Destination Infinity's Blog, page 69

Tablet + Keyboard Pouch = Mobile Computer/Lifestyle!!

A tablet, along with a keyboard pouch, can not only become a mobile computer, but can also enable a mobile lifestyle! 

Recently, I bought a Digiflip 7″ tablet. After a few days, I went to the IVU World Veg Fest 2014 event where many seminars were conducted over two days. By then, I was familiar with the tablet and realized how much can be done using it. So I decided to buy a Zeebronics keyboard for 7″ tablets (along with pouch and stand) to type quickly.

Due to this, whenever I got free time or there were boring seminars (some were), I turned On the tablet and started writing blog posts! Both WordPress and Blogger have mobile apps.   The keyboard being small was difficult to handle at first but by the end of the second day, I was typing faster. I could access facebook, twitter, email, etc. There are apps for everything!

Some tablets come with built-in 3G connectivity to access Internet on the go. But mine came only with Wi-Fi. So I turned On Wi-Fi mobile hotspot feature on my smart phone, and connected the tablet to the mobile via Wi-Fi. I was then able to use the Mobile 3G to connect the tablet to the Internet.

A tablet + keyboard is a powerful combination – I can take it with me anywhere and use it for work/play/media. The tablet is an effective alternative to a bulky laptop. My laptop has a pathetic battery life, but the tablet works longer.

Since my eyes get tired when I read for a long time in Kindle, I downloaded the FBReader app on the tablet, loaded my eBooks (after converting them into ePub via Calibre) and used the native TTS – Text to Speech function available in the app. Now, I am listening to books – Yaayyy!!

Some specs of Digiflip Pro ET701 Tablet, if you are eager:

1.2 Ghz Intel Atom Z2520 Dual Core Processor (OK).
1 GB RAM, 8 GB Internal Memory, Up to 32 GB expandable memory (SUPER).
7″ 1024 x 600 Screen (good clarity).
Wi-Fi, 3G via Dongle (I got ZTE dongle free with this and it works).
Android Kitkat 4.4.2 (excellent).
2 MP rear cam, 0.3 MP front cam (hopeless).
Sleek design, 272.6 grams (good).
2800 mAH battery (decent battery life, but could have been more).
3.5mm audio port (the speakers are pathetic, use your headphone or a portable speaker).
Micro USB port (I bought a Micro USB to USB adapter and was able to connect 3G data card, pen drive, and even my Camera to the tablet – SUPER).
Charger, USB cable included (headphone and OTG cable not included).

I bought this tablet from Flipkart for Rs. 3,999/-. For that price, these specs are AWESOME. The keyboard and OTG USB adapter cost Rs. 1000/-. The system is working fine so far (couple of weeks) and I hope it will continue that way.  But I don’t play games with it, so I don’t know how good it is for that. It’s sufficient for my applications. I hope to travel more and not miss being connected, from now on

Destination Infinity

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Blogger’s Meet With SG

Since SG who blogs at Shoot the Breeze is temporarily in Chennai, and I’ve been following his blog for more than 2 years, I thought why not meet him once. So we met at the GRT Grand Days hotel in Chennai last week. Actually, SG suggested the hotel, as he has been there once before. I was not aware of it, so I googled to check where it is. But then I found out that it is a Five Star hotel!! In my current situation I am not exactly looking forward to eat in five star hotels as the bill amount will be high. So I tried to convince him to meet at Coffee Day, but he once again suggested this place, so I accepted.

I went there ten minutes early and sent an sms to him from the lobby. A phone opposite to me buzzed, and then I realized he was sitting right opposite to me! We went into Copper Point restaurant in the ground floor.

The menu card was placed in front of us while we were talking and I was tensed even to look at the prices!! I ordered lassi – it was OK. Then I ordered fruit dosa. This is supposed to be a starter, but almost filled my stomach. It tastes very good though, so you might not want to miss this one if you go there. One plate (6 pieces) should be sufficient for three ppl.

Then we ordered butter naan and veg curry. I just ate one half and I was already full. Taste-wise, it was fine. North Indian restaurants and Punjabi Dhabas make this very well. Then we had a 1/2 kulfi as we were already full. In the end, they gave us a feedback form that was larger than Engineering entrance exam question paper!!

