Gadgets and Things

The Decline of Artistic Merit – V (Writing)

2010-07-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Scenario: You are inside a newspaper office. Difficult, but just imagine for this once.

The action is at the news desk. The latest news is coming in and intelligent and pretty Ms. Sahasrabudhe (she, wearer of funky spectacles) is writing captions and slugs and summaries that will appear in tomorrow's newspaper. She finds it difficult to fit the caption 'The economy is in doldrums on the back of recessionary trends' in the available space which is 24 square centimeters. She approaches the chief sub-editor whom she calls the chief.

'Chief, I have a problem.'

Chief doesn't look up. He is engrossed.

'Chief I have a problem.'

'Eh? Whaaat? You aaare always disturbing me when I aam concentrating.' He is the sort whose words run faster than his thoughts, 'What's it tell me quick.'

'Er, I want to fit, 'The economy is in doldrums on the back of recessionary trends' in 24 square centimeters, she indicates the space with her fingers.

'What's your problem?' he takes a sheet and writes, 'The enomy is in dldrums on the bk of rnary trends.'

'But sir that's bad English, no?'

'Who says it is bad English. You know or I know?'

'Sir, but that is SMSese, and we don't use SMSese.'

'Same question, repeat. I know or you know?'

'Sir, I don't think this is right, I will ask the news editor.'

'Okay go,' he says gleefully with a contented smile.

The news editor is Mishraji who is fond of eating powdery betnet masala from a pouch he keeps in his shirt pocket.

'Mishraji, the chief tells me to write a caption thus, 'The enomy is in dldrums on the bk of rnary trends.'

'Why what's wrong? You know or I know?'

'But sir, sir, that's wrong no? What will the readers say? Besides the Oxford English Dictionary and Webster's says that sort of writing is bad. The whole world will laugh at us.' Ms. Sahasrabudhe says.

'Who cares about the reader? As for Oxford and Web-wib-whatever… I have got orders from our revered and respected chairman. SMSese is the new trend of a dynamic younger generation. You know or he knows better? So we are going ahead and using it. Do it or else?' Mishraji says between pouring mouthful of betelnut masala into his mouth and chewing on it.

'But Mishraji, I am the younger generation.'

'You know or I know who is what?'

Ms. Sahasrabudhe, she of the funky spectacles removes the permanently-fixed appurtenance from her face as she is in tears and says, 'Yes sir, if you say so.'

Who decides about the goodness of English in newspaper offices?

The New Indira Gandhi International Airport

2010-07-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

The new Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the eleventh largest in the world, so says this article in Wikipedia. Last time I passed through the terminal it was in terrible shape and there was confusion all around and the airline staff was in a surly mood. At the boarding gate a very assertive lady of a publishing persuasion (whom I know through telephone calls and emails) was insisting, 'Open the gate now (read it here).' The girl manning the gate (sorry libbers, there's no word called 'womanning') was almost crying.

So I hope things are improving, and 'all will be well' (shades of 3 idiots here) with the IGIA.

Writer poet blogger Indian writer John P Matthew reflects on writing and writer life his writings | poems | short stories | essays | thoughts

2009-04-15T00:16:00.000-07:00

Writer poet blogger Indian writer John P Matthew reflects on writing and writer life his writings | poems | short stories | essays | thoughts

Don't call Sanjay Dutt Sanjay-baba

2007-11-20T04:52:00.001-08:00

Don't call Indian film star Sanjay Dutt Sanjay-baba, because he isn't a small child anymore.

read more | digg story

The History of Religion, Told Graphically

2007-11-07T05:09:00.001-08:00

Interesting! The history of religion told in a nice graphic format, you will enjoy it!

read more | digg story

Photos: Presidential Candidates Through The Years

2007-11-05T21:34:00.001-08:00

Here's a look at the 2008 presidential candidates through the years, before the fame and the spotlight.

read more | digg story

Why Indian websites fail?

2007-11-05T01:38:00.001-08:00

The truth is out! It's delusion not lack of skills! How delusion make Indian websites fail.

read more | digg story

Online Literary Fora

2007-10-31T04:13:00.001-07:00

An excellent article about what happens in online literary fora. Do take a look.

read more | digg story

Hugh Hefner and his Playboy girls Next Door in their Halloween costumes

2007-10-29T22:41:00.001-07:00

Hugh Hefner and his girls Kendra Wilkinson, Bridget Marquardt and Holly Madison in their costumes over the weekend.

read more | digg story

F****d Company

2007-10-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

Heard the latest? F****d Company, that irreverent blog that wrote hardhitting articles about losing tech companies, and excruciating tech nightmares have been taken over by Michael Arrington of Tech Crunch. Read TechCrunch story.

