Thursday, October 29, 2009

Three words

SORRY  THANK YOU & PLEASE
Very often, in life, we come across situations and circumstances that are adverse and demoralizing. Years ago, I too, went through a similar situation and the times were tough and the future bleak. During that period I read the story below which has changed a lot of things for me and I have overcome all the difficulties. A simple story that has taught me lessons in life that actually pushed me into another orbit. It is here that I learnt the importance of three words, SORRY, THANK YOU & PLEASE. Now I sit back and watch as so many youngsters have forgotten the meanings of these three important words. Most lessons in life are learnt in adversity and that is the time one actually finds the true self and recognizes true friends.

Shopping for love
I am flat broke from overspending at Christmas time. But I need to go shopping again soon because I am completely out of self-respect. I've said things I wish I could take back and I am not feeling too good about myself.

I also want to exchange a carton of self righteousness for an equal amount of humility. I hear that it is less expensive and wears well, and while I'm at it I'm going to check on tolerance and see if there is any available in my size.

I must remember to try to match my patience with the little I have left. My neighbor is loaded with it and it looks awfully good on her. I was told the same department has a repair shop for mending integrity. Mine has become frayed around the edges from too much compromising. If I don't get it refurbished soon, there won't be any left.

I almost forgot the most important thing of all -- compassion. If I see some-no matter what the color, size or shape -- I'm going to stock up heavily regardless of the price. I have run out of it so many times and I always feel ashamed when it happens.

I don't know why it has taken me so long to get around to shopping for these items. They don't cost nearly as much as some of the frivolous things I bought at Christmas time. And I'll get a lot more satisfaction from them.

Yes, I'm going shopping today and I can leave my checkbook and credit cards at home! The things I'm looking for have no price-tags. What a joy!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Roles Responsibilities of Software Developer

Being a software developer are mostly Involved in performing any or all of the following activities

* Architecture and design
* Coding / implementation / construction
* Component testing
* Runtime analysis

The point of discussion are:
To know up to what extent a software developer need to involve in requirement analysis, analysis on the technology part (WPF, WCF etc), designing of UI (When its a Web application (ASP.NET)) etc.

In my experience the best developers will get involved in all aspects of software delivery. Teasing out user requirements is, I believe, far more accurate and efficient when those who are doing the work are not required to go through a middle man. This does nit necessarily negate the need for a BA, but I feel BAs and developers should work collaboratively with the users.

There is a caveate however. Developers who interact with users need to be able to separate their discussion of user requirements from the technical implementation or limitations. Typically a user does not care HOW something is achieved, but that it meets their requirements. A good developer will be able to discuss in layman's terms and then convert those requirements into the best (pragmatic) technical solution.

In terms of UI design, many developers do not have a design flair, but will have knowledge about usability and UI patterns. Once again I believe a collaborating with designers works best. The key to this collaboration is to reckonise that, just as writing good code is important to you, so things like alignment, font size and color is important to the designer! You may be one of those developers who loves the tech and the 'crayons' (as a designer friend of mine used to call it). If so, your job may be easier as you also will consider the look and feel important.

In summary, i'm a great believer in evolutionary software design where all members of the process interact from day one. I believe in short iterations where users can see working (but incomplete) software early and regularly. Above all, I think the traditional 'roles' have somewhat blurred and that everyone on a project should work together to do whatever it rakes to deliver great software.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Healing Stones Meanings


Hippocrates, the father of medicine, separated medicine from magic. However, since ancient times learned and rich section of people are using precious Gems and stones to heal, medicinal and astrological purpose. It is considered very helpful especially in case of any health problem that is troubling the native inherently. Only the precautionary things that need to be considered while wearing these appropriate Gems or stones are the auspicious day and the suitable time. In Indian astrology these Gems and stones are known as Heera (Diamond), Manik (Ruby), PukhRaj (Yellow Sapphire), Panna (Emerald), Moonga (Red Coral), Neelam (Blue Sapphire), Moti (Pearl) and so on…..

Here enlisted are few of these precious Gems and stones with their health benefits and medicinal properties.
Garnet: Derived from the Greek word "Granatum" which means pomegranate seeds, it's a Symbol of consistency, perseverance and good health. Many energy healers say that it supports the basic Chakra. Garnet helps its wearer to prevent stress, depression and hearing difficulties. Garnet protects against poisoning and holds blood purification properties, an excellent cleanser.

Amethyst: Originated from the Greek word "A-amethysts" which means "not drunk", Symbol of sincerity, security, peace of mind. Energy healers use Amethysts for the crown Chakra. Amethyst prevents intoxication, improves skin and prevents baldness, increase intellectuality and spirituality, strengthens the blood circulatory and immune systems, Supports the health of nervous system and resolve the stomach.

