Compiling from Source

I am in a really good mood. After 2 hours of pounding esoteric code into the Ubuntu terminal, I finally managed to compile MPlayer from its source code, and trust me, this stuff requires at least a above basic understanding of terminal commands.

For anyone else still using Ubuntu 9.04, Jaunty Jackalope, you can try compiling MPlayer for yourself from this link.

Then at the very end, install the SMplayer GUI after adding the SMPlayer PPA to your Software Sources.

Why compile from source? Because Ubuntu does not ship with the latest version in its depository by default, and MPlayer's developers themselves say:

The recommended way to install MPlayer is to compile from current SVN source

Which simply means in a very non-geeky babble speak, you get the most stable, most feature-packed, and less likely to kill you version of probably the most powerful media player for the OpenSource community.

How Long Again?

A long while ago, I posted an article about complete fuckers (yes, I am officially using an expletive for these dregs of humanity) exiling dogs to a remote tropical island to die from starvation, disease, wounds, or by the hunger of their fellow canines.

Returning to the subject at hand, I now implore everyone to visit the Malaysian Central page on the animal rescue operation in Pulau Ketam. I dare you to read through all the posts without feeling simultaneously disgusted and inspired.

While the world moves on to the next hot story of celebrity weddings or funerals, Furry Friends Farm is still doing everything in their power to ensure the rescued dogs find proper homes - a hard task compounded by their no-kill policy.

Reading about people like this who have obligations of their own beyond animal rescue, who spare no thought for what the fucktards (2nd official expletive, I must be very perplexed over this issue) would think of them, makes me ashamed that I would occasionally think that my university assignments and projects are all I need to worry about for now.

Thank you Furry Friends Farm, for reminding me that there is more to life than just getting good grades and watching anime.

P.S. I am now an official member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals - Kota Kinabalu.

Now for an upbeat song of hope and longing to complement the post.