"Says F****d Company's site: F****dcompany is temporarily f****d"

Yann Martel's rant against Prime Minister Stephen Harper

2007-09-22T08:26:00.001-07:00

Author Yann Martel rants against Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for cutting funds to the Canadian Society for the Arts.

read more | digg story

Introduce Yourself to Another Blogger

2007-08-12T23:20:00.001-07:00

I think this is a good idea to grow your blog traffic.

read more | digg story

Sony DCR-DVD108 Camcorder

2007-07-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

Looking for an entry-level camcorder are you? Then the Sony DCR-DVD 108 camcorder is the right one for you. At least that is what I feel after using it for almost a month now.

In fact I am not to be blamed for falling in love with this piece of gadgetry. Of course, it may lack frills, offering only manual controls and 640x480 stills. The Sony DCR-DVD108’s slender upright design can save a lot of space in the camera bag.

Its lens has a filter diameter of 30mm. It also has a 40x optical zoom lens that offers a focal length of 1.9mm-76mm (36mm-1440mm when converted to 35mm for both movies and stills). You will find the lens cover switch to the bottom left of the lens.

The lens cover looks lustrous with its milled black finish. Below the lens you will find the remote sensor, followed by a rigid plastic port cover housing the AV out terminal. A rugged plastic strip secures the port cover.

This camcorder certainly beats the price barrier when looks and functionalities are concerned. It has cool features, even better looks and it fits snugly into my hand.

The Sony DCR-DVD108 Camcorder is a dependable modern day toy to carry and flaunt on my holiday. It sure beats my digital camera as it can shoot pictures too.

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Only the song is good

2007-07-04T03:00:00.001-07:00

Review of the movie "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom"

read more | digg story

Google Writer - If Wishes Were Horses!

2007-07-04T00:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading this article about "Google Writer" and salivating all the way down the page. What a great idea, would writing, nay, blogging, be the same again? And when one is thinking this thingammajig "Google Writer" would be a beauti-cool application to have, um, comes the tag "April Fool's Day".

Oh, what a let down! I could punch the google writer who wrote this article for the silly joke. Well, actually, I wish the Googlies would actually work on some thing like the
Google Writer, would have made blogging much more fun. But at Google, guess, wishes aren't horses!

Google

Nokia 6120 - Affordably Cool!

2007-07-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

Nokia 6120 features a good internet connectivity at HSDPA (3.5G) connectivity. So, are you a mobile Internet freak with a need for speed? Then this is the handset you should check out. It has a lot going for it. It's light, thin and features Nokia's S60 platform, so you can run a variety of useful software on it. The Nokia 6120's HSDPA connectivity means you can browse the Web, download music or pictures and stream online content fast In addition there's a VGA camera on the front for making video calls. There's a 2-megapixel camera on the back that may not take the best resolution pictures ever, but it will do for daily use. This phone has a very low price tag, and is quite easy on the pocket, which when compared to the price of Nokia's flagship model, the N95, is quite a bargain. If you're looking for a cheap all-rounder that gives you fast Internet access, go for the 6120.

Just a little suggestion:

How about giving bluetooth connectivity so that one can do away with wires and stuff like that?

Blog Backlash Can Sting — Ask Dell - The Visible Enterprise

2007-06-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

That a blog backlash in blogosphere - the world this blog belongs to can sting is proved by this incident "Blog Backlash Can Sting — Ask Dell - The Visible Enterprise."

Quoted from the article in ITBusinessedge.com, "IdeaStorm notwithstanding — and despite Michael Dell christening the company’s efforts to reorganize “Dell 2.0″ — the company appears to be struggling with the concept of social networking.

"It responded to a blog post from a former Dell sales manager on Consumerist.com with a letter from an attorney ordering the site to delete the post. After the letter was Dugg, Slashdotted and widely slammed in the blogosphere, Dell was forced to recant with an embarrassing public apology."

Apple TV Is Here

2007-06-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

What if you have something that can connect all the movies videos you downloaded on to your television? Fantastic! Because you use your computer as the center of your digital and wired life, but television is the center of your entertainment life. But imagine having to sit before your computer, download a movie and then watching it sitting five inches away from the screen.

Sure, if you would like to put up your feet, lean back on the sofa, even eat popcorn and watch a movie or video, its now possible with Apple TV. You can wirelessly transfer the downloaded movie to your television using Apple TV. And it is both Apple Mac and PC compatible.

Suppose you’ve downloaded Ocean’s Thirteen from iTunes. Instead of seeing it on your computer, wirelessly send the flick to Apple TV. Then pull up a seat, put up your feet, and see your movie on your television using Apple TV.

