I Need Coffee - Episode 170- Live from Berlin El Salvador!

I Need Coffee - Episode 170- Live from Berlin El Salvador!

1. Live Stream Setup Improvements:
   - Improved audio by disabling noise and echo cancellation on the streaming platform.
   - Addressed mirrored video issue during the stream.

2. Life in Berlin, El Salvador:
   - Highlighted challenges of living in Berlin, El Salvador, including daily problem-solving (e.g., trash management, water supply).
   - Noted the presence of coconut trees at the office, posing a risk to parked cars due to falling coconuts.

3. Weekend Activities:
   - Conducted English classes at the ERP Center of Excellence on Saturday.
   - Visited San Miguel for shopping at Metro Centro, Walmart, Super Selecto, and PriceMart (El Salvador’s Costco equivalent).
   - Observed a volcano visible from San Miguel’s shopping areas, emphasizing the region’s volcanic landscape.

4. Cybersecurity and Technology:
   - Daughter’s cybersecurity internship focusing on Entra, conditional access, and Defender.
   - Using SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge for seamless VPN-like connectivity via SAML authentication through Entra.
   - Challenges with Microsoft Intune for device management; ongoing efforts to configure Defender for Business.

5. Berlin English Academy:
   - Hosting English classes at the office.
   - Plans for a four-month training program starting in October to prepare locals for seasonal call center jobs (November–January).

6. Local Challenges and Solutions:
   - Installed a fortified trash can to prevent animals (e.g., cats) from scattering trash, addressing a local issue.
   - Implementing a 2,500-liter water tank with a concrete platform to ensure independent water supply for the office/house.
   - Dealt with a power outage during a storm, prompting plans to acquire backup lighting (lanterns).

7. Cultural Observations:
   - Introduced fresh cherries (imported from the U.S.) to the Berlin team, a rare and expensive treat locally.
   - Shared a homemade ramen meal with the team, incorporating local and imported ingredients.

8. Work Projects:
   - Team member Ronald learning Continia Document Capture for AP automation, troubleshooting configuration issues.
   - Franklin conducting web API testing to resolve version-related issues (25.5 to 26.0).
   - Joselyn training in Power BI and DAX for complex financial reporting.
   - David working on configuration packages for a customer with over 10,000 inventory items.

9. Documentation Challenges:
   - Struggles with maintaining Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) in Word for customer presentation, while needing markdown/text for AI tools (e.g., Copilot, Cursor).
   - Seeking a workflow to sync Word and markdown files to avoid version control issues.

10. Upcoming Events and Training:
    - Anti-Syphon cybersecurity training recommended, including a cloud security course (July 11) and summer camp (July 21–22).
    - DynamicsCon regional meetups scheduled in multiple cities (June–September).
    - Summit NA event planned for October 20–23 in Orlando, Florida.

11. Infrastructure and Maintenance:
    - Addressing a roof leak and poor wiring issues at the office.
    - Power bill for the office (with heavy AC use) was $50, considered high locally but low by U.S. standards.

12. Coffee Setup:
    - Described a pour-over coffee setup using a Hario V60, Kin Grinder K6, and Salvadoran electric kettle, well-received by the team.

13. Personal Note:
    - Speaker mentioned feeling tired and achy due to a cold, impacting the stream’s energy.