My Photo Album-37: "Achu washing clothes"

Achu is a great do-it-yourselfer. When we try to feed him, he refuses; he prefers to eat the food without anybody's assistance; while walking also, if you try to hold his hand, he shakes it off. He wants to be independent. Here he is seen washing his own clothes. See how totally he is absorbed in the work. Photos taken by Suri using his Canon Powershot A590 camera.

TED Talks: "The Future Beckons You at TED India"

I am a member of the TED Community and great admirer of TED Talks. I have received a mail about upcoming TED conference to be held in Mysore, India during November 4-7, 2009. Under the theme “The Future Beckons,” TEDIndia will be presenting for three days inspiring speakers from the worlds of technology, entertainment, design, science, business and the arts. Join TED India and those who have the opportunity to participate/witness the conference, are most welcome to do so. I am reproducing the mail received by me from TED Team in full:

date Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 9:30 PM
subject: Join us at TEDIndia!

Dear Members of the TED Community,

We are thrilled to tell you about TEDIndia, the upcoming TED conference to be held in Mysore, India November 4-7, 2009.

About TEDIndia:

Under the theme “The Future Beckons,” TEDIndia will present three days of inspiring speakers from the worlds of technology, entertainment, design, science, business and the arts.

"At a time of huge economic uncertainty, one thing remains clear: There's been an unmistakable shift of influence to the east," says TED's Curator Chris Anderson. "We wanted to examine the future from the vantage point of India, a country that's re-inventing itself daily and whose influence is reshaping the world."

Inspired speakers and game-changing ideas, evocative locations and transporting entertainment: TEDIndia offers a vision of the future that's rich with invention, entrepreneurship, cross-disciplinary problem-solving, unexpected solutions and sensory delight. Hosted in a country that's reinventing itself - and reshaping the world …

TEDIndia will be held at the incredible high-tech campus built by Infosys to train its thousands of engineering graduates, representing the heart of the Asian outsourcing industry. And while we have not yet announced the speaker program, it's already shaping up to be an extraordinary line-up. Speakers will include India’s most promising innovators, from entrepreneurs to artists, storytellers to scientists. And about one third of the program will come from outside India. We’ll hear from celebrated global icons as well as undiscovered talent that’s due broader recognition.

To learn more about the conference, visit http://conferences.ted.com/TEDIndia/.

How to Attend:

1. Apply for a TEDIndia Membership: The registration fee for TEDIndia is US$2,000, plus $400 for all housing, meals and airport shuttle. Apply online here: http://www.ted.com/registration/tedindia.

2. Apply for a Reduced Price Membership: We will be offering a limited number of spots to individuals in the education and nonprofit worlds at a reduced price of US$1,000, plus $400 for all housing, meals and airport shuttle. Apply online here: http://www.ted.com/registration/tedindia

3. Apply to be a TEDIndia Fellow: We will be welcoming 100 Fellows to TEDIndia free of charge. Applications for the TED Fellows program close in just one week! To learn more about the program, visit www.ted.com/fellows. Apply online here: www.ted.com/fellows/apply.

We hope that you will consider joining us at TEDIndia!

All the best,

The TED Team
-----
Grateful thanks to TED Team

A Thought for Today-203:

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others - Mahatma Gandhi

My Photo Album-36: "Some Recent Photos of Achu"

Achu has now moved to Kovilpatti, where his father is working. During my recent visit to his house, I took the above photos with my Canon Powershot A590 camera. My wife says my skill as photographer has much to improve, as Achu looks better in person than in the photos. She is right, especially the angles are not that good. I have sought the help of my friend, Annamalai, who is a great artist and expert photographer. He is yet to take a kind-heart to me in this regard. Probably I will have go after him.

Achu already has a fan club among our friends and relatives. These photos are for them.

My Photo Album-35:

Latest photo of Suri. Taken on the morning of May 19, 2009 at Thiruvalluvar Nagar Beach, Chennai. You are seeing the Bay of Bengal in the background. Snapped by Aravind using Suri's Canon Powershot A590 camera. Officially Suri has crossed 60 last November. Of late, Suri finds it difficult to concentrate anything or think of writing or blogging. Practically he has posted very little in the last 10-15 days. Suri does not know how long this dry period will last. He seems to have lost the inclination to do anything, except some brief reading daily. At present, he is reading 'The City of God' by Dominique Lapierre which Vinod bought for Suri at Landmark, Citi Center during Suri's recent visit. He has covered about a hundred pages in the past seven days.

Today he has paid BSNL Rs.766/- towards the broadband connection he got with the idea of regular blogging and surfing. But very little use has been made of this by him and natually he feels guilty. Further, he finds it very disappointing. Let us hope and pray that this dry period soon passes and he starts blogging and surfing soon as in the past.

Websites to Watch-56: "SCITABLE"

Scitable is a collaborative learning space for science. It is also a free science library and personal learning tool brought out by Nature Publishing Group, the world's leading publisher of science.

Scitable currently concentrates on genetics, the study of evolution, variation, and the rich complexity of living organisms.

One can cultivate one's understanding of modern genetics on Scitable and can also explore the impacts of genetics on society.

At present it has more than 150 free, evidence-based articles that explain the science of genetics to undergraduate-level students.

One can also connect with a global community of faculty, researchers and students that share interest in genetics.

Students can ask an Expert a question.and access over 200 overviews of key concepts.

