It's time to start gardening!

Spring through Summer is the time to start gardening. The weather is perfect, days are longer and its time to get outdoors with your family for some quality gardening time. 

The Joys Of Gardening

If you are a beginning gardener, male sure you check out some great YouTube Channels which teach you gardening step by step. Being in Southern California, our channel of choice is California Gardening - It had everything that you need from start to finish as far as gardening goes. The gardener shows you everything from the time seeds are sowed to the time the harvests are made. Here are some of our favorite videos from this channel:

How To Grow Pineapples
Tomato Growing Tips
Growing Avocado

And you can check out many more on the California Gardening Website as well!

So let us know if you like gardening. What kind of plants do you like to grow? Edibles, flowers, fruits, herbs, etc. Whatever you want to grow in your garden, its a pleasure and you can enjoy the benefits of gardening with this simple addition to the list of your hobbies. 

Happy Gardening!

AMD Radeon R7 260X unable to wake up from sleep mode in Windows and why I upgraded to the GTX 750 Ti

After a few years, I decided to upgrade my video card and get something for decent  game play. I always liked the Tom's Hardware Video Card Hierarchy which is a handy guide for those of you wanting to upgrade your video card.

After a lot of thought, I saw the AMD R7 260X being the best bang for buck. At around $120 when I bought it, it seemed like a good compromise. I also got the ASUS PB278Q 27-Inch WQHD LED-lit PLS Professional Graphics Monitor to go with it. Its an awesome 1440p monitor and will give you great looking graphics for a decent price.

So I popped in the card, installed the latest AMD drivers and everything seemed to be good. However my joy was short lived. I realized that once my Windows 7 x64 went into display sleep mode, it never woke up. I updated my BIOS to the latest version, made sure my drivers were the latest, but no-go! Worse, my computer had no signal randomly, even when I disabled display sleep mode. I never enable full sleep. It was getting confusing. I couldnt rule out what the problem was.

Finally I gave up and got an NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti. What a difference it is, for about $20 more I got a card that is extremely stable, uses very less power and is actually higher in the performance hierarchy chart. No more waking up from sleep mode issues and no more crashes.

So if you have a AMD Radeon R7/R9 or any card from the Radeon R series, you may expeience instability issues. I hope AMD fixes this with their drivers but for now NVIDIA seems to be the leader in great quality video cards.

I also realized the NVIDIA cards have all the features in the AMD cards (This particular model the GTX 750i cannot work in SLI, but that is not my requirement). They also have NVIDIA Physx which makes a dramatic difference in some effects in games, adding realism. The NVIDIA GTX 750Ti is also a great card for photo and video editing work. Photoshop supports its OpenCL features and most other software have support too.

So in summary, I highly recommend the NVIDIA 750Ti card over the AMD Radeon 260X. You will be happy with the decision!

Green Smoothie for Breakfast!

First of all let me admit that I have been on a binge eating spree for a while now and its definitely showing negatively on my health now. So I have decided to resume my intake of green smoothies to detox and cleanse some of the toxins I have accumulated over the past few weeks. Yeah I'm talking about all the processed sugar, sodium, MSG from the Chinese take outs and Pizzas.

So one of my breakfast smoothies was so incredibly tasty that I had to share this with you.

Breakfast Smoothie in the Blendtec

First of all, you need a nice blender. Like the BlendTec or the Vitamix. I personally have a BlendTec and absolutely love it because it fits nicely under the counter and there's no need for a tamper (the thing that pushes food from the top) because of its patented vortex action.

Ingredients for the smoothie:

1. 500ml water

2. Lots of greens - Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale 

2. 2 cups of blueberries

3. 1 green apple

4. 1 banana

5. 1 carrot

6. 2 tsp Chia seeds

You can find all these items at Whole Foods, which is one of my favorite places to shop as its so convenient to find all the good stuff at one place.

That's it, blend all this for a delicious breakfast smoothie.This should keep you super energized for the day!

Are the Brick & Mortar stores fighting a losing battle with the online retailers?

