Working On A Smaller Laptop

While I love working on a laptop compared to a clunky desktop – which is what I usually use for my work – I think I don’t like smaller laptops. When I say smaller I mean smaller than 15.6 inch laptops. I have had 3 laptops in my life for my personal use and all 3 have been 15.6 inch.

One of the biggest advantages that a 14-inch laptop has over its 15-inch brethren is size. A 14-inch laptop is generally smaller which makes it more compact. This in turn makes it much easier to carry around. In other words, a 14-inch laptop is ideal for those to travel about a lot and tend to work on the go. Of course, with such a compact form factor, it can be hard for manufacturers to place powerful hardware and efficiently cool at the same time. As such. 14-inch laptops may have a slight performance disadvantage over larger laptops.

But it is difficult for a few things like Outlook and even typing as the keys are in all the wrong places. And the stupid Fn key is where CTRL is supposed to be. I mean, what the actual fuck? Several other things as well. It should be 15.6 inch and nothing a cm less. C’mon man!

What Is A Falooda?

Falooda is a delicious dessert drink and a perfect summer treat! This is a big part of my childhood summers spent in Mattancherry with my cousins. After a day of playing football or cricket, a shower and a quick walk to a nearby juice shop for a falooda was a great way to cool off. This refreshing recipe is made of layers of rose syrup, vermicelli, basil seeds, sweetened milk, ice cream and dry fruits. It is sure to satisfy all your summery sweet cravings!!

Falooda or rabri faluda is an Indian version of a cold dessert made with noodles. It has origins in the Persian dish faloodeh, variants of which are found across West, Central, and South Asia. Traditionally it is made by mixing rose syrup, vermicelli, and sweet basil seeds with milk, often served with ice cream. The vermicelli used for preparing falooda is made from wheat, arrowroot, cornstarch, or sago.

Faloodeh dessert came to Medieval India with the many Central Asian merchants and dynasties that settled in the Indian subcontinent in the 16th to 18th century. The present form of falooda was developed in the Mughal Empire and spread with its conquests. The Persianate rulers who succeeded from the Mughals patronized the dessert with their own adaptations, specifically in Hyderabad Deccan and the Carnatic areas of present-day India. This dessert is now a major part of Pakistani and Bangladeshi culture, specially served on Islamic holidays, weddings and other occasions. It is also a well known part of Sri Lankan modern culture.

More Than 40 Winks

Have you changed your routine or habits: skincare, fitness, eating or sleeping?

I have been trying to sleep more and relax more. See when I am awake and at home I am either in front of the laptop, work desktop or watching tv. I sometimes stay awake for long hours online and then watch a movie or 2-3 episodes of a tv show I like. I have decided that I need to get more hours of sleep a day. Sometimes it is hard but we need to take care of ourselves.

So starting this week – Sunday included I have tried to get more zzzz and see if that makes a difference in me feeling better overall. I can already feel some difference and I am happy for that.

Prompt from 31 BLOG POST IDEAS FOR MARCH FOR EVERY BLOGGER

Cannot Live Without…

Share what you can’t live without.

I cannot live without the internet. High speed broadband and wifi and phone data. I know I was born in 1976 and only got started using the internet, infrequently, in 1997. And it was 2006 before I got internet connectivity at home. So I haven’t spent a significant amount of time alive without it.

However, the way that life has been and is right now I cannot imagine living without it. I wake up, switch on my laptop and then go to the bathroom for a leak and brushing my teeth and washing my face. I then go get coffee and come back to my bedroom to find the laptop all connected to the wifi and awaiting my fingers to enter the Windows password. Coffee drinking and internet browsing is the best way to start the day. I am online until 5 minutes before I have to leave – if I am working from home it is always on.

Your internet is used for a lot of things on the computer and phone. It is my music database (Youtube), social media and connectivity with friends and relatives (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and Twitter) my entertainment box (Youtube) and also movies (Netflix, Amazon Prime & a few others). I also use it to watch sports (mainly to live stream football) and other events. I use it to book cabs for my travel and deliver food, clothes and groceries. And a host of other things on Amazon & Flipkart.

How could I now possibly stay away from it?