To visit the site:
http://www.nature.com/scitable

Grateful thanks to Nature and Professor Subbiah Arunachalam (for drawing my attention to the site).

Random Thoughts-27: "Smoking in Public Places"

Notwithstanding the law, I see many people smoking in public; they seem to be flaunting it in defiance and seem to be spoiling for a fight with anyone who even looks at them with annoyance. There is also a feeling that the state government is not very serious about implementing the law, their sympathies being with the smokers. Another reason could be that it was introduced by Dr.Anbumani Ramadoss. Whatever may be, we are all , including women and children, are still a victim of passive smoking.

These public-smokers stand near you and exhale tobacco fumes arrogantly, making it clear to you that they care two hoots of the law and for your health. I used to get mad when subjected to such arrogance. But, of late, I feel only sorry for them. What is the reason for this change of attitude?

I remembered one of these days that I also used to be a smoker during my college days; but I used to do it secretively, being afraid of it coming to the notice of my dad. But I was not a chain-smoker.

One day I had been to Madurai to appear for pre-university examinations to clear my arrears. I was staying in a lodge. In the evening, for a change of scene, I went to the Madurai Railway Station and incidentally met a few of dad's friends. At that time, my dad was in Gummidipundi performing census of passengers for the railways. What I did not know was that there was only one more day left and my dad managed to obtain permission from his boss and came straight to Madurai. His friends who had seen me told him where I was staying. He came straight to see me.

I was enjoying a smoke inside the room, after an hour or so of concentrated study, when I heard somebody knocking at the door. I immediately put out the cigarette and opened the door. I was shocked to see my dad. He came inside and could easily inhale the tobacco odour. Further, he could also see a new pack of cigarettes with a matchbox on the table. Before he could ask anything I told him that they were probably left by the previous occupant of that room. He did not probe into it but only asked me to take care of myself, study well and write the exams confidently. Then he left. I heaved a sigh of relief.

After the exams, when I returned home after a week, the first thing he said was: "Promise me that you won't touch tobacco in your life again." You can guess my discomfiture. I had no other alternative and touched his outstretched palm with mine. And that was that. It never occurred to me all these years to break that promise. But for that probably I would also be smoking now; though I doubt I would have had the courage and audacity to smoke in public, being a timid guy.

My dad is no more now; he passed two years back at the age of 80. Unfortunately, during his lifetime, it never occurred to me to say: "Dad, I am very grateful to you; you saved me from a great evil." It would have made him very happy. It gets added to the things you regret of not having done.

So now when I see somebody smoking, I only feel sorry for him and think: "Man! you probably did not have a dad like mine."

Letters-75: "Election Dadagiri"

1. The editorial, "Election dadagiri in Tamil Nadu" (The Hindu, May 5, 2009), was timely and apt. The trend in Tamil Nadu, as elsewhere, seems to be to bulldoze one's way through time-tested ethical practices to victory. As for the quickly introduced and withdrawn 'bus fare cut' across the State, the damage has been done despite the Election Commission's timely intervention. The voter has been made to believe that the ruling party is all for mitigating his woes and it is only the Election Commission that is coming in the way. - B.Shivashankar, Bangalore.

2. It is unfortunate that the Tamil Nadu government sought to reduce bus fares when the elections were on. It is surprising that such a flagrant violation of the model code of conduct could take place when a seasoned politician, M.Karunanidhi, is at the helm. The Chief Secretary has been forced to eat humble pie and the government made to roll back the fare reduction. - R.Sekar, Visakapatnam.

3. We generally find Ministers and government officials performing the unhappy task of explaining upward revisions in bus fares and the like. But in Tamil Nadu, we have witnessed the strange spectacle of their explaining away a downward revision. The hapless commuters became pawns in a game played at the highest levels. - C.Paranthaman, Chennai.

4. The Tamil Nadu government played a cruel joke on poor bus passengers. Who came up with the idea of fare cut? Who gave oral instructions to transport corporations? Why did not the managing directors of the undertakings insist on a written order? - A.Ramasubbier, chennai.

5. It is a pity that almost all political parties violate the model code with ease in election after election but no effective measures are taken to stop them. The parties would do well to understand that the people are not fools. they can see through desperate measures like unannounced reductions in bus fares in the midst of elections. - Vinod Kumar Pillai, Thiruvananthapuram.

6. Everyone knows that dadagiri determines the election results in most of the constituencies of Tamil Nadu, particularly Madurai. Every party wants to win by hook or by crook, caring little for the rules. - N.Venu, Nagercoil.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, May 6, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.B.Shivashankar, R.Sekar, C.Paranthaman, A.Ramasubbier, Vinod Kumar Pillai, N.Venu and The Hindu, India's National Newspaper.

Open Access-9: "Benefits of OA"

The following mail I received from Professor Subbiah Arunachalam, MS Swaminathan Fellow, which I am sure all those who are interested in OA will find useful:

2009/4/30 Subbiah Arunachalam

Friends:

Evidence is mounting that opening up science can bring in tremendous benefits. But convincing the bosses of Indian science about the advantages of open access continues to be a pretty difficult task. Now James Boyle has written about the stellar multiplier effect that open access can bring to the economic returns of scientific research.


Stimulus for cyberinfrastructure

James Boyle, What the information superhighways aren’t built of..., Financial Times, April 17, 2009. (Thanks to Lawrence Lessig.)

... We know that the United States’ experiments with freely providing publicly generated data -- on everything from weather to roads to navigation -- yield an incredible economic return. More than 30-fold by some estimates. We know that investment in basic science can provide stellar multipliers.

