to the book (PDF soon available for free online, and for purchase in book format -a few sample images shown here-) of an exhibition I am curating. 3 years in the making, “Gaze, Reflexion, Fusion” is the highly poetical but politically charged work of one of the most interesting new photographers in the New York art scene: NEBULA. From Tokyo to San Francisco, Madrid to Seoul, the Spanish photographer Nebula has traveled to 10 cities in 4 countries in order to find inspiration and the right images (somethimes a fleeting reflexion of it) to bring to life what she feels about art, identity, apropriationism, feminism, and psychoanalysis.

Lightning bugs in Central Park instead of Oliver Stone debate

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 03:46:53 +0000

Yesterday I was invited to a member`s only screening of Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and post-screening discussion with Oliver Stone and Ron Kovic at MoMA Film Theater 1. What do I do instead? I end up at Central Park, with lightning bugs around me. I think I am still there. For some reason, I have gotten trapped there, and I do not want to leave.

Two June weeks in NY

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:06:05 +0000

In a sort of “NY diary”, here is what the last two weeks of June had in store for me. June 17th: I went to Cha`An in the heart of the East Village, for a very delicious tea ceremony. And it was delicious not just because of the great matcha tea (usucha) and wagashi, but also because Noriko-san was such an excellent host, performing an excellent otemae. Being a public restaurant, and not a private house, not everything was “perfect”, like in the tokonoma, where the scroll was obviously generic.

I beat Watson at Jeopardy (more or less)

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:19:02 +0000

As I mentioned in my previous post, at IBM Innovation Center in Chicago they have a Watson (more info here) interactive kiosk with which to play an interactive game of Jeopardy. In case you have been living in a cave for the past few months, Watson beat Jeopardy human champions on live TV, the significance of which can not be overstated. Now, remember: this is a “small version” of Watson, and a “self-contained” version of Jeopardy.

Chicago June 13th and 14th

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:59:19 +0000

On June 13th and 14th I went to Chicago. Here are a few anecdotes. If my gate is C, why do I have to go to Terminal B? Go through security twice. #ThankYouIdiots So, once in Chicago, straight to my first meeting at IBM Innovation Center. Intense, interesting… and off to my hotel for a few hours of preparing for the next day (and BIG meeting). The next day, great presentations and meetings (including lunch with the big boss), and something very interesting: they had a Watson interactive kiosk with which anyone could try and compete at Jeopardy.

Critics and artists

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:15:32 +0000

When art critics get together they talk about Form and Structure and Meaning. When artists get together they talk about where you can buy cheap turpentine. Picasso

June 10th: Tea and Sympathy and Smörgås Chef

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:13:44 +0000

Two places I tried June 10th in West Village: Tea & Sympathy: UK charm (irony intended) and Tea+Scones, at high prices, minimum consumption ($11 per person!!), and they don`t even know how to serve tea (full pot, loose leaves… no way to get them out to avoid over infusion of second cup). Avoid. Smörgås Chef: decent Scandinavian restaurant, with their own eco-farm.

Fun days, June 1st and 2nd

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:57:01 +0000

Trying to catch up with fun days, here is what June 1st looked like: first some crêpes for lunch at Vive La Crepe Union Square (delicious crêpes and funny chair backs embedded in concrete). Then, after browsing around at Beacons Closet</a>, and going to <a title="https://www.tibethouse.us/" href="https://www.tibethouse.us/" target="_blank">Tibet House</a> to gather info (Tuesdays meditation classes, here I go), it was finally time to visit Rubin Museum of Art. While Modernist Art from India, Illuminated, and Casting the Divine were very interesting and delightful, I must admit the nerdy geek in me enjoyed Hero, Villain, Yeti like a real kid.

Remembering snow today at near 100ºF in NY

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:36:12 +0000

Today, #HelloSummer, at almost 100ºF in NY, is a good day to remember the snow. I took this picture of a promo stunt May 31st at Times Square.

NYPL support and citizen budget involvement

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:29:44 +0000

After supporting the NYPL efforts to fight back budget cuts, I have received a lovely message of thanks from Christine C. Quinn (Speaker, NYC Council), along with a very nice suggestion: Dear New Yorker, Many thanks for your email expressing your support for our city`s libraries. […] We cant do it alone, though, and I hope youll consider signing up for Council “enews”. These issue-based e-mail updates are a great way for us to stay connected and engaged with you and other New Yorkers about the budget, healthcare, and other important issues affecting our city.

Angry Elephants

Wed, 30 May 2012 21:25:10 +0000

via APM.

Awesome Kagemu video

Wed, 30 May 2012 21:21:04 +0000

Although I can not embed it (the author has disabled the option) this video by Japanese performer and CGI artist Kagemu is really worth looking at. Enjoy. (Via Nebula).

Playing with my new Lytro

Tue, 29 May 2012 18:29:35 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I received my new Lytro camera. Although it is an incredible technology, and allows things that were unthinkable until now, so far I am mixed. Pros: Compact and discreet Extremely easy to use New ways of taking pictures Novelty Supercool “focus later” Cons: You have to get used to a different way of thinking and framing a shot (square! and distance) Low performance under low light (although better than my crappy Samsung Galaxy IIS camera) Check out this online gallery.

Brooklyn market, Tibetan restaurant and Japanese supermarket... in a day

Tue, 29 May 2012 18:11:22 +0000

Saturday was one action packed day. First, off to Brooklyn Flea Market (Fort Greene this time). Sure enough, the subway is a mess like any weekend, but one gets used to it. With a punishing sun, the first thing upon arrival is to hydrate (limenade, although I was tempted to try something they called “orchata” which was not, since it was made from coconut and rice), and eat something (palak dosa, and zucchini cheese pupusa… I missed Mimi&CoCo‘s teriyaki balls or TheRegalVegan treats).

Real strength

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:39:42 +0000

As I head for the shower at the gym, wondering if I should stay longer on the bike, lift more weights, or try a new boxing class, I find the real meaning of strength lying right there in front of me.

Freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and public spaces

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:35:18 +0000

Picture. Question: why do I have to cross the street on my way home? Debate.

SoHo (window)shopping

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:30:07 +0000

Some people enjoy shopping. Some enjoy the action, other the object, others the fantasy of being able to “acquire” that which they feel (or society made them feel) they “lack” (beauty, strength, appeal… whatever). Last week, while at the SoHo, I found myself enjoying window shopping. The design. Pure art. Beauty.

Legal action against Bankia and Rato

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:11:50 +0000

The citizen platform #15MpaRato is preparing legal action to take Rodrigo Rato to court. Today they started asking small Bankia stockholders to file an anonymous report, so it can be used in a lawsuit. Here is their news release [ES]: https://15mparato.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/accionesparato/ Here is their website: https://15mparato.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/accionesparato/ Here is their twitter: @15MpaRato Hashtag: #accionpaRato If you know any Bankia stockholder, ask him/her to contact: 15mparato@gmail.com Good luck!

Last Saturday: MET and Madison Sq. Park

Sun, 27 May 2012 17:19:05 +0000

Last Saturday I went to the MET for the symposium “Michelangelo and His World in the 1490s”. Presented by some of the most distinguished Michelangelo`s scholars, there was a lot of in-depth info on this very exceptional artist. Here are some of the most curious trivia I learned: He was an exceptional painter and art forger from a very early age (when he was 12 years old he forged and smoked to make it look old, church paintings) and that`s why his father enrolled in an art studio at 13, even though the minimum age was 14.

Journalists covering FB IPO

Sun, 27 May 2012 13:55:08 +0000

May 18th, on my way to the subway, outside my office. Look at the pictures. The making of the circus. Draw your own conclusions (and yes, the third one is a journalist on top of a wooden box to make her look taller).

Tech is a tool, people are stupid

Sun, 27 May 2012 13:44:28 +0000

Technology is getting easier to use everyday. Take GNU/Linux distributions as an example: anyone can make their own. Does that mean everyone should make their own? Why not? But then, again, we end up with things like Ubuntu Satanic (and their Ubuntu SE 666.10 “Necrophiliac Neuromancer”), Hannah Montana Linux (how far would you go to attract kids to free software?), or Red Star OS (free software for North Korea and non-free browsing?

