wisdom tooth

Yesterday I got one of the wisdom teeth extracted. This brought curious questions, what is the purpose of these teeth? why is it so late? and most often pulled away due to rouge behaviour.

Searching net didn't give enough info compared to the info available about extraction. A relevant article is at ask yahoo. This talks about a nice concept of wisdom tooth pushing other teeth in order to compensate the space of any lost tooth.

Good that I am looking at these pages after the extraction :-)

java chart

I got an urge to try out a data chart in my apps. After figuring the chart lib available in my ide is not that useful, I searched for the open source stuff. Downloaded jFreeChart and went thru the bundle. Didn't know where to start. Then I came to know that the user guide should be bought. Couldn't understand the open-sourceness of this project ..

... and then moved on to jChart. First thing I checked is the user guide and if they are charging for any of the free stuff. This is decent and easy to use. Compared to jFreeChart, jFreeChart has rich features and many more chart presentation. However, for a trial attempt, jChart is sufficient .. particularly if u r not going to make any extra bucks for putting a chart in the page.

Day light saving scheme

I wish we have a better electrical switching controls. During the day time, the electrical switches connecting to the bulbs and tubes should be disabled; ie switching on will not result in a dull glow of the light against the bright sunlight. There is a high chance people forget to switch off as the light is not visible enough. So, with this new control, these unwanted lights will not be turned on. This will happen only during day time. Of course, there will be methods to by pass this blockage.

The need of such instrument came out an angel at our home. Which ever room my wife enters, the angel switches on the lights in a subconscious manner. While my wife leaves the room, you guessed it, the light remains on. While discussing this phenomena with my wife, she told about the angel. Since then I am thinking about the day light control switch to save electricity.

Body atlas

I saw this video from Discovery Health in a vcd. The title is Body Atlas - The Human Design.

Very interesting to see the functioning of our body. Each organ has a function and they interact among themselves to produce marvellous effects. The inside story at an microscopic level to macro level is a tour of its own.

Quite informative study. Would suggest folks to have a look.

Village life

GA invited us to his native home. We went in the evening and enjoyed the scenic route on the way. Had to take a cut from the busy road into a single lane road amidst of paddy field. Upon reaching near his home, GA greeted us and showed the house. His parents and brother live here. They had two water wells and grooves, fields. The atmosphere was very nice. Calm, away from the city buzz.

This is something many have in mind, particularly the city dwellers. Most want to own a farm house, spend quite hours and be close to the nature. Hardly few of us get a chance to do so. Even who does, not sure how many can enjoy to the fullest without feeling the boredom.

Thanks to GA for inviting us to a different heaven, less experienced by many of us.

The selfish Gene

Very interesting book by Richard Dawkins. The book throws a different perception about world and life. The way genetic materials behave, think, plan etc are amazing concept. The scientific findings are given in a layman format. Analogies like functioning of computers, science fiction stories etc help a lot in understanding complicate topics.

Earlier I had many doubts like the male attraction
This books clears such doubts and open our eyes on many areas. For eg, I had been in the impression that the beautiful feathers, tusks, lion's facial hairs etc are ornamental and luxury. Looks like they have purpose and also used as measuring gauge to check the animal's health. (this is comparable to the by gone practice - while searching for a bride, the groom's side ask if the girl can sing or dance. )

Many of our day to day simple acts have roots till the pre-historic animal rituals. Just to mention few of the fascinating ideas :

• limited resource enable species to slowly evolve and acquire new skills or new equipments


• why do other birds feed cuckoo's baby (at the cost of their own)


• on a general scale, why predominantly males wander off or break out of relationship?


• what is the significance of diamond ring for proposal?

Read the book Selfish Gene to get many more questions answered.

btw, the soldier anecdote is pulled from this book.

Friendly enemies

Happen to catch this anectode while reading about symbotic relations and Prisoner's Dilemma.

From a blog of British officer during one of the world wars:

I was having tea with A company when we heard a lot of shouting and went to investigate. We found our men and the Germans standing on their respective parapets. Suddenly a salvo arrived but did no damage. Naturally both sides got down and our men started swearing at the Germans, when all at once a brave German got on to his parapet and shouted out 'We are very sorry about that; we hope no one was hurt. It is not our fault, it is that damned Prussian artillery.'

Air hostess requirement

Happen to go through an advt from a leading airlines. Apart from the standards, there were few notable points.