Some scholars have been arguing that the architecture of the internet, its embrace of openness as a design principle, might revolutionize science if we could apply the same principles there -- if we could break down the legal and technical barriers that prevent the efficient networking of state funded research and data. Imagine a scientific research process that worked as efficiently as the web does for buying shoes. Then imagine what economic growth a faster, leaner, and more open scientific research environment might generate.

Streamlining science, learning from the success of the internet, more open access to state funded basic research: these kinds of initiatives are the ones that might provide the ”superhighways of the mind,” the ”freeways of the information age” -- but they are too abstract, more likely to involve open data protocols than bundles of wires, and thus they garner little attention. Now would be an ideal time to invest in the architecture of openness, but this kind of architecture doesn’t get built with cement. ...

Permanent link to this post Posted by Gavin Baker at 4/29/2009 12:45:00 PM.


Most funding agencies in India have clearly failed to see the tremendous advantages of open access to peer-reviewed scientific literature and should be held responsible. [The Science Academies have done better.]

There is one more dimension to it.

Government invests heavily on research - on salaries of scientists and professors, on buildings and other infrastructure, equipments, chemicals, research grants, libraries, travel to conferences, and so on. And yet when Indian scientists write research papers and want to publish them they merrily give away the copyright to government-funded research to journal publishers, often commercial publishers operating from the Western world. So far no one seems to be bothered about it. Neither the politicians, be they communists or Congressmen or followers of other parties, nor students (belonging to politically affiliated student unions or unattached) have raised their voice against this unethical practice. And our scientists continue to sign on the dotted line when they receive the copyright agreement form from journal publishers.

They need not do that. They can always attach an addendum which can clearly state that they (or their institution) would retain the copyright, the right to reproduce portions of the articles in their future work, the right to self-archive their work either in an institutional archive or in a central archive (such as PubMed Central), and the right to make multiple copies for non-commercial purposes (such as distributing to students they teach). Funding agencies should insist, as such agencies in the UK have done, that researchers should make their peer-reviewed research publications openly accessible.

Subbiah Arunachalam

Grateful thanks to Professor Subbiah Arunachalam and Mr James Boyle.

Random Thoughts-24: "World Asthma Day"

May 5th is observed as World Asthma Day world over. I am well qualified to write something about asthma on this day. Yes, as a chronic patient of bronchial asthma, I have much to say about it. But don't worry, I shall be brief. As I am opt to boast whenever I get a chance, I inherited love of books and bronchial asthma from my paternal grandpa. Fortunately for me, asthma reminds me of its existence only during winter. DrMathur might have classified it as wet asthma.

I used to suffer a lot during winter. No doubt my way of life and my inherent nature added fuel to fire. For a chronic patient of asthma, choosing the hobby of book-collection is nothing but stupidity. I should have chosen some active, outdoor hobby. But as I said before it chose me rather than my choosing it. When a person belonging to lower middle class indulges in book-collection, naturally the books are procured from secondhand bookshops and platform booksellers and then comes the problem of storage and upkeep.

Old books easily attract dust and silverfish. If I so much as go near the bookshelf or handle a few books during winter, an attack of asthma is bound to ensue. During the early stages, the medicines I depended upon, made me sleepless and there were other side-effects. So I became disenchanted withallopathy and started looking for an answer in alternative medicine, especially Homeopathy. Homeopathy definitely did help. As you probably know, homeopathic medicines do not fight or cure the disease; they only strengthen your immune system, which eventually overcomes the disease.

Chill wind has been my first enemy. So I learnt to protect myself by wearing protective gear and also by avoiding exposure to it. During winters, the sun has been my best friend. My moods would go up and down with the sun. Incidentally, my short name, 'Suri' literally means the sun.

The other precaution is with regard to food. By trial and error, I found out the food stuffs allergic to me and started avoiding them. The generally rule regarding food is, take simple, easily digestible and warm food. Also you take your dinner early and by the time you go to bed, the stomach is not heavy and the sleep is not disturbed.

However, asthma had a positive side for me. It would make me get up around 4 am daily during winter and after that sleep is not possible. Now that has become a regular habit and get up around 4 am throughout the year.

As Robin Sharma says, you have an edge over the other guys as you start the day very early. As the saying goes, early bird catches the worm. OK, that is all for today.

(Written on May 5 and posted on May 6, 2009)

Letters-74: "Telling Picture"

1. This refers to the picture of children carrying electronic voting machines on their heads in Bhagalpur on the eve of the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections (The Hindu, April 30, 2009). One would expect the Election Commission to ensure that the officials in charge of overseeing the conduct of elections are scrupulous enough not to violate any legal provision, even inadvertently, while discharging their responsibilities. An institution that has the mandate to discipline political parties should ensure that its officials are not caught on the wrong foot. - P.Prasand Thampy, Thiruvalla.

2. It is painful to see policemen escorting the children carrying the EVMs. Are not we, the responsible citizens of India, to blame for such blatant misuse of child labour by official agencies? One wonders how many children are employed in such duties across India. - A.Mohamed Ali, Chennai.

3. The photograph makes one wonder whether the laws on child labour are observed only in the breach, especially in Bihar. - Achal Narayanan, Chennai.

Courtesy: The Hindu, Madurai, May 1, 2009.

Grateful thanks to M/s.P.Prasand Thampy, A.Mohamed Ali, Achal Narayanan and The Hindu.

