Howard Lindzon from StockTwits interviews me about tech, stocks and, um, porn - VIDEO
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Kamis, 18 Februari 2010
Quick Tips for Home Office Organisation
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Senin, 01 Februari 2010
A lot of us work from home. For instance, even though I have my workshop, I carry a lot my painting and artwork back home so that I can work at my own leisure and mood. Just a cup of coffee, some good music and the comfort of my home motivates me to do better. There are times when my office space gets cluttered with papers and paints, brushes and catalogue books and it doesn't help me achieve my agenda. To avoid such clutter, I have gathered a few quick practices and no matter what, I abide by them.
Cables and Wires - what a mess!
a) All the cables that are connected to the computer or speakers or TV can be categorized and bundled up in groups. For example, keep computer speaker wires with stereo speaker wires.
b) Some times you do not need all the cables, hence tag them and store them well. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components.
Position of Peripherals
a)Position your equipment by frequency of use. If the printer is used daily, it should be within easy reach.
b) When setting up hardware, be conscious of access to drives, trays and cords. Don't block access to drawers or take up leg room with tangled cords.
Do have an Activity Centre?
The efficient office should be zoned into activity areas:
a) The Work Area: This is a clear workspace, the computer and frequently used office products
b) The Reference Center: which includes binders, manuals, dictionary and professional books and materials. In my case, my refernce centre is paints and brushes, varnishes...etc. I have a small collection of reference books which I need as and when. Determine your reference area in your study or office.
c) The Supply Center: This area is widely used. It needs to be segregated very well. This contains office and paper supplies.
Project Files, Reciepts and Rough Work...
a) Create an area for storing your current project files and paper work.
b) Establish a permanent filing system for papers you will reference, but not on a regular basis.
Read More
Cables and Wires - what a mess!
a) All the cables that are connected to the computer or speakers or TV can be categorized and bundled up in groups. For example, keep computer speaker wires with stereo speaker wires.
b) Some times you do not need all the cables, hence tag them and store them well. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components.
Position of Peripherals
a)Position your equipment by frequency of use. If the printer is used daily, it should be within easy reach.
b) When setting up hardware, be conscious of access to drives, trays and cords. Don't block access to drawers or take up leg room with tangled cords.
Do have an Activity Centre?
The efficient office should be zoned into activity areas:
a) The Work Area: This is a clear workspace, the computer and frequently used office products
b) The Reference Center: which includes binders, manuals, dictionary and professional books and materials. In my case, my refernce centre is paints and brushes, varnishes...etc. I have a small collection of reference books which I need as and when. Determine your reference area in your study or office.
c) The Supply Center: This area is widely used. It needs to be segregated very well. This contains office and paper supplies.
Project Files, Reciepts and Rough Work...
a) Create an area for storing your current project files and paper work.
b) Establish a permanent filing system for papers you will reference, but not on a regular basis.
Interpol chief slams body scanners at Davos
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Minggu, 31 Januari 2010
Speaking to the Associated Press at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Interpol Secretary-General Ronald Noble argued that better intelligence and information sharing is required, rather than wide-scale body scanning technology.
I think he is absolutely right. We throw money at technology and award contracts to giant government contractors on systems that will do little more than spook the general public while providing some illusion of security. Meanwhile, we have sparse data on who is actually doing the traveling. Detroit is simply the latest example of paying attention to the wrong thing... an inter-departmental database check would have prevented the incident. It also might have flagged many of the terrorists involved in 9/11 before they boarded their flights.
Last year the TSA in the US (which has not had a leader for 14 months and counting) let an entire industry die - the Trusted Traveler industry - rather than help foster its growth. How big a deal was that? Well, a quarter-million people had provided more detailed information about themselves than is actually known about the airline employees moving bags under your airplane, so you tell me. Had the industry survived, that number would likely have been in the millions within a couple of years.
Knowing who a traveler is - and what disparate databases show about their activities and associations - is far more valuable than the cat-and-mouse game played at the screening stations, which is mostly theater and will again be bypassed. First it was box cutters, then exploding shoes, then came the 'liquids" scare, and most recently, exploding underwear. What's next, TSA-issued one-piece jumpsuits and changing rooms? ("...Remember, all clothing, including undergarments, must be checked or you will not be allowed to board the aircraft...").
None of this is meant to knock the hard-working and decidedly overstressed 'blue shirts' on the front lines. Imagine walking in their shoes for a few moments and the thankless, unpleasant task they face on a daily basis becomes apparent. Are a few clueless? Sure, but most are hard-working folks trying to earn a living while enduring countless under-breath comments and eye-darts.