• age between 18 to 27
• edu can be HSC & up
• status - single (that is interesting)
• min height - taller than me :-(
• no scars, tattoos etc in visible parts

Acknowledging the proposal

Prompt reply was sent to the proposal for the car:

Dear aspirant of a car,

Your project is well aimed and lists out the motive. However, the proposal lacks certain vital criteria:

• the risk factors
• pros and cons
• budget section is incomplete without sundry costs like registration and there off.
• what about maintenance?

Kindly furnish these details for your proposal to be consider for further actions.

Regards
Balaji

Disclaimer: All the above statements are expressed as per the mood of Balaji at 6.45pm on 6th Feb of 8. These and any of the unsaid statements may change as the time goes on. The receipt and reply of your proposal doesnot gaurentee acceptance of your whims and fancies. Any conflict arising out of this dealing shall be settled at The Court Of Balaji.

A strange proposal

Got an interesting requirement in the mail:

Buying a car for our family

Author: Swarna
Date: 6th Feb 2008

Background:

We have moved to Manipal where we might stay for a few years at least. As it rains continuously in Manipal from the month of June to October, commuting becomes difficult on a two-wheeler in those months. So, hereby I put forward the proposal of buying a car for our family.

Review of literature:
From their time of invention, cars have been a comfortable means of transport compared to two wheelers. Though it is also considered to be a symbol of status and luxury, it is very advantageous to own a car for the following reasons.

1. We can get protection from the fury of the weather, be it the smoldering sun, the chilling winter or a torrential rain. Weather will not be a limiting factor in our moving from place to place. This becomes important in places where the weather conditions are extreme.
2. We can escape the air-pollution in an AC car. It is important from the health point of view, since air-pollution is seemingly becoming one of the important causes for the onset and aggravation of respiratory diseases.(for Bala)
3. The better shock-absorbers in a car are less troublesome for people with spinal problems. Two-wheelers aggravate those problems esp. on bumpy roads (for Swarna)

Choosing the car:
The car we want to buy depends on why we want to buy it. Looking at our current need, i.e, we need a car to get transported during the rains, a basic model would suffice which would have an AC and a power steering.

AC is required because, when it rains, the windows have to be closed and it can get very stuffy without AC. (This comes with an addition of around 30-35000Rs upon the non-AC version)

Power- steering is required for us because it takes lot of effort to steer the car otherwise, and it can be a very tiring experience to drive without that. (This comes with an addition of around 20000Rs)

Now, the next question is, choosing the brand.

Maruti and Hyundai seem to be good in servicing and have a better re-sale value compared to the other brands. Compared to Hyundai, Maruti’s service is better, spares are easily available and cheaper. And also Maruti has some very good , pocket- friendly basic models compared to Hyundai. So, going for Maruti cars is a good choice.

The basic models available in Maruti are

1. Maruti 800
2. Maruti alto

Alto is better than M800 because

• M800 models do not have power steering
• Alto’s body is better built and offers more safety during collisions compared to M800
• Alto’s engine is better and it has 5 gears

All the above advantages and some more features come for a price difference of around 50000. So, weighing the benefits against odds, buying an Alto seems to be more sensible. (power-steering itself would cost around 20000Rs. So the better built and better engine comes for just 30000 Rs extra)

So, now going for a Maruti- Alto with AC and power steering (model LXi) seems to be the best choice.

Used or new?
The next question to be addressed is to buy a new one or used one?
Disadvantages of a new car:

• The moment a new car is driven out of the show room, its value depreciates by 20% and after that whether it is used or not, its value depreciates by 10% every year

Disadvantages of a used car:

• its very difficult to assess the condition of the car properly and correctly value the car
• it is sometimes difficult to get the car of your choice as a second hand in good condition

If there are budget constraints, and the car would be used only sparingly, it is wise to go for a used car with the help of a good mechanic.

If you happen to come across the car of your choice in a good bargain, it is a really good deal (as happens to be case now with us)

So, going for an alto in good condition as second hand is indisputably the best option !

Budget:

Coming to the formidable question of budgeting the project…

A research on buying used cars says that, the car of our choice (alto LXi) in good condition, as a second hand can be bought from 1.7 lakhs to over 2 lakhs depending upon the age of the car.

So, the minimum budget requirement is 1.7 Lakhs. Considering our financial situation, we can keep the maximum to be around 2 Lakhs

Conclusion:

So, I hereby conclude by proposing that we buy a Maruti-alto LXi, preferably a second-hand in good condition, which might require a budget of between 1.7 to 2 Lakhs.