Eyecatchers-138: "100 days of Obama"

On April 29, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, completed 100 days in office. The media are busy evaluating him on the basis of his performance in the first hundred days, as they have done with every other President before him and they are compared with the First Hundred Days of FDR, when US was in the grip of the Great Depression. But, in a way, it seems unfair; for, the problems confronted him (and still confront him) and US when he assumed office were formidable. They were not ordinary problems nor they had immediate or easy solutions. However, to his credit, he has taken steps like $787 billion economic stimulus plan, children's health insurance program, law for equal pay for women, plan to withdraw American troops from Iraq, Closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp etc. Time alone can say whether he will be able to live up to the expectations of not only the people of the United States but also of the whole world. Let us and wait see.

Detailed Wikipedia article on "First 100 days of Barack Obama's presidency":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_100_days_of_Barack_Obama%27s_presidency

Grateful thanks to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Facts & Figures-57: 2009 is Election Year !

* Elections are held not only in India but also in 69 other countries this year.

* Besides these, 14 countries are holding referendum on vital issues.

* About 260 crore people will be voting in these elections.

* In India, 71.4 crore people will be voting.

* In Tamil Nadu alone, 4.13 crore people will be voting.

Courtesy: 'Dinamalar', Tamil daily, May 1, 2009.

Grateful thanks to 'Dinamalar'.

Random Thoughts: "May Day thoughts on Labour and Management"

May 1 is celebrated as International Workers' Day or Labour Day world over. Labour has become a broad term encompassing all employees of private sector, public sector, government undertakings and government institutions and organisations contrasting with their management. As one who has worked in a government-funded institution which follows the Govt of India's rules 'mutatis mutandis' for nearly 40 years, I would like to record some of my thoughts on Labour and Management.

When an organization grows, especially when its workforce grows in numbers, labour problem creeps in. Generally, when the labour is strong and united and have a registered union, more often than not they misuse their strength, resort to arm-twisting, put up impossible demands, go on strike at the slightest provocation, even turn violent beating up people and destroying property. Votebank politics will not permit any politician to antagonise labour; so they start fishing in troubled waters.

When there are more than one union, inter-union rivalry leads to lot of trouble and the relationship between labour and management worsens.

On the other hand, when the management is strong and has the support of the government either explicit or implicit, with the labour weak or not so strong, the management misuses its power, tries to suppress any union movement and ill-treats its workforce.

In short, it seems labour and management are always at the throat of each other. There seems to be no balance. It is a curse plaguing many organisations, especially industries.

I would like to refer to one company where for want of this balance the company closed down many of its operations, leading to loss of jobs for the workforce not only of the company but its ancillary units and thus affecting prosperity of the town. It was a major automobile company employing thousands of people. Everybody was paid reasonably well, compared to other companies. The company extended a lot of facilities and benefits to the workforce. The workers of that company were the envy of their counterparts in other companies. Everything was going on well till trade unions came up and politicians entered the fray posing as champions of labour. The unions were itching to fight with the management on flimsiest grounds. They started putting up impossible demands. Naturally when the management was not able to accede their demands, there was strike. The strike turned violent and there was bloodshed. There was lockout for some time. The Govt tried to negotiate. Prudently, the company decided to prune its labour strength by curtailing its operations and people started losing jobs. Most of the auxiliary units supporting the company also had to close down, resulting in further loss of jobs. Unemployment grew. The prosperity of the community suffered. The town started declining.

Many problems between Labour and Management can be solved by mutual trust. Bad relationship between them is due to fear and suspicion. When third parties like politicians enter the fray things deteriorate; the politicians always try to manipulate Labour for their own selfish ends.

Why can't the Labour and the Management be reasonable and realize that the welfare, nay survival of the one depends on the other. Why can't Labour and Management tackle their problems themselves, without allowing self-serving politicians to enter the arena? What needs to be done to foster better relationship and mutual trust between Labour and Management?

These are some questions Labour and Management have to ask themselves.

Detailed article on "May Day" from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day

Grateful thanks to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

My Photo Album-34: "House where my dad lived 70 years ago"

My dad lost both his parents before he was 9. He and his younger brother were brought up by a rich, childless, widowed aunt. This is the house of that aunt where my dad spent more than 10 years of his boyhood. During my recent visit to Tuticorin, I took this photo. Actually, the house is on the right side where the road from Sri Bagampiriyal Temple intersects West Great Cotton Road. Only the middle portion remains as it was; the facade and the rear portions have been modified.

Health News-24: "Swine Flu Scare Spreads"

World Health Organization has raises pandemic alarm as Swine Flu spreads; WHO has labeled it as public health emergency of international concern. Already 149 deaths have been reported in Mexico. Swine flu has been found in other countries like US, Canada, and France. US Govt has cautioned its citizens about visiting Mexico. Swine flu is supposed to be caused by a new strain of virus, H1N1. As the flu virus is constantly mutating, finding full immunity has not been possible so far. The symptoms of SIV or swine influenza virus attack are just like normal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body pain, headaches, chills and fatigues and sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting also. The US Govt says it has stock of medicines to treat 50 million people and have advised people to take normal precautions and not to panic.