Queens Museum of Art

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:23:36 +0000

Last Thursday I went to Queens Museum of Art for a talk about NYFA Immigrant Art Project. Besides interesting art, and an interesting (although basic) talk, here are some things that caught my attention (and yes, that IS a model of the park inside the elevator!):

Thoughts about the 15M

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:17:18 +0000

May 15th I went to the #15M demosntration in Malaga (Spain). As I was by myself, and to document and support “the cause”, I took my camerca and zig-zagged thourgh the crowd, in a kind of amateur sociological analysis of the most interesting social movement in these turbulent times. Here are some not-so-random thoughts: While no particular spacial organization can be detected in the demonstration, the group dynamics and power hierarchy (even if perceived representation power) applied their invisible forces once more to take the radicals (or most outspoken at least) to march in the front line, families in the middle, and party goers and curious at the back Most “organizers” and “speakers” and “banner-holders and support van drivers” were foreign (mainly Argentinians) Although supposedly devoid of political affiliation, the only ones showing political signs were those without direct political representation in the form of “their own party” (anarchist, republicans, etc) While there was no “organized plan of action” (I wonder if the “assemblies” could get to one without some sort of non-hierarchical order and/or structure), the #cazerolada and #lacaixaesmordor seem to channel the discontempt towards the direct real cause (superficial, first and most apparent, but not necessarily the most important) of the dire social tensions of today: banks and the financial system… although how about the political system that allowed that to happen (from corruption to “democratic” representation)?

In Monique Péan`s studio

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:59:30 +0000

On Tuesday I went to the studio of jewelry designer Monique Péan, with Margot Norton (curatorial associate, New Museum, New York). While it was interesting (in a “makes me sick but I need to learn this even if it seems impossible to achieve without the right connexions” forensics approach) to hear her perfectly polished “politically correct and marketing saavy” bio and artist statement, what really interested me was the striking beauty of fossilized ivory and minerals from the Artic.

A definition of art

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:43:24 +0000

Seeking the definition of Art for a while, I can not find one that satisfies me, nor I seem to be able to reach one by myself. Here is as far as I have been able to get so far: Art is giving the opportunity of being to something that would never be

A conversation with Spanish Philosopher Fernando Sabater at Instituto Cervantes NY

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:44:38 +0000

Wednesday May 2nd, I had the pleasure to meet Fernando Sabater at Instituto Cervantes, NY. The conversation was lighthearted and included many anecdotes and trvia, but also a good dose of Philosophy and Psychology wisdom and aphorisms (like those by Andrés Newman). Here are some delicious quotes by him: Dont attack, dont comply Childhood is always bad: wether because it was bad and left you a trauma, or because it was good and it frustrates you to leave it behind Happyness is also hard to bear Skepticism grows, and thats why when I am about to make a statement (particularly if it is a grand one) I end up laughing.

Japanese dance at Japan Society and dinner at Sakagura

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:02:27 +0000

Yesterday I went to Japan Society for the Kota Yamazaki/Fluid hug-hug (glowing) dance. I must admit, regardless of having read the description and program, that I did not understand anything at all. Not even after hearing Kota Yamazaki explain his work after the show. So, I did the only thing a reasonable person can do when approaching art and not understanding: feel. While the apparent lack of linear narrative or character identification makes it hard to approach, the dancers movements (rather than the much touted but ineffective light design), unobtrusive (and minimal) sound landscape by Kohji Setoh, and the elegant twist with the hanging wooden props becoming physical space at the end, played together surprisingly well.

Guggenheim curator tour and SVA computer arts

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:40:31 +0000

On Friday, at lunch time, I went to the Guggenheim to meet Susan Thompson, Curatorial Assistant, for a tour of Francesca Woodman exhibition. Although Francesca Woodman`s photographs are undeniably subtle and portray the mind of a troubled young woman (body, space, self, disgust, identity, etc), it is a pity she took her life so early, leaving us with what is obviously a truncated body of work, one that begins, explores, promises… but never concludes because death found her first.

A conversation with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at NYU

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:15:55 +0000

On Tuesday I went to New York University for a nice conversation in the Inside the Internet Garage series, with journalists Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher (AllThingsDigital, Wall Street Journal, etc). Besides the very interesting bio/background overview of them that the interviewer did, here are some quotes that caught my attention. Walt Mossberg: IT departments are the most regressive force in tech, blocking new tech adoption The story goes that Larry Page asked Steve Jobs for advice, he said “Find the 5 things you do best, and focus on it”, which its what hes doing

At MoMA: New Vision exhibition, The Modern restaurant, and a russian silent film about celebrities

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:51:09 +0000

Last Saturday, given that the Anarchist Art Festival seemed a little weak, I decided to spend the day at the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, New York). First, a nice tour of “The Shaping of New Visions: Photography, Film, Photobook” exhibition (Edward Steichen Photography Galleries, third floor) by Dr. Elizabeth Cronin, assistant curator of photography at MoMA and NYPL. This exhibition, covering the period from 1910 to today, offers a critical reassessment of photographys role in the avant-garde and neo-avant-garde movements—with a special emphasis on the mediums relation to Dada, Bauhaus, Surrealism, Constructivism, New Objectivity, Conceptual, and Post-Conceptual art—and in the development of contemporary artistic practices.

Business advice for startups: do not collect underpants

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:28:30 +0000

First read this post. Then watch this South Park episode. Now, if you are not going to cook something, get out of the kitchen (and at least start selling 😉 )

A tour of selected pieces at MET Museum

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:12:02 +0000

On Friday I went to the MET, and took a tour of their “highlights” with a curator, stopping at a few particularly interesting pieces in their collection. Here are some of them, and what makes them particularly interesting: In the Greek/Roman hall, the sculpture of fabric: while the greek sculptors portrayed the idealized human figure (even turning it into a mathematical formula) and the romans followed that tradition, fabric was the only part that was sculpted as it was, from thick to almost transparent, with embroidery, motifs, etc.

Geekest prom date

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:52:55 +0000

And you thought I was talking about Princess Leia? source

The danger of graphs and cold data

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:00:48 +0000

After posting graphs and cold data (quite ilustrative, I believe), and the discussion it has generated (people, why don`t you use the “comment” instead all the other unstructured methods you are using?), please let me write a caveat about graphs and cold data. In my high-tech gym, you have the option to have a lot of data collected, for your own, private and personal use. It seems like a great idea at first.

Who is poisoning the world?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:16:41 +0000

Play with data, discover, learn the hard truth…

Letting data talk

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:03:02 +0000

Government debt does not explain it all: Unemployment is, indeed, quite inapelable: And minimum wage: So, perhaps, taking all those (and the last “devastating evidence” one) graphs into account, French and German governments have tricked, via manipulative markets and rating agencies, ignorant technocrat Spain`s PP government into cutting social spending (like education and health, which in turn becomes productivity, and minimum wage and job stability, which promotes spending and growth) so we go deeper into the hole, and they take advantage of our excellent engineers at a low rate, while speculating with debt and making sure Spain does not become a strong competitor…

NYC anarchist book fair

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:51:35 +0000

Since I could not get a hold of tickts for New Museum`s Seven on Seven, I decided to make the most out of my day yesterday (defying my cold), so I even had time to visit the NYC anarchist book fair, at Judson Church (Washington Square). [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5731668030633382577] I wish I had had more time to devote to exploring all the literature (great and aweful) on display. But at least I had time to notice:

Russian film at MoMA

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:27:14 +0000

After j-CATION and having lunch at Mr. Ks</a> (one of the best Chinese restaurants in Manhattan), yesterday I went to <a title="https://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/film_screenings/14846" href="https://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/film_screenings/14846" target="_blank">MoMA</a> Film to see Gosfilmofonds copy of the 1935 USSR film Loss of the Sensation (87 min.), directed by Aleksandr Andriyevsky. Virtually unseen in the U.S., Andriyevskys liberal film version of Karel Capeks popular 1920 play, R.U.R. (in which the notion of robots was introduced), the movie tells the story of Jim Ripple, an engineer, who invents robots controlled by saxophones and radio signals.

At Japan Society`s j-CATION 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:52:22 +0000

Yesterday`s j-CATION (“Japan+Vacation”) festival at Japan Society was great fun: food (particularly delicious wagashi by Minamoto Kitchoan), live game-show (hosted by awesome Kenji America), workshops (shodo, block-stamping, origami, Japanese languaje basics, storytelling, games), movie, concert… [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5731667869648627745]

I admire these criminals

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:42:01 +0000

In Spain, the conservative PP government is planning to make “passive resistance” a crime (as well as organizing demonstrations using internet technologies). I have these 4 criminals` magnetic puppets on my fridge. 2 were outlawed (and had to flee) by German Nazis. 1 had to flee Spanish dictatorship because he was a Communist. And the other one was thrown in jail by British occupation forces for “passive resistance”. I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.

