Blotter!

No One Killed Jessica!

Nikhil — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:01:08 +0000

This movie is a must watch!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Happy Holidays!!

Nikhil — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Wishing everyone very happy holidays, Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!!!

Filed under: Greetings, New Year, Xmas

test

Nikhil — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:32:35 +0000

This is just a test. Thanks

Filed under: Uncategorized

Structural Unemployment – Is there a solution?

Nikhil — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:33:00 +0000

Paul Krugman explains how Structural” unemployment is a fake problem, which mainly serves as an excuse for not pursuing real solutions

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/opinion/27krugman.html

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Work From Home and Actually Be Productive!

Nikhil — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:21:00 +0000

These days companies encourage employees to work form home. This is actually for the benefit of the company - save money on office space and parking, reduce absenteeism, and improve morale. This is how company can reduce per employee expense and still have a better productivity.

I came across an article on Samsung website which illustrated how we can be productive even when we are working from home. I thought it was worth sharing as most of us, at some point in time, require to work from home full time/ part time.

Breaking Free from Your Cubicle

One of the biggest advantages to working from home is saving time and eliminating stress. Even if you telecommute only a few days a week, that’s less time you’ll have to spend traveling back and forth, less time in traffic or sitting on a crowded train. Instead, going to the “office” will simply mean rolling out of bed and walking to another room.

Stay Away from the Fridge, the TV, and the Kids

Working from home requires discipline, so don’t create your own distractions. Dedicate a space solely for work, and make sure it’s comfortable, quiet, and clutter-free. Structure your time and take breaks when you need them. If there are children in your house, try to find a space where you can work with the door shut. It might be wise to pack a lunch for yourself each morning, as if you were going to the office. This will help limit mindless snacking during the day. (It also means that you won’t have to stop in the middle of the day to make lunch.) Finally, assess whether you work better with music or without, and plan accordingly.

Get the Tools to Get the Job Done

When it’s time to get down to business, your home office should be equipped with everything you need to be productive. Invest in the right tools, and you’ll get more accomplished in less time.

For instance, a notebook computer gives you the freedom to move from room to room, while Wi-Fi keeps you online wherever you go. A fast processor allows you to run multiple applications with ease, and a roomy keyboard with a comfortable keypad makes typing all day long a breeze. Be sure to have a good lamp and an ergonomic chair, too.

If you’re working on a desktop computer, you might consider replacing your old CRT with an ultra-thin LCD-LED monitor, such as the widescreen Samsung PX2370. It saves space, produces high-quality images, and reduces eye strain. These monitors also use up to 40 percent less power than conventional CRTs, and because they generate less heat, you might save on air conditioning costs as well.

Ideas for Small Spaces

If you’re tight on space, many printers boast compact design yet still deliver essential features, including fast print speed and large paper capacity. If you choose a wireless printer, you can place it almost anywhere in your home. That’s especially helpful if your home office is small, or if you have to share a network with anyone else in your household. Multifunction printers, which can copy, scan and fax, are another space-saving idea.

Smart phones can serve as personal assistants at home, keeping you organized and on track to meet your deadlines. A Samsung Jack with Windows Mobile™ 6.1 lets you access the full Microsoft Office Mobile Suite, so all your appointments and business documents are available at any time. And multiple messaging with Wi-Fi allows you to SMS, MMS, Instant Message, email and video message at high speed, helping you stay connected, no matter where you are.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Photography Lessons – 1

Nikhil — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:25:00 +0000

I am back in Dallas and I am feeling really good about it. It felt as if things started where I left them a year and a half back. The only difference is that now everyone is out of school and is now working. So on our first weekend we just thought of trying out Naik’s new DSLR Nikon 5000 and below are some pics that I clicked on my Sony H9.

In the pics – Vishal, Bhide and Naik

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Filed under: Photography, Portrait

Dallas! Me aalo re!

Nikhil — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Going to dallas after a long time. Its going to be nostalgic. I still remember my first flight into the US. Pratik and me unaware of what we have in store for us. It was hard to leave family behind going to the unknown. But it has been a great journey. I have made my best friends there whom I know for sure will stay with me thru thick and thin. Visiting them now is as good as visiting family back home.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

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HOW TO: Legally Structure your Startup

Nikhil — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:09:00 +0000

HOW TO: Legally Structure your Startup

With my friends either completing their education or getting into prestigious business schools. I am sure at some point in time everyone is thinking of starting their own start up. Above link will help you understand some legal aspects to start a start up. Hope it helps.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Blogs and Social Networking

Nikhil — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Facebook and Twitter have definitely opened new horizons to express oneself. Or should I say ‘To express oneself and be heard!’. So at times I wonder whether these social networking sites are demotivating users from writing blog?