It was a usual Saturday afternoon and we wanted to get some books for our kid. We headed out to Barnes and Noble at the Tustin Marketplace in Irvine. Our first challenge was to find the children's books aisle. It took us a while but we were there. It was a nice stroll along the aisles and a multitude of things to look at. Eventually, we were a bit confused on what to buy. I looked around and there was no associate in sight to help us. Neither was anyone in the 'help desk' area or anything resembling that. We finally found one person selling Nook at a kiosk but he was too busy to attend to us.

My mom then wanted to check out the latest books on Astrology, a subject she loves to read about. Again, we were trying to find a needle in a hay stack. And there was no one nearby. I walked several aisles and still there was no one to assist. By the time we started looking for the books we wanted, my son started getting cranky and we left. All in all, horrible customer service - Barnes and Noble. You gotta fix that. NOW.

After having wasted our time and energy and not been able to find anything in the latter category (the books my mom wanted), we headed back home. After reaching home, I checked out Amazon's online catalog and ordered the books we wanted, in about 10 minutes, we were DONE.

I then wondered why Brick and Mortar stores like Barnes and Noble are losing their battle against online retailers like Amazon. The answer was simple - the B&M stores are still not focused on having good employees and providing the best customer service. In these days where they are being battered for survival, I would expect the customer service to be top notch. Contrary to that, the customer service was very much below par.

I had a similar experience at Kohls during the winter holidays where they were under-staffed and no one was available for the 5 people including me, at the Appliances section. "I'm managing two departments, so please bear with me, she said".

And moving on to a B&M store which actually had great customer service...well till last week at least. I was shopping at Costco and checking out and realized that I had forgotten to get my coupon book. It has happened a couple of times before and the solution was easy. The employees at the cash register are given a bar code to scan all the coupons matching what a customer purchased. Looks like Costco stopped doing that now but the employee's response was something like they had never been doing this. Lies. They are just making it difficult for customers to use the coupons. Costco - whichever managerial guru gave you that piece of advice is wrong. The more the customers use coupons, they more business you are going to do. There is also a weird problem of only some Costcos accepting manufacturers coupons and some rejecting it for the reason that "manufacturers don't pay them" - which they need to iron out.

So what do B&M stores need to do to avoid being a Linen n Things or a Circuit City?

1. Hire talented employees and teach them. There is just no compromise for customer service. Hire the best and fire the rest.
2. Read point 1 again. How many times have I had a transaction go wrong with amazon? Zero. Zilch. Newegg - none. You gotta create that kind of experience for your customers. Exceeding customer expectations is the key and I hope B&M stores finally realize it.
3. Excel in one thing you can specialize in, rather than targeting everything.
4. Customer Service: If you have a store policy, stick to it. Make exceptions but only for the customer's satisfaction. If an employee is doing something which the customer does not like (e.g. rejecting coupons), do it in a nice and polite manner. Make the customer feel good.
5. Add incentives to cover sales tax cost: Some people complain about B&M stores having higher prices due to sales tax. But this is what I would do if I was running a B&M store - I cannot avoid collecting and paying sales tax, so I would add in some incentives. Like throwing in a basic flat screen TV installation when my customer buys a TV from my store...or an appliance installation that would have cost my $250 otherwise. There are ways to make a customer's shopping experience an enjoyable one. You just need some thoughts.

That's it. If I cannot get knowledgeable staff and customer service, I'd rather spend time watching a movie at home and order my stuff from amazon. I do not believe in the so called "retail therapy" where you go shopping just to get the retail experience. Amazon still cannot beat Costco for pricing (especially groceries) but that day is not far. And polite, reassuring customer service is not an option now.


What else do you think should B&M stores do to be competitive? Let us know!

As for Amazon, newegg, overstock - you have set a new benchmark for everyone by providing exceptional customer service while keeping product prices competitive. So please keep the good work going.

A sneak peek at the Sony Alpha A77 - an SLT and a game changer!

I have been using the Sony DSLRs for a few years now and you can see some of my work Here.

So we've all heard about DSLRs and are probably also using them for our photography since so many years. One of the limitations with a DSLR is that you cannot really preview the exact photo till you take it and zoom in and view it. This is one of the reasons why most pros still rely on the camera for auto focusing.