For detailed Wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swine_Flu

Swine Flu: 5 Things You Need to Know About the outbreak http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090427/hl_time/08599189402900;_ylt=AgPgFD8FSl1NTlDyH.rg1toDW7oF

Grateful thanks to Yahoo News and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Letters-73: "Work for Success"

In his conversation with Ravi S Joshi, Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy has correctly underlined the need for the youngsters to be industrious and innovative for a better India ("Password for confidence in rural India", The New Sunday Express, April 19,2009). In this highly competitive world, nothing is offered on a platter.

As John Ruskin had correctly put it, "Toll is the law". Also, NRN stresses on values such as integrity and humility. One feels, schools and colleges across the country must have a few copies of his new book, A BETTER INDIA; A BETTER WORLD in their libraries. This would certainly help transform the younger generation into invaluable human resources, which are a sine qua non for the nation's all-round growth. - S.Ramakrishnasayee, Ranipet.

Courtesy: The New Sunday Express, Tiruchy, April 26, 2009 ("Letter to the Editor").

Grateful thanks to Mr.S.Ramakrishnasayee and The New Sunday Express.

How To-59: "How to Pack Your Possessions When Moving"

How to Pack Your Possessions When Moving

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Even if you can't wait to live in your new house, curb your enthusiasm and resist the urge to cram all your possessions any which way into boxes.

Steps

1. Pack one room at a time if possible, and start with items that are least often used.
   
2. Write down a list of everything you are packing, in particular if it's valuable. Books, cds, expensive clothes. Also, take note of which item is in which box.
   
3. Use sturdy boxes. Fill the box to the brim and seal the lid. That way, you can easily stack boxes on top of one another.
   
4. Tape the bottom of the box securely so that it doesn't give way.
   
5. Never fill a box until it is so heavy that you can't lift it safely. Spread the heavy items over a few boxes. Balance boxes with lighter items like towels or soft toys. Pack the lighter items on top.
   
6. Use bubble wrap or newspapers when packing fragile items. However, newsprint may smudge so use newspaper selectively. Clean paper can be purchased cheaply from moving supply stores. Boxes should be marked "Fragile" and "This side up" to prevent mishandling.
   
7. Label each box clearly and which room it belongs to. Write on the sides of the box as well.
   
8. Pack a separate box of essentials you may need for the first night at your new house. Include items like toiletries, toilet paper, bottled water, snacks and a change of clothes in case you cannot unpack everything in time.

Tips

• Don't pack one box full of books or paperwork - you might not be able to carry it at all. Fill it halfway with books, and fill it up with lighter stuff.

. Digital Photos - use your camera to document the contents of boxes.

• Tape is cheap. Use lots of it. Close box bottoms well. Get masking tape or packing tape and tape screws and other little things that came out of something back against it. You'll want to find the right screw reassemble something without having to pick it out of 100 others when you get there.
  
• Buy boxes from a local moving company. When boxes are of uniform size they stack better. These boxes also have rooms listed on the sides of the box so you only have to check the box next to the room the box is going to.
  
• Fill empty spaces with additional paper.
  
• U-haul and other nation companies offer box buy back services. If you buy too many boxes you can return the unused for a full refund. These boxes are also quite sturdy so you can re-use them or stash in your attic until you move again. Some national companies even offer free shipping and handling so you can have some delivered or go to the local location.
  
• Don't label boxes with contents if the contents are valuable. Instead of writing "Silver Service-Fragile" you should write something that makes it sound less theft inviting while showing the fragile nature of the contents. Example: "Mom's old dishes" instead of "Fine China"
  
• Throw away or donate junk you don't want to take to your new place. Don't pack it again!!!
  
• Pack books and heavy items into smaller boxes.
  
• Set aside an area of the house where you can put all the packed boxes. Use a room that isn't used every day such as the formal dining or living room. You won't be tripping over boxes and you can have a better idea of what you have and where things are.
  
• National superstores (Wal-mart) will let you walk the store for boxes when they are stocking the stores between 11 pm and 1 am. You can find boxes of all sizes. Cereal, diaper and houseware boxes are a good size and durable. Just take a cart and roam the store. They do check the cart as you leave so don't try to sneak anything past them.

Related wikiHows

• How to Pack for a Move
  
• How to Survive Moving
  
• How to Pack Without Overpacking
  
• How to Cheaply Move Cross Country
  
• How to Host a Great Moving Sale
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Pack Your Possessions When Moving. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To-58: "How to Move to a New Apartment"

How to Move to a New Apartment

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Moving can be a fun and exciting adventure. But it can also be lots of work--not to mention very stressful. Here are some suggestions that might make your transition a little easier.

Steps

1. Before you even decide on an apartment, go through everything you own. Do you really want to read that book again? Do you need that many commemorative coffee mugs? Get rid of everything you don't really want. It'll save the time, money and trouble of moving it, and your new place will have an uncluttered look.
   
2. Get boxes from grocery stores (or other stores) rather than buying them. Don't disregard the value of large plastic trash bags - just be careful not to throw them out!!
   
3. Choose boxes in sizes that will be easy for one person to carry, just in case you find yourself moving most of it on your own.
   
4. Start the moving process as soon as you can find time to. The more unessential items you can pack as early on as possible, the less you'll have to worry about when it gets down to the wire.
   
5. Make sure that you wrap breakable items (dishes, knick-knacks, pictures, et cetera) in old newspaper, towels, bedsheets, even clothing.
   
6. If you have a lot of books, pack a few in many boxes, rather than all in a few.
   
7. Label your boxes as you pack - kitchen, living room, bath, etc. Also make a list of contents on each box, to make it easier to find certain things when unpacking. This will save you loads of time and grief when you arrive at your new place (and label BREAKABLES as such so your movers will know to be careful--hopefully they will be). Color-coding can be a good idea too. Just get colored stickers, and slap a red one on the box for kitchen, blue for bedroom, green for living room, etc.
   