We spoke about a lot of things including blogging, bloggers we have met, posts, comments, etc. I was surprised that we were able to recollect some comments made before 2 years! I asked him who this superstar commenter ‘Who Says This’ was, and SG maintains that he is a friend in US SG paid the bill in the end, so thanks to him

I think we were there for about 2.5 hours and then I told him I had to leave for the Indian Biodiversity Congress expo at SRM college. When I reached SRM college, beyond Vandaloor zoo, I came to know that the expo was in the month of December, not November. Then why advertise it in the events section of the newspaper, in Nov.??! I had a  huge light bulb moment at the security office

On my way back, since I didn’t want that travel to be wasted, I took the photo of the interesting Tumbler shaped IT park building I found near SRM/Vandalur that you saw in the beginning of this post.

All in all, an afternoon and evening eventfully spent

Destination Infinity

PS: I can meet others also in five star restaurants, but you should follow the (bill paying) example set by SG

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The Mahabharata Quest (Book Review)

The Mahabharata Quest by Christopher C. Doyle is a contemporary thriller with little historical fiction sprinkled here and there. The book also attempts to connect mythological concepts with scientific. I liked the book and finished it quickly, but I wish the scientific explanations, though good and well researched, had been simpler and shorter.

The story revolves around a group who are in the quest for a secret mentioned in Mahabharata that will enable them to control the world. This secret was previously discovered by Alexander (the emperor), and he almost attained it. But destiny worked against him. Can this group get their hands on the secret that has been hidden and elusive for many centuries? Will Alexander’s path and records/inscriptions be sufficient to guide them there? 

The protagonist and his friends get involved in solving this mystery accidentally. The part where Alice lands in India – straight to the protagonist’s palace to solve the mystery, after escaping an assassination in Egypt is too much of a coincidence. Her presence was required, no doubt, but the reason could have been better.

The conflict scenes (in the museum and in the medical facility) have been narrated well and kept me flipping the pages quickly. But when the author reaches the rocks and mountains in the end, it was difficult to visualize the are – that should have been explained in a clearer way, especially for people who are not familiar with mountainous terrain.

The action scenes are good and sufficient to keep the reader hooked, but they were not as good as what we see in movies. Also, at places, it becomes easy to predict what is going to happen. The mystery and scientific details have been well researched and well presented – it could have been shorter, though.

The book is more contemporary, than historical, the latter just supporting the contemporary events. There is a lot of mythology and science. Also, it is the first book in a series. Hence, although this is a self contained story, there are some gaps and unanswered questions. The bad(?) people are not caught at the end and we don’t know what happened to some main characters – that’s disappointing!!

This 350 page book was a quick read for me, surprising considering I am a slow reader. So that’s a compliment to the author. However, the font size is small, and that’s an inconvenience. I wonder why they don’t give away eBooks for review – it’s cheaper for publishers, and easier to read on Kindle for readers. eBooks could at least be an option for reviewers who want them – I’ll opt for it. ePub or Kindle format should be fine.

A good fast-paced scientific-mythological thriller for a weekend read.

Destination Infinity

PS: This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

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Redhills Lake/Puzhal Eri, Chennai

This beautiful sight is waiting to enchant you on Redhills Lake/ Puzhal Eri on the outskirts of Chennai. It seems, this is a man-made rain-fed water reservoir originally constructed in 1876, but later expanded to hold the Krishna river water coming from Andhra. It was almost afternoon when I went there, but the climate was cool and the sun was hiding behind the clouds to give me the perfect lake ambiance 

As you can see in the distance, there is a dam that regulates the water flow to the drinking water pipelines to be carried into Chennai (I guess). This is one of the three water reservoirs that supplies water for the city of Chennai. I have fond memories of this lake/eri as we could see the lake from the third floor classroom of our college, and that’s what we did to escape the lectures!

Coming back to the present, this is the road that runs on an elevated platform on one side of the lake. It stretches to more than a couple of Kilometers and one can drive on it using a bike, which is what I did. Although small cars can also go on this road, the road is in a bad condition and it narrows down at certain points. So I don’t suggest taking your car up there. Also, don’t try to walk the entire stretch – it’s too long!