What we need is a new mindset in how we think about foiling the tactic that is terrorism. After all, Wellness is to the Emergency Room as Information is to the Security Checkpoint. In a word: Prevention. This doesn't eliminate the need for the ER -- or the Checkpoint -- but certainly helps to minimize the heroic (and uber-expensive) efforts at the last line of defense. Yet we simply do not spend the time or money building - and linking - the systems we already have. The interest isn't there. Nearly a decade back I was on the board of a company with leading-edge data mining technology considered the best in the world at the time. This company sold tens of millions of dollars worth of software to many if not most of the Fortune 500 and their global counterparts. We contacted the FBI and offered to give it to them for free after 9/11, no strings attached. Also said we would help them integrate it all, gratis. After a few months, we gave up calling back.
In the end, it is a mentality, and it permeates our Congressional psyche. We want the big, expensive toys - the B2 bombers, the drones, the 70-mph tanks - but then we end up with nasty low-tech attacks like zodiacs ramming destroyers, vans with fertilizer, knife-wielding hijackers, exploding garments (and undergarments!), and IED's. Even in the information game, our strategy seems to be 'go big or go home'. Projects like Carnivore/Raptor/Echelon are supersize-ticket items that result in amazing data velocity and gobs of 'analysts' (in all governments, assets = power). No doubt these programs have had their wins (as have bombers, drones and tanks) but in the 21st century they are not enough. Nor is the silo ethos that doggedly persists amongst the alphabet agencies. Creating the DHS (One Ring To Rule Them All, I guess) has done little to combat that.
So I applaud Interpol's Noble on having the chutzpah to even suggest the system is getting it wrong as the 'Scan Baby Scan!' battle-cry marches forth. We need more of that. Wonder how long he will keep his current job. I hear there's an opening at the TSA.
Read More
I think he is absolutely right. We throw money at technology and award contracts to giant government contractors on systems that will do little more than spook the general public while providing some illusion of security. Meanwhile, we have sparse data on who is actually doing the traveling. Detroit is simply the latest example of paying attention to the wrong thing... an inter-departmental database check would have prevented the incident. It also might have flagged many of the terrorists involved in 9/11 before they boarded their flights.
Last year the TSA in the US (which has not had a leader for 14 months and counting) let an entire industry die - the Trusted Traveler industry - rather than help foster its growth. How big a deal was that? Well, a quarter-million people had provided more detailed information about themselves than is actually known about the airline employees moving bags under your airplane, so you tell me. Had the industry survived, that number would likely have been in the millions within a couple of years.
Knowing who a traveler is - and what disparate databases show about their activities and associations - is far more valuable than the cat-and-mouse game played at the screening stations, which is mostly theater and will again be bypassed. First it was box cutters, then exploding shoes, then came the 'liquids" scare, and most recently, exploding underwear. What's next, TSA-issued one-piece jumpsuits and changing rooms? ("...Remember, all clothing, including undergarments, must be checked or you will not be allowed to board the aircraft...").
None of this is meant to knock the hard-working and decidedly overstressed 'blue shirts' on the front lines. Imagine walking in their shoes for a few moments and the thankless, unpleasant task they face on a daily basis becomes apparent. Are a few clueless? Sure, but most are hard-working folks trying to earn a living while enduring countless under-breath comments and eye-darts.
What we need is a new mindset in how we think about foiling the tactic that is terrorism. After all, Wellness is to the Emergency Room as Information is to the Security Checkpoint. In a word: Prevention. This doesn't eliminate the need for the ER -- or the Checkpoint -- but certainly helps to minimize the heroic (and uber-expensive) efforts at the last line of defense. Yet we simply do not spend the time or money building - and linking - the systems we already have. The interest isn't there. Nearly a decade back I was on the board of a company with leading-edge data mining technology considered the best in the world at the time. This company sold tens of millions of dollars worth of software to many if not most of the Fortune 500 and their global counterparts. We contacted the FBI and offered to give it to them for free after 9/11, no strings attached. Also said we would help them integrate it all, gratis. After a few months, we gave up calling back.
In the end, it is a mentality, and it permeates our Congressional psyche. We want the big, expensive toys - the B2 bombers, the drones, the 70-mph tanks - but then we end up with nasty low-tech attacks like zodiacs ramming destroyers, vans with fertilizer, knife-wielding hijackers, exploding garments (and undergarments!), and IED's. Even in the information game, our strategy seems to be 'go big or go home'. Projects like Carnivore/Raptor/Echelon are supersize-ticket items that result in amazing data velocity and gobs of 'analysts' (in all governments, assets = power). No doubt these programs have had their wins (as have bombers, drones and tanks) but in the 21st century they are not enough. Nor is the silo ethos that doggedly persists amongst the alphabet agencies. Creating the DHS (One Ring To Rule Them All, I guess) has done little to combat that.