References:

http://www.carwale.com/
http://www.mouthshut.com/
http://www.autocarindia.com/

Under the starry nights

Ever enjoyed sleeping in the terrace? Recently I had the opportunity - to admire at the majestic creation roofed above us. What an wonderful things, just twinkling ignoring the minor specs like us. The weather was pleasant and the atmosphere silent. I was stark naked! Only a thin blanket separated me and the stars. (Thanks to my wife who pulled off my dhoti in order to prevent me from going outside. Who cares about dress code when we enjoy the nature)

Many questions started springing from myself. When there are so many massive stars, planets, (in fact, galaxies and galaxies of stars) laying around, why do we feel space crunch? In fact, we feel scarcity for most of the resources. May be the time and space are separating us from the ready reachability. Other reason could be the way we misuse the resources and suffer. Or the usable resource might be in scarce surrounded by void or waste resources.

Another irrelevant thought occurred while gazing the stars. The way our perspective change as we gain knowledge about certain things. In olden literature, stars are seen as ornamental - from poetic view. They talk about hero pulling out stars to prepare a necklace for the heroine. However, there is a drift in that view. Recent flim songs and the poets view stars as a place. Hero says he will place the girl in so and so star. She responds with concern of melting out due to the over heat from the stars. Science findings does influence the literature.

Well, it became too cold outside. Dropped the ego and went into the house.

Wrong house

When it comes to getting internet connection, I end up being at the wrong house. The ill luck started being in the midst of the city. Airtel couldnt give a broadband connection because the house I was was slightly away from their network of connections. Had to settle with a slow gprs connection.

Then faced a strange issue when moving to a second tier city. The area counseler was not allowing airtel connection into the ward where I moved in. This ended up with struggling with a substandard connection.

Now in a town, airtel is happy to provide connection to right side of the street and not to the left. Guess where my house is .. yeap, in the left side. Apart from the lefties and righties strangeness, they have provided a line to the house just in front of us (which is in left), but still not to our house. Guess they know me whichever part of the world I go.

Atleast I got other form of connections in earlier cases. But in the town, I am not able to get a landline too. The house in front of us has a landline, house to left and right has. The ground floor house has a connection but not us. They said they have exhausted all the connections!! Now I see them dig the street to find a new point to allot us.

an evening time into the woods

My wife said she was hungry and want to have some evening snacks. Instead of going to traditional joints, I thought of exploring the surroundings. There is a steep road going behind our house. I thought it will lead to some village. We went in that road in the bike. I road was too steep that I was worried about climbing up.

Soon it became scenic. There were many small birds, paddy field etc. We spotted a peacock too. It was a nice environment. As we proceeded, it became more and more dense with trees and cooler. The tar road became mud road. Width of the road was also reducing. At one point we thought the road had ended and we were expecting a cliff. After reaching there, we realized a small bridge connecting other side of a running stream. Quite adventurous ride to cross the narrow bridge.

After a while, we found a temple and few shops near by. Had dosa at one of those village restaurants. Very tasty compared to what we get in the town. The soft drinks were also home made and local branded. Different from our pepsi and coke.

No sooner we left the village spot, we figured the familiar malls and lodges greetings us. We were into the thick and den of the city/town. If we had reached that small restaurant through the main road from the city, we wouldn't have felt the same way as we discovered it from the wood.

The evolution

When I was a kid, I had to go often to near by "pala-sarakku kadai", literarily meaning "multi-material shop". This had the provisionary items, veggies, candies, etc. Massive wooden desk would block you from entering into the shop. All you can do is, stand in the street outside the shop (sometimes along with crowded customers) and try to grab the attention of anyone of the four person serving from inside. Once you get the attention, u shd quickly list out the items you want. The guy would vanish into the dark side of the shop. None of the ordered items will be visible to us. After awhile, he will come out carrying paper bundles. If you had exceeded certain limit in purchase, u will get brown colored free gunny bag to put the bundles. The itemized bill will be a hand scribbled list in a piece of paper. (btw, they do buy old notebooks from you, may be for the billing purpose).

Then things changed. Gunny bags were old fashioned. Paper bundles were barbaric. The in-thing is plastic wrappers and covers. Goods were pre-packed and kept in the showcase. Now the shop is called "Stores". We were allowed inside the shop. The massive desk in the previous shops were bent into a big U-shaped desks and ran in parallel to the show cases. Service folks stood in between the desk and the show case. U could point the items you want and they placed those in the desk. Finally billed with a teleprinter, goods were placed inside a shining, attractive plastic bag with their store name written big.

Today I go to shopping malls and super bazaars. I can reach the goods all by myself. Even if I move without a trolley, someone pushes one into my hand. Now I am able to compare prizes, quality and other factors before buying stuff. After collecting the things, I meet the shopping personal at the billing counter (mostly 'she', as I have option to choose the counter). Thou the things are placed inside plastic bags, they make you feel guilty to do so. Seems like it is no more cool, but cruelty against nature. You are supposed to bring your own bag or buy a bag from them - it is our good old gunny bag, this time it is white.