The route is refreshingly green. I found overgrown plants and shrubs almost throughout, which contrasts with the city-view on the other side of the elevated stretch/road. There is a huge man-made structure in the center of the above photo – not sure what it’s for – but it adds to the look of the place.

Unexpectedly, I found interesting sights on the other side of the stretch too. Now why are so many cars resting here? Is this a workshop for old cars or warehouse for new cars or parking for marriage hall or something else altogether?

There were a few fishermen fishing in this lake. Can you see one in the above photo? Apart from them, this route is totally secluded. I did find a few other motorists occasionally on my way, but they were too few – four, maybe. So be prepared to be totally alone for a few Kilo Meters if you decide to go. Also make sure your tires are in good condition.

How to get there: It’s easy to miss the entrance for this elevated stretch/road on the edge of (a part of) the lake. From the Chennai-Nellore Highway, catch the main road on the left that goes into Redhills suburb. While going towards Redhills, there will be an opening on the left where you’ll find a road going up, but in the reverse direction. I missed this road while going, but while coming back, I got it! If you miss it, take a U-Turn once the road moves away from the lake, and you’ll find a road going up on your right hand side.

Destination Infinity

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Les femmes du 6ème étage (French Movie Review)

In order to make my blog feel haute and uber-cool, I went to the Alliance Francaise’s (French Consulate, Chennai) French Movie screening of “Les femmes du 6ème étage” which translates to “The Women on the sixth floor”. And I wasn’t disappointed 

This movie is a comedy. Well, light/sublime humor.

Released in 2011, the movie is set in 1962 (Paris, France). The story goes like this: The maids of a few house-owners in Paris are housed in the 6th floor of their building in pitiable conditions. A new Spanish maid, Maria comes to work in Jean-Louis’s family who runs a stocks trading company, and has a wife, two kids.

Jean-Louis is fed up of his official and personal life, and lives a mechanical existence. Once Maria comes into his house, he gets acquainted with the other Spanish maids living on the 6th floor, and starts admiring their – what seems to him to be – lively way of living. He also falls for Maria. What happens from there, is the story.

The plus points of this movie are: Interesting story, brilliant casting, believable characterization, good sense of humor (at times) and lively recreation of life in the 60s. The philosophy/message is hidden within the comedy and hence it doesn’t feel heavy. If you just want to enjoy the humorous scenes, you can.

But this movie, like most movies, tries to take advantage of the viewer’s (false) expectation of a happily-ever-after philosophy resulting from certain life-altering choices. Even though the climax ends happily and leaves the viewer with happy emotions, it’s easy to see through what the movie has omitted or shown selectively in order to make us feel so.

I am not saying this is wrong. Heck, this is the best way to make a hit movie. But a movie should give realistic insights that a viewer can take away. Even though this movie progresses brilliantly and exploits the weaknesses of the elite class, is the scenario shown in the end ideal? Does that solve every problem? Doesn’t it feel like a fairy tale?

But then, movies only reflect reality. In real life, we people believe in something being the ultimate solution for everything. And we cling on to it. That something could be marriage, certain amount of money, a house, a car, etc. But only after we attain that something, after having worked for it for many years, we awake to the reality that it doesn’t result in a happily-ever-after, after all!

Second, the characterization of the main protagonist Jean-Louis – even though I am not acquainted with French people – doesn’t seem realistic. Actually, it feels as if he is too gullible and too submissive for his age and position. Was his character created to satisfy the fantasies of a certain target audience?

However, the movie is interesting (and funny) enough to pass time pleasantly on a Sunday evening. Looking forward to see more French movies in the future. Thanks to Alliance Francaise

Destination Infinity

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Increasing Ratio of Girls over Guys in Engineering Colleges: A Good Trend

According to this article in Hindustan Times, the number of women who study Engineering has doubled over the last ten years. Even in other streams, their number has increased significantly. Women now constitute 41% of the total students enrolled in higher education. And that’s a good trend. 

When I was studying Engineering, around 35% of my class was comprised of girls. They used to get, on an average, better marks than guys. If you know what kind of subjects are covered in technical papers, you’d know how much effort it takes to score marks in them.