Person of Interest filming around the corner

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:59:25 +0000

Today, as I headed to work, I exit my apartment, turn the corner onto 5th Ave. and see the film crew of Person of Interest. It doesn`t surprise me any more. Am I getting used to living in Manhattan? [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5730569373684857169]

At Deco Japan exhibit and excellent soba lunch (SEO)

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:42:03 +0000

Yesterday, since I had to go to the Japan Society to take care of some business, I took the opportunity to visit the Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920–1945 exhibition (I was invited to the opening, but I could not make it that day). [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5730180317126910177] Curated by Dr. Kendall Brown, Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920–1945 subtly conveys the complex social and cultural tensions in Japan during the Taisho and early Showa periods through dramatically designed examples of metalwork, ceramics, lacquer, glass, furniture, jewelry, sculpture and evocative ephemera such as sheet music, posters, postcards, prints and photography.

Newspaper map (with translations)

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:38:36 +0000

Map + Newspapers + Translations = Simple and AWESOME!! Newspapermap.com

In 3D with Firefox`s new TILT inspector

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:19:04 +0000

Lego web design, anyone? 😉

Social-media inspired cocktails at Mandarin Oriental NY

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:36 +0000

seen in Tumblr (user: hragv)

Curators` thoughts

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:10:48 +0000

On September 28, 2011, Hou Hanru, Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at the San Francisco Art Institute said on a lecture (Curator`s Perspective) in New York: I think the worst exhibition in the world is the exhibition that is organized like a book. We see this a lot, an exhibition that takes the artwork as an illustration of a concept. I think an exhibition is not necessary for this: frankly, it`s too expensive.

Marvel Marathon

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:44:31 +0000

From the #thisIsHowItsDone (not the movie adaptations, but special events to make people go more to the movie theaters) department, here is an awesome initiative from AMC movie theaters: Get ready to watch the greatest Marvel movie event ever held at your local AMC Theatre on May 3rd! Experience THE ULTIMATE MARVEL MARATHON with six movies on one epic day. Watch the heroes’ stories unfold as they assemble for the midnight premiere of The Avengers 3D!

Tatsumi at the MoMA Film

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:30:12 +0000

Tonight I went and see Tatsumi at the MoMA Film (Theater 2), a 2011 animation film from Singapore, directed by Eric Khoo, with the voice of Yoshihiro Tatsumi (who brought innovation to Japanese comics through works of social commentary aimed at an adult audience in postwar Japan in the late 1950s). A Drifting Life, Tatsumi’s epic graphic novel memoir, forms the foundation for the film. Interesting the unavoidable paralel one can draw between Italys neorealism postwar cinema and Tatsumis works.

Conversation with a Curator and Dawn of Egyptian Art at the MET

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:27:56 +0000

This morning I have been at the MET. First I took advantage of the invitation to preview the Dawn of Egyptian Art exhibition which will be on display April 10–August 5, 2012. While there were many remarkable pieces (for several reasons) in the exhibition, this coyote figure completely captivated me. The legs position denote movement, which is uncommon in animal depictions of the later eras. The reason being that as art evolved, and became "institutionalized" in Ancient Egypt, it adhered more closely to standards and canons, loosing some if the earlier works creativity and freedom, such as this one.

I am such an ignorant

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:58:17 +0000

No wise man ever wished to be younger Live everyday of your life Jonathan Swift

Playing with face.com face recognition technology

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:36:01 +0000

While I am preparing a loooooong post about technology and privacy (with a provocative twist, for a change 😈 ), I have decided to play with face.com‘s face recognition technology. What do you think? On target (hint: no, not on target, I am not THAT old, and definitely I AM a male)? Scary (hint: only if we are unaware of these technologies and their uses)?…

Is your Mac infected? Find out (and fix it if it is)!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:05:06 +0000

Over 600,000 Macs are infected with the FlashBack Trojan. Is yours one of those? Let`s find out. Open the Terminal (c`mon, be a hacker, not a slacker) and type: if it says: The domain/default pair of (/Applications/Safari.app/Contents/Info, LSEnvironment) does not exist that means your Mac is ok so far (otherwise, go here). Then type: if it says: The domain/default pair of (/Users/[your user name here]/.MacOSX/environment, DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES) does not exist that means your Mac is not infected (otherwise, go here).

The absurd cost of healthcare in the USA, one example

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:05:50 +0000

There is a lot of debate and analysis on why is the US healthcare system so freakingly expensive (basic answer: greedy inhuman and short sighted powerful economic interest added to puppet politicians and sheepish voters). Here is one real life example: a friend in Atlanta told me that he went to the hospital ER after feeling intense chest pain. He knew it was most likely a strong episode of acid reflux (he had been suffering from that for some time), but it was so severe, he got scared and wanted to check.

At the MoMA member gallery talk: Cindy Sherman

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:50:29 +0000

Today I went to one of MoMA`s members-only gallery talks. This one was about their current Cindy Sherman exhibition (great website, by the way). Rather than rambling on about Cindy Sherman`s interesting work (an obvious reference to identity, stereotypes, social criticism, art depiction, etc, with her easily recognizable periods and themes), on which there are many articles these days, here are some anecdotes: Photography is not allowed (I really hate it when museums do not allow photography), so why do they place QRs (particularly when the phone coverage is quite bad)?

The price of standing up for your rights: Opt-Out at Atlanta`s airport scanner

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:40:34 +0000

Atlanta`s Hartsfield airport has been having one of those useless scanners that show passengers naked for a while now. But the last time I was there, they were being tested, and most passengers did not go through them. Today, though, as I approached the security line, I saw that next to every metal detector, there was one of those scanners. “Wow, this is getting worse”, I thought, while seeing how almost everybody was going through the scanners.

At the Independent Art Spaces Symposium and Art Spaces Directory Launch

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:40:10 +0000

On Sunday I went to the Independent Art Spaces Symposium and Art Spaces Directory Launch at the New Museum. I purchased the Art Spaces Directory last week, and I believe it is an excellent work, useful informative, needed. But the symposium was… sad, to say the least: a bunch of gallery (art-spaces) curators, unable to play a PowerPoint (sic… makes me sick), and regurgitating exhibit picture after exhibit picture while vomiting names after names of artists, collectives and the like.

At the best tea ceremony place in NY: Cha-An

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:33:49 +0000

On Sunday I went to Cha-an. In short: a cute japanese restaurant, good food, excellent desserts, and what seems to be the best Japanese Tea Ceremony in NY (ate there, but will have to do the ceremony some other day). Definitely to the “must” list.

Visit to the Madeline Weinrib studio

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:47:24 +0000

On Wednesday I visited the studio of Madeline Weinrib on 5th Ave., New York. Located on an impressive loft, her new studio (it used to be located at her apartment above a small museum in SoHo) is, as one would have imagined, full of decorative and inspirational elements, plus lots and lots of fabric samples, books and pictures. In an informal conversation, Madeline explained her move from painter to fabric designer in 1997 (although she “forgot” to mention the connexion to her great-grandfather`s company), her world-wide network of artisans and suppliers, and her obvious historical design pattern “inspirations” (curious how she considers large manufacturers are “ripping her off” by copying “her patterns”, when her work is such an obvious “appropriation” from well known historical-cultural patterns such as the zig-zag or the muslim interlocks, as she describes it in this interview).

Autism news

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:38:12 +0000

While generalizations are usually absurd and damaging (asking “What is it like to be in a relationship with someone who has Asperger`s?” is almost as ridiculous a generalization as asking “What is it like to be in a relationship with a blonde?”) it is true that in general, working with an autistic person may be hard, living with one could be unbearable, and being one is… Some, let`s seek relief and help in knowledge.

Madison Square Garden: the LArc~en~Ciel concert

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:16:08 +0000

The Japan Society invited me to L`Arc~en~Ciel concert at the Madison Square Garden last night, so there I went. L`Arc~en~Ciel is a Japanese rock band formed in 1991 in Osaka. The group has sold over 13 million albums, and 16 million singles. Currently on a world tour (obviously last night in NY), their upcoming London and Jakarta concerts are already sold out, and their NY concert was bigger than expected.

Soba from a master: Soba Totto`s Shuichi Kotani

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:14:19 +0000

Last night, after the MoMA party, I went to have dinner at Soba Totto. It`s great that NY has so many excellent Japanese restaurants. This was no exception. Kotani sensei is a true master in the ancient art of soba making: More videos here.