This device can put your iTunes library — movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts right there on your TV. Your digital photos appear in high definition, so you can put on a big-screen slideshow.

Apple TV puts your iTunes library — movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts on your TV. And your digital photos appear in high definition, so you can put on a big-screen slideshow. With up to 200 hours of video, 36,000 songs, or 25,000 photos at your finger tips, there’s always something good on TV.

With Apple TV, you can watch theatrical trailers from Apple.com on your TV. And now you can browse and watch YouTube videos on the big screen, too. Search through thousands of free YouTube videos streaming directly from the Internet. Just sit back and enjoy the show.
Apple | Television | Movies | Music

The Olympus Evolt E-410

2007-06-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

Poyal oru vakku kittiyal oru mala

2007-06-14T05:02:00.001-07:00

This is an old Malayalam aphorism which mean "If what you ask isn't granted you waste a few words. If you are granted your wish then you get a mountain (meaning whatever you ask)." This means do not hesitate to ask. Or, as the Bible says, "Ask and ye shall receive."

read more | digg story

A good review of Nikon Coolpix L3 camera

2007-03-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

A very good page about my favorite brand of camera, the Coolpix L3. It gives me 5.1 megapixels and 3 x optical zoom. It has video too, and unlike the earlier model I had has sound too. I have shot a few videos and they look good. What I do is upload to picasa and then picasa has a way of transferring my pictures to the picasaweb album.

Here's my report on the Samjhauta Tragedy on G2bay.com

2007-03-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

My Huawei Cell Phone

2007-02-22T23:26:00.000-08:00

I bought a Huawei 3G CDMA phone really cheap at Kurla, Mumbai. It is a basic model and has an FM radio to boot. I always wanted a radio, so that I can listen to songs on the way to work.

This phone has a good backup memory, it's cell also lasts longer than the ones I used earlier, has a cool display and catches all my local FM stations.

Something to rave about since I bought it for just Indian Rupees 1750. If you are interested in lyrics of Hindi songs you can find them here.

What is Skype?

2007-02-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have often came across the word Skype too many times and wondered what it must be. Have you? Then here is a primer, courtesy, Wikipedia.

"Skype is a peer-to-peer Internet telephony network founded by the entrepreneurs Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, also founders of the file sharing application Kazaa. It competes against existing open VoIP protocols such as SIP, IAX, and H.323. The Skype Group, acquired by eBay in October 2005, is headquartered in Luxembourg, with offices in London, Tallinn and Prague.

"Skype has experienced rapid growth in both popular usage and software development since launch, both of its free and its paid services. The Skype communications system is notable for its broad range of features, including free voice and video conferencing, its ability to use peer to peer (decentralized) technology to overcome common firewall and NAT (Network address translation) problems, and its extreme countermeasures against reverse engineering of the software or protocol."

Value-added services for telecommunications

2007-02-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Telecommunications is booming in India and one company that is making waves in the telecom sphere is www.one97world.com. This value added service provider has a network infrastructure for delivering innovative VAS network services, business logic, information and entertainment content. Take a look.

G2Bay, monetize your information!

2007-02-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a friend networking and sharing site that believes in social networking and that information is money and wants its members to benefit when they give out information on the net. They have many ways of monetizing the information we give away to websites and portals for free.

The site also is for serious networkers who would like to earn money. So, no fake, fraud, spam profiles here. And that's a good thing in the networked world where, um, you go and see these arresting face, only to discover that the profile is fake, the photograph belongs to that of some supermodel.

Ergo, is it goodbye to all that?

iPod nano

2006-12-26T21:40:00.000-08:00

Always been a great sucker for gadgets, so, hm, here's a quick review of the iPod nano. The iPod nano has replaced the iPod shuffle for audio listening, it's tiny, the screen is great, it has all the things one would like about the iPod photo, but in an impossibly compact size and shape.

Source: MAKE: Blog: iPod nano

Blackberrys, Hellomoto and IVR Technology

2006-11-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

Didn't know there was a special site for blackberrys. But here it is. But when I clicked, I get this, "This page cannot be found." A pity. Meanwhile see Motorola's "Hellomoto" page. Some cool stuff in there.

Incidently as far as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology is concerned, a company in India is making deep inroads. Take a look at this company. They have a range of value added telephony services to offer, including downloads, SMS- and MMS-technologies, and are aiming very high as this article about it's chief would indicate.

The Great Skype Experiment

2006-09-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

http://blog.planet-cell-phone.com/2006/09/13/the-great-skype-experiment/trackback/

Masters or slaves?