Enter the Sony Alpha A77 which is an SLT - it allows the camera to pass light on to the sensor and still reflect some on to the viewfinder for composition. This allows you to compose and focus photos as perfect as you it can get. Also what you see in the viewfinder is "100%" of what you get in the photo. So what you get is a lightning fast camera which can capture an astounding 24 megapixels and reach a burst rate of a whopping 12 fps. It also shoots 1080p videos at 60 fps in Autofocus mode which is very commendable.

All in all, this is a MUCH BETTER camera technically compared to all the SLRs out in the market. There is also the Sony Alpha A65 which is a similar camera.

Sony Alpha A77 features

2.4M dot OLED viewfinder
Sensor - 24MP CMOS
12fps continuous shooting with auto focus (AE locked after first shot)
1080p60 movies with auto focus
1/8000th maximum shutter speed, shutter rated for 150,000 actuations
ISO 100 - 16,000
Auto ISO with customizable lower and upper limits
Top panel LCD which is a high Res Pull-out three-hinge tilt/swivel 920k dot LCD screen
Built-in GPS
Stereo microphone and external mic socket
Dust shake sensor cleaning


The entry price of $1400 (body only) or $1999 with the extremely sharp 16-50mm f/2.8 lens makes this an excellent buy when it comes out.

One thing is for sure - Canon and Nikon execs will not be sleeping tonight. Sony's research has helped them build a technology breakthrough which competitors will try hard to match in the years to come.

Tell us your thoughts! Happy shooting!

Specifications and Features from Sony:

World's fastest shooting DSLR: Get action photos, HD Movies and Live View shots that other cameras miss, thanks to Sony's exclusive Translucent Mirror Technology. Enjoy 24.3 megapixel resolution—with the world's fastest shooting— up to 12 frames per second—and the world's first OLED electronic viewfinder.
2nd Generation Translucent Mirror Design. Other DSLRs can shoot. Or they can focus with the speed and precision of Phase Detection AF. They cannot do both at once. Sony changes all that with the award-winning Translucent Mirror Technology system. It directs light to both the image sensor and the Phase Detection AF sensor simultaneously.

24.3 MP; best-in-class resolution: You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements thanks to a 24.3 megapixel sensor. It's the world's first 24.3MP APS-C DSLR.

World's fastest up to 12 fps continuous: The translucent mirror makes it far easier to capture the decisive soccer kick or your baby at her absolute cutest. Shoots up to 12 frames per second at full-resolution 24.3 megapixels with continuous auto focus (AE locked after first frame). This is the world's fastest shooting speed for interchangeable lens APS-C cameras, as of August, 2011.

HD Movies at 60p, 60i, or 24p : Capture spectacular HD Movies. This is the world's first DSLR to offer a choice of super-smooth 60p, standard 60i or cinematic 24p, all at Full HD 1920x1080 resolution. AVCHD codec delivers stunning picture quality. MP4 codec offers smaller files for easier upload to the web.

HD movies with full manual control: Now you don't need to surrender control when you shoot HD movies. Enjoy the full expressive potential of Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority or Manual (P/A/S/M) control in HD movie mode.

HDMI output for HD viewing: Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI output. In addition, the BRAVIA Sync system works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television's remote.

921K dot TruBlack LCD screen: Sony's 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. The TruBlack screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increasing contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further.

World's first OLED viewfinder: There's never been anything quite like the Tru-Finder OLED electronic viewfinder. For size, speed and brightness even after sunset, this is a gem. It begins with 2359K dots for amazing resolution and high contrast ratio for incredible depth. OLED reduces motion blur to a bare minimum. You can also see the results of camera adjustments in real time with superb color and detail.

Three-way tilt/swivel LCD screen: Tilt it up or down to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss. Tilt and swivel over the camera for self-portraits. You can even tilt it up and down when you hold the camera in vertical mode! Finally, the monitor folds flush to the camera with the LCD exposed for shooting or protected for travel.

AUTO+ (Advanced Auto) mode: Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. The camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode.
Full-Time Live View in LCD or EVF. You can use both the LCD monitor and OLED Electronic Viewfinder for composing shots in Live View. Both provide a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays.