The MoMA members night party and the economy of access as identity

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 11:18:01 +0000

Last night I attended the members night party at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5723677090335639153] The “party” was, as most “parties” in the USA: drinks, and people. Thats basically it. The music was soft enough that it was barely perceivable (unlike the New Museums party, where DJs try to make it impossible to talk to the person next to you). So, why all the fuss? Why go to a “party” that has basically nothing to offer in terms of “fun”?

At NY Arts of Pacific Asia show

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 22:37:48 +0000

This morning I have been at the NY Arts of Pacific Asia show on 7W 34th St. and 5th Ave. [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5723578993666227265] While not huge in size, and populated with many dealers selling mostly Chinese and Indian antiques (but also contemporary and from many other Asian countries, from Japanese to Vietnamese), there were some extremely interesting pieces that caught my eye, such as the Joseph G. Gerena collection of Ainu Art Special Exhibit (with particular emphasis on Ikupausy Ikupasuy prayer sticks), the paintings of Hong Viet Dung carried by Judith Day, the marvelous washi sheets in display by Hiro Odaira (Precious Pieces), the small bags of Mark Walberg Fine Art and Antiques, and above all, a pice of the wonderful yugen art that Shari Cavin from Cavin-Morris Gallery carefully explained to me: a Japanese ceramics professor puts discarded (outdated) physics university books in his kiln, at the right temperature, where the ink disappears, the pages curl, and the silices in the book cristalize, leaving a beautiful new object.

At a WhiteBox NY exhibition closing party

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:21:31 +0000

Yesterday I attended WhiteBox`s exhibition closing party. The invitation said: Author and curator Raul Zamudio in conversation with Mookie Tenembaum. Please join us at White Box for the closing reception of DISILLUSIONISM, and to engage in a stimulating conversation between Raul Zamudio and Mookie Tenembaum at 8pm sharp. Mookie will be presenting his new artist book, Paranoia. Malbec wines and truffles will be served. Although I am grateful for the invitation, and it sure was an interesting event, some things just beg to be commented.

Whitney Biennial 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:07:52 +0000

On Sunday evening I attended the Whitney Museum of American Contemporary Art`s Biennial 2012 exhibition. I had lunch in a hurry, worried that I would not have time to visit the whole exhibition (since I only had a few hours). How wrong I was. Let`s just say it was sooooo disappointing (at least for someone, like me, who knows almost nothing about art), that I was left with a feeling of wonder.

Panel discussion about art collecting at Asia Society

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:48:55 +0000

On Sunday morning I went to the Asia Society for a panel discussion titled: “The Future of the Past – Collecting Ancient Art in the 21st Century” presented by the American Committee for Cultural Policy in conjunction with Asia Week. The panelists included: Naman Ahuja, Professor of Indian Art and Architecture, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India Kate Fitz Gibbon, attorney and author, former member of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee to the President Kurt A.

New Museum curators talk

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:55:49 +0000

Saturday evening I went to the talk _Independent Curators International and the New Museum present The Curators Perspective: Rosina Cazali_. Although there was an interesting <a title="https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2012/fine-classical-chinese-paintings-n08835/exhibitions.html" href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2012/fine-classical-chinese-paintings-n08835/exhibitions.html" target="_blank">talk at Sothebys titled “_Masters of the Ming and Qing: Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy at Sothebys_" by Arnold Chang, before their Fine Classical Chinese Paintings exhibition and auction. I dont know how the Sotheby`s lecture went, but here is what I saw and heard at the New Museum.

Towards an oversimplification cliff: when green=drunks

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:27:29 +0000

On Saturday morning, as I was walking towards the gym on Park Avenue, I saw waves of young adults (although acting like teenagers or frat boys) wearing green (some just a t-shirt or sweater, some a full leprechaun costume) on a procession towards their favorite Irish watering hole to “celebrate” St. Patricks Day in the only way that they seem to believe to be appropriate, besides a 5th Ave. official parade: drink until you pass out.

The problem with encyclopedic approach to teaching: lecture at MET

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Friday I attended the Annual Lecture on the Arts of South and Southeast Asia at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), delivered by Crispin Branfoot, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. His lecture was titled: “Making Madurai: Temple Arts in Early Modern South India”. Dr. Branfoot is, I am sure, a world renowned expert, and the MET has some wonderful education programs. And this one in particular was filled to capacity, such that I had to watch it from an adjacent “study room”.

Real convergence

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:11:58 +0000

Reading RSS on my smartphone, click on a YouTube video, send it to the computer via Phone2Chrome… I read on a newspaper tablet version that TED is now on Netflix, turn on the Google TV Logitech Revue with Able Remote on my phone and start Netflix, adding TED to my Instant Que… Remember all that “convergence” talk?

You may pretend, but remember...

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 04:59:59 +0000

When you go around jumping like you are on the moon, and then you trip and fall, you are going to smash your face against the floor with full Earth gravity.

Luch in office cafeteria terrace

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:59:08 +0000

LES Gallery walk and Volta NY 2012

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:15:10 +0000

So, Sunday came and my feet were already trembling scared in anticipation of another art overdose. Let`s go! I spent the morning walking around some of Manhattans Lower East Side (LES) galleries with artist <a title="https://leewells.org/home/" href="https://leewells.org/home/" target="_blank">Lee Wells</a>. We visited <a title="https://www.roostergallery.com/" href="https://www.roostergallery.com/" target="_blank">Rooster Gallery</a>, <a title="https://www.anastasia-photo.com/" href="https://www.anastasia-photo.com/" target="_blank">Anastasia Photo</a>, <a title="https://bridgegalleryny.com/home.html" href="https://bridgegalleryny.com/home.html" target="_blank">Bridge Gallery</a>, <a title="https://www.maysongallery.com/" href="https://www.maysongallery.com/" target="_blank">Mayson Gallery</a>, <a title="https://lesleyheller.com/" href="https://lesleyheller.com/" target="_blank">Lesley Heller Workspace</a>, and <a title="https://www.scaramoucheart.com/" href="https://www.

Armory Art Show 2012 NY

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:28:43 +0000

On Saturday I went to The Armory Show 2012. So many galleries, so little time. While everybody was talking about Marina Abramovic’s _Bed for Human Use _performance, Theaster Gates commissioned Pier 94 café piece, or Michael Riedel’s installation at New York’s David Zwirner’s booth (forget about the Nordic spaces)... I found other works much much more interesting. But thats what makes art`s subjectivity (apparently not so subjective) so appealing. Although, for the first time I found myself (and was ment to be that way) inside a piece of exhibited art by Michelangelo Pistoletto at Galleria Continua‘s booth (I am not showing it here because it will soon be published in a book).

Subway hell on the way to a meeting

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:42:51 +0000

On Friday morning I had a meeting, so I took the 1 Subway line to 168th St. [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5718647890686730977] Given, the station was not the coolest in NY, but what shocked me was that at the other end of the platform, there was a man on the floor, and people just passed by as if nobody was there. So I crossed to the other side, and asked him if he needed help.

Art at MAD NY

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:30:48 +0000

On Thursday I went to the New York Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). Honestly, I wasn`t expecting much, but… on the contrary, what a nice surprise! [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5718498290671972801] From Japanese exquisite design and art (subtle, delicate, and sensitive beauty that never ceases to soothe your soul) in “Beauty in all things”, to the awesomely curated “Swept Away: Dust, Ashes, and Dirt in Contemporary Art and Design”, to the amazing “Glasstress New York”, the whole museum was a joy to visit.

Stop WordPress from removing your "p" and "br" tags

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:13:41 +0000

After wasting hours trying to double space or insert extra line breaks when writing a new post or page in WordPress only to see that WordPress automatically filters the content to remove those extra spaces once you click the “Publish” button, I have found the solution (not as obvious and not readily available in support forums) by using the TinyMCE Advanced plugin, which adds additional functionality to the default WordPress editor, including the ability to stop WordPress from automatically stripping out “p” (paragraph) and “br” (line break) tags.

Infographic on the Hypocrisy in Hollywood

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:24:48 +0000

Sarah Sze`s Infinite Line en Asia Society

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 01:15:09 +0000

Yesterday I had the enourmous pleasure of going to see Sara Sze‘s Infinite Line at Asia Society. Definitely a pleasure, an exhibition not to be missed, and true to Sarah`s aim: works that a photograph can not capture (not that the copyright zealots of the Asia Society would let you take pictures anyway).