Prompt from Prompt from 31 Blog Post Ideas for March at A Grande Life

First Day Back @ WFO

So first day back at the office. I step in by 11:40 am and leave by 9:45 pm. It has been a hectic day at work. We were adding 125 new employees to our office and they had to get their training in two slots. 75 in the 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm shift and the remaining in the 9:30 pm to 6:30 am shift. One trainer was working remotely from Hyderabad and two of us were here in Cochin.

There were so many problems and so many hiccups. And it took all of today to sort things out. Tomorrow we are getting two laptops so we can conduct the training on them. We will use a combination of Webex and face to face (while maintaining social distancing) and wearing mask. So mask to mask. It will be interesting if nothing else.

I prefer working from home. I felt that this should have continued but then…..Anyways, I am very tired as I barely ate anything and took a small break for a juice and a snack. When I came home I ordered from McDonalds for a very late dinner. Now it’s off to bed.

I Have Ducked Away From Trying This

What’s one ingredient that you’ve seen in the grocery store, but have been too scared to purchase?

Duck. Of all the meats I have had, the least eaten is duck meat. I have only had duck meat twice in my life. Once it was as a restaurant, which has long since closed, many years ago. I stepped in for lunch after running some errands for my parents and on a whim I ordered the duck curry. It was not very good.

The second time was more pleasant. I was 22 (so over 22 years ago) and at a friends house for lunch. One of the delicacies that this mother had made for him and his friends was duck roast. Kerala style roast which means a thick gravy but the meat was succulent. I loved it but since then I have not had duck at all.

I am scared to even buy this at home since no one in my family knows how to cook it or have tried to cook it. I am tempted to but wouldn’t have a clue as to what to do with it. Videos of Peking duck and duck comfit make my mouth water. It’s not that I really cook. But somehow I haven’t even ordered duck from other places since then.

Prompt from 16 WRITING PROMPTS FOR FOOD BLOGGERS at Food bloggers of Canada

5 Tips To Better Sleep + Bonus Tip

Can you write down at least five tips on how to sleep better?

1. Make sure your bed is clean and neat and devoid of clutter. Cool new bed sheets and pillows also helps. A comfy bed & pillow also helps so makes things better.

2. Do not go to bed sweaty and dirty. Have a shower before hand if you feel sweaty and grimy. Although I find that I can fall asleep, it feels better when I am cleaner and I enjoy my sleep a lot better.

3. Avoid picking up your mobile phone or tablets once you lie down to go to sleep. I agree that reading sometimes helps us to go to bed so get a book instead. The lights from mobile or tab is very distracting to your eyes and your brain also tends to get “awakened” (for lack of a better term) when your eyes see the light. So once you switch off the lights in your bedroom, do not touch any electronic devices. Also if you are worried about getting calls in the middle of the night, keep your mobile face down on your table.

4. Avoid too much spicy food or heavy food just before your bedtime. Also avoid drinking too much water/liquid just before bedtime. That tends to make you want to get up in the middle of the night. I hate having to get up from bed just as I am feeling sleepy because my bladder is full.

5. Try to keep yourself in a happier mood before bedtime. Watching one of your favourite shows or a comedy movie or sitcom is a good way to keep yourself in a good mood.

Those are my top 5 tips for better sleep. But the title says that I have a bonus 6th tip. Yeah so here it goes.

6. Sex. A good passionate romp in the hay or bed is a good way to tire yourself out and put you in a tired by happy state of mind. Hence a few minutes of talking later and zzzzzz.

Prompt from March Writing Prompts + FREE Calendar Printable

Back To The Office

Well it was due I guess. So late Friday night I got to know, via Whatsapp, that I have to go back to the office from Monday onwards. It’s not permanent yet so once the requirement is over I can go back to working from home. I will be conducting training for some new folks that are joining our company. The days that I have to take training I will be at the office according to the new information that I was sent.

This is really coming out of left field. Until then we kept getting told that maybe 1 or 2 will have to come to the office, people who have their own vehicles and live closer to the office. I was not supposed to be working from the office as I live 10 kilometers away and I do not have a bike or a car of my own. I don’t even have a license. So now I will have to make arrangements for getting to and from the office or rely on Uber / Ola to get me there.

I hate it and wish I could change things back. But I obviously cannot and will have to endure it. I just hope that it isn’t for too long.