Top mounted LCD: In addition to status displays on the LCD monitor and Electronic Viewfinder, Sony offers a top-mounted LCD with exposure information. Dual control dials - Perfect for experienced shooters, dual control dials provide direct, hands-on access to two settings at a time. Graphic Display Clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Full-time Phase Detection AF: You get fast, accurate auto focus in every mode—even HD Movie and Live View—thanks to Sony's exclusive Translucent Mirror Technology. While Contrast Detection Auto Focus often hunts for correct focus, Phase Detection AF knows exactly where correct focus is, and goes straight for it.

World's shortest release time lag: Helps ensure that the image you want is the image you get. Once auto focus occurs, release time lag is the delay between fully pressing the shutter release and when the camera actually starts taking the picture. Long lag makes it harder to capture fast-moving objects. The Sony A77 boasts the world's shortest release time lag at only 0.05 seconds.

Object Tracking AF: Locks onto a specified object and maintains focus even as the subject moves. Unpredictable subjects stay in focus even while zooming. You can concentrate on composition without worrying about focus.

19-point Auto Focus: To maximize the value of Translucent Mirror Technology, Sony incorporates Phase Detection AF of great sophistication. 19 sensors with 11 cross sensors maximize precision for both vertical and horizontal subjects.

6-image layering: Leverages the fast BIONZ processor to capture six images in a fraction of a second, and then combine the data. The result is one incredible single image that gets a cleaner result in Multi-Frame NR mode or sharper nighttime pictures in Hand-held Twilight mode.

Multi-frame: Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Handheld Twilight mode: Get gorgeous shots at night without a tripod. Combines six frames into a single image for smooth, low-noise evening shots. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Auto HDR built into camera: Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. (Recommended for still subjects.)

ISO 16000 sensitivity: Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail, made possible by the low-noise Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ image processor.

11 Picture Effect modes: Discover innovative ways to make your images and videos pop. These include Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow), Soft High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, and Miniature.

3D Sweep Panorama: Mode Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

Sweep Panorama Mode: Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.

Built-in GPS: An integrated GPS receiver records the location and time of every shot you take and lets you view your images on a map with compatible computer and Internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots.

Shot Result Preview: See the results before you take the shot. This preview takes the guesswork out of camera settings by showing the effects of the aperture, shutter and DRO settings on the depth of field, motion and dynamic range.

Main Sensor Quick AF Live View: Combines the fast focus of Phase Detection AF with high quality Live View images right from the main sensor. This is made possible by Sony Translucent Mirror Technology. You get accurate images and 100% framing on the LCD monitor or eye-level viewfinder.

SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization: Image stabilization reduces blur by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You'll reduce blur with every A Mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

P/A/S/M exposure modes: The camera offers a full range of controls from the beginner's AUTO+ mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.

Sony Exmor technology: Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The Exmor sensor provides more than 5,600 column-parallel A/D converters. This helps enable continuous shooting at up to 12 frames per second.

Upgraded BIONZ image processor: The brain of the camera is a Sony's BIONZ image processor substantially upgraded for the demands of 24.3 megapixel photography. Chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 16000. Also enables fast processing for up to 12 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 24.3 MP images, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama modes and 6-image layering.

APS-C size HD CMOS image sensor: With 19.5 times the area of the typical camcorder image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between amateur and professional-looking video, delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO): Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
1200-Zone exposure metering Reads exposure directly from the main image sensor. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.

Face Detection and Registration: The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of people. Can prioritize children or adults. Face Registration can remember friends and family members and prioritize them.

Smile Shutter technology: Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter mode and the camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile sensitivity.

Slot for two media types: For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC media (Class 4 or higher recommended, sold separately).

Up to 530 Shots of battery life: Take up to 530 shots on a single charge with Sony Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

Rugged, magnesium alloy body: The SLT-A77 is built for the real world with a magnesium alloy body that combines high strength with light weight. Ports, doors and controls are also weather-resistant for smooth operation under adverse conditions.

Advanced Anti-Dust Technology: Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.