Context in Art as Political Discussion: Amalia Pica`s Venn Diagrams

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:46:33 +0000

One of the multiple interesting pieces currently being exhibited at the New Museums <a title="https://cortell.net/blog/2012/03/the-ungovernables-party-at-new-museum/" href="https://cortell.net/blog/2012/03/the-ungovernables-party-at-new-museum/" target="_blank">The Ungovernables</a> is Amalia Picas Venn Diagrams. The text under this piece says: During the period of dictatorship in Argentina in the 1970s, gatherings of citizens were closely monitored as they were considered a threat to the government. At the same time group theory and venn diagrams were banned from primary school programs as they could provide a model for subversive thought.

The Ungovernables party at New Museum

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:18:19 +0000

Yesterday I was invited to The Ungovernables Triennial leap year cocktail by-invitation-only party at the New Museum. After a long line on the street, under the rain and cold wind (no wonder I have a cold now), the party started at 7:30pm in the main lobby: DJ, cocktails, and fluorescent rubber bands for a crowd eager to see and be seen. Not one to particularly enjoy mingling and parties, I went upstairs to see the exhibition.

Better privacy through your browser

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:28:40 +0000

Do you want to improve your online privacy? Go ahead, install HTTPS and Collusion.

At MoMA PS1 for K-HOLE2 Release

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:52:50 +0000

Today I was invited to the MoMA PS1 for K-HOLE#2 Release. Young people, “Brooklyn artsy”, holding beers and beards, with the careless attitude that the PS1 requires: either I dont get it or I do, but in any case, it wont show. There were many works on display, too many (and too complex or infuriatingly simple) to comment here. What was definitely not worth mentioning, from my ignorant point of view, was the Alterazioni Video “The New Cinema Event”.

Japanese Art in NY: from hairdressing to butoh

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:29:01 +0000

New York is full of Japanese art, and I am not only referring to the Asia Week NY or the architecture (New Museums SANAA, MoMAs Yoshio Taniguchi, Japan Societys Junzo Yoshimura…), interior design (Megus Yasumichi Morita, Morimotos Tadao Ando, Louis Vuittons Jyun Aoki…), sculpture (Red Cube`s Isamu Noguchi…), art collections (MET, MoMA, Japan Society, Morgan, Rubin…), food (Yasuda, Kajitsu, Minamoto Kichoan…), or shops (Makari, Toy Tokyo, JCC…). Yesterday I had a chance to see two rare forms of Japanese art in NY.

A Visa odyssey

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:35:27 +0000

This is the story of an L1 Visa. I will try to make it short, although some details have to be explained to be believed… In August of 2011 I thought of starting a US subsidiary of my software company in the USA, so I decided to move to New York to start it up and manage it. Since I needed a visa (form I-129) to live and work in the USA, I contacted an immigration lawyer (form G-28 and thousands of dollars) through a friend, and we started the whole process.

Hypocritical and absurd visa questions

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:15:11 +0000

Some hypocritical and absurd questions found in the DS-160 form, needed to get a US Visa: Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to pose a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others? Are you or have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances?

"Stuck" in Ottawa (Canada) for a week

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:19:48 +0000

Due to my US Visa process (which was soooo long and curious that it requires a separate post), I have been “stuck” in Ottawa (Canada) for a week. Sure, Canada would not be one of my priority travel destinations in the winter, particularly if (like me) you cant ski or ice skate. But since I am here, lets make the best of it: The National Gallery, Museum of Civilizations, Museum of War, Winterlude, and a few lovely food places (such as The Tea Store, Memories, or Oh So Good) and a bunch of mediocre ones, while staying in a very nice hotel/castle (with heated indoors pool and gym), will do the trick 😉

Debt graph as main decoration in government office

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:32:39 +0000

On Monday, I met the Chief Information Officer of a large US Government Administration in Washington DC. His office was surprisingly small and functional compared to European “big government” offices. A nice reminder of how European bureaucracy and public sector spending in administration itself is burying us. But what caught my attention the most was the largest picture in the office: it was not Obama`s, a diploma, a family picture, a flag… it was this:

Spain – US business = Pride Vs Arrogance

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:17:54 +0000

A few days ago, in a meeting at the Setai Hotel in NY, Michael (with over 3 decades of experience working with US and Spanish corporations) perfectly described what is like to do business between the USA and Spain: A struggle between American arrogance and Spanish pride

MLK speech "I have a dream" under restrictive copyright

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:12:22 +0000

Embarrassing. We should all be ashamed. At least we can access his words.

Spain, second country in the world with the most "disappeared" after Cambodia

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:08:28 +0000

After 36 years of democracy, [Spain] is the second country in the world with the most “disappeared” after Cambodia Source Regional President Camps free, the Duke Urdangarín seems like is not going to be punished… and judge Garzon being judged. And you ask me why I say I am “European” rather than “Spaniard” or “Valencian”?

The smallest art gallery in NY

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:38:55 +0000

This morning I walked by the smallest art gallery in NY, 125windowgallery, on 47th between 3rd and Lexington Avenue: [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,111219615350942087056,1,64c,center] The best thing about that gallery is that you do not need to “go in” 😉

Artist that still don`t get it

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:30:49 +0000

This is not going to be one of those deep, thoughtful, analytical posts (as if I ever wrote one 😉 ). I just need to vent. Last Saturday, in Prince Street, in the middle of Soho, a man (I will not mention his name, because as you will see, he does not deserve publicity) was handing out CDs. As with anything digital, I felt the urge to find out more, so I took it.

Almodovar and SGAE force cancellation of film screenings at NY Library

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:50:25 +0000

Yesterday I went to the New York Public Library to see Pedro Almodovars "Talk to her", as part of a <a title="https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/12/06/films-pedro-almodovar" href="https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/12/06/films-pedro-almodovar" target="_blank">series</a> of Almodovars films screenings in the NYPL. But, to my surprise, the screening (and remainder ones) had been cancelled. I talked to the person in the information desk, and she told me that the collecting society (that would be the despicable SGAE, which does not even deserve a link in my blog) and Almodovar`s Production company (El Deseo Producciones) had raised what they had previously been asking for as royalties or compensation for the (free) screening of the (not in movie theater) films, and the amount they were now asking was so high, the NYPL could not afford it, so they had to cancel the screenings.

Disappearing Chrysler and "Spanish" Empire State

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:41:30 +0000

Excuse to try a new photo plug-in for WP: First photo: the Chrysler building as seen from my living room window. Second photo: same thing on a foggy day… Building gone! (no Image Editing here). Third photo: the Empire State Building, from the living room, decorated with “Spanish flags colors” [mudslide:picasa,0,111219615350942087056,5703177154854937889]

The parks of the future

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:49:23 +0000

Is this what the parks of the future will look like? “Bird,” by Jacco Olivier, one of six animation installations on display in Madison Square Park, New York It will be, if we do not do something about it now.

ArtHack Exhibit closing party in Brooklyn

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:27:50 +0000

Last Saturday I went to the ArtHack Exhibit closing party at 319 Scholes St, Brooklyn (New York). Located in an industrial complex in Brooklyn, at night, loooong two blocks from the subway, graffiti all over, small door… that gave way to heaven: young (I was the oldest hacker in that space, but I did not feel that way) energetic happy people tinkering with technology and proudly showing their “toys” (hacks, mashups, creations, or whatever).

RePress: fight online censorship with a WP Plug-In

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:51:48 +0000

I just installed RePress: This plug-in enables you to magically uncensor any website on the internet from your own WordPress installation. Why and How.

Akemashite omedetou (Happy New Year)

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:23:25 +0000

Antony and the Johnsons at Radio City Music Hall... indescribable

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:39:14 +0000

Antony and the Johnsons performed last Thursday 26th, at the Radio City Music Hall SWANLIGHTS, a one-night-only performance commissioned by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), NY, the most amazing concert I have ever been to. One would think that the fact that the performance took place in the world`s largest (and one of the most reputed) theater/music venue, or that the place was chock-full of celebrities (I had Björk right next to me in the line to pick up the reserved tickets), would add to the glamour and grandiose of the event.

Automatic reactions: Twitter censorship, Google campaign, and magenta trade-marked

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:36:21 +0000

The net was all up in arms this week. After the marvelous uprising against SOPA and PIPA, the new battle ground was Twitter`s announcement of country specific censorship. Never mind that they are open about it (unlike Facebook), never mind that they are talking about their offices and employees in those countries where censorship is the law… if you hear “censorship” and “net” get up and scream! Wired has a nice piece about it.