So I applaud Interpol's Noble on having the chutzpah to even suggest the system is getting it wrong as the 'Scan Baby Scan!' battle-cry marches forth. We need more of that. Wonder how long he will keep his current job. I hear there's an opening at the TSA.
News!!!! Better Interiors features Lively-wood in the Jan 2010 Edition!
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Minggu, 10 Januari 2010
Cover Page of Better Interiors Jan 2010
I can't tell you how excited I am about a new opening for Lively-wood. After all the chaos and parties at the end of 2009, the interior design magazine Better Living focused on how to get back your life to normal by creating a calm and a meditative space.
Siddi, the Yoga chair and Aadhara, the Vajra Asana bench, the centre of the Blue Theme.
It all started from this beautiful store called Bliss in Andheri, Mumbai where I display my furniture. Since I have a very defined line in Yoga & Comfort, Mallika Desai Thakker, the owner of Bliss created a relaxed yet beautiful décor focusing all the meditative elements around Siddhi, the yoga chair.
Open Magazine
The colour hues of blue and beige give a perfect and serene look. It truly provokes a need for calm and peace in our lives. While talking with a friend of mine who has nothing to do with Yoga or meditation commented about how it inspired him to just be in the blue and beige moment. The products thus inspire a non-meditative individual as well.
A small focus picture of Siddhi - Yoga Chair
Besides the décor, the article also says " The focus of the setting is the yoga chair which provides good posture while meditating" . Such has been my focus through my Yoga and Comfort line. There is also a lively apple green table-like thing called the Aadhara which facilitates people to sit comfortably in Vajra Asana. All this leads to comfort and helps meditation efficiently. For more details click on to http://www.lively-wood.com/yoga.html .
The apple green Aadhara - Vajra Asana Bench
Wanna buy Furniture for your Home? Check out the Guidebook!
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Minggu, 03 Januari 2010
We all have our own tastes...some people like long lasting, hard wood furniture while some prefer style and casual pieces which can be replaced in a couple of years. Whatever your style, make sure you know what you want to bring home. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best choice.
Hard & Soft Wood
Hard Wood Rocking Chair
Make sure you know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwood comes Sagwan, Sesame or Salwood while soft wood comes from Pine or Deodhar trees. The hard wood has strength and stability in case of chairs, beds, tables etc; but those qualities can make hardwoods difficult to work with for intricate carving and detail work. Soft wood is easily carved or worked. Since their surfaces are often soft, they are more susceptible to marks and dings, which may result in a weathered or worn quality.
Soft Wood - Pine wood Yoga Chair
Is Plywood better?
A lot of times, using plywood is the best option. Solid wood has a tendency to expand and contract as the humidity changes leading to instability.Plywood or particle board (MDF)is more stable and less apt to warp or split. Plywood then can be covered with veneers or laminates to recreate the desired look.
What is "Veneering"?
Make sure you know what "veneering" is. Veneer is the use of thin layers of highly decorative woods on top of plywood. Veneering makes it possible to match grain patterns or create designs. The only factor that adds to veneering is that it cannot be left unfinished, it has to be touched up with a protective coat of varnish, polish etc.
A lot of wear & tear.....use Laminates
If you know that your funiture will be unmaintained and needs sustainability the best option is to use laminates. Laminates are sheets of processed woods in different colours, textures, designs which help in maintaining the plywood against moisture, termites, humidity, etc. One can find a huge variety in them.
Read More
Hard & Soft Wood
Hard Wood Rocking Chair
Make sure you know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwood comes Sagwan, Sesame or Salwood while soft wood comes from Pine or Deodhar trees. The hard wood has strength and stability in case of chairs, beds, tables etc; but those qualities can make hardwoods difficult to work with for intricate carving and detail work. Soft wood is easily carved or worked. Since their surfaces are often soft, they are more susceptible to marks and dings, which may result in a weathered or worn quality.
Soft Wood - Pine wood Yoga Chair
Is Plywood better?
A lot of times, using plywood is the best option. Solid wood has a tendency to expand and contract as the humidity changes leading to instability.Plywood or particle board (MDF)is more stable and less apt to warp or split. Plywood then can be covered with veneers or laminates to recreate the desired look.