8. After you have securely packed all of your belongings... now you face the decision of hiring movers, and finding out who your real friends are or being a real friend (and saving $$$) and doing as much of it on your own as you can! (if you CAN afford it, hire a reputable, insured moving service listed with the BBB for the heavy stuff and transporting it all) (*save $ by doing your own packing!)
   
9. GOOD LUCK & GET MOVING!!

Tips

• Make sure you reward helpful friends with pizza and/or beverages for their efforts.
  
• Tip your movers accordingly--they work hard. (Just make sure that any damaged items are accounted for and returned at no cost to you.)
  
• Clean your old place as well as or better than when you moved in - you will likely get a nice and much-needed deposit in return for your efforts, not to mention a good future reference.
  
• Keep a number of rolls of tape, trash bags, and markers around.
  
• VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE: drive by your potential new place at night, especially on the weekends, to see if the atmosphere is suitable to your lifestyle. (Is it too noisy? too much traffic? too quiet?)
  
• Make sure the last tenant of your new place does not still have the keys to your doors.
  
• If you have the opportunity to meet anyone who lives in your potential new residence, ask them what they think, but remember that is just their opinion.
  
• Always be aware of all aspects of your new manager-tennant contract, and know your rights--and don't abuse them!
  
• Your new landlord/manager will let you know what utility options are available to you.
  
• make sure you have given your previous apt. mgr. the required notice regarding your anticipated move--but only after you have found your new place
  
• If you're not sure where to move, ask friends, fellow employees, local real estate agencies, and of course your local Sunday paper.
  
• Get your utilities disconnected at your older home and connected at your new home - Gas, Electricity, Water, Internet, Cable, Telephone. Remember to keep track of any deposits you pay so that you can ensure that they are reimbursed at the time of your next move.
  
• Update your address information with any relevant institutions - Cellphone, Insurance, Loans, Financial (Credit Cards, Banks), Government (USPS address change, Car Registration, Drivers license), Employer
  
• When looking for a new apartment, be sure to look at the apartment and not a model. This way you can point out issues to the manager that should be addressed prior to your move-in date.

Warnings

• While all floors are suspect, ground floor apartments and basement levels are the easiest targets for burglars.
  
• Moving companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/) and are required by law to provide you with a brochure on your rights and responsibilities when moving. Make sure you get one from your mover.

Related wikiHows

• How to Survive Moving
  
• How to Deal With Moving Related Loneliness
  
• How to Say Goodbye to Your Best Friend That Is Moving
  
• How to Pack Your Possessions When Moving

Sources and Citations

• http://www.uship.com/
  
• http://www.movex.com/
  
• http://www.allmovinghelp.com/
  
• http://www.allmovingquotes.com/

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Move to a New Apartment. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How To-57: "How to Take Better Photographs"

How to Take Better Photographs

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Many people think they'll improve their photography by buying a spiffy new camera. The truth is, in photography, technique is much more important than equipment. And taking good pictures is something anyone can do with any camera, if you practice enough and avoid some common mistakes.

Steps

1. Read the camera's manual, and learn what each control, switch, button, and menu item does. At the very least you should know how to turn the flash on, off, and auto, how to zoom in and out, and how to use the shutter button.
   
2. Set the camera's resolution to take high quality photos at the highest resolution possible. Low-resolution images are more difficult to digitally alter later on; it also means that you can't crop as enthusiastically as you could with a higher-resolution version (and still end up with something printable). If you have a small memory card, get a bigger one; if you don't want to or can't afford to buy a new one, then use the "fine" quality setting, if your camera has one, with a smaller resolution.
   
3. Start off with setting your camera to one of its automatic modes, if you have a choice. Most useful is "Program" or "P" mode on digital SLRs. Ignore advice to the contrary which suggests that you operate your camera fully manually; the advances in the last fifty years in automatic focusing and metering have not happened for nothing. If your photos come out poorly focused or poorly exposed, then start operating certain functions manually.
   
4. Take your camera everywhere. When you have your camera with you all the time, you will start to see the world differently; you will look for and find opportunities to take great photographs. And, of course, you will end up taking more photographs; and the more you take, the better a photographer you will become.[1] Furthermore, if you're taking photographs of your friends and family, they will get used to you having your camera with you all the time. Thus, they will feel less awkward or intimidated when you get your camera out; this will lead to more natural-looking, less "posed" photographs. Also, remember to bring batteries or charge it if you are using a digital camera.
   
5. Get outside. Motivate yourself to get out and take photographs in natural light. Take several normal 'point and shoot' pictures to get a feel for the lighting at different times of the day and night. Go outside at all times of day, especially those times when anybody with any sense is sleeping, eating, or watching television; lighting at these times is often dramatic and unusual to many people precisely because they never get to see it!
   
6. Keep the lens clear of caps, thumbs, straps and other obstructions. It's basic, yes, but it can ruin a photograph completely. This is less of a problem with modern live-preview digital cameras, and even less of a problem with an SLR camera. But people still make these mistakes from time to time.
   