New home

Currently settling down at the new town. Things are bit different. It is a small town, less populated. Quite calm and nice. My home is in the suburb, not far from the town center; just two turns and within 2km reach. Been a while staying at a walkable distance from the city center :-)

There are less choices to make for various services and restaurants - that is a plus and minus. The town is highly female populated as majority of guys had gone abroad for jobs and this town has medium scale industries promising jobs for girls.

Still waiting for my luggage and articles to arrive. A local lorry strike is holding my stuff from delivery. Hope they will arrive soon in good condition.

Joy of the roadside

Other day I was walking along the street. Found a decent road side food stall. It had around 5 tables to accommodate 20 guests. The hotel was run by a north indian family. I love such joints run by families as we can expect homely food. Whatever money we give in a standard star hotels, we never can get this taste. I guess the quality control and over-hygiene consciousness kills the taste. I believe the hygiene, quality, taste, ambience (if possible), cost should be applied in moderation. Compromising something totally for other factors may not be acceptable by many.

Happen to meet some people how are too conscious about such road side hotels. More than the hygiene part, their social status block their way to enter into such places. They imagine the world is at their back and watch whatever they do (as thou the world has no other job to do). Such ego-maniacal, self centered people will realize what they have been missing when their vanity vanishes ... will they?

how do they rate a magazine article

If we have an article in the web, we can easily find the reader volume. We can attach n number of tools to the page to track the readers and know zillion of info about them. Also we have sophisticated comment section, forums and other means to share idea to know about the topic, people.

On the contrary, how do they rate a particular article in a magazine? How many had read, what age group liked it, do they expect any followup or related articles? Do they do this only based on the snail mail, phone calls they receive? I have been reading articles from childhood and never communicated to the publishers. I guess most of the readers are like me. If that is the case, how can they get a reasonable data?

May be they use the minimal data they get and try to extrapolate for the wider audience.

seeing blank jsf page?

My jsf apps was working fine. I had to include few html tags and guess what .. none of the pages are displayed there after. No error, no display. After debugging and net search, I figured out that the outtext after f:view is the culprit. By removing it, order was restored and citizens lived happily ever after (until they hit upon the next bug).

Dataflow through pages

What is the right way of passing info from one web page to another? When it comes to jsf+adf, things get murky. Upon googling, I stumbled into pageFlowScope. As that was what I looked for, I started using the same. However while accessing the pageFlowScope api from the java code, problems started appearing. First I faced invalid property name exception - this exception, error msg was misleading. Upon tweaking the lib, I got 404.

Now I tried downloading more libs and upgrading the ide version. That didn't help. After some more search in the net, I found processScope whose documents were exactly same as pageFlowScope. Looks like oracle took pageFlowScope code and doc, did a global search n replace to processScope. Anyway things are working after I moved to processScope.

I have a feeling that when I try to simulate GET behavior in jsf+adf, I will have one more sleepless night. Let me try that too.

A day at the bank

Yesterday I was at the bank to deposit money into an account. While entering the bank I was wondering what kind of issue I am going to face on that day - the reason is most of the time I had ended up like a fool or with a quarrel. Definitely not comfortable with the bank procedures. I thought I need to do a wire transfer as the account was in a distant city. Not able to find any suitable form, I approached the staff. He was quite friendly in guiding; that was a surprise.

After that I got a token from the vending machine hanging at the entrance. Bank has placed costly leather sofa sets in front of the counters. I was waiting for a seat to get empty and swiftly occupied it. Then came the waiting period. My token number is 150 and the running number was 48 ... oh! I did some simple maths to time the process. Out of the 3 or 4 counters, it took 30 minutes to handle 25 tokens. This includes missed tokens whose owners didn't turn up when they were called.

I had to wait for 2 hours. Since the bank was close to college, the customers were quite interesting and I was able to pass time easily. Once in a while I checked the running counter to verify my calculation. Thou there were times the tokens moved too slow, ultimately I was served in 2 hours.

This time my transaction went through without any issue. What a luck! otherwise I might have to wait another 2 hours. After coming out, I was wondering about the time spent there. Definitely the system is far better than what it used to be - that is standing in separate queues and seeing other queues moving fast. One approach could be that the customers get their tokens through phone or net. They also get to know the approx time +/- 30mins to be at the bank. This might save lots of time of customers and the workload, stress of the bank. Not sure about the technicality, feasibility and practicality.