Aquamarine: Derived from its Latin name "water and sea", symbol of Happiness and understanding, beauty, honesty, and loyalty. Sailors covet this stone; because they believe it protect them while they are at sea, perhaps because of its color. Aquamarine helps in reducing edema, sluggish circulation, or water retention. It is said to ease depression and grief, dumps fear and boost sense of confidence. Energy healers use it while meditating.

Diamond: Received its name from the Greek word "Adamas" which means unconquerable. Diamond is also known as "King Gem", an ultimate gemstone, one of the most powerful stones when combined with others, symbol of innocence, eternal love, purity, strength and faith. Diamond is an emblem of courage and invincibility. Diamonds are used to improve personal clarity and vision. It is attributed to be a noteworthy antidote for poison.

Emerald: Dedicated to Venus, the God of beauty, formed from two words - the French word "Esmeraude" and the Greek word "Smaragdos" which means green gemstone it gets its stunning green color from traces of chromium in the crystal matrix which calm down the nervous system and improves the capacity to take decisions. It is a symbol of Love, success, goodness and fidelity. It is also considered as a healing stone for relationships, for the heart, and for health. Energy healers often associate Emerald with the heart Chakra. Emerald has astonishing healing powers for eye sight. It adds in memory and reduces chronic fatigue or low energy, and spine aches, helps insomnia, aids neurological diseases, eases child birth.

Pearl: Known as the "Queen Gem". Pearls are formed in shellfish as a reactant to an irritant such as a piece of sand, symbol of beauty, love, success and happiness. It is an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity.Because of its protective properties Pearls promotes health and longevity an ideal gemstone for young children.

Ruby: Symbolizes the Sun, received its name from Latin word "Ruber" which means red. Ruby is actually a Red Sapphire., symbol of everlasting love, represents contentment, Success, devotion, protection and integrity, is said to be open's heart to love. Rubies are thought to ward off misfortunes and ill health. It improves the concentration of mind and gives lustrous skin.

Peridot: Derived from the Greek word "giving plenty". Ancient Romans were fond of the stone and called it the "Evening Emerald". Peridot is also known as Chrysolith. Peridot is a beautiful olive green or transparent lime stone. It is created during volcanic action. Its green color is due to iron, symbol of fame, dignity and protection. Peridot is used to help dreams becomes a reality. Peridot can ward off nightmares, somnambulism, night terrors and evil. It ensures good luck, peace, success and also adds happiness.

Sapphire: Received its name from Greek word "sapphires" and the Hebrew word "sapir" which means blue, symbol of truth, sincerity and consistency. It represents clear thinking, joy, faith, foresight and faith. Used in mental clarity, it helps in case of dysfunction in vision or hearing, mental fog or confusion, difficulty in focusing. Sapphire is known as wisdom stone.

Opal: Received its name from Latin word "upala" means precious stone and the Greek word "opallios" for color change. Legend has it, that the Opal was born as the Creator came down to earth on a rainbow. When his feet touched the ground, the stones became alive and sparkled with all the colors of the rainbow. Opal promotes healing and positive emotions. It is used especially to increase mental over reactive capacities, such as creative imagination.

Citrine: Got his name from the French word for lemon, symbols of youth, hope, health and fidelity. Citrine helps the heart, kidneys and digestive tract. It unwinds tension and increases flexibility in the cells, organs, and body as a whole, thereby encouraging body to relax. It adds to courage and make cheerful.

Turquoise: Derived from either the French word "Pierre Turquoise" which means "Turkish Stone" or the Persian word "Fiouze" which literally means the color turquoise, symbolises good luck with fortune and happiness, promotes spiritual clarity and enhances wisdom. Believe to provide its wearer with wisdom, honour and riches, beneficial for respiratory and immune systems.

Though with the advancement in the field of medicine and health sciences, the medical professionals are not convinced with the healing properties of these stones and don't encourage to believe in so. Calling it merely a 'myth' associated with 'mysteries' of past, but people who are benefitted from these precious crystals and stones strongly favors the 'magic' of Gemology. Expert says it's a matter of faith and strong belief, believed to be an effectual way of intensifying the benefits of favorable planet in the birth chart of a person.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Stream Movies on HDTV

You have a big beautiful flat panel high definition TV mounted on the wall of your living room and the shows coming in on cable or satellite look great but what do you do when you get the urge to watch that new movie that just came out on DVD? If you have a Blu-ray player or PlayStation3 you can run down to your local video store and rent the Blu-ray movie or you can go online to Netflix and add the Blu-ray movie to your queue. However, for immediate gratification you can download or stream a high definition movie to your HDTV providing you have the right gear.