Built-in Flash (GN12): To help you shoot more effectively, the camera includes a built-in flash (Guide Number 12) that can also trigger a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). The integrated hot shoe enables you to expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

Express Youth Forum (EYF) by Indian Express - Katraj Snake Park Trip

Now in my 30s, I have several fond memories from childhood days. One such experience which I had as a kid was one of the many activities with Express Youth Forum (EYF) - which was a club started by Indian Express - a popular newspaper in India. I am not sure if EYF still exists but it was probably the best club I have a been a member of. It was very well organized and had great staff then (in the 90s).

One of the activities organized by EYF I remember was a visit to the Katraj snake park in Pune. The snake park in Katraj was the only snake park around the city of Pune and it was (and still is) quite a popular attraction. The EYF members were asked to wear light colored clothes and a hat to protect themselves from the April heat. The organizers were amazing and I still remember how well the entire event was planned.

We headed out with a team of snake and wildlife experts for a behind-the-scenes tour of the snake park. What followed was a breath-taking experience which still ranks as one of the best in my life. The experts spoke about the difference species of snakes, demonstrated each as we walked thru the park. It was all valuable information about reptiles, especially snakes. I am very fascinated by snakes - they are the mystical and enigmatic creatures, which are scary and adorable at the same time.

The officials had some demonstrations on how snakes preyed on their prey. A rat was let out in a python nest and the way the python tracked and hunted its prey was a very unique and interesting experience. Then there was the best part - one of the officials described how to distinguish the poisonous snakes from the non poisonous ones. And what better way to demonstrate than to get himself bitten by it...yes he did that in front of our eyes. Our eyes popped out! A rat snake bit the official's hand and left two bruise marks on his hand. He just washed it with some water and soap and continued with the discussion about the magnificent snakes around. Talk about practical demonstrations!

We had a nice meal and then continued on a self-discovery tour thru the snake park. Come evening, it was time to board the bus and go home, wiser by a big amount, with our minds enriched with the secret lives of snakes.

EYF and the officials of Katraj Snake Park - if you are still listening, you were amazing and I hope you continue this good work for the youth. And if the officials in that tour happen to read this blog by any chance, I would love to hear from you and your future experiences.

Happy Friday everyone, signing off with this photo of a Skink (something between a snake a lizard) we just came across:

Three jinxes broken

The Indian cricket team broke a three way jinx to become the world champions of cricket with a 6 wicket win over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede stadium, Mumbai on 2nd April 2011. There were three things between them and the World Cup - no host team has ever won a world cup, a team with a century maker in the world cup final always ends up on the winning side (India didn't have any century maker in their innings) and the team chasing a target in a World Cup final has choked more times than it didn't.

But this was a different breed of Indian talent - the never say die, unbeatable force of Indian cricket. Who would have imagined after a score of 0/1 or losing both Sachin and Sehwag before the Sri Lankan bowlers had even warmed up, that the middle order would not only soak pressure but go on to win the World Cup title in a final event, in front of a packed Mumbai stadium where cricket emotions run deep.

What the fans witnessed in the few hours of the Indian batting was the fact that champions may have some obstacles to clear, but when the occasion demands, talent silences everything else. They showed that the Indian batting was not only good on paper, it had the ammunition to fire when the team needed it. As Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan captain said during the presentation "When I look at the Indian batting line up, I think anything less than 350 would not have been enough". This is the problem any team batting first will face - there is just no score that the Indian batsmen cannot annihilate.

During the match presentation, when Dhoni was asked about his performance, he said he had to deliver today - if not there would be several questions on the decisions he made. Q1: Why Sreesanth, not Ashwin Q2: Why did he promote himself ahead of Yuvraj....and the list goes on. What MD Dhoni has done for Indian cricket is that he has innovated in such a way that it does bring questions to the mind of the common man. But it does defy odds and help silence the critics and also break several of the jinxes that exists.

Perhaps the most fitting comment came from Kohli when Tendulkar was being carried around the ground: "He's carried the burden of the nation on his nation for 21 years, its time we carried him on our shoulders".

The new Indian team is a rejuvenated one. What they look forward to is introducing some fresh blood to complete the exquisite batting line up with some killer fast bowling.

A BIG congratulations to the Indian team, they deserved the World Cup. Sachin completed adorning his silverware with the last, most coveted piece. Cheers!