7. Set your white balance. Put simply, the human eye automatically compensates for different kinds of lighting; white looks white to us in almost any kind of lighting. A digital camera compensates for this by shifting the colors certain ways. For example, under tungsten (incandescent) lighting, it will shift the colours towards blue to compensate for the redness of this kind of lighting. The white balance is one of the most critical, and most underused, settings on modern cameras. Learn how to set it, and what the various settings mean. If you're not under artificial light, the "Shade" (or "Cloudy") setting is a good bet in most circumstances; it makes for very warm-looking colors. If it comes out too red, it's very easy to correct it in software later on. "Auto", the default for most cameras, sometimes does a good job, but also sometimes results in colours which are a little too cold.[2]
   
8. Set a slower ISO speed, if circumstances permit. This is less of an issue with digital SLR cameras, but especially important for point-and-shoot digital cameras (which, usually, have tiny sensors which are more prone to noise). A slower ISO speed (lower number) makes for less noisy photographs; however, it forces you to use slower shutter speeds as well, which restricts your ability to photograph moving subjects, for example. For still subjects in good light (or still subjects in low light, too, if you're using a tripod and remote release), use the very slowest ISO speed that you have.
   
9. Compose your shot thoughtfully. Frame the photo in your mind before framing it in the viewfinder. Consider the following rules, but especially the last one:
   
• Use the Rule of Thirds, where the primary points of interest in your scene sits along "third" lines. Try not to let any horizon or other lines "cut the picture in half."[3]
  
• Get rid of distracting backgrounds and clutter. If this means you and your friend have to move a little so that a tree does not appear to be growing out of her head, then do so. If glare is coming off the windows of the house across the street, change your angle a bit to avoid it. If you're taking vacation photographs, take a moment to get your family to put down all the junk they may be carrying around with them and to remove backpacks or hip packs as well. Keep that mess well out of the frame of the picture, and you will end up with much nicer, less cluttered photos. If you can blur the background in a portrait, then do so. And so on.
  
• Fill the frame with your subject. Don't be afraid to get closer to your subject. On the other hand, if you're using a digital camera with plenty of megapixels to spare, you can crop it later in software.
  
• Try an interesting angle. Instead of shooting the object straight on, try looking down to the object, or crouching and looking up. Pick an angle that shows maximum color and minimum shadow. To make things appear longer or taller, a low angle can help. If you want a bold photo, it is best to be even with the object. You may also want to make the object look smaller or make it look like you're hovering over; to get the effect you should put the camera above the object. An uncommon angle makes for a more interesting shot.
  
• Ignore the advice above. Regard the above as laws, which work much of the time but are always subject to judicious interpretation -- and not as absolute rules. Too close an adherence to them will lead to boring photographs. For example, clutter and sharply focused backgrounds can add context, contrast and colour; perfect symmetry in a shot can be dramatic, and so on. Every rule can and should be broken for artistic effect, from time to time. This is how many stunning photographs are made.
  
10. Focus. Poor focusing is one of the most common ways that photographs are ruined.[4] Use the automatic focus of your camera, if you have it; usually, this is done by half-pressing the shutter button. Use the "macro" mode of your camera for very close-up shots. Don't focus manually unless your auto-focus is having issues; as with metering, automatic focus usually does a far better job of focusing than you can.
    
11. Keep still. A lot of people are surprised at how blurry their pictures come out when going for a close-up, or taking the shot from a distance. To minimize blurring: If you're using a full-sized camera with a zoom lens, hold the camera body (finger on the shutter button) with one hand, and steady the lens by cupping your other hand under it. Keep your elbows close to your body, and use this position to brace yourself firmly. If your camera or lens has image stabilisation features, use them (this is called IS on Canon gear, and VR, for Vibration Reduction, on Nikon equipment).
    
• Consider using a tripod. If your hands are naturally shaky, or if you're using very large (and slow) telephoto lenses, or if you're trying to take photographs in low light, or if you need to take several identical shots in a row (such as with HDR photography), or if you're taking panoramic photos, then using a tripod is probably a good idea. For very long exposures (more than a second or so), a cable release (for older film cameras) or a remote control is a good idea; you can use the self-timer feature of your camera if you don't have one of these.
  
• Consider not using a tripod, especially if you don't already have one. A tripod infringes on your ability to move around, and to rapidly change the framing of your shot. It's also more weight to carry around, which is a disincentive to getting out and taking photographs in the first place. As a general rule,[5] you only need a tripod if your shutter speed is equal to or slower than the reciprocal of your focal length.[6] If you can avoid using a tripod by using faster ISO speeds (and, consequently, faster shutter speeds), or by using image stabilisation features of your camera, or by simply moving to somewhere with better lighting, then do that.
  
12. Relax when you push the shutter button. Also, try not to hold the camera up for too long; this will cause your hands and arms to be shakier. Practice bringing the camera up to your eye, focusing and metering, and taking the shot in one swift, smooth action.
    
13. Avoid red eye. Red-eye is caused when your eyes dilate in lower lighting. When your pupils are big, the flash actually lights up the blood vessels on the back wall of your eyeball, which is why it looks red. If you must use a flash in poor light, try to get the person to not look directly at the camera, or consider using a "bounce flash". Aiming your flash above the heads of your subjects, especially if the walls surrounding are light, will keep red-eye out. If you don't have a separate flash gun which is adjustable in this way, use the red-eye reduction feature of your camera if available - it flashes a couple of times before opening the shutter, which causes your subject's pupils to contract, thus minimizing red-eye. Better yet, don't take photographs which require a flash to be used; find somewhere with better lighting.
    