2006-09-12T03:02:00.000-07:00

It is disconcerting how technology gives us the "bum's rush" sometimes. It's like this. I have important work to do, most of it online, and most of the morning the power fails, I sit there fidgeting, reading a novel (Evelyn Waugh's "The Loved Ones"), not knowing what to do. Then the power comes on, I switch on the computer, and, and, the net is so slow, it's almost impossible to surf.

Ever faced this problem? I am sure you have. During the deluge in Bombay cell phones didn't work, during the bomb blasts emergency services went on a blink, etc. Now coming to think about it, can you imagine how much we are dependent on our little chargers for our cell phones, our digital cameras, our laptops, and our PDAs. Are we the masters of all these technology, or are we slaves still?
Tags: Evelyn Waugh, Cell Phones, Digital Cameras, Laptops, PDAs

Types of Cell Phones

2006-09-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Have you wondered what types of cell phones exist in the market? I have. And here's a very good classification I have found.

Camera phones are hugely popular and are developing all the time as the cameras become more and more high resolution enabling for better quality photos. You can also send these pictures to friends with compatible phones via picture messaging; the price of which will depend on which of the various cellular phone providers you are with. Some camera phones can have zooms, mirrors for self-portraits and rotating cameras to make things easier. Multimedia messaging allows for pictures and sounds and text messages to be combined in one.

PDA phones (where PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant) is usually the most expensive cell phone types because you can do so much with them. Currently with anything up to 400 MHz processor speed and a max of 64MB of memory they are mini computers on the move with amazing quality TFT color screens and very many features and room for more with expansion slots. Word processing, spreadsheets, the list goes on. These include Pocket PC Phones which are a scaled down version of the Windows you have on your PC from Microsoft.

TV phones streaming television to your phone. The cell phones on this page all have streaming TV capability that will allow you watch TV right on your cell phone screen. This breakthrough in technology is just beginning to get real HOT. Show your friends and co-workers that you have the coolest cell phone in town - order your TV cell phone today!

Bluetooth phones are the wave of the future! Bluetooth technology allows your cell phone to be aware of other Bluetooth-enabled devices that are physically nearby. This means that your cell phone can intelligently communicate with other devices like, for example, a wireless hands-free headset so that you don't need clumsy wires in order to use your headset.
Tags: Camera phones, PDA phones, TV phones, bluetooth phone

1000 minutes free!

2006-09-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

Wirefly is offering 1000 minutes family time wireless plan, which gives your family 1000 shared minutes and unlimited T-mobile to T-mobile minutes for just $ 50 a month for 2 years.

Cellular choices currently has a very attractive deal on the Samsung T809 MP3 music cell phone for T-mobile. This music phone is free after rebate when purchased with a new T-mobile service plan.

While at it look at these cell phones. Cool, aren't they? Just right for the teen crowd.
Tags: T-mobile, Samsung, Cell phone

Nokia's 6800, best cell phone for messaging

2006-09-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite phones is Nokia 6800. It enables sending and receiving of messages with its QWERTY touch pad. And since I message quite a bit, this is the phone I am going to watch out, to me at least. Even my son, a teenager, who likes to send jokes on his cell phone, likes it and he says nothing can beat it for performance and easy transmitting of short message on this cell phone. Mostly we prefer messaging each other than calling as it is cheaper.

However, one drawback is that downloading ring tones, games and graphics are not
yet available for the Nokia 6800 phone. Nokia also has a compact and light travel charger that is small and has a convenient cable management with the cord wrapping up inside the charger.
Tags: Cell phone, Nokia, 6800, charger

Which cell phone plan is best for you?

2006-09-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

There are several sites that offer advice on cell phones and cell phone plans. Why even information on free cellular phones and best cellular phones are available gratis on the net. A look at these sites is a must before embarking on the best cell phone plan that will suit you and your family.

Some such sites are:

www.letstalk.com/ On this site you can compare cell phones, research cellular phones, free cell phones, compare cell phone plans, cell phone accessories, wireless phones, mobile phones.

www.point.com/ Point.com compares deals on cell phones and cellular plans from across the web. It finds the best new and free cell phone deals from Verizon and T-Mobile and posts them online for consumers to make their choices.

www.wirelessguide.org/ Modeled as the buyer's guide to cellular phones and wireless service plans it claims to teach netizens how to get the best deal for their cellular plan, cell phones and cell phone accessories.

One site you can't give a miss if you have a family and are confused about what cell phone plan to use is www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. This site claims to enable users to make a more informed decision – a quick and an easy assessment of the best wireless phones, best cell carriers, even the most popular mobile features– saving immeasurable amounts of time and money.