I guess in the cities girls outnumber and outperform guys. Except in certain technical streams like Mechanical Engineering, I find a good number of girls in almost every other stream. Maybe in rural areas and small towns, societal/parental   restrictions might prevent girls from taking up technical education, hence they may prefer humanities/sciences.

Ideally, the enrollment ratio in higher education should be 50:50 for men and women, but in a country where even the birth ratio is tilted towards men, this will take sometime to achieve. 

In cities, the awareness towards higher education, jobs and self sufficiency for women is good. But it is important to create awareness in small towns and rural areas too.

However, when it comes to work, I have noticed that a considerable percentage of women drop out, especially post-marriage or post-child birth. I don’t think this is good.

Women need to be independent and have their own source of income in order to have an equal say in the family. So, if they are stopped from going to work, the scales tilt. In many cases, that’s what happens.

As we become a developed nation, our needs and wants will also increase, and so will the cost of living. One person working will not be sufficient to manage a family, anywhere.

I think it’s important for men and women to share the responsibility post-marriage/post-child birth equally so that neither of them need to sacrifice their career.

One way to do that might be to continue living in a joint family even after marriage so that elders can be helpful by sharing responsibilities like cooking and taking care of children (to an extent).

At the end of the day, everything depends on individual decisions. So it’s important for women to stand up to their rights. Let’s hope our society will become a more equal society, with equal opportunities and support for women in technical education and workplaces, in a few generations from now.

Destination Infinity

PS: This is a sponsored post for CollegeDunia, a portal that helps students to evaluate and find top colleges and institutes in India. 

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Check for Coupons before you book Travel/Flights

Zoutons.com is a site where you can avail coupons and save money, especially if you buy high-value items or services like flight/travel bookings.

At the time of writing this article, I checked the travel coupons section of Zoutons. I found three offers on Jet Airways and Air India Flights booked through goibibo.com. They are:

1. Flat Rs. 1000/- off on domestic round-trip flights; Flat Rs. 4000/- off on international flights.

2. Flat Rs. 200/- off on domestic one-way flights.

3. Flat 5% off on business-class bookings.

Of course, there are some terms and conditions like minimum booking value, etc. These coupons were issued for the popular travel website goibibo.com that gives a minimum price guarantee. I went to goibibo.com to check whether the coupon actually works.

I searched for flights from Chennai to Mumbai on November 22, and back from Mumbai to Chennai on November 25. There were a number of options from various airlines, but since the offer was for Jet Airlines and Air India, I chose two Air India flights. 

The total ticket value came to Rs. 15, 322/- for the round-trip. I came back to zoutons, clicked on the avail offer button, and got a promo code for round-trip discount. Zoutons said I will get Rs. 1000/- off.

I already got a couple of hundred rupees discount at goibibo.com for the round-trip. The moment I applied this code just before personal details/checkout, Rs. 1000/- was magically discounted from my total ticket value!!

So it works.

I think, being a smart shopper is important as we can save a good deal of money by applying coupons, if available. So why not check travel/flight coupons in zoutons.com next time you do a flight booking or travel-related booking. You might be able to save a considerable amount of money!

Zoutons.com offers many more coupons in popular e-commerce stores across India in categories like electronics, clothing, appliances, footwear, baby products, books, etc. So why not check out this site next time you are going to buy something expensive on the net?

Destination Infinity

PS: This is a sponsored post.

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Prison Bazaar: Buy Products made by Prisoners!

Prison Bazaars sell food items and other products manufactured by prisoners across Tamil Nadu. I went to the Prison Bazaar next to the Puzhal Central prison in Chennai to check out what’s in the offering.

There is a bakery unit located at the Puzhal prison where prisoners manufacture biscuits, cakes, and other bakery items. Other items like pickles, sweets, puffs, rusk, mixer, other confectioneries, shirts, bed-sheets, rain-coats, etc. are manufactured in prisons across TN and are distributed to  Prison bazaars in Puzhal Prison, IG Prisons office – Egmore & Saidapet Prison (in Chennai).