14. Use your flash judiciously, and don't use it when you don't have to. A flash in poor light can often cause ugly-looking reflections, or make the subject of your photo appear "washed out"; the latter is especially true of people photos. On the other hand, a flash is very useful for filling in shadows; to eliminate the "raccoon eye" effect in bright midday light, for example (if you have a flash sync speed[7] fast enough). If you can avoid using a flash by going outside, or steadying the camera (allowing you to use a slower shutter speed without blur), or setting a faster ISO speed (allowing faster shutter speeds), then do that.
    
15. Go through your photos and look for the best ones. Look for what makes the best photos and continue using the methods that got the best shots. Don't be afraid to throw away or delete photos, either. Be brutal about it; if it doesn't strike you as a particularly pleasing shot, then ditch it. If you, like most people, are shooting on a digital camera, then it would not have cost you anything but your time. Before you delete them, remember you can learn a lot from your worst photos; discover why they don't look good, then don't do that.
    
16. Practice, practice, and practice. Take lots and lots of photos -- aim to fill your memory card, or to use up as much film as you can afford to have developed. The more pictures you take, the better you'll get, and the more you (and everyone) will like your pictures. Shoot from new or different angles, and find new subjects to take pictures of, and keep at it; you can make even the most boring, everyday thing look amazing if you're creative enough about photographing it. Get to know your camera's limitations, too; how well it performs in different kinds of lighting, how well auto-focus performs at various distances, how well it handles moving subjects, and so on.

Tips

• Your camera doesn't matter. Nearly any camera is capable of taking good photographs in the right conditions. Even a modern camera phone is good enough for many kinds of shots. [8] Learn your camera's limitations and work around them; don't buy new equipment until you know exactly what these limitations are, and are certain that they are hindering you.
  
• Pick up a big-city newspaper or a copy of National Geographic and see how professional photojournalists tell stories in pictures. It's often worth poking around photo sites like Flickr for inspiration, too. Try Flickr's camera finder to see what people have done with the cheapest point-and-shoot cameras. Just don't spend so much time getting inspired that it stops you from getting out there.
  
• When shooting photos of children, get down to their level! Pictures looking down at the top of a child's head are usually pretty lame. Stop being lazy and get on your knees.
  
• If you shoot digital it's better to underexpose the shot, as underexposure is easy to correct later on in software. Shadow detail can be recovered; blown highlights (the pure white areas in an overexposed photo) can never be recovered, as there is nothing there to recover. Film is the opposite; shadow detail tends to be poor compared to digital cameras, but blown highlights are rare even with massive overexposure.[9]
  
• Get your photos off your memory card ASAP. Make backups; make several backups if you can. Every photographer has, or will, experience the heartbreak of losing a precious image/images unless he or she cultivates this habit. Back-up, back-up, back-up!
  
• If the camera has a neck strap, use it! Hold the camera out so that that the neck strap is pulled as far as a can, this will help steady the camera. Furthermore, it'll also stop you from dropping the camera.
  
• Install photo-editing software and learn how to use it. This will allow you to correct color balance, adjust lighting, crop your photos, and much more. Most cameras will come with software to make these basic adjustments. For more complicated operations, consider buying Photoshop, downloading and installing the free GIMP image editor, or using Paint.NET, a free light-weight photo editing program for Windows users.
  
• Keep a notebook handy and make notes about what worked well and what didn't. Review your notes often as you practice.
  
• Upload to Flickr or the Wikimedia Commons and maybe one day you will see your photos used on wikiHow!

Warnings

• Beware of taking photographs of statues, artwork, and even architecture; even if it is located in public places, in many jurisdictions this can often constitute a violation of the copyright in these works.[10]
  
• When taking photos of people, their pets, or even their property, ask for permission. Legally, you may or may not need it, but it's polite to do so; that and people may get annoyed at it if you don't ask first.

Things You'll Need

• A camera. Whatever you have, or can borrow, will be good enough.
  
• The biggest memory card you can get, if you're on digital, or as much film as you can afford to have developed if you're not.

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Up and Start Taking Photos
  
• How to Take A Good Picture On Your Camera Phone
  
• How to Take Portrait Photographs
  
• How to Take Flattering Photos of Yourself
  
• How to Brighten up Backgrounds in Flash Pictures
  
• How to Take Hand Held Pictures Indoors Without Flash
  
• How to Avoid Your Photo Being a Dark Silhouette
  
• How to Have a Great Photoshoot

Sources and Citations

• Google Picasa - Software for organizing and editing photographs
  
• 7 Common Mistakes When Taking Digital Photos
  
• http://library.thinkquest.org/28146/composition.html Source
  

1. ↑ See 5 Reasons to Take Your Camera Everywhere in 2008.


2. ↑ For more on white balance, see How to Set White Balance by Ken Rockwell.


3. ↑ See the Wikipedia article on the subject for a fuller explanation of this.


4. ↑ From Seven Common Mistakes When Taking Digital Photos.


5. ↑ Shutter speed and the difference between fast and slow shutter speeds.


6. ↑ For example, if you have a 300mm lens, then you want a shutter speed faster than 1/300th of a second.


7. ↑ See Ken Rockwell's page on sync speed for more details on this.


8. ↑ See Your Camera Doesn't Matter by Ken Rockwell.


9. ↑ See Film vs. Digital for a more in-depth discussion.


10. ↑ See this page on the Wikimedia Commons for a country-by-country breakdown of local laws.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Take Better Photographs. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.