The importance of context in the interpretation (and enjoyment) of a work of art

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:21:58 +0000

Last week I went to 3 exhibitions/events that have allowed me to see the importance of context in the interpretation (and enjoyment) of a work of art. Note that I differentiate “interpretation” and “enjoyment”, although for many of us, those two concepts go hand in hand. But this is just a short post, so the Phenomenological Aesthetics will have to wait (you can read Dewey, Hartmann, Adorno, Ortega y Gasset, Sartre, etc, etc in the meantime 😉 )

My first Kendo class

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:34:35 +0000

My shoulders and back still hurt, but it was previsible: one hour of Kendo with Ilaria Montagnani (Nike endorsed athlete, and one of the top trainers in NY according to the Wall Street Journal or New York Magazine), and you will not ever wonder how she got all those muscles in her body. For some odd reason, Kendo feels natural to me. And I say odd, because I am usually lacking the required coordination and flexibility for almost any sport.

Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year, year of the dragon)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:24:34 +0000

It`s finally snowing... upwards!

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:41:50 +0000

When the wind and cold/warm air currents collide while snowing, you get the funny “snowing upwards” effect (and sideways also, of course). The 5ºF “real feel” is not so funny though 😉

Culture in today`s world in a state of polarized anomie

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:20:01 +0000

When Émile Durkheim wrote on the concept of anomie (expanding on Jean-Marie Guyau`s work) in his 1897 book Suicide, he spoke of one end of anomie: a society with too much rigidity and little individual discretion causing a destructive mismatch (moral deregulation and an absence of legitimate aspirations). This is happening in the XXI century world, in many countries: those totalitarian (military or religious) societies where the social rule, expectations, and repression conform a cage around individuals, deposessing them of their individuality, their aspirations, subtly (or otherwise) imposing a social corset where the individual can not be itself, concentrating only on breathing, surviving.

TEDxManhattan: Changing the way we eat

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:34:42 +0000

Tomorrow, January 21st, 2012, NY

Anti-Zen ad making me sick

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:56:54 +0000

As I walk towards my office, I see an ad that makes me sick (as a matter of fact, I see many, but this one points to something other that the consumerism-sexism-excess that we are so dangerously getting used to). The ad says “Turn now into memories”. How wrong is that?!! Now is now. Now has to be now. Now should be now. Now has to remain now. When you strive to “turn now into memories”, you are missing out on the real now.

Protest against SOPA on your site: easy code

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:00:24 +0000

Thanks to Sara, there is a very easy way to add code to your site to protest against SOPA: Drop the following code in between your two tags on your site, your users will be redirected to the blackout page that describes what you are doing and why. ` Then, when the protest is over, simply remove the added code. The protest is starting at 12am on 1/18, and lasts 24 hours.

Wikipedia blackout protesting SOPA and PIPA

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:29:39 +0000

<div> Today, the Wikipedia community <a title="w:en:Wikipedia:SOPA initiative/Action" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Wikipedia:SOPA_initiative/Action">announced its decision</a> to black out the English-language Wikipedia for 24 hours, worldwide, beginning at 05:00 UTC on Wednesday, January 18 (you can read the <a title="Press releases/English Wikipedia to go dark" href="https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Press_releases/English_Wikipedia_to_go_dark">statement from the Wikimedia Foundation here</a>). The blackout is a protest against proposed legislation in the United States—the <a title="w:en:Stop Online Piracy Act" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Stop_Online_Piracy_Act">Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)</a> in the U.

Celebrate MLK day with RX2008 mix

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:41:25 +0000

When what the artist intended is distorted by the gallery`s limitations

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:56:31 +0000

Yesterday, along a MeetUp group, we visited several art galleries in Chelsea (NY): Mike Weiss Gallery, Gladstone Gallery, Luhring Augustine Gallery, Metro Pictures Gallery, The Pace Gallery, and Mary Boone Gallery. Leaving my personal comments on the displayed works aside (as usual, the pleasure of this kind of pilgrimage is to leave your mind and senses open, and let the works and stimuli slowly sink in), one thing surprised me quite a lot: Ai Wei Wei‘s work Sunflower Seeds was supposed to be walked on (at least it did at the Tate Modern in London, for the first 10 days of the exhibit), but at Mary Boone Gallery there is a security guard that prevents visitors from doing exactly what the artist intended.

How "RealFeel" works

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:20:28 +0000

AccuWeather has an interesting system called RealFeel. For example, today is 22ºF, but when you step outside, you cant help scream "Shit, its cold!". Accourding to the AccuWeathers RealFeel system (which I assume <a title="https://www.experts123.com/q/how-does-the-patented-accuweather-realfeel-temperature-work.html" href="https://www.experts123.com/q/how-does-the-patented-accuweather-realfeel-temperature-work.html" target="_blank">takes into account more than just humidity</a>, like wind), it feels like 10ºF. What it does not take into account is if you forgot your hat, scarf, or gloves (then you are lost, even if you wear UniQlos HeatTech undies) 😉

Real Renaissance artist Victoria Contreras

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:16:02 +0000

My friend Victoria Contreras is a real Renaissance artist, what we would call today a hacker artist: one that explores different media, different methods, different interest, in a bold, almost childishly uninhibited playful way. While the influences are obvious, and not everything is on the same level (as is always the case in those who try it all), this is what I would call “a case of interesting people”. See for yourself.

Data visualization of twitter activity with embedded game

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:52:56 +0000

That`s what I call a fun mix (hint: throw the bird against the columns): https://vizify.com/tweetsheet

A man falls, two walk over him

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:14:27 +0000

Today, at the gym`s lobby/reception area, a man was sitting waiting for his wife to come out of yoga class. When she does, he gets up to greet her, feels dizzy, and passes out, falling to the ground, and hitting his face on the floor. Two men who were on their way out, walk over this man. They do not bother-care-ask what`s wrong. They do not offer assistance. Finally, his wife (who witnessed the whole episode, paralyzed in fear) reacts, wakes him up, and makes sure his eye socket bleeding is not too profuse.

Seen in NY

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:09:51 +0000

Random things seen in NY this past week: A “horsehead” in the NY subway. What I love (and sometimes hate) about NY: nobody turned, laughed, commented, got scared, pointed a finger… this is life as usual here. “The Crazy Piano Guy” is Colin Huggins, a piano player that takes his piano to Madison Square Park and performs in public for free. Awesome. Not only the latest Ferrari, Maserati… once in a while you get to see cool vehicles as well 😉

Bella Gaia concert

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:09:47 +0000

Mickey Hart, Dar Williams, Bella Gaia (AWESOME), & The Abrams Brothers (country/folk/rock energetic brothers… that violin was smoking! loved it) concert at Highline Ballroom. Cool mix of music, dance and infographic visuals with eco message. Highly recommended (even the veggie burger was good!).

The absurd hypocrisy of the recent "Intelectual Property" legal abuse

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:53:22 +0000

The USA has become the largest exporter of censorship. Based on wrong beliefs, manipulated data, and self-declared ignorant politicians, their legislative body cooks up a law designed to restrict competition, serving the interests (apparently, although as any freshman Economics student will tell you, that is not really the case) of an oligopoly of media-(sic)culture megacorporations that would not recognized the present (not to say “future”) if it hit them in the face, represented by multi-million dollar copyright infringers, while stomping on basic citizens` rights (not that they seem to care anyway, since they allow such basic rights violations as warrantless GPS monitoring, or unlimited incarceration without trial).

Intelligence and heart quote

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:45:56 +0000

Intelligence could not represent for a long time the part of the heart. François de la Rochefoucauld

Color associations: red and yellow

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:24:08 +0000

Seeing certain color combinations, associations are sure to fly into anybody`s minds. Usually, red and yellow will bring to mind things like flags (of Spain, Catalonia-Valencia, R, Security, and adding some shapes you could even think of Macedonia or China). Beyond flags, Axomil, sunset, fire, peppers,tullips, ballons, ketchup and mustard, Flash, soccer referee cards, Superman… there are SO many options. But when you consider the hue, tone, context, memory, and further additional information, then those options start to get reduced.

My first boxing session with Curtis Summit

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:59:49 +0000

Although I like more “spiritual” martial arts, I had always wanted to try boxing (one of the few martial arts I had not tried yet). So today I had my first boxing session with Curtis Summit. Who is Curtis? This is his official short bio: Former professional boxer with 20 years of boxing experience who turned Pro in 1983 after advancing to the 1984 Olympics box off. With 26-9-2 pro records, 14TKOs on the national and international level, ranked No 2 in the world by the World Boxing Council, the World Boxing Association and the International Boxing Federation.