Streaming Services
More services are starting to appear that offer high definition movies streamed or downloaded to your HDTV through a special set top box, DVD or Blu-ray player, game console, or even directly into a compatible TV set. Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and VUDU are some of the companies that offer this kind of service.

Netflix streaming is showing up on more and more products and is free with your regular monthly subscription. Unlike Blu-ray which puts 1080p video on your HDTV, Netflix only goes to up to 720p. Netflix doesn’t usually make the most recently released movies available right away so sometimes you have to wait for the latest hit movies.

Amazon Video on Demand offers over 45,000 titles but they only have about 500 HD movies and TV shows.  Amazon's service also only streams 720p and there is no monthly fee but you pay per movie or TV show. Movies cost $2.99 - $3.99 to rent.VUDU uses their own HDX format to deliver near-Blu-ray quality including high def audio. VUDU rents HD movies for $3.99 - $5.99. They offer some movies in 1080p resolution, but they have a limited library of high def movies at the moment.

This Gear Can Get You Connected
In order to access one of these services you’ll need to buy a special box or specially equipped Blu-ray player. The boxes cost around $100 and the Blu-ray players around $250 - $350 so for the extra $150 or so, the streaming-ready Blu-ray player makes a lot of sense; you get the best of both worlds. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 also offers access to Netflix. Some of the new TVs are also offering built-in access to streaming services. Tivo offers some models that allow for streaming and there’s always a good old computer with software like Windows Media Center to get you Netflix on your HDTV. Here’s a sample of products you can use:


Roku Box
You buy the box for $99, hook it up to your TV, and it finds your WiFi network. You can also connect to your network with an Ethernet cable. You use your Netflix account and the Netflix web site to set up movies for it and then use the remote control to play one of the movies you've selected. You can also use the Roku box to watch Amazon Video on Demand. Right now it will only go as high as 720p resolution, only provides stereo sound (not 5.1 surround sound), and only supports up to 802.11g but it's a cheap and easy way to get Netflix on your TV.

VUDU Box
You can buy a box to access VUDU but it might make more sense to look at one of the products that are building in VUDU access like some LG Blu-ray players and TVs, Mitsubishi TVs, and other devices. If you still want a box, you can buy a 250GB box for about $150 or a 1TB box for around $500.

LG BD390 or LG BD370 Blu-ray Players
The LG BD390 is a Profile 2.0 player that gets 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It offers 802.11n WiFi connectivity for accessing BD Live and streaming services like Netflix. The latest firmware adds support for VUDU and Pandora. You can buy it for around $280. The LG BD370 also gets good reviews is $150 at Amazon and supports Netflix but not VUDU. The BD370 doesn’t include built-in WiFi.

Samsung BD-P3600 Blu-ray Player
The Samsung BD-P3600 costs around $270. It supports Netflix streaming and Pandora but no support yet for VUDU. The included WiFi dongle will get you 802.11n. It gets generally good reviews for audio and video quality with some complaints about connectivity issues. Expert reviewers liked it more than users who experienced poor customer service and some reliability issues. The lower end, BD-1600 can be purchased for under $200 and also offers Netflix access but gets lower scores from reviewers.

Insignia NS-BRDVD3 Blu-ray Player
If you want to take a chance on this under $200 Best Buy private labeled, Blu-ray player that is supposed to be getting a firmware upgrade any day to add Netflix support, we say go for it. After all, you can always return it, and if you like the Insignia NS-BRDVD3 as some reviewers do, you will have saved a few bucks.

Sherwood America R-904N NetBoxx Internet A/V Receiver
This Netflix box is more like a receiver. The Sherwood America R-904N is not cheap, costing around $650 but it has a big 700 watt amplifier to drive 7.1 channel sound.

Tivo HD DVR
For $299 and $12.95 a month you can own a Tivo HD that can save up to 20 hours of HD programming. Tivo wrote the book on PVR interface and the newer models have some cool features like the ability to control the recorder online (in case you forgot to record something) and the ability to transfer recordings to another device like an iPod. Tivo now supports streaming services including Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand.

Vizio SV422XVT Connected TV
As we enter the era of the connected TV, expect to see more high definition TVs that connect to the Internet like SV422XVT 42” LCD TV from Vizio coming in November which will cost $1,199. It has LED backlighting, 240Hz refresh rate, and a Bluetooth remote with full QWERT keyboard. The 47 inch version will cost $1699 and a 55 inch model will go for a very reasonable $2199. The two larger sets also add “smart dimming,” for energy saving. They all support Netflix streaming among other services.