Why You Should Have Construction Security Cameras

Your construction site must be appropriately monitored 24/7. Most industrial facilities have cameras on-site to detect security threats and monitor live events daily. This article will be discussing the benefits of on-site safety cameras, which there are a lot. Most of these construction security cameras detect threats such as theft, while others address health and safety. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

Why is Video Surveillance Essential for Construction Sites?

Lots of construction companies face a loss of time and materials. This can hamper the business quality. Monitoring the affairs of the site can help tremendously to the growth of its operation. Theft of essential tools and vandalism, and accidents are security issues that construction companies face.

Having security cameras installed on-site can address these threats and issues. Furthermore, insurance companies have better plans for establishments with monitoring devices. So, make sure to discuss this with your insurance provider. Below are excellent reasons why construction safety tools are essential.

Detect Security Threats

Lots of industrial companies and commercial establishments now switch to security cameras. Before, they would hire security personnel to watch and monitor daily activities. Also, these employees were hired to deal with threats and other safety challenges. These tasks might be challenging for an individual or group.

Video surveillance ensures that the job site is completely watched over. It also provides that there are no security breaches or threats. Also, compared to the cost of hiring guards, monitoring devices are relatively cheap, which means that they save you from spending so much on wages and benefits. You can check this page for more on detecting security threats around your premises.

Prevent Crimes

Advanced security cameras that are well placed will help you detect crimes. This is the primary reason why they are installed in commercial establishments. You cannot predict criminal activities. This is why your construction facility has to be protected and guarded at all times.

Safety cameras will ensure that minor break-ins and significant theft are deterred. Advanced cameras with motion alerts can be set up to alert you on unusual activities on your site during after-hours. This will, in turn, ensure that valuable industrial materials are protected.

Avoid Liability Lawsuit Hence Saving Money

Security cameras allow management to view the daily activities of the construction facility. This enables the management to monitor growth and progress as well as noting problems before they occur. This will help a lot in protecting the health and welfare of workers. It also plays a crucial role in the loss of prevention.

Increase Efficiency

Monitoring the construction process on-site helps to increase efficiency. Video surveillance allows construction managers and shareholders to monitor the progress of top projects. It helps to create recordings of the developments of projects to stakeholders. Using an advanced camera with high definition lenses can capture every detail in the work environment.

Monitors how Your Supplies and Resources are Being Used

Video surveillance keeps you informed on how your employees are working. It tells you how well they make use of their work hours. In addition to this, it tells you how the resources are being used on your site.

This is invaluable. This is because the level of activities being conducted in your facility is very high that you are lost on how resources are used. Several resources in a construction site deserve monitoring. A few of those resources include:

  • Workers gear and equipment
  • Cement and hardware tools
  • Machinery
  • Stocks and supplies
  • First aid tools

Helps with Civil Personal Injury Lawsuit

As good as your camera is to a criminal case, it can also help in a civil personal injury lawsuit. This is because it can provide evidence that can be crucial in an injury claim. Yes, you do not wish for injuries on your construction site. Yet, it can be inevitable. Injuries and accidents do occur in a worksite. It is why it is a great idea to be prepared to capture the daily activities in your facility.

If someone tries to sue you for an injury, the footage has got the evidence to exonerate you. There are more here https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-10-biggest-security-risks-in-today-s-smart-home-53081 on how you can benefit from installing security cameras in your surroundings.

Take Away

The security of the construction site is of utmost importance. It is why having safety cameras installed there is a great idea. Advanced safety cameras help to prevent theft, accidents, and claims in a construction site. It also ensures that resources are appropriately managed.

Bear in mind that to purchase advanced cameras, you have to shop from reputable sources. So, ensure to do a thorough check before buying from a provider. Thank you.

If You Were A Dog…

If you were a dog, what type would you be and who would own you?

I would be the family golden retriever. Playful, obedient, loving & loyal to a fault and yet have an independent spirit. I would belong to a young family, brought home as a puppy to a dad & mum pair. Husband and wife looking to start their own family in their new house that they just bought. After a few days of getting used to being the puppy who left his dog family behind and missing his siblings, I will get used to being in my new family and being loved by the humans.