Whether it is a wireless phone the user can rely on while traveling to international destinations, or a cell phone a home maker can rely on for coordinating children's schedules, or pay-as-you-go cell phones for children, this site has the best plans all lined up for user. Even several free nights and weekends plans are covered.

And there's more. Here's where you can send a FREE text message or Upload FREE ringtones and files. Also there is a money saving "Off the Hook" agreement that teenagers can sign for a more responsible use of the cell phone.

www.myrateplan.com/ If the user is interested in a cell phone family plan but want two different phones this site offers the right solutions. The user can build own combination here!

www.t-mobile.com/ This is a wireless phone company that provides cell phones and cellular calling plans.

www.cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplans/ This about.com page lists cell phone plans for those looking for cheap plans or those who need the best plan for their needs.

Sprint PCS Phone LX350 by LG Fact Sheet – Great Technology, Great Quality

2006-08-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hiya, Heard the latest? There’s great quality and technology in Sprint cell phone!

Heard the buzz? Now you can access and web and download various web-based applications with Sprint PCS Phone LX350. What’s more, you can access SMS test and voice messages, and Sprint PCS mail too. Isn’t that great?

Hold on. There’s more to come. LX 350 comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera, which provides a digital picture in full color. You can click and send them to your friends and family members instantly, by using Sprint PCS picture mail technology. This phone also has a built-in speakerphone.

Heard a lot about Bluetooth technology? Sure, you have! This technology allows you to connect your LX 350 phone wirelessly to other compatible devices, including Bluetooth-compatible hand-held ones. This enables dial-up networking, with your phone acting as a wireless modem. This technology also offers an advanced speech recognition facility.

To top it all, it is light in weight, convenient, and highly secure. What with the LG wireless backup technology, you can manage your contact list and even transfer it to some other compatible devices that feature the same technology.
Tags: Sprint PCS Phone LX350

Verizon Wireless FuelFinder: Just Click and Save

2006-08-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered cell phone in hand where the cheapest fuel was available? Ever had to drive around town trying to compare prices and burnt a lot of fuel that you were trying to save? Now you can do it with just a click on your Verizon Wireless FuelFinder and save money. A specialized mapping service developed by MobileGates, a leader in providing location-based services, FuelFinder provides most inexpensive fuel options exclusively to Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0SM customers.

Tags: Verizon Wireless FuelFinder

Want the latest and cool in cell phones?

2006-08-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

What’s latest and cool too? Motorola Sprint PCS Phone C290 is the latest and has cool features like chat options, e–surfing, downloading images, ringers and games that are graphically enhanced and support multiple players. You can choose from numerous ring tones, identify different callers with different tones downloaded from movies and themes, have downloaded screensavers, and what’s more, can surf websites in full color. Plus, plus, I am not through, voice memos/recording, built in calendar, scheduler and alarm/reminder setups.

Cool isn’t it?

What's latest and Cool?

2006-08-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Cool isn’t it?

Welcome!

2006-08-28T02:45:00.000-07:00

I love gadgets. You will find some of my obsessions here.

Gadgets and Things

The Decline of Artistic Merit – V (Writing)

The New Indira Gandhi International Airport

Writer poet blogger Indian writer John P Matthew reflects on writing and writer life his writings | poems | short stories | essays | thoughts

Top searches on Wikipedia

Don't call Sanjay Dutt Sanjay-baba

The History of Religion, Told Graphically

Photos: Presidential Candidates Through The Years

Why Indian websites fail?

Online Literary Fora

Hugh Hefner and his Playboy girls Next Door in their Halloween costumes

F****d Company

Yann Martel's rant against Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Introduce Yourself to Another Blogger

Sony DCR-DVD108 Camcorder

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Only the song is good

Google Writer - If Wishes Were Horses!

Nokia 6120 - Affordably Cool!

Blog Backlash Can Sting — Ask Dell - The Visible Enterprise

Apple TV Is Here

The Olympus Evolt E-410

Poyal oru vakku kittiyal oru mala

A good review of Nikon Coolpix L3 camera

Here's my report on the Samjhauta Tragedy on G2bay.com

My Huawei Cell Phone

What is Skype?

Value-added services for telecommunications

G2Bay, monetize your information!

iPod nano

Blackberrys, Hellomoto and IVR Technology

The Great Skype Experiment

Masters or slaves?

Types of Cell Phones

1000 minutes free!

Nokia's 6800, best cell phone for messaging

Which cell phone plan is best for you?

Sprint PCS Phone LX350 by LG Fact Sheet – Great Technology, Great Quality

Verizon Wireless FuelFinder: Just Click and Save

Want the latest and cool in cell phones?

What's latest and Cool?

Welcome!