Blog Full - Ashok Karania

13 Jun 2007

Apple Launches Safari for Windows

The internet browser space is getting hotter with the launch of Apple‘s Safari for Windows. I liked the following features in Safari 3:

Tabbed Browsing
This is one feature that was badly needed in Safari. So no need to open multiple windows or shift to Mozilla for tabbed browsing.

With tabbed browsing in Safari, you can open and switch between multiple web pages in a single window. Drag and drop your tabs to rearrange them, open one in a new browser window, or merge all your current windows into one tabbed window.

Private browsing
Your browsing is your business. Which is exactly why Safari offers private browsing — to keep your online activities private. Turn on private browsing and Safari won’t store your Google searches, your cookies, the history of sites you’ve visited, your download history, or information from online forms you’ve filled out.

Faster Performance
The fastest web browser on any platform, Safari loads pages up to 2 times faster than Internet Explorer 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2. And it executes JavaScript up to 2.8 times faster than Internet Explorer 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2.

Pop-up blocking
Steve Jobs launced Safari at Apple’s Conference for Developers for Apple Products and also talked on Leopard, the highly awaited OS from Apple.

BBC News reported the following:

Chief executive Steve Jobs said Apple “dream big” and wanted to expand the 4.9% market share Safari enjoys. A test version of Safari 3 for Windows XP, Vista and Apple Macs running OSX, is available for download from the Apple website. Apple is hoping to replicate the success of iTunes, which has proved enormously popular on both Macs and Windows machines.

Mr Jobs used the conference to lift the lid on new features of its forthcoming operating system (OS) for Macs, called Leopard. He said the OS has 300 new features and demoed 10, including a new organisational system for the desktop called Stacks and a new folder system which lets users browse files and applications visually, just as music lovers can browse album covers in iTunes.

11 Jun 2007

What Parents Know About Money!

Parents and we might have a different view on certain apsects of money. However, not everything they believe is wrong. Some ideas and insghts are classical and stand the test of time.

Rediff Archives has a note named What Mom Thought About Money which discusses the above fact. It says:
1. More Money Is Not Solution – Managing money is. Setting priorities for expenses and planning it means better money management.
2. The 80:20 Principle – Eighty percent of the things we buy, we use 20% of the time. And 20% of the things we buy, we use 80% of the time. (See my previous post Less Is More!)
3. Always Tie Loose Ends – Do not postpone credit card debt. What needs to be done, must be done.
4. Budget for emergencies!
5. Bargain – Will be amazed to see how much it actually works!

10 Jun 2007

What Parents Do Not Know About Money!

One of the areas where I have a different opinion from my parents, is money! It is due to various reasons:
1. Economic Situation of India Is Different Today
2. Earning – Spending – Saving Habits Are Different Today
3. Overall Philosophy Is Different Today – Ideas, Quality of Life, Self Actualization etc Are More Important Now. Earlier Money Was A Guarantee To Good Life.

My parents frown when I spend good bucks on restaurant food or movie or see my credit card bills. I see this expenses as rewarding self or enjoying some money for today rather than wait for tomorrow. I am sure many of my friends also face this unique situation.

Recently, I came across a wonderful Rediff archive which revolved around the same idea : What Parents Did Not Teach About Money!

Here is the gist and my comments:

1. Debt is good – Depends on how you use it. If for education, go ahead.
2. Stock market is not only for gamblers – Think long term!
3. Credit card can work for you – If you pay within credit free period. Offer convenience of not carrying cash.
4. Jewellery is an lousy investment
5. The bank is not the best place to park your money – Obvious! Interest here is peanuts and you actually lose money, if you factor in the inflation.

8 Jun 2007

Bheja Fry : A Must See

I recently saw the movie Bheja Fry starring Vinay Pathak. It is a total laugh riot based on the French movie Le Diner De Cons.

The film is a welcome change from the recent crop of movies and stands on its own merit. The movie is a story of Rajat Kapoor and his friends who invite not-so-smart people for dinner and have fun at their expense. Vinay Pathak is their latest ‘talent’ but the tables are turned by Bharat Bhushan. His act of locking the suitcase, showcasing his portfolio, eagerness to make a phone call and please are wonderfully beautiful. When he says “Idiots are also human being” you cannot stop laughing and applauding Vinay Pathak. He carries the film on his own shoulders and is very natural.

Vinay Pathak’s acting, strong script and director Sagar Ballary’s brilliant debut make it a must watch. Ranvir Sheorey and Rajat Kapoor do a great supporting act. Sarika and Bhairavi are wasted. The music is OK.