(info) Review of lenses for the Canon EOS 300D and EOS 10D

Review of lenses for the Canon EOS 300D and EOS 10D: "A review of lenses for the Canon EOS 300D and EOS 10D Digital SLRs"

This is a good article to be able to sort through all the way too many choices for lenses that Canon offers. Can have some idea about what a good lens is and what a cheap lens is and the trade-offs we are faced with.

(news) Consumer Reports 'Best Cars' - Mar. 5, 2005

Consumer Reports 'Best Cars' - Mar. 5, 2005: "Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo had more than their fair share of problems"

CNN's news article on Consumer Reports for 2004 cars brought to light the problems faced with European cars. European automakers have had complaints about problems for 21 per 100 cars.

That's the last time I dream about getting a Mercedes.

Excerpts:

Japanese and Korean automakers once again produced the most trouble-free models, with an overall problem rate of 12 per 100 for the 2004 model year, the same rate they have had for the last three years, Consumer Reports said.

It said GM, Ford and the Chrysler side of DaimlerChrysler AG inched closer to the Asians with an overall problem rate of 17 per 100, however. That matched the industry average and was down from a combined rate of 18 per 100 last year.

By contrast, the problem rate for European automakers rose slightly to 21 per 100 from 20 last year.

"Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo had more than their fair share of problems. Only Audi came out better than average," the magazine said.

"The most reliable brand overall is now Subaru, which averages eight problems per 100," Consumer Reports said. It noted that Honda Motor Co. Ltd., long a reliability leader, now averaged nine problems per 100.

The single most reliable vehicle in the 2004 model year was Hyundai Motor Co, Ltd's low-cost Sonata sedan, with a problem rate of just two per 100.

Ford's Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicle and Nissan's Quest minivan tied for most unreliable vehicle, it said, with problem rates of 49 per 100. Close behind was the pricey Touareg SUV from Volkswagen AG, which had 48 problems for every 100 vehicles.

(event) Ice Storm

My frozen car

Ice Storm.
Saturday, January 29, 2005.
Norcross, Georgia, USA.

Atlanta witnessed an ice storm this weekend and everything froze over. My car had about half an inch thick ice covering it. All the trees bent over so low with all the ice on their branches. It took me an hour to thaw my car out. I had to go out on the dangerous slippery roads and see the excitement for myself. After all, when the news channels warn us not to drive on the icy roads, aren't they just inviting us to go out skating? Well, I thought so. It was so much fun. I would skid a little from time to time, but everyone was driving way below the speed limits, so it wasn't too much fun. Reminded me about ice skating. Note to self - go ice skating more often.

(event) Houston Trip

David Dodda

Houston Trip.
January 21-24, 2005.
Houston, Texas, USA.

My Houston trip to attend Erum's wedding was a double surprise. I got to meet David. I probably haven't seen him since high school. Yet another example of unplanned events that become a good memory. It was really good to see him after such a long time. He hasn't changed much.


Chevy Monte Carlo


We went to Galveston beach in my Chevy Monte Carlo rental. The beach was ok. Nothing interesting about it, but reasonably deserted to enjoy with friends. The car was great. I had a lot of fun with it driving around Houston. Feel like I know my way around now, just because I've driven over the Interstates and major highways. The traffic was as busy as Atlanta traffic, but people were even more crazy. I've witnessed several drunks driving like maniacs and I actually saw a truck driver throw out beer cans while driving alone. What's with them Texans?

On my way back to the airport from the hotel I stayed at, Ramada near the Galleria, at 3am in the morning I almost hit a cow lying in the middle of the road from what seemed to be already hit by another car.

Overall, it was an exciting trip. Met an old friend. Attended a Muslim wedding that I never saw before. Almost hit a cow. hehehehehe.

(event) Erum Momin's Wedding

With the bride

Erum Momin's Wedding.
January 22-23, 2005.
Houston, Texas, USA.

Went to Erum's wedding in Houston. She has been engaged for over two years and finally decided to get married. It was nice to be there for the entire occasion. From the day before till the reception. She was looking so pretty all the time. I guess her happiness was just showing.

I was surprised at myself. There were so many friends I thought I would be present when they would get married. Friends from childhood, college friends. I missed a lot of weddings. And unexpectedly I was able to make it to Erum's. Just goes to show that the best laid plans are usually failures and the best times are usually unplanned and a surprise. At least in the way of expectations for the future. So, in a way, the disappointments and pleasant surprises balance out. There will always be good times and bad times to remember.


Hanging with friends

Go to hang out with Zeenat and met Farhat after a really, really long time.

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(tv) ER's "Secrets and Lies"

ER

(NBC's) ER: Season 8
Episode: Secrets and Lies
Wednesday, December 19, 2005
TNT (Ch 35)

This was a good episode of ER that was casual without the usual medical drama. I know it's unfair to expect more from a medical drama series. But I welcome episodes that are few and that take place outside the ER. This was one relaxed episode, with nice character revelations. Of course, it was too obviously based on The Breakfast Club and so no points for originality there. But they didn't make it too bad either. I enjoyed it inspite of it.

The best lines from the episode were from Dr. Luka Kovac, explaining a play's meaning, when Dr. Susan Lewis says she didn't understand it - "It's about the futility of life - human enterprise. You know we're all waiting. For what? Fulfillment? Love? Validation? Approval? It's a waste of time. Life is an empty, hollow exercise filled with pain, loss and grief, and the only thing we can expect to achieve in our lives is our own inevitable death." I know I want to see this play, probably a dark comedy, Waiting for Godot.

I found a fanlisting for this episode.