What is "Veneering"?
Make sure you know what "veneering" is. Veneer is the use of thin layers of highly decorative woods on top of plywood. Veneering makes it possible to match grain patterns or create designs. The only factor that adds to veneering is that it cannot be left unfinished, it has to be touched up with a protective coat of varnish, polish etc.
A lot of wear & tear.....use Laminates
If you know that your funiture will be unmaintained and needs sustainability the best option is to use laminates. Laminates are sheets of processed woods in different colours, textures, designs which help in maintaining the plywood against moisture, termites, humidity, etc. One can find a huge variety in them.
Decorating in Red Hot.....is it pleasing???
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Senin, 07 Desember 2009
Red is a very strong color and everything red around gets a bit over-whelming. It brings life and vigour to your decor but how much? Decide whether to make red the focus or the accent color in the room. Let us see how we can do it to make it dazzle your space!
The Floor Space
http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html
Starting with the floor, try a dark wood, covered in the center with a red Oriental or cotton rug. Try to use reds which tend toward the burgundy or deep red rather than the flashy version of the hue. The depth of color brings with it a safe sophistication that warms the room. Decorate your sofa with golden or floral print cushions to make it more inviting.
Now the Wall Space
One of the wall in your study could be painted bold red. Black and white or abstract pictures frames would make a statement of strength and stability.
Signature Piece of Furniture
http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html
http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html
A signature piece of furniture...maybe an ottoman or a single chair or maybe just a bright red upholstery over a stool changes the look of the space. Try non matching chairs that still match the color scheme of your rooms, you can look out for this unique type of furniture on my website www.lively-wood.com rather than the big department stores.Its always recommended to break the monotony of the dark or light colour sofa set.
Bold Red Accents & Patterns
If you do not want to indulge in too much red, patterns are simply wonderful for borders, backsplashes, floors, accent tiles. Patterns are especially good choices when you don't have a lot of space to work with and also when you don't want too much of red.
Read More
The Floor Space
http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.htmlStarting with the floor, try a dark wood, covered in the center with a red Oriental or cotton rug. Try to use reds which tend toward the burgundy or deep red rather than the flashy version of the hue. The depth of color brings with it a safe sophistication that warms the room. Decorate your sofa with golden or floral print cushions to make it more inviting.
Now the Wall Space
One of the wall in your study could be painted bold red. Black and white or abstract pictures frames would make a statement of strength and stability.
Signature Piece of Furniture
http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html
http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.htmlA signature piece of furniture...maybe an ottoman or a single chair or maybe just a bright red upholstery over a stool changes the look of the space. Try non matching chairs that still match the color scheme of your rooms, you can look out for this unique type of furniture on my website www.lively-wood.com rather than the big department stores.Its always recommended to break the monotony of the dark or light colour sofa set.
Bold Red Accents & Patterns
If you do not want to indulge in too much red, patterns are simply wonderful for borders, backsplashes, floors, accent tiles. Patterns are especially good choices when you don't have a lot of space to work with and also when you don't want too much of red.
Books...Book Shelves...and more...
Diposting oleh Miras Jogja on Selasa, 03 November 2009
I read a lot from the time I was little, maybe as old as 6-7 years. Since then, books have been with me all the time. After I moved back to India, I decided to start collecting them. Though a lot of times I think collecting books can be such a waste due to the amount of space they require and they are practically of no use once they have been read. But somehow having a good collection of books and having them around me, inspires me. I also lend my books to a lot of my friends and family, it does give me some kinda pleasure and satisfaction. Hence, I thought, why not deviate from the home decor subject to some thing else and make it more fun and
interactive. Scroll down to have some fun!
My brother has suddenly started taking interest in photography and is always waiting to take some nice pictures. Since I wanted to write on this topic, I asked him if he could take a few pictures of the books I have. He wanting to do more of it, took some wonderful pictures. Here are some of them....
(All the above pictures are taken by Kshiteej Sumant)
Now lets move on to the Book Shelf topic....
I have written about how you should arrange your book shelves. I hope the tips have been useful so far. Here are some more quick 3 do-able tips without removing all your books -
1. Match colours and sizes of books.
2. If you have a shabby stack of books, hang or put a painting or a nice frame on a small easel in front of the books.
3. Use books as pedestals for art objects by stacking them on their sides and placing objects on top.
Hope taking care of books hasn't been a hassel for you. If it is, then the best way is to give away your books to a book store which takes used books. Maybe you can earn some pennies from it and also make more space in your book shelf for some new ones!