Microsoft's XBox 3v60
Unfortunately, the Xbox 360 doesn’t have a built-in Blu-ray player like the the PlayStation 3 and the PS3 doesn’t do Netflix like the Xbox 360. You’ll need an Xbox Gold Live membership which costs $49.99 a year but if you have a Netflix subscription the movies on Xbox Live are free.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Need of Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are good for one thing: helping a buyer purchase a home. There are several reasons this is true, the biggest is that their services to a buyer are FREE. If you are in the market for a home, by all means, use the services of a real estate agent.The average person is perfectly capable of selling his or her home without an agent. Of course those in the business of real estate don't want you to know that. But seriously, what do they know that you can't learn through research? Are real estate agents smarter than the rest of us? 64 percent of them lack a college degree. That's a staggering statistic for a group that displays such arrogance with regards to their "specialized" knowledge.

You may, on the other hand, find it more convenient to hire an agent to sell your home. The home selling process is time-consuming. If you want to pay someone to handle all the details, by all means, hire an agent.

Let's take a look at some of the reasons that real estate agents will give you when trying to promote their services.

1. Statistics
A wise man once said, "Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." I just read an article, written by a Realtor in 2009, that stated this statistic, "Realtors average 13% higher sales, per home, than FSBO's." That's pretty impressive, isn't it?

It's also patently false. Oh, it was true at one time. In fact, I think this particular agent got that statistic from a 2005 report commissioned by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Well, there's an unbiased group! Think they might have just a tiny agenda? If the truth be known, this same association's more recent studies show that FSBO's actually sell for more than homes sold by agents. "The median selling price as a percentage of the asking price was 97% for FSBO, and for agent-assisted sales was 96%." (NAR) Now, granted, 1 percent isn't a huge difference, but it more accurately reflects the current state of affairs and it's not quite as scary as the old statistic.

2. Realtors can research market value
So can butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. Researching the market value of a home is far from rocket science. If Realtors, a group made up of mainly people with no higher education, can do this research, isn't it possible that the rest of us can too? If you are really unsure of your ability to do this you can call any real estate brokerage in town; within two days you'll have a stack of FREE reports that include market research and the current market value of your home. By the way, there is no rule that says you have to hire the agent that gave you a market analysis.

3. Realtors are trained negotiators
I went to real estate school and I can tell you that there is no course for potential real estate agents that teaches them how to negotiate. Not one. There are real estate "gurus," guys and gals that have made a lot of money in real estate, that give seminars and classes to Realtors, but I've yet to see one of those that is aimed at teaching agents how to negotiate a price for a client's home. Indeed, what these gurus teach the agents is how to negotiate with YOU to give them the listing. Negotiation is a skill that one either has or doesn't. It's an individual thing.

4. Agents are available 24 hours a day
Well, that's a relief, isn't it? I mean, if that buyer wants to look at my house at 3 a.m., it sure is nice to know that agents are available to show it 24 hours a day. Seriously, most buyers have the same schedule as sellers. They are out looking at homes in the early evenings and on weekends.

5. Advertising is expensive
Actually, it isn't. 87 percent of home buyers found their homes on the internet. Internet advertising is sometimes free and mostly very inexpensive. What can get expensive is newspaper classifieds. But buyers don't use them very often. In fact less than half of them use the newspaper when shopping for a home.

The National Association of Realtors, in their most recent survey, found that Realtors advertise their listings at Realtor.com, their broker's website, the local MLS site, and their own website. None of these incur great expense on the part of the agent. There are websites that are far more effective than those that agents use, are available for the public to use, and quite inexpensive.

6. There's paperwork involved
This one implies that you're too stupid to fill out paperwork. It also implies that this is a big concern for the For-Sale-By-Owner. In reality, it isn't. The NAR survey found that the biggest concerns for FSBO's are getting the price right and "selling within the planned length of time." Paperwork was way down the list of concerns.Yes, there are disclosure requirements when you sell a home. You can purchase pre-printed disclosure forms. They require a signature. Period. As for the contracts, those too aren't that difficult to navigate.

The real estate industry is changing. The traditional business model is failing. There is a do-it-yourself mentality among consumers today and companies are being created to cater to that; companies devoted to helping the For-Sale-By-Owner. They can supply you with forms, signs, and advice. There are also highly-trained, highly-experienced real estate attorneys who will handle the contract portion of your transaction at half of what you will pay for a real estate agent's commission. There are money-saving options for home sellers today; information out there for you that can empower you to sell your home without an agent. A few hour's research can end up saving you thousands of dollars.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Kebab Korner in Mumbai India

With a view of the Queen’s Necklace, Kebab Korner at InterContinental Marine Drive has an advantage over most Mumbai restaurants. The view of the sea lends tranquility unlike anywhere else and yet the restaurant manages to create a buzz of its own. It accommodates up to 80 at a time with its large tables meant for groups of four and more, making it an apt dining option for corporates in the day and families in the night.