Here’s what I had there – One veg. puff & tea. Both were very good The person who served me asked me if I knew who was serving him. He was wearing white-and-white, so I sort of guessed, but I said ‘no’. He then told me that prisoners are employed to sell the products to customers in these shops! I asked him what he did to become a prisoner, he blushed and told me ‘bad influence’. I didn’t push to ask him further on this

I was half-tempted to buy and eat this cake. But since I had a puff and tea, and was not hungry, I decided against it. I’ve been cursing myself since for not eating it – maybe I should go once again. However, I bought a few other items for home.

Their products are sold under the ‘Freedom’ brand. Above shown are: Ompodi, coconut mixture, boondhi laddu, rava laddu, peanut biscuit. The taste is good – we almost finished everything. The price is reasonable and lesser than what we get outside. There are two police officers also in the shop – they told me that only fresh stocks are sold.

It seems people who visit prisoners are allowed to buy these products and give it to inmates inside. Public is allowed (and encouraged) to buy the products as it will support the efforts of the prison administration to make prisoners more productive, and teach them a skill or two which can be useful outside the prison too. So, if you go by these shops, why not buy something from Prison Bazaar and encourage their noble activity?

Destination Infinity

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Gone Girl (Movie Review)

How far would one woman go to save her marriage? That’s the gist of the movie ‘Gone Girl’ written by Gillian Flynn and directed by David Fincher. At 149 minutes, you’d expect this movie to drag, but it doesn’t. Excellently written (and directed) movie.

Amy and Nick are unhappily married for five years. The cause for their unhappiness ranges from recession to adultery. On the day Nick decides to propose Divorce, Amy goes missing. Police suspect Nick murdered Amy, but they search for her anyway.

Since Amy is a famous author, the media starts following the story with interest. The media plays a crucial part in all their actions that follow. The lawyer openly admits that the case is going to be about what people think and not what happened.

Has Amy been murdered? Will she come back? What does she want?

In spite of the length (2.5 hours), the movie manages to keep the audience in the edge of their seats. The movie doesn’t hide anything about anyone – all the people are realistic, and as selfish as they ever are! There is no Good Vs. Bad – it’s about who is able to control and influence. Just like in real life.

Amy says she doesn’t want to be controlling, like other wives. But in the end, she learns a lesson or two about marriage, and conveys it (to the audience) without mincing words/actions. There is only one way to make a marriage work, and that is . . .  I am sure you guessed it right

For a change, it’s very good to see the truth (about people, their intentions, and their actions) being portrayed as such, in a movie. This movie has been adapted from a super duper hit novel (of the same name), and hence maybe the multiple-layered realism.

This movie is realistic storytelling, but events/actions have been amplified to make it interesting.

Useful viewing for gullible young wives, especially in liberated societies.

The message is drilled down hard. Very hard.

Destination Infinity

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Healthy Biscuits in India

In my quest to switch over to healthy snacks here in India, I have decided to replace unhealthy biscuits with (relatively) healthy ones. My definition of a healthy biscuit is – it should not be made of maida, it should have limited sugar (should not be overly sweet), and it should not contain cream, chocolates, and other unhealthy toppings. 

So here are some options I found near my home:

Britannia NutriChoice Oats biscuits.
Britannia NutriChoice Ragi biscuits.
Millet-based biscuits. (Thean thinai; varagu – kodo millet; kambu – pearl millet/bajra; samai – little millet; kuthiravallil – barnyard millet; ragi; etc.)

Britannia also makes NutriChoice 5-Grain and Digestive biscuits, which I guess are healthy too. But the Oats and Ragi biscuits mentioned above have been labeled as ‘diabetic friendly’ and hence I hope my sugar-level will not rise dramatically by eating them.

I found the millet-based biscuits manufactured by Joule Foods in Organic shops and Nilgiris Supermarket near my house. These cookies are good.

These biscuits are not only healthier, but are reasonably tasty. If you are like me – health-conscious and all – you won’t mind the little sacrifice of taste for healthy snacking.

Eating healthy food is the best medicine. Go ahead and switch over to healthier biscuits now.

Destination Infinity

PS: Do you know any other healthy biscuits? Let me know in the comments section.

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