Blog like Kuvempu!

Blogger's latest updates bring me a pleasant surprise. No that line below this paragraph is not a bug, it's a feature. I can now transliterate from en into a language I've know for most of my life: Kannada

ನಮಸ್ತೆ, ರೋವನ್.ಜೋಹ್ನಸ್.ಕಂ'ಗೆ ನಿಮಗೆ ಸುಸ್ವಾಗತ!
I have no idea if the text above transliterated perfectly, but it's good enough for me (It says welcome to rowan.johnas.com) to understand!

As I've said before about transliteration, the best part is that you don't have to learn to re-type on a native keyboard, a regular qwerty will work just fine :-)

ಓ ನನ್ನ ಚೇತನ, ಆಗು ನೀ ಅನಿಕೇತನ! - Kuvempu
(Be unhoused o my soul, only the infinite is your goal)

Dell's moving to Tablets

No, not the kind Moses brought down from the mountain with the 10 commandments, the notebook computer kind.

Just got an email from Dell about their exciting new product:

Introducing the Dell Latitude XT
Small tablet, big options.
Experience the first tablet PC from Dell. Your business will never be the
same.Specifically designed to take advantage of Genuine Windows Vista® graphics
and functionality, the NEW Dell Latitude™ XT™ tablet PC allows you to take work
away from the desk.

Easy to Carry
One of the thinnest and lightest 12.1"
convertible tablets on the market
12.1" display with industry-best touch
technology
Easy to Use
Battery-free pen with selectable user tips for a
customized writing experience

Dual-input design (pen and touch) with palm
rejection technology
Backed by Dell
3-Year Limited Warranty* (1-Year
Limited Warranty for pen)
Around-the-clock support via phone, e-mail and
online chat

The Law of Diminishing Returns

HSBC on January 29th:

HSBC Direct has adjusted your Online Savings Account rate to 3.80% APY

HSBC today:

HSBC Direct has adjusted your Online Savings Account rate to 3.55% APY

Time to put my money in?

(Wikipedia: The Law_of_Diminishing_Returns)

Feels like 56k?

If you are one of the lucky 75 million worldwide feeling like you are back in 1998 with your beloved chirpy dialup modem, here's why

A clumsy ship in the mediterranean dragged their anchor into one of the submarine cables that keeps you connected with the rest of the world, breaking it.

Here's an article about it from The Guardian (via slashdot.org)

Also, if you've been wondering why Iran's President Ahmadinjad hasn't updated his MySpace, here's why. If my interpretation of what Traffic Reports is showing, Iran's internet is completely down (100% packet loss).