I tried to reason out whether I should continue with this blog or not as I observed myself I tend to spend more time on Facebook and Twitter sharing interesting news around the world or tweeting (micro blogging) my thoughts and opinions on the spot. Until lately when my dad was going through a procedure and I tried to find out more about the diagnosis from whatever constructive medical reports doctors gave. And I was surprised to find most of the material in the form of blogs. Lots of first hand experiences from the patients, lots of first hand medical information from the top quality doctors around the world. Though social networking sites are an easier way to share information, blogs have their own essence. And I sincerely think both can co exist.

When you want to write a blog you have to gather your thoughts, streamline them and write it in a form of a script. I agree it is a bit of a work but at the same time it is a self development process in which you get trained to express yourself in the best way possible.

Filed under: Blogs, Facebook, Social Networking, Twitter

Tree House Camp 13th – 14th March West Virginia

Nikhil — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Rain storm warning from the weather experts predicting heavy rain showers on the weekend, heavy load of work during the week and one-way six hours drive to the camp; an ideal situation to cancel the planned tree house camp in West Virginia. And as any wise person would do, I was just about to cancel my trip due to all the odds mentioned above. I felt there was no point to go to the camp just for a night.

On one side there was rain, muck, possibility of getting stuck in the rain for hours and driving 12-15 hours in two days between two very busy weeks and on the other side there was the thrill in driving a full size SUV in the rain storm, beautiful landscape of West Virginia and an adventurous camping experience in the rain and cold. I am glad I chose the later.

Hence I rented Ford Explorer for the journey – full size 8 seater SUV. Awesome car! Its huge and still not very heavy to drive. You feel that you kinda own the road you drive!  As punctual as I am, I was already 4 hours late to leave for the camp. Thanks to an amazing Friday evening with my colleagues – dinner at Cheesecake Factory and Bowling- I slept at 2 am in the morning. By the time I left for the camp it was already 10 am, so I thought I might as well buy an AUX cable to plug my ipod in the car for the thrilling journey ahead.

This does remind me of one line which Nupura had shared with me (she came across this in one of the TED presentations). ‘Invest in the journey not in the outcome!’ I kind of took the first part that in the literal sense . So I bought snacks and soda for my way. Bought two packs of Oreos for my friends and left for the camp!

It was a very heavy rain, I couldn’t even see the car in front of me and still all the cars were running at 60 mph speed. It was an awesome experience. My car just cruised along and as I was driving, visibility got better and my ipod played ‘Suhaana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam Haseen’. And please don’t be mistaken that I was driving alone all the way, my car was the ideal companion for the journey. I just don’t understand when someone says he/she hates driving; it’s the best activity ever!

I met Nupura and Rishab in a small town called Harpers Ferry. The locals and the government had indeed preserved the European flavor to the town. It was the prettiest town I had seen in the US so far. We ate at a barbeque shack which did remind me of Rudy’s in Texas. Then we headed to our tree house camp. That was when I again thanked myself for renting this wonderful car coz it climbed the mucky hill as if it was running on a smooth road. The whole evening was spent trying to light the fire. The wood logs had absorbed the moisture in the air so it was a bit of a task to get the fire started. Chilean Merlot, Maggi noodles and other snacks made the evening more special.

Next morning we woke up thinking that we slept an extra hour until we realized that there was a day light saving time change and an hour skipped. We started our journey back home, it was a gloomy day but the drive was wonderful with lush green farm fields on either side of the road, huge ‘Texas- size’ ranches and amazing landscapes. It was then that we realized what ‘rich’ life actually is. What is it to be with nature, to be with God!

Then we stopped at an Italian restaurant named Olive Garden. Rishab and Nupura treated me for my upcoming engagement. The funny thing about this place that I remember was the toast. Nupura raised the toast saying ‘drive safely’! ha-ha! After the lunch I left for my 5 hour drive to get back to New Jersey.

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Filed under: Uncategorized