Soon I engage in play, getting taken for walks, hate grooming & getting my nails done at the doggie spa by the girls who work there always give me lots of love and treats. So I am gentle with them and give them lots of kisses. I love going on long drives in their SUV and going to the park. Soon after I turn 2 years old they welcome a pair of fraternal twins – a boy and a girl. Now my whole life revolves around the two babies.

So I lie down for the kiddies to play with me, lie next to me using my body as their favourite pillow and fetching things for them. I am so gentle that they can play with me in the backyard as the kiddies grow up and start walking and still I their favourite playmate. I am like a 3rd parent. That’s what I am.

Prompt from Stuck? Try These 72 Creative Writing Prompts (+ 6 Bonus Tips)

Weird Laws In Alberta

1. Building mud huts with straw roofs is illegal. As of 1914, the municipal government of Ponoka declared it illegal to build mud huts with straw roofs due to potential fire hazards.

2. It is illegal to spit on anyone’s property but your own. In Wetaskiwin, if you’re caught ejecting any substance from your mouth on any property that isn’t yours, you’ll find yourself in trouble with the law.

3. In the city of Red Deer, parents will be issued a $50 fine if their child is escorted home by a peace officer after curfew. A $100 fine can also be issued for a second offence.

4. All cyclists must signal intent to turn with a hand gesture. In Edmonton, it is mandatory that all cyclists use mandatory arm signals before turning. Ironically enough, another clause states that cyclists must also keep two hands on the handlebar at all times.

5. It’s considered unlawful to throw a snowball within city limits. What happened to good, old fashioned, Canadian winter fun? In Drayton Valley, if you’re caught throwing a snowball within city limits, you can find yourself in trouble with the law.

6. Owning a pet rat is illegal. Province wide, throughout all of Alberta, owning a pet rat is considered illegal. That’s one law not a lot of people will end up breaking.

If I Buy A Ticket

If you were to buy a plane ticket today — no expense spared — where would you go and why?
It hasn’t changed for over 2 decades. If I had a chance to go anywhere, it would be Canada. Oh, Canada!

I love most of the cities in Canada but I might pick Victoria or Vancouver to live in. Otherwise I also want to see Montreal, Laval, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto & the GTA, St. John’s, Halifax, Saint Johns, Fredericton, Moncton, London, Hamilton, Guelph, the tri-city area, Barrie & area, Winnipeg, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton & Red Deer. Oh and also Whitehorse & Yellowknife in the summer. Yes I do!

Why? Because I love this beautiful country. I watch Canadian tv shows and movies and Youtubers and I wanna go there. Some of my fav actors, musicians and comedians are Canadians. I wanna enjoy their beer, they hockey, meet Canadians and walk around enjoying their nature.

Prompt from Stuck? Try These 72 Creative Writing Prompts (+ 6 Bonus Tips)

7UP vs Sprite

While a can of 7UP has the same amount of calories as a can of Sprite and boasts the same all-natural, lemon-lime flavor, they’re quite distinct from each other in a number of ways.

7UP was created back in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg. It’s changed quite a lot since then, when the soda was marketed as Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda (quite a mouthful, no?). The original formula included the mood-stabilizing drug lithium citrate in its formula, which is still used to treat bipolar disorder and other mood disorders to this day (via Gizmodo). Some even believe the “7” in 7UP refers to the atomic mass of lithium, although it could just be in reference to the drink’s original seven ingredients.

Sprite, on the other hand, never included a mood stabilizing drug in its formula, and wasn’t even invented until 1959. It, like 7UP, had a much longer and clunkier name to begin with: Clear Lemon Fanta. Just two years after its formulation in West Germany, Sprite was introduced to the U.S. market to compete directly with 7UP. It’s owned by the Coca-Cola company. Today, 7UP is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper in the United States, and PepsiCo in the rest of the world.

And now the main differences. When it comes to formulation, one distinction often pointed out is the salt. Sprite uses sodium citrate in its formula, while 7UP uses potassium citrate. However, when it comes to taste, it can be less clear cut. As evidenced by multiple Reddit threads, some people can taste clear differences in the level of sweetness, tanginess, and carbonation between the two drinks, while others simply cannot tell the difference between the two at all.

I feel I can make out the difference in taste and I love both equally.