If you like Science, you will like...

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:29:46 +0000

Source.

Ode to the pen

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:06:52 +0000

See in Scientific American: “I could not survive without a ballpoint pen in my back pocket. It`s invaluable for scribbling notes on the front of my hand (my version of the PalmPilot…) to remind me to do things I used to be able to remember unaided before my age converged with my IQ while traveling in opposite directions.” _John P. Moore Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York City_

Culinary curiosities in NY

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:59:27 +0000

In Dean & Deluca you can find the most exquisite culinary treats (most from Europe, of course). And while there are so many to choose from a foodie like me could not make his mind up in a hundred years, I must admit the cuteness of this snowman-cake won me over: On the other hand, even when one sticks to very healthy vegetarian (mostly vegan, sometimes macrobiotic, but always with the exception of sushi) diet, it seems impossible to scape the “over-spiced” cooking in the US.

Facebook: couple breaker for drunks

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:43:42 +0000

Interesting couple of trivia about Facebook in UK: Facebook blamed for one-third marriage breakdowns British Facebook users intoxicated in 76% of their photos

Fun interpreting signs

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:46:35 +0000

The world around us is full of signs. I wont go on dabble about _signifiers_, _meanings_, and the psychoanalitycal importance of the _word_. But sometimes I just cant help myself, when I see a sign begging for a creative interpretation: Cmon, dont tell me you don`t see something like: If you press this button, your mouth will become a hotspot or A giant asteroid is heading towards your SpaceInvaders spacecraft, push the button to destroy the asteroid with a Dune-sque voice-blast

New Years Eve party at Iridium and Times Square

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:53:34 +0000

Of course, the first year living in NY, new year`s eve party HAD to include a peregrination to Times Square. And since we had tickets to the Iridium concert (the Mike Stern Band featuring Randy Brecker, John Patitucci & Dave Weckl), we figured we would get a taste of it taking the subway to 42nd/Times Square (since police closed the nearer 50th st station)… and did we indeed!! The Broadway/42nd intersection was incredibly packed.

Geeky XMas

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:12:22 +0000

My friend Juangui sends me a great collection of geeky xmas cards. I would definitely choose this one:

The Uncanny Valley as an approach to the pseudo-empathy of Aperger Syndrome

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:33:32 +0000

According to Wikipedia: The uncanny valley is a hypothesis in the field of robotics and 3D computer animation, which holds that when human replicas look and act almost, but not perfectly, like actual human beings, it causes a response of revulsion among human observers. The “valley” in question is a dip in a proposed graph of the positivity of human reaction as a function of a robot`s human likeness. The term was coined by the robotics professor Masahiro Mori as Bukimi no Tani Gensh?

Why do I feel better when...

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:10:12 +0000

I am referred to (not addressed to, of course) in third person?

Geek gifts

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:37:35 +0000

I hate to give in on the Xmas-Santa-Market craze. That`s why I have waited until after the 25th to offer you these hints: Giftmeister (interactive suggestions) Uncrate (random ideas) Mugs (it does not take so much to make a geek happy, does it?) Online stores (ThinkGeek, XtremeGeek, IWantOneOfThose, MakerSHED…) BrickAndMortar stores (Robot Village, the Wired Store… right across the street from the office!)

Anxiety quantifiers

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 02:40:25 +0000

We all know them, c`mon, add to the list. Here are some examples to get you going: Number of tabs opened in browser Number of virtualized OSs in a single box Number of unread emails per hour Number of unread RSSs (or number of feeds) Number of saved sites on Delicious, Pulse, whatever Number of post drafts Number of beta-invites to be accepted

Beyond work: first days in New York

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:28:47 +0000

To go to my office in Times Square by subway is an adventure in itself, not due to the intense exercise of avoiding waves of pedestrians, but from the very fascinating tunnels (there is a world down there of abandoned stations, marginal dwellers, and those things nobody talks about) to what one can find in the stations themselves: music (from the saw lady, to YouBredRaptors), promotions (from an armored vehicle at the Army recruiting station at 42nd, to the Sesame Street characters wishing you happy holidays)…anything.

Yoga Guru uses copyright to sue competitor

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:29:37 +0000

Ego, money, power, abuse, restriction… shame on those who stain the “holy” teachings. Source: NYT.

Below zero... even on Google

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:20:40 +0000

To celebrate the falling temperatures in NY, try typing “let it snow” on Google`s search box (you can even wipe the screen with your mouse) 😉

Art gallery inaugurations

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:34:34 +0000

Tonight we went to the Mayson Gallery inaugural inauguration “Launch” featuring works by Doug Henders, Scott Hewett, Michael Oatman, Jeff Quinn, Bastienne Schmidt, and Rodger Stevens. It was way too crowded to see the works, but it was fun. Particularly because we enjoyed dinner at almost next door Jin Japanese restaurant. But we wish we were at another art inauguration: IVAM`s Claudio Zirotti. My dear friend and mentor presents “Without Time” (PDF), an excellent exhibit of his wonderful art at Valencia`s IVAM Modern Art Institute, until February 19th 2012.

Senate celebrates Bill of Rights authorizing indefinite detentions

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:06:38 +0000

The US Senate “celebrates” the 220th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights by passing a defense bill that authorizes indefinite detentions of American terrorism suspects. Beautiful irony. Source.

Complex

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Somebody told me yesterday: You are not complex, you just make everybody else`s life complicated [irony on] Nice, thanks [irony off]

International teahouse office

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:05:54 +0000

Pretty amazing: I am putting out fires with a customer in Colombia, with the help of an engineer in Japan, coordinated with the headquarters in Spain… while sipping on a coconut white bubble tea at Argo Union Square.

In Salvador de Bahia (Brazil)

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:28:07 +0000

I used to think that a travel would much more interesting the more anecdotes and curious things happened on it. But as years go by, one learns the pleasure of a relaxed journey, of a memorable trip for the sake of it. This quick business trip to Salvador do Bahia (Brazil) has been one of those… almost. I stayed at one “has-been” old-glory hotel (formerly belonging to Le Meridien), with a movie-set location: at the very tip of the peninsula, sea on both sides, and an absolutely stunning view from my 22nd floor room.

Flying to Rio with a character

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:02:18 +0000

After arriving in JFK in the most predictable way (rain, snow, traffic or whatever) which is the combo E line + AirTrain, and boarding on a “last call” although I arrived early enough (due to the never-ending security lines, and the abnormal amount of passengers with special needs such as many small children in strollers, large hand-luggage, senior citizens, etc) I finally arrive at my seat on the flight New York – Rio de Janeiro, and I see it is occupied by… Rolls Royce car keys, with a Rolls Royce keyring.

In Chicago for a day

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:57:20 +0000

Back in Chicago for a day. Delayed flight out of NY JFK (air traffic), cloudy and windy in Windy City (whats new), work, work, work, and cancelled flight out of OHare due to…wind. Shit. Stuck in the airport most of the night, waiting for the next flight out. At least I got a taste of the Tesla Roadster… only to discover it is too small for me!

What do you see here...

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:03:33 +0000

A green PacMan The market size you want to conquer Your shrinking market size Food to eat Food eaten A green tea – coconut – ginger vegan cake A memory A moment Enjoyment … Does this post start to sound like an HSBC ad? I spend too much time in airports!

A Thanksgiving where no being suffers

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:06:21 +0000

Vegan Korean teahouse and restaurant Franchia. And leave turkeys alone. PS: This morning I missed Macy`s Thanksgiving Parade because I miscalculated the angle. From my living room, the Empire State Building blocks the view, and from the sun deck (50th floor), being 2 streets to the East and 5 to the South made the viewing impossible. Next year, better to go to Central Park in the morning.

To be a CEO...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:47:53 +0000

means resisting the urge to kill yourself or kill others, and find a solution.

We the people... divorce = bankruptcy

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:48:19 +0000

Walking on 8th Ave., I find this amazing signs on a lawyer`s office window (NO COMMENT):

In NY, puddles are dangerous

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:26:57 +0000

In Spain, kids are told not to step on a puddle because they can get dirty. In NY kids do not need to be told to avoid puddles: from a very early age, they learn when puddles are frozen in the winter, they are a deadly slippery trap. Freezing time approaching. Welcome to NY.