Kebab Korner has won accolades for being the Best Indian Restaurant in Mumbai for two consecutive years. So, it comes as a surprise that a place which is synonymous with a luxurious layer of butter on the dal makhni and the mouth-watering biryani has introduced the Kebabbq Wellness Combo Meal for lunch. “Corporates who come for lunch are relieved to hear of the wellness meal,” says Executive Chef Amit Bharadwaj.

There are four variations of the combo meals. The soup, salad and wrap (prepared in wholewheat) is very popular, but beating it to top position is the soup, salad and grill option. Vegetarian and nonvegetarian grill options are plenty of which must-try options are the pudina paneer tikka, Afghani murgh tikka and pompret tikka. The carb ’n fibre lunch includes a salad, a biryani and a bowl of raita—made with cuminseasoned probiotic yogurt. The other variation is the ‘Keep it Low’ lunch, which includes a side portion of organic roquette and grilled broccoli salad and a low GI rice biryani.

Regardless of how full one is, the dal makhni remains a highlight here. And as regulars already know, every meal is complimented by the best view in the city.

ADDRESS: InterContinental Marine Drive, 135 Netaji Subhash Road, Marine Drive
CONTACT: 022-39879999
OPEN: 12.30-3.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.-12 midnight
MEAL FOR TWO: Rs 5,600 (excludes alcohol)
MUST TRY: The Kebabbq Wellness Combo Meal, Dal Makhni

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Beautiful Hands Feet and Nails

No matter what the season, hand, foot and nail care is most important. There is no point wearing a glamorous outfit, if the hands, feet and nails reflect neglect and lack of care. Protection of hands and nails is important during monsoons, when fungal infection can set in. Wear rubber gloves for your washing chores. Massage cream after your washing tasks are over.

Ideal nail colours
Pink is perfect for hot and humid weather. You can go for silver shimmer for the day and gold for the night. If you do go for bold colours, keep the rest of your look simple. You can also add a glossy topcoat on dark colours.

You can also go for icy summer colours like pink, mauve or ivory and then dress them up with nail art. Or, go for shades of brown, like coffee, bronze, copper, or sea shell and then add on glitter.You can also apply narrow strips of one colour on either side of each nail, with a contrasting strip of colour down the centre.In French Manicure, the nails are usually pale pink or colourless, with white painted tips. Your nails should be long enough, to try the French Manicure. First soak the hands in warm water, push back cuticles. Clean under the nails. Using nail clippers or scissors cut the nails straight across for square look or use emery board to round off the edges. Apply cream and massage your hands.

Your feet need special attention
This is an area where germs tend to accumulate. After washing them well, dry thoroughly and apply talcum powder. If you wear closed shoes, sprinkle talcum powder inside the shoes. In humid season, slippers and open sandals are best. After a hot day, soak your feet in cold water adding some salt and antiseptic solution to it.Athlete's foot starts as a fungal infection. So, if there is dry scaling on the feet, especially between the toes, with itching, consult a dermatologist.

Sun can affect the nails too
Some pastel colours, specially beige and pink, can become yellowish after being exposed to the sun. The most common cause of yellow nails is wearing nail polish constantly.For sun protection, you can use a clear, transparent nail polish as a top coat over the colour you have used. You can apply sunscreen. You can also use a transparent base coat first and then apply the colour of your choice.

Get rid of the yellowish tint on the nails
To remove the yellow colour, you can add baking soda to water and soak your fingers. You can also rub the nails with lemon. For brittle and fragile nails dissolve one teaspoon gelatin in boiling water. Cool the water and add it to fruit juice. Have this for 10 days.

Foot soak:  In one-fourth bucket of warm water, add half cup of coarse salt and half a cup of lemon. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use a few drops of tea tree oil, as it has germicidal properties. Soak the feet for 10 minutes.

Hand and foot lotion: Mix together 3 tablespoons of rose water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of pure glycerine. Apply and leave it for 30 minutes.

Cooling foot bath: Add rose water, lemon juice and a splash of eau de cologne in cold water and soak feet in it. It removes odour.

Cooling massage oil: Take 100 ml olive oil and add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 2 drops of rosemary essential oil and 2 drops of khus or rose essential oil. Mix together and keep in a tightly closed glass bottle. Take a little of this for foot massage. It protects the skin.