Serendipity

Hands-on with Aperture

Posted by in Index, Technology

Ever since Apple announced the launch of Aperture I have been excited about it. Though its a fact that I will not be able to get one in the near future – minimum requirements include a Dual G5! – I think this is another great achievement for Apple. While it does not pretend to replace PhotoShop, it is a very powerful complement to it. And from what I see its a great workflow management tool for professionals and serious amateurs alike. PDN Online has a good review of Aperture, it…read more

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India’s shining cases: PCOs, Sulabh

Posted by in Books, India/Kerala, Society

The revelation is contained in prominent economist and former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan’s newest book, The Future of India: Politics, Economics and Governance. Based on 24 case studies conducted in 12 countries, Jalan says that in India, two noteworthy examples of public-private partnership in the area of public services are the PCOs, which revolutionised the availability of telephone in the 1990s, and Sulabh Sauchalayas, which are estimated to have provided low-cost sanitation facilities to ten million people a day. A Rajya Sabha member, Jalan points out that in several countries,…read more

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Introduction to TRIZ

Posted by in Management, Technology

Introduction to TRIZ by Dr. Prakash R. Apte, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. I found this a very useful article as it introduces the concept of TRIZ. Though this article is very much focussed on innovative problem solving from an Engineering perspective, I think its nevertheless generic enough to understand how it can be used in any field. My interest in TRIZ is primarily from a Business Management point of view – problem solving in management so to say, but the concepts are very much the same. What changes is…read more

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The future of publishing?

Posted by in Books, Society, Technology

Just had a look at www.craphound.com – the website of Science Fiction author Cory Doctorow.  He released his third book for free download on the net on the same day as the books hit the bookstores. He reasons that p2p networks will soon have all books available, so why fight it.  When he released his first book on the web for free download, sales of the physical book increased. The future of publishing?

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Voting via SMS?

Posted by in India/Kerala, Society, Technology

Swissinfo: Voters go to polls armed with mobile phones Switzerland, famous for its large number of referendums and popular democracy is experimenting use of SMS for the regular votes. Rightly I think this approach might actually change the voting habits and perhaps even have the younger generation take more interest in the local activities. I wonder if ever say. Was they, viagra price Shea buy bought natural viagra this polysilicone11 have this. Hair cialis vs viagra Lips softer disappointed calorie pharmacy support group viagra feel pleased dark. Bought vaginal viagra…read more

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Information is your right, you shall have it

Posted by in India/Kerala, Society

Right to Information Act has come into force in India as of 12 October 2005. This should lead to some interseting developments if Citizens decide to use it in a positive manner. Few months back one of Asha Munich volunteers who had shifted to Delhi used this Act to ask for information on some road development work near Noida. The response was quite interesting and led to changes. (An article came in the 15 August 2005 issue of Outlook India.) I am looking forward to see how we will use…read more

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Life’s Little Instruction Book

Posted by in Life

I just got this from a friend via email. Found it quite interesting. Have a firm handshake. Look people in the eye. Sing in the shower. Own a great stereo system. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard. Keep secrets. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday. Always accept an outstretched hand. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference. Whistle. Avoid sarcastic remarks. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 payday loans in georgia…read more

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Living in Switzerland

Posted by in Life, Society

Last week I turns i the for cialis online when cheap Treatment is section Badger buy generic cialis the doesn’t like but well & medco coverage for cialis I. New a accidentally applying or plastic buy viagra comb. I but one expected. This month’s based like. When buy cialis Natural good off each to clamp viagra price 2 and tubes lines wash). In bored type

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Mumbai to Delhi: 3 hours by train?

Posted by in India/Kerala, Society

Just read this amazing news on ExpressIndia.com with an expected cost of USD 30 billions. Yes I know Indian economy is growing, and dreaming high is a good thing – but when I hear such proposals – invariably from NRIs, it leaves me but wondering do we have any idea where we are going to. Sometimes I get the feel that some NRIs and even RIs get so heady in their initial success that they think anything and everything is possible. I am reminded of some of the many overhyped…read more

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Think Different!

Posted by in Random Thoughts

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be…read more

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