Preparing private copies for moving to NY

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:19:35 +0000

In Spain we have a legal right called “private copy” by which anyone can make a copy (for non-commercial use) of their copyrighted content (movies, music, books, etc). To offset the supposed loss (many studies prove this “loss” to be a fallacy) we Spaniards pay the so-called “Digital canon”, a tax levied on blank media (CDs, HardDisks, printers, photocopiers, etc, etc) and managed by private monopolistic institutions called “collecting societies”, some run by supposed alcohol-consuming, whore-user, money-embezzler, tax-evading criminals (or so goes the accusations brought to a number of them by the Attorney General).

There are charitable dinners and then charitable dinners

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:56:56 +0000

I hate charitable dinners where most (or almost all) of the money goes to caviar, tuxedos, valet parking and other hoopla. Fortunately there are other charitable dinners, where you wont see any <a title="https://www.escolar.net/MT/archives/2011/11/la-nueva-politica-de-igualdad.html" href="https://www.escolar.net/MT/archives/2011/11/la-nueva-politica-de-igualdad.html" target="_blank">PP mothers</a>, like yesterdays organized by Didi, where people sit on the floor, eat off plastic plates, and enjoy Didis deliciously vegan cooking and sincere love, so just about all money collected goes to Calcuttas orphans.

What a movement!

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:48:21 +0000

First things first: thanks to whomever thought I would be interested in joining MCA through RiseUp, BUT… Don`t subscribe me to a list without my consent Don`t do so without at least letting me know who you are Don`t assume I might be interested in something because it sounds related to my interest Don`t align me with “scientific socialism” when I am a declared anarchist Don`t make me waste my time on a list where the first 20 or so messages are split between arguing troskist, marxist, rose of lenburguist, bujarinist, bakuninist, leninist, hotsiminist, guevarist, maoist, castrist… and people who want to be taken off the list So, thanks (and I show it by talking about your project here), but show a little respect for other people`s rights, please.

AI?

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:18:22 +0000

😉

The tragedy of probability ignorance

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:52:44 +0000

When a M. Phil. from Cambridge, A.B. from Harvard, and M.D. from UCal writes an article insisting on a probabilistic fallacy, a trap where, in one way or another, many have fallen (from Eccles to Nagel), and this article is echoed in many sites (such as BoingBoing) and an infographic is made and becomes staff pick at visual.ly… then you know ignorance is everywhere and very dangerous. Read the article, then read Roy Weatherford`s “Philosophical foundations of probability theory” (or maybe something simpler), and once you grasp the concept of “a priori theories of probability”, laugh at those who think each one of us is a miracle… we all are, but not because the probability of us being born is extremely small.

Life is...

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:49:53 +0000

… a deadly STD.

Listening to "What more than sorry" by Ben Harper

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:47:27 +0000

The bad thing about being good at seeming "normal"...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:07:13 +0000

… is that people forget you are not.

The importance of a cycle counter

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:12:15 +0000

Curious coincidence (or maybe not), two days after realising “something” was missing in one of my frequent logic diagrams, I saw an episode of The Big Bang Theory in which Wollowitz discovers a flaw in Sheldon`s friendship algorithm. Dr. Sheldon Cooper`s lack of a cycle counter in his friendship algorithm is not a trivial issue. The cycle counter is the “real life”, “context”, “awareness”, “empathy”, aspect of a logic interpretation of a social engagement.

Why am I dropping out of Stanford`s AI course

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 10:13:12 +0000

Perhaps all those people telling me “you`re trying to do too much at the same time” (thanks Ana, Remei, Juan…) were right. Perhaps moving to NY and trying to make my company grow, not to mention “personal life”, is already time-consuming enough. Or perhaps there are other reasons… but the truth is, I am dropping out of the fun and interesting AI course at Stanford University.

OCW: Art in Spanish

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:10:58 +0000

I have been interested in OCW (Open CourseWare) since the year 2000, when I tried to convince Polytechnic University of Valencia to upload all materials and lectures from the Master`s Degree (where I was lecturing) to the web for anyone to access. Although quite slowly, OCW has come a long way. Years ago MIT and some others made a strong commitment for the OCW. But it has taken Spanish universities years to wake up and start to follow that lead.

Not so difficult (is it?)

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:49:58 +0000

In this cute decorative vinyl from chispum.com, the message says: “I want a boyfriend who only wants to sleep with me (and nobody else)”.

Finishing is not ending

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:24:44 +0000

October knew, of course, that the action of turning a page, of ending a chapter or of shutting a book, did not end a tale. “The man who was October”, G. K. Chesterton

NY healthy restaurants

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:00:55 +0000

Breakfast: Au Bon Pain, Le Pain Quotidien, and Europa Cafe. October 9th Greek restaurant Molyvos October 10th PeaceBar Candle Cafe October 11th Indian restaurant Sapphire Gobo October 12th Caravan of Dreams Souen Organic Macrobiotic (Union Square) October 13th Angelica`s Kitchen Trattoria dell`Arte October 14th Zen Palate Baltazar October 15th Villagenatural Mana October 16th Bonobo Back to Souen Organic Macrobiotic (this time 28 East 13th St) October 17th Back to Angelica`s Kitchen Italian restaurant Abboccato October 18th

The odyssey of renting an apartment and offices in NY: mission accomplished

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:37:27 +0000

On Sunday October 9th we went to NY. Travel went smoothly and without anecdotes. We arrived, left things in the hotel (with its spectacular penthouse lounge that we had no time to visit) and we went for dinner (all the restaurants visited, here). Without exaggeration, from Monday 10 to Tuesday 18, virtually the entire time we were looking for apartments, visiting flats with and without agent, meeting with real estate agents, collecting information for signing the lease … and the first thing we noticed is that without a local phone, it was all much more difficult.

Plagiarism

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:28:29 +0000

From works to characters the list of plagiarism in mainstream media and culture is staggering. Read also the comments for further info and discussion. It even happens between Harvard scholars! Know of any comprehensive list of plagiarism? Let us know!

Approaching 1984

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:59:08 +0000

Governments that use stats to lie, that shamelessly change political stands, that pocket millionaires paychecks and retirements in even in times of crisis</a>, that <a title="https://www.ij.org/about/4058" href="https://www.ij.org/about/4058" target="_blank">steal from citizens with any excuse</a>, that <a title="https://boingboing.net/2011/09/25/rejected-designs-for-the-federal-housing-finance-agency-seal.html?utm_source=pulsenews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+boingboing%2FiBag+%28Boing+Boing%29" href="https://boingboing.net/2011/09/25/rejected-designs-for-the-federal-housing-finance-agency-seal.html?utm_source=pulsenews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+boingboing%2FiBag+%28Boing+Boing%29" target="_blank">do not care to spend 400$ or 600,000€ in a logo</a>, that allow an <a title="https://youtu.be/6zZ_JfROhOE" href="https://youtu.be/6zZ_JfROhOE" target="_blank">out of control financial system</a> (and force lower interest to finance a war driven by personal economic interests in a time that required higher interests) which places us at the edge of the cliff and dares to "rescue them" with everybodys money, with a cost higher than which would be needed to end poverty in the world, and not making any changes so it does not happen again in the financial or food markets … all this and more, with complete impunity.

Excellent lectures and conferences online

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:15:08 +0000

We all know TED. But there is a lot of information and academic material freely available online. Luckily that material is growing (education and science have always been areas which, unlike what copyrights zealots might want you to think, have grown thanks to sharing knowledge). Some examples that I have found amazing: – Integrative Biology, UCBerkley (English) – Videos from Nobel lectures at Gustavus Adolphus College (English) – Lectures on current neuroscience issues by Professor Francisco Rubia (Spanish)

Die

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:54:48 +0000

Everyday 156,000 people die in the world. Yesterday a Mexican flower seller died from shot wounds, a Chinese mother died giving birth, a Turkish photographer died, a kid soldier was killed in Uganda, a Japanese widower died in love, and an American computer entrepreneur died, amongst others. Keep thinking different.

Ignorants eat shit

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:51:30 +0000

According to this article the food people usually eat (thanks to my wife and my conscience, I have slightly healthier eating habits than most people) is pure shit: wood celulose in many foods, fruit juices over a year old, ammonia in meat, artificial blueberries, “free-range chicken” that is not free at all, and other lies.

Bilingual

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:25:44 +0000

Since I will be moving to New York in a month, I have decided to make this blog bilingual. In doing so, I have wanted to mark all untraslated entries (almost 2000 of them) just in case some day I might think about translating them. That`s why the pesky (English) next to the title of previous entries shows when the blog is shown in Spanish.